When people talk about paradise, they’re probably referring to something that looks a lot like Oahu. A place with miles of white sand beach, glassy blue waves, and an ever present tropical breeze. (It’s also worth mentioning that here at Team CS, no version of paradise is without poke bowls.) We spent a week exploring both Honolulu and the North Shore — and making plenty of friends along the way — to put together our ultimate guide to the island. Scroll down for only the best hotels, restaurants, shops, and things to do in Oahu! Paradise found.
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The North Shore vs. Honolulu. While you can fairly easily visit both areas in one trip, it’s good to know the differences between Honolulu and the North Shore. Honolulu is a bustling city with lots of traffic, slick shopping centers, and plenty of tourist-y attractions like hotels with luau entertainment. The North Shore is a sleepier, more rural area with calm, peaceful views and little to no nightlife. Splitting our time between Honolulu and the North Shore made for a perfectly well-rounded trip for our team!
Kaka’ako. This is by far the hippest neighborhood in Honolulu, and where you’ll find many of the below recommended shops and restaurants. Look for large scale graffiti art and plenty of walkable shopping.
Your wave seasons. Summer is good in Oahu for those who want a clear, flat ocean and sunny weather. Winter is best for those who want to scope massive waves (and all the surf contests!)
The word “Ono”. (pronounced oh-no) Pidgin for good, delicious and yummy all in one word. Example: “That poke bowl was so ono.”
