Hawaii Travel Guide - 13 Tips for a FANTASTIC Trip to Oahu

One of the most spectacularly beautiful places on Earth. Known as the “Gathering Place,” join me as I help you decide what to do, where to go, and what to eat on the incredible island of Oahu.

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FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:

Hotels:
-Coconut Waikiki
-Seaside Hawaiian Hostel
-Waikiki Boutique Hostel

Food:
Below are some of my personal favorite places…all highly recommended, but I left off a few places…there is so much good food on Oahu. Best bet is to ask the locals…they know best:)

ONE FANTASTIC RESTAURANT that didn’t make the video, but is absolutely delicious is Marukame Udon Noodles in Waikiki. I only didn’t include it, because it’s already so well known. Also Dat Cajun Guy in Hale’iwa is another excellent spot that didn’t make the video.

Featured Places to Eat:
-Leonard’s Bakery
-Helena’s Hawaiian Foods
-Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
-Kono’s
-The Pig & The Lady
-Diamond Head Market & Grill
-Ahi Assassins
-Ono Seafood
(No website that I could find. Open 9AM-6PM, Closed Sunday & Monday)
-Maguro Bros.
(No website that I could find. Open 9AM-3PM, Closed Sunday)
-Matsumoto’s Shave Ice
-Kokonuts Shave Ice
-Waiola Shave Ice

BEACHES:-Waimanalo Bay (Windward Side)
-Lanikai Beach (Windward Side)
-Kahana Bay Beach Park (Windward Side)
-Waimea Bay (North Shore)
-Sunset Beach (North Shore)
-Makapu’u Beach (Southeastern Oahu)
-Ala Moana Beach (Honolulu)
-Waikiki (Honolulu)
-Halona Beach (Near the Halona Blowhole)
-Haunama Bay (Southeastern Oahu)

THINGS TO DO:
-Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (Hours: Sun 6:30AM-3PM, Wed&Sat 8AM-3PM)
-Haunama Bay
-Scuba Diving (Reef Pirates Diving)

-Go on a Hike
(Hikes Featured: Diamond Head Crater Hike, Makapu’u Lighthouse Point Hike, Lanikai Pill Box Hike, Koko Head Crater Railway Trail)
-Halona Blowhole
-Waimea Valley & Falls
-Rent a Car and Explore the Islands
Don’t Miss:
Kailua (Especially the Farmer’s Market outside Whole Foods every Thursday evening)
Kāneʻohe (Especially the Botanical Gardens and the Valley of the Temples
Kualoa Ranch
Kayaking out to Mokili’i Island
Kahuku Land Farms (ESPECIALLY THEIR PAPAYA)
Hale’iwa
Chinatown

-Lastly…explore Waikiki

NOT MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:
The Bishop Museum is a very cool museum in Honolulu

MY EQUIPMENT:
Camera: Panasonic GH5 (w/ Metabones Speedbooster adapter, and an XLR shoe mount for my lav mic)
Lenses: Panasonic Lumix 12-35 2.8, Panasonic Lumix 35-100 2.8, Sigma Art Lens 18-35 1.8
Gimbal: Zhiyun Crane 2
Drone: DJI Mavic Pro
Camera Slider: Rhino ROV Pro

[jazmynnoliveira]

As a Hawaiian girl born and raised on Oahu, I have to say this guy nailed it! His personality is great too!

[DaRealMaverick]

As a local, born and raised on Oahu, I gotta say he nailed it.

[davidlessig]

This is how all travel videos should be. It’s how a local would show you around.

[erichuizar]

Most importantly respect our culture, land, and ocean. Don't litter and keep a quiet place quiet! With that in mind ALOHA!

[alohadubs]

Advice for tourists: research the major thoroughfares in hawaii. Specifically, find out their names.
Directions in hawaii aren’t given by designation; they’re given by landmarks and names.
For example, you’re not going Westbound on the H-1, you’re going Ewabound (Ewa is a major town that is on the western side of the island)
And it’s not called Route 72, it’s called Kalanianaole highway.
If you ask where “Route 72” is, you’re not going to get an answer.
If you ask where Kalanianaole Highway is, it’s much more helpful.

[Keedec]

Used to live here. Man do I miss it. The surf boards on bike racks. The diving, the fishing, late night swims

[fflubadubb]

I was there 15 yrs ago. I cried when I got there. I'm sending this video to my son, he's contemplating going to Oahu because of cheap fares because of the Corona virus. I hope I get to go back one day. This video is great!

[AD-cklv]

The jellyfish segment made me laugh. As someone who lived on Oahu for 7 years, I too, have to say you nailed this list. Brought back a lot of wonderful memories, too. Mahalo!

[MechWhisper]

This is probably the most complete and comprehensive all in one Oahu island guide that I could find on YouTube

[thetse]

If there is only one video to watch on Oahu, Matt’s guide is it. Well edited, narrated, and filmed. The 20 minutes flew by and I’m more motivated than ever to get out of the Hotel and explore.

[kristynashley]

We legit followed everything he suggested local to Waikiki - he fucking nailed it. Everything was amazing, AND we loved that he didn't add too much fluff to his recommendations like other videos

[tonylew]

Thee best tour video of Oahu of all time. Just put everything Matt recommended on a Yelp. Go to what every you are near.

[maritesconceicao]

l feel compelled to comment on your wonderful video. The scenery, food and info you gave put a smile on my face. I am planning to move to Oahu in a few months to make a fresh start and thoroughly enjoyed your informative insights and sense of humor. I can finally put my hula lessons to good use! The greatest compliment I can give you is that you remind me of my husband who passed away last year. Thank you!

[TheMixedPlateFrequency]

Love these traveling vids as a person who is born and raised in Hawaii. Main thing I want to point out is that you just respect everyone on the island and culture. Mite have some super sour apples, but still try to respect everyone when you travel here. West side is a beautiful place, but have to be very humble when you go there.

[camillaaries]

About to travel to Oahu again for the 3th time and i really feel the Aloha.. when u first fall in love with Oahu u will do EVERYTHING to come back to i again 🥲❤

[Mabee]

I am a Ute woman (Nu'mahmuch) of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and I believe when visiting our indigenous brothers and sisters homelands, we as visitors should be respectful to the people (land, culture and traditions) we as visitors should not be ignorant and disrespectful. I hope to sometimes soon visit Hawaii. ❤

[LenaPStacey]

Me and my family just got back from Oahu, and we watched this video before going. It really helped us to plan out our trip. We went, or did most of things mentioned in this video. Thank you Matt very much for making this travel guide!! It is the best travel guide for Hawaii (and other places) that we have seen. You are fun to watch, entertaining, and informative, with good humor. Great job!! We told the guys at Ahi Assassins we were there because of your video. They had fantastic Poke and we ended up going there 3 times. We plan to visit Japan next, again using your guide. Do you have a Patreon account so we can donate, and support your work??

[naturalbeauty]

I'm so happy that the flea market in Aloha stadium is still here. The last time I was there was 2006 and I got some great stuff.

[griffinhodkins]

Just got back yesterday. I’ve never felt such sadness leaving a place. I love Oahu.

[Thesunshinelife]

Grew up and still live on Oahu and with every other travel video about Oahu out there I was sure your was gonna be just like the rest but you did an Amazing job such great tips thanks for doing this video about Oahu