ELLE Escapes: Oahu

Ask anyone who’s been lucky enough to go, and they’ll tell you the same thing: there’s nowhere quite like Hawaii. And when you picture the 50th state, with its jagged green mountains, waterfalls, rainbows, and crystal-clear blue water, you’re probably imagining Oahu. Pronounced “oh-ah-hoo,” the third-largest island is the center of it all, home to Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor.

In a single day, you can shop your way through the capital city, then ditch the sidewalks to surf on the North Shore, ideally after grabbing some of the freshest poke you’ve ever had at Foodland and musubi from 7-Eleven (run by 7-Eleven Japan, for those who know). There’s a reason Oahu is the choice location for countless movies, from the prehistoric jungle of Jurassic Park to the rom-com paradise in 50 First Dates and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Here’s how to experience it like a local.

Famous for its lethal waves, Banzai Beach hosts the Banzai Pipeline, known simply as Pipe, where the annual Pipe Masters competition takes place each December. (To quote Blue Crush: “You think you can surf it for real?”) For most visitors, it’s best enjoyed from the shore, watching the pros do what they do best while staying safely on dry land and eating takeout from The Elephant Shack.

The hike up this extinct volcano typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, factoring in time at the top for photos and sweeping panoramic views of Waikiki. Fun fact: 19th-century sailors named it “Diamond Head” after mistaking volcanic calcite crystals for diamonds. Make a reservation before you go.

The world’s largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana has just about everything. Among its 350 stores and 150-plus dining spots, you’ll find Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Prada—and yes, a Foodland. Because it’s all about range.

A favorite of Barack Obama, Duke’s is a beloved, laid-back beachfront restaurant with live music and tiki drinks. Its buffet alone is the stuff of legend (Thursday is prime rib night). Order a Hulu Pie for the table, a frozen dessert with macadamia nut ice cream on a cookie crust, topped with fudge and whipped cream.

James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi is known for his Hawaii-inspired cuisine, and his namesake restaurant delivers. Highlights include the Szechuan Spiced Pork Ribs, Misoyaki “Butterfish,” and Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé.

You might’ve been told to go to Giovanni’s, but here’s a little secret: all the shrimp trucks on Oahu are good—especially Jenny’s, and there’s rarely ever a line. Get the garlic butter shrimp, served with two heaping scoops of rice and a side salad, for just $15.99.

Blink and you’ll likely miss this unassuming spot, hidden behind a faux hotel room door off the lobby of the White Sands Hotel. (If you get lost, ask for “Room 8.”) Upon entering, choose from a wide array of cocktails in an open courtyard.

If you didn’t drink a Mai Tai, did you even go to Hawaii? For the best iteration of the state’s signature drink, head to The Royal Hawaiian, which boasts an entire oceanfront bar dedicated to the famous tiki cocktail.

For those who can’t swing a stay at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, happy hour at Off The Lip is the next best thing. With cocktails, small plates, and live entertainment, you can soak in the best views of the sunset over the North Shore.

Hovering above the hustle and bustle of Waikiki Beach is ʻAlohilani, a resort hotel with 839 guest rooms and suites and all of the amenities, from a spa and a fitness center to two pools and even a tennis court. Perhaps the most noteworthy draw is in the lobby, where there’s a 280,000-gallon “oceanarium” full of fish and even a shark. Each room comes equipped with a balcony and access to The Longboard Club, a private dining area that has breakfast and a charcuterie and pasta station at night.

Located just off Kalakaua Avenue on a quieter side street, Romer House is a boutique hotel with modern interiors and glass sliding doors offering views of Waikiki’s tallest buildings. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail and access to the “Aloha Line,” a call-or-text concierge service for local recommendations. The on-site izakaya, 855-Aloha, is an easy and satisfying option after a long flight, serving late-night favorites like katsu sandwiches, while foodies may want to check out Le Petit Chef, the property’s 3D culinary theater dining experience. This summer, Romer House is offering The Romer Reset package: a minimum two-night stay that includes 20 percent off rooms, a $50 dining credit, and a late checkout.

All Four Seasons properties are great, but the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, sitting on 642 acres of the island’s western coastline, is especially scenic. Just look at it! Whether you’re indulging in some much-needed R&R at the spa, playing golf, dining at one of the eight restaurants and bars, or tanning by the beach or one of its four pools, there’s not really a reason to ever leave. As an extra incentive for guests, there’s a fish sommelier that can source one of the freshest catches Oahu has to offer.

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