Honolulu Editor Picks

Editor Picks

Between legendary Waikiki beach and glamorous nightlife (not to mention the tropical setting and wealth of luxurious accommodations), Honolulu is guaranteed to wow visitors. Be sure to hit the surf with the experts, pay tribute to the island's moving history, explore the diverse wildlife, and enjoy delectable dining options, with this selection of the Honolulu's absolute musts, hand-picked by Sherman's Travel Editors.

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Smart Splurge    Great Value
This oasis of calm in the center of Waikiki began life as a modest residential hotel in 1907. It was expanded into a graceful plantation mansion-styled resort in the ’30s, with white marble piazzas sweeping past gardens planted with fragrant flowers.
2199 Kalia Rd.; Honolulu, HI; 808-923-2311; www.halekulani.com
Tags: luxury | hotel | expensive | view
Diamond Head
Although the hike to the top of this iconic peak is just under two miles long, you’ll climb nearly 550 feet to reach the breezy summit that offers stunning views of Waikiki and the Pacific.
Honolulu, HI; www.gohawaii.com
Tags: family | hiking | things to do | view
Shangri-La
Tobacco heiress Doris Duke’s 15,000-square-foot home is an Arabian Nights’ fantasy, complete with around 3,500 pieces of art from Iran, Egypt, India, Morocco, Syria, and Iraq; reservations recommended.
4055 Papu Circle; Honolulu, HI; 808-734-1941; www.shangrilahawaii.org
Tags: family | architecture | culture | things to do | history | art
Learn to surf great value
Learning to surf needn’t take all day. Head to the Aloha Beach Services stand behind the Westin Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel on Waikiki for half-day surfing lessons.
Aloha Beach Services; Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, 2365 Kalakaua Ave.; Honolulu, HI; 808-922-3111 ext. 2341
Tags: family | surfing | things to do | great value | adventure
Waikiki Aquarium
Take the whole family along to gaze at the incredibly diverse wildlife the Pacific Ocean has to offer. With unique species of fish, the aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon.
2777 Kalakaua Ave.; Honolulu, HI; 808-923-9741; www.waquarium.org
Tags: family | aquarium | wildlife | things to do
Fresh takes on luau staples like smoked hamachi and suckling pig more
W Hotel Honolulu Diamondhead; 2885 Kalakaua Ave.; Honolulu, HI; 808-922-3734; www.w-dhg.com
Tags: smart splurge | restaurant | expensive | organic
Nab a porchside seat at this oceanfront restaurant for some of the best sightlines of Waikiki...more
2335 Kalakaua Ave.; Honolulu, HI; 808-923-4852; www.hulagrillwaikiki.com
Tags: family | moderate | restaurant | local favorite | signature cocktails
Pearl
Ruby-colored glass, sleek woods, and bottle service add to the posh factor of this latest addition to Honolulu’s nightlife scene. Signature cocktails come sprinkled with pearl dust, adorned with flowers, or flavored with passion fruit, guava, or lemongrass.
Ala Moana Center; Ho'okipa Terrace, 3rd level; Honolulu, HI; 808-944-8000; www.pearlhawaii.com
Tags: new | trendy | nightlife | lounge
Anne Namba
Local designer who looks west for inspiration, producing gorgeous, one-of-a-kind dresses from vintage kimonos and obis.
324 Kamani St.; Honolulu, HI; 808-589-1135; www.annenamba.com
Tags: moderate | shopping | clothing | specialty
Visit sacred sites
Visit some of the lesser-known wahi la’a (sacred sites) scattered around the island, including the 19th-century ruins of King Kamehameha’s summer palace.
Mauka Makai Excursions; 350 Ward Ave., Suite 106HI; 866-896-0596; www.hawaiianecotours.net
Tags: culture | tour | history | day trip
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