Insider Secrets to Travel Like a Local on Oahu

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world! But, it is also one of the most expensive. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Honolulu is 65% higher than the national average. I actually moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2011 and lived in a 2 bedroom apartment that was shared between 4 people and our monthly rent was $3,000! Insane, right?

My roommate had to live in a tiny dungeon room with no door, no windows, no closet, and no overhead light. And since I was a server and living off of tips, I had to get creative in order to really enjoy my time in Hawaii without going totally broke.

If you are planning a trip or even a move to Oahu, follow these 13 insider secrets to travel like a local and avoid breaking the bank during your trip to Hawaii. Enjoy!

Insider Secrets: 13 Tips for Traveling to Oahu, Hawaii

1. Picnic on the Beach

Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: North Shore of Oahu by Wandering Wheatleys
North Shore of Oahu

One of the best things about Oahu is that all of the beaches are public land. There are no private beaches anywhere as “they belong to no one and everyone”. So while the most popular beaches are overcrowded with tourists, you don’t have to wander far to find your own patch of paradise, especially on the North Shore.

Grab some fresh shoyu poke at any Foodland grocery store (which is arguably the best poke on the island), a bottle of rosé, and a blanket to enjoy an afternoon picnic in the sand.

A few of our favorite “off-the beaten path” beaches on Oahu:

  • Leahi Beach Park: east of Waikiki and where a lot of locals BBQ
  • China Walls: it’s not really a beach, but there are huge rocks and even bigger waves. It’s an epic spot to watch the sunset
  • Makapu’u Tide Pools: also not a beach, but amazing tide pools that are perfect for a swim! Be sure to go at low tide and be careful of the blowholes!
  • Shark’s Cove: on the North Shore. There is also a great food truck nearby that bears the same name.
  • Kaena Point: if it weren’t for this bit of land on the far west end of the island, you’d be able to drive a full loop around the outer edge. The further you head toward the point, the more secluded the beaches get. Beware the last couple miles of road are for only the most rugged 4×4 vehicles (and the shoreline is rocky once you go past where the pavement ends)
Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Sunset at Ka'ena Point, Oahu, Hawaii by Wandering Wheatleys
  • Lanikai Beach: okay, this beach definitely isn’t “off-the-beaten-path” but it is the most beautiful beach on the island of Oahu (in my humble opinion) and a must-visit! Rent a kayak and paddle out to the islands off the coast for a fun afternoon adventure.
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2. Surf at Sunset

Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Surfing at Sunset in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii by Wandering Wheatleys
Surfing at Sunset in Waikiki

The surf on Waikiki Beach is some of the best in the world for beginner surfers. The water is warm, it is reasonably shallow, and there is a long, sandy break, so you’re never in danger of scraping yourself on the reef. There are loads of “beach boys” slinging surfboards and SUPs that you can rent for a few hours or for the full day. Of course, if you’re new to surfing you should probably book a surfing lesson.

If you arrive during midday, the rental prices are high and the break is crowded with tourists who have no idea what they’re doing. Opt to go later in the day, around sunset, when the beach boys will cut you a deal. You’ll get epic sunset views from the water too.

Or call our buddy Tommy (808-277-0739) for the best deals on boards. He’ll deliver it to you pretty much any time of day! Just tell him Nick and Val sent you…

Book a Waikiki Surf Lesson

Oahu Local Tip: The surf break right in front of Waikiki Beach is called “Canoes” and is perfect for beginners. But be careful not to venture too far south, to the break called “Queens”. It is popular with locals who don’t often take kindly to newbies.


3. Book an Airbnb

As with all travel, the biggest expenses you’ll encounter on your Hawaiian vacation are airfare and accommodations.

The hotels in Waikiki are outrageously expensive (but gorgeous) and due to a desire to “keep the country country”, the only hotel on the North Shore is Turtle Bay (which is worth a visit if you want to see where Forgetting Sarah Marshall was filmed).

Fortunately, Airbnb has opened up the market for reasonably priced and conveniently located accommodations.

Waikiki Airbnbs
Many hotels off of the main strip in Waikiki (on Kuhio Avenue) are essentially half hotel, half condo and many of those condo owners rent their spots on Airbnb. So there are plenty of cool Honolulu Airbnbs right on the outskirts of Waikiki.

We prefer to stay near Kapiolani Park, which is closer to our favorite “off-the-strip” restaurants and beaches.

North Shore Airbnbs
We always recommend that vacationers split their time between the North and South ends of the island, as they are two very different experiences.

You can find some amazing Airbnb spots on the North Shore that are either right on the beach or a short walk away. We like to stay near Sharks Cove beach for quieter, more secluded beaches.

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4. Take a Hike

Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Hiking on Oahu, Hawaii by Wandering Wheatleys

Hiking is free! And there are so many amazingly beautiful hikes on Oahu, it would be a pity not to take advantage. Of course, there are the standard tourist hikes of Diamond Head and Manoa Falls, but you may find these too crowded to enjoy.

Do some research beforehand and you’ll find dozens of amazing alternatives all throughout the mountains and valleys of Oahu.

A few of our favorite hikes on Oahu:

  • Koko Head Crater Trail: railway ties were stacked into stairs that climb up the side of a mountain. It is short but strenuous, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from the top! It’s one of the best hikes on Oahu.
  • Makapu’u Tide Pools: the hike down to Makapu’u Tide Pools is a difficult scramble, so this isn’t a great one for kids (or anyone that is afraid of heights). Once at the bottom there are natural pools that are perfect for swimming and even a blowhole. Only swim during low tide and be careful of big waves – they can be dangerous.
  • Lanikai Pillboxes: another short but strenuous hike up to old bunkers that overlook the spectacular Lanikai beach.
Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Hiking the 3 PEaks of Olomana in Oahu, Hawaii By Wandering Wheatleys
3 Peaks of Olomana
  • Three Peaks of Olomana: There is a skinny beaten path that runs along the jagged ridgeline with steep drop-offs on either side. The first peak is scary but doable, and it gets progressively more terrifying the further you go. But the views are second-to-none and the hike is an epic adventure! Disclaimer: we’ve only made it to the first two peaks of this challenging hike (several people have died from falling off of the third peak so exercise caution). 
  • Lulumahu Falls: this one starts with an easy hike through a bamboo forest and then follows a river up to a small waterfall at the end. It’s not strenuous and would be a good time for the whole family.
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5. Eat off the Main Strip in Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue)

Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Acai Bowal at Diamond Head Cove Health Bar in Oahu, Hawaii by Wandering Wheatleys
Acai Bowl at Diamond Head Cove Health Bar

Kalakaua Avenue is a touristy street that runs through the center of Waikiki. It is packed full of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. It is extremely crowded during the day and comes alive at night with street performers and live music. It is fantastic for people watching, but not so fantastic if you are looking for a reasonably priced meal.

When I lived in Hawaii I would most certainly head to Kalakaua for the nightlife, but it was incredibly rare that I actually purchased food there (unless my parents were visiting and footing the bill).

Luckily, there are tons of awesome restaurants within walking distance that offer better food and much better prices. Kuhio Avenue runs parallel to Kalakaua and is like a whole other world considering that it is just one street away. You’ll see a significant price difference in the hotels, restaurants, and bars in Kuhio compared to Kalakaua.

Or, better yet, head to Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues which was where I spent the majority of my money on meals. Locals eat here because the food is delicious and the prices are on point. Make sure you try some local Hawaiian food like musubis and malasadas!

A few of our favorite restaurants on Oahu that are “off the strip”:

  • Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar: try the Seafood Trap and the Bo’s Big Nachos (made with wontons and kalua pork), both are absolutely heavenly.
  • MAC 27/7: if you’re in need of a great late-night meal (they’re open 24/7 as the name implies).
  • Diamond Head Market & Grill: perfect for a grab-and-go lunch. Their scones are the best on the island and the pre-packaged salads are epic.
  • Diamond Head Cove Health Bar: for the best acai bowl you’ve ever had!

Book a Food Tour of Oahu


6. While You’re at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua

When I was living on Oahu, I was made fun of time and time again for my “granny panty” bathing suit bottoms. So I was on the hunt for an itsy bitsy new suit and decided to check out San Lorenzo Bikinis. First I checked the store on the North Shore and found one I liked, but they didn’t have my size so I checked their other store on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki. They had it, but it was 30% more expensive for the exact same suit!

When I asked the clerk “how is this possible?” her reply was simply “higher rent, higher prices”. So there you have it. It costs a boatload for stores to rent beachfront property in Waikiki, so they pass the costs on to you. Luckily, there are many other awesome spots that are easy to get to and far less expensive.

A few of our favorite Oahu shops that are “off the strip”:

  • Raging Isle Surf & Cycle: a one-stop-shop for men’s and women’s trendy beach clothing in Haleiwa on the North Shore.
  • HI Life Store: for locally made clothing.
  • Art and Flea is an amazing market on the last Thursday of the month. Local artisans, live music, and food carts – you’ll want to buy it all!
  • Ala Moana Center is a huge mall with every store you could ever wish for, plus Mai Tai Bar is an open-air bar that is a favorite with the locals!

7. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze)

Hawaii has quite strict laws regarding liquor licensing for businesses. There is a law regarding “stacking” where you can only have one drink in front of you at a time. So if you want to order two cocktails before happy hour ends, you’ve got to chug one before you can order the other. But for some reason, if you order a beer and a shot at the same time, it’s cool – such nonsense.

It’s also really difficult for businesses to get a liquor license so many avoid it altogether and instead opt for a BYOB approach. So rather than spending $15 on a watery Mai Tai, you can stop at a grocery store, pick up a six-pack of beer or a bottle of wine, and the restaurant will happily let your drink your own (cheap) booze. In fact, many will even keep it in their refrigerator for you!

A few of our favorite BYOB restaurants on Oahu:

  • South Shore Grill: Go for Taco Tuesdays!
  • Sunrise Restaurant: It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food and hospitality are amazing. Try the ox tail soup!
  • Morio’s Sushi Bistro: A tiny (4 table) restaurant in an unassuming strip mall that many consider to be the best sushi on Oahu. You’ll need to call weeks (if not months) in advance to secure one of the coveted dinner reservations. If you go, make sure you bring some extra beer to share with Morio and his staff!
  • Olive Tree Cafe: Love Greek food? This is the place to visit, the falafel is great and if you forget your BYOB, no worries, there’s a wine store just next door!

8. Utilize Oahu Public Transportation

Oahu is pretty well established when it comes to public transportation. You can get to most tourist destinations on the island on a public bus. Uber is also quite popular. Of course, if you have the time and the funds, it’s good to rent a car so you have the freedom to explore the island in its entirety.


9. Skip the Luau, Take a Catamaran Cruise Instead

Who am I kidding? I’m 95% sure you’ll be going to a luau during your Hawaiian getaway…

Keep in mind a few things; first of all, all luaus are expensive. Second, the location is incredibly important. Make sure it takes place on a beach, not on the roof of a parking lot (this really is a thing, I’m not making it up). It makes a difference, I swear.

Also, the food is bland, the drinks are so sweet that they will make you nauseous, and you’ll never ever see a local attending a luau of their own free will. And my final rant is that the dancing is cliché and you can see pretty much the exact same performance on the lawn in front of the big pink hotel in Waikiki every day.

Instead of spending your evening at a luau, take an amazing and affordable catamaran booze cruise at sunset. Our favorite is Na Hoko II which departs from the beach right in front of Duke’s Canoe Club every hour and a half. It’s a totally fair price and loads of fun! Stick to beer if you want to get your money’s worth because the cocktails can be a bit weak. Listen to their jams or plug in your own and get ready to party!

Book a Sunset Catamaran Cruise


10. Camp on the North Shore of Oahu

Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Sunset at Ka'ena Point, Oahu, Hawaii by Wandering Wheatleys


This is one of the best-kept secrets on Oahu… camping on public beaches isn’t technically “legal” in Hawaii, but you can “fish” all night until the break of dawn while snoozing in a tent nearby. So if you’d like to camp on the North Shore, you can throw a fishing pole into a deep hole in the sand, toss the line into the ocean, and you’re good to go!

We actually camped quite a bit on Oahu without a fishing pole and never had any trouble. But we anticipated and accepted the risk.

If you drive out toward Ka’ena Point, you’ll find a lovely and basically deserted coastline as far as the eye can see. Even if you don’t have camping gear, the weather in Hawaii is perfect so just toss a blanket on the sand and sleep under the stars!

If you don’t have a fishing pole handy or this makes you nervous, try:

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11. Have Dessert at Honolulu Cookie Company

They would probably murder me for suggesting this as an option, but Honolulu Cookie Company has delicious cookies, and their conveniently located stores always have full boxes of samples just sitting there waiting for you to try. And the stores are generally pretty busy so no one will really notice if you casually walk around sampling the goods and then walk out empty-handed.


12. Take Advantage of Happy Hour in Waikiki

I’ve mentioned a few times that the main strip in Waikiki is unreasonably expensive, BUT you can actually find some really fantastic deals if you know what you’re looking for. Most bars offer a “happy hour” around the 5 pm hour, but some are better than others.

Our favorite happy hour spots on Oahu:


13. Take an Interisland Flight

Secret Things to do in Oahu: Insider Hawaii Tips: Sunset in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii by Wandering Wheatleys
Sunset in Waikiki

This isn’t necessarily a money “saver” unless you want to visit other Hawaiian islands someday and figure you are so close so you might as well do it now.

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing Maui or Kauai or the Big Island, the best time to pull the trigger is now, you are so close! You can get crazy amazing deals at all times of the day and any time of the year.


Bonus: Our 2 Favorite Things on Oahu

And finally, the two coolest things we think you can do on Oahu – a “doors off” helicopter tour around the island and cage diving with sharks on the North Shore. These are 2 experiences you absolutely should not miss during your stay on Oahu!

Enjoy your trip to the island of Oahu! Aloha!


Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!


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About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

2 thoughts on “Insider Secrets to Travel Like a Local on Oahu”

  1. Going to local hood haunts for eats Nick has been a difference maker for me. In places with a low or high cost of living, unless the entire nation is super duper wealthy, you will find healthy, delicious and cheap eats at local haunts in off the beaten path spots. I imagine you saved a pretty penny in Hawaii eating off of the main strip. We enjoy lunch for 2, for $2 USD whenever we visit Chiang Mai in Thailand at this tiny Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in a quiet, off the beaten path, Thai neighborhood. Super advice dude!

  2. I love the tip about “fishing” all night. I’d like to try that in New Zealand this summer. I reckon it’ll work here too!

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