5 days in Honolulu
 

My best friend is getting married in a few months to his long time gf who is from the islands. I am part of the wedding party so I am going to be taking a bit of extra time before and after the ceremony events to explore.

I've been to Oahu twice when I was younger and have hit most of the mainstream tourist spots. This time I want to avoid main attractions/areas and look for hidden spots, good eats, and just hang out to experience the daily activities in and around Honolulu (as best a tourist can, no getting around that).

Traveling around the island won't be an issue and I would like to do some street photography when I am there.

Any and all recommendations are welcome!.

If you have time and a car go to the north shore it's so beautiful.
If you ate in town the Ala Mona mall has a great food court nothing like in the states great food. The ward center is nice, Kakha kitchen had great plate food near ward center. Shore bird on Waikiki has great breakfasts, it's quiet there atthat time and on the water. Go to the stadium for the flea market it's great fun.

eats...TOWN and Alan Wong's downtown but expect to break the there. . TOWN is all organic and whatever is in season, not in Waikiki but worth the cab ride or drive over to it. Never had breakfast at Shore Bird only dinners and it is not what it used to me but if you have never been, give it a try and be sure to make a reservation in advance. It is a cook your own on a huge grill and then big salad bar.
Kailua is a great beach to visit and swim and I agree with visiting north shore with its funky little towns and fabulous beach. The Buddhist Temple is an interesting place to visit and the building itself is beautiful with the mountains behind it.

A trip to the North shore is a a must, and I'd add to that the East coast...Kailua, Lanikai and Waimanalo beaches are beautiful. The Byodo In Buddhist temple is great as Shar mentioned. Go early morning for the best light! If you want to do more than street photography, I did an Oahu photography tour that was really fun. My experience here: http://sulynnchen.com/travelblog/?p=1614

The Shirokiya department store in Ala Moana mall has a great food court for all sorts of Japanese delights. In addition they are expanding into a new Japan Food town at some point this summer. I'm not sure if you'll be there when it is open but it looks pretty exciting. I like to try local produce and products so I enjoy the Saturday morning KCC farmer's market and the Wed evening Blaisdell markets. There will be lots of vendors selling food.

My favorite restaurants are: The Pig and The Lady, MW Restaurant, Koko Head Cafe, Hale Ohuna, Alan Wong's, Ono Hawaiian Food, Ono Seafood, Helena's Hawaiian, Chef Chai, Arancino, various ramen places around town, Opal Thai on the north shore, the shrimp trucks on the north shore (Fumi's, Romy's, and Giovanni's), Side Street Inn. There's lot of places to eat!

Enjoy your trip!

Visit the beach at Bellows Airforce Base - beautiful white sand, aqua water.
Not sure if it's open to the public every day, but believe open on Sunday's. One of my favorite memories of living on the island.

Visit the heiau ( sacred worship place of the Hawaiians).Overlooking Waimea beach. It's been years since I was there but you used to be able to just wander around. Don't know if that is still true. I will try to find the actual name of it.

Link to the heiau

http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/ancien...ahukaheiau.php

Reading on line it sounds like you may have to take a tour of this place now- not sure.

I don't think the Shore Bird breakfast is worth what they currently charge. Second the recs of Town, Alan Wong's, Pig & The Lady, all very different and at different price points.

Sounds like you will have a blast while you are there! Here are some suggestions for your trip and how you can PLAN YOUR HONOLULU AND OAHU VACATION :)

http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...olulu-and-oahu