My husband and I are visiting Oahu for the 1st time the week after Thanksgiving (our 4th trip to the islands, but our 1st time on Oahu).
We are staying on Waikiki 2 nights, and on Ke Iki beach 6 nights.
Where to eat & play, snorkel & hike, etc.
We are looking forward to a quiet romantic time, and really love to seek the "out of the way" authentic places to meet local folk and enjoy the culture (not the obvious tourist trek, but really getting to know the real Hawaii that we know exists).
Any suggestions??

my husband & i loved Oahu. One of our favorite places was Hanuma Bay. It is crowded, but so very beautiful. Germaine's luau was wonderful. The price was perfect and the night was full of great fun & entertainment. There are lots of areas where you can hike and get away for nice quiet picnics. The bus only cost $1 and you can go all the way around the island on it. Have a fun trip.

Rent a car and drive around the island. Visit Waiamanolo and Lanikai beaches. I have these beaches etched on my brain forever. If you just drive you will find all kinds of places. Waimea Falls Park is a must see. The birds there eat right out of your hand. You can walk for miles and all the flora and fauna have name cards on them.

Where is Ke Iki beach? That doesn't ring a bell.

I don't like Waimea Falls. I think it is overpriced and not that great. But, I guess many people do.

Go to Kailua and Lanikai beach. Eat at Maui Tacos. If it is a weekend, catch Bellows beach. Vist the north shore and sunset beach eat at the Sandwich shop in Haleiwa (ignore my spelling). And you must get a shaved ice at Matsamotos. And stop at the fruit stands along the way.

Drive out towards Waianea (sp?), just not at night.

Shop Chinatown.

Check out Pyramids restaurant for a quiet romantic dinner with bellydancing.

Snorkel behind the big houses behind Diamond Head.

Eat fancy at the Hono Hono room.

Stroll along University and King street in Moiliili for flower shops and local food.

Have lunch dowtown on Friday for aloha friday music.

Shop at the Stadium swap meet on Weds or Sat.

Picnic in Kapiolani Park.

Hike Manoa falls if it isn't raining.

Ride the city bus at least once.

Go dancing at the top of Ala Moana hotel.

Eat at Hawaiian Poi Bowl.

SG,
Ke Iki beach is on the north shore just a short walk down from Banzai & Sunset Beach -

Thanks for the great ideas!

To snorkel behind Diamond Head, where did you go in?

You park in front of one of those mansions in Kahala and walk down the beach access.

Oh, and don't miss breakfast at Dukes.

The real Hawaii is "breakfast at Duke's", "Maui Tacos", and "Germaine's Luau" ?? I think not !!!

Nova I would in most circumstances agree with you. However I was at a concert in NYC over the weekend watching Ledward Kapana and Owaana Salazar. Owaana Zalazar said she sings in her non-touring season with Aunti Genoa Keawe at Dukes.

SO YEAH THAT MAKES DUKE"S ABOUT AS HAWAIIAN AS YOU ARE GOING TO GET AT ANY OF THE HOTELS!
Owaana Zalazar with lineage connecting her to Hawaiian Royalty and Genoa Keawe with long roots in Hawaiian folk music.

I was surprised to learn that either of these woman would sing at dukes. I will certainly be checking out the entertainment calendar the next time I am in town.

PS What is special about Hono Hono room.
I have never been.

I would certainly look into a meal at Alan Wong's for my big night out. Never been also but Wong has been nominated for the james beard award. May have won it. That has not happened in Hawaii since Roy Yamagucci in the early 80's as far as I know.

Go to Michel's for dinner and ask for a beach side seat. It is my favorite place in Hawaii for dinner. It is down by diamond head on the ocean. As the sun goes down, watch Waikiki light up. Also have evening drinks in the banyon court at the Moana Surfrider. Live Hawain music with surf in the background. Both are highlights in Oahu.