Probably the most visited island in the world is Honolulu where millions of people from all over America and Japan stay every year. Soon after landing, most visitors hop in a cab or bus sent from the hotel and begin the journey past downtown Honolulu and on to their reservation at a Waikiki hotel. This is a exciting area and it has an immediate effect on everyone that goes there as it is full of life. The excitement of discovering Waikiki is so intense that most visitors never escape its imaginary borders. Approximately 6 million of these visitors miss the very sites that locals find so endearing, remaining within the two square miles of Waikiki.

If you are a visitor who would like to get a taste of Oahu through the eyes of a resident, this article may be of special interest to you.
Magic Island Beach Park – Located West of Waikiki this can be found not to far from the popular Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Although it is called a park, it does in fact, contain three beeches, a substantial (3 miles) jogging path, plus tennis courts and many other attractions. If you want to have a taste of the typical Hawaiian culture, take a walk round the park and y would find large families along with their extended families, enjoying a day of togetherness with lots of good food and plenty of sunshine. This is a great place for a barbecue and considering the beaches are never overcrowded, it makes for a fantastic sun-filled day.
The Contemporary Museum Honolulu – This small museum is located high on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and the drive up the ridge offers amazing vistas that would otherwise be missed by most Oahu visitors. The changing exhibits in this small museum spread across its 5 galleries could be an enthralling experience, and after this you could walk into gardens full of sculptures. 5 acres, includes sculptures as well as places for meditation, and can offer an unforgettable view of Honolulu.
Leong’s Café – Visitors who are hunting for some unforgettable Hawaiian cuisine, treat a lu’au as something more than just entertainment. However, if you are looking out to taste some delectable foods cooked in typical Hawaiian style, then you can never miss out on Leong’s Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. As a favorite for plate lunches, kalua pig, lu’au stew, lomi lomi, and more, locals have been visiting this cafe for over 50 years!
Champion Malasadas – there is a local treat that originated in portugal called Malasadas which has become so popular that they even renamed Fat Tuesday to Malasadas day. The location details, where this venerated and most popular bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. Anyone that enjoys donuts will like these (even though they do not have a hole) and they come with a variety of fillings or if you prefer, you can eat them without any type of filling.
Honolulu Chinatown – Step back in time and visit a small piece of China, it’s quite magical. This is like being in a small part of China where you can obtain anything you would expect to find in the mainland Country. The things, which you get in these shops and streets, are impossible to get in any American grocer back home. Though guided walking tours are available the best way to explore this historical site is to walk at your own pace stopping whenever you see something that triggers your interest.
The best way to experience Oahu is to allocate enough time to see outside Waikiki for that is the way locals see it. The places mentioned here are only a few but they are a good place to start but just embrace the island and you will not want to leave.


