12 OAHU Scams, Rip Offs, Tourist Traps & Mistakes (Watch Before You Go To Hawaii in 2023) !
This guide to Oahu highlights popular spots while warning against common tourist traps and scams. From the surfing mecca of Pipeline to the serene Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, it offers advice on everything from where to find fresh poke to avoiding overpriced souvenirs and navigating tricky parking.
Ho'Omaluhia Botanical Garden
A botanical garden on Oahu known for its beautiful landscapes and mountain views, mentioned in the context of avoiding tourist traps.
Pipeline
A famous surf spot on the North Shore of Oahu, known for its powerful waves primarily during the winter months.
ABC Store
A ubiquitous store found throughout Waikiki and other parts of Oahu, selling various goods including souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.
Food Land
A supermarket chain in Hawaii, recommended for purchasing fresh and quality Hawaiian poke.
Safeway
A supermarket chain where visitors can find fresh poke.
Times Market
A local supermarket chain in Hawaii, suggested for buying fresh poke.
Royal Hawaiian
A luxury hotel in Waikiki, noted for being one of the few beachfront properties with direct ocean views.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
A large resort complex in Waikiki, mentioned as a hotel option with beachfront access and views.
Tantalus Road
A scenic road in Honolulu offering panoramic views of the city and coastline, noted as a location prone to vehicle break-ins.
Sam's Club
A wholesale warehouse club where visitors can buy bulk items like snorkeling gear, pineapples, water, and snacks at lower prices.
Costco
A wholesale warehouse club recommended for purchasing affordable snorkeling gear, pineapples, water, and snacks in bulk.
Walmart
A discount department store chain where travelers can buy budget-friendly items such as snorkeling gear, water, and snacks.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
A large swap meet offering a wide variety of souvenirs and goods at potentially better prices than in Waikiki.
Iolani Palace
The only official royal palace in the United States, offering a glimpse into Hawaii's monarchical history.
Pearl Harbor
A historic naval base and memorial site commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.
Paradise Cove luau
A popular luau located in Ko Olina, praised for its Polynesian cultural show, food, and entertainment.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
One of Hawaii's largest open-air shopping centers, which contains a deceptive 'information' booth that is actually a timeshare sales pitch.
Disney's Aulani
A Disney resort in Ko Olina that offers a luau experience, including appearances by Disney characters.
Chase Bank
A bank with an ATM at Disney's Aulani in Ko Olina, which is the only mainland bank ATM found outside of Honolulu.