Escape the crowds and discover the laid-back charm of O‘ahu’s west side, where stunning beaches, exciting outdoor adventures, and mouthwatering local eats await. From the plains of ‘Ewa to the oceanfront coast of Ko Olina, the sun-soaked side of the island offers a perfect mix of activity and relaxation.

Start your day by fueling up at Local Joe West, nestled in a quiet, residential area. Open every day, Local Joe West is renowned for its flavorful, locally roasted coffee beans that burst with flavor. Whether you are in the mood for a straightforward espresso-based drink, like the velvety cortado that is equal parts espresso and milk, or something with a bit more pizzazz, like the Coco-Caramel Wave that blends espresso with caramel, coconut, and sprinkles of sea salt, Local Joe West offers a drink menu to meet your taste preferences. In addition to drip coffee and espresso, the drink menu features steeped teas, matcha, and caffeine-free options, including lemonade and hot cocoa. To pair with your drink, you can enjoy their rotation of freshly baked pastries, such as buttery croissants, guava strudel, or freshly baked cookies. However, if something sweet isn't what you are in the mood for, their menu offers some serious savory options, such as the English Muffin Sandwich or the ABC Bagel, which is topped with avocado, crispy bacon, and a perfectly fried egg on a freshly toasted bagel. 

If you are searching for a stellar sit-down breakfast loaded with local dishes, head to Kountry Style Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant specializing in breakfast and lunch favorites served in a warm, down-home atmosphere. One of their signature dishes is the Salty Monkey Waffles, which start with a fluffy waffle topped with sliced bananas, chopped macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel and whipped cream. A local favorite is the Traditional Loco Moco, featuring two scoops of steamed white rice topped with two eggs cooked to your preference, along with a grass-fed beef patty smothered in brown gravy and accompanied by cornbread or buttered toast.  And for those that cannot decide between a sweet or savory breakfast, Kountry Style Kitchen offers a Sampler Special that combines two eggs prepared any way, three pieces of bacon, fresh fruit, rice or hash browns, and a choice of a small pancake or two pieces of French toast dusted in cinnamon sugar. Regulars and newcomers alike appreciate the friendly service and generous portions that can make every meal feel like a Sunday breakfast at grandma’s house. 

Once you’ve savored a hearty breakfast, make your way to the Hawaii Prince Golf Club to play on the greens originally designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.  The redesigned course now features 27 holes that challenge golfers of all levels. Throughout the course’s 270 acres, you can find ten lakes strategically placed that add beauty and complexity to the game. The course is also known for its long, green fairways and white sand bunkers. In addition to the regular golf course and Quick Shot Par Three Course, available on weekdays from 2:30 pm, there are also lessons available, ranging from private, semi-private, group, or day schools. Whether you are interested in enhancing your golf skills quickly or prefer to schedule an on-course playing lesson, the golf professionals at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club are available to help ensure you are playing your best game possible. And for guests who arrive at the course without golf gear, the golf club provides a Worry Free Golf promotion available for a limited time in 2025. The promotion includes a round of golf, range balls, bottled water, and your choice of TaylorMade rental clubs and a half-dozen TaylorMade balls, merchandise credit for the Pro Shop, or dining credit at the course restaurant. 

After a relaxing morning on the golf course, a visit to the Hawaiian Railway Society offers the perfect mix of leisure and history. Formed in 1971, the Hawaiian Railway Society works to save Hawai‘i’s rich railroad history. After securing the remaining stretch of track on O‘ahu, which runs from ‘Ewa to Nānākuli, the organization got the tracks placed on the State and National Registers of Historic  Places. The organization has restored six and a half miles of tracks, with plans to restore more. Today, visitors can climb aboard the vintage train for a scenic ride along O‘ahu’s leeward coast, transporting them to the heyday of the O‘ahu Railway and Land Company (OR&L), which was once the backbone of transportation and commerce on the island. By moving sugarcane, pineapples, military supplies, and passengers across O‘ahu, the railway connected rural areas and played a key role in urban development. The standard train ride lasts for two hours and features narration that delivers stories about the area’s plantations, popular landmarks along the route, and the history of the OR&L. All rides, except for the 1 p.m. ride on Sunday, make a pit stop in Ko Olina for ice cream and a quick leg stretch.  The premium train ride is offered on the second Sunday of each month and takes up to 14 passengers for a ride in Parlor Car 64. Constructed in 1900 for Benjamin F. Dillingham, the founder of the OR&L, Parlor Car 64 was designed to entertain Hawaiian royalty and visiting dignitaries. After your train ride wraps up, visit the gift shop to purchase train-themed keepsakes or visit the Toy Train Museum, which is operated by a dedicated crew of volunteers. A delight for all ages, the Toy Train Museum opened to the public in 2017 and features intricate model train layouts that took volunteers countless hours to construct.
 
After enjoying the charm of vintage trains and discovering the island’s history, you can pause for lunch at My Café, just 10 minutes away in the neighboring town of Kapolei. Opened in 2014, My Café is proud to feature an ‘ono (delicious) and innovative menu inspired by island culture and fresh ingredients. At the cozy spot, you can find local plate lunches like the Grilled Furikake Salmon served with a sweet ginger-soy sauce or the Unko’s Smoke Meat that features smoked pork sautéed with onions and topped with Unko’s liliko‘i (passionfruit) smoke sauce. Another great lunch option is the sandwiches, which are served with a choice of tossed greens or chips and homemade salsa. Whether you want something refreshing, like their Veggie sandwich, or the comfort found in the Turkey Cranberry sandwich made with homemade cranberry sauce and cream cheese, the sandwich options strike the perfect balance between wholesome and delicious.

Another great spot for lunch in Kapolei is Kalapawai Market, which has been part of the community since opening its Kailua branch in 1932. Their menu draws inspiration from homestyle cooking and backyard BBQs, featuring fresh dishes tailored to support local lifestyles. A standout lunch choice, rich in flavor and nutrients, is the Mana Bowl, made with a selection of tofu, grilled chicken, or poke served over steamed rice, accompanied by Okinawan sweet potato, oi muchim (spicy cucumber salad), and edamame.  From the roast beef French Dip, served with savory au jus and horseradish, to the Furikake Fish Sandwich served with ginger wasabi (Japanese horseradish) aioli and topped with kimchi and cabbage, the hot sandwiches on the menu are prepared with care and loaded with comforting goodness. Other excellent lunch choices on the menu feature pizzas such as the Gorgonzola & Pear, which can also be ordered on a cauliflower crust, as well as a variety of shareable starters like the Truffled Mushroom Bruschetta and Pork Belly Bao Buns, accompanied by pickled carrots and daikon, red jalapeño, cilantro, and hoisin aioli.  The friendly staff and charming atmosphere of the market-like restaurant make Kalapawai Market the type of spot where you can relax and recharge while savoring a meal that hits the spot.

After lunch, you will have many options to enjoy the outdoor beauty and adventurous activities found in the area. One option is the Mā‘ili Pink Pillbox hike, a short trail that combines scenic ocean views, rich history, and a powerful symbol of hope. To access the trailhead, leave Kapolei and drive west along Farrington Highway. After turning right onto Kaukama Road, drive for less than one minute before you see a footpath that is etched into the mountainside. After securing your car, hop on this path that leads hikers along a rewarding, 1.6-mile trail. Along the way, you can take in sweeping views of the Wai‘anae Coast as you hike the series of switchbacks. At the summit, hikers reach a set of historic military pillboxes that date to the 1920s, including an iconic pastel-pink pillbox painted by an anonymous hiker in honor of breast cancer fighters, survivors, and those lost to the disease. Taking roughly 45 minutes to complete, this trail calls to hikers from around the globe to take in its breathtaking vistas. 

For an epic Hawaiian water adventure, head back to ‘Ewa Beach and visit Wai Kai, where you will find a unique blend of watersports geared to all ability levels. For keiki (children), you can head to the Keiki Course designed for children four to six years old. Here, young adventurers can safely explore, play, and enjoy the water at their own pace along a dynamic course floating above the water. For older guests, there is the Aloha Course within Wai Kai’s aquaventure zone, which spells out “Aloha” from above. The course allows participants to navigate courses of slides, bounces, stairs, and more. For those wanting to participate in water sports like standup paddleboarding, hydro biking, kayaking, and more, you can head to the 52 acres of inland water, all part of Wai Kai’s lagoons. Here, the entire family can participate in watercraft sports while being assured that the water remains fresh, thanks to Wai Kai’s three million gallons of natural groundwater that flow daily. For surfers of all levels, the Wai Kai waves present perfect surf conditions year-round. From learning the basics of surfing and orienting yourself to the 30-foot wave to carving into the 65-foot mega wave, the size and speed of the wave can be adjusted to meet everyone’s abilities and comfort levels. A vibrant spot on O‘ahu’s west side, spending an afternoon at Wai Kai is the perfect way to play and connect with so much that makes Hawai‘i special.

As evening approaches, head to the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina to experience some of the finest dining that the island has to offer. For world-class seafood and breathtaking beachfront dining, you can head to Mina’s Fish House, where James Beard award-winning chef Michael Mina brings his line-to-table philosophy to O‘ahu. In the open-air restaurant, guests can enjoy signature dishes like the Lobster Pot Pie, which features the indulgent flavors of black truffles and brandied lobster cream, or the Char-Broiled Shellfish, brushed with miso butter, garlic, and yuzu koshō (Japanese citron pepper paste). The menu also offers a diverse assortment of appetizers as well as non-seafood entrees such as Sesame Roasted Half Chicken, served with a Singaporean Tamarind deglaze, and Char-Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chops, to ensure that dishes cater to all guests’ preferences. From five-course tasting menus led by the restaurant’s fish sommeliers to an intimate meal watching the sunset, the atmosphere and hospitality of Mina’s Fish House provide an unforgettable dining experience. 

Also located at the Four Seasons Ko Olina is Noe, a romantic restaurant that blends Southern Italian culinary traditions with the relaxed elegance of Hawai‘i. Chef Ryo Takatsuka leads Noe’s kitchens, which highlight age-old recipes featuring local seafood, top-quality meats, and homemade pasta. Their signature appetizers feature Whipped Ricotta drizzled with truffle honey and topped with Marcona almonds, accompanied by house-made focaccia. Another standout is the House-Smoked Beef Carpaccio, presented with a delicate béarnaise sauce, truffles, pine nuts, and marinated shiitake mushrooms.  For the main course, options such as the Noe Signature Tagliatelle, featuring seasonal truffles and Parmigiano Reggiano, or the Red Wine Braised Prime Short Rib exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to top-tier ingredients and masterful blending of flavors. With attentive service and a beautiful presentation, dining at Noe is a memorable way to end your evening.

Just a short stroll down the road from the Four Seasons Resort is Longhi’s Ko Olina, located within Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. This locally owned restaurant was founded by Bob Longhi in 1976, with its original location situated on historic Front Street in Lahaina. Over the decades, Longhi’s has become known for its exceptional service, inviting ambiance, and flavorful cuisine that helped pioneer the farm-to-table movement in Hawai‘i. Popular appetizers at Longhi’s Ko Olina include the Potato Crusted Crab Cakes, featuring jumbo lump crab rolled in julienne-cut potatoes, served with bell pepper coulis and a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. The Artichoke Longhi is another option, featuring tender, sautéed artichoke hearts served in a tasty lemon butter and Parmigiano Reggiano sauce. The salads at Longhi’s are also a treat due to the abundance of fresh, local produce that the chefs source from nearby farms. One of the standout salads on the menu is the Waimanalo Greens, which includes a mix of local greens topped with heirloom tomatoes and caramelized macadamia nuts, all tossed in the house-made honey scallion mint dressing. For entrées, the restaurant consistently reflects its commitment to high-quality ingredients and flavor in its selection of fresh fish, seafood, steaks, and pasta. From fresh island fish prepared “Longhi’s style” with a white wine lemon butter sauté to prime ribeye or shrimp risotto, the chefs at Longhi’s balance bold flavors with elegance, ensuring that their entrées shine in both presentation and flavor. The fresh, expertly crafted dishes, refreshing drinks, and cozy atmosphere combine to make dining at Longhi’s Ko Olina a memorable experience.

The natural beauty and slower pace of O‘ahu’s west side will offer the perfect backdrop to your day spent away from the bustle of the city or the busy streets of Waikīkī. 

Local Joe West; 91-3598 Nana Hope Street, Suite 1425, ‘Ewa Beach; (808) 427-4138; localjoewest.com; Open Monday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kountry Style Kitchen; 91-1001 Kaimalie Street, #B-102/103, ‘Ewa Beach; (808) 689-9000; kountrystylekitchenewa.com; Open Thursday to Monday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hawaii Prince Golf Club; 91-1200 Fort Weaver Road, ‘Ewa Beach; (808) 944-4567; hawaiiprincegolf.com; Open Monday to Sunday from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Hawaiian Railway Society; 91-1001 Renton Road, ‘Ewa Beach; (808) 681-5461; hawaiianrailway.com; Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with train rides on Wednesday at 1 p.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

My Café; 563 Farrington Highway, Kapolei; (808) 200-5737; mycafehi.com; Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kalapawai Market; 711 Kamokila Boulevard, #105, Kapolei; (808) 674-1700; kalapawaimarket.com; Open Sunday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. From 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, only pupus are served. Full dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wai Kai; 91-1621 Keoneula Boulevard, Suite 5110, ‘Ewa Beach; (808) 900-3565; waikai.com; Aquaventure open Sunday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Lagoon open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wave open Sunday to Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mā‘ili Pillbox Hike; Trailhead located along Kaukama Road; Open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Mina’s Fish House; 92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei; (808) 679-3347; fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/restaurants/minas_fish_house; Open nightly from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and bar open until 11 p.m.

Noe; 92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei; (808) 679-3347; fourseasons.com/oahu/dining/restaurants/noe; Open nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Longhi’s Ko Olina; 92-161 Waipahe Place, Kapolei; (808) 671-8887; longhis.com; Open daily for brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.