Explore Hawaii
Waimea Bay
To reach the falls, you’ll take a short stroll under a mile long on a paved path. Throw on one of the required, provided life jackets and take as much time as you like floating in the cool water. It’s a highlight of a hot day. Make sure you grab some garlic shrimp at the café and an ice cold drink at the bar next door before you leave!
International Marketplace
Open-air shopping and entertainment area in the center of Waikiki. Great for clothes shopping, all your essential Target needs, your luxury options, and picking up souvenirs for friends and family! You can also find the Kuhio Food Hall here with lots of great eating and drinking options.
Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium is pretty small and simple, but it’s a cool way to spend an hour or so while strolling around Waikiki. Also, it’s the second oldest aquarium in the country! (Opened in 1912) They have tons of great exhibits including colorful tropical fish, sharks, monk seals, and jellyfish.
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
You’ve seen Diamond Head probably a thousand times in photos of Waikiki/Honolulu, and you can have the chance to hike to the top! The hike is relatively easy and the top has amazing views of Waikiki. The entire hike is on either a paved or dirt path which makes it fairly easy. But, it can be pretty steep and it’s fully exposed, so it’s very hot. Bring lots of water, wear a sun hat and protective clothing, and take it slow! Diamond Head State Monument is run by the Division of State Parks. It costs $5 to enter, parking is $10, and you’ll need to reserve a time slot. Set aside about 2 hours on your Oahu bucket list to hike up and down the crater.
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation is “Hawaii’s complete pineapple experience” and it really has something for everyone. You can ride a train around the property to learn about growing pineapples, get lost in the “world’s largest maze” in the pineapple garden, and eat so many delicious pineapple things.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is one of the easier “hikes”. It still climbs a little in elevation, but the entire path is paved road which makes it considerably easier, and more accessible, than most. The trail winds along the coastline where, in the winter months, you can see just loads of humpback whales. At the end of the trail is the Makapu’u Lighthouse and an observation platform overlooking the ocean. Parking at this trail head is free.