Kailua Beach is one of the most INSANE and BEAUTIFUL beaches on O‘ahu, known for its soft white sand, and calm turquoise water. Another great option is Lanikai Beach right down the road. It is located in Kailua, about a 35–45 minute drive from Waikīkī, depending on traffic. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful beach day, especially if you want to explore the Windward side of the island!
Hanauma Bay is one of O‘ahu’s most famous snorkeling spots, known for its clear blue water, coral reef, and colorful marine life. It’s a beautiful place to spend the morning if you want to snorkel, swim, or enjoy one of the island’s most scenic beaches. Reservations are required and open two days in advance, and the bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to plan ahead and visit the website in advance!
Toa Luau is a beautiful luau experience located in Waimea Valley on the North Shore. You'll enjoy Hawaiian and Polynesian cultural demonstrations, a traditional luau dinner, live music, and an incredible show with dancing and fire performances!
Waimea Valley is a beautiful botanical garden on the North Shore with lush tropical plants, peaceful walking paths, and a scenic waterfall at the end of the trail. It is also the same location as Toa Luau, making it a perfect activity to do before the luau!
Diamond Head is one of the most iconic hikes on O‘ahu and a great way to take in beautiful views of Waikīkī and the coastline. The hike is relatively short but does include stairs, incline, and some steeper areas, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water. It’s a perfect morning activity before the day gets too hot! You'll also need to prebook a reservation to hike here, parking is $10 and entry is $5/pp
Kualoa Ranch is not only where we are getting married, but also one of the most beautiful and adventurous places to visit on O‘ahu. The ranch offers so many amazing experiences, including ATV tours, ziplining, movie site tours, and a boat tour with views of Mokoli‘i Island, Hakipu‘u and Kualoa valleys, and the Ko‘olau mountain range. If you’re lucky, you may even spot turtles or other wildlife along the way!
A North Shore classic! You really can’t go wrong with garlic and shrimp in Hawai‘i. While Giovanni’s is the famous spot, we personally prefer Aloha Shrimp for a delicious garlic shrimp plate. It’s a perfect casual stop if you’re spending the day exploring the North Shore!
International Market Place is a beautiful open-air shopping center in the heart of Waikīkī with great shops, delicious places to eat, and a fun atmosphere for walking around. It’s also close to a cat café for any fellow cat lovers! Plus there is a nearby Target if you need to grab travel essentials, snacks, sunscreen, or anything you may have forgotten.