Things To Do

Diamond Head Crater Trailhead

A short and beginner-friendly hike up for scenic views of Waikiki and east Oahu. A reservation is required

Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

A short, slightly uphill hike on a paved trail on the eastern side of the island.

Mānoa Falls Trail

A hike through a jungle-like environment with views of small waterfalls.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Snorkeling and chilling on the beach. A reservation is required. Please also see their website for strict sunblock requirements.

Bishop Museum

For history buffs, this is a good place to learn about Hawaii's royal family and natural history, as well as other cultures of Polynesia.

Byodo-In Temple

A Buddhist temple where you can ring the giant bell, explore the small garden, and choose a Japanese fortune called "omikuji".

Dole Plantation

Enjoy a plantation tour on the train, a walk around the colorful garden, and various creations using Dole Whip. Lea recommends trying it with li hing powder.

Hawaii's Plantation Village

A look into immigrants' lives at the sugar plantations where you can learn how Hawaii came to be the mix of cultures it is today.

Iolani Palace

Home of the last Hawaiian monarchs and see the famous statue of King Kamehameha across the street.

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center

Polynesian Cultural Center

Get hands-on experience in the five "villages" to learn about the various tribes and cultures of Polynesia. Enjoy food and entertainment at the luau.

Aloha Kitchen

Hawaiian breakfast and fluffy souffle pancakes.

Brug (Japanese Bakery)

Wonderful savory and sweet Japanese baked goods (we recommend the chocolate cream puff). They run out quickly, so go early!

DON DON DONKI Kapolei

A newly opened Japanese grocery chain store with food, beauty, and more! The only US locations are in Hawaii

Eggs 'n Things

Tasty breakfast dishes with unique syrup options. There are multiple locations on the island.

Foodland Farms Ala Moana

A foodie's Disneyland and some of the best poke on the island.

Green World Coffee Farm

Excellent coffee with delicious flavors and see the coffee plants up close!

Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens

Prime rib with beautiful garden view for a romantic date night.

Jenny's Shrimp Truck

Delicious fried garlic shrimp varieties!

Kō Hana Distillers

Tour the sugar plantation and taste test numerous agricole rum flavors made with their sugar varieties.

Maguro Brothers Hawaii Waikiki

More delicious fresh Hawaiian poke. They are only open half day, so be sure to check their hours before you go. They also have the coveted bluefin tuna for their poke.

Mānoa Chocolate & Wine Bar

Delight in uniquely made Hawaiian single origin chocolate bars with a chocolate tasting and tour of their facility. We love their cacao tea and the Kokoleka rum made by Ko Hana Distillers but with Manoa's chocolate.

Marugame Udon

Old Sugar Mill Waialua Coffee

Another place try and buy some Hawaiian coffee and chocolate. You can even try the sweet pulp of the cacao beans!

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

We recommend K's Kravings for a sample of Hawaii's flavors: coconut, ube, green tea sprinkled with kinako (roasted soy bean) powder. Be sure to get it with ice cream!

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Enjoy a walk around the resort, dining beachside at Off the Hook for delicious appetizers cocktails and more or at Makahiki for a character breakfast. See website for parking validation policies.

Kailua Beach

Haleiwa & North Shore

For quieter beaches with sea turtles and farmers' markets/stands, visit this northern part of the island. Please keep at least 10 feet away from the sea turtles as they are federally protected.