Things To Do

Diamond Head Crater Hike

The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikīkī’s coastline. Hawai‘i’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

Shangri La is the former home of heiress Doris Duke. The Islamic-style private estate overlooks the Pacific ocean in the Diamond Head neighborhood in Honolulu. The stunning mansion hosts the largest collection of Islamic art in the Pacific. Guided tours are offered Wednesday-Saturday through the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

The Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail, also known as the Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline, is the second most popular of all the O‘ahu hiking trails, next to the Diamond Head Hike. This easy to moderate summit trail is definitely one of the most memorable, with stunning views overlooking Makapu‘u Beach, Koko Head, the windward coast, and Moloka‘i & Lana‘i neighboring islands. You will also discover some exciting points of interest along the way including Makapu‘u Point, old military pillboxes, giant tide pools, a hidden blowhole, and the popular Makapu‘u lighthouse landmark.

Hanauma Bay

Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the “curved bay,” after years of neglect and abuse from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there.

Ala Moana Center

or those who love to shop, check out the world's largest outdoor mall - Ala Moana Center.

Iolani Palace

‘Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil. It is the official residence of Hawai‘i’s monarchy - a marvel of opulence, innovation & political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalākaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani, walked its celebrated halls.

Bishop Museum

Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum.

World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

North Shore

Stretching for more than 7 miles, the famous beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers. Roughly a one-hour drive from Waikīkī, the North Shore is also home to a variety of accommodation options, including condo rentals and the exclusive beachside Turtle Bay Resort. Take a little road trip to the charming surf town of Hale‘iwa Town, where you can shop, eat like a local and cool off with rainbow-flavored shave ice. Continue your drive to Lā‘ie visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and the old plantation town of Kahuku.

Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year. Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Also popular are informational displays and presentations, as well as our plantation country store offering a wide variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local favorites, foods and refreshments including the world-famous DoleWhip®. And, before you leave you can purchase fresh pineapple to take home. Dole Plantation is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (tours and attractions close at 5:00 p.m.) and is closed on Christmas Day. Hope to see you soon!

Kualoa Ranch & Zipline

Kuala ranch is a one-stop adventure playground. Stretching from the verdant folds of the Ko‘olau Mountains to the tropical sea, the 4,000-acre working cattle ranch is one of the largest tracts of accessible nature on O‘ahu and offers visitors a huge variety of ways to interact with Hawai‘i’s stunning landscapes, from ATV rides and zipline adventures to film site tours. The property is divided into two areas: the northerly Ka‘a‘awa Valley with its many movie locations, and Hakipu‘u Valley, fronted by an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond and the site’s Secret Island Beach.