Things To Do
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri
The Pearl Harbor National Monument is a must-visit when coming to Oahu. Take a tour of the visitor's center, where you watch a short film and explore exhibits that recount the infamous morning of December 7, 1941. Visit and explore inside the USS Battleship Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial Boat, where you learn about the war and get an idea of what life at sea was like during the war. Mark Bueler, Austin's Great Grandfather, was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. While you are there on the Arizona Memorial, make sure to look out for the USS Tennessee ship marker. That is where he was located during the duration of the attack. Please use this link provided to pay only $1 for the Arizona Memorial tour. Make sure to book ahead to secure your $1 spot! **Please note that the Battleship tour and the Arizona tour are two separate tickets**
Dole Plantation
Founded in 1950 as a fruit stand, the Dole Plantation in central Oahu now draws travelers to its famous pineapple harvests and open-air Pineapple Express Train. Take an educational tour to learn how the fruit of Hawaii is grown, its rich history, and agricultural practices. After that, stroll in the giant pineapple-shaped garden maze lined with 14,000 fruits. Don’t leave without getting some famous pineapple Dole Whip. The pineapple salsa and jam make great souvenirs, too.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay, one of Oahu’s most-loved sights is popularly known for its amazing snorkeling. The volcanic crater is a protected, marine-life conservation area with an amazing array of tropical fish and coral reefs. Because of the sight’s popularity, the parking lot often fills up quickly.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Private Nature Reserve, also known as Hawaii's "Jurassic Valley", is a privately owned 4000 acre paradise that offers numerous ways to see one of the most beautiful valleys remaining on Oahu. Kualoa may look very familiar to you as over 70 movies and TV shows have been filmed at Kualoa since the 1950's, from Elvis, to 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Godzilla, Jurassic World, Jurassic Park, LOST, Hawaii Five-0 and the recent Kong Skull Island. Kualoa has a Jurassic Valley Zipline, Electric Bike Tours, ATV Tours, Horseback Tours, Jurassic Jungle Expeditions, Ocean Voyage Tours and the always popular Hollywood Movie Site Tours. There's a new Food Tour and also a Premier Movie Site Tour. With a free kids animal exhibit, a ranch museum, a sculpture garden, and a mini-theatre showing a film on the history of Kualoa, you can bring the family by to relax and pet some of the 120 beautiful horses. A restaurant & gift shop are also on property. If you're visiting Oahu you MUST visit Kualoa Ranch.
Historic Hale'iwa Town
Rich with island history, Haleʻiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up on shrimp or other delicacies at one of the town’s abundant food trucks before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, ʻEhukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. You’ll also find locals and visitors winding down with a shaved ice (from Matsumoto's) after a day in the sun or shopping at boutiques filled with unique gifts that will allow you to bring back a piece of Hawaii with you. Haleʻiwa is a far cry from the excitement of Waikiki, and that’s exactly how the people of the North Shore like it. Sarah and Austin recommend stopping at Storto's for a famous deli sandwich then taking it with you to Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach for a picnic on the sand! Other food spots we like in Hale'iwa Town Hale'iwa Joes Hale'iwa Bowls Big Wave Shrimp Truck Kua'aina Sandwich & Burgers Kono's Cafe Island Vintage Coffee Teddy's Bigger Burgers
Nu‘uanu Pali (Pali Lookout)
The Pali Lookout is a site of deep historical significance. Named “Pali” meaning "cliff" in Hawaiian, the Pali Lookout is the site of the Battle of Nuʻuanu, where in 1795 King Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united Oahu under his rule. This fierce battle claimed hundreds of soldiers’ lives, many of which were forced off of the Pali’s sheer cliffs. Note that the Pali Lookout is also known for its strong and howling winds. You’ll understand why the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is one of Oʻahu’s best scenic points when you feel the wind push up against you, hear the winds whistle through the mountains and see the breathtaking views of Oʻahu’s lush Windward Coast.
Waimea Valley Trail
Located on Wamiea Valley Road, across from Waimea Bay, this beautiful treasure is rich in Hawaiian history and cultural sites, nestled in a stunning botanical garden. Experience more than 5,000 botanicals along a paved path to the 45-foot waterfall. The trail to Waimea Falls is about 3/4 of a mile and takes approximately 30 minutes. It is paved the entire way, with gentle hills. There are several gravel paths off the main corridor, for more adventurous walkers to explore all our botanical garden collections. Watch for the alaeʻula, the native Hawaiian birds. Stop at the Hawaiian cultural sites along your way, such as Kauhale, the ancient Hawaiian living site. There, you can learn about the life and culture of early Hawaiian people. Talk story with our resident artisans, who each have a unique traditional Hawaiian craft to share with you. Swimming and viewing at Waimea falls is dependent on daily waterfall conditions. Lifeguards make the swim call for the day at 9am
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
The 2-mile roundtrip trail is paved, making it accessible for strollers and suitable for most fitness levels, with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset hikes, but it is recommended to go early to avoid the midday heat as there is no shade. The lighthouse itself was built in 1909, automated in 1974, and is still active. Access to the lighthouse is restricted, but the trail leads to viewpoints above it. Free to access. The park opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 6:45 PM. Parking at the designated lot can be limited, especially if arriving late. Arrive early or be prepared to park along the highway, following all signs and keeping valuables out of sight. Water and sun protection are essential due to the lack of shade on the exposed trail.
Diamond Head Hike
The Diamond Head hike is a moderately challenging, 1.6-mile round trip trail in a volcanic crater on Oahu, known for its stunning panoramic views. The hike involves steep sections with stairs and a tunnel, and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents, plan accordingly. The last reservation to hike the trail is 4:00 pm, the last entrance for this reservation is at 4:30 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.
Koko Head Hike
The Koko Head hike is a strenuous, steep hike in Oahu, Hawaii, known as the "Koko Head Stairs," that involves climbing over 1,000 steps up an old railway track to the summit. It is a challenging but rewarding hike, offering panoramic views of the coastline and ocean from the top. To prepare, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear good footwear, and consider starting early in the morning to avoid the heat There are no entrance or parking fees for the Koko Crater Trail itself, and parking is available for free at the nearby Koko Head District Park.
Beaches to Visit
Waimea Bay, North Shore Sunset Beach, North Shore Banzai Pipeline, North Shore 'Ehukai Beach, North Shore Ali'i Beach Park, North Shore Lanikai, East Shore Kailua Beach Park, East Shore Waimanalo Beach Park, East Shore Queens Beach, South Shore Nimitz Beach, Southwest Shore Ko'olina Lagoons, West Shore Kahe Point Beach Park (Good for Snorkeling), West Shore
Golf Courses
There are many Golf Courses to choose from, Austin Recommends Arnold Palmer Course, Turtle Bay The Pali Course, Kaneohe Royal Hawaiian Golf Course, Kailua Waikele Country Club, Waikele Ko'olina Golf Club, Kapolei
The LineUp at Wai Kai
Wai Kai is a year-round venue for adventurers anchored by the Wai Kai Wave and the adjacent Wai Kai Lagoon. The lagoon is 52 acres of inland water, protected from the ocean and ideal for paddling and water play. The Dock at The LineUp is the ultimate water sports outfitter with all the latest gear to rent along with lessons for first-timers or for those wanting to build their existing skills. The LineUp at Wai Kai is an exciting social and recreational hub, featuring the Wai Kai Wave, Hawaii's first stationary deep-water, big-turn surf wave, powered by citywave®. The wave overlooks our paddling hub at the 52-acre Wai Kai Lagoon, which offers endless water activities for the whole family. Beyond the Wai Kai Wave, they have dining and entertainment, and shopping. The Wai Kai venue is located in West Oahu in Ewa Beach, Close to Kapolei.
Coral Crater Adventure Park
Coral Crater is the Hawaiian adventure you’ve been waiting for… with a 35-acre adventure park that contains 6 miles of ATV trails, 6 ziplines, and a 60-foot tower with climbing walls, obstacles, and a 50-foot freefall. Whether it’s family fun or a personal thrill you’re looking for, they have it all. Located in Kapolei