Things To Do
Waimea Bay Beach
Free *Parking can be hard to find* Right across the street is Waimea Valley, so you can visit both on the same day. 1hr drive from Waikiki Open everyday 5:00AM-10:00PM Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best surfers. This beach is perfect for cliff jumping, body boarding, snorkeling, swimming, and tanning.
Waimea Valley, botanical gardens, swimmable waterfall.
$25 per person. FREE entry if you purchase a Toa Luau ticket, use your luau conformation for access to Waimea Valley 7 days before and 7 days after your luau. *Bring a swimsuit you can swim in the waterfall* Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am-4:00PM Right across the street is Waimea Bay Beach, so you can visit both on the same day. 1hr drive from Waikiki The trail to Waimea Falls is about 3/4 of a mile and takes approximately 30 minutes. It is paved the entire way.
Toa Luau
Afternoon tickets start at $115 per person. *Booking luau in advance is highly recommended, as they tend to sell out quickly especially during peak season* 1 hour from Waikiki, 20 minutes to Turtle Bay/Beach House by Roy, and 2 minutes to Waimea Beach. Show time 12:30PM-3:30PM Wed & Fri only $115 Show time 5:00PM-8:00PM Mon-Fri $135 Toa Lū‘au invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of Polynesia at Waimea Valley. The lū‘au packages offer a full meal, cultural demonstrations, fire knife dancing, and more! Explore the islands of Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa, and Hawai‘i. Each ticket includes free admission into Waimea Valley during regular hours of operation.
Shark’s Cove snorkeling
FREE Bring your own snorkel set—recommend buying one on Amazon for $10 before heading to Honolulu. *Often it is quite busy* Paddle board on the same day—it's only a ten-minute drive between the two. 1hr drive from Waikiki Recommend visiting in morning for calmer waters Sharks Cove on Oahu's North Shore is a top dive spot, known for its wildlife, caves, lava tubes, and summer-only access. Rated one of the world’s best shore dives by Scuba Diving Magazine
Paddle board down Haleiwa River
$34.99 per board rental Everyday 9:00AM-6:00PM Snorkel at Sharks Cove on the same day—it's only a ten-minute drive between the two. 1hr drive from Waikiki 2 hour paddle board down Haleiwa River 1-2 people per board beautiful location with a private, safe launch next to the iconic Rainbow Bridge in Haleiwa. Keep an eye out for all the turtles swimming under you in the river.
seven brothers
This location is 2 min from paddle boarding Mon-Sat 11:00AM-9:00PM Seven Brothers is a great choice for a quick and delicious burger they have the best in Honolulu! With a few locations on the north side of Honolulu, it should be pretty convenient if you're in the area.
Kayaking to Mokulua Island
$69 for a 2-Person, 4-Hour Kayak Rental 30 min drive from Waikiki Sun-Mon 8:00AM-5:00PM The journey toward Mokulua Island is typically a smooth ride, but it can be quite a long paddle if you're not accustomed to it. We recommend this trip for experienced paddlers or those in good physical condition. For a shorter and more manageable route to the island, we suggest launching from Lanikai Beach. You can easily transport 2-4 kayaks on top of a rental car, or consider renting an e-bike with a kayak trailer.
Diamond Head State Monument hike
$5 entry fee per person $10 parking per vehicle *recommended to make reservations well in advance, as it tends to fill up quickly* 15min drive from Waikiki Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PM The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’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.
Hanauma Bay State Park snorkeling
$25 park entry fee per person $20 snorkel rental if you don't bring your own $3 CASH ONLY parking fee *Reservations are highly recommended as this place tends to fill up quickly and is often quite busy* 20 min drive from Waikiki Open Wed-Sun 6:45AM-4:00PM Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was declared a protected marine life conservation park in 1967. 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 bay, after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay.
Swim with Dolphins
$176.96 per person Discover the beauty of Oahu's coastal scenery—and spot its marine life, including pods of dolphins—on this half-day swimming and snorkeling boat tour. Following pickup from your hotel, head to your catamaran and hop aboard. After you set sail, embark on a swimming or snorkeling session to see fish, octopuses, and more wildlife in its natural habitat.
Beach House By Roy Yamaguchi
FREE parking & beach access *Dining reservations recommended* 1hr 15min from Waikiki, and keep in mind it’s not very close to other attractions. Dining Open Mon-Sun 11:30AM - 2:30PM & 4:30PM - 9PM Enjoy beachfront dining at Turtle Bay, where you can snorkel with turtles, swim, tan, and enjoy a meal, they offer the best signature Pineapple Infused Martini.