Visit the windward side of Oʻahu to see the breathtaking Kualoa Ranch. Choose from a variety of tours — from scenic and cultural experiences to thrilling adventures or peaceful beach time — to suit every type of traveler.
Visit one of Oʻahu’s most beautiful natural snorkeling spots! The calm, clear waters of this protected bay are perfect for seeing tropical fish and coral right from the shore. Advance reservations are required for most visitors and fill up fast, so plan to book early. Reservations open 48 hours in advance. Non-residents pay a small entry fee.
Lanikai Beach (a.k.a. Kaʻōhao Beach) is basically the real‑life filter everyone wishes they had—powdery white sand, turquoise‑blue water, and those iconic Mokulua Islands (“the Mokes”) posing perfectly offshore. It’s calm, dreamy, and one of the most photographed beaches in Hawai‘i for a reason. Just know it’s gorgeous but bare‑bones—no facilities, no parking lot, just pure paradise tucked inside a quiet Kailua neighborhood.
A captivating Cirque du Soleil show in Waikīkī celebrating Hawaiian culture with acrobatics, music, and hula. Performances are Wednesday-Sunday with two shows (5:30 PM & 8:30 PM). Book tickets early online. If you don’t get seats online early, you can sometimes buy at the box office in the Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel lobby or at the ticket kiosk on Kalākaua Avenue before showtime (subject to availability)
A serene Japanese-style temple with gardens and koi ponds — perfect for peaceful exploration and photos.
If you’re ever on Oʻahu and craving something sweet, Kamehameha Bakery is one of our must‑visit hometown stops. It’s a no‑frills, longtime Honolulu gem known for serving some of the island’s best pastries since the late 1970s. Their star of the show? The famous poi‑glazed donuts—soft, chewy, purple‑tinted treats made with taro that locals absolutely swear by.
YogurStory is our go‑to brunch place in Honolulu—a trendy, cozy spot known for fun island twists on classic brunch dishes. Popular favorites like the Ube Waffle, Prime Rib Loco Moco, and Crab Cake Benedict make it a must‑visit for anyone craving flavorful, creative Hawaiian‑inspired brunch.
Highway Inn is one of our must‑visit restaurants whenever we’re back home. This family‑run spot has been serving authentic Hawaiian comfort food since 1947, and it’s known for classics like lau lau, kalua pig, lomi salmon, and full Hawaiian plates that taste just like home. You can also visit the original restaurant in Waipahu off of Farrington Highway.
Our favorite no-frills lunch stop, Roast Duck Kitchen in Aiea dishes out insanely flavorful Chinese‑style roast duck, char siu, and roast pork that locals line up for early—because they do sell out. It’s takeout‑only, fast, delicious, and the kind of spot where the crispy skin and juicy meat make you do a happy dance every time.
A North Shore must‑stop, Matsumoto Shave Ice has been serving super‑fluffy, rainbow‑bright shave ice since 1951—and they dish out over 1,000 of these icy treats a day! It’s delicious, nostalgic, and the perfect way to cool off after a sunny Hawaiʻi adventure.
If you’re looking for a sweet adventure while you’re here, make sure to swing by Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue. They’ve been serving up their famous malasadas—warm, sugar‑coated Portuguese doughnuts—since 1952, and trust us, they’re worth every minute of the line you might see out front. If you don't make it here, we will have some malasadas for a late night snack during the wedding festivities.
The Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is an easy, breezy paved hike with major payoff—think sweeping Pacific views, a bright red roofed 1909 lighthouse, and even winter whale sightings. Pro tip: Go early in the morning for cooler temps, softer light, and fewer crowds—plus, the rising sun over the water is chef’s kiss perfect for photos.
The Diamond Head Crater Hike is a short but spicy climb up O‘ahu’s most iconic volcanic crater, built in 1908 as part of an old military lookout. Expect switchbacks, tunnels, and a few thigh‑burning stairs—but the reward is epic: sweeping views over Waikīkī, Honolulu, and the sparkling Pacific. It’s one of the island’s most popular hikes for a reason! Pro tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds—sunrise lights up the coastline in the prettiest way.
The Koko Crater Railway Trail is a steep, legendary grind straight up an old WWII railway line—over 1,000 railroad‑tie “steps” climbing nearly vertically up the crater. It’s tough, sweaty, and absolutely a “who‑signed‑me‑up‑for‑this” moment… but the panoramic summit views of Hawai‘i Kai, Hanauma Bay, and the coastline make every burning quad worth it.