Things To Do
Lanikai Beach
The most serene beach! Great spot for floating on the inner tube and soaking in the sun. Street parking only, and finding a spot can be a challenge so be prepared to circle around a couple of times. It's definitely worth the wait!
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
BEST snorkel spot! It's a little bit touristy but there are so many fish to see in this calm bay. You can rent snorkel gear and umbrellas on-site for a pretty reasonable cost. They also have a snack bar available or you can bring in food. Tickets go on sale 48 hours in advance at 7am and spots book super quickly!
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
3 mile hike around the edge of a dormant volcano. The summit has amazing views of the ocean and Waikiki. There are various inclines and stairs that can be challenging, so go early in the day! Must make reservations up to 30 days in advance.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
So powerful and moving. We did the USS Arizona and Missouri which took about 4 hours, but you could spend all day here.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
About a 3 mile roundtrip hike with breath-taking views at the top. The first half is all up hill, but the path is paved throughout. Bring sunscreen, water, a snack, and a hat.
North Shore
About an hour drive from Waikiki, but definitely a great day-trip! So many beaches to choose from; we went to Sunset Beach, Three Tables Beach (our favorite), and Sharks Cove. We had the BEST lunch at Giovannis Shrimp Truck and shave ice from Matsumotos.
Cockroach Cove
A gorgeous cove right off the road. It is next to the Halona Blowhole which makes it a great stop if you are exploring the east side of the island.
