Things To Do
*Kualoa Ranch
DISCOUNT CODE: KIVETT20 Our guests are able to use this discount code from 3/11-3/25 when booking tours at Kualoa Ranch! Fun fact: our wedding venue is on the Kualoa Ranch property! It has been the filming location of over 300 movies and TV shows, with countless celebrities visiting every year. There are many different tours/packages you can do - we did the Movie Sites Tour with Celina's parents and it was a blast!
*Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
A world-renowned nature preserve great for snorkeling, located on the east side of the island! Make sure to get tickets in advance, as it books up quickly. Remember to wear REEF-SAFE sunscreen (these include oxide and titanium dioxide based sunscreens, not spray sunscreen) to help preserve and restore the coral. You can rent snorkel equipment there! If you can't get tickets or don't want to snorkel, there's also a hike option - Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail (pictured here).
^ I'olani Palace
This was one of the first things we did when we moved to Oahu! You can tour the actual palace where the kings and queens of Hawai'i lived before being overthrown by the United States. There is a self-guided tour option (what we did) as well as an employee-guided tour option. The tour has tons of Hawaiian history and facts that we still reference to this day. We recommend anyone coming to try to make time and learn more about the beautiful island we live on. You can buy tickets at the booth, but you may have to wait for your tour group time, so buying tickets ahead of time is recommended!
*Shark’s Cove
Another great snorkeling spot, one of our favorites! Located in the North Shore, the waves might be rough during March but just make sure to check the tides before going. Pro tip: if no one else is in the water, do not go in. You'll have to bring your own snorkel and fins. It's recommended to wear water shoes because it is verrryyy rocky. There is a shallow, semi-enclosed part called Kapo'o Tidepool (aka Pupukea Tidepool), which attracts the majority of tourists. If you want to venture out, our favorite spot is just north in a separate cove that is about 30 feet deep. We often see honus (Hawaiian sea turtles) here, but make sure to keep your distance - there's a $100k fine for getting too close/touching them.
$ Electric Beach Park
Yet another great snorkeling spot. Due to the electrical powerplants nearby, fish are attracted to the warm water in this area. Use caution when getting past the wave break, it can get extremely rough during the winter/spring time. Hug the right side going out (and left side coming back to shore). You'll have to bring your own snorkel and fins.
+ Lanikai Pillbox Trail
One of the iconic hikes on Oahu and for good reason. It's a beginner-medium level hike that takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. Try to go early to beat the heat and crowds! At the top you'll get a great view of The Mokes. Unfortunately there is no nearby parking. You can find some street parking or park at Kailua Beach Park and walk over, or get dropped off. When you're done hiking, cool off at Lanikai Beach, Obama's favorite!
+ Diamond Head Crater Trail Head
Make sure to come during the off times, or else you'll face large crowds. But even then, it will probably be busy, as this is an easy and classic hike on O'ahu. Great views at the top overlooking Waikiki! Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time online.
^ Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
This is an easy, paved hike on the east side of the island. It's about a 2 mile round trip hike, we'd recommend going for sunset or sunrise. March is the end of whale season, so you'll probably see some whales when you get to the top! Parking can be tight, you'll probably end up parking on the side of the road. Try to park closer to the trailhead and make sure you don't leave anything in your car, because break-ins can occur in this area.
+ Koko Head Crater Trail
This hike is on the east side of the island in Hawaii Kai, close to the Makapu'u Lighthouse trail. Originally built by the US Army between 1942-1943 as a gas powered rail tramway to ferry personnel, equipment, and supplies from a nearby basecamp. Although the hike is only about .45 miles, its approximately 1100 feet in elevation change, and roughly 1000 steps. Hike takes around 12-60 minutes, with immaculate views at the top! We recommend doign this hike for either sunrise, or sunset! Also keep an eye out for whales in Waimanalo Bay!
$ Ka'au Crater Hike
Danny's favorite hike! Hike duration: 6-8 hours. Steep jungle trail circling around a crater & passing/scaling 3 waterfalls, with views of Honolulu & the ocean.
* Ala Moana Beach
Great beach to lounge, swim, and paddleboard! This half mile long beach is protected by a huge reef creating extremely calm waters. We come here often, and see honus (Hawaiian sea turtles) every single time we paddleboard! Ala Moana also has a great view of Diamond Head Crater.
* Ka'ena Point
Best place to spot whales on Oahu! Whale season typically ends in March/April, but try your luck here! During peak whale season, we see roughly one whale every minute from the trailhead! This flat & easy hike is approximately 3.5 miles in length, and finishes at an albatross preserve. If you're driving, please go through Hale'iwa, and enter the north entrance (westside is a common petty theft area). This is located near GoJump Hawaii, which some consider the best skydiving spot in the world because of its aerial views of Ka'ena Point!
* Waimea Bay
* Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world's best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming & diving off of Waimea Rock! Also check out Waimea Falls across the street for a relaxing & paved/easy hike ending at a swimmable waterfall! Please check the surfline app to see if its safe to swim! This is the location for the Eddie surf competition.
+Waikiki Beach/Canoes
Surf at popular beginner spot "Canoes" in Waikiki Beach. You can rent a board on the beach for $25, but we recommend going to Moku Hawaii to rent one for $15 and then walk a few minutes to Waikiki beach. The longer the board, the easier it is to ride. We also recommend getting a 9-10 foot board. Use the "surfline" app to track the surf conditions! Main rule to follow while surfing: surfers further out have the right of way, so move out of their way!