Things To Do
Kualoa Ranch
With not one, but two listings on the US Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places since the 1970’s, Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the eighth generation descendants of Dr. Gerritt P. Judd. Kualoa’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by preserving Kualoa’s sacred lands and celebrating its history. Established in 1850, Kualoa’s company vision is to be a role model as stewards of these amazing 4000 acres named Kualoa, Hakipu’u and Ka’a’awa. Our goal is to protect and enhance the natural beauty of these lands while developing sustainable recreational, agricultural and aquacultural enterprises that are compatible with the environment. We truly care about and strive to educate all visitors … kama’aina, military and malihini … about traditional Hawaiian values, reverence for our natural environment, respect for the host Hawaiian culture and most importantly, the sacred history of Kualoa.
Diamond Head Crater
Hikers rejoice! Diamond Head State Monument offers breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. In fact the view is so good, it was used by the US military as a post for preventing attacks against Honolulu. The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.
Bishop Museum
Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family. The Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian objects and royal family heirlooms of the Princess, and has expanded to include millions of objects, documents and photographs about Hawai‘i and other Pacific island cultures.
Hanauma Bay
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 “curved bay,” after years of neglect and abuse from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there.
Dole Plantation
Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawai'i. The Pearl Harbor area was designated a national historic landmark in 1964 for its strategic importance related to the United States' annexation of Hawai'i, and for the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack during World War II. Within close proximity to downtown Honolulu and the resort area of Waikiki, the Pearl Harbor site is the most visited destination on Oahu. Today, Pearl Harbor remains an active military base, Headquarters of the Pacific Fleet, and a National Historic Landmark that's home to four unique attractions: from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor that started it all, to the surrender of the Japanese on the deck of the mighty Battleship Missouri, these four historic sites together tell the story of the War in the Pacific, commemorating the accomplishments of a previous generation.
Koko Head Crater Trailhead
Koko Head Crater Trail is a 1.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Enjoy this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Kailua, Oahu. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show in the islands. All of Polynesia in one exciting place.
Paradise Cove Luau
Your Hawaiian Luau begins with a tropical Mai Tai greeting and traditional Hawaiian music to set the festive mood of the evening. Casually stroll through the Hawaiian Village and learn the Arts & Crafts of the islands or test your skills at our Hawaiian Games
North Shore/Haleiwa
Rich with island history, Haleiwa 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, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. You’ll also find locals and visitors winding down with a shaved ice 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. Haleiwa is a far cry from the excitement of Waikiki, and that’s exactly how the people of the North Shore like it.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Giovanni's started operating out of a converted 1953 bread truck without much more than a few recipes for great shrimp and an entrepreneurial spirit. We drove our beloved truck around the North Shore stopping along the side of the road for a couple hours at each stop to share what we thought was some pretty special food- turns out, we were the only shrimp truck around. Locals took notice and word began to spread about the delicious shrimp.
Leonard's Bakery
In June 1882 the British sailing ship ‘Monarch' brought Arsenio and Amelia DoRego from San Miguel Island, Portugal to Maui, Hawai'i under contract to work the sugar cane fields. Some 33 years later, their grandson Leonard was born. In 1946 Leonard and his wife Margaret moved to Honolulu with their daughter Diane, age 8. Leonard worked at Snowflake Bakery until he founded Leonard's Bakery℠ in 1952.
Diamond Head Market & Grill
A one-stop culinary shop that has three distinct sections: The Market, The Grill and a catering department. The market sells anything and everything gourmet: Flowers, smoked salmon, marinated meats, and desserts. The Grill is the restaurant area where everything is prepared over an open flame, and all entrees come with white rice tossed greens and a house dressing. If you’re getting married or celebrating a birthday, then the catering department is just what you’re looking for. Let Chef/Owner Kelvin Ro create a specialized menu just for you.
Koko Head Cafe
In December 2013, Lee Anne made the giant move from New York City to Honolulu, HI, to open up Koko Head Cafe, an island style brunch house. Her first cookbook, Dumplings All Day Wong, was published in August 2014. Whether via TV, web, in print, or in person, Chef Lee Anne Wong will continue to bring her global cuisine to the public as she explores new, exciting areas of the culinary world.
Manoa Falls
If you're like many people who either cannot hike the strenuous trails or you're exploring with kids, you'll be relieved to know that the Manoa Falls Trail definitely falls on the "walk" end of the walk-hike spectrum, with a roundtrip distance of just 1.6 miles and an uphill grade that isn't too demanding. The trail is located just a 15-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of urban Honolulu, but once you're on its path, surrounded by the lush, verdant views of Manoa Valley, you'll feel like you're in a completely different world.
Waikiki Brewing Company - Waikiki
Waikiki's First Brewery, Waikiki Brewing Company®, brews premium quality, fresh, handmade craft beer in our 7 barrel Brewhouse situated at the gateway of Waikiki. In addition to our core lineup of 9 beers ranging from a light crisp blonde to a robust porter. We also indulge the brewers creativity with seasonal and limited release beers. All of our beer is brewed on site. In full view of the brewpub bar. Come on down, grab a pint, and enjoy the fruit of our labor! While your here feel free to take pictures and asked questions, we love to talk beer!