Things To Do
Diamond Head Crater Hike
One of the most iconic spots in Honolulu, Diamond Head is a great, easy hike for the whole family with a fantastic view of Waikiki.
Waiola Shave Ice
Shave ice (or ice shave, depending on which island you're from) is a cold treat for a hot day. You may think you've had shave ice, but if you haven't had it in Hawai'i, you haven't had shave ice. When done right, we use super fine ice and tropical syrups (Erin's favorite combo is coconut and li hing mui with ice cream and condensed milk) and you should not miss it. Waiola is not as famous as Matsumoto's in Haleiwa, but it is a great place to stop if you don't want to make the trek to the North Shore.
House Without a Key
Since you'll get to try traditional Hawaiian food at the reception, skip the luau and and watch some of the best hula dancers on island at House Without A Key. Snag a seat and a drink early because they do not take reservations and you don't want to miss your chance at an ocean front mai-tai.
Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls Trail
An uphill climb ending in a waterfall and wading pool, the Manoa Falls hike is a great way to get out into the rainforest. This hike is on a maintained trail, but can be muddy depending on how much rain has passed through.
Sunset Beach Park
Fun fact: Erin's dad grew up across the street from this beach and she spent most of her spring/summer/Christmas breaks here.
Iolani Palace
Did you know that prior to 1893, Hawai'i was a sovereign kingdom with a government of its own? 'Iolani Palace housed the monarchy before it was overthrown by the US government. A favorite fact about the palace is that King Kalakaua had electricity installed there in 1886, a full five years before the White House.
Bishop Museum
This museum can be done in combination with 'Iolani Palace and is a great place to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture.
Hanauma Bay Nature Park
Hanauma Bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the island and is not to be missed. Pro tip: go at sunrise to avoid the crowds, but not on Tuesdays because they're closed.
Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp
If you like shrimp, a stop at Fumi's is non-negotiable. You may have heard of Giovanni's Famous Shrimp truck, but Fumi's is one of the few shrimp trucks on the North Shore that raises and serves their own local shrimp. The garlic butter is the classic, but if you're adventurous get the spicy garlic butter and don't say we didn't tell you it was spicy. Definitely skip the coconut: this ain't Bubba Gump's.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
If you do make it out to the North Shore for a day at the beach, skip Waiola and grab a shave ice at Matsumoto's. There will no doubt be a line out the door, but the wait isn't as long as you'd think and once you have your cone you can stroll around the touristy-but-cute shops in Hale'iwa town.
Waikiki Yokocho
Waikiki Yokocho is a new gourmet food hall in Waikiki focusing on ramen and other classic Japanese cuisine. If you're staying in Waikiki, this place is definitely worth a stop for the experience alone.
Tamura's Market
There are Tamura's grocery stores all over the island, but if you're headed to the North Shore for a day at the beach, stop at this location for some poke (pronounced poh-kay). Beyond being a mainland food craze, poke is a traditional Hawaiian snack that originally consisted of cubed raw fish, onions, limu kohu (seaweed), kukui nut and salt. Today, you can stop at almost any grocery store in Hawaii and find a vast array of options of fish and flavors. Some favorite are shoyu (soy sauce) ahi, Hawaiian style, spicy ahi, spicy tako (octopus) or even kimchi shrimp. If you aren't near a Tamura's, Foodland or Poke Stop also have a great selections.
More to do...
Hawaii Magazine has a ton of great suggestions for things to do around the island.