Things To Do
Diamond Head Hike
You can see the peak of this very famous crater from Waikiki. This is a family friendly hike with amazing views and well maintained paths. There is a slow ascent which takes some effort- go at your own pace! Pro Tip: Bring lots of water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. There isn't much shade.
Catamaran Sunset Cruise
If you plan on staying a few extra days, this is a beautiful way to spend an evening. Shop around for the best option for your group! There are many catamarans to choose from and some have alcohol included. This sunset sail leaves right off Waikiki beach, so if you are staying in Waikiki, you won't have to travel far for this excursion! Pro Tip: You can be flexible for this adventure- there are usually day-of tickets available. This can be as spontaneous as you'd like! Note: Amanda gets seasick very easily, but she has never been sick on one of these sails- if you get motion sickness easily, you may want to make the right decision for you, but if you are drinking alcohol, be sure to check your medication's recommendations.
Polynesian Cultural Center
If you have the time and a car, you should try visiting the PCC. They have a luau and a show in the evening and you can spend the day visiting the simulated villages of the Polynesian Islands. You'll learn a lot and it is delightfully engaging. Pro Tip: Tickets sell out fast. Plan ahead, and buy tickets as soon as you know you will be going!
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
If you're into history, you might want to spend some time exploring Pearl Harbor. This is at least $50 Uber ride from Waikiki, but could be worth it if you do not have a rental car and are interested enough to visit. Click on the link to order your tickets online.
Kualoa Ranch
If you are a fan of Jurassic Park, you will recognize the enchanting grounds at Kualoa Ranch! Take a guided horseback ride through the ranch and take in the stunning views. Amanda did this during Earth Day one year and it became a core memory! Similar to the PCC, tickets for this sell out fast, so plan ahead! Note: This is in a remote area- rental car recommended.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
If hiking and beaches aren't your thing or if you are exhausted from doing those activities, treat yourself to an amazing spa experience at Aulani Resort in Ko Olina. It's a perfect solo escape, but this resort also has fantastic restaurants and family friendly activities. You will need a car to get here as it is on the other side of the island from Waikiki. Pro Tip: Book in advance and give yourself a good half a day here to enjoy the amenities offered to Spa Guests only.
Cockroach Cove
Don't let the name of this beach scare you! Cockroaches do not like this beach... promise! One of the best parts about this place is the drive. It is absolutely magical- picture windy roads along the coast and beautiful views on either side of you. When you arrive, there is a short, rocky hike down to the beach. Spend some time playing in the water or relaxing in the sand, taking in the scenic surroundings. There is an infamous blowhole near the parking lot here too. Tag on the Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike to this trip, and you have a solid day! (Limited parking for this beach- going earlier in the day is key.)
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
This is another famous spot thanks to Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore's "50 First Dates." Take in stunning views as you ascend this easy, paved trail. You can stay and play in the water at the tide pools (Be careful of the sets of waves that come in. If it is a choppy day, it is not safe to swim in them.) Or for a more relaxed experience, there is a beach just to the right of the lighthouse trailhead. Pro Tip: Come early! This place is very popular and parking is limited.
Waimea Valley
Waimea Bay is home to the Eddie Akau surfing tournament! You wouldn't know it if you're visiting in July because the monstrous waves are no where in sight. During the summer it transforms into a calm paradise. If you're feeling brave, you can climb the 25' rock and jump off of it! Or those that are tired of the beach can pop over to the Botanic Garden where they can admire and learn about Hawaii's beautiful plants. Pro Tip: Go in the morning or on a weekday to avoid traffic.
Dolphin Excursions Hawaii
One of Amanda's favorite things to do on the island is swim with the turtles and dolphins. Start your day on a dolphin guided tour and then head to Rest Camp at Pokai Bay to snorkel and/or paddle board (rentals available for purchase). If you're lucky- you might spot a turtle! Pro Tip: Lock your doors and hide any valuables in your car. This is a hot spot for targeting tourists and it is common for cars to get broken into. Avoid giving a thief motivation to break into your car! Note: Unfortunately it is not whale season, but if you're back in December-March you can also try to see the whales!
Rest Camp at Poka'i Bay
After your amazing dolphin excursion, come rest at... you got it: Rest Camp. You probably worked up an appetite swimming with dolphins... Not to worry- there is a restaurant on site! Rest Camp has a military side and a civilian side (Parking at Pokai Bay). The military side requires a photo ID to enter. The last time I was there (2023) they had surf and paddle boards to rent! There are newbie friendly waves at this beach. Pro Tip: Don't forget to keep valuables out of sight and lock your doors. This is still a theft zone!
Diving Options
Shark diving, sky diving, scuba diving- if you love to dive, this is the place to do it! Shark diving and sky diving typically happens on the North Shore, while scuba diving has a range of locations. Click on the link for some scuba diving sites.
Ka‘ena Point Hike
If you read our story, you know that Jordan invited Amanda on a hike one summer day. This is The One! Jordan chose it for its low stakes ease to chat and because it is located in the neighborhood we lived in at the time- Makaha. Ka'ena Point is a coastal hike, so you can expect a flat trail and ocean views. The trail leads to a nature reserve- you may see endangered birds, seals, turtles, and sometimes even sharks are known to roam in the area. If you continue to follow the path past the point, you can hike all the way to the North Shore! Follow the road past Yokahama Beach in Makaha, you will be on the "Leeward" side which is the drier area of Oahu. It is a very sunny location, so come prepared- there is very little shade. Parking Disclaimer- your car has a high likelihood to get broken into if you leave anything in sight. It is a lovely place, but best enjoyed with a friend or group if you aren't familiar with the area. This area is more remote, so you will need a car to get here.
Pali Lookout Point
This is the definition of car hiking. Just drive to the parking lot and walk to the lookout point to take in the views of the Windward Side! Wind is right- be careful not to get swept up by the wind here!
H3 Drive
Start in Honolulu and drive the most EPIC highway of your life! Take the H1 to the West Side entrance to the H3 to go eastbound. You will climb through the mountains and reach a tunnel. Don't hold your breath through it because you will absolutely be losing it as you exit and see the views of Kaneohe on the other side. Look closely to your right and be mesmerized by the steep ridges of the ko'olaus. Don't blink or you'll miss the illegal, but unbelievable, stairs of the "Stairway to Heaven" hike! If it's been raining, you can even see waterfalls flowing through the mountains (click on "view" to see!). Travel this way if you are heading to Kailua/Lanikai- you won't regret it! Pro Tip: Do not do on a weekday during rush hour. You may find yourself trapped in hours worth of traffic! Also, fight to be the passenger so you can see the amazing views without worrying about driving :)
Lanikai Beach
This is Amanda's favorite beach on the island! If you have a rental car, this is definitely a stop you can't miss. Take a little walk up to the pillboxes at sunrise (search- "Lanikai Pillbox Hike"), paddle board or kayak to the mokes, enjoy the beautiful views and crystal clear water, or relax on the fine, white sandy beach. The water is the perfect temperature... This place is truly paradise.
Olomana Trail
Commonly referred to as "3 Peaks Hike," this is classified as a DIFFICULT hike. The best peak is the first one, so that is the only part we recommend doing. It has very steep inclines and rock climbing towards the top, so hike at a sustainable pace with care, resting as needed. Use extreme caution as you near the top and if you are not comfortable to go up the rocks, then you should not feel obligated! You will get the benefits of the hike just being on the trail. You will travel through a magical forest at the base, whimsical willow trees, red clay, peekaboo views, and rocky rope climbs. You will know you're getting close to the top when you start to climb the rocks. If you're prepared, you will have a very rewarding experience! Our Tips: DO NOT GO IF IT IS RAINING- it is deadly in the rain. Wear appropriate hiking shoes for this hike. Give yourself plenty of time (3-4 hours).
