Things To Do
Koko Crater Stairs (Summit)
The Koko Head Stairs is a beautiful but steep east Oʻahu hike in Hawaiʻi Kai that climbs the slopes an ancient volcanic crater, following the steps of a historic WWII-era tramway that was built in the early 1940s by the U.S. Army. Since then, the Koko Crater Stairs have become a favorite among both locals and visitors from around the world, as many come to challenge their fitness on the stairs against some of the best times that Oʻahu athletes have put up! That being said, the Koko Head hike may not be for everyone, as the stairs steeply climb a little under 1,000 ft. (305 m) in only 0.45 miles (0.7 km). It is for this reason that the beautiful summit above southeast Oʻahu is best enjoyed at either sunrise or sunset, in order to avoid the heat of the day.
ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail
There aren’t many hikes on the North Shore of Oʻahu, but the ʻEhukai Pillbox is easily the best and most accessible trail in Pūpūkea! To that point, the trail is a local favorite late in the day, as the ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail is easily one of the best sunset hikes on Oʻahu. This is especially true when the waves are big in the winter, as either pillbox makes for a great place to watch the sets roll in!
Menya le Nood
Menya le Nood is the best authentic ramen spot in Honolulu, and possibly the best local hole-in-the-wall on Oʻahu! Menya is located only one block away from the Ala Moana Center and a short drive away from Waikīkī, which we highly recommend going out of the way for, as the whole Ala Moana area is a great place to walk around and explore!
Halona Beach Cove
The Hālona Beach Cove is one of the most beautiful, secluded beaches on Oʻahu! However, this goes without saying that Hālona Beach typically gets busy by midday. This is why we recommend visiting first thing in the morning to enjoy the beach and the adjacent lava tube before the crowds arrive by mid-to-late morning.
Interstate H-3
The H-3 is the most beautiful drive on Oʻahu! For this reason, we recommend going out of your way to drive the H-3 Freeway, whether it’s convenient or not! If you’re starting from Waikīkī, the H-3 is best taken as an alternate route to some of Oʻahu’s many east-side adventures, such as Mokoliʻi or the Lanikai Pillboxes.
