Patrick Hasler and Katie Goldner
Places to Explore
Hanauma Bay State Park
Patrick and I went here our first trip to Hawaii and fell in love with the beautiful and well protected ocean life we were able to observe here. Hanauma Bay is a must do for your Oahu island itinerary. It is one of the premier destinations on Oahu if you want to get acquainted with hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. It offers an overall great experience whether your a beginner or an avid snorkeler and it's for people of all ages. You can set up a shuttle for a low price to take you to Hanama Bay, well worth it! Equipment can be rented here as well.
Diamond Head State Monument
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 takes you to the edge of a 300,000 year old crater. While the hike isn’t that long in terms of distance, it can be somewhat challenging due to its ascent. Parts of the trail are over uneven rock, and the 99 steps near the end of the hike are steep. Also, the only water fountains are at the beginning of the trail, so you’ll want to bring a water bottle or bottled water to stay hydrated.
Waimea Bay Historic Surfer Beach on the North Shore
If the perfect wave exists, you’ll find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners. Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Haleiwa Historic Surf Town on the North Shore
What: Historic surf town that is the cultural hub of the North Shore Your first stop along the North Shore will be charming Haleiwa, about a one-hour drive from Waikiki. More than the laid-back surf town it seems, Haleiwa is filled with local style and country ambiance, as well as cool surf shops and boutiques, charming art galleries and understated restaurants housed in plantation-era buildings. 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. Haleiwa is a far cry from the excitement of Waikiki, and that’s exactly how the people of the North Shore like it.
Manoa Falls
How can you visit Hawaii without chasing waterfalls? Manoa Falls has to be one of the most fascinating waterfalls on Oahu to be seen! Cascading 150 feet down the mountainside, it will seem more like 1000 feet as you stare up at the endless water falling down the rocks. Not many Oahu waterfalls are easy to travel to, that can also deliver such an impressive show!
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Five historic sites honoring the events occurring at this National Historic Landmark in Central Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki Known the world over as a “date which will live in infamy,” the devastating events of December 7, 1941 changed the course of history. It was here that a surprise air attack by the Japanese plunged the United States into World War II, claiming thousands of lives. At Pearl Harbor, that tragic history is never too far in the past. Hear first-hand stories from survivors describing the chaotic scene on Battleship Row. Walk through an airplane hangar that still bears the scars from that fateful morning. And peer into the shallow harbor where the sunken hull of the USS Arizona rests, still leaking oil that pools on the water’s surface like black tears, as they’ve been described. Visiting Pearl Harbor is an experience that will be etched into your soul forever and will offer you a new perspective on World War II.
Dole Plantation
Admission to the Dole Plantation grounds is free, and there are also plenty of free activities, including a pineapple cutting demonstration and a fish-feeding pond. For a more active pineapple adventure, navigate our Pineapple Garden Maze, ride on our Pineapple Express Train Tour, or explore our Plantation Garden Tour.
Kualoa Ranch
Patrick and I were able to rip through the jungles on an ATV safari exploring the lands of Jurassic Park. It was pretty amazing! Whether you decide on ATV, UTV, Jungle Jeep, or hoof it on Horse back, you will love the adventure and the absolutely breath taking views and history that is to be found at Kualoa Ranch!
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
Far from the crowds and traffic of Honolulu in historic Maunawili Valley, treat yourself to the lush fairways and manicured greens of this par-72 course.