Lauren & James
Things To Do
Surf!
Waikiki: Waikiki is known for gentle, long waves. Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian legend, set the record for the longest wave ever surfed on this beach, over one mile long! Grab a longboard - and maybe a surf instructor for newbies - on the beach and have at it! Makapu'u: One of the best boogie boarding beaches in the world. It is next to a great hike (see Hikes) that can be paired with some time at the beach! Please be very careful if you go in the water; the currents are very strong! This also goes for Sandies Beach. Note, there are no boogie board rentals by Makapuu. Grab them in Honolulu North Shore: the North Shore is home to Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, three famous surfing beaches. The surf is mostly unaccessible to non-experts in the Winter time, but they are worth checking out to watch the best of the best. If you want to surf yourself on the North Shore, call ahead and hit up Surf n Sea in Haleiwa town. They can hook you up with the right location, lessons and gear!
Hike!
Diamond Head: A trafficked hike nearby Waikiki with great views inside the Diamond Head volcano crater. The hike is ~1 hour, 2 miles, 450 elevation. 10 minute Uber from Waikiki. Awesome views. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/diamond-head-leahi-summit-trail?u=i&u=i Koko Head: An epic 900ft staircase climb up the side of Koko Head Crater with a great view at the top. A glute-burner. The hike takes ~1 hour (or 20 minutes, for those over-achivers), and is a 30 minute ride from Waikiki. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/koko-head-crater-trail?u=i&u=i Makapu'u Lighthouse: Stunning 2.5 mile paved hike on the Eastern side of the island near Waimanalo. The hike takes ~1.5 hours. Situated next to Makapu'u beach, a legendary boogie boarding beach (see Surf!). Be careful swimming in the break if you are not a strong swimmer! 35 minute drive from Waikiki along beautiful coastline. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/makapu-u-point-lighthouse-trail?u=i
Day Trip to the North Shore
O'ahu's North Shore (~45-60 minutes from Waikiki) is a great full-day road trip. You can see some the world's biggest waves in November through Februrary at Pipeline Beach, Waimea Bay, and Shark's Cove, and enjoy shaved iced, acai bowls, and seared shrimp in Haleiwa town along the way. The ahi burger at Kua' Aina Sandwich Shop is an all-time favorite too. Don't forget to stop by Surf 'N Sea for some shopping. Given December through February brings massive swells to the North Shore, be on the lookout for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surf Competition at Waimea Bay. Surf levels and competition is generally posted day-of. And lastly, if you have the stomach for it, North Shore is a great spot for sky diving!
Day Trip to Lanikai & Kailua Beach
Lauren's family have been residents of Lanikai since 2008, and over the years, have fallen in love with this small town and officially started calling this home. Lanikai and Kailua have world-renowned sandy beaches with calm waters. The area is known for kite surfing, paddling, and calm warm waters. You can also take a kayak out to the Mokolua Islands, or embark on a short but great hiking trail called Kaiwa Ridge Lanikai Pillbox just behind the Edwards home (~45 minutes RT). If you are able to join us on Thursday for the BBQ, we hope you can explore Kailua town and the beach before or after! There is some great local shopping and bites. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/oahu/kaiwa-ridge-lanikai-pillbox-trail?u=i
Pearl Harbor National Monument
A National Monument and museum dedicated to remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor. We recommend booking tickets in advance for the USS Arizona Memorial.
Visit Another Island!
Every Hawaiian island has so much to offer. Jump on a <30 minute flight and spend a day or a few nights on the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, or Kauai! Note, Kauai is known to be very wet in the Winter. We'd recommend Maui or the Kona Coast of the Big Island.