Rachel & Michael
Things To Do
Aerial sightseeing and/or flying lession
One of Michael's favorite things to do in Hawaii is seeing it by air! You can do it too - no pilot's license required (although if you already have one it's a bonus). See Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and more from the air in a private airplane. Sit back and relax with a scenic flight or fly the plane yourself with a Certified Flight Instructor! (No experience required). Michael usually rents with George's Aviation at HNL airport. Ask for a scenic flight or "Discovery flight". Let Michael know if you're interested and have any questions or need help.
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
A favorite leisurely hike loved by locals. Rachel and Michael have fond memories of this trail. Gorgeous view of the lighthouse and of Oahu's windward coast at the end. On clear days you can even spot Moloka'i in the distance!
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
A favorite snorkeling site for locals and visitors alike. Swim up close with beautiful native sea life in a protected reef. NOTE: advance ticketed reservations are required available on the state park website. Make sure to only use reef-safe sunscreen!
Shopping at Waikiki
World famous shopping next to a white sand beach. Won't find many locals here (aka Rachel) but Michael enjoys walking along the beach. Lots of luxury shops and restaurants. (Protip: not quite Oregon but Hawaii sales tax is only 4% so if you're in the market for a new laptop or wedding ring...) Wedding Trivia: Michael ended up buying his wedding band here at the Waikiki Tiffany & Co :)
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona National Memorial
Historic and famous memorial for the fallen sailors of the USS Arizona which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941. NOTE: advance online ticket required as you take a ferry to the memorial itself.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
An awesome aviation museum on Ford Island right smack in the middle of Pearl Harbor. Feel the aviation and WWII history come alive.
Ice Garden (Shave Ice)
One of Rachel's favorite shave ice spots. She took Michael here on a trip to experience her childhood favorites.
Leonard's Bakery
Famous since 1952 for their Malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts)
Diamond Head Crater Hike
Famous and popular hike up to an old WWII bunker. NOTE: Advance online reservations are now required to hike. If you're unable to get reservations, Rachel actually prefers the Makupu'u Lighthouse hike.
Waiola Shave Ice
Famous shaved ice near Diamond Head
Koko Crater Stairs (Hike)
A steep strenuous hike with a gorgeous view at the top. Not for the faint of heart.
Island hopping - Visit another island
O'ahu is only the beginning. If you start getting island fever, visit one (or more) of the other Hawaiian Islands! Kaua'i for lush gardens and waterfalls. Maui for idylic beaches, the intrepid road to Hana, and Haleakalā National Park. Moloka'i for the tallest sea cliffs in the world (only accessible by plane, boat, or mule trail). The Big Island for a rugged adventure, witness new land being formed at Volcanoes National Park or summit Mauna Kea where the Keck Observatory sits at over 13,000ft elevation. Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines offers multiple cheap flights between the islands. Less than an hour away!