Things To Do
Mermaid Caves
Head over to Waianae to see this stunning natural wonder: a lava field transformed to a series of caves by the ocean. SAFETY: wear rubber-sole water shoes, bring a ladder to get in and out of the cave and check tide reports to be sure you are visiting during low tide.
Diamond Head
Family Friendly. This is a great intermediate hike to a gorgeous look out over Waikiki. You'll be hiking on a volcano!!! It's about 2.5 miles. Note there is very little shade, so wear cool clothes and be sure to wear sunscreen!
Hanauma Bay
This is one of the best places to either learn how to snorkel or to go deep and see a thriving reef as a professional snorkeler! Hanauma Bay is a marine sanctuary consisting of a gorgeous beach, calm water (great for kids) and a lot of fish! As it is a sanctuary there is a $12 fee to get into the park, you can also rent snorkel gear here. Note snack bar is not completely halal. Parking can be limited so it's highly recommended you use uber or lyft if attempting to go after 9:00am.
Hawaiian Electric Beach Park
Great place to snorkel and see reef fish and green sea turtles. Maybe even a dolphin pod if you come early enough. If you can, swim out to the warm water vents from the power plant to see more. Parking is free but limited. Public restrooms on site. SAFETY: Take precautions when swimming in the ocean.
The Byodo-In Temple
Peaceful Buddhist temple located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, just a few minutes drive from Honolulu. Filled with beautiful gardens, flowing streams and Koi fish ponds. Very photographable. Parking available. Entry fees are per person (between $5-$10)
Pearl Harbor
This is the military historian's Disneyland! Pearl Harbor consists of four sperate museums: 1. USS Arizona Memorial 2. USS Missouri Memorial 3. Pacific Aviation Museum 4. Bowfin Submarine Museum USS Arizona Memorial: memorializes the fallen from Japan's surprise attack on December 7th 1941. Tickets are free, however the number of guest that can go each day are limited. Parking is also free but can be limited at peak hours. If you go to pick up tickets on the day of you will need to go early. You can reserve tickets ahead of time but this is best done weeks in advance. Once you have your tickets you will see a 30m documentary before boarding a boat which will take you into the calm waters of the harbor straight to the memorial.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Private Nature Reserve, also known as Hawaii's "Jurassic Valley", is a privately owned 4000 acre paradise in one of the most beautiful valleys remaining on O'ahu. Kualoa has a Jurassic Valley Zipline, Electric Bike Tours, ATV Tours, Horseback Tours, Jurassic Jungle Expeditions, Ocean Voyage Tours and the always popular Hollywood Movie Site Tours. With a free kids animal exhibit, a ranch museum, a sculpture garden, and a mini-theatre showing a film on the history of Kualoa, you can bring the family by to relax and pet some of the 120 beautiful horses. Activities priced individually and may vary. Some activities may be closed due to COVID.
Kāne‘ohe Bay (Sand bar)
A beautiful stretch of white sand where you can stand (and apparently BBQ) in the middle of the ocean. Take a boat, kayak or paddle board out to enjoy the ocean and the views. great place for snorkeling (turtles!!!) Parking is free but limited. SAFETY: Make sure you check the tide forecast before you go.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Located at the same location as the USS Arizona Memorial. This is the second of four museums that make up Pearl Harbor. USS Missouri Memorial: $30 for adult, $15 for child. This is a real-life battleship you can explore. It was the last battleship used by any nation around the world. Parking and tickets are at the same location as USS Arizona.
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
$20 Adult, $12 Child. Explore a real life WW2 submarine. You can also see a large museum dedicated to submarines from their first appearance to modern age.
