Explore The Island
Polynesian Cultural Center
One of our favorite places! The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must-visit. You’ll get to try traditional foods, watch cultural performances, play games, and learn about Polynesian history. We suggest the three-day pass so you can explore at your own pace. Please note: this is a long-walking activity, so if you have mobility or health conditions, plan accordingly. Make sure to reserve in advance, as tickets often sell out for dates that are close by. Bring comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and snacks.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
Halona Blowhole Lookout
This part of the island offers a beautiful scenic drive. Halona Blowhole is a great lookout where you can stop and enjoy the views. There’s a small beach below, but the currents are strong, so swimming isn’t recommended. Recommendations: • Wear comfortable shoes (the path is a bit steep). • Bring water and sunscreen. • Visit earlier for easier parking.
Waikīkī Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the most iconic and lively beaches in Oʻahu. It’s a beautiful spot to stroll, shop, and enjoy the views. While it can get crowded, the atmosphere is fun and vibrant, making it a great place to include as part of your day’s activities—not necessarily a full-day beach stop. Recommendations: • Visit early in the morning or around sunset for a more relaxed vibe. • Parking can be limited, so consider walking or using rideshare. • Enjoy the beachfront shops and cafés along the way.
Templo Byodo-In
The Byodo-In Temple is a beautiful and calm place surrounded by gardens, koi ponds, and incredible mountain views. It’s a nice spot to walk around, take photos, and enjoy a quiet moment during your trip. Don’t forget to buy a lucky fortune ticket at the gift shop! If you get a “bad” fortune, you can tie it to the designated trees on-site as part of the tradition Tips: • Visit early for fewer crowds and the best photo lighting. • Bring a camera—the scenery is stunning. • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds. • Plan for about 30–60 minutes.
North Shore Tacos in Hau'ula
Whenever we’re heading to the beaches on the North Shore, North Shore Tacos is our go-to spot! They serve delicious Mexican food and great drinks—perfect for a quick, tasty stop before or after the beach. Don’t miss out on this local favorite.
Kualoa Ranch
If you’ve watched Jurassic Park or 50 First Dates, you’ve already seen this place! Kualoa Ranch is where many famous movies were filmed, and they offer several tours to explore the valleys, mountains, and coastline. We personally recommend the ATV tour for amazing views and the catamaran tour, where you can often spot sea turtles. Tips: • Book early—tours sell out quickly. • Wear closed-toe shoes for the ATV tour. • Bring sunscreen, water, and sunglasses—there’s lots of sun. • Arrive a bit early for check-in, as parking can get busy. • For photos, the ATV tour is dustier; wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Leonard's Bakery Malasada Truck
Our favorite spot for a sweet treat! When you visit Leonard’s Malasadas, Mila’s top pick is the original sugar-coated malasada filled with haupia (coconut pudding) — it’s light, fluffy, and totally dreamy. If you’re more like Logan, try the cinnamon-sugar malasada, either plain or filled with dobash (chocolate pudding) or custard (vanilla-style). Tip: They are best eaten warm💡
Bahía de Hanauma
This is one of the most popular spots on the island for snorkeling, and if you don’t have advance reservations, we recommend arriving around 5:00–5:30 a.m. to line up from your car. Tickets are released on-site once they open, and they often sell out quickly. Tips: • Bring mineral sunscreen — it’s the only type allowed to help protect the coral reef. • Parking fills up fast, especially after sunrise. • The water is crystal clear, so snorkeling here is amazing—if you have your own gear, bring it. If not, you can rent one at their store. Feel free to contact us for more details. Don’t miss out on this spot either!
Kaneohe Sandbar
For our adventurous guests, the Kāneʻohe Sandbar is a must! You can join a boat tour or rent a kayak like we did. The water is beautiful, and you might spot fish, eels, and even turtles. Just be sure to follow all safety instructions—you’re in the middle of the ocean. Tips: • Bring a waterproof bag, water, snacks, and mineral sunscreen. • Wear your swimsuit and pack a change of clothes. • Go earlier for calmer water and easier paddling. Feel free to contact us for more details
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is an easy-to-moderate hike with amazing views of the city and coastline. There are quite a few stairs and some steep sections, so expect to get a little out of breath at the start. Tips: • Reserve tickets in advance — they sell out quickly. • Choose the ticket with parking, as spots are very limited without it. • Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and of course, your camera for the views.
Crouching Lion Trail
One of our favorite hikes! Crouching Lion is an intermediate trail with ropes along the path to help you on the steeper sections. Once you reach the top, there’s a short climb to get to the viewpoint — and the views of this side of the island are absolutely worth it. Tips: • The trail can get slippery and muddy after rain, so wear good hiking shoes. • Take your time on the ropes and edges — some parts are steep. • Bring water and be prepared for a shorter but more challenging climb.
Playa Lanikai
Lanikai Beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing beach day with family and friends. Its calm, crystal-clear waters make it great for everyone. Tips: • Go early • Bring an umbrella, as there’s no natural shade. • Parking in Lanikai is restricted, so you’ll need to park at Kailua Beach Park, which also fills up early. Plan to arrive in the morning and enjoy the area for a while.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail is an easy, paved hike with incredible ocean views. Although the path is smooth, the hills can leave you a little out of breath — but the scenery along the way makes it completely worth it. Tips: • Go early in the morning for cooler weather and easier parking. • Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat — there’s no shade on the trail. • Wear comfortable walking shoes. • During the winter months, you might even spot whales from the lookout points.
Gyu-Kaku
One of our favorite date-night restaurants! This Japanese BBQ spot is always delicious and a fun experience. You grill your own meats at the table, making it a cozy and interactive dinner. Tips & Recommendations: • Make a reservation — it fills up quickly, especially for dinner. • Our must-try dish is the Spicy Bibimbap — seriously, don’t skip it. • For the BBQ, you really can’t go wrong with any cut
Caricature Party
Caricature Party is such a fun experience! We’ve both loved it — you get a caricature of your whole group, and the artist makes it intentionally funny and exaggerated, which is what makes it so memorable. Details & Tips: • It’s $40 per person, and honestly, totally worth it for the keepsake. • They’re located in Waikiki, usually set up near H&M or Sky Waikiki. • They typically start around 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. • They get very busy, so try to arrive early — the wait can be up to 40 minutes per group. You can follow them on Instagram @caricatureparty
DECK. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel
Deck is our go-to spot for a special date night or celebration. It has one of the most beautiful views of Diamond Head, and the atmosphere is perfect for enjoying dinner and drinks with a stunning sunset backdrop. We recommend making a reservation on OpenTable and requesting outdoor seating to enjoy the view. It can be on the pricier side, but the food, drinks, and overall experience make it totally worth it — especially for a memorable dinner before leaving the island.
Dole Plantation
If you visit the Dole Plantation, don’t skip their famous Dole Whip — it’s the best! We recommend taking your time to walk around and explore everything they offer.
Lanikai Pillbox Trail
Lanikai Pillbox is a moderate–intermediate hike with some steep sections, but the views make it completely worth it. We recommend going early in the morning and parking at Kailua Beach Park, then walking to the trailhead — the hike is located in a residential area with no designated parking. If it has rained in the past days, be extra careful — the trail can get slippery and muddy, especially on the steeper parts. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, and of course, get some amazing photos while you’re up there!
Island Vintage Coffee Waikiki
Island Vintage Coffee in Waikiki is a great spot for a quick breakfast or coffee break, though it can get a bit busy during peak hours. Mila recommends trying the Island Latte if you want something delicious and a little different — it’s one of their most popular drinks!
Island Brew Coffeehouse
A great spot for a relaxing coffee break with beautiful harbor views. They have plenty of drink options—from sweeter coffees to solid breakfast choices—so there’s something for everyone. It can get a bit busy in the mornings, but it’s totally worth the stop if you’re in the area.
ʻAiea Loop Trailhead
Aiea Loop is an easy, scenic hike where you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and even spot the H-3 highway from above. The trail can get muddy or slippery if it has rained recently, so comfortable shoes are a must. Don’t forget water and a few snacks for the walk. We recommend going early in the morning for the best weather and a quieter experience.
Waimea Bay Beach
Your main beach stop — great for swimming in summer, amazing wave-watching in winter. Tip: Arrive early for parking.
ʻEhukai Beach Park
One of our favorite sunset spots on the North Shore. The sky turns amazing pink and orange tones — perfect for relaxing, a simple picnic, and great photos. Parking is limited, so arrive early and check the sunset time before heading out. Tip: In winter, waves are big here (Pipeline), so enjoy from a safe distance.
Hale’iwa Store Lots
A great stop in Hale‘iwa for cute souvenirs — from T-shirts and magnets to local crafts. It’s an easy place to wander around, grab a treat, and pick up something to take home. Don’t skip it during your North Shore day. Tip: Parking can fill up around lunchtime, and Matsumoto Shave Ice is right next door if you want something sweet.
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is one of the best places to learn about Hawaiian history and culture. It’s beautifully curated with exhibits on Polynesian navigation, traditional Hawaiian life, and the islands’ natural history. A great indoor option for a relaxed morning or an escape from the heat. Tip: Plan 1–2 hours, check showtimes for the planetarium, and bring a light jacket — some galleries are cool inside.
Jardín Botánico Ho'omaluhia
A peaceful, scenic garden surrounded by stunning green mountains — perfect for a relaxing walk and beautiful photos. The paths are easy, and there are plenty of spots to enjoy nature. Tips: Go in the morning for clearer views, bring water, and remember that stopping on the main road for photos isn’t allowed.
Da Bald Guy
Da Bald Guy is one of those food-truck stops you simply can’t miss while on the North Shore. Our favorite is the Kalbi beef meal — it’s flavorful and filling. But everything here is worth a try!
Raised By The Waves
Our favorite spot for an açaí bowl on the North Shore — fresh, delicious, and perfect for a quick stop. Don’t miss this place!
SODABOMB
Sodabomb is a fun and refreshing stop when you’re near the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a great place to grab a tasty fizzy drink, a light snack, or cool off — ideal after exploring or before heading back to the beach.
Secret Island
Secret Island is a peaceful private beach inside Kualoa Ranch, perfect if you want a calm, relaxing spot with beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. You can sunbathe, paddle a canoe, take photos on the pier, or simply enjoy a quiet beach day away from the crowds. Tips: • You need a reservation through Kualoa Ranch. • Bring sunscreen, water, and a towel — there’s limited shade. • Arrive a little early; the boat ride to the beach is part of the experience.
Musubi Cafe IYASUME
If you’re like Mila and love trying new things — especially anything with Spam — Musubi Café is a must. You’ll find locations all around the island, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Recommendations: • Classic Spam Musubi (a simple favorite) • Spicy Spam or Teriyaki Spam • Ume or avocado variations if you want to try something different • Their bentos or onigiri for a quick, tasty snack Tip: It’s perfect for grabbing something on the go before a beach day or a hike.