Things To Do
Kailua Farmers' Market
A favorite of the many farmer's markets on O'ahu! This one's located at the heart of my hometown and is a great spot to grab dinner and goods from one of the many vendors, enjoy the live music, and buy fresh island produce!
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
"Located at Hawaii’s largest sports venue, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is a place where families can gather to share their cultural diversity with pride and a feeling of Aloha. Since 1979, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet has become Hawaii’s premier outdoor market, featuring over 400 vendors, crafters, artists from all over the world, a true melting pot of Aloha." HOURS OF OPERATION Wednesdays: 8:00am – 3:00pm Saturdays: 8:00am – 3:00pm Sundays: 6:30am – 3:00pm
Diamond Head Crater Hike
Get amazing panoramic views of the south side of O'ahu from the top of this classic 1.6 mile round-trip hike! This hike is rated as moderate and try to do this one early as the parking lot fills up fast and can tend to be crowded, especially on the weekend!
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Located in Kiana's hometown of Kailua, this is the hike she grew up doing the most. This hike (also known as the Ka'iwa Ridge Trail) is roughly 1.5 miles RT with about 500 ft of elevation gain to go to both the first and second pillboxes. You are rewarded with a stunning panoramic vista of the windward side of the island, featuring Kailua Town, Na Mokulua Islands, and the Ko'olau mountain range! The pillboxes served as Coast Artillery observation stations during WWII; so please be respectful and don't follow suit of the many others who have left trash and grafiti at the sites. Plan for it to be very busy on the weekends and try to avoid hiking this trail when wet. There is no designated parking lots, rather, park where allowed on residential streets and walk to the trailhead.
Manoa Falls Trail
This hike gains 600ft of elevation over 1.5 miles round trip and takes you to a stunning 100ft waterfall at the end. There is a $5 fee for parking and, as expected, is extremely crowded on the weekends.
Kailua Beach Adventures
Kayak, surfboard, bike, and snorkel rentals here!! You can sign up for kayaking tours out to the famous Mokulua Islands (Twin Islands) or Popoia Island (Flat Island) in Kailua or or just go out exploring on your own!
Shark’s Cove Snorkeling
One of the best spots on O'ahu to go see some amazing ocean wildlife! Please do not step on the fragile reef, respect the wildlife (it is illegal to touch the Honu and Hawaiian Monk Seals), and be wary of rip currents and large surf!
Dole Plantation
The land of pineapples! Get a train or garden tour of the plantation, have a taste of some of the best pineapples you will ever have, and get lost in the plantation garden maze!
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The visitor center, two museums, and USS Arizona Memorial require are free to all guests but require a $1 reservation fee to secure your program time online at the listed web address. The visitor center is open 7am-5pm, 7 days a week with program times starting at 8am and the last one being at 3:30pm. Review the nps.gov website for additional information!
Polynesian Cultural Center
Learn more about Hawai'i culture and history as well as that of many other Polynesian Islands and their overlapping influence on each other!
Bishop Museum
Learn more about and gain a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian history, culture, and environment with a visit to the extraordinary exhibits at the Bishop Museum!
Moke's Bread & Breakfast
My favorite breakfast spot!
Foodland Kailua
You want top notch fresh poke/poke bowls at a great price?! Hit up any Foodland Poke bar on the island EXCEPT at Ala Moana shopping mall; they will price gouge you there!
ChadLou's Coffee Roasters
Our family friend's own this coffee shop with amazing coffee and food!
Liliha Bakery Waikiki
Some of the greatest variety of favorite local and classic desserts and pastries!
Cinnamon's Restaurant Kailua
This place is another favorite breakfast spot! I grew up going here and they are still knocking it out of the ball park! (Get the Guava Chiffon pancakes!!)
Island Snow Hawaii
Best Shave Ice!
Banzai Bowls Haleiwa
There are so many wonderful acai and smoothie places all over the island but this spot is one of my favorites! Massive, quality acai bowls on the North Shore!
Leonard's Bakery
Malasadas are as popular in Hawai'i as Krispy Cremes are in California! Aside from the spam musubi, this sugar-coated, fried hunk of Portuguese sweet bread is another must-try while you're here! There are a few Leonard's food trucks around the island as well including Kaneohe!
Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts
If you're headed up to the North Shore (or not) visit the Macadamia Nut Farm on the way and take one of Hawai'i's largest exports back home with you! You've probably had mac nuts before but not like this!