Kelsey & Nicholas
EXPLORE OAHU
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Visit Pearl Harbor to explore one of the top things to do in Honolulu. With opening hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., plan your attractions, and get helpful tips to make the most of your visit. Don't forget to experience the rich history at the memorial site, before the last shuttle to the USS Arizona departs at 3:00 p.m. Pearl Harbor is closed on Thanksgiving.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Visiting is a must do! Strolling or driving through these lush 400 acres in windward O‘ahu, you will truly agree that Ho‘omaluhia is rightfully named “a peaceful refuge." Opened in 1982, this garden in Kāne‘ohe features plantings from major tropical regions around the world grouped geographically. Open 9am-4pm and is FREE.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a stunning and unique destination located on the southeastern side of Oahu, Hawaii. The bay is protected by vertical crater walls and a peripheral reef which help keep the water calm and tranquil, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and observing marine life. Visitors can expect to see hundreds of species of fish, coral, and other aquatic creatures while exploring Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Online reservations can be made 2 days in advance starting at 7:00am Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST). Tickets are on high demand and are very limited. They could sell out as fast as 5 minutes after reservations are available. Admission is $25 per person, $3 per vehicle to park. Reservations required. Closed Monday & Tuesdays Park. Opens at 6:45 am and closes at 4:00 pm with no entry after 2 pm. https://pros4.hnl.info/hanauma-bay
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikīkī’s coastline. Hawai‘i’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance. Because the park gets busy at certain times during the day and may sell out, please book your reservations as soon as possible to avoid missing out. $5 per person, Parking is $1.00. Open 6:00am – 6:00pm daily with last entry period is 4:00 pm. Must enter and be on the trail by 4:30 pm.
Makapu‘u Lighthouse Road
The Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail is the second most popular of all the O‘ahu hiking trails, next to the Diamond Head Hike. This easy to moderate summit trail is definitely one of the most memorable, with stunning views overlooking Makapu‘u Beach, Koko Head, the windward coast, and Moloka‘i & Lana‘i neighboring islands. You will also discover some exciting points of interest along the way including Makapu‘u Point, old military pillboxes, giant tide pools, a hidden blowhole, and the popular Makapu‘u lighthouse landmark. Bring suncreen and water! This hike will take about 1-2 hours. Free and no reservations required.
Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki
Nick and Kelsey's FAVORITE resturant on the island! There are two locations- one in Ko'Olina and one in Waikiki. The Waikiki location (in the Outrigger hotel) serves breakfast and we highly recommend the blueberry lilikoi pancakes. They open at 7am and we recommend getting there at opening if you are jet-lagged for an awesome oceanside dining experience. They have live music daily so check the schedule. Rumor has it they are the best mai tais on island!
Barefoot Beach Cafe @ Queen's Surf Beach
At the far end of Waikiki near Diamond Head, you can find Barefoot Beach Cafe oceanside. Food is awesome, views are awesome! Kelsey recommends the garlic shrimp and Nick loves the kualoa pork plate. Don't forget some pineapple and dole whip for dessert too!
Waiola Shave Ice
Kelsey and Nick were not believers in shaved ice until they had Wailoa. This is THE spot for shaved ice. Kelsey recommends the POG with ice cream at the bottom and Nick recommends lilikoi and guava with condensed milk on top.
Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Open daily from 9:30am – 5:30pm. (Attractions close at 5pm). We highly recommend getting some fresh pineapple and dole whip!
Chief's Luau
Sip a Mai Tai cocktail and sink your teeth into a lavish Hawaiian feast, a sumptuous blend of traditional luau foods blended with Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. And finally, enjoy a thrilling Polynesian show with a fire finale you’ll remember for a lifetime. This is the first luau Kelsey and Nick went to during their Thanksgiving trip in 2019. While it is pricey, it is a awesome experience and we highly recommend this particular luau!
Kona Brewing Co.
Good beer, good food and even better atmosphere! The pub is set on the docks of the Koko Marina and provides outstanding views of the marina and its lush, green backdrop. What’s more, the outdoor seating area and full length windows allow for a relaxed, airy atmosphere, and the 48-tap beer delivery system never disappoints. No reservations accepted.
North Shore (Sharks Cove)
Roughly a one-hour drive from Waikīkī, the North Shore is also home to a variety of accommodation options. Stretching for more than 7 miles, the famous beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November - December). Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers. We love to snorkel at Shark's Cove (direclty across from one of our favorite food trucks, Pupukea Grill. Make sure to get a fresh coconut water on your drive.
Marugame Udon
The reviews speak for themselves. Their is always a line but it moves fast! This is Nick's favorite place so he can give all the suggestions!
Iolani Palace
‘Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil. It is the official residence of Hawai‘i’s monarchy - a marvel of opulence, innovation & political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalākaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani, walked its celebrated halls. The bride and groom have never been so take them with you!
Kualoa Ranch
**Please use promo code ORTEGA20 for 20% any activites at Kualoa. Valid for tours from 11/22/2024 – 12/6/2024** Not only is Kualoa Ranch the location of our wedding, it is also a one-stop adventure playground. Stretching from the verdant folds of the Ko‘olau Mountains to the tropical sea, the 4,000-acre working cattle ranch is one of the largest tracts of accessible nature on O‘ahu and offers visitors a huge variety of ways to interact with Hawai‘i’s stunning landscapes, from ATV rides and zipline adventures to film site tours. The property is divided into two areas: the northerly Ka‘a‘awa Valley with its many movie locations, and Hakipu‘u Valley, fronted by an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond and the site’s Secret Island Beach.