Kaitlyn & Rudi
Things To Do
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area on the southeast coast of Oahu, known for its pristine waters and exceptional snorkeling. Strict reservation and conservation rules are in place to preserve the delicate marine ecosystem after years of heavy visitor traffic. *Please note this location is not free: - adults $25 - kids 12 and under free - parking $3 Please see the website for reservations.
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation began in 1901 as the Hawaiian Pineapple Company founded by James Dole, who established the world's largest pineapple plantation. What is now the Dole Plantation tourist attraction started in 1950 as a small fruit stand and became a living museum in 1989, showcasing the history of the pineapple industry and the life of its founder. Activities include: - pineapple maze - historical train ride - dole whip!!
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch offers a wide range of tours and activities, including the popular Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, Jurassic Adventure Tour, horseback riding, ATV expeditions, ziplining, and ocean voyage tours. This is also the venue of the wedding!! Please see the website for pricing on tours.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, commemorates the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, which initiated the U.S. entry into World War II. The site is managed by the National Park Service and includes several memorials that honor the lives lost. Tickets must be reserved ahead of time for the memorial! Also check out the submarine and aviation museums! Please see the website below for reservations.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Established on Oahu, Hawaii, in 1982 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood protection and as a peaceful refuge, which is reflected in its name. The 400-acre garden features diverse collections of tropical plants from around the world, grouped into different zones like Philippine, Malaysian, and Hawaiian sections, and includes a large lake and walking paths. Please see the website below for reservations.
Byodo-In Temple
The Byōdō-in Temple in Uji, Japan, was built in 1052 as a religious complex from a nobleman's villa and is famous for its "Phoenix Hall" and as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii is a concrete replica of this original, constructed in 1968 to commemorate the centennial of Japanese immigration to Hawaii and the integration of Japanese culture into the state. See website below for reservations
Haleiwa Historic Town
Haleiwa's history is rooted in the early 20th-century sugar plantations, which transformed it into a significant industrial and tourist center starting with the 1898 opening of the Haleiwa Hotel and a railway from Honolulu.
Polynesian Cultural Center
This a living museum and cultural attraction on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, showcasing the diverse cultures of Polynesia through six island villages: Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, and Tonga. Here you can explore this island villages, engage in hands-on activities like fire knife dancing, and book a lu’au with evening shows. Please see the website pricings
Green World Coffee Farm
Green World Coffee Farm, established around 2013-2014, began on land previously used for pineapple cultivation in Oahu, Hawaii. After purchasing the property, the new owners worked with the University of Hawaii to restore the acidic soil, transforming it into fertile ground for growing Red Catuai and Kona Typica coffee trees. The farm now features around 7,000 coffee trees on 7 acres, a public garden, a cafe, and a gift shop, offering tours and roasting locally grown beans along with those imported from other regions Great coffee and cute merchandise! They also offer coffee farm tours. ** side note, this is the coffee Rudi brought Kaitlyn on their first date
Liliha Bakery Waikiki
Liliha Bakery is an iconic bakery and diner in Honolulu, Hawaii, famous for its baked goods, especially its Coco Puffs and Chantilly cake. Established in 1950, it has expanded to multiple locations on Oahu, offering both classic pastries and a full menu of local comfort food.
Shark’s Cove
Another famous (and free!) snorkeling spot located on the North Shore of Oahu. Located within the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, it is known for its clear water, abundant marine life, and unique underwater lava rock formations. *you can rent or buy snorkels in various locations on island
Sunset Beach Park
This is a world-renowned surf spot famous for huge winter waves and big-wave surfing competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. In the calmer summer months, the beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply enjoying its two-mile stretch of sand, beautiful sunsets, and amenities such as restrooms and showers * North Shore waves can be large and you should not go swimming when signs are posted
Laniakea Beach
A famous beach known for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) sunbathing after eating limu on the reef! There are volunteers at the beach making sure the honu are protected! Below is a website for Mālama i Nā Honu (Save the Turtles). Here you can donate to the cause, read more information on these protected animals, and even see pictures and names of the turtles they are protecting!!
Waikīkī Beach
This is the birthplace of modern surfing and a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and learning to paddle outrigger canoes Arrive early in the morning for the best beach access and a quiet experience as this beach gets pretty full, pretty quickly!
Waimea Bay
This a famous beach and big-wave surfing spot on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, known for its massive winter waves and calm summer waters. It is home to the legendary Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big-wave surfing contest and is a popular location for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping, especially during the summer months Parking is limited, but free. There are bathrooms and showers on site! Please be mindful of the waves wherever you are swimming. If you are not a strong swimmer, don’t go in the water! No harm in enjoying from the beach :)
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is a beautiful, residential-area beach on Oahu's windward coast in Kailua, Hawaii, known for its soft white sand, clear waters, and views of the Mokulua Islands. While free to access through public pathways, parking can be challenging, so visiting on weekdays or going early/late is recommended.
Diamond Head
This a moderately difficult, 1.6-mile out-and-back trail with a 560-foot elevation gain, leading to a summit with panoramic views of Waikiki Make sure to reserve ahead of time. Entry is $5 per person and $10 for parking for non-residents. Look at the website above for reservation information!
Lanikai Pillbox Trail
A popular hike on the windward side of the island! For my adventurous friends and family, this hike is about 1.8 miles out-and-back that is moderately difficult. As always, hike at your own risk! Parking is limited street parking with a short walk to the hike. Please be mindful that you are parking on streets where people live, so be gracious and live with aloha!
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
This is a highly challenging 1.6-mile roundtrip hike in Oahu, Hawaii, that ascends over 1,000 steps of a steep former railway, offering panoramic views of the coastline and Hamoa Bay. This hike is not for the faint of heart! If attempting this hike, please go early in the morning and bring water!
Mānoa Falls Trail
This a 1.6-mile, easy-to-moderate hike on Oahu, Hawaii, leading through a lush tropical rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall. This is a muddy/slippery trail, so bring shoes with good traction! There’s free parking at the trailhead.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
This is a moderate 2-mile roundtrip paved path that offers spectacular ocean and coastline views, including out to the Makapuʻu Lighthouse and neighboring islands. Parking is free but limited! It’s recommended to start this hike at opening time, 8 am.
Waimea Falls
Accessing the falls involves a short, paved, 3/4-mile walk through the botanical gardens, though a shuttle is available for purchase. General admission for adults is $25 per person, $20 for ages 62+