Alyssa & Ryon
While You're On Island
Beach | Lanikai Beach (Great for families)
This is a great beach on the East side of the island, it can get a bit crowded, but the sand is so soft it's basically powder. It's shallow enough for families with small children, and the waters typically pretty calm. If you want to adventure a bit more, you can also rent kayaks in the shopping center and once you're at the beach there's a small island you can kayak out to.
Experience | Germaine's Luau (Fun for all)
A very popular Luau on Oahu, where you can get a one-of-a-kind experience on Island!
Fun & Educational | Bishop Museum (Perfect for kids/families and large groups)
To quote the website: Immerse yourself in Hawaiʻi’s rich culture and heritage at the premier natural and cultural history museum in the state. The Bishop Museum is such a fun place to explore, and learn about Hawai'i! You'll get field trips to the museum year-round, but many activities are hands-on, so it's a fun experience for all!
Beach & Experience | Hanauma Bay (Fun for all)
Hanauma Bay is a beautiful state park, that is perfect for people of all ages. But especially perfect for those who may want to try snorkeling, but aren't fully ready to do some deep-sea diving. You get to see a lot of marine life even if you're wading in the water! Just please don't step on the reef (:
Hike | Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail (Great for families with small children)
A short, paved hike alongside the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. This hike is great for watching the sunrise, and even if you don't make it to the top by the time the sun rises I can promise that the view is gorgeous from almost any spot! Sometimes, depending on the season you can see whales out in the distance, so definitely keep an eye out!
Fun | Wai Kai (Great for all ages)
A newer attraction on Island, and there are so many experiences you can have at Wai Kai! There's a lagoon, wave pool, and on Thursdays they have a farmers market! There are so many other events that happen at Wai Kai, but is a great experience for people of all ages!
Museum | Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Learn about both American and some Hawaiian history by visiting the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. You'll get to see artifacts, hear personal stories, and learn about the impact and response to the attack on December 7, 1941 and the Pacific region battles that followed. There are other museums in the area as well, so be sure to check those out too!
History & Museum | ʻIolani Palace
ʻIolani Palace is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian national identity and a registered National Historic Landmark. Take a tour of ʻIolani Palace! Definitely reserve your tickets and plan the tour in advance, but this is a great place to learn about the history of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy during the time of King Kalakaua who built the palace in 1882. The palace is a sacred place so please be respectful and read all the rules before scheduling your visit.
Explore & Learn | The Byodo-In Temple
Summarized from the website: The Byodo-In Temple, located at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, is open to all visitors who wish to meditate, reflect, or simply enjoy its beauty and history. Built in 1963, the Byodo-In Temple is a Hawaii state landmark and one of the state's best-kept secrets.
Fun | Waimea Valley (Great for families and kids)
Pulled directly from the website: The trail to Waimea Falls is about 3/4 of a mile and takes approximately 30 minutes. It is paved the entire way, with gentle hills. There are several gravel paths off the main corridor, for more adventurous walkers to explore all our botanical garden collections. Stop at the Hawaiian cultural sites along your way, such as Kauhale, the ancient Hawaiian living site. There, you can learn about the life and culture of early Hawaiian people. Swimming at the falls depends on the waterfall conditions each day.
Experience | Polynesian Cultural Center
Summarized from the website: There is so much to do at PCC. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers visitors interactive experiences showcasing six Polynesian cultures. Explore traditional villages, enjoy cultural performances, and savor a Hawaiian feast at their lūʻau. You can end the day with "HĀ: Breath of Life," a vibrant evening show featuring fire, song, and dance. A new canoe celebration, HUKI, returns in July 2024.
Fun & Experience | Dole Plantation (Great for Families)
Dole Whip? Train Rides? Seeing different variations of pineapple? Dole plantation is a fun place for families! You can get Dole Whip, take a photo in the big pineapple, ride the train and learn about Dole plantation, and of course, get some pineapple!
Museum | The USS Missouri Memorial
Pulled from the website: The Battleship Missouri Memorial is an American icon that stands in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Battleship welcomes visitors from around the world and is conveniently located less than three miles from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and just eleven miles from Waikiki, the USS Missouri makes for a great day trip.
Experience | Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout
Pulled From Website: The Pali Lookout, a designated viewpoint, offers an unobstructed view of the Windward Coast, highlighting landmarks such as the Kaneohe Bay and the Koolau Mountain Range. Visitors can capture the breathtaking scenery with its dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Personal Thoughts: Pali Lookout has beautiful views of the island, and you can learn a bit about it's significance to Hawaiian history. But it is VERY windy! But definitely worth stopping by while you're exploring Oahu.