Things To Do
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Shave ice is Erin's FAVORITE dessert. The line is worth the wait, we promise! Get ice cream and li-hing mui powder - you won't regret it.
Lanikai Beach
The most instagrammable and instagrammed beach. Truly beautiful - also near a pillbox hike if you want to get some exercise in before you suntan.
Kualoa Ranch
Ever seen Jurassic Park? Wanna live it? Minus the dinosaurs, of course.
Diamond Head
An excellent beginner hike with gorgeous views.
Koko Head
A VERY DIFFICULT hike. It's basically lunges uphill for a mile on an old abandoned railroad. It's awful. Sean loves it. Erin cried the first time she did it. The view is unlike absolutely anything. So are the endorphins - hence the reason we've done it more than once.
Ala Moana Center
A large shopping mall downtown with a mix of different shops, ranging from luxury items to fun souvenirs. They also have an excellent food court with the best Japanese pastries.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is home to both Waimea Beach and Waimea Falls. All beautiful in their own right. Waimea Falls is a botanical garden. Waimea Beach is great for relaxing or body surfing - parking is limited, but worth the wait.
Sea Life Park Hawaii
A family aquarium with sea life encounters!
Haleiwa
Historic North Shore town! Known for Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Matsumoto's Shave Ice, Aoki's Shave Ice, and gorgeous beaches. Very walkable town with cute one-of-a-kind shops.
Dole Plantation
Sean still hasn't taken Erin here, even though she's asked about it a million times. A historic pineapple plantation with a train ride and a 3-acre garden maze. Sean would like to remind everyone that Dole Whip, while delicious, is not a Hawaii thing. It's a Disney thing.
Polynesian Cultural Center
An immersive educational center where you can learn about the history of Hawaii and Polynesian Culture.