Things To Do

Germaine's Luau

Chief's Luau

Polynesian Cultural Center

Located on the North Shore the Polynesian Cultural Center is a must visit attraction! At the Polynesian Cultural Center, explore an immersive world of vibrant and diverse cultures across the Pacific Islands. Here visitors can explore six island villages representing different Pacific Island cultures, engage in activities including luaus and shows, and enjoy authentic cuisine.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a gorgeous wineglass-shaped bay situated on the southeastern side of Oahu near Hawaii Kai, tucked into the sheltered side of Koko Head. The bay is secluded and tranquil in the early morning, but during the day becomes a very popular place for locals and visitors. Reservations are required to snorkel so be sure to book ahead of time. The bay has excellent snorkeling with 400 species of fish known to inhabit the bay, and it is also known for its abundance of green sea turtles or honus. Reservations can only be made 2 days before you want to go and open at 7am. Once open, spots usually sell out within 30 minutes so it's a bit tricky to get them! Cost is $25 pp to enter but you also have to pay for snorkel and life jacket if you don't have your own. It's also closed Monday and Tuesday so if you want to go be sure to plan around that.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

"Attractions at Pearl Harbor Immerse yourself for a part or more of the day in five historic sites that compose Pearl Harbor today. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is a free attraction at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a unit of the US National Park Service (NPS). It is also the gateway to the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites: Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. To make reservations for the audio and VR tours, go to pacifichistoricparks.org; You can also email tours@pacifichistoricparks.org; or call 808-954-8759 or toll free (U.S. and Canada) at 1-866-332-1941. And a reminder: these programs DO NOT include the boat tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial. To book those $1 tickets go to recreation.gov" https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/central-oahu/pearl-harbor

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamondhead is a state park where you have the opportunity to hike up .8 miles up the volcano to the top of the crater for postcard worthy views. You need to make a reservation to enter the park and the entry fee is $5 per person.

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a stunning location with something for everyone! It is where the Jurassic Park movie was filmed and you can take an ATV tour to see the various filming locations. There is horseback riding, ziplining, biking, ocean tours, and much much more. It's a stunningly beautiful location on the Northshore of Oahu.

Dole Plantation

Come visit the Dole Plantation and see how pineapples are grown and have a delicious Dole Whip! If you are looking for pineapple themed merch, this is your place! :)

Byodo-In Temple

"The Byodo-In Temple is arguably one of the prettiest places on Oahu. The temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple (though it is non-functioning in the traditional sense) that was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in Hawaii. The temple itself is a replica of an authentic 900-year-old temple in Japan. Visiting Byodo-In felt like I was really back in Japan, just with the stunning backdrop of Oahu’s mountains adding to the scene instead. At the very least, drop by and take a photo here!" https://readysetjetset.net/quick-guide-to-oahu-hawaii/

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is a free beach in Kaʻōhao, Hawaii, known for its calm waters, scenic views, and offshore islands. It's located on the windward coast of Oahu, in the town of Kailua. Known for it's calm waters and scenic views, the beach is a popular spot for watching sunrises and moonrises, and for viewing the Mokulua Islands. The waters at the edge of the beach are a natural feeding ground for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Getting there: From Honolulu, the drive to Lanikai Beach takes about 30–45 minutes without traffic There is no parking lot, only free street parking The best parking option is the nearby Kailua Beach Park parking lots When to go: To avoid crowds, it's best to visit before 8 AM, and avoid weekends and school holidays There are no lifeguards on duty, and no public restrooms or showers available

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

"The word Hoʻomaluhia means “to make a place of peace and tranquility,” and this garden is rightfully named. Opened in 1982, the park was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for the town of Kaneohe. But aside from offering protection, Hoʻomaluhia also is an oasis. What’s In the Garden Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden features plantings from major tropical regions around the world grouped geographically. You will find plants from the Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical America, India and Sri Lanka, Melanesia, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa." Entrance to the botanical garden is free. https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/blog/ho%CA%BBomaluhia-botanical-garden/

Kaneohe Sandbar

"Located off the coast of Oahu, this breathtaking destination is a hot spot for both locals and visitors. When the tide is at its lowest, the sandbar extends over a mile and transforms into a pristine dry beach. Kaneohe Sandbar has been a part of Hawaiian history for centuries. The island is home to a wide variety of fish and other marine life. Kaneohe Sandbar has attracted visitors for centuries due to its breathtaking beauty and abundance of recreational activities. You haven’t experienced snorkeling until you’ve tried it at Kaneohe Bay! With crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s no wonder why this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but you’ll also find an abundance of marine life to explore. From colorful tropical fish to sea turtles, there’s something new waiting around every corner. Kaneohe Sandbar is not only a paradise for experienced snorkelers or divers – it’s a great spot for beginner swimmers too."

Turtle Canyon

"Turtle Canyon, nestled off the coast of Oahu, stands as a snorkeling haven, particularly renowned for its green sea turtles. Situated a mere one and a half miles from the bustling Waikiki shores, this aquatic paradise is readily accessible through a brief yet picturesque boat journey."

Waikīkī Beach

"One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikīkī Beach boasts more than four million visitors every year and breathtaking views of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head). The Duke Kahanamoku statue welcomes you to Waikīkī, one of the best places in Hawaiʻi to learn how to surf or paddle a canoe thanks to its small but long-lasting wave break. Spanning a two-mile stretch, Waikīkī is actually made up of a few beaches, including Fort DeRussy Beach to the west, Waikīkī Beach (fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Westin Moana Surfrider), Kūhiō Beach (along Kalākaua Avenue) and Queen Surf Beach, home to quieter stretches on the Lēʻahi Head side of Waikīkī. Visitor Helpful Hint: Waikīkī Beach, Duke’s Beach, Kūhiō Beach and Queen’s Surf Beach in Waikīkī are all small beaches that interconnect into one larger beach. So you can enjoy several of these beaches in one day if you so desire!"

Toa Luau

Waikiki Friday Fireworks

This weekly fireworks bonanza happening on Duke Kahanamoku Beach has been a long-standing tradition since 1988. The 10-minute show can be seen from various parts of the neighborhood, but the best vantage point is on Waikiki Beach—between the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Outrigger Reef.