Team JD
Things To Do
Koko Head Hike
Koko Crater Trail, better known as “Koko Head Stairs”, is your StairMaster workout for the day, with a rewarding panoramic view up top. 🛤 This Oahu hike will test your endurance and strength to continuously take each additional step up the mountain as you stride over 1,000 steps to reach the top! ⛰ This is where Justin proposed to Danelle on March 1 overlooking the Pacific Ocean.💍
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, also popularly knows as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is one of the most picturesque and pleasant Oahu hiking trails. 🥾This intermediate hikes rises just above beautiful Lanikai Beach, rewarding hikers with some of the best vistas of Oahu’s windward side. Lanikai Pillbox is ranked intermediate because of the steady steep grade of the uphill climb from the start of the trail head. ⛰
Diamond Head Crater Hike
The Diamond Head Summit trail hike is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. 🥾It is one of the most rewarding hikes, offering amazing 360-degree views when you reach the top.🌄 Diamond Head Crater holds the record for the longest recorded land views in the world. ⛰There is a small entrance fee for parking and visitors. $5 per car $1 per person. CASH ONLY. 💸 Park Hours 6am to 6pm everyday . Trail entrance closes at 4:30pm.
Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls Trail
🚫As of right now the trail is closed for some repairs, and should open in the next three to four months.🚫 If you're like many people who either cannot hike the strenuous trails or you're exploring with kids, you'll be relieved to know that the Manoa Falls Trail definitely falls on the "walk" end of the walk-hike spectrum, with a roundtrip distance of just 1.6 miles and an uphill grade that isn't too demanding. The trail is located just a 15-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of urban Honolulu, but once you're on its path, surrounded by the lush, verdant views of Manoa Valley, you'll feel like you're in a completely different world. Parking is free.
Waimea Bay Jumping Rock
If you are in search of a fun trip that will challenge you mentally, physically, and give you a great sense of adventure, cliff-jumping at Waimea Bay may be for you! 🧗🏻♀️Jumping off the giant rock in Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore- commonly called Jump Rock-has become almost a rite of passage for visitors to the island. 23-foot jump from the top!🏊🏻♀️ Parking tends to get filled very quickly- so make sure to come here early or you might be in for a walk. If you are not able to find parking, go across the street in Waimea Vally. On the left there is a residence, Aunty is usually sitting outside and charges 💵$10 per car 🚙(CASH only) , instead of paying $15 through Waimea Valley. Public restrooms and showers available. 🚻
Waimea Valley Falls
🌺Waimea Falls Park is ranked among some of the best Oahu hikes. It is more like a pleasurable one mile stroll through lush botanical gardens that lead up to the grand waterfall. 🌿It should take about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Waimea Falls, which is anchored at the end of the trail. You will be rewarded with the stunning presence of a 30-foot waterfall that cascades down into a large pool below. 🌊 Entrance fees Adult $18 Senior (62+) $14 Student (with college ID) $14 Child (ages 4-12) $12 Group Rage $14 (per person-group over 10 adults) Summer Hours- Open Daily from 9am to 5:30pm
One Ocean Diving
Feeling adventurous? Swim with the sharks in the Pacific Ocean with NO cage! This is Danelle’s favorite thing to do, not so much Justin’s because he always gets seasick. 🤮 Adventures of Shark Girl and Suka Boy.🌊🦈 Cost $150 and must be 4ft tall. Tours are 2 hours.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
One of the oldest and most popular shrimp trucks in North Shore. Their signature dish is the 🍤 Shrimp Scampi, marinated in olive oil, chunks of garlic, and lemon butter. Justin ALWAYS adds a Garlic Hot Dog 🌭 to his order. Unfortunately they only take CASH 💵 so don’t forget to stop by the bank before. 🏦
Matsumoto Shave Ice
🌈After eating at Giovanni’s head over and grab some of legendary Matsumoto Shave Ice. This has been a locally owned and family run business for over 60 years. Danelle always adds mochi to her shave ice. 🍧
Helena's Hawaiian Food
For the best Hawaiian food, simply and honestly prepared, a must visit on Oahu is Helena's Hawaiian Food. The James Beard Foundation award-winning restaurant was started by Helen Chock in 1946 and is ran by her grandson Craig Katsuyoshi today. The small eatery, located on North School Street in Honolulu's Kalihi Valley neighborhood, features authentic Hawaiian food prepared from traditional recipes that have gone unchanged since the restaurant's opening seven decades ago. Popular items–ordered ala carte or part of a set menu–are the house made pipikaula ribs, kalua pig, fried fish and squid luau (a seafood–coconut milk–taro leaf dish). You'll want to come back the next day. This is always our first stop after landing. The house made PIPIKAULA RIBS are our go-to dish They only take CASH 💵 so don’t forget to stop by the bank before. They are ONLY open Tuesdays- Fridays from 10am-7:30pm.
Nico's Pier 38
This open-air dining establishment also features a fish market and full bar. Freshest fish in town, local food with Nico's french twist. They offer fresh poke daily in the fish market. 🐠 This is the perfect stop after landing in Oahu, that is if Helena’s is closed. Nico’s Pier 38 is just a short 10 minute drive from the airport. Lots of free parking.✈️🚗