Amanda Victoria & Alex Joaquin
Things to Do on Oahu
Kualoa Ranch
VISIT JURASSIC VALLEY & SKULL ISLAND AT KUALOA OAHU Visiting Kualoa Ranch Is A Must Do! This is an amazing valley on the island of Oahu which is home to some of the most famous sites you have ever seen on TV or in the movies. This classic location nicknamed “Jurassic Valley” has been the filming site of the blockbuster films like Jurassic Park, King Kong, Hawaii 5-0 to local new treasure-hunt movies like Finding Ohana. Here on the ranch you can do Jurassic Park movie tours, take a jungle expedition, go on a UTV ride, soar through the canopy on a zip line, take a mountain bike around the trails or even enjoy a nice long horseback ride. Choose 2 or more options to make a full day of it!
Waimea Valley
Located on Wamiea Valley Road, across from Waimea Bay, this beautiful treasure is rich in Hawaiian history and cultural sites, nestled in a stunning botanical garden. Experience more than 5,000 botanicals along a paved path to the 45-foot waterfall. Along the way there are cultural practitioners and artisans sharing various native Hawaiian practices. Waimea Valley is a lush 1,875 acre privately owned property and a non-profit organization. Open daily 9am to 5pm from September to May and 9am to 5:30pm in the summer.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction, has 6 island villages representing the unique island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. Set on 42 acres along Oahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a lagoon that hosts daily canoe tours. Our award-winning Ali’i Luau featuring our 'Onipa'a show honoring our last monarch. Visit our Hukilau Marketplace to shop for various Hawaiian and island-themed centered handiworks, clothing, jewelry, and treats. End your day by attending our show “Ha: Breath of Life”, featuring traditional song and dance, fire-filled performances, dramatic special effects and the power of surround sound. The Polynesian Cultural Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 12:45a - 9:00p. (Closed Sundays & Wednesdays)
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a stunning and unique destination located on the southeastern side of Oahu, Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone, this pristine marine ecosystem offers visitors an amazing place to snorkel and explore the diverse wildlife that inhabit the area. The bay is protected by vertical crater walls and a peripheral reef which help keep the water calm and tranquil, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and observing marine life. Visitors can expect to see hundreds of species of fish, coral, and other aquatic creatures while exploring Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Ko Olina Lagoons
Ko Olina encompasses 642 acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views and a string of jewel-like lagoons connected by more than a mile and a half of seaside pathways. The resort has four lovely beach coves or we like to say lagoons. The fourth and last lagoon is best for visitors! It has the biggest parking lot that has an ample amount of space. Ko Olina continues to set new standards for luxury vacation resorts with its mix of like-minded resort partners that include Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina; Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club; and the Beach Villas at Ko Olina. It is also home to the award-winning Ko Olina Golf Club and the Ko Olina Marina, Hawaii’s only private deep-draft marina. We aspire to be a role model for sustainable resort communities around the world. While it is a privilege to share Hawaii’s natural gifts, the ocean, aina (land) and sky, we are mindful of our responsibility to care for the environment we celebrate every day.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center
Visit historical Pearl Harbor to better understand this monumental site in the history of the United States. Here you can board the USS Arizona Memorial, view footage and learn about the history behind the attacks, and explore the memorials and museums located at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Maili Pillbox Hike
This one of Amanda's favorite hikes on Oahu! The Pink Pillbox hike on Oahu (also known as the Maili Pillbox or the Pu’u O Hulu Trail ), is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and overlooks the crashing cerulean waves along the Waianae coast on the West Side of Oahu. is best in the afternoon right before sunset. This time is perfect because it is not too hot and you catch the most beautiful sunset overlooking the water. This hike is not paved and can be strenuous but is well worth the hike up!