If you’re looking for white sand beaches and clear waters-this is your beach! Lanikai beach ranks as one of the best beaches in the world. You will have to park on the street, then pedestrian access is located through beach alley ways between the residential homes.
Busy, full of life and things to do, Waikiki Beach is a must if you’ve never visited Honolulu. After you soak up some rays, you can walk down the beach to Duke’s Barefoot Bar and grab a beer (our personal favorite is their Sea Kissed Guava Sour) without ever having to change out of your swimsuit!
Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve and one of the BEST snorkeling spots on the island. Entrance fee is $25 per person and parking is $3. You can bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent one of theirs for the day for $20. The park has changed several rules due to COVID. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. All guests must watch a 9 minute orientation video to get into the park. The orientation video requires a reservation! Visit Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation website to make your reservations.
Kahe Point, or Electric Beach, is a good snorkeling spot for VERY experienced swimmers. The waves can be high and the riptide can be strong. The snorkeling is good here, due to the electric plant (hence the nickname Electric Beach). It creates an even warmer water temperature. Although the electric plant doesn’t necessarily make for a great view, the snorkeling can be good! If you aren’t 100% confident in your ocean swimming skills, stick to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling!
Okay, hear us out. You HAVE to do this. We were both pretty nervous, but free diving (no cages) with sharks has been one of the coolest things we’ve done in Hawaii. One Ocean Diving not only makes you feel safe, but they also teach you so much about sharks and are an absolute blast. Trust us. Just do this and thank us later.
For the history buffs or really anyone who wants to learn more about the United States’ involvement in World War II. Entry into the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free and so is entry onto the USS Arizona Memorial. We do recommend getting reservation tickets to the Arizona. You can reserve tickets for the Arizona 60 days in advance. The park also releases 1,300 walk up tickets each day. If you arrive when they open you should be able to get a time to see the Arizona. There is also the USS Missouri Battleship, the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Aviation Museum. You can make a whole day out of visiting Pearl Harbor if you wanted!
Diamond Head is a dormant volcano right near Waikiki. It is a fairly easy and quick hike (1.6 miles round trip) with some of the best views of the island! If you drive into the park they charge $5 per vehicle. Otherwise you can walk into the park for $1 per person.
Maunawili Falls Trail is an awesome (and usually very muddy) hike. Total distance in and out is 3.5 miles. You’ll want to wear sturdy shoes with good traction and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a swimsuit...you’ll want to swim in the falls and jump off the rocks!
Hands down the BEST poke bowls. This is right up the street from Waikiki Beach, so grab a bowl full of fresh fish and go chill on the beach! Prices are super affordable too. A large is $12.50 and it’s a TON of fish.
Another amazing place to grab poke, just this time on the east side of the island! Ask for the kitchen sink.
A North Shore staple! The garlic shrimp is amazing. Make sure to sign the truck while you’re there.
One of the most well known shave ice spots on the island. The lines can get long but it’s worth it. This is located in the small historic town of Haleiwa on North Shore. Tons of fun shops line the streets!