A list of some of our favorite things to do around the island.
South Shore
Diamond Head State Monument (hike)
This iconic hike is a paved but steep ascent to amazing views of the south shore. There are also some historical features and a bunker at the top. You’ll need to make a reservation, and reserve parking if driving. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can take The Bus or Uber part way and it’s a 10-15 walk the rest of the way. Go early, as it’s fairly exposed and gets hot.
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
Honolulu Zoo
Small but well-curated zoo featuring a variety of animals native to Hawaii. Good for families, there is an entrance fee. It’s located at the end of Waikiki near Kapiolani Park/Queen’s beach. Check out the nene enclosure to see this endangered bird up close. These are the birds Saf drew on our wedding logo.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jMUkXbCgKsR1WNux9
Queen’s Beach
Far end of Waikiki, less crowded and more parking available, this is the local’s beach. There are also beach volleyball courts. You’ll see folks jumping off the wall into the surging tide. Try at your own risk!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZoqAPzN9AKGocW738
Magic Island
A small beach cove located in between Ala Moana and Waikiki. Kind of like a swimming pool! See Diamond Head with less crowd, have a picnic in the shaded park.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JYy14PuCEJ6oLWko8
Bishop Museum
Great historical museum, with something for all ages.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6VDBrZ5qAywLF4jS8
Honolulu Museum of Art
Art museum with excellent permanent galleries highlighting Asian art. Rotating galleries of contemporary Hawaiian art, and a theater which shows indie films. There are tranquil courtyards throughout, and it can be a great place to read a book with a coffee from the cafe.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/quqTtDtBNcLegdpV8
Iolani Palace and Historical Sites
If you’re staying at the AC downtown and you like history, there’s lots to see in the immediate vicinity. Iolani Palace is right around the corner and offers guided tours (we’ve never been), and further up the road are the Missionary Houses and the Honolulu Hale (city hall).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zpt4LqBN2Vatvxb49
Chinatown/Art Galleries
Chinatown is a great place to experience some of the creativity an entrepreneurship that Hawaii has to offer. There are a few galleries around Chinatown worth seeing, with rotating displays. The link below leads to an art walk map. Between the galleries, shopping, and snacking, it can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Check out Kaiao Space, head over to Single Double, Saf’s favorite vintage store, and then grab a matcha next door from Please Come Again. Chinatown is also a great place to get a tattoo! Our friend’s favorite shop is Lilium Tattoo, they often have Friday flash deals. Go early to avoid crowds.
https://hichinatown.com/art-galleries
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Located inside of a Caldera lies a beautifully landscaped cemetery and monument to the US Military's missing from WWII, Korea, Vietnam conflicts with many famous graves such as Senator Daniel Inouye and other members of the 442nd Japanese American RCT. Great views of Honolulu from the uppermost point . Parking inside the cemetery. (Fun fact, Wellington used to support the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the NMCP memorializes those missing and as well as inters those unidentified service members here)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yfRT3ugKFS8RtRGfA
East Side
Kokohead Crater Railway (hike) - a hardcore, bordering on masochist, hike. approx. 1000 feet of vert on a dusty wooden stairmaster in the unyielding sun. Nice views and you will forever have my respect.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead - Google Maps
Hanauma Bay - a picturesque beginner and intermediate snorkeling destination. It's busy with tourists, and non-locals need to book 48-Hour advanced reservations at 7am HST daily in advance. It's worth the $25, as it is also a very nice beach.
Hanauma Bay State Park - Hours • Pricing • Activities
The Blowhole - Roadside stop with views of Sandy's beach and also a small hike down to a beach cove.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/atvrNg9YBhnLUsjBA
Waimanalo Beach - a magnificent stretch of fluffy sand framed by the jagged Koolau mountains. Nearby is the quiet, secret Kaiona beach which is a small peaceful stretch of sand with some decent snorkeling. Rumor has it, that President Obama owns a house on this beach.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aTHNn4nD2gqyKEZAA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oNAMEzrR6CyY291o9
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout - a quick roadside stop and 5 min walk on top of the Pali (mountain) with incredible views of the windward side. (I personally never once pay for parking at the meter, but that's just me)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jtgzk6zjjepkjFN18
The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail (hike) - fully paved with a mellow grade, go in the morning to beat the sun. Incredible views.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/atvrNg9YBhnLUsjBA
West Side
Ka'ena Point (hike) - you can access the western most point of the island with trailheads on both sides, at the very tip is a bird sanctuary and a jaw droppingly beautiful beach with criss-crossing waves. Good place to spot a monk seal. Note there is no shade and the entire hike is fully exposed to the sun so plan accordingly.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lp9PKNsESGpKup4e8
West side guided Dolphin Snorkel - pods of spinner dolphins reside along the west side coast, tour operators will take you out on a small boat and drop you into the middle of them. It's open ocean snorkeling with generally great visibility and dolphins are guaranteed. Just FYI most dolphins just aren't that interested in people, but it's definitely worthwhile for a wild dolphin encounter.
Dolphin Excursions | Oahu Dolphin Snorkel & Whale Watching
Kahe "Electric" Beach - This is the best snorkeling spot on Oahu for only experienced, strong snorkelers. A 250 yard swim off shore takes you to the opening of a hot water vent from the power plant where large schools of fish and turtles coalesce. The density of wildlife is exceptional. A gradual sloping reef that goes down to approx. 35 feet. Be mindful of not leaving anything on your car seats at this location. I always bring a floatation device when I snorkel such as a pool noodle, boogie board, or some other inflatable device to hang onto if you get tired, it can save lives.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LZyRobbLJJT4bPBS9
North Shore
Pupukea - a large ancient Hawaiian fish pond is now an ideal protected beginners snorkeling spot at about 2 or 3 feet deep for most of the area. It's free unlike Hanauma bay, though parking can be a challenge. I always bring a floatation device when I snorkel such as a pool noodle, boogie board, or some other inflatable device to hang onto if you get tired, it can save lives.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BR78pp8ijZd7zfaL9
Shark Cage Snorkeling - there are several operators, including one cageless, Mostly Galapagos sharks, with an occasional Sandbar or Tiger shark as well as other pelagic fish. They get very close. I like this one:
Hawaii Shark Encounters: Thrilling Shark Tours
Waimea Valley - A beautiful paved garden walk, with a waterfall at the end which you can swim in. There is an entrance fee associated with the park.
Big Wave Shrimp - Saf’s favorite shrimp truck. Guy Fieri visited here!
Laniakea Beach - You can see turtles here lounging on the beach in the early aftermoon.