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/

Magic Island

A small beach cove located in between Ala Moana and Waikiki. See Diamond Head with less crowd, and stroll around the park to cool off in the shade.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JYy14PuCEJ6oLWko8

Bishop Museum

Honolulu Museum of Art

Iolani Palace and Historical Sites

Chinatown/Art Galleries - Hawaii is an incredibly artistic place, and Chinatown is a great place to experience some of that. 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! The most iconic shop is the Our friend’s favorite shop is Lilium Tattoo, they often have Friday flash deals. Go early to avoid crowds.

https://hichinatown.com/art-galleries

East Side

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

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

Big Wave Shrimp

Laniakea Beach