Top 10 Places to Visit on Oahu, Hawaii
1. Hanauma Bay
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Beach
Time Breakdown: 3 hours total. It takes about 30 minutes to sit through the mandatory presentation about the bay’s history and some basics on how not to be a bad person while visiting.
Cost: $7.50 per ticket, $1 parking, bring scuba gear or rent there for about $15
Why it’s Great: This is hands down one of my favorite snorkeling places. You will always see colorful fish and cool coral (don’t touch), and you might even see a turtle (really don’t touch). Be sure to look up every five minutes or so because you’ll be so mesmerized with following the fish that you’ll cross the entire bay without knowing it.
Things to Note: Bathrooms available. Bring a towel to dry off and spare change of clothes. If you’re going to be going to different beaches, I recommend buying a snorkel set for the whole week (around $40) instead of going through the rental process over and over again for about $10 a pop. We took an Uber here from Honolulu but check with your hotel because they might have a shuttle.
For more information: https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/
2. Pearl Harbor
Historical Site, Museum
Time Breakdown: 2-6 hours total. 75 minutes for the Arizona Tour. Longer for the other ones.
Cost: Free (USS Arizona). $7.50 for (USS Arizon Headsets Tour). $65 (All the sites + USS Arizona).
Why it’s Great: This deeply historical place provides not only a lesson in American and World history, but instills a deep sense of reverence. It’s pretty hard not to come away affected. Plus, the tour of the ship/submarine/Naval equipment is impressive to see up close.
Things to Note: You must make reservations at least a couple days in advance.
For more information: https://www.recreation.gov/showPage.do?name=landing&landing=/htm/pearlharbor/home.jsp&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72369
3. Kaneohe Bay
Kayak, Boat
Time Breakdown: 4 hours. Takes 30 minutes to pickup kayaks, park, put kayaks in water. Kayak 20 minutes to the sandbar. Enjoy sandbar and area for couple hours. Kayak back 20 minutes. Returning kayaks takes another 30 minutes.
Cost: $59 per kayak
Why it’s Great: A sandbar island in the middle of a beautiful clear blue water bay with the Jurassic Park mountains in the background. This is the place that you thought someone photoshopped into existence, but I’m here to tell you, it’s real. While kayaking out, you’ll get to play my favorite Hawaii game called “Turtle or Rock?” … Is that rock moving?! You’ll see plenty on this trip and some have even spotted sharks (if you’re into that).
Things to Note: Check the tide the day before to plan for the perfect NEGATIVE TIDE day. I repeat, if it is not a negative tide, then the sand will not be showing. If you plan on paddling all the way to the islands (you’ll see them), I recommend brings a dry sack as you have to go past a mini barrier of waves and the chances of tipping are pretty high. Hat, sunscreen, water, the usual. Bring a football to throw around. Boats available to rent to take out here too (though I don’t have boat supplier recommendations).
For more information: https://www.kailuasailboards.com/activities/kayaking-in-kaneohe/
4. North Shore
Turtle Beach, Food Trucks, Big Wave Surfing, Waimea Bay
Time Breakdown: 1-2 days
Cost: Beaches are free, Dole Plantations costs money, around $10 meals at food trucks, $13 drinks at Turtle Bay Resort
Why it’s Great: The North Shore has a completely different vibe than Honolulu. It’s more relaxed and has lots of gems to discover. If you’re coming from Honolulu, recommend hitting up the following in this order: Dole Pineapple Plantation tour, food trucks in Haleiwa, Snorkel Turtle Beach (summer), watch big wave surfing on the Bonzai Pipeline (winter), if you have time, Waimea Bay Beach Park (beach, waterfall hike, cliff, jumping), and end your day at Turtle Bay with a poolside drink while you watch the sun set.
Things to Note: The North Shore isn’t a single activity, it’s an entire region of the island, and it’s completely unfair for me to slot it in as a single place. Spend at least one day going to the highlights, but it’s definitely worth several days to visit if you have the time.
For more information: https://www.gohawaii.com/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/north-shore/
5. Diamond Head
Hike
Time Breakdown: 2 hours (parking, hike up/down)
Why it’s Great: One of the best views of Honolulu! It’s an easy hike for active people and a hard hike for Grandma, but almost everyone can do it.
Cost: $1 per person
Things to Note: This place gets super busy, super fast. Go as early as you wake up. Do you wake up at 3am every morning like my Aunt Joan? Awesome. That means you’ll catch a killer sunrise over Honolulu from one of the best outlooks on the island. If you go after 8:30am, I recommend taking an Uber because parking is a pain. It’s easy to get picked up via Uber from here as well.
For more information: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
6. Lanikai Beach
Beach, Hike, Kayak
Time Breakdown: 45 minutes - 2 hours
Cost: Free
Why it’s Great: A beautiful beach that’s less crowded and more chill than Waikiki. The Pill Box hike is closeby and definitely worth checking out. You’ll even get to hop some boulders.
Things to Note: Dog friendly beach, great for kayaking to the Mokes. Parking is tough, but not Los Angeles tough. Comparable to parking at a popular Austin coffee shop.
For more information: http://www.best-of-oahu.com/Lanikai-Beach-Oahu-Hawaii.html
7. Polynesian Cultural Center
Performances, Museum, Restaurants
Time Breakdown: 2-4 hours
Cost: Evening show - starts at $60, Luau - starts at $114
Why it’s Great: Lots to check out here. If you have kids, this is your place. Tons of activities, shows, luau, presentations, and tours going on all day. The evening performance gives the spectacle of fire dancing as well as a healthy dose of Polynesian history.
Things to Note: It’s run by the Mormon church which has an interesting history in the region. Restaurants galore if you want to grab a bite to eat before. If you don’t make it up to the North Shore for this, I recommend some kind of luau. It’s definitely expensive though. So if none of these things fit your budget, try and get a dose of Hawaiian history by checking out a museum instead.
For more information: http://www.polynesia.com/
8. Iolani Palace
Historical Site, Museum
Time Breakdown: 1.5 hours
Cost: $15 adults, $6 kids.
Let’s get to the point: The US unlawfully conquered Hawaii and forced the monarchy out of power in 1893. Since Iolani Palace was at the centerfold of many of the events that took place throughout this time period, the guided tour takes you through each room to give a full picture of life at the palace through both the good and bad times. History is a powerful tool in storytelling and if you’re looking to understand Hawaii, this place is an integral piece of that background.
Things to Note: You’ll get to wear some slip-over shoes to protect the historic flooring. It’s a palace so don’t look like a srub (ie- no bathing suits).
For more information: http://www.iolanipalace.org/
9. Waikiki Beach
Beach, Surf, Paddle Board, Swim
Time Breakdown: 2 hours
Cost: Surfboards on the beach - $15/hour, Big Wave Dave a block away - $10/hour [all additional hours are about $5/hr]
Why it’s Great: Surfing is fun and if you’re a total newbie, you can handle the (usually) gentle waves in Waikiki. If you don’t want to surf, I recommend getting out there on a board of any kind (SUP, surf board, boogie board) to get a amazing view of Waikiki from the ocean.
Things to Note: If you’re like me and are used to Gulf of Mexico bathwater, it’s not a terrible idea to wear a wetsuit (1mm thick). Hawaii is a tropical paradise, but the Pacific Ocean still gets chilly, especially during winter. Also worth noting for first time surfers-- try and wear a bathing suit with minimal knots. They will rub double away your skin when pressed against a surfboard. I have a scar to prove it.
For more information: http://hawaiianoceanswaikiki.com/
10. Halona Blowhole
Beach, Whale Outlook, Snorkeling
ime Breakdown: 2 hours
Cost: Free
Why it’s Great: The blowhole itself got its name from crashing into lava tubes and spouting water 10-30 feet in the air. This is a good enough reason to check out the spot which is an easy 20 minute drive up the coast from Honolulu. Though in my opinion, the real gem of the place is the wonderfully tucked away beach cove around the corner from the blowhole. Other reasons why it’s great: whale sightings (December - April). We literally had just parked our car and BAM, whale sighting. There’s also a cool cave tunnel you can explore from beach level. Snorkeling is average for the island- you’ll see a couple fish and rock formations. The rocks on either side of the beach provide a human jungle gym to explore. Oh, and also one of the most iconic beach scenes in movie history was filmed here (From Here to Eternity, 1953). So grab your beau and re-enact away.
Things to Note: No cost for parking. Rocks are sharp so bring sandals if you want to explore.
For more information: https://www.hawaii.com/oahu/attractions/halona-blowhole-beach-cove/