Living on Oahu means so many things.
Beautiful weather on the daily.
Never having to shovel snow.
Breathtaking views anywhere you go.
Adventure possible on any weekend.
But this blog post is about one thing in particular.
Living on Oahu means being a tour guide for friends or for your friend's friends. Now that I have two little ones, that isn't always possible. Even so, I want anyone and everyone to have an unforgettable time, whether we are friends or not.
This is a full list, complete with photos, of all the things I take my guests to see.
First, here's the list of all places included. Then, I will go into more detail over each place.
Honolulu Area (Not including Waikiki), MidIsland
:
Pearl Harbor
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Mount Tantulus Lookout
Manoa Falls
Waikiki Area
:
Diamond Head
Ala Moana Mall
Leonard's Bakery
Rainbow Drive In
Honolulu Zoo
Banan'
Thrills
DoubleThree
Laliha Bakery
Top of Waikiki
Sky Waikiki
East Side
:
Koko Head
*Hanauma Bay Ridge
Hanauma Bay for snorkeling
Blowhole, Eternity Beach
Makapu'u Lighthouse
If in season, Waimanalo Country Farms
Kailua Area
:
Kailua Town
Kailua Beach
Lanikai Beach
Rent a kayak and kayak to the Mokes
Island Snow for shave ice
Cinnamon's, Mokes and Boot's and Kimo's
Bee and Tea
Manoa Chocolate Factory
MCBH:
Secret beach for snorkeling
Walk up Radar Hill(KT)
Kaneohe Area
:
Pali Lookout
Likeke Falls
Ho'omaluia Botanical Gardens
Haliewa Joes
*Hamama Falls
Poi Factory
Tropical Farms
On the way to North Shore from the Windward side:
China Man'sHat
Kualoa Ranch
*Crouching Lion
Kahana Bay
Keneke's Grill
Food Trucks
Ted's Bakery
Sunset Beach
Pu'pukea Lookout
Waimea Falls
Shark's Cove for snorkeling
Haliewa Town
Dole Plantation
Green World Coffee "farm"
KoleKole Pass
Oahu Railway Society
That is quite the list! After living on Oahu for 4 years now, it's clear that this island is beaming with beauty in every corner!
Now, I'll go over the above list with details about each place, in efforts to make your trip to the island a (tropical) breeze!
Honolulu Area (Not including Waikiki), MidIsland
:
1.Pearl Harbor
If there's one thing you should check out on this island, this is it! I've gone several times and it's still soul gripping.
The tour of the Arizona is free. Currently, the Arizona Memorial itself is closed, however, you are given a boat ride tour instead, which I actually like more!
Tickets for the Arizona Memorial are free, but limited to a certain amount of people a day. I've seen the option to order tickets online...though it always seems to be "down for the day".
I like to get there early and stand in line. Every time I've done so, I always end up with a ticket with a tour within the next hour.
Parking is free, but again, it's limited.
You can also tour the submarine or the USS Missouri for a fee.
2. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The Aloha Swap meet almost feels like a black market. You'll see a little bit of everything here, from clothes, to snacks and coconuts to drink out of, to carved surfboards, keychains and jewelry, soaps and bird whistles, tshirts and suitcases. Most of these items are very inexpensive. Before you get suckered into buying a $5 "I Love Hawaii" bumper sticker or necklace, check here first. It's also great if you have people at home that expect you to bring them back a souvenir.
The price to get in is $1 per person.
It's open weekends and Wednesdays, as long as nothing else is happening at the stadium. Check online first!
3. Mount Tantulus Lookout
This lookout is entirely underrated! You'll see all of Waikiki, Diamond Head and Honolulu in the distance! This is perfect for those who can't hike, have little ones or just don't want to get their feet dirty.
4. Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a waterfall hike that isn't too hard. Perfect for those love to be one with nature. The first part walking in makes you feel like you're in the movie Jurrassic Park! Lush green trees, a creek flowing, birds chirping, the smell of the outdoors.
Add this one to your list if you're dying to do a waterfall hike!
Parking in their lot is $5 per vehicle. If you're up for it, you can park in the neighborhood and walk instead of paying parking.
Waikiki Area
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5. Diamond Head
Diamond Head is one of the top hikes on Oahu. The views of the ocean and Waikiki are spectacular! Avoid going in the heat of the day. There's not much shade on this hike. The parking lot is small, as well, which means limited parking.
This hike has two sets of stairs, one with 76 steps and one with 99 steps. Not ideal if you can't do stairs.
The price of admission is $5 per vehicle or $1 per person (you'll have to be dropped off by the trolley or park at the bottom of the hill for the $1 fee).
6. Ala Moana Mall
For those who crave a high end shopping, this is the place for you! This place also has some fun food, too. Here's a soft serve from SomiSomi.
7. Leonard's Bakery
Hawaii is known for their malasadas, and no one does them better than Leonard's Bakery! Check it out and see what the rave is about.
8. Rainbow Drive In
This place has all the old-time feels! Don't expect anything fancy, though. It's a hot spot for locals because of it's laid-back vibes.
9. Honolulu Zoo
For those traveling with little ones, the zoo is a good spot to let littles run around. You can also go to the aquarium. However, know that both the zoo and the aquarium aren't incredibly spectacular. The aquarium is surprisingly small.
Also, you do have to pay for hourly parking.
10. Banan'
Nestled in between buildings in Waikiki, you'll find this fun place. It's soft serve made out of bananas!
11.Thrills
This new place just opened up last week! I love ice cream, so you better believe it's on my list!
12. DoubleThree
Another ice cream place! But this place serves made-to-order bubble waffle cones!
13. Laliha Bakery
A local favorite! You can dine in at their restaurant or just stop for some baked goods. Try their "coco Puffs". Like cream puffs, but they have a chocolate filling and are topped with chantilly.
14. Top of Waikiki
A high-end revolving restaurant that gives you quite the view of Waikiki and the sun setting into the beach horizon.
15. Sky Waikiki
If you're into the party vibes, I've heard this is the place for you!
East Side
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16. Koko Head
This hike is deceptive! 1,048 very big steps that rise 1,200 feet over Hawaii Kai may look like it'd be easy. I'm here to tell you...it's NOT! After making it down to the bottom, the first words out of my mouth were, "I'll never do that again!"
However, if stair torture is your thing, the views are just outstanding! Free parking, a very easily marked trail, lots of others on this hike. Bring water and try doing this one in the morning or after 5pm. There's no shade and it gets very hot.
17. *Hanauma Bay Ridge
I LOVED this hike. It could have been done in 1/2 an hour if you booked it. We just went up to the top and came back down. The view of Hanauma Bay is surreal! You can go down the other side and hit the loop. Somewhere over here is a rock bridge. I have yet to do it.
You'll park in the same parking lot as Koko head. At the end of the lot (on the opposite side of the entrance, looking away from Hawaii Kai), you'll see a stop sign that doesn't really go anywhere. You'll go there, then take a right. Walk down that black path until you're at the end. You'll cross that little highway there and find yourself at the entrance of Hanauma Bay. You'll see a bus stop. Behind the bus stop, you'll see that the black path continues up. Just stay on that path until you get to the top!
***Notice: This hike is technically "not legal". As in there's a gate that says "Do not enter". I'm very nervous when it comes to these things. I didn't feel nervous during this hike. There were so many others on this path.
18. Hanauma Bay for snorkeling
If you're new to snorkeling, this is a good place for you! You'll have to watch a safety video before diving in.
***Notice: This bay closes down frequently. Check online resources to see the latest!
19. Sea Life Park
Remember the movie "50 First Dates"? Adam Sadler's character worked here!
It's a good place to come if you have little ones. However, if you're an adult, don't expect much. Our honest opinion is that it's not big enough for the price.
There's dolphin shows, a sea lion show, a show with penguins. You can feed sea turtles, birds, see the Hawaiian monk seal, walk through their big tank with sharks and touch and feel some coral. They also have options to swim with dolphins, too.
Admission is $39.99 for adults and $24.99 for children 3-13.
20. The Blowhole and Eternity Beach
One of those places where, tourist or not, you gotta stop and see it. You'll find a small parking lot, that is often times, full. From the lookout, you can see the blowhole. You'll probably see people down there and think, "How did they get down there!?"
Just go around almost to the road and you'll see some rocks that will lead you down there. It is one of the most beautiful places on the island. This is one of the top photo shoot places, because everyone wants capture a little bit of this plac and put it in their pocket.
21. Makapu'u Lighthouse
Another one of the top hikes on Oahu. It's paved all the way up. Don't let that convince you to take a stroller up, if you can help it. This hike is labeled "easy" but it still has me huffing and puffing all the way up! It's most gorgeous around sunrise.
There is a parking lot with free parking here.
Upon walking up to the black top path, you'll see a gravel path to Kaiwi Shoreline. You'll come to the backside where there's a small beach area and some lava rock!
22. Waimanalo Country Farms
*Only in season
This little local farm opens only when their sunflowers are in bloom or during their pumpkin patch.
If you're in the area during that time, you gotta go and take in the beauty! The mountains next to you with the ocean in the background. It's the perfect place for a photo shoot. Beauty in every corner!
Get some of their lemonade, too! Li Hing is my favorite.
Kailua Area
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23. Kailua Town
Kailua is a very popular place for tourists.
You'll see places you recognize like McDonalds, Target and Goodwill. But there's other places you'll have to check out, too! Little shops so cute, you'll have to go in to check them out.
If you're hungry, try Cinnamon's for their guava chiffon pancakes. Boot's and Kimo's are two
other places that others recommend but to be honest, I wasn't impressed by either of these places.
If you want something to sip on, Bee and Tea is our go-to. My coffee snob husband loves their coffee shakes. They have boba tea. If you aren't familiar with boba, try mixed and popping boba. Popping boba is what I prefer. You can ask for their lightbulb cup if you'd like, but of course, the normal cups are a better price.
If you're a chocolate fan, try Manoa chocolate factory. You'll get free tastings of their high-quality chocolate and you'll learn where chocolate is from!
24. Kailua Beach
Kailua beach is a very popular beach! The water is blue with white sand. What more could you ask for!?
There's street parking as well as a couple parking lots.
25. Lanikai Beach
Lanikai beach is a world-famous beach that Oahu is known for. The water is calm and so blue, you'll be facing the Mokes islands, the sand is so pretty. This is another place that is a favorite to Oahu photographers.
For thrill seekers, rent a kayak at the little shop by the round-about and kayak to the Mokes . It's a fun adventure!
If you love the sunrise, the sunrise here is the BEST!
26. Lanikai Pillboxes Hike
I'd rate this hike as moderate. If you go, don't go during the heat of the day because there is no shade. It gets hot very fast. Still, it's one of my favorite views!
Kaneohe Area
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27. Pali Lookout
Pali lookout is a very popular place for tourists, but it does have some dark history. If you are on the Pali highway, you'll pass by it whether you're going towards Honolulu or Kailua.
You do have to pay for parking. It's like $3.
***Due to a landslide, Pali lookout is closed until August 2019.
28. Maunawili Falls
This is a long and a little harder of a hike. The falls are magical! Perfect for thrill seekers that want to swim in a waterfall!
You'll find parking along the street, but please be respectful of the locals.
29. Likeke Falls
This is the easiest waterfall hike on the island! You'll park in the Ko'olau Golf Course parking lot, all the way in the corner. You'll see a black path with a chain blocking it off. Don't worry, this hike isn't illegal and your car won't be towed.
Go up the black path and you'll see a water tower. On the left just before the water tower, you'll see a path. Continue on. Once you get almost to a cobble-stone like path, be on the lookout for a tree on your right. It'll be all marked up saying "Falls this way". Too often, people miss this turn...I did the first time too
30. Ho'omaluia Botanical Gardens
Can't hike but still want a great mountain view? This is your place! Free admission, lots of parking. However, they do have weird hours. Like 9am-4:30pm. If you drive all the way to the end of the path, you'll see a pavilion. Park and go just beyond the pavilion to the white benches for the best seat in the house!
31. Haliewa Joes
Great views, good food. It's a little pricier than what we normally go for, so we save it only for special occasions.
There's a beautiful garden you can check out while waiting for your table.
32. *Hamama Falls
Another waterfall that is actually very easy to hike! Great for older kids! There is not a parking lot but lots of street parking. Again, be respectful of those who live there.
***This is another hike that is not "legal", but very popular to all the locals that live in the area. Sometimes I wonder if they made it illegal just to keep it more local?
33. Poi Factory
As you're driving towards the North Shore, there's lots of places that pop out as "I'm gonna try that one day!" This is one of those places. I plan on trying it, but haven't done it yet. I add it to the list so maybe you can try it before me!
34.Tropical Farms
This is a MUST if you're wanting something FUN and want to learn some cool Hawaiian tricks, like opening a coconut the easy way or starting fire with a stick. You'll be in for a good laugh or two. These guys are a lot of fun. You won't want to miss this.
Do their tour, which I believe is at 11:00 and 1:00 daily. It's cash only for their tour. While you're waiting for the tour to start, sample their many flavors of macadamia nuts!
On the way to North Shore from the Windward side:
35. China Man's Hat
One of those cool places you can stop at just to see it. Some companies rent out kayaks and you can kayak out to the little island.
36. Kualoa Ranch
Another place that is on my bucketlist. Since I have two little ones, I just haven't done it yet. Their tours can be a little expensive, but I hear it's worth every penny. Go see where a ton of movies are made, including the oh so famous, Jurrassic Park.
37. *Crouching Lion
This hike is actually not a long hike, but it does get your heart racing. It provides views of Kahana bay and is one of my FAVORITE hikes! Short and sweet with the best view. Also, not kid friendly or babywearing friendly. If you decide to go, you'll see a dirt parking lot across the street and down the road a little ways from the entrance. You'll enter where the bench is at. There's like 3 entrances, so it can be confusing. Either way, choose the one with the bench!
***Illegal but I've never felt scared of getting fined on this hike.
38. Kahana Bay
Speaking of Kahana Bay,
It just happens be one of my favorite mountain views of the island! Imagine sitting on the beach and seeing a jaw-dropping view of the mountains. This is that beach! The water is so incredibly calm, the sand is soft (not white, but still pretty!). Perfect for kiddos.
There’s 2 different parking lots, which normally provides plenty of parking.
39. Keneke's Grill
In need of a quick bite to eat? This place has local options as well as burgers and fries.
40. Food Trucks
North Shore is known for their food trucks. You can't miss it!
41. Ted's Bakery
Ted’s Bakery is well know around the island. You can pick up their pies at Safeway if you don’t get a chance to stop by. I love the chocolate haupia pie!
42. Sunset Beach
This is the perfect place to catch a sunset to end a fun-filled day.
43. Pu'pukea Lookout
This is another lookout that delivers a view without you having to put in a ton of effort to hike!
When you come up on the Foodland there near Shark’s Cove, you’ll turn towards the mountain at the light. Go up, you’ll hit a hairpin turn then come to a gate on your right. Drive into the gate, there you’ll hit a trillion or so speed bumps. Just keep going until you’re at the very end, where there’s a small parking lot. You’ll see an old ancient temple in front of you. Check out the history on that, then go around to the landing on the other side. This is another place for a spectacular sunset!
44. Waimea Falls
This is the most popular waterfall hike on the island. It is almost effortless, more like a long stroll through the garden. It’s completely paved, making it easy for a stroller or a wheelchair. If you have someone with you that’s too frail to hike, you can pay for them to ride the golf cart to the falls!
Once you get to the falls, you’re given the option to swim with a life jacket! Be warned, though. That water is COLD! Perfect for a hot summer’s day.
There is a fee for this hike. $13 for adults, $5 for seniors, $8 for military.
45. Waimea Bay
There’s a small parking lot down by Waimea Bay, however, it tends to fill up. Seeing that this is a popular place for locals and tourists, it’s not surprising. If there’s no parking to be found in the parking lot, Waimea Falls offers parking for small fee.
There’s a famous jumping rock for those who like to taste adventure! And the sunset is one-of-a-kind from this bay.
46. Shark's Cove for snorkeling
Shark’s Cove is one of the best places for snorkeling on-island! More often than not, you’ll see sea turtles, along with other animals. If you’re hungry, run across the street and grab a bite from the food trucks! There’s bathrooms and showers here, as well. A parking lot provides some parking, along with street parking.
47. Haliewa Town
Since the “w” is pronounced like a “v” in the Hawaiian language, this little town is pronounced “Holly-eevuh”.
Haliewa is a cute, small charming town. Famous for Mutsumoto’s Shave ice, their old bridge, the Haliewa “wings” and all their adorable little shops. It’s said, “if you didn’t get a picture with the wings, did you really go to Haliewa? You’ll find the wings in front of Anahulu shave ice.
You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards at a rental place under the bridge.
Check out the little local shops, too!
48. Dole Plantation
This is one of the top touristy things to do here on Oahu. To be honest, locals almost never come here, only come here to bring their guests.
You gotta go just to say you did, though. Go grab some oh-so-famous Dole Whip. Ride the train and learn the history of Dole. Have an ah-mazing time in their maze. Or go check out their cool plants in their garden. Each thing requires a ticket (not the Dole Whip), so go to their website or Yelp to check out the pricing.
49. Green World Coffee "farm"
If you love coffee, stop by and grab a cup here. Don’t expect a huge coffee “farm” though. It’s just a patch of coffee trees and their business. Either way, my coffee snob husband approves of their coffee! So I'd have to recommend it!
50. KoleKole Pass
This hike is my go-to for a quick hike with a killer view. If you decide to do this one, look up it's dark past on Google.
It's located on Schofield, which is an Army base. It's open to all military members with a military ID(or you can get a base pass). It's open most weekends only. No weekdays.
There's a small parking lot.
51. Oahu Railway Society
If trains are your thing, or you just want to kick back for the ride, try a train ride! This is located in Ewa/Kapolei (around the corner from the mall). They’ll tell you some Hawaiian railway history and you get to sit back and smell the ocean breeze.
That is QUITE the list! If you have made it through each one of these recommendations, I thank you for sticking with me until the end!
I also want to give a BIG thank you to each and every person that has come out here to Hawaii to see me and my girls!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. You can find me on Instagram @awesome_m_n_m .
If you've been to Hawaii before, I'd love to hear what your favorite things were. If you came to Hawaii and used my list, let me know! Have an amazing adventure, wherever you go.
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