Aloha! There’s more to Oahu, Hawaii than Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. Oahu has so much to discover and explore. I suggest not staying in Waikiki for your whole trip, drive around the island and spend some time at the North Shore too. Here are my top 10 things to do in Oahu, Hawaii.
Hiking
Koko Head
Climb Koko Head instead of Diamondhead. Both have a lot of stairs to climb, but Koko Head will have less people and an equally amazing view. Go early in the morning to beat the heat. Beware, you will be sore afterwards!
Makapuu Point
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse, this is an easier hike with the trail paved the whole way. Then take an unpaved trail to the tide pools to cool down.
Ehukai Pillbox Trail
Hike Ehukai Pillbox Trail for amazing views of the North Shore.
Food & Drink
Haleiwa
Visit Haleiwa town for a day of shopping and eating. Be sure to eat at the healthy Beet Box Cafe and get shave ice at Matsumoto.
Breweries
Check out local breweries like Maui Brewing and Kona Brewing.
Leonard’s Bakery
Wait in line for fresh malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery.
Other Adventures
Sunset Beach
Watch the sunset & surfers at Sunset Beach on the North Shore.
Surf
Take a surf lesson with Mahina Hawaii, they will have you riding waves in no time.
Kualoa Ranch
Visit Kualoa Ranch, where movies such as Jurassic Park were filmed. Take a tour on horseback or opt for the UTV tour.
Kawela Beach Park
Walk around Kawela Beach Park to check out the famous banyon tree and relax on secluded beaches.
There were a few things we didn’t get around to and I wish we had more time for. Next time we visit I would like to check out Chinatown in Honolulu for good eats such as poke bowls from Maguro Brother’s and guava soft serve from The Pig & The Lady. I really wanted to take a traditional lei making class, but that didn’t really interest my husband. Maybe next time! Some other hikes that were suggested to us that we did not have time for were Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Kuliouou Ridge Trail, Willi Willi Nui Trail, Crouching Lion Trail, and Tom Tom Trail. If you are looking for beautiful beaches, Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach were suggested to us. Had a great time in Oahu, can’t wait to check out Kauai and Maui next!
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Mahalo!
If you liked this post about Oahu, Hawaii, check out 7 thing you must do on the Big Island, Hawaii!
