When heading to Hawaii, if you want to check out a metropolitan area, one of the most iconic beaches in the world, or learn more about WWII history, you should head to Oahu! Honolulu is a wonderful place to stay because there’s plenty to do within the city and it’s a good home base for exploring further as well.
Things to do on Oahu:
- Pearl Harbor: This is a must if you go to Oahu; it’s one of the best memorials I’ve been to. It’s quite somber, but educational and organized. There are several options for touring this site, but we went with the Passport to Pearl Harbor. This was a less expensive option because the tours are self-guided audio tours, but you get access to most of the areas. The passport includes access to all of these: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and Museum, USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Center, Ford Island, Pacific Aviation Museum including WWII Hangars 37 and 79, Pacific Aviation Museum, Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and Oklahoma Memorial. Important note: The passport does not automatically include a ticket to the Arizona Memorial (one of the main attractions here), but they offer over 1,300 free tickets when the gates open, so get in line about 30 minutes before they open and you should be good to go. Try to get an Arizona Memorial ticket as early in the day as possible because then you can do all the other tours at your own pace. There are buses going between each of the exhibits. Try to listen to all the audio tours available because there’s a ton of very good information. I would budget a full day for this because there really is a lot to see.
The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
Dad taking a moment of silence for those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
Standing on top of the submarine we toured!
The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
Dad taking a moment of silence for those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
Standing on top of the submarine we toured!
- International Market Place: According to my mother, who was here in the 80s, the International Market Place used to have more of a farmer’s market or trading post feel, but now it’s one of the nicest and most expensive malls you’ll ever see. I wish I could go back in time to see the culture this place used to hold, but it’s still worth a visit. They have a cool tree house in the middle of it that explains some of the history, so be sure to make a stop here.
International Market Square
The original tree house in International Market Square.
International Market Square
The original tree house in International Market Square.
- Waikiki Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in the world, so keep in mind that you will not be alone, but it has a neat bustling vibe being right at the edge of the city. There are several surfboard or stand up paddle rentals right on the beach. I only recommend this if you know how to control a surf/paddle board because once again, there will be a lot of other people (who don’t know how to handle boards) surrounding you.
Waikiki Beach
Stand up paddle boarding!
Waikiki Beach
Stand up paddle boarding!
When you get hungry during your beach day, head to Duke’s right on the beach. It has a fun tiki-vibe with tasty food and yummy, beachy drinks such as Mai Tais.
Duke’s tiki restaurant on the beach
Mai Tai time!
Duke’s tiki restaurant on the beach
Mai Tai time!
- The North Shore: This is more of a seasonal place; there can be up to 50 foot waves from late October-mid March. And this is where some of the world’s largest surf competitions take place. We were here in June, so the waves were tiny, but there were still some locals surfing and it was cool to check out some of the surf towns/shops and see some famous beaches sparse with people.
The North Shore
More of The North Shore
The North Shore
More of The North Shore
- Volcano Shakes: A unique ice cream shop where you’ll pay way too much for ice cream, but they give you plenty to share and really turn it into a piece of artwork.
Volcano milkshake!
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike: This is one of my all-time favorite hikes! It starts nonchalantly in a neighborhood but gets you to some sweet views of the ocean, beaches, and little islands. The “pillboxes” are cement structures that were previously used as military observation stations. Now they are artistically graffitied places to take a rest and enjoy the view! Once you get to the pillboxes you can turn around and head back (~1.5 miles) OR you can continue your adventure on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail which will have much less traffic (~3-4 miles). My sister and I were lucky enough to have our dad pick us up on the other end. If you don’t have a ride, you’ll have to trek through some neighborhoods back to the trailhead. Speaking of the trailhead, to get there: GPS Mid-Pacific Country Club. Park on the right side of the road just after the entrance to the country club and the trailhead is across the street between two houses.
Pill Box hike
View from one of the old military “pill boxes.”
Pill Box hike
View from one of the old military “pill boxes.”
Contact Us!
We would love to hear from you! If you would like to leave us a message, please click on our email link below. We will respond as soon as possible.
Sign up for our Travel Blog
Be the first to read about our new adventures and recent travel tips!
We do not share or sell our email list. See our Privacy Policy below.
Contact Us
If you would like to contact us, please click on our email link below. We will respond as soon as possible!
Sign up for our Travel Blog
Be the first to read about our new adventures and recent travel tips!
We do not share or sell our email list. See our Privacy Policy below.
Sign up for our
Travel Blog
Be the first to read about our new adventures and recent travel tips!
We do not share or sell our email list.
See our Privacy Policy below.