The island offers many other activities!
We recommend staying at least a week to enjoy all the island has to offer. Here is a list of our favorite places to visit.
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Lunch
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Our favorite for authentic Hawaiian food. This hole in the wall restaurant has the best pork lau lau and pipikaula short ribs. Try to go early to avoid the line!
Google Maps YelpBreakfast | Lunch
Rainbow Drive-In
Our favorite for Hawaiian fast food. There's a different special every day, but you can't go wrong with the mix plate. Don't forget to add gravy!
Google Maps YelpDessert
Shimazu Shave Ice
Our favorite shave ice on the island. Kids size is more than enough for one person.
Google Maps YelpDessert
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice
Originally started in Maui. The location linked is close to Leonard's Bakery
Google MapsDessert
Kokoro Cafe
Like Somi Somi, but with different types of Dole Whip. This treat is served in a Shaka sign cone!
Google Maps YelpLunch | Dinner
Highway Inn - Kaka'ako
A sit down restaurant that serves authentic Hawaiian food NOTE: This parking lot is small. You will need to pay for parking at this location, bur Highway Inn validates.
Google MapsLunch | Dinner
Maurgame Udon
Original location is in Waikiki. NOTE: It is a small restaurant, so expect to wait in a line.
Google MapsBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Liliha Bakery - Nimitz
A sit-down restaurant with multiple locations around the island. Our must try's are the Butter Rolls with Jelly and the Coco Puffs
Google MapsBreakfast | Dessert
Leonard's Bakery
Known for their Malasadas (Portuguese Doughnuts) These are Sam's FAVORITE. They come filled and not filled TIP: Go early as the line is always long
Google MapsLunch
Waiahole Poi Factory
On the Windward side of Oahu and is down the road from Kualoa Ranch. Sam recommends to try the Poi as it is made fresh and Kaela loves the Sweet lady of Waiahole or Sweet Tahitian Lady
Google MapsLunch | Dinner
Nico's Pier 38
This restaurant is know for its seafood and has a sit down side as well as a grab and go store. This was made famous due to a review from Guy Ferri on his show Diners Drive in's and Dives.
Google MapsBreakfast | Dessert
HiBlend Heath Bar & Cafe
A hole in the wall smoothie bowl and fresh juice place. Try any Acai bowl! NOTE: There is little to no parking so a tip would be to park across the street at Walmart/Sam's Club and walk over.
Google MapsBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Zippy's
The IHOP or Denny's equivalent of Hawaii. There is probably one within a mile of where ever you are. They are known for their Zipak and their Chili
Google MapsLunch
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Original location is located on the North Shore and has fresh caught shrimp plates. There are multiple locations.
Google MapsLunch | Dinner
Shige's Saimin Stand
The best Saimin (similar to ramen)! Sam found this randomly one trip and it's been a must visit since! Its located on the North Shore side of the island.
Google Maps YelpBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Don Quijote Honolulu
HUGE Japanese grocery store that has grab-n-go meals, snacks, beach essentials, toiletries and more! You name it, you can probably find it here.
Google MapsBeach
Kaimana Beach
This one is one of Kaela's favorites! Small and in town. Soft sand, but there's no shade. Less crowded than Waikiki Beach. TIP: Try to go early/on a weekday as it's hard to find parking here.
Google MapsBeach
Ala Moana Beach
This beach is also in town and is connected to a park and has a parking lot. It's less crowded than Waikiki Beach as well. This beach offers a little bit more shade. It can get a tad bit rocky in some places so water shoes may be advised
Google MapsBeach
Magic Island Lagoon
This beach is to the left of Ala Moana and shares the same parking lot. There are little to no waves and is great for lying out and getting a tan.
Google MapsBeach
Lanikai Beach
This one is the couple's favorite! It is out of town but has stunning blue water and super soft sand. There no shade so lather up on sunblock and/or bring and umbrella! NOTE: parking is difficult to find. You will have to find parking in the neighborhood.
Google MapsBeach
Ko Olina Lagoons
The Google Maps link is to Lagoon 4. There are multiple different lagoons that are all walking distance of each other. These lagoons have little to no waves and are great for snorkeling. Lagoon 1 is located near Disney's Aulani Resort. TIP: You actually can walk around a good portion of the Aulani Resort even if you're not staying there and you can also order food from certain cafes!
Google MapsBeach
Waimea Bay Beach Park
This beach is great for snorkeling as well as surfing, but parking is a bit of a hassle.
Google MapsMuseum
Iolani Palace
Here you can learn all about Hawaiian History and the island's last reigning queen. Reservations are required and can be book through the website linked
Google MapsMuseum
Bishop Museum
Here you can learn about Hawaiian art and Hawaiian History. Tickets are needed to enter and can be booked though the link
Google MapsMuseum
Pearl Harbor National Museum
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and learn all about Pearl Harbor's History. Tickets are can be purchased though the link or other attraction ticket websites. There are different tiers and types of tours available.
Google MapsAdventure
Dole Plantation
In addition to Dole whip and pineapple goodies, Take a ride on a train around this lush plantation and test your memory with their famous pineapple maze! Admission is free, but the maze and train ride require tickets.
Google MapsHiking
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Level: Easy. Admission is free and has a paved walkway all the way to the lookout point.
Google MapsHiking
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
Level: Easy/Medium. Admission into the park is $5 (As of October 2024) The hike is dirt, but the trail is marked and has some stairs. TIP: Go earlier in the morning as it gets quite hot and theres no shade.
Google MapsHiking
Moāna Falls Trail
Level: Easy/Medium. There is a charge for parking ($7 as of October 2024.) The trail is dirt with trail marked out but be cautious if you are hiking here after it rains. The trail will get muddy and slippery.
Google MapsAdventure
Kualoa Ranch
We highly recommend you come back and do one of their tours! The couple is bias and loves their UTV tour, but they offer a whole bunch of different tours from UTVs to zip lining and even horseback riding! All of these can be booked through their website or wherever excursion and tours can be booked.
Google MapsAdventure
Polynesian Cultural Center
Take a trip and visit all the Polynesian Islands in one place! While your there, the couple highly recommends to check out the Luau and HA: Breathe of Life (Both tickets are sold separately and can be found on their website.)
Google MapsShopping
Ala Moana Shopping Center
An outdoor mall with surf shops to luxury brands. There is also a variety of different restaurants and multiple food courts.
Google MapsShopping
International Marketplace
Located in the heart of Waikiki, International Marketplace is now home to luxury brands as well as multiple different restaurants and bars.
Google MapsShopping
Waikele Premium Outlets
This is located farther away from town, but offers stores for 'more bang for your buck.'
Google MapsShopping
Waikiki-Kalākaua Avenue
If you're staying in town, we highly recommend that you take a walk in Waikiki! There's luxury shopping, surf shops, and snack galore! Most stores are also open late if you're looking for a low-key night time activity.
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