OlyaOahu is the most fast paced Hawaiian island offering a lot of entertainment, beautiful tropical beaches and nature hikes. To see it all, you should explore outside of Honolulu because this island is truly special and there’s so much to do.
THINGS TO DO
CATCH WAVES IN WAIKIKI
This is an iconic surf spot popular with both tourists and locals. Sky blue water and gentle waves make perfect conditions for beginners and more experienced surfers. Keep in mind that due to its popularity and close proximity to hotels, this is a crowded beach, you’ll need to be patient and follow the surf etiquette while out catching waves. Waikiki is definitely a must but make sure to visit other beaches of Oahu as well.
HIKE DIAMOND HEAD
Diamond Head makes a perfect morning hike before breakfast. This extinct volcano offers a moderate, rugged trail with stunning ocean views at the top. The trail length is 1.6 miles round trip which takes about two hours to complete. Diamond Head is definitely the most prominent feature of Oahu’s landscape , therefore, it should be on your list of local hikes.
HIKE LANIKAI PILLBOX & RELAX AT LANIKAI BEACH
Lanikai Pillbox trail is a rewarding, moderate hike that takes you to breathtaking views of the local Lanikai beach and two small islands Moku Nui and Moku Iki. The trail is 1.8 miles long round trip and takes about an hour to complete. Lanikai Beach is a perfect destination to relax after Lanikai Pillbox hike. This is my favorite beach on the island, it’s luscious green with two islands set so close to the shoreline that you can reach them with a kayak. There are no shore breaking waves which is perfect for floating and lazying around in that warm, blue water.
DRIVE TO THE NORTH SHORE
With tall, green mountains on one side of the road and blue ocean on the other, the drive to the North shore makes a wonderful road trip in Oahu. With Haleiwa town usually being the final destination, there are many beautiful beaches on the way that are worth stopping for. Sunset Beach is only 7.5 miles away from Haleiwa and should be included in your North Shore itinerary. With the famous Sunrise Shack right across the street, grab one of their delicious smoothie bowls and head over to the beach.
VISIT HO’OMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDENS
With stunning views of the evergreen Koolau Mountain Range, these lush botanical gardens stretch across 400 acres. While it takes only twenty minutes to drive through the gardens, make sure to stop along the way to explore different trails and enjoy being one with nature. The admission to the gardens is free.
HIKE KOKO HEAD
Koko Head is a challenging hike up the abandoned railroad track used by the military to transport supplies to the lookout post during the World War II. There are over 1000 steps you’ll need to climb before reaching the summit. This hike will have your leg muscles burning at the end!
WHERE TO STAY
THE MOANA SURFRIDER – Built in the 19th century, The Moana Surfrider is the oldest hotel in Waikiki. Frequented by the world’s elites, including the royals, the hotel is a historical site holding many interesting memories and stories.
SHORELINE HOTEL WAIKIKI – This one is a very colorful hotel right in the heart of Waikiki. It has a fun rooftop pool and you even get a Dole whip as a treat upon your check-in. We stayed in this budget friendly hotel on our second trip to Oahu and couldn’t be happier with its location and aloha vibes.
THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN – One of the oldest and most luxurious hotels on the island, this pink palace sits right on the sand at Waikiki beach. While many Hollywood icons came to stay in The Royal Hawaiian throughout its almost one century long history, it was also used exclusively by the US military during the World War II.
FOOD
THE SUNRISE SHACK – Every smoothie bowl at this place is delicious so is their coffee, an avocado toast and pretty much every smoothie on the menu. Every day, we’d hit the Sunrise Shack before our surfing lessons in Waikiki.
DUKES – The iconic Dukes breakfast and lunch buffets are yummy with great ocean views.
NALU HEALTH BAR & CAFE – Another great spot for some healthy food in Kailua. We really enjoyed our acai bowls from Nalu.
POKE AT WHOLE FOODS IN KAILUA – I highly recommend grabbing this delicious poke to take with you to Lanikai Beach after a hike to Lanikai Pillbox.
KAIMANA – Serving the most delicious shave ice in Haleiwa.
