20 THINGS TO DO ON OAHU

I just got back from three weeks island hopping in Hawaii and all I have to say is WOW!

I spent two weeks on Oahu (Honolulu and the International airport are located on this island) and was lucky enough to be able to reunited with my neighbor from college. Hawaii is in the middle for both of us, (ten hours) so I am grateful that she invited me along on her vacation.

We spent one week of that up at the North Shore, before she headed home and I headed to Maui. There was SO much to explore on this little island that I really truly feel like I didn’t even make a dent in it, so this calls for (of course) a trip back!

1. Waikiki Beach

2. Chiefs Luau

As much as I enjoyed the Luau- it was incredibly pricey. If you’re interested in seeing one, search around for coupons.

3. Surf!

You can rent boards all along Waikiki Beach

4. Diamond Head Hike

This hike was a little rough on the non hikers, but the hundreds of stairs were worth the view

5. Pipeline

6. North Shore Food Trucks

7. Waimea Beach and Waterfalls

8. Ehukai Pillbox Hike

9. Turtle Bay

10. Sharks Cove

My favorite place on the North Shore- the food trucks are right across the street from here.

11. Laie Point

12. Secret Island Campground

13. Chinamans Hat

14. Byodo-In Temple

15. Haleiwa Town

I LOVED this little town. I found most of my gifts here and we found the coolest wave rings across the street at the shop with the awesome porch swings. If only I had a porch!

16. Dole Pineapple Factory

Don’t forget to grab a Dole Whip Ice Cream from here!

17. Pearl Harbor Memorial

18. Aloha Stadium Flea Market

19. Makapu’u Lighthouse and Makapu’u tidepools

The hike down to the tide pools was long and intense down the side of the mountain. Wear sneakers and try to follow people down. The path down is at the third lookout, and on your way back up try to follow the white arrows. While you’re in the pool or anywhere swimming in the ocean always be careful and take note where people are and aren’t swimming.

20. Hanauma Bay

21. Dukes Restaurant

22. Manakai Catamaran

One of my favorite parts of travel is planning, and not planning. I find I have the best time when I plan a few things I really want to do, but also when I go with the flow, talking to locals can give you the best insight into a place you’re visiting and people are usually more than happy to share their secret spots with you. I also learned that you can’t do everything you want to do in one go- especially your first time somewhere new- so I’ve learned to let go and say “I’ll do that when I come back.” A lot.

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