5 Must Visit Places in Hawaii (Oahu)

1. The North Shore

Home to some of the biggest surf in the world, the North Shore is a must see. Haleiwa is an adorable shopping venue and short drive from the best beach on the island: Waimea Bay.  Make a day trip by car if you’re staying in Honolulu and enjoy the sun, shopping, and food. Skip the Shave Ice lines and visit Island Snow in Kailua instead!

Pro Tip: In the summer months when the waters are calm, try rock running.  Grab your goggles, swim down and find a large rock or boulder to pick up, the weight of it will keep you on the ocean floor and take turns with your friends to see who can travel the farthest underwater.

See lots of surfing (and maybe try it yourself) in the winter months when swells are huge.

2. Kailua

Kailua is on the windward side of the island with beautiful beaches.  After ta morning at Kailua Beach Park, eat at Fatboy’s for an authentic Hawaiian Plate Lunch and stop at Island Snow for the best Shave Ice the islands have to offer.

3. Pearl Harbor

A somber yet memorable visit to this museum and location.  You need to reserve tickets to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, but admission prices are FREE.  But it’s technically an active military base so you won’t be able to bring any bags along with you. You can also tour some retired submarines while there.

4. Shark’s Cove

Grab some snorkeling gear and head over the the best spot on the whole island… shhh, don’t tell too many people, let’s keep the crowds away.

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Best time to go: summer for calm waters

5. Makapu’u Lookout

Another spot on the windward side of the island, this location and the lighthouse is a beautiful location to add to your itinerary.

Aloha and Mahalo!