Visit the historic site of the Pearl Harbor attack and pay respects at the USS Arizona Memorial.

Cost: Free entry to USS Arizona Memorial (just $1 reservation fee via recreation.gov); $7/day parking fee

Time needed: 4-6 hours

Tips: Book tickets online in advance - tickets are limited and may be reserved in their entirety in several minutes. No bags allowed - use the storage facility. Arrive early for security screening.

From Waikiki: 30-minute drive

From North Shore: 45-minute drive

Explore the historic “Mighty Mo” battleship where World War II officially ended with Japan’s surrender ceremony. Choose between guided tours (35 minutes) or self-guided exploration of the ship that served in WWII, Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm

Cost: $40 adults, $20 children ages 4-12 (online: $38 adults, $19 children); Optional premium tours available (Captain’s Tour +$40)

Time needed: 2-4 hours

Tips: Located on Ford Island - take free shuttle from Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (runs every 15-20 minutes). Can be combined with USS Arizona Memorial visit. No bags allowed - use Pearl Harbor storage facility.

From Waikiki: 30-minute drive to Pearl Harbor

From North Shore: 45-minute drive to Pearl Harbor

Two of the world's most beautiful beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters

Cost: Free (just parking - varies by location)

Time needed: Half to full day

Tips: Kailua has more amenities and parking. Lanikai is more secluded but limited parking. Great for kayaking to offshore islands. Not very touristy. Best time to visit is during a week day.

From Waikiki: 45-minute drive

From North Shore: 1-hour drive

Iconic volcanic crater hike with panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean

Cost: $5 per person entry + $10 per vehicle parking

Time needed: 2-3 hours (including travel)

Tips: Book reservations up to 30 days in advance - required for non-residents. Go early morning (before 8am) to avoid crowds and heat. Bring water and wear good walking shoes.

From Waikiki: 10-minute drive to trailhead

From North Shore: 1-hour drive

World-famous nature preserve with pristine marine ecosystem - voted Best Beach in the United States in 2016

Cost: $25 per person entry; $3 parking; $25 snorkel gear rental

Time needed: Half to full day

Tips: Reservations required 48 hours in advance - tickets open at 7am HST and sell out in 5-30 minutes. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Mandatory 9-minute safety video required.

From Waikiki: 30-minute drive

From North Shore: 45-minute drive

Hop-on, hop-off trolley tour of Waikiki's shopping districts including Ala Moana Center (world's largest open-air shopping mall), International Market Place, Royal Hawaiian Center, and Kalakaua Avenue boutiques

Cost: Waikiki Trolley passes from $25-45 per person depending on route/duration; Shopping varies by budget

Time needed: Half to full day

Tips: Trolley runs every 10-20 minutes and includes stops at major shopping centers, beaches, and attractions. Perfect for those staying without rental cars. Many stores offer duty-free shopping.

From Waikiki: Already here - hop on at any trolley stop!

From North Shore: 1-hour drive to Waikiki (or take shuttle if available)

Visit famous surf beaches (Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay) and food trucks, PLUS sea turtle spotting at Laniakea Beach - one of the most reliable places in Hawaii to see Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) resting on the beach

Cost: Free for beaches and turtle watching; Food trucks $12-15 per meal

Time needed: Full day

Tips: Best turtle viewing is late afternoon/early evening when they come to shore to rest. Maintain 10+ feet distance from turtles (it's federal law). Volunteers are often present to help educate visitors and protect the turtles. Best waves for watching surfers in winter months.

From Waikiki: 1-hour drive

From North Shore: You're already here!

Visit the iconic “Jurassic Valley” filming locations on a 2.5-hour adventure tour through Kualoa, Hakipu’u, and Ka’a’awa Valleys. See actual sets from Jurassic Park/World, Kong Skull Island, Godzilla, Lost, and 250+ other movies/TV shows filmed at this 4,000-acre ranch

Cost: From $169+ per person for Jurassic Adventure Tour; Various package options available (Half-Day $200+, Full-Day $300+)

Time needed: Half day (2.5 hours) to full day depending on package

Tips: Book 2-3 weeks in advance - tours sell out quickly due to small group sizes. Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with back problems due to bumpy terrain. Minimum age 3 years. Optional Waikiki transportation available.

From Waikiki: 45-minute drive

From North Shore: 30-minute drive