Waimea Falls, also known as Waihi Falls, is one of the more accessible falls on Oahu. It is located within Waimea Valley, which is a unique Hawaiian botanical garden within a significant cultural and archaeological site. There is a small fee to enter the park.

There is an optional shuttle service for the very young or elderly to be able to also enjoy the falls. The 3.5-mile hike, which is mostly along flat, paved ground, is well worth doing as the path meanders through the magnificent gardens and historical sites. A visit to Waimea Falls is very much a cultural experience if you take the time to relax and enjoy the surrounds.

The 45 foot (13.7m) waterfall is part of Kamanui Stream that flows from the north end of the Koolau Mountains on Windward side Oahu all the way through Waimea Valley to join the Waimea River to the ocean.

A short jungle hike leads you to a hidden waterfall and swimming hole, perfect for a quick nature escape without leaving Honolulu.

These sea caves, tucked along the Leeward Coast, have incredible turquoise waters and a secluded vibe. It’s a unique experience to climb down into the cave openings and explore. Visit during low tide for easier access and safety. Be cautious—rocks can be slippery, and waves can surge unexpectedly.

This nature preserve is famous for turtles and sea life and is just 10 miles east of Waikiki Beach. This bay is home to hundreds of species of tropical fish as well as sea turtles. And since it's a bay, it's a safer, family-friendly area to wade in the water and popular for snorkeling. The Preserve is closed on Tuesdays, and as one of the most popular spots on the island, it gets busy on the days it's open. Go early and make a day out of it!

Located on Oahu's North Shore, Laniakea Beach is aptly nicknamed 'Turtle Beach.' This is one of the most popular places on the island to catch a glimpse of turtles in the wild, especially at sunset. Here, you're most likely to find turtles basking in the sand or swimming nearby in the bay.

Because of its popularity, Laniakea Beach can get crowded. If you're wary of swarms of tourists, try to go on a weeknight. It's about an hour's drive to Laniakea Beach from Waikiki, so it's a great way to spend an afternoon during your stay on Oahu. While you're there, rent a Biki bike nearby, grab a snack from a food truck, or go snorkeling at Shark's Cove. Haleiwa is another North Shore beach where you'll often find sea turtles lounging on the beach or hanging out by the reef.

Known for its cinematic landscapes (featured in movies like Jurassic Park) and adventurous activities like ATV tours and ziplining. Guided tours give access to Secret Beach.

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens is a 400-acre rainforest garden in Kane'ohe, Oahu, Hawaii. The gardens are known for their diverse plant collection, which includes plants from tropical regions around the world. Entry is free! Try to arrive early for the best photo ops, especially at the scenic palm-tree-lined entrance road.

This rugged and remote area at the westernmost tip of Oahu offers stunning coastal views, tide pools, and the chance to see native wildlife, including monk seals and albatross during the right season. It’s a great spot for an adventurous hike. It's recommended to go early in the day to avoid the heat, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. No shade, so sunscreen and a hat are key!

A steep, off-trail descent from the Makapuʻu Lighthouse hike takes you to stunning tide pools where you can wade, swim, and relax. The setting feels surreal. Go when the tide is calm, and be extra cautious on the slippery rocks. The climb down is steep, so bring sturdy shoes and avoid going after heavy rain.

This offshore sandbar in Kāneʻohe Bay is like a slice of paradise in the middle of the ocean. You’ll need a kayak, paddleboard, or boat to get there, but once you’re on the sandbar, you can swim, relax, or enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Check tide charts to time your visit; the sandbar is best enjoyed during low tide.

Head out on this 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

A short hike to the base of Manoa Falls in the Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Oahu, the Manoa Falls Trail winds through a lush Hawaiian tropical rainforest filled with movie scene locations from Jurassic Park and LOST. The trail can be quite muddy, so proper closed toe footwear is recommended. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the pool at the base of the waterfall but the views alone justify this easy hike. This area receives significant rainfall so check the weather before going to avoid flash floods.

Check out this 6.1-mile out-and-back trail near Waialua, Oahu. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

In order to enter beyond the gated access, you must have a vehicle permit. If parking outside the gate and hiking from there, this will add a couple of miles to your total hike. If you park along the road outside the of the state park, your car must not be parked over the white lines on the side of the road. Cars are ticketed if over the white line.

Head out on this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Diamond Head Crater, also known as Lēʻahi, is a dormant volcano and crater in Honolulu, Hawaii. It's a popular hiking destination and a symbol of Hawaii's geological history

Enjoy this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Kailua, Oahu. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

This hike along Ka'iwa Ridge offers great views of Lanikai and Kailua. There are some very steep sections that require scrambling, and there are no guardrails along the steep cliff sections. The trailhead is on Kaelepulu and is opposite of the Mid Pacific Country Club & Golf Course just before you reach an exclusive, gated community. The first part of the trail is very steep, slippery, and can be confusing.

Hālona Blowhole is a rock formation and a blowhole on the island of Oahu, Hawaii off of Hanauma Bay at Hālona Point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In Hawaiian hālona means "lookout".

Experience this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Honolulu, Oahu. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 25 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Steep, no-shade, climb to the top of Koko Head Crater that includes spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka'i. The 1,000+ step walking track consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater's west side to the top of Koko Crater. The military used them previously during World War 2 as part of an incline tram to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit. Halfway up, there is a "bridge" portion without ground beneath ~50 rail steps, but there is bypassing trail if you're scared.

Just a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki, this popular hiking trail can be accessed at Koko Head. Bring water since this is a prime area for humidity and hot summer days. Visitors might also be interested in the Koko Crater Botanical Garden which can be accessed inside the crater. Visitors can drive around the crater to the opposite side to access the gardens

China Walls is mostly known for its dangerous surf break that crashes right next to the rocky cliff. However, it’s one of THE BEST places to watch the sunset on Oahu.

It’s one of those places that feels like it should be hard to get to—but in actuality, it’s a short walk to get to its stunning cliffs that overlook the Maunalua Bay.

The main attraction in the Valley of the Temples is a Japanese temple called Byodo-in, which translates to the “Temple of Equality.” A scale replica of a temple in Uji Japan and made entirely without nails, Byodo-in was dedicated in 1968 as a centennial commemoration of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaiʻi. Famed Kyoto Landscaper Kiichi Toemon Sano planned the Japanese garden complex that houses Byodo-in with extreme attention to detail, from the gravel’s ripple-like design to the small bridges over the fishpond.

The deep drone of the sacred bell (bon-sho) fills the tranquil temple grounds, as it is customary for visitors to ring the bell before entering the temple for happiness and longevity. To sound the five-foot, three-ton brass bell, you must pull and release a wooden log called a shu-moku. Inside the Byodo-in sits an 18-foot gold leaf-covered Buddha where visitors are welcomed to light incense and offer a prayer. Outside, peacocks and black swans roam the garden grounds and turtles lounge beside the pond. The temple’s pond is also filled with koi, a Japanese decorative fish that is a symbol of love and friendship.

Pearl Harbor is an American lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. It was often visited by the naval fleet of the United States, before it was acquired from the Hawaiian Kingdom by the U.S. with the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875. It is recommended to book tours in advance.

Tucked in the urban heart of Honolulu, this neighborhood is filled with vibrant murals created by local and international artists, thanks to the annual POW! WOW! art festival. It’s a perfect stop for a chill afternoon walk. Grab a coffee or poke bowl from one of the nearby eateries.

Tours operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and are completely free of charge. No reservation is necessary. When you arrive, simply ask one of our retail staff for a tour, and they'll be happy to assist you. If you'd prefer to explore the farm at your own pace, you're welcome to do so, they have QR codes in-store that you can scan to learn more about the farm independently. There is a retail component and they offer free samples of our coffee and teas.

Come enjoy authentic Hawaiian music and hula by Hawaii’s finest Halau Hula (dance troupes) and Hawaiian performers. Opens with traditional Hawaiian blowing of conch shell or pu kani. Tuesdays and Saturdays, weather-permitting, 6:30-7:30 pm at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound in Waikiki and open to the public. They do not have shows if Kalakaua Ave. is closed for parades or block parties. Located on the ocean side of Kalakaua Avenue near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, diagonally across from the Hyatt Regency hotel.

Check out the Food Trucks at North Shore! North Shore has some really beautiful views and give a different island experience. The food trucks over here make some really awesome shrimp--Giovanni's being one of the top rated on the island!

North Shore is recommended for experienced surfers while Waikiki offers calmer waves better for beginners.