Unique and Fun Things to Do in Honolulu, HI
One of the most beautiful places in the world, Hawaii is an extremely popular vacation destination. In spite of this, the Aloha State has managed to preserve much of the natural beauty that makes it such a great place to be. While you’re in Hawaii, there is nothing wrong with just doing the tourist thing or even just lying on the beach. However, if you want to venture away from the crowds a little bit, try some of these great alternatives that we have found just for you.
Manoa Falls
While you're in Hawaii, you should definitely try to get in some hiking. It's a great way to take in some of the amazing scenery and get back to nature. That being said, Manoa Falls is a great place for beginners to hike and travels through the lush Manoa Valley and ends at a waterfall. The trail is less than a mile long and relatively flat, so this is a great hike for everyone.
Koko Head
For those of you looking for a more difficult hiking experience, you should check out Koko Head. What was once an old railway track is now a great hike going up the side of a mountain. Unlike Manoa Falls, the Koko Head trail does not have the lush foliage of Manoa Valley, but it does have a spectacular view at the top. Overall, this is a relatively short, but strenuous hike, and is very satisfying at the end of it.
Makapu'u Point
On the easier end of the spectrum of hikes on Oahu is the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. A paved, winding road that leads up to a lookout overlooking a lighthouse, this is a nice, easy hike that the whole family can do. One of the nice things about this trail is that there are also side trails there that take you to old military bunkers on top of the mountain and to tide pools down by the ocean.
Diamond Head
Finally, the easiest hike on this list is definitely the Diamond Head trail. Named by 19th -century British sailors who thought that the crystals they saw in the soil were diamonds; it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hawaii. Overall, this is a very easy hike that the entire family can do. There is no rough terrain and it is paved the whole way.
North Shore
For a look at the more natural side of Hawaii, head on over to the North Shore. With many of the residents resisting development, the North Shore has remained a great place to visit, and is a stark contrast to the developed city of Honolulu. While you’re there, you obviously can’t miss the amazing beaches, but also be sure to make a trip to Haleiwa for some world famous Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
One of my personal favorite destinations on the island of Oahu is Waimea Bay Beach Park. Not only is this a great white sand beach, but it definitely has a trick or two up its sleeve. During the winter months, this beach offers some of the best surfing you will find. However, we recommend you head there during the summer months, when the water is a lot calmer and you can jump off the 25 foot rock right into the clear blue ocean. This is really a one-of-a-kind experience that you should not miss.
USS Arizona Memorial
Visitors to Hawaii should also think about going to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Commemorating the 1,177 men who lost their lives during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, this memorial is a truly unique experience for visitors. In addition to exhibits on the shore, the tours include a ride to the memorial built over the sunken battleship. We recommend going early in the day when it is less crowded.
Bishop Museum
Founded in 1889 as a repository for the Bishop family’s artifacts, the Bishop Museum has become the state’s premiere institution for documenting the state’s history. This is a great place to learn about and experience the history of the Aloha State through a wide variety of exhibits and performances.
Dole Plantation
What was once just a road-side fruit stand has now become the Dole Plantation. Attractions here include the World’s Largest Maze, and the twenty minute Pineapple Express train tour. However, easily my favorite part of the Dole Plantation and the main reason I go there every time I am in Hawaii is Dole Whip, the amazing pineapple soft serve treat they sell at the Plantation Grille café.
