Visiting Hawaii? Here are popular things to do when visiting Hawaii. These top activities are located on the island of Oahu which hosts the capital of Honolulu. Over 80% of visitors to Hawaii visit or stay in Honolulu. This list of top activities is in random order.
1.) Visit Haunama Bay and go snorkeling or just enjoy the scenery. Even if you do not snorkel, be sure to take some goggles so that you can look in the water and see the various sea life. Don’t forget to get some rubber “booties” or rubber soled beach and surf shoes (not for surfing but for walking in the sand and surf) so that you don’t cut your feet on the reef. Hawaiian waters have plenty of coral and reef and it’s sharp as glass so you want to protect your feet. No need to bring them here with you, you can buy them at any local Long’s Drugs Store, Wall Mart, or any ABC store (the most popular convenience store in Waikiki). A couple of things to note about Haunama Bay. It’s closed on Tuesdays for cleaning, it’s about $2 to get in, and unless you are an expert strong swimmer and snorkeler keep your snorkeling within the inner one third of the bay area. As you get further out, the currents get very strong, if you go out too far chances are you will not be able to get in. Most people are aware of this and stay a comfortable distance close to the shore, but sometime swimmers get excited and start following a sea turtle, or ray out to deeper waters before realizing they’ve gone out a little far. Better to be safe and stay within the inner 1/3 of the bay. Not to scare anyone but drownings at Haunama do happen so better to be safe. But don’t let this scare you, snorkeling within the shoreline is great and there are some of the most beautiful fish in the world to be seen.
Also be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen even if you think you don’t need it. The Hawaiian sun looks friendly but it’s viciously strong. The UV rays here are very potent even on a cloudy day. Wear sunscreen and save yourself a painful sunburn, which can happen in just one hour.
2.) Visit the Waiola Store and eat the best Shave Ice in the world. It’s refreshing and onolicious! “Ono” means “yummy” or delicious in Hawaiian. See my article here at associatedcontent.com for more info about Waiola Shave Ice.
3.) Walk Lanikai and Kailua Beach. Located on the “Windward” side of the island over the Koolau Mountain Range is Kailua and Lanikai Beach just down the road from Kailua Town. Lanikai and Kailua beach regularly show up in the top 10 beaches of the world surveys every year (many times within the top 5)… Tranquil, peaceful, beautiful is how you would describe these island treasures.
4.) Shop till you drop at Ala Moana Center. Located just minutes from Waikiki, Ala Moana is Hawaii’s biggest shopping mall featuring local stores, national brand names and international luxuries such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and all the others.
5.) Want a better deal instead? Shop at Waikele Premium Outlet where you can find brand name clothing outlet stores at a bargain. For example, you could get a nice Armani Exchange t-shirt for just $9.99 instead of the the “sale price” or regular price of $19.99 in the regular stores. Give yourself extra time for the road trip to Waikele which is basically towards the middle of Oahu away from the major hotels in Waikiki. If you are staying at Ko’olina Resort it’s much closer, but for most folks it will take a 2 hour round trip by rental car, or a 4 hour round trip by The Bus (Oahu’s city bus).
6.) After you’ve exhausted yourself shopping…Eat till you drop at Makino Chaya at Aloha Tower. Makino Chaya is an All You Can Eat Buffet that serves seafood, sushi, grilled Wagyu (Kobe beef) made to order in front of you, and desserts. The food quality and taste is excellent at Makino Chaya, and since the price is only about $30 for dinner you should make a reservation or go early and put your name on the list. They are one of Oahu’s busiest buffet restaurants. If buffets are not your style then you can eat at The Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki. Although they are not a local company and not unique to Hawaii and they don’t take reservations, you still may end up needing to wait in line for 30 minutes or more to sit down. It’s not “all you can eat” and their entrees are generally dishes that you’ve seen before, but their cheesecake…They are famous for their cheesecake. Yummy!
7.) If you’ve been to the Cheesecake Factory before and want to try something different for dessert, go to Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue, just minutes from Waikiki. Leonard’s serves up fresh home made “Malasadas” or Portuguese “donuts. They are warm and filling and cost less than a buck a piece. You can’t go wrong here! Or try a Beard Papa’s for the best cream filled puff pastries ever. Beard Papa is a Japanese company that is becoming a famous franchise in the major US cities as well. Beard Papa’s is an awesome way to fill your sweet tooth craving!
8.) After you’re done stuffing yourself you’ll want to Walk Waikiki and stroll down Kalakaua Avenue at night where you’ll see plenty of street performers and artists doing their thing. You’ll see musicians, mimes, dancers, singers, jugglers, comedians, and more. Don’t forget to tip a few dollars to the artists, they work hard to entertain you.
9.) Circle Island. If you have a rental car or have time to spend a day riding the bus you’ll want to cruise around the around. You’ll see scenic ocean views all around and old Oahu towns while cruising. Just remember that you won’t be able to circle if you go up the coastline north towards Makaha, you’ll need to cut back into H-1 (Highway 1 going inland), or you’ll need to start your tour going south and then going up through the Windward Side. This is the recommended way since you’ll see better stunning views this way and be able to stop and pull over easier if you are driving.
10.) While you are circling Oahu you’ll want to stop before by North Shore (before Turtle Bay) and eat some fresh cooked shrimp at one of the various shrimp trucks. Oahu has a thriving shrimp farming industry and some of the tastiest shrimp plates in the world can be had just from a roadside truck parked right down the road from the shrimp farms. You’ll see them all together around the same area so you’ll know you’re there. Just find one that looks busy and get in line! You’re in for a treat.
11.) Visit the North Shore, the Mecca for surfers around the world. Winter waves can get over 30 feet so it’s best to not walk close to the shore when the surf is high. There are fatalities every year from people unknowingly walking too close to the shoreline during the winter season at North Shore. It’s best to stay away from the shoreline and watch the waves from a safe distance especially between December and February. However, during the summer months May through October the North Shore waves are generally at their mellowest. If you see a green sea turtle on the beach (“Honu”) you’re not allowed to touch it. Federal law. They are protected species, so take a picture but leave them alone. They are one of nature’s and Hawaii’s greatest treasures. Don’t forget to visit Haleiwa town at the North Shore for shopping, dining and hanging out.
12.) A cool and windy place to get a very scenic view of Oahu is the Pali Lookout, up at the top of Pali Highway. Be sure to lock your cars and hide your valuables since it’s also a place known for break ins. The Pali is one of the most breathtaking views (literally). It’s super windy on most days up there and the view of the Windward side is amazing!
13.) If you don’t have a rental car then a great place for a high awesome view is Diamond Head. Just minutes from Waikiki, and a short bus ride away. It’s costs just a buck to get in. Be sure to wear tennis shoes and not slippers to hike up. It’s takes about 45 minutes up and the hike down gets a little steep in some areas, so wear shoes and socks and avoid blisters on your feet. Be sure to take bottled water. They do not sell it there so stuff your bag with water and/or a snack (don’t leave your trash there, put it in the rubbish can / garbage can). Also it’s advisable to wear a hat. Take your camera!! The views at the top are awesome and it’s worth the hike and exercise!
14.) Surf or boogie board or at least take a swim in Waikiki! If you don’t know how to swim at least dip your feet in the water! Hey your in Hawaii for God’s sake! ‘Nuff said.
15.) Grind a gourmet steak at Hy’s Steakhouse. Hy’s is the local favorite in Waikiki. The new kid on the block is DK Steakhouse. Both serve super prime steaks, sides and drinks. Better than Morton’s and Ruth Chris Steakhouse in the writer’s humble personal opinion. Best to make a reservation.
16.) Enjoy local products of the sun like…Kona coffee. Eat a Papaya or a Mango or both if it’s Mango season! Try a Likikoi (Passion Fruit). Although there are plenty of packaged products with the above, try the fresh fruits of the islands if you can. They’re ONO!
Some hints to make your stay more pleasant:
If you are driving a rental car, SLOW DOWN! This ain’t the Mainland. The roads and highways are smaller and there are many active seniors in Hawaii that still drive. People here drive slower. Period. The posted speed limits are slower than what you are used to seeing. Slow down and let others in! Drive with Aloha!
A word about “Aloha”. Go easy on saying “Aloha” to everyone. Most locals use the word Aloha sparingly (unless you are shopping at ABC Store). Aloha is more of an attitude of gratitude toward your fellow neighbor, it’s not really merely a greeting. The real meaning of Aloha is “Breath of Life”. Better to greet people with a “warm Hello” than with a “cool Aloha”. There’s nothing that says “TOURIST!” more louder than a light skinned person walking around town saying Aloha at the top of their lungs to everyone and calling everyone at home saying “Aloha! Aloha! We’re in Hawaii!”
Realize that Hawaii is a mixed plate of cultures from all over the Pacific and Asia. Although it is a State of the United States, there is a rich cross cultural history and decades of traditions and cultures that make Hawaii what it is today. When in Rome do as the Romans. When in Hawaii mix in and blend in with the locals.
Last but not least, if you are on Vacation here…RELAX! Get some sun, breathe some fresh air (some of the cleanest and pure air in the world). Go in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy and have gratitude for the simple things in life!
With Aloha,
Zig Noda
