Honolulu/Oahu Activities

Hi all

As I have mentioned in a few earlier posts I'm headed off to Honolulu with my two boys 20 and 15 for a few weeks. Whilst we want to set some time aside for relaxing on the beach doing not much at all, we also need some excursions to truly appreciate the Island. I would really appreciate suggestions for Oahu/Honolulu, genuinely open to anything

FLYERZ

[honey lamb]

Definitely visit the Arizona Memorial. It's a must. A boat takes you out to the memorial which is built over the ship itself and it's very moving.

For a bit of activity, climb Diamond Head. It's easy enough and the views are lovely.

As HL has said Pearl Harbour is a must- go early ( when it first opens) as it can get very busy. If the boys are into surfing a trip up to the North Shore and Banzai Pipeline (calling for shaved ice at Matumoto's grocery store on the way back ). The Dole Plantation is also worth a stop ( even if just to buy some Dole Whip. Yum !!).
Just chillout - Hawaii is simply fabulous.
DL

Thanks so far. Pearl Harbour was definitely high on my list and I think I'll treat the boys to a surf lesson or two!

Was there last year, we did Pearl Harbour, this is a good day out. We hired a car to go to the other side of the island to see where Lost and Jarrasic Park was make, there are some lovely water falls to visit over there too, plus a massive pineapple plantation that you can visit. If you get a GPS in the car, there are commentaries as you pass different areas giving you information on what happens in this area.

There is a massive shopping mall near Waikiki Beach, if you go there try the third floor and the Mai Tai Bar, music, food and drink. It was fabulous.

For snorkeling you can't beat Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, you can take the bus from downtown Waikiki or if you are renting a car it is just short drive. They have snorkel equipment available on site to rent. The organized tour trips to here are a waste of money and then you are subject to someone elses schedule for when you want to leave etc.
https://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facilit ... mation.htm

Definitely hire a car and explore the north coast, it's stunning.
Also recommend Hanauma bay, it is lovely. Although not great for my husband as it's whre he lost his wedding ring, on our honeymoon xx(

All of the above suggestions are great. In addition to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, that area also has a bunch of watersports companies where you can do things like jet ski rental, water-wake boarding, bumper boat etc. Good fun for boys that age, I'd say.

I definitely recommend hiring a car, and apart from the North Shore, visiting the Windward (eastern) shore, particularly the Kailua area. Consistently rated (even better than Waikiki) as some of the best beaches on Oahu and noticeably less crowded. Take the drive one way on the H3 to gawk at how they could build a highway in such beautiful terrain, and the Pali highway back for even better scenery.

The North Shore is famous for its surfing beaches, which in the warmer months are much more calm. Waimea Bay, famous for surfing, is also famous for how clear the water can get on a sunny day (see to your toes when up to your chest).

Enjoy!

If you like learning about culture then a trip to the Polynesian Culture Centre is a must, it's a day trip that involves you participating in different activities and finished off with a luau in the evening.

As mentioned above Pearl Harbour is a very educational and thought provoking trip. When I was last there, on the Arizona memorial you could still see an oil slick bubbling from the Arizona 60 odd years after it sunk.

If you like the sea, then the Oahu Atlantis Submarine tour which is two hours is simply breathtaking. Prices are $117 upwards, but for me worth it.

Waikiki beach is stunning, and if you are a big Magnum fan, the Robin Masters estate is on the east side of the island but the owner has let it slip into disrepair

Have a great time

im going there in 4 weeks (wedding) and ive booked a full day pearl harbour tour. If I see anything of note ill post them after

Theres a pass thing you can buy that gives you access to loads of actvities

We were there last July staying at Disney resort on east coast at ko olina. The east coast is not that pretty but worth a drive to see the spinner dolphins frolicking. You can see these from the road. You must go to turtle beach on the north shore where the green turtles are everywhere and come onto the beach. Absolutely fantastic. Also go see the blow hole near Waikiki which is interesting as are the tropical gardens, Fantastic golf course at ko olina also. Have fun.

Sorry meant to say disney at ko olina is on west coast