The Polynesian Cultural Center travels through time and space offering the experience of thousands of years worth of culture from six different island nations, each with its own flavor and appeal. This interactive experience covers the Islands of Hawai'i, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Tours and Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link below.
Step back in time and immerse yourself in a pivotal moment of American history as you tour Pearl Harbor. Experience the solemn beauty and learn the inspiring stories of bravery and sacrifice at one of the most significant sites of World War II. Tours and Tickets can be arranged by clicking the link below.
Immerse yourself in the rich Hawaiian culture and heritage at the premier natural and cultural history museum. Built on the grounds of the original Kamehameha Schools for Boys, Bishop Museum was established in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop to honor his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the Kamehameha royal family. Originally housing Hawaiian artifacts and royal heirlooms, it has since grown to include millions of items related to Hawai'i and Pacific island cultures. Today, Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and a leading institution for natural and cultural history in the Pacific. It is renowned for its cultural collections, research, consulting services, and educational programs and holds one of the world's largest natural history specimen collections. Its primary mission is to serve the interests of Native Hawaiians. Purchase tickets by clicking the link below.
The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking the link below.
Kualoa is a 4,000 acre Private Nature Reserve as well as a working cattle ranch with cattle, horses, and sheep, stretching from the steep mountain cliffs to the sparkling waters of Kaneohe Bay. The reserve terrain varies from waonahele (dense Hawaiian rainforest) to waokanaka (broad open valleys.) Kualoa is a paradise for outdoor recreation and offers guided tours by electric mountain bikes, ATV Raptors, zipline, horseback, trolley, bus, boat, Jungle Jeep, catamaran, or by foot! If the views look familiar, it’s because Kualoa has been the site of over 70 Hollywood movies since the 1950’s. Blockbuster films such as Jumanji, Kong Skull Island, Jurassic World, Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, Tears of the Sun, and 50 First Dates have all been filmed at Kualoa. TV shows like Hawaii Five-O, Magnum P.I. and LOST have also used the amazing backdrops for their series. Tours and Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link below.
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the bay, after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Voted Best Beach in the United States in 2016, volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there. ***A 48-Hour advanced reservation is required to enter and start at 7am daily. Visit the Honolulu Parks & Recreation website for ticket reservations.
Catch some waves and immerse yourself in the beauty of Waikiki’s stunning shoreline with Star Beachboys, your go-to destination for surf lessons and board rentals on O'ahu. As the best surf shop in Waikiki, they offer a range of exhilarating activities that embrace the spirit of the ocean. Explore our top-notch surfboard and paddleboard rentals, or book a surf lesson right on Waikiki Beach to make the most of your time on the water.
Experience the stunning waters of Māmaka Kaiao (ocean) with Waikiki Dive Center, where luxury meets the spirit of Hawai'i. Explore O'ahu's rich biodiversity, including Honu (green sea turtles) and Hāhālua (manta rays), in a region home to about 30% of Hawai'i's exclusive species. Since 1979, Waikiki Dive Center is known for its exceptional ho'okipa (hospitality), experienced guides, and thrilling underwater excursions. As a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, they offer top-quality scuba diving courses and equipment for divers of all levels, including certified dives and luxury snorkeling trips. For the best diving experience in Hawai'i, choose Waikiki Dive Center, where safety and unforgettable adventures go hand in hand. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking the link below.
When surfing enthusiasts hear the words “Sunset Beach,” they often feel exhilaration, imagining big waves and great days on the water. As a vital part of the North Shore, Sunset Beach has been a staple since the 1920s when it was named by a real estate developer who planned upscale beachfront properties. Located at the eastern end, Sunset Beach hosts prestigious surfing events, including the Triple Crown of Surfing. Surfers of all skill levels visit to ride some of the world’s biggest and most thrilling waves, especially from October to March when conditions are at their peak. Beyond the surfing, the area is also known for its impressive Banzai Pipeline.
Banzai Pipeline, commonly known as "Pipeline," is a famous surfing spot at Ehukai Beach on O'ahu's North Shore, Hawai'i. It is renowned for its unique reef structure that produces powerful, hollow waves, especially during winter when swells from the North Pacific Ocean reach the shore. Pipeline is one of the world's deadliest waves, averaging 9 ft, but it can be as tall as 20 ft! From late fall to early spring, professional surfers and enthusiasts flock to Pipeline to tackle its challenging waves, known for dramatic tube formations. While it draws many visitors, Pipeline is also considered one of the most dangerous surf spots due to its strong waves and shallow reefs known as "Off the Wall" and "Backdoor". With its stunning blue waters and scenic views, Pipeline serves as a paradise for surfers, photographers, and beachgoers, solidifying its status as a worldwide premier surfing destination.
Sharks Cove has been rated by Scuba Diving Magazine as one of the “Top Twelve Shore Dives in the World”. Located on Oahu’s world famous North Shore, this small rocky bay forms part of Pupukea Beach Park and boasts blue water and an impressive amount of sea life. The bottom is made up of large smooth boulders and coral heads forming small caves and ledges for marine life to hide. The walls of the surrounding cliffs provide calmer water attracting schooling surface fish. On the south side of Sharks Cove is the Pupukea tide pools; a great place to wade and explore. Because of the popularity of Sharks Cove the small parking lot may fill quickly. Be sure to get there by at least 9 – 10am so you’ll have a place to park. The parking lot overlooks the beach.
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, often referred to as the Ka'iwa Ridge Trail, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and enjoyable trekking experience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors on O'ahu. This intermediate-level hike features a moderate ascent just above the pristine Lanikai Beach, where you'll encounter lush vegetation and stunning coastal views along the trail. As you progress, the hike offers several lookout points that provide panoramic vistas of O'ahu's windward side, showcasing the sparkling turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the neighboring Mokulua Islands. The trail also leads to two historic pillboxes from World War II, which serve as perfect vantage points for photography and relaxation. Whether you aim to experience a beautiful sunrise or enjoy a day in nature, the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is an unforgettable adventure that rewards hikers with spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment.
Embark on a delightful stroll along a beautifully paved path that meanders through vibrant botanical gardens and captivating historical sites, ultimately guiding you to the picturesque waterfall. The journey covers 3/4 of a mile one way, making for a 1 1/2-mile round trip. As you traverse this scenic route, take in the lush surroundings and the rich history that envelops you. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, there’s the option to purchase one-way or round-trip transportation on our convenient electric shuttles, allowing you to enjoy the sights without the effort of walking. Waimea Falls is located on O'ahu's North Shore across from Waimea Bay. Tours and Tickets can be arranged by clicking the link below.
Ko'Olina Ulua Lagoon (Lagoon 4) Beach is our favorite beach in Hawai'i! It is open to the public and there is plenty of free parking.
Kalama's is a beautiful, classic tropical feeling beach near Kailua Beach Park in Kailua with fine powdery white sand. Kalama's gentle waves make it a great beach for beginner surfers and body boarders, and you won't find the same crowds here as you will at Kalama's neighboring beach, Kailua.
Alan Davis Beach is a hidden gem near the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. It is perfect for exploring tide pools, wading, swimming, lowkey cliff jumping, and relaxing with a packed lunch and stunning views. Take a short walk down the Ka'iwi Shoreline Trail to access the beach. At the trail's end, you'll find a small cove ideal for swimming and tide pools, especially at low tide. The beach is tucked against cliffs at the island's easternmost tip and requires a half-mile hike from the parking lot. The shallow bay has a rocky bottom, making it suitable for wading (bring water shoes or sandals). Two rock pools provide a calm area to relax and watch the waves. This spot is usually uncrowded on weekdays, but expect more visitors on weekends, especially those jumping off nearby cliffs. If you like to explore, many trails are part of the Ka'iwi State Scenic Shoreline, leading to more rock tide pools.
Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of O'ahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year. Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Also popular are informational displays and presentations, as well as our plantation country store offering a wide variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local favorites, foods and refreshments including the world-famous Dole Soft Serve! And, before you leave you can purchase fresh pineapple to take home!
For generations, International Market Place in Waikīkī has been a storied landmark and gathering place where locals and visitors from around the world meet, make memories and share stories. In 2016, this iconic destination was reimagined into an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination featuring a distinct Hawaiian sense of place. The center features flowing water features, lush, tropical landscapes and an iconic banyan tree that is more than a century old.
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 3 PM (HST), the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace offers a wide selection of high quality products from clothing, accessories, Hawaiian souvenirs, pre-packaged ethnic foods, fine jewelry and vintage antiques at great discount prices. Beautifully handcrafts products and exclusive art pieces are made and sold by the artist themselves, which truly make great gifts for yourself or that special someone!
Your Hawaiian Luau begins with a tropical Mai Tai greeting and traditional Hawaiian music to set the festive mood of the evening. Casually stroll through the Hawaiian Village and learn the Arts & Crafts of the islands or test your skills at our Hawaiian Games. Go for a canoe ride in their Cove. Witness the time-honored techniques of underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony. Bring your appetite to fully enjoy Paradise Cove’s extensive menu which tastefully blends the best of traditional Hawaiian dishes, local favorites. and continental cuisine. With the most spectacular Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop, the performers will entertain and amaze you with an unforgettable display of songs and dances of Hawai'i and Polynesian culture. Visit their website at the link below to purchase tickets.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Pacific Islands! Enjoy an awe-inspiring Polynesian show by the ocean, under the stars and palm trees. Experience enchanting traditions of ancient Hawai'i and embrace the “Aloha spirit” at our backyard-style Hawaiian luau. This rich cultural experience is like no other in the world and will truly complete your Hawaiian experience! Visit their website at the link below to purchase tickets.
Zippy’s says “Hawai'i” like no other restaurant on earth - where everyone goes to satisfy their island-sized appetite. For generations, they’ve been part of the o'hana, serving up soul-satisfying local favorites with a side of aloha. Come for the food, stay for the fun! Click below to find the diner closest to your location!
Founded in 1998, the original Haleiwa Joe’s is located in historic Haleiwa town on O'ahu’s illustrious “Seven-mile Miracle”. It boasts views of the harbor, ocean, and postcard sunsets. Featuring fresh catches, locally grown produce, and quality steaks, Haleiwa Joe’s chefs create exciting meals that highlight seasonal treasures from the Pacific Rim. They seat on a first come, first serve basis and do not accept reservations. Click the link below to view their menu.
Located on the North Shore of O'ahu, Kua'Aina's famous burgers are cooked to order and flame grilled over lava rock. Customize your burger toppings with avocado, pineapple, bacon, ortega chilis, grilled onions and cheese. In addition to burgers, their extensive menu offers tasty hot and cold sandwiches, and salads. Don’t forget our famous shoe string fries, hand cut and made to order everyday. Check out Kua'Aina's menu by clicking the link below!
An absolute must when visiting the North Shore, Matsumoto Shave Ice produces over 1,000 shave ice every day for hundreds of people from around the world who come in for a sweet, cool treat!
On the North Shore of O'ahu, Ted's Bakery is a local favorite! You have to try the strawberry guava cream and chocolate haupia pies!
Leonard's Bakery is best know for their malasadas, which is a Portuguese doughnut without a hole, fried until it’s golden brown on the outside and light & fluffy on the inside. As they say in Hawai'i, they're 'Ono!