Category: Beaches Area: Kailua Note from the locals: Bluest water and calmest surf. There are islands called the mok’s that you can rent a kayak and paddle to. You will see turtles and other sea life along the way. If you’re lucky, a monk seal likes to hang at the Mok’s. You can also snorkel to an island about a half a mile swim away. You are guaranteed to see turtles. ALSO there’s a hike called Lanikai Pillbox, really great sunrise hike that overlooks the beach.
Category: Beach Note from the locals: A tourist beach but for a good reason. You have access to shops, bars, and restaurants—one of the most popular beaches on island.
Category: Beach Note from the locals: Great spot to see the north shore and still have your own “private beach”. Parking is limited, so try to get there early. This is a great place to watch big waves when conditions are right.
Category: Beach Note from the locals: Home to the Disney resort and 4 seasons. Most people don’t know they are public and there is limited parking— super chill vibe and few people.
Category: Beach Note from the locals: A surfing competition is held here every year - The pipeline masters. This is one of the most popular surfing comps in the world. Worth seeing.
Category: Beach Note from the locals: Favorite beach on the island. A local beach that still offers the same blue water Lanikai has but fewer tourists. Plus, you get a sweet mountain view in the background
Category: Beach Note from the locals: WAY over on the Northwest side of the island. Can truly find your own beach here. Usually seals and turtles are around!
Category: Lunch Theme: Seafood/Shrimp Area: Haleiwa
Category: Lunch Theme: Plate lunches and great pie Area: North Shore
Category: Dinner Theme: Korean/Japanese BBQ Area: Kakaako Price: $$$$
Category: Lunch Theme: Poke (Best Poke on the island, get the Spicy Ahi! Area: Honolulu
Category: Dinner Theme: Hawaiian Food Area: Kanaohe Price: $$$ Note: Kaneohe Location, the one in Haleiwa is not as good
Category: Lunch Theme: Poke Area: Haleiwa Note from the locals: Second best poke on the island!
Category: Dinner Theme: Japanese - Best Hotpot on the Island! Area: Pear City Price: $$
Category: Dinner Theme: Vietnamese, best Pho on the Island Area: Chinatown Price: $$
Category: Dinner Theme: Hawaiian Area: Honolulu Price: $$
Category: Dinner Theme: Udon/Ramen Area: Honolulu Price: $
Category: Must do activities What: Skydive/Glide at Dillingham Airfield
Category: Must do activities! What: Jurassic Park Tour Note: This is our venue!
Category: Must Do Activities! What: Get the Dole Whip and skip the paid tours, can be a short stop when heading up to North Shore
Category: Must Do Activities! What: Cute coffee farm and a great mid-day stop
Category: Must Do Activities What: Memorial + Historical Site Visit
Category: Must Do Activities What: High-end outdoor mall
Category: Must Do Activities What: Surfing lessons at Waikiki Beach! Note: Plethora of vendors and people that will take you out and the surf is perfect for beginners!
Category: Must Do Activities What: Snorkle Notes: It’s a nature preserve and protected by very shallow water - no need to fear sharks!
Category: Best Sunset Spots Notes: Saw a green flash there a few months ago. Also has a 15-foot cliff everyone jumps off of!
Category: Best Sunset Spots Notes: Overlooks the city at sunset, arguably the second-best spot on the island!
Category: Best Sunset Spots Notes: Really hard to beat this spot!
Category: Hikes Notes from the locals: Pretty intense hike, but personally, my favorite hike by far. Takes you up a mountain ridge and is relatively short. 2 - 3 miles depending on how far you go
Category: Hikes Notes: Paved hike, can bring the whole family. Great views and a spot where you can climb down to the water and see blowholes. Not that long and not that challenging. 2.5 Miles.
Category: Best Hikes Note: A must do for sunrise. Takes you up to pillboxes that overlook the Mok islands. 1 mile!
Category: Best Hikes Notes: A green hike that takes you back into a waterfall. Not challenging at all but make sure you have some rain gear because it tends to rain back in Manoa quite a bit.