Enjoying easy in this tropic-loving setting. We’ve looked all over the island to find the best places and things to do to access what Oahu could offer, from majestic cliffs to emerald beaches. With access to the island’s diverse landscapes, adventure activities and general gratitude to all things outdoors, these 14 activities, are must-things-to-do for anyone not wanting to miss out on anything on the capital island of the state of Hawaii. 1. Visit the Hollywood-famed WAIKIKI, BEACH Pretty sure that when you mentioned Hawaii to someone, the first thing that comes into their mind is Waikiki. Credit that popularity to Hollywood. From popular TV shows such as Hawaii Five-O 1968 series to 2004’s Lost and hit movies like Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park movies. There are so many things to do in Waikiki. If you’re a first-timer and want to learn surfing, then Waikiki Beach is perfect for you as the waves are not as high as the ones in North Shore and there are a lot of surfing board rentals in the area that offers surfing lessons too. 2. HIKING All of the islands in Hawaii are perfect for outdoor activities such as Hiking. The Hawaiian weather is almost always perfect all the time and you don’t have to worry about wild predatory animals like snakes, wolves and/or bears since there are none at all. There are many hiking trails in the island of Oahu. My favorite is the Kamananui Valley Trail. The trail is a 6.2 mile hike good for all skill levels. It begins at the end of the Moanalua Valley at Moanalua Valley Park. When you get there you feel like you are one with nature. So quiet and peaceful and the breeze is cool and fresh and its sound makes it seem that mother nature has welcomed you. 3. Visit the POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER This is the MUST of the Must visit among all the things mentioned in this blog. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a park where they showcase the different cultures of the Polynesian People. From the Hawaiians to Fijians and Aoteroas to Tahitians. The park is very educational and a fun place to be at. Both the adults and children enjoy spending their time here. I for one can attest to that since I’ve been there thrice already and the place never gets old. The park opens at noon and ends around 5pm to 8pm depending on your ticket inclusions. Tip: When going to the park, take the H3 and enjoy the view of the breathtaking skirting cliffs of the island of Oahu. Don’t forget to stop by the Macadamia Farm on your way to the park. 4. Visit KUALOA RANCH The Kualoa Ranch should be part of your itinerary. It is 4000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular filming location for scenes from the movies like Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates, Jurassic Park, Godzilla and Lost. You’ll pass by the ranch when you drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center. So if you did the latter first, locating the ranch won’t be too difficult. 5. Visit PEARL HARBOR If you are a World War II nerd, then the Arizona Memorial Park in Pearl Harbor is a must visit for you. General admission is free in the park, including access to two (2) museums and exhibits along the harbor. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is also free. However, visits to USS Bowfin, USS Missouri Battleship and the Pacific Air Museum are subject to applicable entrance fees. 6. Visit THE BISHOP MUSEUM If you want to learn more about the Hawaiian culture, then a visit to the Bishop Museum is highly recommended. Founded in 1889, it is the largest museum in Hawaii and has the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens. – Wikipedia.org 7. SURFING This is a no-brainer. Dubbed as one of the world's top 10 best surfing spots (surfer.com, theinertia.com and cnn.com) and is widely considered as surfing's mecca, surfing is a must for those who are an avid fan of the sport. Winter season is the best time to surf in Hawaii. The state itself pump two-to-50 foot waves all year round. Not to worry if you're a beginner. There are a lot of surfing lessons offered around the island. Note: Always take precautions if you want to try it out by yourself. 8. EAT POKE! Poke – otherwise known as raw fish salad is served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine and sometimes a main course. Our favorite is the increasingly popular spicy ahi poke and is generally made with yellowfin tuna. It is available in Foodland or Sack and Save. We like it served with rice topped with Japanese furikake. 9. SNORKELING Hawaii is also known for its snorkeling spots. Amongst the famous in the island of Oahu that we personally tried are Hanauma Bay and Shark’s Cove. Hanauma Bay State Park Located in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, Hanauma Bay is both a Nature Preserve and a Marine Life Conservation District. First-time visitors are required to watch educational videos in the State Park’s mini theater to help them learn about conservation of the reefs and the type of fish that lives there. To know more about Hanauma Bay and their pricing, visit their official website at . Tip: Before you go back to your hotel, drive by the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline and enjoy the view of Oahu’s coastline. Shark's Cove One of the best snorkeling spots in the island, Sharks Cove can get a little packed at times. Mentioned in Scuba Diving's Magazine as one of Oahu's shore dive spots, this small rocky bay possess blue water and imposing amount of sea life. Note: Because of its rocky features, I would not recommend taking children in Shark's Cove unless to play in tide pools. 10. WALK AROUND OLD TOWN HALEIWA IN NORTH SHORE OAHU and MATSUMOTO's SHAVED ICE A recommended visit for anyone visiting the island. Old Town in Haleiwa North Shore is a total getaway from Waikiki. Well, perhaps not the crowd. Unlike the common concrete jungle concept in most cities when it comes to shopping, this place is designed with the town in mind. A perfect place to explore for island-themed shopping. From souvenirs to beach clothing to coffee and shaved-ice shops. Speaking of shaved-ice, the town has the best shave-ice on the island – Matsumoto’s! Tip: On your way to Old Town Haleiwa, take the H2-N and stop by Dole Plantation. 11. Visit HO'OMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN Another of my personal favorites in Oahu is the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. The garden is a rainforest garden designed for flood protection with plantings from major tropical regions in the world. If you're a nature lover then this place is definitely an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city of the island. Entrance is free and is open daily except for certain holidays. 12. Visit SHIROKIYA VILLAGE Located at the Ala Moana Center, Shorikiya Japanese Village Walk highlights traditional Japanese culture. It consists of four main themes:
13. SWAP MEET Another shopping activity when you’re in the island. I would recommend this place more than the shopping centers in Waikiki or even from the Old Town Haleiwa for the prices. They are cheaper! And in some cases, you can negotiate the price of the items that you want to buy. It’s a Bazaar Market Place and its HUGE! Google Aloha Stadium Swap Meet for their schedules. 14. DRIVE AROUND THE ISLAND If you find driving relaxing, then I would recommend for you to do so while you’re in the island. Driving around the island might take you between 3-5 hours depending on how many stops you take for scenic lookouts and picture taking. For scenic lookouts, I would recommend driving by the following:
Pali Lookout For a breathtaking view of the windward side of Oahu, this is a MUST visit. I mean just look at the photo. Also, the site is a historical site. I would recommend reading the signs in the place for a quick history of the Hawaiian Islands. Tantalus Lookout
A short drive from Waikiki, get a great panoramic view of Honolulu and Diamond Head. Getting there is interesting. You would have to drive a narrow and winding road in a ‘Tropical Rainforest’ area. Note: Parking is limited but worth the visit.
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