oahu

South/East

• A day at Pearl Harbor 

• Nu'uanu Pali Lookout (Sunrise is ideal if no marine layer blocking the stunning view)

• Manoa Falls Jungle Hike (1.7 mi, easy, beautify and jungly-sounding birds chirping, waterfall at the end, may need bug repellent)

• Tantalus Drive (windy jungle drive with some cool overlooks)

• LaniKai Pillbox Hike (1.6mi - advise going at sunrise, moderate difficulty, beautiful beach views)

• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

• Spitting Cave of Portlock

• Sunset walk from Kapiolani Park to the Hilton

• Kailua beach (lots of wind surfers!)

• Valley of the Temples (we simply drove through to see the beautiful grounds)

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North

• Pipeline (world-famous surfing)

• Lanaikea Beach (tons of turtles here!)

• Waimea Beach

Honolulu

• La Mer at Halekulani (Fine dining, beautiful view, live Hawaiian music, excellent service)

• Duke's (lively, great live music, dancing, advise sitting outside, we went for the fun vibe, but were pleasantly surprised that the food was good too!)

• Mina's Fish House at The Four Seasons  (fine dining, delicious)

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North Shore

• Konos (Hawaiian lunch)

• Aiaia

• Turtle Bay Restaurants + Ho'olana cafe in lobby

• Sunrise Shack

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Other

• Beet Box (healthy lunch spot)

Honolulu​

• We found an Airbnb with an excellent view that was within blocks of the beach!  It was located on Ohua Avenue.

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North Shore

• Turtle Bay Resort - We LOVED this luxury resort!  Every room has ocean view, the design is contemporary, yet honoring Hawaiian surfing culture, the spa is fantastic, service is excellent, and there are many delicious food options.  We will be back to this resort!​​

• We love Andrew Doughty's blue Hawaii guidebooks for visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

• Pearl Harbor: We recommend getting the Pearl Harbor Pass + USS Arizona tickets - this will allow you to see everything including the submarine, aviation and USS Missouri battleship museums.  Bring snacks in a clear bag and plan to spend the whole day here - this is a very well done and educational museum/ memorial!

• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling:  Yes, it is worth it to go here.  Online reservations are HIGHLY encouraged and were available only 2 days prior.  Try to go at high tide, as we went when the tide was low and it was difficult to have enough room above the coral to swim around.

• The West side of the island is easier to access coming from the South, rather than the North.