Halekulani Boardwalk on the ocean, Waikiki Beach
A partially paved path directly on the water that takes you in front of the grand hotels.
Fort DeRussy Beach, Boardwalk, and Park, Waikiki
Whitest white sand, clear sparkling water, spacious green lawns with large shade trees, tropical flowers, a wide half-mile boardwalk, and a huge park full of tropical plants.
Hale Koa Hotel grounds, Waikiki
Tropical wonderland! Stroll through and enjoy the gorgeous trees and flowers.
Pua'ena Point Beach Park, Haleiwa
Pua'ena (Puaena) Point Beach Park is a lovely secluded cove with lots of shade and cool breezes.
Turtle Bay Resort Beach, North Shore
Magical beaches and ironwood forest make for some great exploring around this hotel.
Hau Tree Beach, Waikiki
Hau Tree Beach, or Kaimana Beach, offers one of the best swims in Waikiki- clear calm water with a soft sandy bottom, and tons of shade!
University Avenue Park or Kamanele Park
An older playground, tucked at the bottom of a hill, with huge wonderful trees.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach, Waikiki
A beautiful, spacious, open part of Waikiki Beach, and tons for kids to do!
Children's Discovery Museum, Honolulu
A museum with an amazing amount of fun things for kids to explore!
Duke Kahanamoku Statue Beach, Waikiki
Fantastic place to swim. Also, stand under a webcam here and wave to family back home!
Waimanalo Beach
Long, white sand beach with lots of shade and aquamarine waters. Best beginner bodyboarding spot.
Turtle Beach, or Laniakea Beach
Pretty beach popular with surfers and nice for a warm, calm swim. Turtles are often seen here.
Aweoweo Beach Park and Playground, Waialua
Sweet little beach with steep golden sand, shallow calm water, and a great playground and park full of people!
Byodo-In Temple
Stunning replica of the same-named temple in Kyoto, Japan. Glorious high mountains and tropical vegetation- a must do!
Honolulu Zoo
Stunning lush lawns shaded by massive tree canopies, tropical flowers, winding paths, intimate exhibits, a space-age playground, and petting zoo.
Pipeline (Ehukai) Beach, North Shore
Beautiful yellow-sanded beach with LOTS of sand and huge waves in winter.
Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe
If heaven were situated at a place of higher learning, this is where it would be!
Hard Rock Cafe, Waikiki
Awesome huge venue with wonderful breeze blowing through balcony, wood floors, guitars on high ceiling, and pink wave wall.
Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market
A heaven of tropical fruits, plants, flowers, coconut drinks, and hot foods. Plus the college's world-class cactus garden!
Doris Duke Beach and Rock Walls
An idyllic cove that you may have all to yourself! Official name: Ka'alawai Beach.
Hawaii Loa Ridge Hike
Hike along the top of a forested ridge, taking in sweeping views of ocean and valleys. Only for Hawaii residents and military personnel unfortunately.
Kahala Resort and Beach
Romantic place to walk at night, a quiet beach by day, and a lagoon with dolphins!
Lost Set, Mokuleia
Camp Erdman is the setting for the home of the Others in the TV show "Lost." It's great fun to see it!
Queen's Surf Boardwalk, Waikiki
It's wonderful to walk along the oceanfront watching the waves crash against the boardwalk, in a parklike setting also called San Souci State Recreational Park.
Waikiki Wall jetty with gazebo
A jetty with a gazebo on the end, in the heart of Waikiki Beach. A popular bodyboarding and snorkeling spot where the reef is inches from your knees!
Ko Olina Boardwalk, Kapolei
It's wonderful to walk 1.5 miles on the boardwalk past the four lagoons at Ko Olina (KoOlina) Resort.
Doris Duke Shangri-la
The exquisite home of Doris Duke, wealthy Duke family heiress, in the exclusive area of Black Point.
International Marketplace, Waikiki
An outdoor mall under a huge banyan tree hung with lanterns. Beautiful flowers by a stream, rock-like seats kids love, and rain fountain.
North Shore Marketplace, Haleiwa
Shopping plaza with large trees and colorful architecture. Nice cafes and shops.
Waialua Sugar Mill Shops, North Shore
Super fun place to visit, with handmade soap factory and chocolate/coffee growers. Do personal tours, enjoy samples, and stamp your own soap!
Diamond Head Road Overlooks
Gorgeous ocean views and an attractive lighthouse. Watch the surfers below!
Kapiolani Park
Huge park in Waikiki across from the beach where groups gather to play ball and fly kites.
UH Manoa Japanese gardens and campus
Stroll around the University of Hawaii campus and find some treasures!
Hahaione Neighborhood Park, Hawaii Kai
There's an enchanting feeling in the valleys of Oahu, where the green mountains loom above you- Hahaione Park at dusk feels this way!
Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Hawaii Kai
Paradise of plumeria trees and bright bougainvillea in summer.
Iolani Palace and Downtown Capitol District
Ornate palace with lawns, banyan tree, and barracks that look like a medieval fort. Other historical buildings and museums as well- plenty to see and do!
Waimea Valley botanical garden, North Shore
Gorgeous botanical garden with paved one mile walk to a waterfall.
Waikiki Beach Ocean Swimming Pool
A rock wall protects this area of Waikiki Beach from waves, making it a swimming pool right there at the beach! Also called Kuhio Beach or Kuhio Ponds. Near Waikiki Wall.
H3 Freeway and Tunnel
Birdseye views over the windward side from a freeway tucked into the Koolau mountains.
Brigham Young University campus, La'ie
A nice walk past palms, flowers, and mountains on the Brigham Young University campus in La'ie (Laie).
Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park
A gorgeous spot to play, with views of the forest-covered mountains behind and Pipeline (Ehukai Beach) across the street!
Three Tables Beach, North Shore
Small shady beach with clear water that's great for swimming in summer.
Nico's, Pier 38 Fishing Village
It's lovely to sit outside by the water and eat yummy and easy counter-service food.
Ka'ena Point, North Shore side
Kaena Point on the North Shore side is a mysterious place with huge mountains that loom above you!
Hawaii Kai Places to Eat
On your way to Hanauma Bay or Sandy Beach, stop at one of these places for something delicious to eat!
Ala Moana Center
Luxurious outdoor mall with romantic third level restaurant area overlooking Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.
Cultural Gardens at Honolulu Airport
Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian gardens where you can wait peacefully for your flight!
Diamond Head National Monument Hike
Strenuous, short hike to the top of a volcanic crater, with breathtaking beach views from a WWII bunker.
Makapuu Lighthouse Hike
Makapuu (Makapu'u) Lighthouse Hike has a stunning view from the top, and a chance to see humpback whales along the way!
USS Arizona Memorial
The Arizona memorial is situated over the remains of the USS Arizona, a warship that was attacked and sunk by the Japanese in 1941 at Pearl Harbor.
USS Missouri or Mighty Mo
The Mighty Mo is a warship that served from World War II in 1945 to the first Gulf war where it fired tomahawk missles into Iraq.
Aloha Tower, downtown Honolulu
Listen to live music and eat by torchlight at the water, go up the tower, or come for lunch with the businesspeople from downtown Honolulu. There is not much else here.
Ko Olina Beach Lagoons, Kapolei
Ko Olina Beach, or KoOlina Beach, has four manmade perfect-looking beaches with calm water where kids can swim and play.
Patsy T. Mink Regional Park, Waipahu
Lively park with long winding walking paths, tennis courts, sports fields, playgrounds, archery range, and aquatic center.
Monsarrat Ave cafes, Diamond Head
A row of cafes and coffee shops, within walking distance of Waikiki!
Food Trucks, Kahuku
Magical little spot with grassy hills, strung lights, picnic tables, and food trucks.
Ala Wai Canal Walk, Waikiki
Beautiful mountains views. You can walk for miles along the Ala Wai canal!
Ka'ena Point, Makaha side
Kaena Point on the Makaha side is a hiking trail along the ocean connecting two dead end roads. Lovely views!
Coast drive up to La'ie
A winding road past pretty beaches, ending in La'ie (Laie), site of the Mormon temple.
Waialua Beach Rd Bike Path, North Shore
Solid bike path that runs along Waialua Beach Road for 1.4 miles with views of the mountains and flowers.
Tantalus Lookout
Limousines bring tourists up to Tantalus Lookout for panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Manoa.
Chinaman's Hat Beach and Kualoa Ranch
Cute view of Chinaman's Hat Island, which really does look like a Chinaman's hat!
Baby Makapuu Beach
A great place to learn to surf! Plus sparkling shallow tide pools for little kids.
Waialae Beach Park, Kahala
Corally beach with gorgeous views of Koko Head, Koko Crater, and Kahala Resort; plus an expansive lawn and bridge over a stream.
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Kaneohe
Ho'omaluhia (Hoomaluhia) Garden is in a setting below the incredible Ko'olau mountain range.
Ala Moana Beach Park
Calm beach that's great for kids and for early morning laps. Views of Waikiki skyline from the water.
Kuliouou Beach Park and Paiko Lagoon
Favorite picnic and party spot for local families. Nice at sunset.