1. Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona Memorial is a truly unique experience. The memorial is built directly over the resting place of 1,102 sailors and Marines killed on USS Arizona. You can learn a lot about the events leading up to, during and after the attack.

2. Hanauma Bay

Enjoy laying out on the beach, swimming in the water and snorkeling with many different kinds of sea creatures. Just don’t touch the coral.

3. Koko Head

If you’re looking for an adventurous hike then Koko Head is the place. The hike goes straight up, following “steps” from an old railway trail. Definitely a hike that’s worth waking up early to make it to the top before the sun so you can watch the sunrise. If you plan on going before sunrise, make sure you bring a flashlight (or phone flashlight), rain jacket (often misty at the top) and give yourself plenty of time.

4. Diamond Head

It’s one of the easier hikes but the views at the top are spectacular. Catch a glimpse of the city, mountains, and ocean. Try to get there early because parking is limited and it gets crowded during the day.

5. Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is another quick and easy hike for all ages. It is about a 3-mile hike round trip. Follow the trail to a beautiful waterfall. Manoa is known to rain a lot so don’t forget your rain jacket and wear shoes that you are comfortable with getting a little muddy.

6. Waimea Bay

Located on the North Shore, Waimea Bay is a beautiful beach to go swimming in the calm waters, but only during summer and early fall. During the winter and spring months, the waves are too dangerous to swim in.

7. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

The trail is a concrete path (not really trail at all), leading up to the Lighthouse. It is a short path with a beautiful view. Make sure to bring plenty of water because the path is wide open in the sun with limited shady areas.