Formed from a series of volcanic eruptions, Hanauma Bay is now a marine life sanctuary. This historic bay was used by Hawaiian royalty for fishing and recreation. It was aptly named Hanauma, which means curved bay, in Hawaiian.

Now, it’s a popular snorkel spot for its variety of marine life and large coral reef. If you want to snorkel at Hanauma Bay you can rent gear for a fee or pack your own to save. 

UPDATE: You now need reservations to enter Hanauma Bay. You can make reservations here. 

• Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
• Open 6:45am - 4pm with NO entry after 2 pm
• There is a $3 cash-only parking fee
• Entry fee is $25 for adults (per person), residents and kids 12 & under are free

Pull over and park to witness waves crash into a volcanic rock formation resulting in a geyser-like eruption of water into the air at Halona Blowhole. 

On your way home, stop at the Pali Lookout. You’ll see the spot where King Kamehameha fought to seize the island of Oahu to make form one united Hawaii. While here, you’ll see placards detailing the history of this spot that has sprawling views of Oahu’s Windward side. 

Please note, Pali Lookout has a small parking fee. 

UPDATE:
See COVID 19 updates here: 
http://www.oahuhike.com/old-pali-highway

Waimanalo Bay or as we locals call it, Sherwood Forest, is one of the best beaches on our tour today, and was recently rated the number one best beach in America. This beach is perfect if you are looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some quality beach time.

No one knows for sure how Waimanalo Bay got the nickname of Sherwood Forest. It’s said that in the old days locals would steal from tourists like Robin Hood – stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Hence, the name Sherwood Forest.

The best view of the beach is by following the signs to the camping area to your left. Here there is ample parking and a short walk to the beach. The public restrooms here are surprisingly clean.

To really experience Makapu’u point and see the lighthouse up close, you really need to hike it! There is a 2 mile round-trip hike on a wide and stroller friendly road to the top that will take about 1 1/2 hours round trip. But believe me, the pictures from the top are excellent!

Between December and April, this is one of the best places to spot humpback whales that come to Hawaii from Alaska to spawn. Also look for the Great Frigate bird, that can glide for hours from the powerful updraft here with wingspan as wide as 8 feet long.

Parking & Access Gates will be open daily at 7am and locked at 6:45pm.

If you’re looking to hike one more time before you drive home for the day, head to the Judd Trail. This one-mile path runs parallel to Old Pali Road, a small stretch of the original roadway that connected Honolulu to Oahu’s west side. You’ll walk through a jungle trail, passing streams and small waterfalls along the way.

Once you reach the end of the trail you’ll come across a swimming hole -- feel free to jump in! This hike is family friendly, but you’ll have to cross a stream to get there and it can get muddy and slippery if it’s been raining. 

NOTE: This hike has only side street parking. Please use caution in preventing theft by taking valuables with you. 

Diamond Head is one of Waikiki’s most iconic landmarks. If you’ve seen a picture of Waikiki, you’ve most likely seen Diamond Head in the backdrop. This dormant volcano was formed from a massive eruption thousands of years ago. The crater is now the site of a 1.6-mile, family-friendly hike. Once you reach the summit you’ll get views of Honolulu, and Oahu’s southeastern coast. 

Please note: All non-resident visitors to Diamond Head will be required to pay both entrance and parking fees. Parking costs $10/car and entrance is $5/person - fees are credit card only. In addition, reservations are required.

Kailua Beach Park was voted the best beach in 2019 by Dr. Beach, Kailua has soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and gentle waves. This makes it perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. If you’d like to give either sport a try, you can rent gear in town. Other Kailua pros: there’s free parking, picnic tables, and public restrooms. 

COVID-19 Updates: 

Kailua Beach Park Closures

• Comfort Station (Closed from 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.)
• Parking Lots (Closed from 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m)

Sandy’s is famous for its shorebreak, which is when waves break directly onshore. If you stop at Sandy’s, you should skip swimming (it’s one of the most injury-prone beaches on Oahu). Instead, just watch the bodyboarders; daring adventurers that don’t use a board at all -- just fins and their bodies to ride the waves. 

At Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, lush greenery fills this garden oasis while the Koʻolau Mountain Range provides a scenic backdrop. Ho’omaluhia is one of Oahu’s largest gardens at 400-acres. There are a variety of plants from all around the world including, Africa, Polynesia, Sri Lanka, India and of course Hawaii. Ho’omaluhia means “to make a place of peace and tranquility,” and we hope this is exactly what you find here.

Note: Access to this Heiau is dependent on the hours of the adjoining YMCA, which provides access. Their hours are:

Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm

Saturday: 8am-3pm

Sunday: Closed

The Ulupo heiau may have been used for agricultural ceremonies to promote crop fertility and later dedicated to promoting wartime successes.  

Follow the small path to right of the rock platform and you can explore a traditional taro patch. Taro is an important part of Hawaiian culture. It represents the origin of humankind and is used to make poi - a beloved local food. Remember, a heiau is a sacred place for Hawaiians, and must be treated with respect.