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 6:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. with NO entry after 2 p.m.
• There is a $3 cash-only parking fee
• Entry fee for non-residents is $25 for adults (per person). Residents and kids 12 & under are free

Pull over at Halona Blowhole and witness waves crash into a volcanic rock formation resulting in a geyser-like eruption of water that can sometimes shoot up to 30 feet into the air! 

Be sure to check out the nearby Halona Beach Cove, otherwise known as "Eternity Beach" made famous thanks to the kissing scene from the popular 1953 movie From Here to Eternity. Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, 50 First Dates, and Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom have been filmed here as well.

Note: While the blowhole and cove are beautiful, the ocean is more powerful and dangerous that it looks. Please use caution when hiking down to the cove and be aware of your surroundings when swimming. If the water in the cove is rough--stay out.

Also, obey all warning signs and stay behind the barriers. They are there for your protection. Even if you see other tourists climb down to the blowhole--DON'T do it! Set a good example for others. 

On your way home, stop at the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Enjoy sweeping views of the Windward Side and feel the power of the wind from this thousand-foot elevation! This is the place where King Kamehameha fought the Battle of Nu'uanu in 1795 to seize the island of O'ahu in his quest to form one united Hawai'i. Many warriors lost their lives after being forced off the Pali's sheer cliffs. Interpretive panels tell the epic story. 

There is a $7 parking fee per vehicle. 

To really experience Makapu’u Point and see the lighthouse up close, you really need to hike it! There is a moderate 2-mile round-trip hike on a wide and stroller-friendly road to the top that will take about 1.5 hours to complete. But believe me, the sweeping views of the coastline from the top are breathtaking!

Between December and April, this is one of the best places to spot humpback whales that come to Hawai'i 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.

Because it's often hot and there is no shade here, you may want to hit the trail early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it cools down. 

Parking & Access Gates will be open daily at 7 a.m. and locked at 6:45 p.m.

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 the Old Pali Road, a small stretch of the original roadway that connected Honolulu to Oahu’s east 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. 

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. There’s free parking, picnic tables, and public restrooms. 

Hours:

• Comfort Station (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• Parking Lots (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Sandy Beach 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. 

Nestled at the foot of the stunning Ko'olau Mountains, Ho’omaluhia is a tropical garden oasis. The 400-acre botanical garden features a variety of native plants from Hawai'i as well as unique plants from all around the world including Africa, Polynesia, Sri Lanka, and India. Ho’omaluhia means “to make a place of peace and tranquility,” and we hope this is exactly what you find here.

The Ulupo Heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple that 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.

Hours: 

Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Note: Park at the nearby YMCA