Island Tour


Get picked up from your hotel (‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki recommended) by the guide of an 8-hour island tour that hits a bunch of hot spot scenic overlooks, local eateries, historical landmarks, random facts, and best beaches. Including, Dole Plantation for delicious Dole Whip, Byodo-In Temple, Sunset beach to watch surfers, Macadamia Nut Farm (buy as much coffee & nuts as you can or you will be searching online for more when you get home,) Shrimp Farm (they grow their own shrimp in “ponds” and have the freshest food), Halona Blow Hole and other scenic landmarks. Get dropped off at the hotel with time to freshen up before heading to eat dinner at Tommy Bahamas (you'll need to start making dinner reservations for the rest of the week.)

Snorkeling


Eat a fresh breakfast at Olena Cafe before heading to the marina to step aboard a catamaran for a snorkeling adventure! There are multiple tours and locations available for this activity. We saw tons of dolphins. FUN FACT: however many dolphins you see swimming at the surface if you multiply that by 3 or 5 that is about how many are swimming below the surface! If you choose a late morning/early afternoon tour they will include a fresh lunch. Drinks are also included with the booking costs. After exploring the ocean head to one of the 4 Lagoons for a beautiful sunset! (Make reservations for dinner somewhere nearby.)

Diamond Head


Set your alarm to wake up before sunrise. Drive to Diamond Head Volcanic Crone, pay $5/person and follow the paved trail to the stairs and go all the way to the top to watch the sunrise! Amazing views from the top of the viewing point. Another lookout created during WWII after Pearl Harbor. When you're done taking in the scenery head over to Purvé and treat yourself to some delicious & decorated donuts. Then make your way to Ho'Omaluhia Botanical Garden (it's free!) Spend as much time as you want soaking in the scenery and walking through the greenery. The garden closes at 4pm so grab a light lunch on your way to Al Moana Beach for some last-minute sun and another golden hour sunset.

Lanikai Beach


Head over to the east side of the island and stop on your way at the scenic overlook at Palo point. This is where Kamehamehaʻs warriors forced Maui Chief Kalanikupule's men to their deaths off of the cliff. Roughly 400 warriors died in this battle. (Road workers dug up over 800 skulls when putting in the road and believe it proves the deaths of the legend.) Then set your GPS for Lanikai Beach. It is a residential area but ALL of the beaches on Oahu are public beaches. There are walkways in between houses to get to the shore. If you want an amazing view, climb up to the Pillboxes. You get a view of the houses, the mountains, and the beach! Lanikai Pillboxes are lookouts built during WWII after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Soak up the sites & the sun!