Hawaii: Things to Do on Oahu

Are you planning a trip to Oahu in the near future? If you are, well, I wish I was going with you. Since I'm not going with you I want to share with you some things to do on your trip to Oahu. They are not listed in a particular order, but these are destinations or activities that I would consider must do, especially for the first time visitor.

Diamond Head Crater Adventure - This is an unbelievable experience! However, I want to caution you now that you need to be in fairly good physical condition. You will need to be able to walk quite a distance, uphill. However, the results are worth the effort. Go in the morning before sunrise so you can watch the sun rise up out of the ocean. I recommend you do this the day after you arrive in Oahu. Why? You will likely be awake well before sunrise due to the time change from the mainland and why not take advantage of that with a wonderful hike and gorgeous sunrise!

Stars & Stripes Tour - This is something that I think everyone should do who visits Oahu. This is a somber experience but it is one that leaves you wondering what it must have been like for the young men aboard the battleships that were sunk at Pearl Harbor. As a side tour that goes hand in hand with Pearl Harbor is the Punchbowl Crater tour. This is the National Cemetery of the Pacific. It is very interesting and doesn't take a great deal of time. Also, from the nearby lookout point you have a beautiful view of downtown Honolulu.

Polynesian Cultural Center - The Polynesian Cultural Center is just that. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the cultures of the various peoples indigenous to the south pacific. You will want to allow all day for this. So sleep late, have a leisurely breakfast, and then have the tour bus pick you up mid-morning. Enjoy the ride over and spend the day visiting the various villages within the center. Then, wind your day down with the Ali' Luau and the magnificent Horizons show.

Dole Plantation Hawaii - This is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours. Enjoy the train ride around the plantation, learn about the pineapple, go through the Pineapple Garden Maze and enjoy pineapple treats inside the gift shop. If you do the maze plan on 2 hours at this location, if not you will need about an hour. We made our stop on the way to the North Shore.

The North Shore - Home of beautiful wide beaches and huge waves. December is when the large waves are prevalent at the North Shore. In fact, they have surfing championships there in December each year. There are several small villages and beautiful beaches on the North Shore. If you go to Oahu don't skip this!