The North Shore — Referred to by surfers as the 7-mile-miracle. During the winter months, “Country” is packed with pro surfers, contests and fans enjoying the best waves the planet has to offer. During the summer the North Shore is a quiet stretch of beautiful coastline.
Dole Pineapple Plantation — The plantation boasts the largest maze on Earth, it can even be seen from space — in case you find yourself orbiting the planet. It’s a fun place to bring the kids, taste some pineapple flavored ice cream, check out pineapples from all over the world and it’s on the way to the North Shore, so why not? If you dig pineapples, check out the Dole Plantation.
Hanauma Bay — This beautiful nature preserve is located on the southeast side of Oahu is home to some of the best snorkeling in the islands. With a little luck, you may even be greeted by a honu (sea turtle).
Iolani Palace — The 'Iolani Palace is the only true royal palace in the United States and the last official residence of the kings and queens who ruled Hawaii. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani completed the palace in 1882. The design of the palace was influenced by King Kalakaua's world travels and was the first to be equipped with telephones and electric lights. It served as the monarch residence until the dethronement of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893.
Pearl Harbor — This shouldn’t require an explanation. The harbor is located on the south shore of Oahu, just west of the Honolulu airport. You can tour the harbor and Ford Island to visit the historial sites of, "The Day of that will live in Infamy".
Waikiki — If you’ve only ever seen one picture of Hawaii, it was probably the view of Diamond Head from Waikiki. Waikiki is packed with tourists and locals alike, and if you’re looking for night life, this is the place to be.
Waimea — This could be classified under the “North Shore” category, but it’s really an attraction all to itself. Waimea Valley is home to beautiful botanical gardens, Hawaiian cultural sites and the 45-foot high Waimea Falls. The Waimea River winding through the valley empties into the bay. Waimea Bay is the home of big-wave surfing. Most of the time the bay is as calm as a lake, but in giant winter swells Waimea lights up with monster 30- to 40-foot waves. An awesome sight to behold. The bay is also famous for its jumping rock. If you’ve got the kahuna’s, climb to the top of the rock and leap off. Watch your landing though, this isn’t the time and place for belly flops. Oh, and it’s bad luck if you climb the rock and don’t jump.
