Must do:
-Dukes Hula Pie
-Diamond Head Crater
-Cockroach Cove
-Halona blowhole
-Waikiki Beach
-Cage diving with sharks
-Hanauma Bay
We flew Delta and we stayed at Waikiki Sunset in Honolulu. This was a great location because it was walking distance to the beach and the shopping, food, and entertainment. We rented a car for this trip and I highly recommend doing that to get around the island at the best/cheapest cost.
The first night we were there we went to Outrigger Waikiki at Dukes. This is a large restaurant with many different seating options. We chose to do the Barefoot Bar where you seat yourself and you walk in and find a spot when someone leaves. That was the least amount of time and an amazing view. We ate the Dukes Hula Pie and it is what they are known for. It is enough to share with the whole family. We got to see the ocean and the beach and then walk down to the beach while we waited on our food to take pictures. We ate here two nights because we got to watch the sunset each time.
Day 2: Diamond Head Crater
We hiked Diamond Head Crater. All I can say is wow! This hike was very easy and took around 30 minutes because I like to go slow and take in all the views. Once you get to the top you can see the rim of the crater and an entire view of Honolulu. I also got a drink in a Pineapple at the bottom of the hike and it was so fresh and they make it in front of you.
We then chose to drive our car up the coast to see some Oahu views. The first stop we made was Halona Blowhole. I’ve never seen a blowhole and this was such a cool experience.
Then we hiked down to what is called Cockroach Cove. It’s nestled down and has the most turquoise blue water when the fierce waves come crashing on the rocks. Be careful but be sure to take in the beauty of nature at the secret gem.
We then went to Waikiki Beach right near our hotel and ate at Barefoot Beach Cafe Waikiki. This was the most surreal scenery. We ate right on the beach and watched people surf. Then of course after we went and enjoyed a beach day ourselves.
Day 3: Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center
We first had to eat breakfast at Cinnamons at Ilikai. The drinks and food were so delicious.
We rented a car so we drove to the Luau. I loved this because we get to stop and see things on the other side of Oahu that we have not seen. We stopped at Kualoa and saw the stunning beach there and snapped shots of the mountains that look like you are in Jurassic Park.
We then arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This place is an all day adventure. We first got to visit 6 different villages of the center and see different islands such as the Cook Islands and Tahiti and learn about their culture and dances. We then got to watch a show on the water with all the different cultures telling a story through dance on paddle boats in the water. It was amazing. We then got to attend the Luau. There is unlimited food that is included with the Luau. We paid $120 for this and the Polynesian Cultural Center Experience. They actually gave us fresh floral leis as we walked into the Luau. We got to see them roast the pig in front of us. They performed a few Hawaiian dances after we ate dinner. We then stayed at the Cultural Center for the big show called Ha! breathe of Life. This show was amazing. It told a story through Hawaiian dance and fire. This is worth the wait at the end.
Day 4: North Shore and swim with sharks
This was by far my favorite day. We all got super brave and decided to go cage diving with sharks on the north shore. We booked this excursion for $109 and it was called Northshore Shark Adventure. This was one of the coolest things I’ve done. We drove up to the north shore and got on a boat. We then got to go out to the deeper part of the water and get in the cage. The catch is that the cage didn’t have a top so you could come up for air. I loved this. You were snorkeling around sharks in a cage. I saw tons of sharks. Let me tell you that you will see them! It was an insane experience. You are close enough to touch them.
Day 5: Hanauma Bay
All I can say is this is a must. This place is stunning. The water, the views, the beach. It is a secret cove that’s a paradise. It is $5 to get into the natural preserve. We rented snorkel gear and snorkeled part of our stay here. The rest of the time we enjoyed laying out on the beach and taking in the Hawaiian views.
Day 6: Kailua Beach
This beach is turquoise blue water and white sand beach. It is stunning and a must visit! We drove around 45 minutes from our hotel in Honolulu to get to this tropical paradise.
