The lines waiting outside Café Kaila speak volumes. It’s no secret that it’s the #1 spot for breakfast on Oahu with locals and visitors alike. The award-winning and charming Café Kaila serves up classic home-style favorites, with everything made from scratch, including French toast, Eggs Benedict, Buttermilk Pancakes, and omelets. The lunch menu features equally enticing salads and sandwiches. The fast and friendly service, delicious food, and cozy ambience will keep you coming back.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This natural wonder on the island of Oahu was formed due to past volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Halona Blowhole now occasionally shoots seawater up to 30 feet in the air because of waves coursing through the underwater lava tubes. The viewing point provides a breathtaking view of Halona Cove, a beautiful beach that has been featured in many movies and music videos. If you visit during winter, you may be lucky enough to witness whales in the nearby waters.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Situated on Kalanianaole Highway on the southeastern tip of the island, Makapu’u is on the right side of the highway about 12 miles east of Honolulu, past Koko Head, Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park. Makapu’u is a remnant of a volcanic ridge that rises over 600 feet from the ocean. It is the easternmost point on the island of Oahu. Look for the signs for the parking lot at the point where the road surmounts a large hill, before it turns sharply and steeply downhill towards Waimanalo.

• Admission Ticket Free

Tropical Farms began as a roadside operation in 1987. With Kamehameha Highway in the fore, and the Pacific Ocean at our backs, my wife Chrissy and I set upon an adventure that is ongoing after three decades. Cracking, sorting and packaging at night, the days were filled with children at the hip and the selling of fresh macadamia nuts from the hood of our car.

Today, we are fortunate indeed to have Tropical Farms in the perfect place. My wife and I were born and raised on the island of Oahu, and we are pleased to offer you a location that is among the most memorable in the State of Hawai’i—real country and true hospitality!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

ith not one, but two listings on the US Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places since the 1970’s, Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve is owned and managed by sixth generation descendants of Dr. Gerritt P. Judd. Kualoa’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by preserving Kualoa’s sacred lands and celebrating its history. Established in 1850, Kualoa’s company vision is to be a role model as stewards of these amazing 4000 acres named Kualoa, Hakipu’u and Ka’a’awa. Our goal is to protect and enhance the natural beauty of these lands while developing sustainable recreational, agricultural and aquacultural enterprises that are compatible with the environment. All tours and commercial activities enable Kualoa to keep the lands undeveloped so that future generations will be able to enjoy them as well. We truly care about and strive to educate all visitors … kama’aina, military and malihini. Jurassic Valley.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

There are certain must-stop places when visiting the North Shore of Oahu, and Matsumoto Shave in Haleiwa Town is near the top of the list. This iconic spot has been serving up Hawaiian Shave Ice since 1951 and has become a top destination for tourists and locals alike. With a colorful array of tropical flavors and toppings to choose from, Matsumoto’s offers a delightful taste of Hawaii that will have you coming back for more!

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Founded in 1950 as a fruit stand, the Dole Plantation in central Oahu now draws travelers to its famous pineapple harvests and open-air Pineapple Express Train. Sign up for an educational tour to learn how the fruit of Hawaii is grown, its rich history, and agricultural practices. After that, stroll in the giant pineapple-shaped garden maze lined with 14,000 fruits.

Don’t leave without buying some pineapples and sampling the original pineapple Dole Whip. The pineapple salsa and jam make great souvenirs, too.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

French-born owner Nico Chaize came to Hawaii as a foreigner, but Hawaii soon became his home. Food Network “Guy” found him at the Honolulu fish auction at 5:30 in the morning, hand-selecting opah fish for the day’s special. And although his fish is gourmet, he serves it takeout style without the gourmet price.

Special Dishes: Marlin Burger, Fried Ahi Belly, Opah with Crab Stuffing

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free