Hawaii is considered the cultural home of surfing and ancient Hawaiians enjoyed surfing just for the pure joy and fun of it. The north shore of Oahu is home to 3 of the most famous waves in the world; Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay.

Winter is the most predictable time of year when large swells can roll in. It always takes some luck, but if you are there when the surf is “big”, you are going to be a little intimidated and pretty impressed.

At any time of year, these beaches are worth checking out and if you plan to go into the water, just be sure to be safe and not get caught in conditions beyond your abilities.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Hanauma Bay is the most popular and favorite snorkeling location on Oahu and spectacularly located within the half-crescent rim of an ancient cinder cone. Optional stop – timed ticket reservations required.

Reservations are now needed, as an online reservation system has been launched to assist with restricted public entry.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

The most famous extinct volcanic crater on Oahu is the picturesque Diamond Head, located just a few minutes drive from Waikiki. Drive through the tunnel in the crater wall to park inside. A parking fee is payable at the entrance.

It’s perfectly fine to enjoy the views inside the crater, but if you can handle the 271 stairs and sometimes steep trail, the most popular thing to do is to hike to the crater rim.

From the top, you will enjoy outstanding views to Waikiki, Honolulu and along the coastal beaches. Expect to spend 90 minutes if you plan to do the hike.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

One of Oahu’s most amazing sandy beaches, a beautiful beach two and a half miles long, between Alala and Kapoho Points.

From the shore, you will enjoy views to the Mokes, a pair of islands that sit just 1 mile off the shore.

Join a guided kayak trip to paddle out and explore. Be aware that parking restrictions are enforced stringently, especially on weekends.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Punchbowl Crater stands regally in a crater above the city and provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifice of service men and women who lost their lives in theaters of war at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ko Olina is a planned resort community located at the end of the H1 Freeway, in the south-western part of the island. It’s the home of the Disney Aulani Resort.

Four giant and protected lagoons have been created on the shore, and provide a safe and calm environment for swimming and enjoying the beach. You do not have to be a guest at one of the resorts in Ko Olina to enjoy the lagoons – the public is welcome.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The Laie sea arch sits just offshore from Laie Point and makes for a lovely photo. You will also enjoy views up and down the windward coast on this side of the island. It only takes 10 minutes to enjoy the views and there is no cost to visit.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Byodo-In is a replica of a famous Japanese temple that has the same name, located just outside of Kyoto.

That original is nearly 1000 years old. This Byodo-In has a stunning location beneath the Ko’olau Mountains and you will want to get pictures of the temple backdropped by those stunning, scalloped cliffs.

The grounds and temple are picturesque and well-worth the 45 minutes or so that it will take to visit. Optional stop, there is a small entry fee.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Pearl Harbor is the location where the Japanese executed a sneak aerial attack on the US ships and brought America directly into WWII. Today the events of the fateful day, and the coutless lives that were affected are memorialized.

Expect to spend about a 1/2 day visiting Pearl Harbor and absorbing the many presentations. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial is by boat. There is no cost to visit, but tickets to the USS Arizona are first come-first served. Be sure to sign up for the next available boat as soon as you arrive at the site.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Just south of Kailua Beach Park, Lanikai Beach is a half-mile stretch of beautiful sand and palm trees.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free