Oahu Hawaii Bucket List

One of our favorite destinations for a family vacation was Oahu, Hawaii.  We have visited the island twice – once as a couple (prior to S) and once with S (she was 16 months old).  

Hawaii is definitely a vacation spot that you want to go for a week or more.  Our first trip we went for a week and it was not long enough!  On our second trip, we visited for 10 days and again we came away thinking it would be really nice if our vacation was longer!  The next time we vacation in Hawaii I am going for two weeks! 🙂  If you are able to take the time I would.  It is definitely worth it especially since the airfare is the most expensive part of the whole trip.  

Each trip to Hawaii I have wanted to visit another island but we have run out of time.  However, my next trip to Oahu will include a trip to another island either the Big Island to see the volcano or to Maui to see whales 🙂

Below are my bucket list items for a trip to Oahu, Hawaii.  They are things that you must do while visiting the island.

Pay Your Respects at the USS Arizona Memorial – Pearl Harbor

The USS Arizona Memorial is to commemorate those who died as a part of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.  It is the final resting place for many of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives.  The memorial structure spans the mid-portion of the sunken battleship and you must take a shuttle boat out to it.

Tickets to tour the memorial are available online or the day of your visit, but they go fast especially during the busy season.  The tour includes the museum, a video and a shuttle boat out to the memorial.  Tickets are free to visit the memorial.

Please keep in mind due to strict security no bags are allowed; this includes purses and diaper bags.  You are allowed to bring your camera, cell phone and wallet.  There is a storage facility near the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for a fee of $3 per bag.

Climb Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is one of the most recognized landmarks of Hawaii and is clearly visible from Waikiki Beach.  The saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption.  The ash settled and cemented together creating the crater.   

Diamond Head Summit Trail is .8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit.  The trail is steep and strenuous, gaining about 560 feet from the crater floor.  The trail has many switchbacks, steep stairs and a lighted tunnel.  Make sure to wear good walking shoes and bring sunscreen and plenty of water because most of the trail is in the blazing sun.

As you walk along the trail take in the military significance of the area with a Fire Control Station that directed artillery fire.  Bunkers and navigational lighthouses can also be seen.  But the stunning, postcard views of the shoreline are worth the hike.  If you visit during the winter make sure to look for humpback whales.  

Watch Fireworks on Waikiki Beach

On Friday evenings, the Hilton Hawaiian Village  sets off fireworks.  It is part of one of their shows, however since the fireworks are out over the ocean anyone can view them from Waikiki Beach.  It is a fun, free thing to see during the evening on the beach.

Get Lei-ed 

On our last trip to Hawaii we thought it would be fun to receive leis and a greeting at the Honolulu Airport.  A representative from Lei Greeting was waiting for us when we stepped off the plane with a fresh flower lei and a warm aloha.  There are many lei options to choose from and discounts available for large parties.

If the lei greeting is too expensive for you there are the historic lei stands housed in an open-air concrete building tucked behind the ramp leading to the international terminal.  Another option is to try to arrange something at your hotel if they don’t already offer one at check-in.

Drink a Tropical Cocktail

You are in Hawaii! Make sure to drink at least one tropical cocktail whether it be a Mai Tai, a Pina Colada, a Rainbow or one of the several other drinks available.  I really enjoyed the Lava Flow – strawberries, pina colada mix and rum.

Swim with Turtles in Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park.  It was formed within a volcanic cone.  It is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu with calm waters that are perfect for families with small children.  We enjoyed our visit to Hanauma Bay so much that we actually visited a second time on the same trip.  We saw several sea turtles and a wide variety of fish.  You do not have to go out far at all to see the fish – you can see them in ankle deep water.

All visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating the marine animals and from touching or walking on the coral heads.

Eat a Shaved Ice at Matsumoto in Haleiwa

The Shaved Ice at Matsumoto is so smooth it’s like eating fine snow.  The grocery store has been serving on the North Shore since 1951. Their homemade syrups are delicious!  I always love to add condensed milk to my Shaved Ice to make it extra creamy!  I recommend paying extra for a cup holder, because the shave ice will melt faster than you can eat it – they are huge!  

Catch the Waves at Northshore

There are so many different places to take in the waves at the Northshore.  The winter months have the biggest waves on the Northshore.  Chuns Reef is a beach with sand and black rocks.  When we visited in October there were surfers but we were also comfortable in the water.  

We have visited the Banzai Pipeline twice and it’s fun to use a body board on the waves but you have to be aware of the currents and rip tides.  The waves are very strong and it can be dangerous to be in the water during certain times of the year.

Enjoy a Luau 

There are many options for experiencing a luau.  Many times your hotel will offer a luau which is where we saw ours.  No matter where you choose to see the show, I highly recommend taking one in.  The food is great, the dancers are good and the fire dancers are amazing.

Find Peace at the Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko’olau Moutains and is a smaller-scale replica of the temple in Uji, Japan.  The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple that welcomes everyone to appreciate the beauty, worship or meditate.  The grounds are beautiful and include a large reflecting pond, peaceful landscaped corners and small waterfalls.

The Byodo-In Temple has been used in the TV series Hawaii Five-O, Magnum, P.I. and Lost – House of the Rising Sun.

Take in a Hawaii Sunset from the Beach

Relaxing on the beach in the evening is one of the best things about Hawaii.  Usually the crowd level is lower and you can sit on the beach and watch the sunset.  We took in as many sunsets as we could on the beach during each trip.

Eat a Plate Lunch

The plate lunch is a quintessential Hawaiian meal.  A standard plate lunch contains two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad and an entree.  Many plate lunches reflect Asian influences including chicken katsu and beef teriyaki or Hawaiian origin including kalua pork.  If the plate lunch has more than one entree it’s called a mixed plate.  

Many restaurants serve plate lunches.  We actually had ours at the zoo 🙂

I also recommend plenty of relaxation and spending time with family and/or friends.