OAHU
WELCOME TO OAHU!
Oahu has the largest population of all the Hawaiian islands and is home to the state capital of Honolulu. Although number three in size compared to the other Hawaiian islands, Oahu has more than 4 million visitors a year. Upon arriving, you will see that this island does not lack any luxuries of the mainland. Resorts, shopping and activities are endless. If you are looking to escape the crowds, we recommend heading to the North Shore for more serenity.
DOLE PLANTATION
Beyond the Dole Whips
As most of you are aware, Hawaii is known for pineapples. Two of the major pineapple producers on the islands are Dole (Oahu) and Maui Gold (Maui). The Dole Plantation is located in Wahiawa, HI, and open seven days a week 9:30-5:30.
At the Plantation there are three main activities (Train, Garden and Maze). You can purchase any combination of activities – we opted for the train and garden, but I think the train would have sufficed!
After you are done exploring the plantation, it is a must that you stop at the Plantation Grille! Exploring new places means discovering new foods. Do not miss the opportunity to try the teriyaki chicken plate and of course a dole whip. The dole whip options seem endless, but you can’t go wrong with a classic!
KUALOA REGIONAL PARK
Just go..you won’t be disappointed
Kualoa Point is famous for its view of Mokolii Island (aka Chinaman’s Hat). It is also great for a beach day, a picnic, and camping! We were absolutely astounded by the views that surrounded us. From the mountains to the ocean, this is definitely worth a stop if you are traveling along Oahu’s north shore. This park was busy, but not overcrowded.
If you are feeling adventurous, make your way over to Mokolii by kayak or boat. You can soak up some sun on the beach or hike to the top for views of the Koolau mountains. We noticed lots of people taking the short, strenuous hike to the top of Chinaman’s Hat while we were at the park.
This area is drone friendly. Check out our drone footage on Instagram!
PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL
Can’t forget a stop at Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a huge part of our nation’s history. The Pearl Harbor Memorial is located above the sunken USS Arizona battle ship. It is free to visit the visitor center, view the informational movie, and take a boat to the memorial. You will need a timed ticket to explore the memorial which can be obtained by reserving ahead of time online through the National Park Service or at the visitor center. We did not have reservations, but did not have an issue getting into the memorial on a weekday.
Upon arrival, you will be offered paid options for additional tours. It was very confusing to determine what we needed to pay for. It is important to remember that the main memorial site at the USS Arizona is free! This was one of the highlights of our time in Oahu, and we definitely recommend incorporating this into your itinerary too!
DIAMOND HEAD
Hope you packed your walking shoes!
Diamond Head is a volcanic cone that was previously home to the US Military’s Fort Ruger. This is now considered a Hawaii State Park and the entry fee is $1 per walk-in or $5 per vehicle. As this area is very well known, it is also extremely crowded.
This is approximately a 1.6 mile moderate hike, and there are no secluded or quiet areas to take in the views. We were surrounded by people throughout the entire experience. At the top of the crater, you will be situated within or above Fort Ruger, which is accessible by a series of stairs.
Yes, this hike offers beautiful views of Oahu’s coastline, but in our opinion you could find more rewarding hikes in other parts of the island.
NORTH SHORE
Ahh.. serenity at last
So you want to escape the crowds of Oahu – from our experience, the North Shore is the most serene part of the island. We drove the Northern coast to the Mokuleia section of Ka’ena Point State Park. The park encompasses the northwest corner of the island and offers access to remote and wild coastlines.
The Mokuleia section, sear Mokuleia Rock Beach has beautiful views and access to the Ka’ena Point hiking trail. The Ka’ena Point trail will take you to the most western tip of Oahu! Whether you plan to hike, enjoy some peace and quiet, or fish, this area is a great stop along your journey!
What we took away:
This island is full of opportunities and endless activities. Resorts, shopping, and people are abundant on the island of Oahu. If you are planning a trip to the island, we recommend having a rental car so you can venture beyond the resort and see the less populated areas of the island such as the North Shore. This is the most modern and commercialized Hawaiian island which results in increased costs for food and hotels. Overall, this is a beautiful island with many things to offer, but don’t be surprised to see lots of crowds.