Honolulu, Hawaii

Mackenna Hunt
Aug 16, 2023
6 min read

Updated: Sep 9, 2023

June 2022

In 2022 my husband and I spent a week honeymooning in Honolulu, Hawaii. We were so excited to not only see the culture of the native Hawaiian people but also discover all the beauty Hawaii naturally has to offer. We swam in the ocean, snorkeled with the sea turtles, When on a foodie tour, and hiked to a historical Hawaiian spot. After coming back to the States we immediately decided we would be going back one day.

Obviously, there is so much the islands of Hawaii and specifically Oahu can offer. This blog included some of the top attractions and activities we did while enjoying our time there. If you do get the chance to experience all the goodness the Islands have to offer please do not forget to be respectful to the island's culture, nature, and its people who graciously let us experience their home.

Read more about the specifics of our trip below.

- All photos taken by: Mackenna Burke, June 2022

Places to Stay

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

If you are looking for a Hotel that has it all, look no further. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki is a 22-acre paradise that features the best pools and waterslides as well as the only saltwater lagoon. It has 18 different restaurants, cafes, and lounges, 3 different buildings with rooms, water sport rentals, a spa, and its own Luau every night along with a firework show.

We booked our stay through Our Expedia vacation package included our flights and a discount rate at this hotel, we decided that was our best option for vacationing in Hawaii. Originally we booked a room with a view of the island in a minor hotel building to save a bit of money. But after some flight delays, we ended up showing up for check-in around 1 am. Whether by luck, or pity the hotel receptionist upgraded our room for free and we ended up in the main hotel, and a partial ocean view and two balconies. The room was phenomenal.

After sleeping off our jet leg we decided to eat at one of the many restaurants for breakfast. If you expect anything less than perfect you will be impressed. The food at every restaurant we had throughout the village was amazing. Attached to the hotel buildings there are many different pools we relaxed. Then we needed some things there was an outdoor mall attached that included luxury stores along with an ABC store for convenience.

Overall it was an amazing hotel, with a great location, and beautiful amenities.

Tips: This is a kid-friendly hotel with the majority of the pools, the lagoon, and restaurants can catering to children. That being said there are still plenty of adult-only activities such as bars and the spa. There are a million things to do within the hotel if you are looking for the Hawaiian experience but not wanting to leave the hotel grounds, this one is for you.

Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour

We did so much on this tour and loved every minute of it. For a great price, you get to see amazing sights and try local shrimp, fruit, dole whip, coffee, and macadamia nuts. For a better illustration of what they offer, I am going to insert a caption of the itinerary directly from their website.

Diamond Head- Amelia Earhart Lookout

The first lookout we visit is an elevated view perched on the eastern side of Waikiki’s famous Diamond Head Volcano, This lookout grants us a great opportunity for pictures of the southeastern coastline of Oahu, with notable sights as far as Hanauma Bay and Maui on a clear day. The location is more formally known as Amelia Earhart Lookout, known for where bystanders gathered to watch Earhart make her first solo aviation journey from Hawaii to North America.

Halona Blowhole

Molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions that occurred from Oahu’s Koko Head crater formed the natural occurrence known as the Halona Blowhole. This lava tube extends into the ocean with a very narrow opening at the top, and when the surf is just right, water pressure builds up within the lava tube and erupts through the narrow opening creating a special Hawaiian Geyser for your viewing pleasure.

Makapu’u Point

Witness Waimanalo’s dramatic sea cliffs as we turn into Oahu’s windward side as begin our journey to the North Shore of Oahu. Look off into the azure blue waters of the bay and you will see Oahu’s famous Manana Island also known as Rabbit Island due to its Rabbit-like shape.

Hawaiian Coffee and Macadamia Nut Tastings

After a beautiful drive along Oahu’s eastern coastline, our next stop is a local shop that finds itself tucked away under aged Banyan Trees with macadamia nut and delicious Kona coffee tastings, along with very tempting Hawaiian chocolates amongst other treats.

Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Valley Mountain Range

Chinaman’s Hat, also known as Mokoli’i, is nestled right next to the Kualoa Valley Mountain range. This location is known for its dramatic landscape filmed in a number of Hollywood movies; most notably and fan favorite Jurassic Park. The island has earned the nickname Chinaman’s Hat from its resemblance to the straw hats the Chinese immigrants wore when working Oahu’s sugar plantations during the early 1900s.

Famous North Shore Shrimp Lunch on Local Hawaiian Restaurant We break for lunch at a local restaurant where you can have your pick of either a famous North Shore Garlic Shrimp plate or other local delicacies. Non-Shellfish and Vegetarian options are available. Please bring cash for lunch.

Tropical Fruit Stands

After lunch, we make a stop at a North Shore tropical fruit stand that offers ice-old coconuts to drink from, fresh mangos, and other tropical treats.

North Shore Sunset Beach

A change of pace from the crowded beaches of Waikiki, The infamous Sunset Beach on the North Shore offers tranquility and is the epitome of a beautiful Hawaiian Beach. However don’t let the summer months fool you, during the winter months, swells of 30 to 40 feet can be seen from the safe confines of the shore.

Hawaii Green Sea Turtle Spotting on the North Shore

Hono is the Hawaiian name for our beloved Green Sea Turtles. Our Honu are very Hawaiian in that they love to lay on the sand and bask under the warm sun. We take you to a beach where we hope to spot this incredible occurrence.

Dole Pineapple plantation

A historic pineapple plantation home to pineapple magnets, pineapple t-shirts, pineapple keychains, and most importantly pineapple ice cream aka Dole Whip!! A great way to end the day and get some pineapple-themed souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

Manoa Waterfalls Hike

Manoa Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on Oahu to see! Cascading 150 feet down the mountainside, it will seem more like 1000 feet as you stare up at the endless water falling down the rocks. When we hiked to the Oahu waterfall it was moderately easy. You start at a parking lot and then walk through lush jungles that make you feel like dinosaurs would pop out at any point along your route (Jurassic Park was filmed on the Island and you'll be can tell if you have seen the movies). We went in a tour group and it was nice to have a guide to point out the local plants and tell us historical facts about the falls, but this hike is doable on your own if you have transport to and from.

Tips: Some steep parts of the trail are not suitable for people with bad joints. Hawaii is a very humid place, make sure you bring water and wear appropriate clothing. You are allowed to swim at the end of the waterfall but it is a historical ancient waterfall beloved and cherished by the natives, so respect is expected.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

Snorkeling is a fun activity for children and adults alike. During our time visiting Hawaii, we went on a tour boat with snorkel equipment that ventured out to the Sea Turtles' hang-out spot away from the beach. We loved it so much that we purchased our own snorkel equipment from a sporting store and used them at the beach in front of our hotel. Both times we saw coral, fish, and turtles. I would estimate we spent about 8 hours total all week snorkeling because we loved it so much.

Pearl Harbor

For those of you who are unaware, Pearl Harbor is a memorial on the site of the tragic bombings that took place on December 7th, 1941. While there is much to do, read and see