Are you having a difficult time choosing the sites to see and things to experience in Oahu? Have no fear, my super guide is here. I narrowed it down to my favorite spots to check out. Have a look!
1st Full Day: North Shore
Swim with sharks
I preferred to swim with them without the cage to get a more intimate experience with these majestic creatures, but you may like the safety of the cage. Good thing is that the north shore offers both. I used the company One Ocean Diving. This tour lets you learn about the 40 different species of sharks in the region and lets you free dive with them. You are taken three miles from the coast for a 2 hour tour. They provide the diving gear and as you anchor down the sharks swim right up to the boat to check it out.
Sharks have a hierarchy so make sure you are always above them so they do not get aggressive with you. The two main species of sharks we saw were the galapagos sharks and the sandbar sharks. The galapagos sharks are bigger getting to 12 feet while the sandbar sharks are going to be around 10 feet. The current was rough while we was in the water so we had to hold onto the rope on the side of the boat and try not to get sucked under. The guides would let us come out and free dive as deep as we could get to have a close experience with the calm sharks. The guides took many videos and they made me feel completely safe. Here is the link to the website if you’re interested: One Ocean Diving – Diving With Sharks, Shark Dive Hawaii
2. Matsumoto’s Shave Ice
North shore is known for this shave ice and food trucks. Try both! Matsumoto’s is a Japanese style shaved ice and this store offers many flavors to choose from. It is legit the best!
3. Laniakea Beach a.k.a. Turtle Beach
If you are into wildlife then you must come here. There are many turtles splashing in the water and there are turtles sunbathing on the shore. They are so cute to watch and they all have names given to them and information readily available by the people that look over them on the beach. You are not allowed within so many feet of them because they are a protected species and the volunteers will rope it off. Be warned that if you are driving to this beach there is limited parking and heavy traffic through this area. I have read reviews that also mention their cars being broken into. You can swim at this beach, but wear water shoes because it is rocky here.
4. Waimea Falls and Botanical Gardens
This is a beautiful valley to visit and the waterfall is about a mile away from the start of the hike. People of all ages did the trail and it is not that strenuous. As you are walking to the waterfall you pass by many flowers in an array of colors and scents. It feels very serene and a lot of the plants are marked so you know what they are. If you would like to swim in the falls they have an area where you can pay five dollars to store your stuff in a bin with someone watching it. You do have to wear a life jacket while in the water. If you want to visit the falls, but not do the hike you can also use the shuttle. That will cost extra money though.
Day 2: Beach and Luau
1.Snorkel
I decided to start off the day by snorkeling in crystal blue waters. I wanted to do Hanauma Bay, but I was unable to make reservations at the time due to COVID. Nevertheless, we found a quiet beach called Queen’s Beach that has a few reefs in it and went out. I recommend water shoes for this area because I did get a few cuts and scrapes from the rocks I had to cross over to get deeper into the ocean. The best reefs were out by the end of the pier. There were many types of fish in all different shades and stripes. This beach is calm and not crowded. I would suggest being careful at high tide. You might get swept out to sea.
2. Luau
This was one of the highlights of my trip. I chose the Nutridge Estate Luau because it offers a more authentic, intimate experience than any other. It is put on by a group of close family and friends and there are no gimmicks or huge shows. This experience does offer a look into the Hawaiian culture by showing traditional dance, music, games, food, and hands on activities. Some of the dances raised chills on my arms and the food was incredible. The Nutridge Estate is set on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Honolulu and Diamond Crater. It is notorious for being the first Macadamia plantation in Hawaii and celebrities such as Charlie Chapman, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe would come here on their vacations.
The ticket prices vary by age and if you decide to include transportation. My ticket was $159 for being 21 and up with self transportation. That does come with two alcoholic beverages. I highly recommend their mai tais. This is a 4 hour experience, and at the end you will feel like ‘ohana with everyone. The luau food consist of kalua pork, BBQ chicken, rice, salad with a pineapple vinaigrette, Hawaiian sweet role, Lau Lau, coconut pudding, fresh pineapple slices grown on the estate, and chocolate macadamia cupcakes. Lau Lau is a dish that is usually pork or fish wrapped up and steamed in a taro leaf. I personally enjoy it. Here is a link to the site:
Luau | Experience Nutridge | United States
Spear throwing 
First plate 
3. Explore the Night Life and Watch Street Performers
You should explore what the city of Honolulu has to offer at night. My cousin and I walked around and listened to all the performances going on. One man named Kevin Ryan was so talented that we sat on the sidewalk for over two hours listening to his music. Many people gathered around and we all danced to his vibe. This blind man showed us all up with his moves. Finally, the police had to shut us down because of noise complaints. There are also many bars and restaurants playing live music. I checked out a tiki bar called Cuckoo Coconuts. They had a fairly good menu with some traditional Hawaiian fare and many drink options.
Day 3: Hiking, Museum, and Samoan Fire Dancing
1.Diamond Head Crater Hike
Begin the morning by getting your endorphins flowing with a nice hike. The crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a massive explosion that sent ashes up in the air which settled down and cemented together to form the crater. This hike is popular because of the overlook and views you will achieve by reaching the top. It is a .8 mile trail that is a steep incline. The trail is cemented a lot of the way and then you will reach a narrow tunnel to go through. After the tunnel is a few sets of stairs you climb and then you have arrived. Take in a fresh gulp of air and enjoy the views.
2. Waikiki Beach
This beach has a plethora of activities going on at all times throughout the day. I recommend surfing the infamous Hawaiian waves. When I went the ocean was a turquoise blue and the sun was setting behind it. A very beautiful sight to behold.
3. Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 and is home to the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts in the world. Each floor has a different aspect of the culture and shows how nature has played a significant role in how the Hawaiians live.
4. Samoan Fire Dancing
I booked this unique experience on Airbnb. The experience is now 180 dollars, but worth every buck. The host is named Neira and he is the official fire dancer for Airbnb and even performed in Rihanna’s music video ” Wild Thoughts.” The encounter is about 90 minutes and in this time you will learn two choreographies. Both choreographies have different props and one of them you partner up with someone and come up with your own steps. At the end you will put on a performance and curious passerby’s may crowd around and watch. Do not be nervous though, it is actually easier than one may think. No experience is needed beforehand. Here is the link to my video of the performance:
There are so many things to do in Hawaii it is hard to fit them all in. Remember to respect the culture and rules there. Support local businesses, pick up after yourself, and do not touch the wildlife. Have a safe trip.