Connecting Hawaii

With endless beaches, premier resorts, exciting adventures, and luscious gardens, Hawaii is the best choice for a tropical destination wedding. Whether you prefer an intimate sunset ceremony on the beach, a small affair surrounded by waterfalls and flowering foliage, or a grand, elegant event — Hawaii has it all.

Below is a list of the best Hawaii wedding locations, compiled with the help of Hawaii Wedding Coordinators across the archipelago.

Makena Cove, Maui

Makena Cove is becoming one of the most popular Maui wedding locations. With black lava rock, white-sand beach, turquoise water and spectacular views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe, Makena Cove offers a spectacular backdrop for a Hawaii beach wedding. Makena Cove is a perfect beach-wedding location anytime of the day, and is a wedding photographers dream. Parking is limited, so contact a Maui Wedding Coordinator to plan ahead.

Chapel by the Sea, Kauai

The Chapel by the Sea at Kauai Lagoons is the most elegant and stylish wedding location on Kauai. This beautiful chapel rests atop the tranquil waters of the Kauai Lagoons and has spectacular views of the ocean and mountains. For your Hawaii wedding ceremony, the open French doors will capture the Hawaiian breeze, and your guests will be seated in chairs custom fitted with white covers and silk sashes. You and your guests will be filled with romance and wonder as you are surrounded by flowering tropical plants, swaying palms, calm lagoons, open views, and the elegant architecture of the Chapel by the Sea. The elegant architecture and the tropical environment is also the ideal location for Hawaii wedding photos. The Chapel by the Sea is located at the Kauai Marriot and reservations are required. Contact a Kauai wedding coordinator or the Kauai Marriot directly to begin planning your wedding at this magnificent location.

Saint Peter’s Church, Big Island

The “Little Blue Church” is located on famous Ali’i Drive in downtown Kona, and is situated right off the beach in Keauhou. This picture perfect Catholic church is surrounded by flowering foliage and the sparkle of the Pacific Ocean. The etched glass windows will add to the romance as the glow of the sun shines through during your Hawaii sunset wedding. With only a few dozen pews, this serene Hawaii location is ideal for a small, intimate wedding. Built in 1889, Saint Peter’s Church is one of the most photographed sites on the Big Island.

Olowalu Plantation, Maui

Image courtesy Blue Ocean Weddings

Want a Hawaiian sunset wedding, but have too many guests for a small beach wedding? No problem. The historical Olowalu Plantation has it all: huge lush lawn, overlooking the ocean, fantastic sunsets, enough room for large parties, coconut palm tress, beautifully restored plantation house, dressing room for the wedding party, and even a dance floor. Located just south of Lahaina, the Olowalu Plantation has become one of the most popular Maui wedding locations. Fees and reservations apply, so be sure to contact a Maui Wedding Coordinator.

Kapalua Bay, Maui

Golden sand, swaying palms, calm turquoise waters. What more can you ask for? Find paradise on this West Maui pocket beach; situated between two lava points and bordered by a coconut tree grove. The stunning Kapalua Bay Beach makes for a beautiful Hawaii beach wedding. However, like many other popular Hawaii beaches, be prepared for on-lookers and less privacy.

Makapu’u Beach, Oahu

Makap’u Beach Park has Spectacular options for a Hawaii wedding location. Plan your wedding on a sandy beach, in a coconut tree grove, on the sand dunes, or in a secluded rocky cove. You can’t go wrong! With Rabbit Island offshore and the stunning Ko’olau Mountains behind, Makapu’u Beach is ideal for romantic, tropical wedding photographs. Accessibility is not a problem at this Hawaii beach: plenty of parking, restrooms and only 40 minutes from Waikiki.

Paradise Cove, Oahu

What is the best way to round off the perfect Hawaii wedding? A Traditional Hawaiian luau and Polynesian show! Have one of the most sensational sunset beach weddings, and then celebrate at Hawaii’s renowned Paradise Cove Luau. Or have both the wedding ceremony and reception on the lush lawns or in the gardens of Paradise Cove Luau’s private grounds. Located on the southwest side of Oahu and only about a 45 minute drive from Waikiki, Paradise Cove offers an exciting Hawaii wedding location.

A serene waterfall, flowers, privacy, ocean views, luscious lawns, lagoons, beach access, and so much more; Na Aina Kai Botannical Gardens has it all. Take your wedding vows in complete privacy on this 240 acre exquisite site. Your guests will be amazed by the beauty and serenity of Na Aina Kai Botannical Gardens. While exploring the grounds before and after your ceremony, you and your guests will be filled with romance as you smell the newly blossomed flowers, glimpse humbackwhales offshore, or be graced with an albatross flying overhead. Contact a local Hawaii wedding coordinator to reserve and plan at this wonderful Hawaii wedding location.

Kikaua Point Beach Park, Big Island

Located just north of Kona, Kikaua Point Beach Park is becoming one of the most popular Big Island wedding locations. This luscious beach park is surrounded by lava rocks, white sand, green trees, and the turquoise ocean. Choose between a ceremony beneath the trees on the small green lawn, or on the crescent-shaped sandy beach with views of Maui and Mauna Kea. Consult with a Hawaii wedding consultant before you plan a wedding at the Kikaua Point Beach Park; permits and reservations are required and Kikaua Point Beach Park books up fast.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, Big Island

The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is located in South Kona and offers a serene setting for a small Hawaii beach wedding. Dramatic colors from the black lava rock, white sand, green palm trees, and turquoise ocean is a wedding photographers dream. Also, Green sea turtles love to sun bathe on these beaches and will be a likely guest at your ceremony. The Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is also known as the Place of Refuge: the sacred grounds where royal Hawaiians once resided and offered refuge to those that broke a kapu (ancient Hawaiian law). Incorporate Hawaiian history into your Hawaii wedding for a truly Hawaiian experience.

Cruising in tropical paradise Hawaii? That will be a good idea for next vacation. We can enjoy all magnificent things in beautiful archipelago from different side. The blue sea water and luxurious accommodations are ready to welcome us. To get it we just need to visit Cruisefans.com. In this site we can find all things we need to apply the cruise.

Hawaii cruise always becomes a great magnet for tourists from around the world. The magnificent tropic archipelago visited by thousands of tourists each year. Some of them choose the cruise packages because they want to enjoy all things offered by this country above the cruise ship. Various ship can take us around Hawaii, what we have to do is choose one of them to become ours. This site provides all links which provide this cruise tour. We can choose various packages offered only from one link that is this site.

Or, another service given by this site is Cruise forum. This forum given by this site to accommodate our need of information about cruising like Cruise Comparison, Cruise Safety, Cruise Employees and many more. In this forum we can share our experience or anything related to the Hawaiian cruise. So, this site is the perfect link for us if we want to spend our holiday from different side of Hawaii.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Considered by many locals to be the best swimming beach in Hawaii, Lanikai’s clear waters, clean, wide beach, and swaying coconut palms also make it a photographer’s dream. A mile-long stretch of powdered-sugar sand is perfect for sunbathing. Sparkling turquoise waters sheltered by a wide, protective offshore reef provide ideal swimming conditions. Other popular activities on Lanikai include kayaking, outrigger canoeing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing. With the twin Mokulua Islands in the distance, Lanikai Beach truly lives up to its translated name of “heavenly sea.”

Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai

Lovely Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore may be the most beautiful beach setting in all of Hawaii. Hanalei is the largest bay on the island of Kauai and nearly a perfect semi-circle of white sand. Behind the beach is an utterly breathtaking backdrop of waterfalls and emerald mountain peaks wrapped in mist, soaring thousands of feet towards the heavens. The beach is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and bordered by the Hanalei River to the east and the Waipa River to the west. The ocean bottom slopes gently to overhead depths, and there are large coral reefs at both ends of the bay. Every ocean recreation activity you can imagine is available, from boating and windsurfing to kayaking up the placid Hanalei River. The bay is very popular with serious surfers. There is a public boat ramp and a 300-foot long pier used for fishing and swimming. The many “no dogs” and “no jumping off the pier” signs are blissfully ignored.

Kaanapali – Black Rock Beach, Maui

For some reason, this beach has many different names (among them Keka‘a Beach, Canoe Beach, Dig Me Beach). Whatever you call it, Kaanapali Beach in West Maui is a watersport lover’s paradise. Virtually every type of ocean recreation is available. Snorkeling and scuba diving are outstanding. The Black Rock is a large lava rock that divides the beach. This is a busy, popular beach that fronts two resorts. What you give up in solitude you gain in big time fun—shopping, restaurants, boat tours, fishing, kayaking, sailing, sunbathing, people-watching, and more.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Pretty and popular, Hanauma Bay is a victim of its own success. Formed thousands of years ago by the flooding of a volcanic crater, this nearly circular bay is home to an amazingly diverse and abundant population of fish life. Hanauma Bay is one of the best and most popular snorkeling and swimming areas in the world. However, excessive swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving have threatened the bay’s marine residents. The area’s designation as a marine life conservation district in 1967 wasn’t enough protection, so in 1990 strict visitor limits were initiated. Hanauma Bay is another of Hawaii’s most beautiful bays, but to enjoy its treasures you’ll have to plan ahead and arrive early for a visit.

Ke’e Beach Park, Kauai

Incredible sunsets are synonymous with Ke‘e Beach Park. Located literally at the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore between the dramatic Na Pali Coast and Limahuli Stream, the reef lagoon at Ke‘e Beach is a favorite snorkeling site. The water is clear and there are tons of colorful reef fish and turtles. Ke‘e Beach has a very tropical look with a backshore lushly vegetated by ironwood trees, coconut palms, ti, and guava.

Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui

Golden sand, swaying palms, calm waters. What more can you ask for? It’s just another day in paradise on this West Maui pocket beach. Situated between two lava points and bordered by a coconut tree grove, Kapalua is known for its tranquil surf, ideal for the less-than-adventurous swimmer and families with small children.

Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island

A one-half mile long band of white sand that is over 200 feet wide in the summer months plus clean, clear water would describe anyone’s perfect imaginary beach. In winter, wild, thundering waves pound the shoreline. Fortunately, Hapuna Bay, on the Big Island’s west side, is for real and it is the most popular beach on the island. The ivory sands slope gently into a shallow sandbar that extends approximately 25 yards into the ocean. Swimming and boogie boarding conditions are excellent. Abundant fish and coral make for superb snorkeling and the wide beach is just right for frolicking and sunbathing.

Hulopoe Beach, Lanai

Formerly known as the “Pineapple Island,” where for decades the fruit was grown by the Dole Company, Lanai is now a remote and secluded vacation destination. Hulopoe Beach Park is an exquisite pocket beach at the head of Hulopoe Bay. The shoreline is quite steep, making it fine for swimming. Hulopoe has some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii due to the rich variety of colorful fish and stunningly clear water. The waters of Hulopoe Bay are part of the marine life conservation district, so fishing is limited to hook and line from the shore. For romance and intimacy, you won’t find a better beach than Hulopoe.

Poipu Beach, Kauai

The most popular beach on Kauai’s south shore, Poipu Beach is ideal for families. A small boulder breakwater creates a protected pool-like area where children and parents can play and snorkel. Outside the swimming area, the ocean bottom slopes gently to ove

Visit the active Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island

Kilauea is located on the southeastern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world! Hike through lush rainforest to experience vents spewing steam, brand new land being created, ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, walk-through lava tubes, and unrivaled vistas.

Its current eruption started in January 1983 and has been continuously flowing ever since. As of January 2000, it had produced 2.5 million cubic yards of lava, covered 39.9 square miles, and added 506 acres (205 hectares) of land to Kilauea’s southern shore. Lava erupting from the Pu’u ‘O’o cone flows through a tube system down the Pulama pali about 7 miles to the sea.

Take a helicopter tour over the island of Kauai

If you do one thing while you’re on Kauai, take a helicopter ride! Upon takeoff, you’ll be overwhelmed by the stunning scenery set before you like a feast for your eyes. Majestic mountains adorned with a thousand shades of green touch the sky. As you gaze awestruck at these wonders of nature, your pilot points out names and history of the locations below. Trying to absorb the pilot’s words and take in the breathtaking beauty all around you is nearly impossible. With about 80% of the island inaccessible by foot, the only way to truly see Kauai in all its splendor is by air.

Relax on Hawaii’s world famous beaches

Hawaii boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the world. In view of majestic emerald mountains, the sapphire waters and turquoise waves of Hawaii’s best beaches await you.
There is something for every taste and the vast stretches of white sandy beaches are especially appealing to those looking for sun, sand and water.

Take a whale-watching catamaran cruise

Each winter, the humpback whales leave their rich Alaskan feeding grounds to frolic, mate, birth and nurse in the warm and shallow waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.

Breaching is probably the most spectacular behavior of the humpback whales. They are able to launch themselves into the air sometimes completely out of the water!

Snorkel off the island of Molokini

Molokini is the most popular snorkeling site in all of Hawaii. The reason is simple. Molokini consistently has the clearest water in Hawaii, teaming with beautiful fish. On most days visibility is between 80 and 200 feet.

This marine preserve is located several miles off of the south shore of Maui directly across from the Wailea/Makena area. The only way to get to Molokini is by boat and Maui has plenty of boats in all sizes, shapes and price ranges. This is a must-do if you can float. You do not even have to know how to swim. All boats have flotation devices and some have glass bottoms so you can stay dry and still see all the pretty fishes.

Bike down Maui’s Haleakala Mountain at sunrise

Haleakala, one of the largest mountains in the world, is a dormant volcano full of volcanic rock, both inside its crater and on its slopes. Haleakala stands more than 3,000 feet above the sea level and lies some 20,000 more feet under water. The mountain is dense, and the park that surrounds the volcano takes up more than 27,000 acres of land. You can go right up and see into the crater. Many people say it’s one of the most powerful experiences of their lives. The mountain is visible for miles as you approach it, first on the road and then on foot. Seeing that it’s hollow inside and that the crater is some 3,000 feet deep, seven miles long, and two miles wide, you are amazed that such a place could exist. Haleakala is a National Park, preserved to maintain all the living creatures that surround the historic volcano. You’ll want to experience Haleakala during sunrise or sunset. Its legendary beauty inspires powerful and personal emotions.

See Waimea Canyon on Kauai, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

The inland area of the western part of Kauai is dominated by the Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park. Dubbed as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon reigns supreme. The coloring of its inner walls and the roadside lookout views into the canyon are spectacular.

The canyon is one mile wide, 10 miles long, and over 3,600 feet in depth. The deep canyon gashes in the landscape look like the claw marks of some immense prehistoric creature. The play of light and shadow throughout the day on the colorful striated layers of rock is extraordinary. A fun pastime is to stand at one of the Waimea Canyon overlooks and watch the reaction of visitor after visitor, as their jaws drop, and they become first speechless and then breathless as they witness this spectacle of nature for the first time, realizing that words fail them and that there must be a God.

Play golf at any of Hawaii’s world class courses

There are few places on earth as perfect for golf as Hawaii, with its dramatic topography, ideal growing conditions for lush green fairways and flowering vegetation, and year-round balmy weather. There are more than 80 courses on six idyllic islands, with locations ranging from upcountry rainforests to coral sea cliffs and sandy beaches.

Most of the island courses would be in the running for best view because the Pacific Ocean is a constant backdrop almost anytime you climb above sea level. Naming other bests is much harder, because the world’s greatest golf architects have long been at work here, creating course after course–all demanding superlatives.

Attend an authentic Polynesian Luau

Today the luau is as synonymous with Hawaii as the grass skirt. Luaus are an incomparable visitor attraction and an excellent introduction to the food and culture of the Hawaiian Islands.

The Polynesian Luau is an exotic, South Pacific-style celebration of color, style, history, music, and dance. Women in grass skirts, men in face paint, authentic fire dancers, and traditional music showcase the cultures and traditions of Polynesia.

Luaus are enchanting experiences that tickle the nose with savory scents, entice the palate with delicious tastes, please the eyes with colorful entertainment, and bathe the ear in exotic music, leaving exciting memories and a full tummy.

Shop and Dine in Waikiki

From quaint shops and artists’ studios to elegant art galleries and large shopping centers, you’ll enjoy island-style shopping. Find many unique items, including T-shirts dyed with Hawaiian red dirt, macadamia nut cookies, music CDs by local musicians, coffee, books, designer clothing, custom jewelry, furniture, surfboards, tropical flowers, and fine art and gifts handcrafted of wood, ceramics, fabric, or glass.

In Hawaii, there’s a word for food that’s delicious — ‘ono. We know you’ll be saying it over and over again as you eat your way around the Hawaiian islands. Hawaii’s mix of many cultures has led to a unique variety of cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, European, and American. Innovative chefs trained in continental and Asian culinary traditions have created Pacific Rim delights. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, seafood, and even chocolate grown in Hawaii are fresh and flavorful. Bon appetit!

For most people the best time to go to Hawaii is determined more by personal reasons than seasons. Hawaii tourism flourishes because the state is graced with beautiful beaches and natural landscape as well as year-round warm weather. The best time to visit Hawaii can be decided by the most affordable time to visit or simply by when your holiday times are. Hawaii tours operate throughout the year. There are numerous places around all the islands that feature excellent snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving conditions in both winter and summer. Travel to Hawaii in both seasons has heavy Hawaii tourism peaks, exhibiting higher prices and more crowds.

The climate and weather in Hawaii are basically based on two different seasons, winter and summer. Winter spans from the middle of October through April where daytime temperatures are very comfortable, from mid-60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Hawaii tourism during the winter, whether you’re visiting the Big Island, Maui, Oahu or Kauai, will exhibit cooler temperatures at night, often dropping 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Bringing along a light jacket or sweater is wise if you’re planning on any Hawaii tours at night like a dinner cruise

One big advantage of travel to Hawaii in the winter months is the surfing. Hawaii surfing competitions are most popular along the North Shore in Oahu. Along the North Shore some of the most impressive surfing conditions are enjoyed by thousands every year. Oahu surfing is world-famous, but Kauai surfing, Big Island surfing and surfing on Maui are also excellent along the northern shores during the winter months. Typically there’s more rainfall in the winter, especially in November and December. Oahu’s Waikiki Beach, Wailea, Makena and Kihei on Maui, Kohala and Kona on Big Island and the Poipu Beach area on Kauai are the driest, making them the best for winter travel to Hawaii.
The best time to visit Hawaii for many is the summer months. Summer begins in May and spans until the middle of October with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly 30 degrees Celsius. Evenings also cool off, just like in winter, by about 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. There is some rainfall in the summer but it tends to burst in short spells. Summer is an excellent time of year for beach activities and Hawaii sailing trips or golfing. One of the best Hawaii travel tips for the summer is to avoid the months of June through August. Thousands of tourists travel to Hawaii with their kids during school holidays. Hawaii tourism runs rampant and rates are considerably higher.

Hawaii tourism also peaks around the second week of December through the holidays and into the next year. Tourists from all over the world travel to Hawaii around this time creating an influx of visitors to the most popular attractions. It is not the best time to visit Hawaii if you don’t like crowds. Securing affordable vacation packages and planning months in advance are two of the best Hawaii travel tips to follow if you’re heading over for the holidays. If you don’t plan ahead it can be extremely difficult to find a cheap Hawaii car rental, let alone affordable accommodations or space on any of the tours offered. Hawaii vacation rentals are all snagged up at this time due to the high demand.

There aren’t really any Hawaii travel tips specific for the best time to go. With the little hindrance short rainfalls can cause, many people choose to visit in the summer. The winter is ideal for many who want to get away from their own cold countries and enjoy beautiful Kauai beaches, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or stunning sunsets on Maui. Oahu is one of the most popular for Hawaii tourism. The many things to do in Honolulu coupled with the many things to on Oahu outside of the city area provide an all-encompassing vacation experience.

The best way to get around, by far, is driving. Each island can easily be explored during the day with a car along highway circuits. The only exception is Big Island. The Big Island requires a few days drive to see the many attractions as it’s double the size of all the islands combined. Another suggestion in Hawaii travel tips is if it’s storming on one side of the island, take a drive to the other end and you’ll often find a complete dichotomy with sunny weather and busy beaches. The best time to visit is determined by your own budget and your ability to get away as Hawaii is a strong magnet for tourists all through the year.

A Look at Some Fun & Romantic Things to Do on Oahu

Waikiki Beach on a Romantic Oahu Vacation

Hey! It’s Waikiki Beach. One of the most famous of all Hawaiian beaches. And like you’ve probably heard, it is crowded!

There are a couple reasons for that – it’s close to Waikiki accommodation and Hotel Deals in Honolulu, and it’s actually a very good beach in spots! Warm water, some waves but not too turbulent, decent sand, lots of sun, and every imaginable convenience about 2 blocks away!

We always spend at least 1 day at or near Waikiki beach, just to be there, watch the other sun worshippers, and stock up on sunscreen and cheap beach mats! There’s usually music and entertainment after dark along the beach front hotels. A couple of gorgeous hotels to just stroll through the breezy lobby are the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Moana.

There are some interesting places to eat nearby too. The Shorebird Restaurant & Beach Bar is a great place for a nice romantic evening meal. You cook your own steak on an open flame grille, there’s live Hawaiian music, and you get a beautiful view of Diamond Head and the sun setting over the Pacific! After dinner, you can stroll along the darkened beach, or wander out to the end of the pier for a look at all the lights along the shore.You can find the ShoreBird Restaurant at the back of the Outrigger Reef Hotel, right on the beach.

Here are some Oahu day trip ideas to find some quieter places away from Waikiki: (and for tips on finding the best deals on entertainment, dining and tours in and around Waikiki, have a look at our Oahu Activities Discounts page)

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moanna is a nice alternative to Waikiki, and less crowded too (apparently not that safe after dark though). Here’s the plan: take the bus there around noon (Bus 8 from Waikiki), enjoy the beach and nearby park in the afternoon, then walk across the street to the Ala Moana Shopping Center for a cheap eat in their huge food court!

Then, for a different way home, do what we did – pay $2 and board the pink shopping shuttle (catch them outside beside the covered parking lot). It’s an open-sided trolley wagon that does a circuit from the mall back to all the major Waikiki hotels. In the evening it’s a gorgeous look at the city, with the warm breeze in your hair. An inexpensive Honolulu tour! It tends to be a little less crowded at night too.

Over 30 Oahu Attractions, Tours, Museums, Activities & Sights for 1 Low Price are included with the Go Oahu Card!

Diamond Head

Hiking up to the top of Diamond Head is one of the more strenuous things to do on Oahu, but the views are well worth it. We headed out a couple hours before sunset and caught some great views of Waikiki beach, the ocean, city and surrounding mountains.

Hanuama Bay

Hanuama Bay is easy to get to, even if you don’t have a car. We found transit maps and schedules at a nearby McDonalds. Bus 22 takes you straight through Waikiki and east to Hanuama Bay.

If snorkelling is on your list of things to do on Oahu, you’ll find Hanuama a nice “snorkel and sand” excursion for the day. You can rent snorkel gear there as well. The water is fairly calm, and the underwater visibility of the coral was quite good! Warning: It gets crowded by noon.

Romantic Tour of Oahu

Oahu Beach

To get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, one of the most romantic things to do on Oahu is a circle tour of the island by car. Honolulu is a good starting point.

We started off heading west for a full day circle tour of the island. If the weather is good (and most of the time it is) you can just go from beach to beach – there’s over 130 of them!

And when you find the right one, stop and just relax, maybe do a little swimming, read a good book, or work on your tan.

Along the way you’ll also find:

* The North Shore: world class surfers here with some of the biggest waves in the world!

* Waimea Falls Park: Beautiful secluded waterfalls, although not so secluded if the tourist busloads beat you to it! Cultural shows, cliff diving exhibition, horseback rides and a lot more. A bit on the pricey side ($24).

* Polynesian Cultural Center: A huge pavilion of everything Polynesian. We toured the grounds, had the buffet and watched the impressive evening show. To do this justice (and get your money’s worth!) you do need to spend all day though. Alot of Hawaii vacation packages include a day trip here – it’s one of the most popular things to do on Oahu.

* Pali Lookout: One of the best views in all of Oahu. Open 9-4 daily. Watch out for high winds!