1. Climb Diamond Head
Located east of the Waikiki area, it is a 150,000 year old, 761 foot tall Cinder Cone (in other words, volcanic in its origin). This hike is rated as easy to moderate in physical effort, but is certainly worth the incredible view of the west side of the island, particularly Waikiki. There are two sets of stairs; neither is more than 100 steps. Also, there is an unlit tunnel a little over 200 feet long. It can get hot during the hike, unless you go early in the morning, so bring your water! The views are worth the hike, so do not forget your camera!
2. Shop Ala Moana Shopping Center
If you’re going to shop in Waikiki, shop here because you will actually find some affordable items and some great Hawaiian shops, like the Ukulele House. The center also has a tasty, affordable, and widely varied food court on the lower level. If you want finer dining, go to the other side of the parking garage from the mall and eat at Shokodu Japanese restaurant: Bibimbap with garlic shrimp is scrumptious, especially if you let the rice continue to cook for a bit, most of their sushi rolls are terrific (we haven't tried them all...yet), and the cinnamon honey toast is a dessert that must NOT be missed (so bring a friend or three to help you eat it)!
3. Swim at Kailua Beach
This is the best beach for people watching and for swimming. That said, it can also get crowded, especially on the weekends, so go early to get a good spot. Also, remember that you are in the tropics, so the sun is much stronger here. Apply sunscreen regularly according to the directions on your sunscreen container, and drink plenty of water to keep you from getting dehydrated.4. Snorkel Hanauma Bay
There is an entry fee; it is closed every Tuesday, and it opens at 6am. Visitors are required to watch a film about conservation, so get there early, or you will be waiting in some very long (up to an hour or more), and hot lines. This is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu as well as see tropical fish and the endangered Green Sea Turtles.
5. Shop The Aloha Bowl Swap Meet
Island wear, music, souvenirs, and just about anything else you could desire at often negotiable and low prices. $1.00 entry fee per person (get in for free by using a coupon in one of the free weekly Oahu guide books if you can find one). Visit: http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/ for details about days and hours open, site map, and more.6. Drive Around Oahu
It’s relaxation while on the move. Start early in the morning and expect to take all day, including stops and naps. Make sure to stop at Matsumoto Grocery Story for their Shave Ice. Just trust me that you will love it!
7. See The Arizona Memorial
This one is free, but get there a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour before it opens (8am?) because the lines get phenomenally worse as the day wears on. Do not bring any bags, purses or back packs, or you will be forced to rent a locker to store these because they do not allow them on the memorial. Only a camera or video camera is allowed in (Again, no camera cases). You will ride a Navy launch across the water to the memorial and back again. When you are on the memorial, you are above sailors’ final resting place. It is a place of reverence, so please allow yourself to experience the incredibly powerful feelings this place inspires within visitors and consider withholding your words until you are back upon the launch.8. Eat at Roy’s Restaurant
I believe they just opened up a branch in Waikiki. This is simply the best restaurant in Hawaii in my opinion because the food is true to Hawaiian cuisine and tastes delectable. I recommend making reservations. The address below is for the one I usually go to (east of Waikiki) because it has a great view. 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 396-7697 honolulu@roysrestaurant.com.9. Shop International Market in Waikiki
There is a good variety of Island wear and souvenirs, but the prices are not as good as at the Aloha Bowl Swap meet. However, they are open 7 days and nights each week, and some of the sellers are willing to haggle at least a little bit. It is definitely great for window shopping and getting souvenir ideas before you go to Swap Meet. They also have a mini food court; Pogi likes the Filipino “turo-turo,” which translates to “point-point.” Yummm, or "masarap!" There is an ice cream stand that has some delicious treats, too!10. Drink a Mai Tai at the Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Hawaiian.
This is a nice place to sit down, relax, and watch the sunset after walking around this historic and majestic hotel. Their mai tais are quite delicious too. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Santa Claus walking along the beach!
Aloha!
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