If Waikīkī is the heart of Oʻahu’s energy, the North Shore is where you’ll find its soul. Known worldwide for its epic winter waves, this region is a surfer’s paradise and an unforgettable stop for travelers. Top Beaches for Surf Watching Waimea Bay – Famous for its towering winter swells ʻEhukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline) – […]

Step into Hawaiian royalty at ʻIolani Palace, the only official royal residence in the United States. Completed in 1882, this 10-room palace tells the stories of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarchs. Inside, you’ll see the grand koa wood staircase, regal thrones, and portraits of Hawaii’s kings and queens. Located in downtown Honolulu, […]

If you’re looking for a short, scenic hike with a stunning reward, head to Manoa Falls. Just 5 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu, this easy-to-reach trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and takes around 1–2 hours. The hike leads you through a lush rainforest filled with towering ferns, banyan trees, and tropical greenery — […]

If you want to dive deep into Hawaiian history, culture, and science, the Bishop Museum is the perfect place. Founded in 1889 to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop — the last descendant of the Kamehameha royal family — it’s now home to more than 25 million artifacts that tell the story of Hawaiʻi and the […]

Located in the heart of Punchbowl Crater, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a peaceful and deeply moving site that honors the men and women of the U.S. military. Known locally as the “Punchbowl,” it serves as a solemn tribute to those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam […]

If you’re ready for a challenge, the Koko Crater Trail — often called the Koko Head Stairs — is one of the toughest but most rewarding hikes in Honolulu. This steep 1.6-mile round trip hike features more than 1,000 steps made from old railroad ties that climb straight up the side of the crater. At […]

If you’re looking for an easy hike with amazing ocean views, the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is a perfect choice. Located less than 6 miles northeast of Koko Crater Trail, this paved path takes you up to a lookout where you can see the historic red-roofed Makapuʻu Lighthouse, built in 1909. Along the way, you’ll […]

Known as the “Mighty Mo,” the USS Missouri (BB-63) is an Iowa-class battleship with a long and proud history. First launched in 1944, this massive ship fought in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Desert Storm. Today, it’s permanently docked at Pearl Harbor and serves as a floating museum where visitors can walk […]

One of Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks, Diamond Head State Monument — known as Lēʻahi in Hawaiian — is a massive volcanic crater that offers some of the best panoramic views on Oʻahu. The hike to the summit is short but rewarding, taking you through tunnels, old military bunkers, and steep staircases before opening up to […]

Pearl Harbor is one of the most significant historic sites in the United States and a deeply moving place to visit in Hawaiʻi. The memorial honors the events of December 7, 1941, when a surprise attack led to the U.S. entry into World War II. Today, it stands as both a place of remembrance and […]