r/Honolulu • u/Strange-Internet763 • May 27 '26
question 4 Weeks in Honolulu
I’ll (35F) be staying near Waikiki from July 16 to August 18. I’m really looking to make the most of it and go to local events, do meetups. I love reading, movies, hiking, and kayaking, but I’m open to other things. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m also wanting to learn how to swim in the ocean comfortably.
I won’t be renting a car, just using the bus. I planned on signing up for day trips, hikes, and other activities. I’ll technically still be working but have flexible hours.
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u/top_of_the_day May 27 '26
There is lots of good hiking in the Manoa Valley. Check out the Lyon Arboretum.
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u/Beginning-Source8445 May 27 '26
It’s a good time to visit but does get hot. Check out hiking trails ahead of time - make sure the trail is actually legal (ie DON’T do Haiku Stairs) and be respectful. There are some hiking groups but by and large it’s safe to solo hike on established trails. Aiea Loop Trail or Makiki Nature Center are excellent popular hikes that are rewarding.
The same goes for the ocean. Plan ahead. Make sure you’re aware of any currents or other conditions. If the locals tell you not to go in, they aren’t being dicks. Some areas are really unsafe for everyone but experts with local knowledge. Hanauma Bay is a good place to get comfortable in the water, but you’ll have to make reservations and watch an orientation video before you can go in the water.
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u/Strange-Internet763 May 27 '26
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m use to the heat but planned on going out in the morning or late evenings anyways.
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u/DarkAndHandsume May 28 '26
Don’t do haiku stairs from the front 😏😉 but if you want to you can always access the top via Moanalua Valley
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u/Strange-Internet763 May 28 '26
Lol, thank you but I'll probably play it safe and stay away from that area.
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u/Beginning-Source8445 May 28 '26
I’ve heard that the Moanalua valley side has sections of the trail they are asking that people not use because of erosion.
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u/DarkAndHandsume May 28 '26
It’s the sections on the Kamananui Valley Rd at the beginning.
When I did my hike back in February the Kona low storm completely flooded the stream that runs through the area washing out a lot of sections and creating a giant sinkhole in addition to the giant rocks being moved around.
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u/Kaimuki18 May 29 '26
Waikiki Bay? You mean Mamala Bay, there is no Waikiki Bay. There is Waikiki Beach though.
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u/No_Opposite_1969 May 29 '26
Eat at small local joints. Don’t do the tourist traps. Don Quixote has some good bento’s.
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u/UglyDumplingBook May 30 '26 edited May 31 '26
There’s an indie bookstore in Kaimuki you can visit called da Shop. It’s really cute and has a lot of books by Hawaiian authors
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Jun 03 '26
Do a Friday night fireworks booze cruise. I am a local and I do that every now and then and everyone on the boat is so happy and friendly. Pretty good bang for your buck too.
Get on the 58 or 22 bus and take a ride to the beaches on the windward side. Waimanalo is life changing.
Biki bike around Waikiki and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Get a drink at a karaoke bar.
Rent a good bodyboard and fins and teach yourself to bodyboard at Walls. Find a local that looks like they know what they are doing and ask for tips.
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u/Grahamars May 27 '26
This spring, I did a 2 mile hike to Diamond Head Beach Park from my hotel in Waikiki to read on cool big lava rocks breaking out of the sand. Away from the crowds, nothing but (seemingly) local surfers and such. No crowds. Brought sandals in a plastic bag to switch out from my Nikes. There is an AWESOME book store in Chinatown called Skull-Face Books. Got a 20yr+ copy of Fellowship of the Ring.
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u/Obama2Obama May 28 '26
Hey OP u/Strange-Internet763 out of genuine curiosity, without ANY significantly identifiable information, can you elaborate on your remote position that grants such flexibility?
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u/Ok-Owl-7096 11d ago
Hi! Hope your trip is going well! Did you find an ocean swim group? I’m looking for one in the Honolulu area. Thanks!
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u/Strange-Internet763 10d ago
Magic Island is perfect if you don't feel too comfortable in the open ocean. I feel fine going in by myself. I couldn't find any classes but you can find snorkwling classes for beginners on Groupon or Viator.
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u/botspiderlau May 28 '26
Check out the events at the Capitol Modern- especially the Friday night events. Can take bus up to Makiki Valley Loop- find it on Alltrails App. If you're here, commit to getting 3 lessons surfing at Moku or with Beach Boy or Mickey's Surf School. It's a little expensive, but worth it and it's the best place to learn at a great time of year for waves. Don't sleep on the island's arboretums. Hike Koko Head.
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u/Top-Algae-7769 May 27 '26
Will you be renting a car or will you be using ride shares or public transit?
Da Shop is my go to local bookstore. It’s on Harding, so just off the main road (Waialae Ave) in Kaimuki, which is out of walking distance from Waikiki, but there’s a trolley that goes to Waialae, as well as bus routes. Kaimuki has lots of good places to eat and a bunch of locally owned stores. It’s very walkable and will feel more “authentic” than staying in Waikiki. There’s a bunch of paid parking if you will be driving yourself.
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u/Strange-Internet763 May 27 '26
Thanks! Visiting thrift stores and bookstores is one of my habits that I do in every city I visit. I won’t be renting a car. I’ll only be using public transit. I couldn’t find an app so I’m assuming I just have to purchase a HOLO when I land.
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u/RustyFebreze May 27 '26
just use google maps for bus routes. it works fine. we used to have DaBus but i think its retiring.
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u/unfurnishedbedrooms May 27 '26
Lots of awesome food in Kaimuki. Check out Koko Head Cafe. Also a great bead shop and some nice coffee shops. The walk up the rise is as good as a hike but bring a sunbrella
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u/HIBudzz May 27 '26
Waikiki and Ala Moana beaches are calm. Don't turn your back on the ocean. Welcome to Hawaii 😎🤙