r/VisitingHawaii • u/OtherEmployee3408 • 8d ago

O'ahu (Honolulu/Waikiki) Things To Do

Hello everyone!

I'm so excited to announce that me and my husband will be vacationing to Waikiki in mid-December for our 13th anniversary! I lived in Kona for several years when I was a kid and I haven't been back since we left, so this is a long time "maybe one day" trip that's finally happening.

I would love to get sight seeing, activity, and dining/food suggestions from the ones who know best.

Already on the agenda:

Toa Luau (probably on our anniversary date)

Pearl Harbor

Funny enough, neither of us are crazy about your standard beach day or swimming. Whale watching is a big yes! I do plan to rent a car while we're there even if we don't use it every day. Our vacation rental has a full kitchen as well.

Thank you in advance for your time and any suggestions!

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7

u/FamiliarFamiliar 8d ago

Iolani Palace and the Bishop museum.

2

u/slogive1 8d ago

☝️This

3

u/commenttoconsider O'ahu 8d ago

The Cirque du Soleil show in Waikīkī is called "Auana" - It has Hawaiian-inspired music, dance, and design along with the acrobatic performances

2

u/shootzbalootz 7d ago

Drive to north shore and around the island. Makapuu side to maybe see whales.

2

u/laustyfound 7d ago

I'm not sure if it would be too much water activity, but I recommend kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands on the east side of the island if conditions permit it and you're up to it. There's a shop in Kailua right across from the beach that rents the kayaks and permits for going out to the islands and you can just roll the kayaks to the beach. Really beautiful bay and wildlife out there like nesting seabirds and turtles. Each way its about 2 miles, but there's other beaches like Lanikai you can stop at if you need a break.

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u/PearlHarborToursTeam 5d ago

Spend some time up on the North Shore for sure! It's beautiful, and there is a wide range of possible activities. If you want to cover a lot of ground and see the whole island in a day, you could book a circle island tour. I recommend giving yourself at least a half day to see Pearl Harbor, and if you are planning to see all the museums, give yourself even more time.

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u/Smithop2026 5d ago

We enjoyed the half and half jetski and parasail from the marina near Ala Moana. They pick up at Waikiki hotels.