Five Amazing Day Trips: Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands, each of which offers a different vibe and vacation experience, consist of eight major islands that are visited by millions of travelers every year. The island of O’ahu, the location of the state capital, Honolulu, and the iconic Waikiki Beach, has something for everyone. A series of day trips from one of the world-class beach resorts is a great way to experience the island’s many distinct travel regions. Discover the beautiful beach parks, popular for surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling while traveling along the coast. A drive into the mountainous areas of the island reward adventurers with lush valleys and rainforests and hikes to hidden waterfalls. From the must-see attractions like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head to the small-town gems of Hale’iwa on the North Shore, there is no shortage of activities and points of interest. Beginning in Waikiki, our day trips recommendations highlight many of the best destinations across the island.

Hale’iwa (Small Town Experience)

The “Surfing Capital of the World,” Hale’iwa is located on the North Shore of O’ahu, just 30 miles northwest of Waikiki. Today, the downtown area of the former sugar plantation town, with its well-preserved historic buildings, is a popular destination for surfers, divers, and sightseeing tourists. This day trip offers the avid or wannabe surfer an opportunity to take a lesson at one of the nearby schools, North Shore Surf Girls or Uncle Bryan’s Sunset Suratt Surf Academy. Surfing is a lifestyle in this area— from October to April, the North Shore hosts the world’s best surfers in world-class competitions. For the keen-eyed spectator, there are many places to appreciate the skill necessary to catch a wave, from the nearby Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park to Banzai Beach, home of the famous Banzai Pipeline. Haleiwa is also the best small-town destination for a unique shopping and dining experience. The charming downtown area is lined with art galleries, boutiques stores, and local restaurants featuring delicious menus. Don’t miss Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, a local island favorite selling Oahu’s most popular shave ice.

Kailua (The Outdoors)

A short 12-mile drive over the Pali Highway from Waikiki is one of the best beaches in all of Hawaii, Kailua Beach Park. This day trip to the eastern shores of O’ahu features over two miles of soft white sand and turquoise blue water, perfect for walking, swimming, boogie boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, and sea kayaking. This might not be the most exclusive beach on the island, but Kailua Beach Park is ideal for families, with bathroom and shower facilities and additional amenities like picnic tables, beach volleyball courts, and barbeque pits. Just in case you didn’t gate check your kayak, Kailua Beach Adventures, is a great place to pick up watersports gear before hitting the beach.

Kaneohe (Religious Sites)

The beautiful Byodo-In Temple is located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, just 16 miles northeast of Waikiki. Many people are surprised when they discover a replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple. It was built to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. This unique day trip offers visitors the chance to explore the Buddhist temple and picturesque grounds, home to wild peacocks, ponds with trickling waterfalls, and hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing religious site and welcomes all faiths to worship, meditate, and relax while visiting this peaceful place. Don’t miss the 9-foot tall Amida Buddha statue, possibly the largest figure of its kind carved outside of Japan. Other interesting points of interest are the Bell House, containing a five-foot high, three-ton brass bell that was cast in Osaka, Japan, and the Meditation Pavilion located on the hill behind the temple.

Laie (Museums & Attractions)

After a 35-mile scenic drive to O’ahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Culture Center provides a unique opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of the Pacific Islands. A visit to the 42-acre center allows guests to meet Polynesian natives and observe cultural demonstrations while on a guided tour through replica villages of the six island nations. There are multiple options to dine on authentic Polynesian food, the most popular being an unforgettable Ali’I Laua and dinner performance of the Hā Breath of Life Show. Considered one of the best evening shows on the island, listen to the Pacific Isle saga being performed by 100 Polynesian natives in the Pacific Theater. Before heading back to your hotel, the Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center is a great destination to purchase local goods and a wide range of food if you’re still hungry after this memorable day trip.

Wahiawa (Tours & Experiences)

Located 25 miles northwest of Waikiki in the Central Valley, the Dole Plantation offers visitors three exciting tours at one of the top agritourism destinations in the United States. On this day trip to one of the most popular tourism spots on O’ahu, a combo ticket affords you a 20-minute narrated experience on the Pineapple Express Train, a chance to smell and touch the crops across eight mini-gardens on the Plantation Garden Tour, and an opportunity to find the exit while navigating through the Pineapple Garden Maze. There’s something for everyone on this plantation! After your tours, have lunch at The Plantation Grille and sample some pineapple ice cream.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!