Things to do

[Angel43267]

Going to Aluani for the 1st time with a 7yr old and 9 yr old. Staying 7 nights. Coming from NY so the 1st night will basically be a wash. We were thinking of doing pearl harbor, dole plantation, dolphins,.

What does everyone suggest?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

My #1 must-do on Oahu is the Bishop Museum, and I'd say do it before you do any luaus or other super touristy things. Complete immersion in Hawaiian history and culture, which makes you appreciate everything else you do and see on your trip so much more.

 

[OKW Lover]

Its good that you've identified some things you want to do. I'd suggest that day 2 should be a day at the resort. You'll still be adjusting to the change in time and the flight so some time at the pool will probably be nice.

As far as Pearl Harbor goes - yes, that's a must do. I'd suggest you do it on a day that the flea market at the Aloha Bowl is in operation (Wed, Sat, Sun) which can be a fun, cheap diversion.

The Dole Plantation is very much a tourist trap. Go with that in mind. Wander the grounds. Take the train. Get a dole whip. Buy the t-shirt. Check the box.

I don't see Diamond head on your list. Amazing place. Include it on a drive around the south east side of the island. Stop at the blow hole along the way around. Take the H3 through the mountains. Breathtaking scenery.

 

[WDW Lover]

I was going to say Diamond Head as well. And a cheap "tour" around the island is to hop on the city bus that travels all the way around. You don't even have to get off anywhere... just sit for a few hours and see all of the differences around the island!

 

[corgi_monster]

My #1 must-do on Oahu is the Bishop Museum, and I'd say do it before you do any luaus or other super touristy things. Complete immersion in Hawaiian history and culture, which makes you appreciate everything else you do and see on your trip so much more.

YES! A million times yes! People often go to Pearl Harbor to learn about Hawaii’s story (which is great), but often forget the 100’s of years of Hawaiian history that came before that.

 

[LovestoSail]

Thank you for the Tips! Heading to Aulani and Hawaii for the first-time next month. Just me and DH. Are there snorkel and masks available at the Resort for rental?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Thank you for the Tips! Heading to Aulani and Hawaii for the first-time next month. Just me and DH. Are there snorkel and masks available at the Resort for rental?

Snorkel sets: $25 per day for Aulani Resort Guests, which includes one-day access to Guest-exclusive Rainbow Reef, a life vest and mask

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Here’s my list of things to look into - YMMV, but these are (mostly) the things I still do when I go back. (Lived on Oahu for many years, and go back to visit every year or so):

• Malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery (or bakery food truck)
• Shave ice at Waiola Shave Ice
• Nuuanu Pali Lookout
• Feeding the fish and birds at the Byodo-In Temple
• Pearl Harbor
• ATV tour at Kualoa Ranch
• Garlic shrimp plate lunch at food trucks near Haleiwa (Big Wave Food Truck - yum!)
• Wandering in shops in Haleiwa, and seeing big waves on North Shore
• Waikiki Aquarium
• Hiking out to the lighthouse on the Makapu’u lighthouse trail
• Diamond Head, plus bonus points for hiking it and then stopping by the Farmers Market for lunch
• Polynesian Cultural Center (people are split on this one, but I enjoyed it as a kid)
• Getting poke and other picnic foods at Tanioka’s Market, then having a picnic lunch at the Dole Plantation (tables outside) before going in and running around in the maze, and then grabbing a Dole Whip, before heading up to Haleiwa
• Koko Head Crater Climb - very strenuous activity, but a great workout!

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

So while I’ve never been to Hawaii and would do many of the tours these lovely humans who posted prior to me posted, I also recommend checking out what Aulani has. I didn’t realize the community center had all these things until a recent Tim Tracker video.