The Arizona Memorial is the most visited tourist spot on Oahu. You will see advertising for tours with transportation to and from Waikiki but the memorial tour is actually free. Just go to the website Recreation.gov and click on Arizona Memorial to reserve your tickets. The spots fill up fast so plan ahead if possible. If the website shows that they are sold out, you may be able to go to the ticket counter at 7am each morning for extra tickets that may be available.
Not too far from the Arizona Memorial is Aloha Stadium. On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday there is a Swapmeet that is fun to walk through. You'll be able to find swimwear, towels, hats, sunglasses, T-shirts and so much more. Entrance fee is one dollar per person and includes parking. Be aware that the swap meet is not open when the college football team has a Saturday home game.
Friday night fireworks are popular and can be seen from the beach near Hilton Hawaiian Village. Be sure to bring your own beach chairs or towels to sit on. This is a free event.
Hiking is very popular with locals and tourists alike. There are so many trails on each island it is best to check a Hawaiian website for details of each trail. The two most popular trails on Oahu are Diamond Head and Makapuu lighthouse. Diamond Head has an uneven climbing path while Makapuu lighthouse is paved and smooth enough to push a stroller. Parking is always full, so just be patient and wait for a spot to open up.
Of course going to the beach is always a fun activity. Each beach is a little different from the next one. Some areas are good for little ones, but others are known for snorkeling, boogie boarding and surfing. It's important to watch the surf report during the evening newscast to get an idea of how high the surf will be. You don't want to go into the water when there is big surf. Did you know that all the beaches in Hawaii are public land? This means if you're lucky enough to have a house on the beach, you don't own the beach too and others can enjoy it.
Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and surf lessons are available and will not take a big bite out of your budget. Lessons can be found in Waikiki or on some of the military bases.
The National Cemetery Of The Pacific also known as "Punchbowl" is located in an extinct volcanic crater. It is a somber but very beautiful cemetery. There's also a great viewing area that overlooks downtown and into Waikiki.
If it's the Winter time, there may be huge waves on the North Shore. Stay out of the water but watch the surfers from the sandy beach. Bring binoculars if you have them. Last Winter we had 30ft. waves!
The drive over the H-3 Highway towards Kaneohe shouldn't be missed. You'll drive through the mountain and come out on the other side with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the Koolau mountain range. You can drive into the quaint town of Kailua or simply turn around and head back from where you came.
Making a day of simply taking pictures can be fun. The islands are filled with beauty wherever you look and capturing these images will let you re-live your time in paradise.
Iolani Palace is the only Royal Palace on American soil. There is so much to learn about the Hawaiian Royalty. Tours are available. Don't forget to snap a picture of King Kamehameha.
Eat The Street is a popular event held on the last Friday of the month. This evening festival brings together plenty of food trucks in one location. Every month has a different theme such as chocolate or bacon. Bring beach chairs if you want to sit. Check for the location since it may change.
Since we are talking about food, you can never go wrong by packing a picnic and heading to a beach or park to watch the sunset.
Leonard's Bakery is a little mom-and-pop bakery that serves malasadas. This is a Portuguese donut and not to be missed. Don't be surprised if there is a line out the door. They make them after you order and they will be hot and delicious.
For those of you who have a current military ID card, I've included a few favorite spots on the many, many military bases on Oahu.
The Pearl Harbor gym has wonderful facilities and specialty classes such as yoga and spinning. There's a minimal cost for classes.
The military harbors offer sailing lessons and boat rentals.
ITT is the military tickets and tours office. They offer discount tickets on many excursions.
Golf courses on the military bases are less expensive then the local ones. Call each golf course for tee time and prices.
Drive over to Ford Island, which is only accessible with a military ID. While there, look at the USS Missouri docked nearby.
I realize there are many more activities that I haven't mentioned. That's just another reason why I love this island. There is so much to do and I definitely don't plan to sit at home in my retirement years.
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