Waikiki Fireworks - Hilton Hawaiian Village
If you're anywhere near Waikiki on Friday night, you should check out the Hilton fireworks. The Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a Rockin' Rainbow Revue that involves traditional music and dance. You have to pay $20 to sit in the preferred seating by the Hilton swimming pool, but anyone can watch from the open air lobby. The highlight of the evening is listening to What a Wonderful World over the speakers as the the Waikiki waves reflect the fireworks.
Kailua Beach Park - Oa'hu, Hawaii
This perfect white sand beach is on the Windward Coast of the Island of Oa'hu. A 30 minute drive from downtown Honolulu, Kailua Beach is worth the trip. Enjoy the drive through the island as you leave the city behind and curve through the mountains of the interior. A popular spot for kayaking and swimming, the Kailua Beach Park can get crowded on the weekends, but never as crowded as the tourist populated Waikiki beaches. If you'd like to mix a workout into your relaxing day at the beach, take a swim to Bird Sanctuary Island. The water is never deeper than 12 feet and the swim will take about 20 minutes (each way) for a decent swimmer. This is a can't miss for anyone visiting the island.
Manoa Falls - Oa'hu, Hawaii
The Manoa Falls are nestled deep in the beautiful Manoa Valley. Follow Manoa Road into the Valley and drive until you dead end. There is parking available and the hike is a very easy 1.5 miles with only a slight incline. You will be surrounded by the incredible Hawaiian foliage as you hike the trail. Bring water, bug spray, and be aware that it is slightly colder in the valley. Hikers are not advised to swim or jump into the water at the base of Manoa Falls. Enjoy the view and then decide if you're going to take the trail back down or be adventurous and push on. A great hike for any level.
Koko Head Hike - Hawaii, Oa'hu
The trail is only 1 kilometer, but that 1 kilometer goes up a 1,200 foot elevation. Leave the StairMaster at the gym and hit the Koko Head Hike if you're looking for a great leg workout and a panoramic view of Oa'hu. There is a small parking lot at the base of Koko Head. Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera. Be aware of the 30 foot rail bridge about half way up. The bridge has wooden planks that you can walk across, but there are spaces between the planks that lead to a 15 foot drop. Once you get to the bridge there is also a safer path to the right. It's a hard climb, but the view is one of the best on the island.
Hanauma Bay - Snorkeling on Oa'hu
This beautiful marine embayment is formed inside a volcanic cone. Just south-west of Waikiki, Hanauma Bay is the best and safest place on the Island of Oa'hu to go snorkeling. Even though tourists flock to this popular spot, it's still a can't miss. There are an abundance of green sea turtles and small bright marine life. If you are a local it's free, if you are visiting it will cost you $7.50. If you haven't been before you will be required to watch a short safety video before descending into the valley and exploring the bay. Catch the Number 22 bus from Waikiki to avoid the parking fee.
Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) - Hawaii
The most popular of Hawaii's forbidden trails. The Haiku Stairs have been closed to the public since 1987, but it hasn't stopped adventurous hikers from making the climb. The trail winds through the Koolau Mountain Range. The trick is to find parking in the local residential area and arrive early in the morning before the security guard arrives. The guard arrives at a different time each morning, but you should get there before 6 AM. Once you've found the trail entrance (near the small security guard tent) you will not be turned back. Bring water and a flashlight. The hike is not too difficult, but it is long. If you're looking for something off the beaten path, this is it. Your hike will involve sneaking through the Hawaiian foliage with a flashlight in hand, avoiding a lone security guard, and then climbing a dilapidated U.S. Coast Guard stairway through the beautiful Koolau Mountain Range. (WARNING: Go at your own Risk!)
Ala Moana Lantern Floating Ceremony
As the sun fell below the horizon on Memorial Day, the waters around Ala Moana Park were illuminated by thousands of floating lanterns. The performance and ceremony are in remembrance of the loved ones that have been lost. Originally a Japanese Buddhist ceremony, the practice of floating lanterns on the open waters has become an annual tradition in Honolulu. This year brought more than 40,000 people to Ala Moana Park.
