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.
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.
