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Oahu – Things to see and do<\/h2>\n\n\n\nHonolulu and its unique atmosphere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Deciding to spend two\/three nights in Honolulu at the start of your trip is, in my opinion, an excellent idea, not only to get over jet lag, but to visit the capital of the Hawaiian state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It offers an idyllic setting with crystal-clear beaches and the impressive Diamond Head<\/strong> as a backdrop. Whether it’s for a swim, shopping on Kal\u0101kaua Avenue<\/strong>, exploring the historic center on foot or strolling along Waikiki Bay<\/strong> with your feet in the water, there’s no reason to miss out on the atmosphere of Honolulu.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt dusk, be sure to grab a drink on the terrace of Quora<\/strong>, located in the prestigious Rizt Residences. Finally, enjoy a meal at Izakaya Pau Hana Base<\/strong>, a jewel in the crown of Japanese culture that has made its mark in Honolulu over the last few decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t
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Visit Diamond Head crater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Before hitting the road to explore the island, a stay in Honolulu would be incomplete without a visit to Diamond Head, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 3 km (round trip) hike to the top of this 300,000-year-old volcanic crater is definitely worth the effort required for the steeper sections!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nDive into the history of Pearl Harbour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n For generations, Honolulu has been synonymous with Pearl Harbor. Just a stone’s throw from downtown, you can visit the infamous Pearl Harbor site: the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum are both open to the public, providing a better understanding of this key event of the Second World War.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLounging on my favorite beach: Lanikai Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Located on the east coast of Oahu, Lanikai Beach<\/strong> is a paradise destination ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This sandy beach stretches for over a kilometer and offers a view of the Mokulua islands, which seem to emerge from the turquoise waters like two small volcanoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJust 30 minutes from Honolulu, I recommend taking the Nuuanu Pali Dr<\/strong>, which literally takes you through a mountain range to get there, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Jurassic Park or King Kong movie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nObserve the seabed at Hanauma Bay and travel to the eastern tip of Oahu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n One of Oahu’s major tourist attractions is undoubtedly Hanauma Bay<\/strong>. Everyone will tell you about it, and I had to include this natural beauty in this guide, since it’s true that the view of the green cliffs surrounding the coral story nestled in this bay is breathtaking!<\/p>\n\n\n\nMy downside, however, is that the place has lost much, much of its charm. If you want to snorkel, with tropical fish and dozens of humans, go for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nOtherwise, continue on your way and make a stop at the L\u0101na\u02bbi Lookout <\/strong>as well as Makapu’u Point Lighthouse <\/strong>offering breathtaking panoramas! These spots are perfect for picnics and watching the huge waves crash against the rocks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nHike to isolated waterfalls: Manoa Falls and Waimea Fall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Probably my two favorite waterfalls on the island, and easily accessible via well-marked trails: Manoa Falls<\/strong> and Waimea Falls<\/strong>, two of Oahu’s must-sees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first involves a three-kilometre hike through a tropical forest of bamboo and gigantic trees to a natural pool below the 45-metre-high waterfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe second is located on the north coast of the island and is, in my Review, easier to access, as the trail is signposted and even punctuated with informative panels about the native plants that surround the hiker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nVisit the iconic film location of Kualoa Ranch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Strolling around the island of Oahu, you’ll already have the feeling of being in one of Hollywood’s most imposing productions, whether it’s Jurassic Park<\/em>, King Kong or Lost, The Departed<\/em>. Undoubtedly the filming location par excellence, Kualoa Ranch<\/strong> is nicknamed Jurassic Valley since it appeared in the first Jurassic Park films. It’s a real must-see, and a visit by Jeep is certainly the best way to discover the heavenly location that has also been used for productions such as Jumanji and King Kong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re a movie buff, you might even want to head north to visit the famous Mokule’ia Beach<\/strong>, home to the plane’s cabin and the famous survivors that millions of viewers have followed in Lost, The Departed<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nMistaking Hawaii for Japan at the Byodo-In Temple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Nestled at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains, Byodo-In Temple<\/strong>, surrounded by serene Japanese gardens, is a smaller-scale replica of the temple of the same name in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBuilt in 1968, it was intended to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of Japanese immigrants on Oahu. In my opinion, this tour is a real escape, out of the ordinary on a road trip. Finally, the nearby Valley of the Temples, dotted with gigantic palm trees, is also worth a short stroll!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nSweeten your beak with Dole pineapple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Founded in 1950, Dole Plantation<\/strong> is one of Oahu’s most famous attractions, and well worth a visit! If you’d like to learn more about pineapple cultivation and agriculture in general in the Hawaiian archipelago, you’re in for a treat aboard the Pineapple Express train! Of course, you’ll also have the chance to taste the unrivalled freshness of the pineapple!<\/p>\n\n\n\nBefore leaving the region, if you wish to continue your agri-food peregrinations, make a stop at Green World Coffee Farm<\/strong>. Here you can sip excellent coffee and learn more about the cultivation of this “nectar of the gods”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n