Top 10 things to do on Oahu

Oahu, HI - Our recommendations.

​Understood as the "event location," the island of Oahu is the 3rd largest island of the Hawaiian chain. It certainly lives up to its label since bulk of Hawaii's population lives here and the island is checked out by travelers from around the globe. Hawaii is also a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures apparent in the island's culinary customs, home entertainment, art as well as languages. Taking pleasure in fun in the sun on Oahu can indicate admiring Mother Nature, hanging 10 in the Pacific Ocean or hiking old train tracks on top of a mountain. In no particular order, here are 10 things that tourists ought to do while on Oahu.

​1. Kapiolani Community College's Farmers Market

Oahu's KCC Farmer's Market

On Oahu, Kapiolani Community College is understood for its cooking school but it is also the home of a weekly farmers market. Thanks to Hawaii's warm weather condition, farmers around the island easily grow fresh crops for businesses, locals and even visitors. With lots of suppliers offering their items every week, the KCC Famers' Market is a place to smell fresh flowers from Big Island's Green Point Nursery, buy freshly-picked red rambutan fruit (cousin of the lychee) and taste foods such as Otsuji Farm's sweet potato and banana fritters covered in maple syrup. Enjoy your stroll around the marketplace with stunning Diamond Head or Mount Leah in the background.

Exactly what's cool: You can buy locally made food such as jams, coffees, and more to take house with you as keepsakes.

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​2. Go to a Luau

Luau in Oahu

The Hawaiian culture is a huge part of Oahu's identity and the luau at Paradise Cove takes people back in time by producing an authentic experience that demonstrates how the Hawaiian people ate, lived and commemorated. Take part in activities such as stringing a lei, weaving a headband and tossing a spear while finding out about Hawaiian history. In Hawaiian, "luau" indicates to feast and you'll have the ability to eat food such as lomi salmon (cold tomato and salmon salad), taro bread rolls, cold haupia (coconut jello dessert), and juicy kalua pork. After eating, kick back and relax as entertainers showcase Hawaiian music and hula's progression throughout the decades.

Exactly what's cool: There is a real imu, or Hawaiian underground oven, on the properties. The staff demonstrates how they utilize the imu to prepare meals.

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​3. Eat the Street

Eat the Street Oahu

Hawaii being a melting pot of cultures suggests there is a melting pot of foods on the island. Food trucks play a big part in Hawaiian culture and while some children mature going after the ice cream truck after school, Hawaii children chase after the "manapua man" or community food truck for an opportunity to get something little to consume that range from snacks to plate lunches. Consume the Street is a monthly themed occasion that happens in the hipster neighborhood of Kakaako on the last Friday of each month. Over 40 food trucks appear serving portions made for sharing-- which indicates you'll have room in your tummy to attempt more food. From waffle canines with cheese, li-hing lemonade, malasada hamburgers and more, let your tastes run wild and take pleasure in the assorted tastes of Hawaii.

Exactly what's cool: There is a live DJ and interactive activities such as a life-size jenga for the whole household.

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​4. Iolani Palace

Honolulu, HI
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During the late 1890's, Hawaii was ruled by a monarchy and Iolani Palace was the main house of their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sibling and successor, Queen Liliuokalani. Walk through the corridors of the only royal palace on United States soil and picture royal balls with dancing and music in the throne space, banquets in the state dining room. Visitors will see the private chambers of the royal family, in addition to a space where the king utilized to play cards.

Exactly what's cool: See the Imprisonment Room where Queen Liliuokalani was held under home arrest for 5 months and the quilt that she sewed during that time.

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5. See the Sunrise and the Sunset

Capture a sunrise in Oahu

The warm sea kisses the soft sand surrounding the island's coasts, and while it's constantly excellent to swim in the ocean and bask in the sun, the appeal of the beaches likewise lies beyond the horizon. When the sun rises to welcome the Windward side of the island, the finest location to watch it ascend is toward completion of Kailua Beach. From there you will have the ability to have a panoramic view with the Moku Iki island in the foreground. To see the sundown, see it on the west or south shores of the island. Kahanamoku Beach lies right prior to Waikiki Beach and is a great place to bid the sun goodbye. Take images near the boat docks or stroll on the rock barrier near the beach's showers.

What's cool: If want to see the sunrise on the island's Windward side but would like a bird's-eye view of the event, you might trek Lanikai Pillboxes.

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6. Discover how to Surf

Surfing in Oahu

Surfing was when a sport reserved just for Hawaiian royalty but eventually the boys of Waikiki Beach and Olympic gold-medal swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku were amongst the numerous who helped spread the happiness of browsing. Hawaii's pristine beaches and excellent wave breaks make it a terrific place to surf. Gone Surfing Hawaii is a fully-licensed and insured surf school with a group of qualified trainers. Everyone has a different method of learning and Gone Surfing offers personal group classes. Whether you are discovering how to hang-loose on a surf board for the very first time or want to discover brand-new techniques to be a better surfer, Hawaii's waters and Gone Surfing Hawaii will have the ability to teach techniques that will have you standing in no time. If you're fortunate, dolphins, turtles, whales and perhaps a monkseal will welcome you at sea.

What's cool: Gone Surfing Hawaii thinks in returning to the community and contributes 1% of its gross profit to companies that help the environment.

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7. Go to the North Shore

Rock leaping in Waimea

Escape the dynamic streets of Honolulu and look for solitude in a more serene environment-- the North Shore. The terrific aspect of Oahu is that it takes only a 25-minute drive to reach the countryside of secluded beaches and mom-and-pops shops. When you are on the North Shore, you cannot miss out on sampling the location's best food-- garlic shrimp. The best-known shrimp trucks are Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, among the island's original shrimp trucks, and Romy's Kahuku Prawns, which allows restaurants to see shrimp and prawn farm pools right near the dinning tables. To please your sweet tooth, pay a see to Mastumoto's Shave Ice for ice-cold flavored goodness or visit Ted's Bakery and have a piece of their popular chocolate and haupia (coconut) pie. You also cannot leave without facing your fear of heights and leaping off the well-known Waimea Bay Beach rock.
 
Exactly what's cool: Take an image next to the famous browsing Haliewa sign on the Kamehameha Highway. There are 2 indications, 1 entering each instructions so you won't miss it.

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8. Store at Aloha Stadium's Swap Meet

Aloha Stadium's Swap Meet

Oahu Got Deals! When it comes to purchasing souvenirs and snacks for family and friends members, numerous visitors don't want to develop a huge dent in their wallet. With over 400 merchants, Aloha Stadium's Swap Meet has a large choice of presents to buy. Think about purchasing a great beach towel, a kukui nut lei, or a dashboard hula girl as a souvenir. Li-hing mui (sweet plum) powder gives an added kick to cold fruits as well as makes an excellent present. You could also purchase Hawaiian-print shirts and even electronic devices. You'll find something for everybody here, you might even discover something on your own.

What's cool: Drink ice-cold coconut water straight from the coconut while shopping and walking to different booths.

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9. Koko Head Stairs

Running on Koko Head Stairs

Who needs the fitness center when you have a natural stairmaster with an incredible view that takes you up more than 1,000 steps? Found on Oahu's South Shore, Koko Head Stairs lies within Koko Head Park. The trail was initially a railway that was developed years ago to assist bring military products to bunkers up top. If you are driving towards Haunama Bay, you will have the ability to see the skinny Koko Head trail ascend into the moutains. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, water, sun block and a hat. The suggested times to go are around daybreak and sunset in order to prevent the peak of Hawaii's daytime heat. The 360-degree view of the mountains and sea will leave you feeling accomplished, empowered and fortunate you are in Hawaii.
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What's cool: From Waimanalo to the edge of Diamond Head, you have the ability to see a 360-degree view of Oahu's East side.

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10. Drive Around the Island

Escape the city

In Hawaiian we prefer to go and "holo holo," which in translation suggests to go out for a leisure ride. Leisure trips frequently result in adventure, so why not look for one on Oahu? Drive around the island which takes about 2 hours. Head into the countryside and circle your way back to city while making a few stops along the method to take images. Don't feel comfy driving around the island on your own? Book a "bucket-list" tour with Godspeed Adventures and develop a customized tour around the island. You'll have an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that might include swimming with sharks, sailing off into the sunset or zip lining through Oahu's forests.

Exactly what's cool: As you are owning around the island, attempt and visit the Pali Lookout for the panorama; Byodo-In Temple for the serene and Zen atmosphere; and Dole Plantation for their Pineapple Whip and Pineapple Garden Maze.

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