As many of you know, my mom grew up in Oahu.  So we spent numerous family vacations on this beautiful island.  I have a bunch of favorite things to do when we visit, so I thought I would share the list with everyone.  I am also including some of the things anyone should if its their first time visiting Oahu (go to Pearl Harbor).  Oahu often gets a bad rap for being "too touristy".  Please take some time to enjoy all the beauty that Oahu has to offer!  Enjoy!!  ~ Leah

1.      Spend one day in Waikiki

When I say ONE day, I really mean it!!  Waikiki is so well known that you really have to check it out.  But Oahu is so much more.  So after you spend time in Waikiki, get back to the real Hawaii.  That said, here are our favorite things in Waikiki:

• If you're ready to party (and lets be honest, you've been invited to our wedding so you must be a party animal), head to Duke's Barefoot Bar at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel! This is a great bar with an incredible reputation throughout the country. It is always happening, and finding a seat can be difficult. But their Lava Flow's and Mai Tai's are very tasty!!
• Visit the International Marketplace. Woven between huge trees are tons of little shops and wagons that sell jewelry and lots of fun stuff. If you're up for a scavenger hunt, see if you can find the surfboard and wave for a great photo opportunity!!
• Learn to play the ukulele with free lessons at The Ukulele Hut!
• Take the blue catamaran for a ride while sipping on a Mai Tai!
• If you're looking for an incredible dinner where you can look out on the beach and enjoy the sunset, check out The Shorebird Restaurant at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.

2.       Hit Kailua Beach & Lanikai

This is one of the off-the-beaten path suggestions!!  Kailua Beach is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and is surprisingly not too touristy.  Consider this a real local treasure.  And this also happens to be the city that my aunt and uncle live in, so this is typically where we stay when we visit Oahu.  Welcome to the Hawaii that I love!!

• Rent kayaks and paddle out to the popular Moku Lua Islands. Bring your lunch, and a cooler of drinks!! You can spend the day on the small island snorkeling, swimming, and just relaxing. What could be better?
• Up for kite surfing or wind surfing? This area is a world class area for both sports!! Lessons and rentals can be purchased at many near by shops.
• Get up really early and climb the pillboxes (an old WWII fort) to watch the sunrise between the Moke Islands. This is also a great afternoon hike!!
• For dinner, Buzz's Steakhouse!! YUM!!!

3.       Boogie board at Makapu'u

If I lived in Hawaii, I would never make it to school/work because I would be at Makapu'u.   This is a great beach with a lot of local action.  I am always amazed by the local boogie boarders.  Try it if you are feeling really daring, but pay attention to any hazard signs posted.  The waves are much stronger than they look, and the locals are very gifted at this sport!!  Parking is limited, so carpool if you are planning to visit with a large group!  Also, take some time to hike up to the Makapu'u lighthouse to get a beautiful view of Rabbit Island (shown in 50 First Dates).

4.      Snorkel Hanauma Bay

This old volcano crater is home to so many tropical fish that it's become a snorkelers delight as well as a nature preserve.  But beware, Hanauma Bay has become very popular with tourists, and they have very limited parking for the large number of guests that visit every day.  Arrive early and be prepared to park a distance away and walk if the parking lot is full. 

5.       Attend a Luau!

If you want to see what a real luau is like, Paradise Cove is always one of the best rated and most loved luau's on the island.  We are planning to go as a group to the luau on the Friday evening, before the wedding.  We have secured a great group rate.  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP on the wedding website so we know how large our group will be.  We will ask that you RSVP by October 31st to secure your space.

6.      Visit Pali Lookout

A favorite tourist stop is the Pali Lookout on the Pali Highway. This tourist spot offers fantastic panoramic views of the Windward coast of Oahu.  Although the Pali Lookout is a well know tourist spot, what is not widely know is that the is a trail at the lower end of the lookout that you can take to get a different perspective on the views from the Pali. This trail follows along the route of the Old Pali Highway. There is also a fabulous story that makes this lookout so much more interesting.  You will have to visit to learn more!!

7.      Drive up Tantalus

Panoramic views a wait you at every turn of Tantauls/Round Top Drive. The views extend from Diamond Head to Ewa Beach, with the vast blue ocean as a backdrop. The twist and turns of Round Top Drive allow for many turnouts along the way. So pull off to the side of the road and enjoy the views.

8.      Visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation

A typical tourist stop is Dole Plantation. Now this is a tourist trap complete with it's overpriced store, train ride to nowhere, and garden maze. However... the pineapple treats, especially the Pineapple Ice Cream, keeps us coming back EVERY time we visit the island.  There really isn't anything else like it.  It is INCREDIBLE!!

9.      Explore the North Shore

Since most everyone will be staying on the North Shore, take some time to explore this area.  There are sooo many wonderful things to check out

• Matsumoto Shaved Ice - One of the most famous places in Hawaii to get a shaved ice. And by far one of the best shaved ice's you will ever have. Be prepared for a small wait!!
• Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - Giovanni's shrimp truck is a north shore tradition and is easily one of the most popular shrimp trucks. Located in Kahuku, it makes for a convenient yummy stop for lunch or dinner while touring the North Shore and the windward coasts of Oahu.
• Waimea Bay and Waimea Valley - This beach is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, known for its surf. It is also very close to Ke Iki Beach, so you can walk and not have to worry about parking. Waimea Valley, is an incredibly beautiful location and is one of the best places for plant lovers to visit. There are many trails to explore and a beautiful waterfall. Swimming is allowed in the pond at the base of the fall.
• Jameson's By the Sea - This is one of our all time favorite restaurants on the North Shore!! Great food with a spectacular view!!

10.      Watch the Triple Crown of Surfing

The surf competition will be a HUGE part of the North Shore culture in November.  Many of the best surfers in the world will be right on our beach, and the surrounding beaches surfing HUGE waves!!

***If you want to know more about the surf culture that dominates the North Shore of Oahu, I would highly recommend that you rent "Bustin' Down the Door" from Blockbuster.  It is an incredible documentary about how the surf culture of Hawaii was completely reinvented in 1975 on the North Shore of Oahu when a group of young surfers from South Africa and Australia set out to make surfing a professional sport.