Hawaii is one of those places on nearly everyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re a first time traveller or heading back because you can’t get enough, here’s a list of all the places that you need to check out (specifically on the island of Oahu).

Hanauma Bay 

This was probably one of the best places we went to. The water was so clear, you were literally swimming with the fish. If you’re down to go snorkelling, this is the place for you.

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Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens 

This garden is the size of around 300 football fields (400 acres in other words). You’ll definitely need a car to explore around this area. Despite having to deal with the pouring rain when we went, it didn’t take away from how beautifully lush and green it was. Pictures don’t do it justice.

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Smiling my way into 2018. 😁 Also let’s just pretend my eyes being closed in all my pics is always intentional. ☺️✌🏻

A post shared by Tara Milk Tea (@taramilktea) on Dec 30, 2017 at 5:40am PST

Byodo In Temple 

This Japanese Temple is up near the Koo’lau Mountains and while we didn’t get a chance to fit this in, it’s so stunning you’ll definitely want to go back to see it.

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A post shared by darion (@darionmabe) on Jun 16, 2019 at 2:07pm PDT

Lanikai Beach 

This beach is so unique. The backyard’s of people’s houses literally end at the sand and it was one of the most beautiful beaches that we went to. 

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Haleiwa 

Haleiwa is a little town in the North Shore that is full of food trucks and cute shops, so make sure to try some of the local shrimp! Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is one of the famous food trucks and there’s plenty of other good eats to check out nearby.

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Sunset Beach 

Like the name, this beach was perfect to watch the sunset at and it even has a cool leaning palm tree that’s 100 years old!

Waikiki

Waikiki is the main tourist area of Oahu and here are the top things to do there:

• Watch the sunset on Waikiki Beach
• Go to Ala Moana Shopping Centre and the outlets for all of your shopping needs
• Hike Diamond Head
• Check out Marukame Udon for the best udon ever (and it’s super cheap too)
• Head to Pearl Harbour National Memorial to learn more about the history of WWII

Extra gems to check out

• The turtles come out onto the sand at Laniakea Beach on the North Shore during midday, so be sure to add this to your list. Nearby Turtle Bay is also wonderful but unlike the name, Turtle Bay isn’t known for its turtles. 
• For some waterfall adventures, visit Waimea Falls on the North Shore and if you’re looking for something closer to Waikiki, go to Manoa Falls. 
• Also, make sure to note down the closing times of each location. Most of the attractions (except the beaches) have closing times of around 4pm to 5pm, so make sure to plan your days accordingly.

Check out the trip below!