Less than a week later from returning from Hawaii and I am still dreaming of the gorgeous views, endless sunshine and cool breezes. We spent a full week at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. Ko Olina was a very low-key area of West Oahu. If you're staying in the area a rental car would be beneficial. We enjoyed the calm of the side of the island away from the crazy of Waikiki.
So here's my top three things to do in Oahu.
1) Tour Kualoa Ranch
This was by far the highlight of our trip.
Kualoa Ranch has been the filming sites of other movies and shows such as Jurassic Park, (the new) Hawaii 5-0, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor and so many more. There's a ton of options to explore the over 600 acres of the cattle ranch including ATVs, horseback, zip-line and bus. As LOST fanatics we opted for a hummer tour through
KOS Tours. This gave us the opportunity to tour many scenes from the 6 seasons of the show. Our tour guide pointed out sites from other movies and shows and helped us recreate some famous scenes The tour ended in a WWII Army bunker filled with props and memorabilia from the movies filmed at Kualoa Ranch.
2) Shop in Haleiwa
Located in the North Shore area this small surf town has much to explore.
Haleiwa has a long strip filled with restaurants, food trucks, boutiques and surf shops. I dropped a few dimes strolling the town. Not only is there great food and shopping, there are some fabulous views! We stopped every quarter mile or so just to soak in the views. While taking in the sun, we were even lucky enough to spot a poppa, momma and baby turtle napping on the beach. We enjoyed this town so much we ventured here twice during our week long stay. The selection of restaurants were tough to beat plus you'll often see a cluster of husbands outside the best stores waiting on their wives!
3) Eat pineapple ice cream
The island of Oahu is home to the
Dole Plantation- as in acres and acres of pineapples. On the plantation you can try your hand at the 2008 Guinness Book of World Records' Largest Maze, tour the farm on board The Pineapple Express and stroll through the garden. While entrance to the plantation is free, each of the three activities has a small cost affordable on any budget. On site there is also a restaurant. We did not eat a meal here but did enjoy the pineapple ice cream or "Dole Whip". Its a must have in Oahu!
Runner Ups:
- Visit Pearl Harbor Be sure to go early since tickets are free!
- Dine at a Luau We loved our expereince at FIA FIA!
Have you been to Oahu? What are you must sees?
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