Paddleboarding at Ala Moana Beach

Ala Moana Beach Park is located not too far from Waikiki.  I'd say in most respects it's somewhat similar to Waikiki Beach.  It does make a great beach for paddleboarding at because there is a reef that causes the waves to break far from shore.  This was my first experience paddleboarding, and while I'm glad I got to experience it, it's not something I would go out of my way to do frequently.  I prefer to be in the water rather than on it.  My husband's cousin got our rental paddleboards from Girls Who Surf.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach gets a lot of crap for being tourist central.  However, we think that it is a great beach for snorkeling.  If you're there during peak tourist season I imagine it can be pretty annoying, but if you are comfortable snorkeling, I'm sure you can go far enough out to avoid the mass of the tourists (which isn't really very far.)  We found lots of interesting creatures not too far from shore.  My biggest tip when it comes to Waikiki, which I will probably say a lot on here, is to park at Kapiolani Park.  It is free and within walking distance of most things you want to do in Waikiki.  When we went snorkeling at Waikiki beach we literally walked across the street from Kapiolani Park and snorkeled there.  Perfect.

Cool fish I hadn't encountered before

I'm not sure what this is...

Can you see the fish in this picture?

How about now?  It's a flounder!

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a fun but somewhat overpriced spot.  You can see their website here: http://waimeavalley.net/  Waimea Valley is a large botanical garden that you can walk through up to the top where there is a waterfall and large pool that you can swim in.  Don't be fooled by the name, botanical gardens doesn't mean large beautiful gardens, it means collections of plants from different parts of the world.  The walk is pretty short, but there are lots of side paths you can take through the greenery.  Once you get up to the waterfall, they have life jackets you can borrow or various floaty toys you can pay for to rent.  We did have lots of fun there, but there are so many hikes to waterfalls on the island that are free, it seems silly to pay $10 (resident, or $15 everyone else) to do the same thing.  Also, it's hard to swim in freshwater when you're used to swimming in the ocean.  I borrowed one of the life jackets because I thought I would probably drown without one.  Haha.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is held every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am to 3pm.  It costs $1 per person to get in, kids 11 and under are free.  My opinion on the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet?  Skip it.  I know it comes highly recommended by lots of people, but I prefer the International Marketplace.  Aloha Stadium is just too big, and there are so many vendors selling the exact same stuff (almost all of which can be found at the International Marketplace).  You have to walk all the way around the stadium in a really big circle.  Plus it costs money, not a lot, but when you can go somewhere better for free, it seems silly to pay.  Blake bought me this pearl ring (which I had first seen at International Marketplace) from Aloha Stadium for Valentine's Day.  I love it so much!

Diamond Head Beach

The parking for Diamond Head Beach is at 3451 Diamond Head Road.  From where you park your car, you walk down a somewhat steep path to the beach down below.  This seems to be a good surfing spot (although I have never surfed, so I am just guessing by how many people I saw surfing here,) which also makes it a fun beach to stay on the shore at because you can watch the surfers.  It's not the best beach because you have to walk down the path to get there, but this beach is a good one to go to if you want something near Waikiki without all the people.  It also has lovely views.

If you want to sunbathe in the nude, this beach is not for you.

 

Pillbox Hike

The Pillbox Hike is in Lanikai near 269 Kaelepulu Drive.  You walk up what looks like either a street or a driveway at that address and you will see the sign for the Pillbox Hike.  This is a great hike.  It is not very difficult (I managed just fine in slippers, which is what Hawaiians call flip flops.)  But the view from the top is extraordinary, overlooking the amazingly beautiful Lanikai beach.  The 'pillboxes' are small old military outposts that you can climb in and explore.  This is a very fun hike and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for something that isn't too hard but very rewarding.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is very hard to get to, but it is so worth it.  Hidden Beach is along the part of Farrington Highway that used to go around the NorthWest corner of the island.  They stopped maintaining the road years ago and now all that is left is a very, very bumpy dirt road.  I'm not gonna lie, there were a few times I thought we were going to die haha.  If you do not have a car that can handle off-roading, do not attempt to drive to Hidden Beach.  Many people choose to hike in instead, which I think might actually be easier, but less of an adventure for sure.  To get there, you drive to the end of the paved part of Farrington Highway on the North side, not up the East side of the island.  You will have to drive a long ways down the road (I think it is around 1-2 miles) until you come to the small bay at Hidden Beach.  The beauty of Hidden Beach is that you will usually have it all to yourself.  But sometimes, you will be lucky enough to chance upon some Hawaiian Monk Seals.  (Just FYI, we are further from the monk seals than it looks in the picture below.  They are wild animals and can be dangerous.  Be careful and be smart people.)  If you have the time and want to go on an epic adventure, Hidden Beach might be the place for you!

Some cars never even make it out.  Haha.