Aloha Adventure: Top Destinations to Add to Your Hawaii Itinerary

Hi adventurers! Welcome back to Faraway Fable. One of my favorite destinations I’ve ever traveled to, Hawaii is the perfect destination for those who love all things outdoor adventure. Here’s a guide to my favorite destinations and activities to add to your Hawaii itinerary.

Diamond Head State Monument

If someone asked me the single best adventure I’ve ever been on in my travels, hiking the Diamond Head volcano would be a contender. Located in the heart of Waikiki, Diamond Head state monument is famed for its panoramic views of Waikiki and the Oahu shoreline, making it one of the most visited hiking trails in Hawaii. Along the way, there are several lookout points to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the island. And you may be thinking to yourself, is it worth it to hike all the way up to the summit? Yes, yes it is. While at the summit, you will not only take in the beauty of the shoreline of Oahu, but also glimpse a lighthouse that was built all the way back in 1917. Diamond Head has long been part of the island, and the views are stunning, making it a must-stop activity for the whole family.

A Stroll Through Haleiwa on the North Shore  

Haleiwa is one of my favorite towns to drive through in Hawaii, and is located along Oahu’s North Shore. My favorite thing about Haleiwa Town is the food. As a matter of fact, Matsumoto Shave Ice (which you might remember from my foodie’s guide to Hawaii) is located in the town and is one of the most popular spots to visit! But if you’re not a shave ice person, don’t worry! There’s still so much that Haleiwa has to offer you.

A fan of the Peanuts series? If you are, make sure to stop by Snoopy’s Surf Shop for cute merch starring the peanuts gang on their adventures in Oahu. Just a five minute drive from the town is Laniakea Beach, now famously known as Turtle Beach. Last time I visited Laniakea, I unfortunately missed the turtles, but I did find a monk seal relaxing on the warm sand. And not to mention, the views of the ocean beyond are breathtaking and worth a stop in themselves. While you’re there, you might work up an appetite. There’s plenty of delicious options along the North Shore and in Haleiwa, with some of my favorite treats being banana lumpia from a local farmer’s produce stand, a peanut butter banana smoothie bowl from Sunrise Shack, or the classic fried haupia pie from McDonald’s. To read more about North Shore foodie delights, click here to view my foodie’s guide to Hawaii.

Waimea Valley

Also located in Haleiwa, this adventure had to have a section all its own. The Waimea valley nature preserve is home to botanical gardens, jungles galore, a waterfall swimming hole, and more. Starting with the gardens, there are more than fifty themed botanical gardens to visit while you’re at Waimea Valley. And then, after you’ve taken in their beauty, you’re called to venture into the jungle for a Hawaiian-style adventure. On your hike through, you may recognize points of the valley from famous films such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Jumanji: The Next Level, and TV shows such as LOST and Magnum P.I. After a long hike, you are welcome to take a swim in the pool of Waimea Falls, refreshing after a long walk and absolutely stunning to behold.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. One of my favorite luaus I’ve been to on my trips to the islands is Toa Luau, which prides itself on giving an up-close and personal view at traditions of Polynesian culture right in the heart of Waimea Valley. There are fire dancers, there are hula girls, you name it. But my favorite part is actually the activities before the big show. I got to learn how to weave palm fronds, see how to cook traditional Hawaiian meals in an underground oven, and more. There’s nothing like immersing yourself directly into cultural traditions, and it’s one of my favorite memories from the trip.

Polynesian Cultural Center  

In talking about immersing yourself in traditions mentioned above, there’s almost no place better to do it than the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Polynesian Cultural Center takes guests through all of the Polynesian islands, from Oahu to New Zealand. Each section has activities for guests to participate in like traditional games, cooking practices, crafts, and more. It’s truly fun for the whole family. And at the end of the day, after learning about each culture’s traditions and values, you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy a stunning luau encompassing all of the cultures. It’s amazing, and one of my fondest memories.

Kualoa Ranch 

I am a movie girl through and through and that is exactly why I will always remember my trip to Kualoa Ranch. If you think a movie has been filmed in Hawaii, most likely, it was filmed here. From 50 First Dates to Jurassic World, Kong: Skull Island to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Kualoa Ranch has become known as the backlot of Hawaii. While my family took the traditional walking tour, if you err on the adrenaline side, there are UTV tours available to see the ranch as well. If you want to see movie sets, the beauty of the mountain valley, and learn more about the history of the land, make sure to add this destination to your bucket list.

Bonus: A Stay at Aulani

Okay, I had to throw this one in there. I love all things Disney, and so of course, my family had to stay at Aulani at least one time while we were on the islands. If you’re a Disney buff like myself, wanting a piece of the parks in tropical paradise, with characters, Disney crafts, themed waterslides, dole whips, and more, make sure to look into a stay at Aulani!

Thank you so much for reading today’s blog! If you have any questions about any of the adventures mentioned today, let me know in the travel questions form. Have any recommendations on where I should travel to next? Let me know in the recommend an adventure form.