Top Rated Parks to Visit in Oahu

"Kailua Beach Park combines everything you are looking for in best beaches in Oahu into one spot. Located on the eastern or windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach Park is situated within 35-acres and has a long 2.5-mile stretch of white sand which is dotted with several ironwood and coconut palm trees for shade. Kailua Beach Park is ideal for families and the water is usually calm enough for good swimming."

"Just up the road is another one of the most popular Instagram spots on all of Oahu; Kaiula Beach Park. Drive safely, as the road will take you up a scenic drive with views of the most inviting beach you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not becoming distracted by the siren call of Eden out your window will be one of the most difficult things you will have to do during your time on Oahu!"

"This is a great family beach with plenty of shaded areas that make great places to take a break from the fun. There are also picnic tables, lots of parking space, and even a cafe if you get thirsty or hungry. The sand here is absolutely fantastic in color- a perfect gold- and the deep blue waters compliment it perfectly."

"This 1.7-acre park is located on a peninsula just south of town and offers spectacular views of an iconic landmark- an offshore islet complete with a beautiful arch in the middle, as well as the Mokualai Islet Seabird Sanctuary. Take some time to marvel at the waves crashing against the rugged cliffs as you ponder the legend of “Laniloa the Mo’o” (giant lizard) and his role in the formation of the small islands in the area. (We’ll leave you with that teaser so you can read about the legend once you get there- it’s located on a granite plaque mounted on a 6-ton lava rock.) Simply put, the views here are phenomenal and not to be missed."

"In one day, you can drive this 100-mile path with some beach hopping, but you might have to cherry-pick between the longer activities like the hike, Waimea Valley and the Polynesian Cultural Center if you don’t want to feel rushed. Depart early from Honolulu for your drive north through the farmlands and mountain views of the center of the island, to stretches of empty beachfront and the northwest terminus of the highway at Kaena Point. If you want to do some hiking, the Kaena Point Trail is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back path from the end of the road to the remote western point of the island inaccessible to vehicles."

"Tour Waimea Valley where you can learn about Hawaiian culture, admire a beautiful variety of trees, shrubs and plants and enjoy a swim at a waterfall. (See this link for TripAdvisor reviews of Waimea Valley.)"

"Stop in Kahuku, the next town, for shrimp at any one of its food trucks, before driving to Ehukai Beach Park, also known as the renowned surf spot Banzai Pipeline. Down the road, at Shark’s Cove, you’ll want to walk in its tidepools and snorkel its fairly shallow depths, before stopping at world-famous Waimea Bay. Choose a beach to lounge at for the rest of the day, before exploring Haleiwa Town and getting an early dinner at Haleiwa Beach House. Instead of ending your day on the North Shore here, consider driving back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for its evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring over 100 Polynesian dancers—one of the best shows in Hawaii."

"Sandy Beach Park is a great place to go watch experienced bodysurfers and bodyboarders take on some of the roughest breaks on the island of Oahu. Located on the southeastern coastline, Sandy Beach Park is known as the “the beach with broken necks” and is visited mostly by locals. The powerful currents and steep shorebreaks combined with outcrops of sharp coral as well as a quick drop-off of the ocean bottom, makes this one of the best beaches in Oahu among experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers."

"Popoia Island, or Flat Island as referred to, functioned as a fishing center in ancient times. But now, this iconic island located about a quarter-mile off the Kailua coast is a state bird sanctuary and breeding grounds for wedge-tailed shearwaters. The island is breezy and beautiful."

"Continuing on Highway 83, make a stop at Kualoa Beach Park for a beautiful view of Mokoli’i, which is also known as Chinaman’s Hat. < Potential add on: Kualoa Ranch offers activities including horseback riding, ATV tour, zipline tour, ancient fishpond and garden tour and a movie site tour. You could easily spend an entire day here taking their tours. The movie site tour may be of particular interest for fans of LOST, Hawaii Five-0, 50 First Dates and Jurassic Park."

"Modo Hawai’i is located in the Mitsuwa Marketplace on the second floor of the International Marketplace, Waikiki. Mochi donuts are hard to find in the U.S, but are widespread in Hawaii. Mochi donuts are a bit chewier than regular donuts, but are still delicious!"

"This link takes you to the restaurant’s website page showing Google’s 360 view of inside their restaurant!. This location sits inside a strip mall. We were craving some Hawaiian classics like Loco Moco, a Plate Lunch with macaroni salad, and other combo plate items."

"Wish I could rate this place higher but it just did not live up to the hype or high ratings. I don't know anything about authentic hawaiian food so ..."