Hawaii/Oahu Links:
Kualoa Ranch
A variety of tours and experiences are available at this nature reserve. This is where they filmed Lost and Jurassic Park.
https://www.kualoa.com/kualoa-tours-activities
Shangri La / Doris Duke Estate
Constructed from 1935 to 1937 by philanthropist Doris Duke (1912-1993), Shangri La was inspired by her extensive travels throughout North Africa and Western, Central, South and Southeast Asia, and the landscapes of Hawai‘i.
https://www.shangrilahawaii.org/about
Perfect Mai Tai Spot
Historic hotel directly on Waikiki Beach. The bar is under a giant Banyon tree.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlwi-moana-surfrider-a-westin-resort-and-spa-waikiki-beach/overview/
Koko Crater/Botanical Garden
Lots of fragrant Plumeria trees
https://noahlangphotography.com/blog/koko-crater-botanical-garden-loop-trail-oahu-hawaii
Byodo-In Temple/Valley of the Temples
The Byodo-In Temple in O’ahu is a smaller-scale replica of the almost 1,000-year-old Byodo-In Temple, a United Nations World Heritage site in Uji, Japan.
https://byodo-in.com/
Hanauma Bay
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem for snorkeling.
https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/
Lanikai Beach
One of the best beaches in the Hawaiian islands. It’s located adjacent to Kailua Town in an fancy pants residential area. Because of the calm waters, there are kayaking options available. I tried to get to the famous Mokolua islands, but only made it to Popoia island. Apparently, it’s also a gay-friendly beach, but I never noticed that. The actual gay beach in Waikiki is kind of lame, but could be fun.
https://loveoahu.org/beaches/lanikai-beach/
Pali Lookout
The picturesque Pali Highway is the main way to get between Honolulu and the windward side (Kailua, Kaneohe, etc). The road goes over a mountain range and at the top is the breathtaking Pali Lookout. You cannot carry pork over the highway! Legend says that if someone tries to bring pork across the Pali Highway, their car will randomly stop and they will meet an old woman with a dog sent by Pele to maintain the ancient arrangement. In order to cross the highway, they have to feed the pork to the dog.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29222-d319414-Reviews-Nu_uanu_Pali-Oahu_Hawaii.html
Manoa Falls
It’s kind of overrated for the long ass hike, but that could be a me thing. Scenes from Lost were filmed there.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60982-d561035-Reviews-Manoa_Falls-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html
Blow Hole
If you are into that kind of thing.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g29222-d1027537-r121579367-Halona_Blowhole-Oahu_Hawaii.html
Pearl Harbor
I had zero interest in this, but my dad insisted we go and it was definitely worth it. I also had a kind of creepy massage from a guy nearby.
https://www.nps.gov/perl/index.htm
North Shore
Can be bumper to bumper during surf season. Great people watching, cute rustic shops, and fancy Turtle Bay Resort (Forgetting Sarah Marshall).
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29222-d207512-Reviews-North_Shore-Oahu_Hawaii.html
Luaus
I have been to several Luaus and they were not good. If you get the cheap touristy ones, you feel like cattle at Disneyland. I wonder if there are smaller ones like you see in the movies.