The Chief's luau at Sea Life Park is a smaller luau closer to town that boasts multiple fire dancers including Chief Sielu and members of his tribe. There are nice views of sea cliffs and Makapuu Meadows. Adult tickets start at $82.00 per person. (approximately 30 minutes east of Waikiki)
Paradise Cove Luau is probably the most popular luau on the island. It is located next to a beautiful lagoon, and it offers fantastic sunset views. The luau runs from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, and adult prices start at $94.00. (approximately 1 hour west of Waikiki)
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a Polynesian-themed theme park and living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The Ali'i Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular attraction. It does not serve alcohol. (approximately 1 hour north of Waikiki)
Cruises
Book a snorkeling, sunset, or moonlight cruise on one of Waikiki's catamarans. We recommend the Mai Tai Catamaran or Waikiki Rigger if you want to try a "booze cruise." Ride on a Friday night, and you may see the Waikiki Fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian from the ocean. Prices range from $34.00 to $51.00 depending on the desired cruise.
Lookouts & Botanical Gardens
View panoramic views of the Koolaus and the Windward side of the island at the site where King Kamehameha won the battle that united the Hawaiian Islands. (approximately 18 minutes north of Waikiki)
The Halona Blowhole is formed by molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions. The lava tubes run to the ocean and can shoot water up to 30 feet in the air. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, as their a small but beautiful beach next to the blowhole that you can walk down to.
Historical Sites & Museums
Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial remain top tourist destinations in Hawaii, welcoming over 1,500,000 visitors annually. There is no charge. Reservations are available everyday starting at 7:00 a.m. (HST) through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. If you are a history buff, consider doing a tour that visits a number of military sites. Visit http://www.homeofthebravetours.com/ more information.
The gold leaf statue of King Kamehameha is located in front of the Hawaii Supreme Court building, which is across the street from Iolani Palace.
Ever want to ride on a pirate ship? Now's your chance. Enjoy a daytime cruise with the little ones or a nighttime club cruise that is BYOB. Prices for adults range from $42.00 to $50.00 depending on the cruise.
Drive up Tantalus Drive for a beautiful view of Diamond Head, downtown Honolulu and Punchbowl Crater. (approximately 25 minutes north of Waikiki)
The Makapuu Lookout overlooks Makapu'u Beach Park, the sea cliffs, as well as Rabbit Island (also known as Manana Island) and Kaohikaipu Island. (approximately 28 minutes east of Waikiki)
Iolani Palace, which is located in downtown Honolulu, is the only palace in the United States. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-4pm.
Shangri-La, Doris Duke's home, is a museum full of Middle Eastern Art. Tours are offered regularly Wednesday through Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 and sell out quickly. Reserve yours in advance through the Honolulu Museum of Art.
If you want to enjoy a dinner cruise, try the Star of Honolulu, which is located at Aloha Tower. Prices start at $81.00 for adults.
Ride on a submarine and dive to depths up to 100 feet at a site located very close to Diamondhead. View fish on an artificial reef that includes a sunken plane. Regular tickets are $105.00 per person. One child free with an adult ticket. This attraction is located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Walk along a paved walkway looking at tropical plants at Waimea Falls Park. If you wish, you may be able to swim under a freshwater waterfall that was featured on the TV series "Lost." (approximately 1 hour northwest of Waikiki)
On its 194 acres, Lyon Arboretum maintains a world renowned collection of more than 5,000 tropical plant species. (approximately 18 minutes away from Waikiki)
The Bishop Museum is a small museum, but it is a great place to learn the history, arts and culture of the Hawaiian people. The museum is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. General Admission: Adult: $19.95, Senior, 65 & over: $16.95, Junior, ages 4-12: $14.95, Child, age 3 & under: Free
The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple, in Uji, Japan. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily. Admission is $3.00 per adult, $2.00 senior citizen, $1.00 child. Cash only.