The middle of Oahu has the worst traffic and the least amount of “cool” stuff to do, so it gets a bad rap, but don’t skip over it.
Pearl Harbor – Go early. I’m not sure if you are now allowed to buy your tickets online now, but the old system used to be that they would give out all tickets in the morning, so you might get there at 9am and get a ticket for 3pm, which kind of ruins your whole day because you have to come back and forth. The best plan is to get there before it opens so you can get on the first tour of the day. The Arizona is free and such a cool monument – you watch a surprisingly good video and then they put you on a little boat out to see and walk around the memorial, which is surprisingly moving. It really is a must-do while on Oahu. (Update as of 2021: Arizona tickets either in advance online or your on standby at the gate. Tickets go fast so call agent to get updated tips for getting them. There is no movie playing due to Covid. If your going to do standby it’s best to go very early 7 am to get in parking and get a standby spot.)
I’ve also done the Mighty Mo battleship tour and USS Bowfin submarine tour, which costs money, but it is really neat just to see a big battleship and submarine . The Arizona is where WWII started for the USA and the Missouri is where it ended, so it’s pretty cool to see both in one place. I’ve liked doing my own tour on each of these because the guided ones can get kinda long, and that way you can spend time where you want and ditch what is boring. How anyone lives on a submarine is beyond me.
Dole Pineapple Plantation – a bit touristy, but most people (especially those with kids) go at some point. There’s a pineapple maze, a train, pineapple ice cream (“dole whip”), and everything else pineapple-infused that you can imagine. The coolest part (I think) is just the drive there where you’ll see rows upon rows of pineapples growing (and once you learn it takes TWO YEARS to grow ONE pineapple, you’ll be even more in awe). Pro tip for visiting: get there 20-30 minutes before they open to get parking and tickets. Immediately buy tickets and stand in line at the train before it’s even operating. If you are the first train ride you will be surprised when you get off and see the long line that’s already forming. After the train ride buy your dole whip and macaroons before the crowds and long lines then enjoy the rest of the plantation.
Green World Coffee Farm – On the way to/from Dole (and right outside of Schofield Barracks) drop by for a fresh cup of joe or a free tour to see some of the freshest and most famous coffee in the world!
Kunia Road – one of the best scenic drive towards Honolulu with 360 views. Must double check that it’s open.
Kolekole Pass – this is the gap where Jap fighter planes flew to bomb Pearl Harbor (nyet cool) but a drive on the military base and a quick hike leads to the top of the pass to see views of entire Wai’anae Coast. Military peeps – this one is located on Schofield Barracks so you have to use your military ID to get on base (and there are therefore less tourists!). However, have a back up plan if you go, because it’s closed a lot of the time often due to military training…or no reason at all.
Waimano Falls – one of my favorite non-peak hikes that takes you down to 3 gorgeous swimming holes. Lots of cool banyan trees along the way. (Maunawili Falls is also a super fun hike with a swimming hole, but it’s currently closed)
Random side note – I think the overpass along the H2 that leads into Mililani is one of the most beautiful middle of a state overpasses ever. Whenever I would drive over the tree tops I always felt like I was in China (although I’ve never been to China, so not sure what that means). Let me know if you ever feel the same.
Jelly Side Up 