The entire east side of the island is gorgeous and green. To get there, you should definitely drive both ways at least once: 1) drive around the southern tip of the island to get to the east side – possibly my favorite drive ever! You’ll ascend a hill near Haunama Bay and then the ocean appears magically in front of you as you weave along the coast. It’s breathtaking.). 2) You should also drive through the middle of Oahu to get to the east side via the H3, Likelike, or Pali Highway (my fave) – when you emerge through a tunnel on the other side of the Ko’olaus you will be spellbound. If it’s your first time to the this side of the island, make sure to drive the Pali stop at the Pali Lookout for one of the most epic views ever. If it’s raining, check out the bazillion waterfalls streaming down the cliffs. Magic.
All of the beaches on the east side are amazing – Kailua, Lanikai, there are too many to even mention here – these are ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, my personal favorite beach on the east side is Waimanalo. You will want to turn on one of the neighborhood streets before/after the actual “Waianalo Beach Park” and use the local beach access paths (all beaches are public in Hawaii – you are not trespassing). Here you’ll find local trails that lead out to the beach from the neighborhood and it is an idyllic place to spend the day (and much less crowded than the beach parks). Bellows is an amazing military beach right next to Waimanalo (they share the same strip of beautiful white sand…not really sure where one starts and one ends).
Other things to do on the east side:
If you go to Kailua Beach, rent a kayak and paddle out to the mokes. If you go to Lanikai Beach, get there EARLY if you want to find parking, and park legally…the parking people WILL get you. There are seriously so many amazing beaches on this side of the island – just drive and find one that isn’t crowded and you can’t go wrong.
Rent a pontoon boat and take it out to the sandbar on Kaneohe Bay. I don’t think you are technically allowed to bring alcohol but……Anywho, hanging out on the sandbar with friends was one of my all-time favorite things to do in Hawaii. Someone in your group will need to get licensed (I think it’s a 3 hour course but SO worth it) and it’s open to military only so it’s an amazing gem of an experience that you should take advantage of. There are floatillas, wiffle ball games, and other organized parties at the sandbar, but just walking on sand in the middle of the ocean and looking at the majestic mountains (and Gilligan’s Island) can’t be beat.
Book an ATV Tour or horseback ride at Kualoa Ranch. Both are a ton of fun and you can see where lots of famous movies are filmed. Enjoy the hammocks at “secret beach.” As you drive north, check out Chinaman’s Hat but be careful of swimming out….because, #sharkbait.
As you keep driving north you’ll come to the Polynesian Cultural Center – they have a luau and a ton of exhibits but I never spent a ton of time here. Luaus can be kinda cheesy, but I guess you have to experience just once. Personally, I’d opt for a luau on the West Side.
As you keep heading north along your drive, you find the BEST poke is from the mini-mart near Turtle Bay. I think it’s called the Kahuku Superette, if I remember correctly. Super random. Turtle Bay is where you transition from the east side of the island to the north shore (I think? Or maybe that’s just my own delineation). You can read more about Turtle Bay here.
There are so many hikes on the east side of the island…way too many to list here (although a few faves are below). The illegal ones are the best (sorry, ma!). You’ll have to email me directly for info about these. But the legal ones are pretty amazing too. Google will be your best friend here. Also see “Resources” to get more ideas about hikes from people who are much better writers / photographers than I am.
One of my favorite hikes on the east side is called the Pillbox (google for directions). It is steep right at the beginning, but as soon as you get up where you can see the ocean, it is very easier with incredible views. If you can make it up for sunrise, you are in for a treat. But it’s also great the rest of the day too.
Makapu’u Point is an awesome walk to a lighthouse with views of the south / east side of the island. It’s all paved (hence why I’m a bit cautious to call it a “hike” although there IS some serious elevation gain) – it’s great for strollers and it’s one of the most famous spots for whale watching in Feb/March. You cannot actually climb down rocks to lighthouse, just FYI. As with most Hawaii hikes, sunrise is extra special. There are also some pretty sweet tidepools you can hike down to here. Kinda hard to find, but that usually makes places better, right?
Hike Crouching Tiger – it’s one of my top favorite hikes that I can’t possibly do justice to by describing it so check out the link. It’s one of the most insane views, for not too much effort.
In terms of food on the east side: In Kailua, Cinnamon’s pancakes are dreamy, Kono’s has the best breakfast burritos, and don’t miss an acai bowl at Lanikai Juice! There’s a great shave ice place where the Obamas used to go called Island Snow, Kalapawai is a cute market with great grab-and-go sandwiches and Buzz’s is a yummy spot near the beach for lunch or dinner. Kailua was buzzing with new construction when I left the island, so I’m sure there are a ton of new places to try. Please report back! In Waimanalo, ‘Ai Love Nalo was a super healthy, yet actually delicious option (not sure if it’s still open, though). Lots of places come and go in Waimanalo so I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some good new eateries/coffee shops. Hopefully the roadside coconut stand is still there…if so, stop! Further up north, Haliewa Joes is a fancier place to grab dinner with a great view. And then furthest north, Turtle Bay has tons of (more expensive, but delish) options.
Jelly Side Up 