Diamond Head

If you are in for some hiking, then you should try to conquer Diamond Head. Diamond Head is one of the famous landmarks in Oahu. At 760 ft. high, it offers a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean and Waikiki beach from the top. Diamond Head is of volcanic origin, estimated to be about 150,000 years old, and extinct for more than 100,000 years. The hike is around 1.5- 2 hours (two-way). Prepare to pass through a tunnel, ascend in steep 99-steps, climb the spiral staircase, and voila- The perfect postcard of your life!

Entrance fee is $5 per car, but on a regular day, parking can be difficult. If you park outside, it's $1 per person. Refreshments, including shave ice are sold inside.

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View of Diamond Head from Tantalus (see other post)

View from Waikiki (see other post)

It's all worth it. Priceless! (View from the top)

& did I say, we parked wayyy down, I mean wayyy beyond that tunnel

See you again. Soon.

Kapolei Park

Oahu is home to a plethora of community parks. But one that remains to be my favorite is the Kapolei Regional Park. Located in Oahu's second city, this park is immaculately clean and green, of course!. A perfect spot for weekend jogs or picnics, it is well maintained by the state. Dog walking is allowed in certain areas, which is a major plus!

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Clean and green

Manicured grass getting splashed

Even Winkles, our mascot, loves to hang out in Kapolei Park

"If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise"- from a Dog calendar

Bring your own food or eat in nearby restos

Dole Plantation

Dole, formerly Hawaiian Pineapple Company, was founded by industrialist James Drummond Dole in 1901. Originally from Massachusetts, Dole, a.k.a Pineapple King moved to Hawaii in 1899 at 22 years young.

Dole Plantation, a popular tourist attraction in Wahiawa, started as a small fruit stand in 1950. In 1989, it expanded into a plantation home-style museum which showcases the life and work of its founder, Mr. Dole.

There are several attractions inside Dole Plantation. Needless to say, different varieties of pineapple and its byproducts abound as soon as you enter the place. Admission is free if you don't plan to take the package tours. Otherwise, pay between $5- $8 (per person) depending on the activities you want to explore.

Open daily between 9:30 am- 5:30 pm.

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Freshly cut pineapples daily, wow!

I smell pineapple air

Pineapples along the choo-choo trail

A tropical fruit indigenous to Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia

The Pineapple Express, a 20-minute ride around the plantation

Made to order, on the spot

And yet another pineapple

...and Pineapple soft ice cream. A must-try!

Plate lunch for the hungry soul

For more information, see http://www.dole-plantation.com/

Honolulu Zoo

Nestled in between Diamond Head and Waikiki, the Honolulu Zoo attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year. Established in 1817, it is the only zoo in the USA that received a royalty grant from King David Kalakaua, who then allowed some 300 acres of land to be developed as part of Kapiolani Park. Today, Honolulu Zoo is home to more than a thousand animals, with major emphasis on the Pacific eco-system.

General admission is $13. Open daily between 9:00am- 4:30pm

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Al fresco dining inside the zoo

Three is not a crowd

Sunbathing ain't fun for the hippo

let's dance flamingo

playful elephant

Mary had a little lamb...

"Keiki" means child/baby

Eat your heart out braddah!

For more information, see http://www.honoluluzoo.org/

Shave Ice by Matsumoto

Thinking of ways to beat the scorching heat? Head to Haleiwa town, along the picturesque North Shore, and you will find the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice. Don't miss a turn, because its signage is actually written M. Matsumoto Grocery Store. This humble store, with its original furnishings still intact, started in 1951 by an earnest couple, Mamoru and Helen Matsumoto (RIP). The shave ice is sold at a fairly decent price, at $2-up. A popular destination to both tourists and residents, prepare to stand in line. All for the love of shave ice.

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Sooo delish!

Even Obama can't decide w/c flavor to order

I saw the sign

One of the quaint stores owned by local artisans

Passing through Hale'iwa Rainbow Bridge

For more information, see http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/

Ka Iwi Scenic Point

Love hiking? Then you should not miss one of Oahu's magnificent state park, Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline. Found on the southeast part of Oahu, along the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72), the trail is about a mile (one way), which leads to the historical Makapu'u Lighthouse, and occasional sightings of the humpback whales. The Makapu'u Lighthouse was built in 1909 and became automated in 1974. Between November-May each year, as many as 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth.

Tips: Bring your own refreshments but don't drink too much because there are no bathrooms. Parking spaces are quite limited so it's better to start early. The fun part, no admission! Open daily, 7:00 am- 6:00 pm.

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The stunning view of Makapu'u Lighthouse

The Manana Island, a.k.a Rabbit Island can be seen atop of Ka Iwi

Parking is wayyyyy down. Hike, hike!

Mama and Papa making baby whales



The panoramic trail

Waves, water, wind. Wonderful!

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is one of my favorite spots to visit in Oahu because it is where I can ride the ATV (all terrain vehicle) to my heart's content. Located in the northeast side of Oahu, this 4,000-acre ranch has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies and TV series. In the pilot episode of the new Hawaii Five-O, it served as a backdrop for its "South Korea" battle scene. It is also where the toy penguin was hit by the zany Adam Sandler for the movie 50 First Dates, and where the mighty dinosaurs roam the earth in Jurassic Park. There are various activities you can do inside the ranch. Horseback riding, learning ancient hula, jungle tour, ocean voyage, garden exploration, to name a few. The buffet lunch which comes with standard tour package is simply delectable.

The prices of tour package vary. Open daily, 8:30am-5:30pm.

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Watch out for the dinosaurs!

Lost, Hawaii Five-O scenes

Enjoy the panoramic view riding the ATV

Prepare for a bumpy ride exporing the jungle

Fall in love over and over again

The infamous "kiss" in Pearl Harbor happened here

You, Me and Dupree!

A hearty lunch after!

For more information, see http://www.kualoa.com/

Aloha Tower

The Aloha Tower is a lighthouse that was built in 1926. At that time, it was Hawaii's tallest structure. Considered as one of Oahu's landmark, it functions as a control center for Honolulu harbor as well as entry point for cruise ships and container vessels. The observation deck, which is located on the tenth floor, is accessible via a small elevator. From there, you can see the panoramic views of Diamond Head, Honolulu, to name a few.

In 1994, the Aloha Tower Marketplace was opened to the public. It houses around 60 retail stores, and ten of the finest restaurants in town. It is the only waterfront shopping center in Honolulu.

The observation deck is open to public between 9:30am- 5pm. Admission is free, which is the best part!

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184-ft. high, 10 stories

View across the public parking lot

Some retail stores

For more information, see http://www.alohatower.com/