5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Honolulu, My Favorite Included

Typically, when I visit Oahu, I choose to stay in Honolulu. Yes, the city is much different from other areas of the island, but I love its location. In fact, I have found that Honolulu is a terrific place to stay as there are several easy day trips you can take from the city, such as historic destinations to areas with breathtaking natural beauty. The following are five easy day trips you can take from Honolulu, with my favorite included on the list. Each destination is unique, family-friendly, and perfect for a vacation to the islands.

1. Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie

My favorite day trip from Honolulu is first on this list — the Polynesian Cultural Center, also known as the PCC. This is a cultural attraction and living museum that teaches you all about the traditions, dances, arts, and food of six Polynesian islands. You can visit villages, participate in hands-on activities, and watch incredible performances (my favorite are the fire dancers). I particularly love that many of the employees are also students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

2. Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe

On my last visit to Oahu, my family took a tour at Kualoa Ranch where we drove through the jungle, took short hikes, and even saw sites where popular movies were filmed. Kualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve, as well as a working cattle ranch. There are multiple tour options you can take here, such as zipline tours, horseback tours, and UTV ride-alongs.

3. Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe

The Byodo-In Temple may not take you an entire day to explore, but you can still spend plenty of time here. This Buddhist temple is tucked next to the beautiful Ko’olau Mountains, offering a picturesque, inspiring backdrop. Here, you can walk the temple grounds, pray, meditate, light incense, visit a koi pond, and even ring the large bell before entering the temple, which is believed to bring happiness and many blessings.

4. Ka’ena Point State Park, Waialua

If you want to step away from the crowds on Oahu, there’s nothing quite like a visit to the remote Ka’ena Point State Park. This breathtaking destination is located on the island's western tip, and you must hike to reach it. Once you reach Ka'ena Point, you’ll find an area with beautiful beaches, wildlife, and the quiet you are searching for on the island.

5. Wailele Falls Trail, Laie

For this day trip, you’ll need to lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trail. The Wailele Falls Trail near Laie is just under four miles and takes you through a lush, green rainforest. At the end of your journey, you’ll come to a small waterfall that flows into a natural pool of water where you can relax and cool off before you continue on your way home. Be aware that you will need a permit to access this trail as it is on private land. We also recommend visiting after a heavy rainfall to see the falls in all their glory.

Oahu is a beautiful place to explore, with many day trip options. What is your favorite day trip from Honolulu? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to add it to my next visit to the island.