Written by GLENDA HARRIS  |  Photos by MIKE HARRIS

Our long-awaited trip to Hawaii was first planned for the spring of 2020 and finally accomplished in September 2022.

Most visitors to the Aloha State choose Waikiki Beach as their destination. And why not? With approximately two miles of shoreline along the Pacific Ocean and views of Diamond Head rising against the sky, it is the iconic Hawaiian expectation.

If the island’s center of tourism is not your cup of Mai Tai, keep reading. This article offers two perspectives with recommendations for both Waikiki Beach and the lesser traveled North Shore.

Hosting us for our first visit to Hawaii was our son and his family who moved to the island in 2019. An adventurous bunch, they quickly discovered the best beaches, bays, trails and views. When you visit, consider a windshield tour as the entire island is so profuse with natural beauty, one need only pay attention.

The tourist side of Honolulu

To get the full tourist experience, we began by staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, a high-rise oceanfront resort. The village offers it all: panoramic views, restaurants, cafes and shopping, all surrounded by lush gardens.

Near the village is the Moana Surfrider, a historic hotel close to the International Market Place and Waikiki Beach Walk. Onsite are restaurants, a spa and a large lanai for people watching and resting.

Just up the road is the Outrigger Reef Resort, a contemporary oceanfront hotel with excellent reviews. Note: Sea turtles are often seen from the elevated walkway behind the oceanfront hotels. Other options include properties available through VRBO and Airbnb.

The historic sites of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona can be visited by looking through recreation.gov. After a one-and-a-half hour tour, browse on your own to learn more about the important World War II history here.

For dining, Tropics Café is highly recommended for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their Vanilla Cream Caramel French Toast is a must-try. In the same area is Bali Oceanfront, offering premier dining and views, while a casual eatery adjacent to the pool is convenient for lunch, snacks and beverages.

There’s no shortage of shopping in Waikiki. Just steps from the village is Honolulu Cookie Company, famous for their butter cookies. Try the Waikiki Shopping Plaza with three levels of retail heaven. Take a short walk up Kalakaua Avenue to Luxury Row, a mecca of luxury brands and trending styles.

Get in some exercise while enjoying the view by hiking the beach heading towards Diamond Head until you reach Fort DeRussy Beach Park. This public beach is on the grounds of a former military base. Lush landscaping and monkeypod trees provide restful shade. On site is the U.S. Military Museum, free to the public. For ambitious hikers, hike the steep .8-mile trail to the top of Diamond Head.

The North Shore

From Waikiki Beach, the North Shore is about a 45-minute drive. Here you’ll find no high-rise hotels blocking the views. With small towns and roads that hug the shoreline, the North Shore is all about the ocean, waves and sunsets. Winter months are the busiest, primarily November and December, when the world’s elite surfers congregate to ride enormous waves that reach up to 50 feet. The record, set in 2016, is 70 feet.

Turtle Bay is the only full resort on the North Shore and it is pricey; one can, however, spend the day on the property without staying there. Stroll the lush, manicured grounds; visit the lobby cafe; rest a few minutes in their reading room; and take a self-guided tour of Hawaiian history. Adjacent to the resort, there’s a secluded beach, Kulima Cove, that’s great for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.

Other places to stay include a Courtyard by Marriott, which is across the street from the beach, as well as several 4-star hotels on or near the beach.

For fun in the water, check out Shark’s Cove, a popular spot for snorkeling and sea turtles. (Despite the name, we saw no sharks!) The Cove is a collection of tide pools and part of Pupukea Beach Park, free and open to the public.

Laniakea Beach, nearby, is also known for sea turtles. Watch for them to drift in on the clear-water surf.

Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice in the Haleiwa area is worth a stop to try this cool treat boasting many flavors. Café Haleiwa features a breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. For dinner, enjoy casual surroundings and colorful cocktails at the Haleiwa Beach House, complete with a sunset view.

While in the northern part of Oahu, pay a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, a living museum in Laie with art, exhibits and fascinating information on Hawaiian/Pacific Island culture.

Saving the best for last, why are Hawaiian sunsets considered the best?

The combination of westward drifting volcanic dust from Kilauea and the year-round humid climate creates colors that are more intense. Plus, the remote location surrounded by water means there’s nothing to break up the line of the horizon. Continue looking 10 minutes after sunset because the colors continue to change. With amazing angles, rich colors and extended viewing time, watching the sunset in Hawaii is truly an unforgettable experience. NCM