Opinions: N. Shore, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Other POIs

Question

Hey everyone. We will be visiting for a week at the end of May. Staying near Waikiki beach and have a rental car. Some of the days we want to explore the island and check out some places of interest. At a minimum we want to visit the north shore area, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head. We are two active, in-shape 40 somethings, and are OK with walking/short hiking a decent distance if need be.

A former co-worker said if I ever get to Oahu to check out Waimea Bay. For the north shore area, we'd like to relax on a beach for a while, but also check out some towns for shopping and grabbing something to eat. Considering Waimea Bay and Haleiwa for shopping and grabbing some food. Looking for parking suggestions and how thoughts on how early we should leave to get to the area. Any places on the way back to checkout (short hikes with a view, waterfalls, etc.)?

Will be booking USS Arizona Memorial tickets soon. Also considering Battleship Missouri and the USS Bowfin. Any suggestions on times to get tickets, when to leave, etc.?

Planning on getting tickets for the 10AM to 12PM slot at Diamond Head, not sure if there is anything that would go good with this day after the visit is over.

We also enjoy botanical gardens, small museums, light houses, short hikes (especially with scenic views or maybe a waterfall or two). Dole Plantation looks neat but not sure if we will have the time.

Thanks for any information, suggestions, tips, etc.

Answer

You're visiting Oahu with the perfect mindset — active, curious, and ready to see the highlights while still enjoying the island's slower moments. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your North Shore day, Pearl Harbor visit, and Diamond Head hike, plus ideas for gardens, museums, lighthouses, and short scenic hikes.

Since you're staying in Waikiki and have a rental car, you'll have flexibility, but timing matters a lot on Oahu. Traffic and parking availability change your day significantly, so recommendations below focus on how to flow your days comfortably and efficiently.

Below is a structured, detailed guide to each major section of your trip.

1. NORTH SHORE DAY (Waimea Bay + Haleiwa + short hikes)

The North Shore is best visited early to avoid traffic and secure parking. Waimea Bay is absolutely worth visiting — huge in winter for surf, calm and swimmable in late spring and summer with that iconic rock jump (if the water is calm).

What time to leave Waikiki: Aim for 7:00–7:30 AM. This gets you ahead of most crowds and allows easier parking at Waimea Bay.
Parking at Waimea Bay: The main lot is small and fills quickly. Early is best. If full, street parking along Kamehameha Hwy is possible but limited.
Alternative beach stops if Waimea parking is full:
- Sunset Beach
- Ehukai (Pipeline) Beach
- Laniakea (Turtle Beach) — turtles frequent here, but parking is often restricted; pay close attention to signs.

Haleiwa Town

A great place for shops, local art, surf stores, coffee, and food trucks. After your beach time, arrive late morning or early afternoon.

Parking: There are multiple public lots around town, including near the surf shops and under the bridge. Generally easier than at the beaches.
Food suggestions:
- Haleiwa Bowls (smoothies)
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (garlic shrimp)
- Kono’s (pulled pork dishes)

Short hikes / scenic stops on the way back:

Waimea Valley botanical garden + waterfall (right across from Waimea Bay)
Beautiful easy walk through botanical gardens to a swimmable waterfall. Takes ~1.5–2 hours.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike (moderate, 1.5–2 hours)
Overlooks Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Good views, shaded at times.
Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau (on the ridge behind Waimea)
No real hike, but stunning overlook of Waimea Bay and valley.
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden (on the way back to Honolulu if you route through Kaneohe)
One of the most scenic gardens in Hawaii. Drive-through is easy; short walks available.

This makes for a very full but well-balanced North Shore day.

2. PEARL HARBOR (USS Arizona + optional Missouri + Bowfin)

You’re smart to book your USS Arizona tickets early. Time matters depending on what other attractions you’re pairing with it.

When to go:

If you book the Arizona for 8–10 AM, you can do the Missouri right afterward (plan 2–2.5 hours).
The Bowfin submarine museum is near the visitor center, takes 1–1.5 hours.

Best sequence:

Arrive at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at least 1 hour before your Arizona time.
Do the Arizona program (boat ride + Memorial).
Drive or take the shuttle to Ford Island for the Missouri.
End with the Bowfin if you have energy.

Time estimates:

Arizona program: 75–90 minutes.
Missouri: 2+ hours if you explore fully.
Bowfin: 1–1.5 hours.

Doing all three in one day is entirely realistic for active travelers.

3. DIAMOND HEAD (10AM–12PM reservation)

Diamond Head is a great hike — moderate, steady incline, well-maintained, and incredible summit views.

Time needed: Typically 1.5–2 hours total.

What pairs well with Diamond Head afterward:

Kapiolani Park (right at the base, great place to walk around)
Honolulu Zoo (nearby)
Waikiki Aquarium (small, historic, pleasant for 45 min)
Lunch on Monsarrat Ave (Healthy restaurants + cafes)
Makapuʻu Lookout + Lighthouse Trail
A great short scenic hike with paved path and ocean views, about 25 minutes from Diamond Head.
Hanauma Bay Lookout (not for swimming)
A quick stop for views if you’re in the area.
Byodo-In Temple (Valley of the Temples)
A beautiful and peaceful cultural site that pairs well with a half-day schedule.

4. BOTANICAL GARDENS & LIGHTHOUSES (beyond Diamond Head)

Oahu has several excellent gardens and lighthouse hikes that fit your interests perfectly.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (Kaneohe)
Huge, dramatic Ko‘olau cliffs, easy walking, peaceful. Best for scenery.
Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu)
Closer to Waikiki; historic, smaller but very manageable.
Lyon Arboretum (Manoa Valley)
Jungle-like, lots of shade, short walks and longer hikes, great pairing with Manoa Falls.
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
Paved, moderate incline, 1–1.5 hours round trip with whale-watching views in season.

5. WATERFALLS & SHORT HIKES

You have several great options that fit your activity level:

Manoa Falls
Short (1.7 miles round trip), muddy at times, but lush and scenic. Pairs well with Lyon Arboretum.
Waimea Valley (North Shore)
Easy garden walk to swimming waterfall.
Likeke Falls (Kaneohe)
Shorter but requires paying close attention to trail markings.

6. DOLE PLANTATION — worth it?

Dole Plantation is more of a family-friendly attraction than a must-see. If you enjoy pineapple treats and touristy attractions, it’s fun for a short visit. But given your interests (gardens, hiking, scenery), you might prefer:

Ho‘omaluhia Gardens
Byodo-In Temple
Makapuʻu Lighthouse
Manoa Falls

These offer deeper and more beautiful experiences.

7. SAMPLE ITINERARY IDEAS FOR YOUR TRIP

Day 1: Pearl Harbor (Arizona + Missouri) → Lunch → Relax at Waikiki
Day 2: North Shore early: Waimea Bay → Waimea Valley → Haleiwa → return via Ho’omaluhia
Day 3: Diamond Head (10AM slot) → Monsarrat lunch → Makapuʻu Lighthouse → Kailua/Lanikai beaches
Day 4: Manoa Falls + Lyon Arboretum → Afternoon Waikiki

You have plenty of time to enjoy all your main goals — North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head — and still add several gardens, hikes, and scenic spots. The key is leaving early for any major attraction and grouping activities by geography.

Opinions: N. Shore, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Other POIs

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