Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular backpacker destinations. Here, the nightlife and cheap eats are close by and open late.

Must See & Do

Hula Shows  
Great chance to see the world famous Hawaiian dance. Call in advance to obtain show times. Hilton Hawaiian Village (949-4321). Ticket prices vary.

Diamond Head Crater  
Can’t make it to the Big Island or Maui? Take the mile hike into the crater of the dead Diamond Head Volcano. Great views of the Waikiki shoreline.

U.S. Army Museum  
Waikiki Beach at Kalia Rd. Open 10am to 4:15pm. Free admission.

Arizona Memorial  
Honors the soldiers that were killed in the 1941 bombing of the USS Arizona. The US National Parks Service provides a free program and film (1.25 hours) at the Visitor Center and operates a free shuttle boat to the memorial daily between 7:45am and 3pm. Admission is free, on a first come, first served basis. Hours are 7:30am to 5pm, daily.

Punchbowl Crater  
This crater of an extinct volcano serves as the location of the National Cemetery of the Pacific, where over 34,000 soldiers rest. Great views of Honolulu and Diamond Head.

Scenic Tour of the Island  
For a cheap tour, take the #8, 19, or 20 bus from Waikiki and transfer at the Ala Moana Center to the #52/55. It’s a 4 hour trip.

North Shore  
The North Shore of Oahu, famous for its surf, is 30 miles from Waikiki. It is the winter surfing capital of the world. Activities here include surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and sea kayaking. The largest town on the North Shore is Haleiwa, designated a State historic, cultural and scenic district. A good base from which to explore the area.

Waimea Valley  
Situated in the Valley and stretching to the coast is Waimea Falls Park, 1800 acres of tropical forest, flowers and waterfalls. On offer are hiking, downhill biking and kayaking along the Waimea River. Call Waimea Valley Park on (808) 638-7766.Open daily and costs $10.

Dream Cruises  
Pearl Harbor, whale watching, sunset/moonlight cruises. From $28. Waikiki. (808) 592-5200

Free/Cheap

Arizona Memorial (Waikiki)
Watch surfing on the North Shore beaches (Haleiwa)
Diamond Head Volcano ($1, Oahu)
Punchbowl Crater (Oahu)

Money Saving Tips

Pick up discount coupon books available for tours, transport and food

Adventure Activities

Hawaiian adventure activities include:  hiking, Zodiac boat rides, sky diving, surfing, diving, horseback riding, helicopter rides, wind surfing, jet skiing

Pacific Int’l Skydiving Center  
Tandem sky dive/lessons on the North Shore. (808) 637-7472

Surf-N-Sea  
Surfing lessons/diving safaris. Haleiwa. (808) 637-9887

Sierra Club  
Sponsors hikes for a small fee. Honolulu. (808) 538-6616

UFO Adventures  
Parasail, whale and dolphin watching. Oahu. (808) 876-7777

North Shore Dive Hdqrts  
Intro dives and certification. North Shore. (808) 637-7946