Haley & Ryan
Haley & Ryan
Favorite Beaches
ALA MOANA
Located in town, this beach is great for children. Protected by a reef, the waves at Ala Moana never get too big. Great for sunset and an evening walk as well. It's a very populated area and definitely not the "prettiest" beach on O`ahu, but it gets the job done!
EHUKAI (PIPELINE)
If you want to see where all the big surfing action takes place, stop by Ehukai Beach. Depending on the time of the year, the waves may be too large to get in, but you can almost always watch some surfers get barreled.
KAILUA
Some of the softest sand you will find. This beach offers pristine white shores and teal waters. You can float in the waves, soak in the sun, or rent a kayak and paddle out to Flat Island, just offshore.
KEAWAULA
This beach is the farthest north western beach you can get to by car, making it very secluded. The waves are often large, but the views are unmatched. Depending on the tide, there are some keiki (kid) friendly tidepools off to the right-hand side.
LANIKAI
Right next to Kailua Beach, Lanikai offers a more secluded experience. The beaches are smaller, but so are the crowds. Soft sad and crystal clear waters have landed this beach in the running for Best Beach in the World for years in a row.
MAKAPU`U
Perfect for mornings or early afternoons, the sun goes behind the mountain pretty early over here. Towering cliffs, deep teal waters, and the lighthouse make this beach a great one!
WAIMEA
Another North Shore, big wave beach. Depending on time of year, you may not be able to enter the waters here. But if the waves are calm, you can float and even cliff jump here!
Favorite Food
The best blended Coconut Mojito on Island! You gotta try "Deez Nutz"
If you find yourself in town and looking for budget friendly options, here you go. They load up your plate with things like Moroccan Chicken, Coconut Lemon Fish, Saffron Rice, and salad. All for around $12.
If you find yourself on the North Shore looking for locally sourced food, this is the spot. The veggie burrito with bacon added is fantastic.
Want a Prime Rib the size of your face? Look no further. Haleiwa Joes has two locations: Ocean front in Haleiwa and one in a botanical garden in Kaneohe. The Kaneohe location offers some of the best mountain views you can find. They open at 4pm and don't take reservations. As a popular destination, expect to be waiting in line if you don't arrive right at 4pm.
A cup of coffee with a view. Sit on the edge of the water while sipping a latte and eating your avocado toast. You're paying for the aesthetic here, but honestly...worth it.
You can't go wrong here. Get a 2 choice plate and load up on the Lava Flow, Pa`ina, Pau Hana, or Spicy Avocado.
If you end up staying in Laie or making your way north at any point during your stay, this place is worth your while. Highlights include: Pesto flatbread with chicken added, veggie panini, acai bowls, and their drinks. You can't go wrong! Stock up on their Mac Nut Crumble and Hot Fudge Sauce too!
The mother of ALL burgers. The Paniolo. Topped with onion rings, bacon, and pineapple? You have to unhinge your jaw to take a bite. Their fries are unique and their milkshakes are delicious. Note that their milkshakes are not served at every location, but their banana bread is!
Ono (delicious) grinds (food) near Diamond Head. Try the Kalbi tacos or a fish burrito with fries. Mouth watering and delicious!
Looking for a simple cafe to get your fix? Surfers offers up some of the best drinks on island. They have three types of chai, but you won't go wrong choosing the Tiger Spice Chai. Yum!
Does this rival Texas BBQ? Not even close. Do they have delicious brisket tacos, great chips and salsa, and amazing waterfront views? YES. Just make sure you head to their Hawaii Kai location for immaculate vibes (and some cornhole!)
Looking to try some local cuisine? Look no further. The Kalua Pig is ono and the Squid Luau is an experience you won't want to miss. Top it off with some poi and haupia (coconut pudding). But don't leave without trying a Sweet Lady of Waiahole or a Tahitian Sweet Lady.
Favorite Hikes
A great option for a hike on the North Shore. This trail is quick and provides great views of Pipeline.
Where Ryan proposed to Haley! This hike is long and flat. Recommended for sunset, but hurry back to your cars, they close the gates at 7pm. A bird sanctuary is located at the very end. Enter through the gate and be on the lookout for seals, albatross, and maybe even some whales in the distance.
A flat forest trail, this hike may seem unassuming. But the ending payoff is much worth it. You'll find a boardwalk as you're nearing the last section of the trail. Follow this boardwalk to sweeping views of the Nu`uanu Valley.
Short with great views, but a very popular hike. Lanikai always has parking restrictions, so make sure you pay attention to where you park and go early in the day to avoid crowds.
A quick walk through the forest and you're rewarded with a great waterfall. A great hike for kids too!
A longer waterfall hike with multiple river crossings. It's easy to get lost, but the payoff is worth it!
A great spot to search for whales. The entire path is paved, making this a great option for the whole family. The famous Makapu`u lighthouse awaits you at the end.
Easier than Lulumahu, but harder than Likeke, this is your intermediate waterfall hike. The valley is beautiful and after your hike, we recommend stopping for food at Waioli Kitchen and Bakeshop.
A beautiful pillbox hike. Less crowded thank Lanikai with views that rival. This hike overlooks Kaneohe Bay and is well shaded.
Favorite Activities
There are a couple different places to mini golf around the island, but Bayview is one of the best. Ryan frequently gets demolished when challenging Haley on this course. Afterwards, stop by Jolene's at the course for some comfort food and local flavored icees.
Craving some Dole Whip? Make your way to the Dole Plantation. Get lost in a pineapple garden maze, take a train ride around the plantation, and SNACK!
If you want to be cultured and learn some Hawaiian history, Iolani is a great place to come. You get to tour the Palace grounds, see where Queen Lili`uokalani was held captive, and wander the halls of the only royal palace on US soil.
You can rent a kayak on the shore of the Haleiwa River and paddle your way through Hawaiian Sea Turtles. They come to this river to rest along its banks or to snack. Often times they'll come up for a breath just a few feet away from your kayak.
If it's rainy and you have kids to entertain, you'll want to check out this indoor mecca of fun. Even the adults will want to play.
Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Lost -- take a tour and see where all these cinematic masterpieces were filmed. You can go via horseback, UTV, bus, air conditioned van, or ebike. They've thought of it all. Our wedding guests get 20% off tours (but not packages). Promo code: HASEGAWA20. Valid for tours from 11/13/2025 – 11/27/2025.
What's a trip to O`ahu without some good 'ol history? Tour The Arizona, The Missouri, and The Oklahoma. Check out Restaurant 604 next door for great dining views of the harbor.
In honor of our pilot, we have to include the Aviation Museum on Ford Island. If you love geeking out over airplanes, this is the spot to come. You can even see the original hangar windows, broken from WW2 bombs and gunfire.
A great way to learn about the cultures of Polynesia. You'll learn to weave a fish, spin poi balls, and properly let out a chee hoo.
A botanical wonderland that leads to a beautiful, swimmable waterfall. Explore many paths as they wind throughout the valley. Indulge in a lavender lemonade and a coconut mac nut chocolate chip cookie when you're done.
