Best Botanical Garden in Oahu

"Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a 400 acre protected area that was originally built up as flood protection. It offers events like camping, drawing or painting classes, and specific catch-and-release fishing days on the weekends!. The garden is about 35 minutes from Waikiki (by car or service only) on the eastern side of the island."

"Let me start by saying we rarely bother photographing man-made nature, such as botanical gardens. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but it feels a bit inauthentic; it’s like building a wildlife photography portfolio by going to a zoo. With that said, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are absolutely worth the trip!"

"In one day, you can drive this 100-mile path with some beach hopping, but you might have to cherry-pick between the longer activities like the hike, Waimea Valley and the Polynesian Cultural Center if you don’t want to feel rushed. Depart early from Honolulu for your drive north through the farmlands and mountain views of the center of the island, to stretches of empty beachfront and the northwest terminus of the highway at Kaena Point. If you want to do some hiking, the Kaena Point Trail is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back path from the end of the road to the remote western point of the island inaccessible to vehicles."

"Tour Waimea Valley where you can learn about Hawaiian culture, admire a beautiful variety of trees, shrubs and plants and enjoy a swim at a waterfall. (See this link for TripAdvisor reviews of Waimea Valley.)"

"If you’re a history buff or just a fan of the TV show Hawaii Five-O, swing by the famous statue of King Kamehameha (frequently shown in various scenes of Hawaii Five-O). Hawaii was originally a monarchy under King Kamehameha, who was known for uniting all the Hawaiian islands into one nation and ending the conflict that had existed among them. Across the street from the statue is Iolani Palace, the royal residence of the monarch family."

"Choose between Cinnamon’s, Eggs ’n’ Things or Cream Pot for an early morning breakfast, then go for a drive through Downtown Honolulu to take photos at the Kamehameha Statue, Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church and the state Capitol. There’s no rush, because you booked your USS Arizona Memorial tour two months in advance for 3 p.m."

"The state's first dedicated craft-beer café and boutique showcases over 500 brews in the up-and-coming Kakaako neighborhood. All seven Oahu breweries rotate through here, including Home of the Brave. This nearby brewpub not only produces great..."

"Not everyone has a penchant for fine wine, which is why the Village Tasting Room is a popular option for large groups. The Tasting Room typically has 16 beers and two seltzers on tap as well as eight rotating kegs of wine."

"Head out of town along the south coast, admire Hanauma Bay from above or snorkel in its amazing coral reef, see the Halona Blowhole in action and hike to Makapuʻu Point, before wrapping things up in gorgeous Waimanalo Beach. Alternatively, you can take the scenic Pali Highway and explore the beautiful windward coast, before heading back to town via the famous surfing beaches of the north shore."

"A modern café giving guests a taste of Italy with their authentic and fresh gelato. View this post on Instagram. You can't buy happiness, but you can buy GELATO."