Ocean Pointe HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ocean Pointe, Hawaii.
1. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
HISTORIC MILITARY MEMORIAL
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is one of the most visited military memorial places for US citizens, offering a profound historical experience. The memorial includes a museum and trips to the USS Arizona Memorial, which has been managed by the National Park Service since 1980. Anyone interested in contemporary history should visit to learn about this pivotal moment in American history.
2. Oneula Beach Park
SURFING AND RECREATION SPOT
Oneula Beach Park is a huge recreational area featuring a wide sand beach, great views, and typically no crowds. While it's considered a little rough for swimming, the beach is a great spot for surfing, bodysurfing, and bodyboarding enthusiasts. The park offers ample grassy areas for picnics and relaxation with family and friends.
3. Dole Plantation
PINEAPPLE PARADISE EXPERIENCE
Dole Plantation is one of Oahu's most popular visitor attractions, welcoming more than one million visitors annually. The plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the famous Pineapple Garden Maze. Established in 1900 by James Dole, the plantation showcases Hawaii's rich agricultural history and the story of pineapple cultivation in the islands.
4. Polynesian Cultural Center
LIVING POLYNESIAN MUSEUM
The Polynesian Cultural Center features six distinct Polynesian villages representing different island cultures where visitors can explore and interact with native performers. A major highlight is the daily canoe pageant known as 'Huki: A Canoe Experience,' featuring skilled Polynesian performers paddling traditional canoes accompanied by songs and chants. Visitors can experience traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, and storytelling that provide unique glimpses into various Polynesian cultures.
5. Waikiki Beach
ICONIC HAWAIIAN SHORELINE
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, offering pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and surfing. The beach is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a hub for tourists seeking both relaxation and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Diamond Head while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere that represents Hawaii's tourism legacy.
6. Diamond Head
VOLCANIC HIKING ADVENTURE
Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering one of Oahu's most popular hiking trails with breathtaking panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. The moderate 1.8-mile round trip hike takes visitors through a 225-foot tunnel and up several staircases to reach the summit at 760 feet. Once a military lookout point, the crater now serves as a State Monument that attracts thousands of visitors seeking adventure and spectacular photo opportunities.
7. Ka Makana Ali'i
WEST OAHU'S SHOPPING DESTINATION
Ka Makana Ali'i is one of the newest shopping malls on Oahu, offering a diverse mix of over 100 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The open-air regional center serves as the premier shopping hub for west Oahu residents and visitors alike. Shoppers can enjoy everything from national retailers to local boutiques, along with a variety of dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
8. Ewa Beach Golf Club
OCEANSIDE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Ewa Beach Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole championship course with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Waianae mountain range. The course is known for its strategic layout featuring water hazards, bunkers, and the trade winds that add complexity to the game. Golfers of all skill levels appreciate the well-maintained fairways and greens set against the backdrop of Hawaii's natural beauty.
9. Honolulu Zoo
TROPICAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Honolulu Zoo spans 42 acres and houses over 900 different animals from tropical ecosystems around the world. Located in Waikiki, the zoo features specially designed habitats for African savanna animals, tropical rainforest species, and Pacific island wildlife. Visitors can enjoy educational programs, guided tours, and special exhibits that highlight conservation efforts and the importance of protecting endangered species.
10. Maui Ocean Center
HAWAIIAN MARINE WONDERLAND
The Maui Ocean Center is home to the largest collection of live Pacific corals in the world, featuring over 60 exhibits that showcase Hawaii's diverse marine life. Visitors can walk through a 240-foot acrylic tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and thousands of tropical fish in a 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit. The center combines entertainment with education, offering insights into Hawaiian culture and its deep connection to the sea through interactive displays and presentations.
11. Waimea Canyon
GRAND CANYON OF PACIFIC
Waimea Canyon, often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' is a breathtaking 14-mile-long, 3,600-foot-deep geological marvel on Kauai island. The canyon's dramatic landscape features vibrant red soil contrasted against the lush green vegetation, creating spectacular photo opportunities at numerous lookout points. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels allow visitors to explore the canyon's diverse ecosystems and stunning waterfalls.
12. Mermaid Caves
HIDDEN COASTAL WONDER
The Mermaid Caves are a series of natural tide pools and caverns formed by ancient lava flows along Oahu's western coastline. During low tide, visitors can explore these mysterious grottoes illuminated by sunlight filtering through openings in the rock, creating an ethereal blue-green glow. The unique geological formation offers adventurous travelers a chance to experience one of Hawaii's lesser-known natural wonders away from the typical tourist spots.
13. Kualoa Ranch
MOVIE SITE ADVENTURE PARK
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch that has served as a filming location for over 70 Hollywood movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park and Lost. Visitors can explore the dramatic landscape through a variety of tours including ATV adventures, horseback riding, zip lines, and movie site tours. The ranch offers breathtaking views of the Koolau mountain range and Kaneohe Bay while preserving Hawaiian cultural traditions and natural history.
14. Haleiwa Town
NORTH SHORE'S CULTURAL HUB
Haleiwa Town is the social and artistic hub of Oahu's North Shore, known for its laid-back surf culture and plantation-era architecture. The charming town features art galleries, boutique shops, and renowned food trucks serving everything from fresh shrimp to Hawaiian shave ice. Visitors can experience the authentic side of Hawaii while exploring local businesses housed in colorful buildings that maintain the town's historic character.
15. Ko Olina Lagoons
PROTECTED SWIMMING PARADISE
Ko Olina Lagoons consist of four man-made, ocean-fed lagoons offering calm, protected swimming areas ideal for families and less confident swimmers. The crescent-shaped beaches feature soft white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxation away from the more crowded destinations. Located adjacent to luxury resorts, the lagoons are connected by a scenic 1.5-mile coastal path that provides stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.