Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is one of the most exciting cities on the islands. It is the perfect combination of cosmopolitan city and the resort paradise, loved by many for its location, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. If you are not the kind of person who likes to relax on the beach all the time, you should probably enjoy taking road trips to one of many attractions on the island that are within a couple of hours’ drive away. Try to find a Honolulu Jeep rental to be able to explore even the most remote locations.
Diamond Head Crater
Diamond Head Crater is a big volcanic crater rising over the city and provides some of the most amazing views of the coastline. If you are an adventurous and outdoorsy type, you ought to consider climbing to the top of this volcanic cone. It is a steep climb and even though some parts are actually steps it is quite a challenging feat. You must embark on a trip early in the morning as the weather is pretty hot, so the later you set out the more difficult it would be. Jeep rental is a great option if you would like to drive up there from Honolulu, so be sure to get the appropriate ride for the experience.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is just a day trip away from Honolulu and it is a must on the agenda of any person interested in history. It is definitely not a fun drive as it was the place of attack of the Japanese on the island. The main attractions of the area are the USS Arizona Memorial, built atop of sunken battleship, USS Missouri, the place where the Japanese officially surrendered, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. Rent a car and head to Pearl Harbor to pay your respects and learn a bit more about such a significant event that shaped the history of the world.
Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve
Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve aka “Hollywood Backlot” is a wonderful area, also it is a location for a movie shooting. Such films as Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and Godzilla were shot here and thus this place is frequently visited by fans. Car rental in Hawaii will give you an opportunity to get there and back within one day and have a fun break from the beach holidaying.
Kualoa is open for tours and you can either go on a horseback riding excursion or hire an electric bicycle and explore all the hidden gems of the area. Besides, this ranch is still an active cattle ranch, so it could be quite an adventure for families with kids. Moreover, there is also a cultural aspect to this wonderful reserve, as this valley was used by the indigenous population to prepare for annual games of warriors or to ask for forgiveness.
Kaena Point State Park
The northwestern tip of Oahu can boast some of the most amazing landscapes and just about 65 kilometers away from Honolulu you will find Kaena Point, State Park. The landscape there is pretty rough so you’ll definitely need to cover the last bit of your trail on foot. This part of the island features stunning landscapes and trails. There are wonderful cliffs and beaches that will take the breath away of any nature-lover. There are also some water recreational activities to try out, like snorkeling, surfing, and sailing. This is a unique place as it is considered by the natives to be the place where the souls of the recently deceased meet with their ancestors and go off into the abyss.
Kailua
Kailua is an amazing exceptional charming little town that is a lure for most tourists in the area. Surrounded by the Koolau Mountains and Kailua Bay this town has the most unique setting and stunning views. Moreover, there are lots of local shops that will be a great place to go on a shopping spree. If you are driving there check out the car rental app and be sure to take Nu’uanu Pali Drive aka Morgan’s Corner. This road looks amazing with lots of lush trees hanging over the road and it can be pitch black if there is no moon. Besides, there are lots of haunted stories about this place if you would like to tickle your nerves. Overall, it is a wholesome experience and it will be thrilling for all the family.
All in all, there are lots of amazing places for tourists to visit and the landscape of the island is magnificent and bound to stun any holidaymaker. You should try to visit at least some of the aforementioned locations and you can fit a few of the locations in one day’s trip.
