Honolulu Summer Bucket List: The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu

 

Summer this year started on June 21, and fall is coming up on Sept. 22. Within this three-month period of ultimate sunshine, there’s so much to do and see that you might not know where to start. So make a summer bucket list, like we did, and you’ll have more than enough outings, activities and events to make the days fly by. Check back for more recommendations to add to your list throughout the season.

 

Looking for something for you and boo to do or an ‘ohana outing? We tagged the listings with categories to make it easy for you to find ideas that fit your summer bucket list intent. Type one of these categories into your search bar:

• Art & Culture Picks
• Date Ideas
• Family-Friendly Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• Parents’ Night Out

 

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1. Tour the Newest Hawai‘i Walls Murals

World Wide Walls held its mural arts festival for the first time since 2019 earlier this year, with more than 70 murals transforming the Kalihi–Kapālama community. Take a self-guided mural tour of the walkable collections.

• Hawai‘i Walls 2023: Our Favorite Murals
• Hawai‘i Walls 2023: Learn the Story Behind Artist Jana Lam’s Tropical Dreamscape

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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2. Rock Out to Local Live Music and Concerts

Our local music scene is always hopping, but when the weather is warm, you don’t want to miss the outdoor concerts.

• Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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3. Celebrate Obon Season

Feast on Obon season favorites like andagi, yakisoba and barbecue sticks, take part in Japanese cultural activities and dance around the yagura all summer long.

• O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2023
• Ultimate Guide to O‘ahu Bon Dance Food

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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4. Watch a Movie Outdoors

From a wave pool to an open lawn, summer movies have moved out from the theaters to the great outdoors for a cool viewing experience.

• Where to Watch Outdoor Movies on O‘ahu This Summer

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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SEE ALSO: Our Watch List: Films to Look Forward to This Fall

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5. Revel in Culture at Summer Festivals

Our melting pot community sure knows how to represent with Japanese, Hawaiian, Korean, Okinawan and Italian festivals set to welcome everyone to enjoy ethnic cultures, along with celebrations of local and pop culture.

• Our Guide: Honolulu Summer Festivals

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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6. Play Tourist in Waikīkī

Waikīkī may seem like it’s for tourists, but locals can have just as much fun and with kama‘āina discounts to boot. Try something new like scuba diving or stargazing, and check out the myriad of ‘ono restaurants while you’re at it.

• 8 Things To Do in Waikīkī
• New Chef, New Happy Hour at Waikīkī’s TBD
• There’s A New Secret Cocktail Bar at Waikīkī’s White Sands Hotel
• Quiora Waikīkī’s $29 Lunch Set Comes with a Ritzy Rooftop View
• Luna’s Tequila Bar Opens With Street Tacos at ‘Alohilani Resort in Waikīkī

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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7. Try Out a New Staycation Spot

If you don’t have time for a full off-the-rock trip, consider playing tourist right here on O‘ahu. Several of our editors swear by staycationing, which can get you that much needed R&R without burning through your vacation days or bank account. Our favorite spots range from trendy boutique hotels and foodie favorites to spa-focused getaways outside the hustle and bustle of town.

• Editors’ Picks: Our Favorite O‘ahu Hotels for Staycations
• Your Guide to a Staycation at Disney’s ‘Aulani Resort
• 6 Staycation Deals on O‘ahu for Kama‘āina
• Is the New Wayfinder Waikīkī Hotel Your Next Staycation Spot?
• Our Tips for the Best Family Staycation in Hawaiʻi

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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8. Catch a Local Play or Musical

Our local talent has an exciting program for the summer, from Disney musicals to local-style fairy tales.

• Honolulu Theater and Musicals: Summer Lineup

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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9. Shop Local at New Businesses

This summer, refresh your wardrobe and pantry with local finds.

• Mikinola Opens a Gorgeous New Hawai‘i Kai Boutique
• You Can Now Shop Yireh at the Label’s New Sunny Kaimukī Showroom
• Native Hawaiian Brand Lexbreezy Hawai‘i Opens a Dreamy Boutique in Ala Moana Center
• Find a Moment of Zen at Ami Mei Tea & Wellness Boutique in Kaimukī

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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SEE ALSO: Best of HONOLULU 2023: The Best Shopping on O‘ahu

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10. Treat Yourself to Frozen Sweets

It’s building up to be another hot Hawaiian summer, and what better way to cool down than with ice cream and shave ice?

• Ultimate Guide to 11 Luscious Local Ice Cream Shops
• You Voted: Here’s Your Top 5 Shave Ice on Oʻahu
• Best Shave Ice on O‘ahu

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities

 

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11. Take a Road Trip Across O‘ahu

No matter which neighborhood you live in, chances are there’s another one on O‘ahu you haven’t visited yet or at least been to in a long time. Follow our itineraries for a day of exploration.

• Wandering Wahiawā: A Local’s Guide to Neighborhood Eats
• A Local’s Guide to an O‘ahu Road Trip: Waimānalo to Kahana
• A Local’s Guide to an O‘ahu Road Trip: Hawai‘i Kai to Kaimukī
• A Local’s Guide to an O‘ahu Road Trip: Wahiawā to Salt Lake
• A Local’s Guide to an O‘ahu Road Trip: Waipahu to Mākaha
• A Local’s Guide to an O‘ahu Road Trip: Waialua to Kahuku

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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12. Live a Day in a Wes Anderson Movie

The recent Wes Anderson video trend got our Managing Fashion Editor Brie thinking about which places in town would make for Anderson-worthy backdrops. Grab your beret and camera and head out on an adventure worth filming.

• Are These the Most Wes Anderson Locations in Honolulu?

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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13. Marvel at Hundreds of Blooming Plumerias

Run by three generations of photographer Clark Little’s family, Little Plumeria Farms is open for tours where you can see rows and rows of flowering plumeria trees and collect some of the unique blossoms to take home.

• Little Plumeria Farms Opens for Guided Tours on O‘ahu’s North Shore

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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14. Celebrate Pride

With June being National Pride Month while Hawai‘i holds Pride in October, that makes the intervening time a whole season to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and culture.

• Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in September 2023
• 5 LGBTQIA+ Books to Celebrate Pride Month
• The Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation Takes Bold Steps Forward
• Meet Randy Soriano, First Executive Director of the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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SEE ALSO: Honolulu Pride 2023: Celebrating MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ Excellence

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15. Make Memories With Your Keiki on Horseback

Live a bit of Hawai‘i’s paniolo history at local ranches and farms with your ‘ohana.

• Where to Take Your Kids for a Horseback or Pony Ride on O‘ahu

 

Tags: Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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SEE ALSO: Best of HONOLULU 2023: The Best of HONOLULU Family on O‘ahu

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16. Admire Art at Local Museums and Galleries

Our museums are troves of culture and creativity just waiting for you to discover their treasures.

• “Creatures & Characters” Exhibition Open at Hawai‘i State Art Museum
• Hawai‘i State Art Museum Invites You to Face “Fear of the Unknown”
• Explore Local Works at Leeward Community College’s New Art Gallery
• Hawaiian Artistry Takes Center Stage in Compelling New Exhibit
• Explore These Free Museums on O‘ahu

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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17. Catch a Wave in O‘ahu’s Largest Standing Wave Pool

Boasting a slew family-friendly activities on a 52-acre lagoon, buzzy eateries (including one helmed by a Michelen star-award chef) and live entertainment, Wai Kai is a new West Side activity center worth checking out. Not to mention, it’s the home of O‘ahu’s largest standing wave pool, developed in partnership with former pro surfer Shane Beschen. The pool’s 100-foot-wide wave offers surfers a unique experience and spectators a fun show.

• We Tried It: Wai Kai Lagoon and Surf Park in ‘Ewa Beach
• Wai Kai’s Plaza Grill Is West O‘ahu’s Newest Casual-Chic Eatery

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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18. Do a Brewery or Distillery Crawl

Hawai‘i boasts several local distilleries and breweries, some of which offer tours and closer studies of their spirits.

• Beer Lab Just Opened a Beer Garden and Poke Counter on Beretania
• Big Island and Kaua‘i Each Get a New Beer Brewery and Taproom
• Sample All of Ko‘olau Distillery’s Local Liquor Offerings on a Tour in Kailua
• Maui’s Beach House Beer Opens Brewery and Taproom in Chinatown
• Rum, Whiskey, Shochu, Vodka and More: O‘ahu Distillery Roundup
• Big Island and Kaua‘i Each Get a New Beer Brewery and Taproom

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Parents’ Night Out

 

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19. Head to the Beach With Your ‘Ohana

Take advantage of the perfect weather and hit up all the best beaches with your favorite people.

• Family-Friendly Beaches on Oʻahu

 

Tags: Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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20. Snag Some New Locally Designed Swimwear

Slipping into a Hawai‘i-designed swimsuit has never been easier thanks to a rising tide of fantastic local beachwear brands that have launched within the last few years. Check out three of our style editor’s current favorites, top picks for their great eco-conscious fabrics and Hawai‘i-inspired prints.

• 3 New Local Hawai‘i Swimwear Brands to Sizzle in This Summer

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities

 

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21. Cool Down at the Revamped Ice Palace Hawai‘i

If, like us, you found that practicing your sit spins in the Foodland freezer aisle just didn’t hit the same as your time in the rink, you’ll be thrilled to know that this is the first summer that Ice Palace has been open in nearly three years. Grab a sweater and skate on by to check out the snazzy new snack bar, bleachers and Zamboni, plus the updated party area. Just check the website before heading down for the new hours and pricing.

• Ice Palace Hawai‘i Reopens with New Hours and a Refreshed Interior
• We Tried It: Ice Palace Hawai‘i

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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22. Travel the World Through Food

No plans to travel this summer? You can still experience international cuisines right here at home.

• Finally, Amazing Jerk Chicken and Oxtail at Downtown’s New Irie Jerk
• There’s a New Japanese Food Hall Inside This Waikīkī Grocery Store
• Bing Bros Brings Jian Bing Street Food Crepes to Chinatown
• Biscuits and Gravy and Po Boys: We Love Southern Love in Kaka‘ako
• Beefy Sandwiches and Grilled Meats Rule at Maui’s Fuego Argentinian Steakhouse
• Don’t Sleep on the Oxtail or Curried Goat at Jr’s Jamaican Jerk
• New Umi Ramen Brings Japanese-Style Bowls to Waipahu
• Yi Xin Brings Bold Flavors of Southeast Asia and Hong Kong
• Mercado de la Raza Spotlights Local Latin Food Makers

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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23. Take a Local Cooking Class

Hana Kitchens has partnered with its culinary microbusinesses to offer a range of cooking classes taught by local chefs. You can learn how to make everything from gnocchi to Lebanese dishes to Chinese dumplings.

• Learn to Cook Gnocchi and More Specialty Dishes at Hana Kitchens

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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24. Hike, Hike, Hike

Hiking truly makes us appreciate the beauty of Hawai‘i nei. Immerse yourself in our lush landscapes, take in the unbeatable views and get a good workout while you’re at it.

• O‘ahu Hike We Like: Koko Crater Trail
• Take a Hike! Kid-Friendly Hikes on O‘ahu
• The Ultimate Guide to Hiking on O‘ahu

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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25. Go Grocery Shopping—But Make It Fun

Getting groceries is usually a chore, but not when you can pick up gourmet goodies, international snacks, Asian skincare products and more that you won’t find at typical supermarkets.

• Find Asian Snacks Galore at 1-2buy in Kaka‘ako
• ChefZone’s New Gourmet Corner Gives Us Kid-in-Candy-Store Vibes
• What You’ll See at the New 88 Mart in Downtown Honolulu

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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26. Train for the Honolulu Marathon

The Honolulu Marathon is on Dec. 10, which means now is the time to start a training regimen to build up your stamina. Plus, there are a couple of races this summer that can be good stepping stones leading up to the big day.

• The Ultimate Guide to the Honolulu Marathon 2023

 

Tags: Outdoor Activities

 

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27. Have a Picnic

Clear skies make for great picnicking weather—grab a blanket, your favorite on-the-go dishes and your friends and family for a relaxing outing.

• Best Spots for a Family Picnic in Honolulu

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities

 

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28. Dive Into the World of Chocolate

If you’ve ever wondered how cacao beans become chocolate bars, you can see and taste the process for yourself at the Lonohana Chocolate factory.

• Lonohana Chocolate Launches Factory Tours in Kakaʻako

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities

 

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29. Catch a Polo Match

The Hawai‘i Polo Club hosts matches every Sunday afternoon where you can set up a tent and kick back while watching the polo ponies and their riders dash by. You can even take a dip in the ocean between games.

• We Tried It: Hawai‘i Polo Club in Waialua

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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30. Pick Up Yummy Omiyage

Going to visit friends or family this summer or have folks coming to see you? Be prepared to greet them with a smile and select omiyage from O‘ahu.

• 36 O‘ahu Foodie Omiyage to Take to Neighbor Islands and Beyond

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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31. Read a Local Book

The local literary scene is blooming with a medley of stories you can experience . While you’re at it, purchase from a local indie bookstore like Da Shop: Books + Curiosities and Skull-Face and support local.

• 6 Books to Champion Maui Authors and Stories
• 6 Reasons Why I Loved Chiburu, Lee A. Tonouchi’s New Book About the Hawai‘i-Okinawan Experience
• Mindy Eun Soo Pennybacker’s “Surfing Sisterhood Hawai‘i” Is a Literary Tidal Wave
• Megan Kamalei Kakimoto’s Debut Book Has the Literary World Buzzing
• Fashion Designer and Lei-Maker Meleana Estes Launches A New Book
• 5 Must-Read Local Books to Dive Into

 

Tags: Art & Culture Picks, Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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SEE ALSO: What You Need to Check Out at Hawai‘i State Libraries

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32. Be a Beekeeper

Hi Honey Farm in Waialua offers exciting and educational tours where you can dress up as a beekeeper, see bees hatch and taste locally made honey in more than 10 flavors.

• We Tried It: Hi Honey Farm Tour

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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33. Refresh Your Hale

If you like to revamp your home to match the seasons or even just your mood, explore some of our decor picks and favorite places to find the next piece that will bring everything together.

• 13 Must-Have Items From the New Apt by HomeWorld Furniture Store
• Language of the Birds Launches Beautiful Wallpaper and Fabrics
• Modern Design Fans Will Love These Hawai‘i-Made Rattan Lamps
• We’re Obsessed with Momi Vintage’s Checkerboard Cutting Board
• Cool Sustainable Finds at Kim and Jack Johnson’s Kōkua General Store

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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34. Sip a Cup of Joe at a Café

With café culture booming, there’s a cute spot with delicious cups waiting for you on every corner of the island.

• Near Kapa‘a Quarry, a Hidden Gem Café at Tradition Coffee Roasters
• Drip Studio Is a Coffee Nerd’s Retreat in Downtown Honolulu
• Talk Kaimukī Has Coffee Drinks by Day, Cocktails at Night
• ChadLou’s Coffee Tasting in Kailua Is Fun for a Nerd or Novice

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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35. Try Hydrofoiling

Called hydrofoiling, foil surfing, foil boarding or foiling, the eye-catching water sport is making waves in Hawai‘i, and decorated student-athlete Jack Ho has tips on how you can get started.

• Hydrofoiling With O‘ahu Waterman Jack Ho AKA @JackFromTown

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities

 

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36. Get the Freshest Seafood Hookup

Pier 38 Fish Market, next to Nami Kaze, sells local catches along with seafood so fresh that some lands in Honolulu the same day it’s sold. Snag ‘ahi, Maine lobster, Japanese hamachi, sweet amaebi, nakaochi and more.

• Pier 38 Fish Market Lures Us with Fresh-Off-the-Boat Seafood

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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37. Splurge on an Upscale Dining Experience

Once in a while, you deserve to treat yourself to a fancy meal. Whether you’re dining out for a special occasion or just because, check out our recommendations to get the most bang for your buck.

• Umi Is Vikram Garg’s Fine-Dining Tribute to the Ocean
• Obake Honolulu Brings Dry-Aged Sushi Hand Rolls to Chinatown
• Worth the Splurge: $32 Grill-Your-Own Lunch Sets at Han no Daidokoro
• Worth the Splurge: Restaurant Suntory’s $42 Seasonal Kaiseki Lunch

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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38. Ride Skyline

Honolulu’s rail system opened in June and takes passengers between Aloha Stadium and Kapolei. It’s worth checking out as a little field trip to see parts of O‘ahu you may not usually travel through.

• Everything You Need to Know About Skyline, Honolulu’s Rail System

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities

 

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39. Find a New Poke Spot

Poke is a local favorite, so it seems like we can’t get enough of it even when poke shops are popping up around the island like mushrooms. Everyone has a go-to, but you might just find another among the newcomers.

• Discover O‘ahu’s 8 Newest Poke Shops

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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40. Shop Green Decor

Bring nature into your home and brighten up your spaces with greenery. Bonus points for choosing native plants that preserve our island environment and are lower-maintenance than introduced species.

• Sneak Peek: Mari’s Gardens Expands Its Grow-Local Plant Business
• Style Scoop: These Are the Trendiest Houseplants in Honolulu
• Attention Plant Lovers: Here’s Where to Get Hip House Plants in Honolulu

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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41. Spend a Night in the Great Outdoors

O‘ahu has many popular campgrounds where you can escape the city and relax under the stars. But since reservations fill up quickly, it takes some effort to snag a spot. Check our guide for tips and tricks.

• Our Guide to Camping on O‘ahu

 

Tags: Date Ideas, Family-Friendly Activities, Outdoor Activities, Parents’ Night Out

 

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