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Things to do
Oahu

1.

Go Surfing at Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach

Before we started renting and trying the waves for ourselves we took lessons from Moku Hawaii Surf Shop in Waikiki. It was about $100 for an hour, but they teach you how to stand, push you into a couple waves and I think it was the perfect short intro to then learn on our own after that. Make sure you understand the local rules on riding in and out of the waves. This spot can be crowded, but it's an easy paddle out to the break. 

2.

Waimea Botanical Garden

Waimea | Garden and waterfall

This was a super cool change of scenery and events right in the middle of what felt like a secret garden. An easy stroll with plants and trees to uncover along the way out to the waterfall at the end of the trail. The water under the falls was totally freezing, but well worth the experience to swim around and enjoy the water. 

3.

Paddle Board Magic Lagoon & Waikiki

waikiki | paddleboard

The Magic Lagoon was the perfect chill spot to try out paddle boarding. You don't have to worry about getting past any crashing waves to get started. The closest rental spot we found was at Quality Surfboards Hawaii on Ala Moana Blvd. It's a bit of a walk to the water, but they have a great little storage space available to keep your board in overnight if you rent it for a couple of days. We also rented a few boards from a small rental spot outside of the hotels on Waikiki Beach. It was definitely an added adventure to paddle out into the ocean and fight the tide to not drift away too far, but it was blast to look back at the island and see the city!

4.

Dole Plantation Garden Tour

Wahiawa | native plants

The Dole Plantation Garden Tour was a cute and fascinating addition to the Dole gift store and food hall. It was an $8 ticket for adults, but I think it was worth the walk and exploration to see a variety of banana trees, flowers, and amazing blooming trees depending on the season you go! Oh, and look out for all the toads in the pond!