Elysium posted:

Well, Waikiki is Waikiki, for better or worse. You're near a bunch of shops and restaurants, but it's not unlike most cities, crowded, traffic, expensive, etc. Most of the things I would recommend involve getting a car and driving away from there... but having a car in Waikiki means traffic and parking for $40 a night so. But you are close to Diamond Head/Pearl Harbor (kind of, it's by the airport)/Haunuma Bay/Zoo Aquarium. I would take an Uber and get breakfast or brunch at Koko Head Cafe one day and a dinner at Opal Thai (loved his Haleiwa location, never been since he moved to Honolulu). I would skip Hanauma bay unless you go on an off day and EARLY. Makapu'u lighthouse trail is an easy (but all uphill) paved walk to some great views, and if you hike down the rocks (can be quite a scramble) there are cool tidepools about halfway off the trail. Do not bother taking a trip to Dole, even if it's on your way to the North Shore, or at MOST grab a Whip and get out. If you're doing Diamond Head, go for Sunrise or Sunset. I mean sure the view is still great at noon, but if you're gonna do it go for the spectacle.

I don't think of Honolulu at all when I think of stuff to do in Oahu really. There's hikes and waterfalls all over. You could check out Kailua farmers market, Lanikai beach, kayak to Moku Nui, the Botanical Gardens, Haneohe Sandbar, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay (jump off the big rock if the water is right!), Haleiwa, Shrimp trucks. So much do to away from Waikiki.