You’ve probably been looking at photos of Hawaii for months, getting more and more excited for your upcoming trip, and mentally preparing yourself for the natural beauty that surrounds you. While pictures surely show you what to expect, nothing can fully prepare you for the breathtaking sights and scenery that you’ll experience once you arrive. The only question is, how can you find the picturesque views that you’ve been staring at? Here’s our guide to getting an up close look at Hawaii’s best sites, all included on our top-rated Hawaii tours and activities.
Pali Lookout – Windward Oahu
Located in the Ko’Olau Mountain Range, the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout offers panoramic views of Windward Oahu, stretching from Kaneohe Bay to Waimanalo Beach, with many offshore islands in clear site. If the history of the lookout wasn’t enough to get your attention, the views will surely get you there. Included on our Circle Island and North Shore Tours, the Pali Lookout just might be your favorite view…
Makapu’u Lookout
…Then again, it might just be Makapu’u Lookout on Oahu’s South Shore. With alternate views of Windward Oahu, the traditionally drier and sunnier part of the island highlights the diversity of Oahu’s ecology, and shows off Rabbit Island from a much closer view. The terrain around the South Shore is much rockier than most other parts of the island, and the views of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean offers opportunity for photos that many visitors miss out on.
Diamond Head Lookout
From pretty much any site on Oahu’s western shore, the iconic Diamond Head Crater can be seen, and there may not be a more recognized site in all of Hawaii. During your trip the number of times you will see Diamond Head is countless. But what if you were actually on top of the crater, looking down on Waikiki Beach? The vantage point from the high above gives a whole new perception of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the vast mountain ranges of Oahu. Not only that, turning in the opposite direction gives an unmatched view of Oahu’s southern shore, including Sandy Beach and the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean. Our Diamond Head Hike is perfect for anyone, so bring the kids!
Waikiki Beach
If there is a better option for seeing the coastline of Oahu and enjoying a great meal, we’d love to know the secret. One of the more popular evening activities on the island, our top-rated dinner cruise departs from Honolulu Harbor and ventures south towards Diamond Head, offering fantastic views that many do not get to see. Be sure to keep your camera close by for alternate angles of Diamond Head, and the common sighting of sea turtles and marine life. In the winter months, you may even spot a breeching Humpback Whale.
Aerial Views of Oahu
Up, up and away for a scenic Helicopter Tour around the island, with views that can only be seen from the air. Need we say more? The island takes on a whole new personality when you’re high above, covering everything from the coastline to the rugged terrain of the Ko’olau Mountain Range, and sneaking a peak at hidden waterfalls that are inaccessible by foot. Many guests are left speechless by the aerial views, and we can’t blame them. You’ll gain a whole new respect for the beauty of the island, and those pictures you’ve been staring at will be replaced by your memories.
With so much to see, you may need to stay a few extra days!
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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