Finally checked Diamond Head off my Hawaii bucket list! The hike was fun, the views were…read moreincredible, and seeing Waikiki from the top was unforgettable. Definitely worth the reservation and the climb. Please check out my video here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8sKPx1H/

I definitely recommend this hike. If you're looking to do something with your family, this hike is…read morenot too steep. Very doable for all ages. But also not recommended if you have a health condition, with restrictions. Before you arrive, you need to make a reservation on their website. It's more convenient because you can pay for the parking on there as well. When you receive your email confirmation, it will give you a once use QR code. You will get this scanned in the entrance and it will cover you for parking. NOTE: when making reservations, you will select times slots. Morning slots do fill up first, so put that into consideration if you were planning to do this hike. Right across from the visitor center they have the restrooms. These restrooms are the cleanest restrooms I've ever seen. They even have changing stations for mom's with babies. Sinks also have soap and water. The outside of the bathrooms, they have water fountains, and water dispensers for you to fill up your water bottles. Me and my sister did this hike and the time slot we got was for noon. The sun is out! I suggest you carry your sunblock with you while on the hike because you will need to reapply as you keep moving upwards. The sun is out and you will feel it. This hike is also nice because it has designated resting spots with benches in case you need to pull over get a drink and catch your breath. Somewhere towards the top, you will reach a huge flight of stairs. That's very steep, if you like a challenge, the stairs will lead you closer to the top. But if you take the left path, that's a pathway with rails. That is completely doable, for the slower hikers, like myself. And on the bright side, the left side path does come with a view. When you are all done with your hike, they have some very cute souvenirs at the visit center. Very cute hello Kitty merchandise as well, if you are a fan. ALSO!! GET A SWEET TREAT! on the far right next to the visitor center there are two food trucks parked that sell shaved ice, and Dole whips!! I had a great experience! I'm so happy I get across this hike off of my list.

Quick and friendly service. We decided to stop by the cafe to grab a bite. Plenty of tables for…read moredine in. We got the family meal pack ($19.41) and 2 fountain drinks ($0.41 each) for under $22 if you are a member of the museum. What a deal!

On Ford island and on an active military base. Which means 1. you cannot drive onto the base unless…read moreyou have a valid ID card. Buses are provided for free to each museum and visitor center. 2. You cannot bring a handbag unless it is clear see through or the size of a checkbook. You need to check it into a "locker" for $7.33. I understand that active military base, but not publishing on the website regarding the bag restrictions and then forcing people to pay it just not right. But oh well. Plan accordingly because while the buses run every 15 minutes, you need to wait. The museum is $30 entry fee but keep in mind 3/4 of the museum is currently closed for renovation. For $30 it is a bit pricey but because of the buses and the amount of employees, i understand the high price tag. 2 stars. The deep history and the significance of this place and the men and women that gave their lives makes this a 5 star must see to show your respect. Museum: very small but well done with restored planes recovered from the war. There was a Blue Angels pilot shared his experience. I was able to catch the last 5 minutes. The employees are very knowledgeable and willing to share stories. I read everything and was done in roughly 45 minutes. The museum is very small - 4 stars. Here is my recommendation: Come the visitor center it is free. Check that out and read everything. See the Submarine from the outside because it is free. Then jump on the bus because it is free. While you are driving to the warship, you pass the Arizona Memorial. Snap a photo and show your respect. Get off at the warship. Walk around the warship it is free. Then jump back on the bus and go to the Aviation museum. Again free. Walk around the outside and see the airplanes it is free. There is a gigantic helicopter it is free. Go to the back and look in the backside to get perspective. Then just back on the bus and go back to the visitor center it is free. If anyone says anything to you, go to the cafe/restaurant across from the Aviation Museum.

If you've never been you must go. It's the most quiet,…read morepeaceful and solemn place I've ever been to. Prior to being ferried out to the site, you gather in an auditorium of sorts to view a film of never-before-seen footage of the events of this day. You'll leave crying your eyes out, or...depending on age, quiet with your thoughts. And that's before being ferried to the memorial. A very emotional experience that will stay with you.

Must visit when you're on Oahu to learn a little more about history…read more We purchased our tickets online. Doing it in advance is highly recommended to secure spots on your preferred date. Our tour guide, Julia, was excellent with information. Hot day so dress appropriately. No bags allowed- you may bring a small clear bag.

The tour guide, Drew, was very knowledgeable. The tour allowed time for us to see each of the…read moreanimals and learn something special about them without feeling rushed. The check-in process was fast and organized.

The Twilight Tour at the Honolulu Zoo was a fun and educational experience. This event starts after…read morethe zoo closes to the general admission public, at a very reasonable cost. You are taken on a two-hour walking tour through the zoo, where they have giraffes, elephants, penguins and other more rare animals. Our guides were very nice and knowledgeable, and they took time to answer questions and share facts about each animal we saw. A highly recommended family-friendly activity for locals and island visitors!

As a local resident and pass holder I will provide the ups and downs from my personal experiences…read moreincluding those with disabilities. Negative: 1) A few months ago we got to the ticket booth, we're annual pass holders and always purchased together but the cashier said one pass expired the day prior, I asked "how's that possible?" she said, "leave, go buy a pass because you're not getting in" instead of being polite and looking into it (purchase in the gift shop). Some of us were going to go in because the kid so then she asks for my 4 yr olds ID, I said "excuse me, a 4 yr olds?" We said "never mind" and we left without buying renewals. I didn't get her name but had never seen her before as we knew everyone, She was low tone and big and the only personnel without a smile on their face. *Please keep in mind this is the only negative instance out of the years and hundreds of visits. 2) The waterfall can be overcrowded, so your photos will have lots of people in life vests in them. 3) A lot of tourist have no idea when it comes to parking. A man knocked on my window and said he's tired of waiting on me. So they need a parking attendant directing within the lots. 4) Main front restrooms need updating. Positive: 1) I'm an annual holder because this is where I work out. A walk, a skip, small hikes, and a swim, stopping halfway sitting in the grass under a tree surrounded by nature on ancient land with a cold drink in my hand before another round or two. it's an amazing experience and I learn something new each time. 2) Everyone who works here (other than up top) truly wants to be there and are incredibly smart. Disabilities: 1) My son is neurodivergent and the moment we arrive these precious people greet him, hug him, high five, and tell him how amazing he is, they even help when he's having a meltdown. His speech is delayed, he's overwhelmed, but want him to have a safe and open area to run outside, he seems free and notices everything from the sky to the smallest ant. It's also a perfect place to sneak in exercise for him too. 2) I am a parent with controlled epilepsy, it's scary whether I'm with my son or when I come alone because there's always a chance I could have a seizure, but this allows me that outdoor Hawaii experience knowing plenty of people and personnel are there so this is another reason why I choose to visit so often. *There are many accessible options for those who have disabilities. One of the biggest complaints are the price and too many tourist, I see that. But a place that has so many working, volunteering, able to keep the land clean, care for families who need the extra help seeing something beautiful without traveling a long distance as other gardens and waterfalls may not be as accessible, or having the safety of others around. We have to pay for that care.

My first botanical garden experience, and it was awesome because there was an easy hike to the…read morewaterfall and you can swim in it as well. It does get crowded, and photos by the waterfall can be a bit difficult, but loved how there were changing rooms, shops, and such in between. A life vest is mandatory to get in, and those are free to use. I got through the entrance as part of a tour group and walked up the path to the waterfall. Swam in there and floated around for a bit, got out, returned the life vest, and explored the gardens. It's divided up into various categories and we saw some birds, lizards, and other critters in addition to various plants. Pretty! Plenty of photo ops throughout. There's a food area here as well. I tried some coffee and some local plates. All pretty good.

I miss hawaii! It was so beautiful and I cannot Wait to go…read moreback next year. this section of who I was the most vibrant and fruitful in trees and vegetations I love the facts sheets that they had all around the island and the amount of people from different sections of the world visiting this location was awesome! Also meeting new people and sharing all the knowledge that we've learned there with each other was a wonderful experience. This is a must stop for everyone who has not visited here! I cannot wait till may of 2023 to come back! Aloha!!!!

I went on a birdwatching tour with one of the guides, Nate. He was soooo knowledgeable not only…read moreabout the birds of Hawaii, most of which we saw were not native (because so many native species are extinct), but also about the history of Hawaii, including natural history and the Hawaiian people history. I kept being amazed at how much he knew. He was also great company and very prepared with coffee, water, and so many kinds of snacks. Even bug spray! I had such an incredible time, and I'm glad I did this tour on the beginning of my trip because he gave me suggestions of other places I should visit based on my interests. Thank you so much.

A small public park with a boat launch. Boat launch is relatively new but deteriorating quickly…read more Good parking area

Not sure yet. I've used all trails and Strava and they show different routes. You pass several…read moreresidence on way to trail head so be respectful. The trail I've only gone part way. So still exploring. It would be helpful with someone that knows the trail. But I'll give it an other try. Looks like a not so hidden gem. I've seen a few people here but not many.

If you don't stop by the dole plantation when in Honolulu, I don't know what you're doing. We came…read morehere for the infamous dole whip! There are other activities such as the pineapple express, pineapple maze, etc. We stopped by the gift shop and it was a lot bigger than I expected. We spent a good amount of time trying to figure out what to get for souvenirs. There was a line for dole whip. We ordered the dole whip with pineapple chunks & chocolate dipped dole whip. It was sweet and not too sour. The pineapple chunks were very refreshing. The dole whip was very smoooth.

The Dole Farm was nice, and the Dole Whip was hands down the best I've ever had. I tried it…read moreelsewhere in Hawaii, but it just wasn't the same. At the farm, they added chunks of pineapple, which made it extra delicious! However, the souvenir shop was very overpriced. I'm still mad that I paid $42 for a bag of pineapple cashews! As much as I enjoyed the Dole Whip, this was a one-and-done visit for me. I don't think I would return.