Top Nature Spots in Honolulu

I suggest getting there around 7 AM to avoid the crowds. The hike is much more enjoyable when it's not packed! Plus, you'll beat the heat. I wish I had done this instead of going later in the day

If you spot any locals with surfboards, don’t be shy! My advice is to ask them for tips or suggestions; they might know some hidden spots that aren’t in the guidebooks.

I suggest checking the tides before you go. When I visited, the beach was almost underwater during high tide, so plan those beach activities accordingly.

I think shoes are a must if you wanna explore the area. The sand gets super hot mid-day, and trust me, you don’t want to be hopping around like a hot potato.

Get there by 8:00 AM if you want a good spot! It's a lot less crowded early, and you’ll have the best views plus the morning sun without burning your skin.

Wear good hiking shoes; the trail can be rocky and steep. I saw a few people struggling in flip-flops, and it just didn’t look fun.

Get there early, like around 6:30 AM, to avoid the crowds and snag a parking spot. Trust me, it gets packed fast!

If you have a few extra bucks, consider taking an Uber instead of parking. The parking fee adds up, and it can be hard to find a spot.

try to visit on a weekday if you can. the weekends are super busy, and you’ll be stuck in lines longer than you want.

For the best photos swing by during sunset around 6:30 PM. The sky turns beautiful colors and the beach isn’t as crowded then—perfect for capturing some sweet memories!

grab a beach chair and umbrella from the rental spots nearby—they're affordable and make your beach day way more comfortable. i didn't do this the first time and regretted baking in the sun!

If you're looking to eat, check out local food trucks around the beach. I found some great poke bowls that were way cheaper than the restaurants nearby and super tasty!

Grab some beach gear from the ABC Store – they have everything from snacks to sunscreen at decent prices... You'll save time looking for stuff later!

I suggest visiting on a weekday if you can. It’s way less crowded, and you can snag a good spot on the beach without battling the weekend crowds.

If you want to catch a great sunset, head to the beach by 5:30 PM. Bring a picnic; it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring!

I think renting a bicycle to explore the park is a great idea. You can cover more ground and discover the hidden gems without spending too much time walking around.

If you're into fitness, bring your running shoes! The park has a beautiful walk/run path that’s great for exercise while enjoying the views.

My advice is to grab a spot for sunset at least an hour before. It gets super packed, and the views are absolutely stunning, so plan to get there early!

I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks. The food options in the area can be pricey, and there's plenty of space to picnic in the park.

If you’re planning to eat out, try hitting up local food trucks instead of sit-down restaurants. You can feast on amazing poke bowls and loco moco without breaking the bank. I loved my meal from a truck and saved a ton!

My advice is to grab a map when you enter. I thought I could wing it, but I ended up missing a few cool exhibits and had to backtrack. Save time with a quick glance!

Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. The zoo's food options are okay, but pricey! I packed a small cooler, and it saved me a ton of cash.

If you can, look for discount tickets online or on combo tours. I saved a few bucks that way, and it made my wallet a little happier!

Check out the sunsets from the beach area! I was blown away by the views, and it’s a perfect way to end your day at the park.

Pack a picnic! The park has beautiful spots to relax, and you can save cash by grabbing some snacks from local food markets instead of dining out.

Bring some water and sunscreen, especially if you're planning to hike. It can get pretty hot, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared!

Don't forget your bug spray! I got eaten alive by mosquitos while trying to enjoy the lush areas. A few spritzes would have made my visit a lot more pleasant.

I really suggest getting there at least an hour before they close. The light is amazing for photos, plus you can enjoy a quiet walk through the gardens. I wish I had more time to explore!

Parking is free but fills up fast, especially on weekends. If you're visiting on a Saturday, try to arrive by 9 AM to snag a spot.