Known for its one hundred percent fresh juices, organic ingredients, fresh non-fat yogurts, and locally grown fruits, the local juice company Lanikai Juice has been blending smoothies and making delicious island creations for years.  Located on some of the most traveled Kailua real estate, Lanikai Juice has become an instant phenomenon because of the burst of flavors and wondrous combinations that have become staples of many local people’s diets.

The Acai berry has gained popularity in Hawaii and the United States as a powerful dietary supplement that increases energy levels, improves digestion, assists in detoxification, and betters sleep, among a slew of other benefits.  The local company Jewel or Juice has used the berry to start a successful business.  Jewel or Juice, like Lanikai Juice, uses a number of local flavors and local produce to blend together some of the best dishes.  The acai bowls and smoothies are the most popular and include a number of ingredients, including fresh bananas, organic honey, granola, and other fruit toppings.  Located in Kaimuki, the store allows customers to sit down and enjoy a refreshing treat, especially on hot Hawaiian days.  Besides the delicious food it creates, the store also features a lot of handmade jewelry.

Sea Life Park is a marine life park located on the southeastern shores of Oahu. As it was portrayed in movies, this place is chock-full of marine life ranging from dolphins to turtles and sea lions. This is definitely a fun place to be for anyone who likes learning about the sea.

While at the park there are tons of shows and activities to see, in fact, one of the first things you see is a giant aquarium filled with tropical fish and manta rays. There are a ton of shows held on Sea Life Park’s grounds. These shows include the Dolphin Cove Show, where dolphins gracefully execute tricks in a large outdoor pool. Another show is the Hawaiian Ocean Show, where sea lions, dolphins and penguins come together to dazzle you with their many performance tricks. While you’re here, you can also learn about the various sea creatures that call this place home as well as the efforts to conserve these spectacular creatures.

Since you’re enjoying the waves, it’s a great idea to learn about creatures you share it with. Sea Life Park is a great way to supplement your Hawaiian vacation experience.

The Honolulu Zoo is situated between Waikiki and Diamond Head. This wonderful zoo at the middle of the Pacific is home to a large amount of wild animals. If you like animals and want to see a great collection of them happy and healthy, you should definitely visit.

General admission to the zoo is $12, and admission for children 12 and under is $3. It is possible to organize group tours while visiting the zoo and it is wheelchair accessible so that all visitors may enjoy the grounds. Food is available on the grounds, but you can also bring outside food and beverages while exploring the zoo. Just keep in mind that you should be mindful of where you dispose your trash, as it can be very harmful if consumed by an animal.

There are three main exhibits, which are the African Savanna, the Tropical Forest and the Pacific Islands. There is also a Children’s Zoo located here. There is also a section dedicated specifically to birds and reptiles. You’ll see all kinds of animals here, from lions to tigers and elephants.

The Honolulu Zoo is a great place to visit to pass the time and get a taste of animal wildlife while on your tropical island vacation.

Nestled on the northern side of the Koolau Mountains is Byodo-In Temple, a replica of the 900 year old eponymous temple originally found in Japan. This is located in the Valley of the Temple, a serene and tranquil spot that you might want to visit for a change of pace on your vacation.

Surrounding the temple are large koi ponds that you can feed by purchasing fish food. Around the koi ponds are Japanese gardens that reflect the epitome of tranquility and peace in this area. You can also enter the temple and look at the Lotus Buddha housed in it. You can light incense as an offering to the Buddha within the temple. Just don’t forget to take off your shoes as customary. Also housed on the temple grounds is a 3 ton brass bell, called the Peace Bell, which is said to have a calm and harmonious tone to it. Behind the temple is a meditation house, perfect for getting away from the busy world.

Byodo-In Temple is a must-see for people who want to see the Asian influences within the Hawaiian Islands. Not only is it beautiful but a great place to relax while you’re not on the beach.

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is a reminder of the pineapple industry that was once prevalent on Oahu. At this plantation, you will find the largest outdoor maze, spanning over 2 acres in size.

At one point in time, this was the location of the largest pineapple producing plantation in the world. Now, it is a learning center about the pineapple industry and how it was run. While here, you can visit the Plantation Garden and look at the various Hawaiian crops that have been propagated over the years. This tour is self guided, but you can explore any of the eight gardens. To visit this, the fare for adults is $4, while for children it is $3.25.

Another point of interest at the Dole Pineapple Plantation is the Pineapple Express. It is a train ride that spans two miles and gives you information about the founding of the Dole Plantation. To go on this 20 minute ride, adults are $7.75 and $5.75. As mentioned before, this plantation is the largest maze in the world. This labyrinth like maze currently holds the record, and you can explore it while visiting this place.

You will be missing out on a lot of fun by not visiting Dole Pineapple Plantation. There are tons of things to do here that are both fun and educational.

The USS Missouri played an important part in the world’s history, as it is the ship that the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed, signaling the end of World War II. Since then the ship, fondly called the “Might Mo” has played a part in much of the nation’s history. This great boat now rests as a museum ship at Pearl Harbor.

This majestic ship has been restored so that visitors may experience it in its full glory. An interesting fact about this ship is that it was the last battleship sent out, and the final to be decommissioned. There are tours offered that take you through this great ship, or you can explore it on your own. Admission here is $16 for adults and $8 for children. Keep in mind that while visiting this place, bags are not allowed. You are only permitted to bring what can fit into your pockets, such as a small camera. If you don’t want to leave your items in your car, there is a $3 fee for baggage storage.

The USS Missouri should be visited as it is an important part of the United States’ maritime history. It was also the most powerful ship in the US navy, and you should check it out.

Pearl Harbor is perhaps one of the most important historical sites on the islands. This place is a reminder of the bombing that occurred on December 7, 1941, which also marked a pivotal point within the United States’ history. Now, Pearl Harbor stands as a National Historic Landmark that millions of people visit a year.

While on vacation, visiting Pearl Harbor is a must. While here, you can learn about the history of this location. The exhibits within the visitors’ center show pictures of the era and displays items that relate to the time.

From Pearl Harbor you can also access the USS Arizona Memorial. To visit it, you must take a ferry trip across the harbor, available from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Memorial Center. This memorial is built over the sunken ship, in which hundreds of people lost their lives. Within the memorial is a wall with all the names of the fallen soldiers, and a section that allows visitors to see the top of the sunken ship

Pearl Harbor is a must-see while on vacation on Oahu. Here, you can learn about Pearl Harbor and its impact on the growth of its nation.

Hidden on Oahu’s southeastern coast is Hanauma Bay. This secluded beach area is not only known for its beautiful blue waters and wonderful sand, but some of the Hawaiian Islands’ best snorkeling. Those who enjoy spending time in the ocean should definitely check out this aquatic playground.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the state’s first Marine Life Conservation Districts. Because of this, tourists are encouraged to respect all the wildlife here and be mindful of their surroundings while spending a day here. As such, visitors must because not to disturb any of the coral reefs and be aware of not hitting any while exploring the ocean. Take care to not walk on the reef.

While here, be sure to bring some snorkeling gear, or you’ll miss out on a great treat. With the gear, you will be able to see tons of colorful fish and possibly even a sea turtle or two. There is also an abundance of parrotfish in this area.

There is plenty to see underwater at Hanauma Bay, so grab a pair of flippers and a snorkel mask to explore this place on your next vacation.

Diamond Head a cone shaped formation located on the dormant volcano that formed Oahu. It overlooks Waikiki Beach on the southern shores of the island, and is one of the first things that come to mind when people think about the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, this volcanic formation is a designated United States State Monument.

One of the things that Diamond Head is known for is its hiking trail. This hiking trail can last between one to two hours. While on this trail, you should wear comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and flashlights. While you will most likely be hiking during the day, you will need them as you travel through a tunnel that goes through Diamond Head.

The hike is of moderate difficulty as some sections of the hike require you to walk over unpaved paths. You will also have to climb a few flights of stairs. While here, you will also walk through a coastal artillery observation platform before reaching the peak. Once you’ve reached the peak, you will have a complete panoramic view of Oahu’s southern shore, which includes views of Waikiki all the way to Koko Head in the east.

Diamond Head is a great place for people to visit, regardless of if they like physical activity or not. The view at the top is worth the hike, and you won’t regret it once you’re there.

Located near Oahu’s North Shore is the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. This is definitely the place to go for those interested in learning about the cultures that are scattered across the Pacific. The Polynesian Cultural Center is definitely the place to go if you want to learn while on your vacation.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is set up in a very unique way. In order to get around this center, you need to jump on one of the many canoes that ferry you around the center. While on the canoe, you can get off on any one of the Polynesian villages scattered around the center. There are six villages for you to choose from, these villages are Aotearoa (New Zealand), Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. By visiting each of these villages, you can learn about the lifestyles and traditions of each.

Once you’re done learning about the villages, you can stay for the luau held at night in the Polynesian Cultural Center. This is a night filled with tons of fun and food. You will see dancers, ranging from hula to Tahitian and even fire dancing while enjoying food native to the villages.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to visit while on vacation on Oahu. You’ll get the full island experience by visiting this fantastic center.