Attractions

If you want to drop some bucks on entertainment, there are endless places to do so, and several I'd recommend. To help you plan, I've added a map at the bottom with the location of each attraction listed by number.

1. Polynesian Cultural Center

This place is kind of pricey, at a $85 price tag per person. However, it is an all-day activity, and includes a luau that evening. I believe it might regularly be a bit more (closer to $120?) but the kamaina (local) discount reigns supreme. This place is kind of like the Six Flags Over Texas of Hawaii. There are basically (I think it actually is six) different areas of the park, and they are for the different island groupings of the Pacific - Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, etc. Each area has demonstrations, activities, and food that is unique to their area. We did such things as hula dancing, spear throwing, and a bunch of other things I don’t know the proper name for. Midday there is a big floating parade on the river running through the park of each island's local dress and dances. Also, we went to an amazing fire dancing show in the evening after the luau. The luau itself was mildly bland, but then again, I'm not too excited about luaus. Once you have been to one, you're set. Although, after some research I figured out it's rated the best luau in the islands, and it's a great price too. The regular price tag for just a luau dinner is around $60. Anyway, it is a fun way to really get some culture of the islands.

http://www.polynesia.com/


2. Sea Life Park

This isn't a very big park, but at the same time it is very beautiful. If you have ever seen '50 First Dates' you've seen the place - it is where Adam Sandler works. The highlight is the dolphin show, and the small crowds that allow you to get up close to the animals. A fun way to spend a few hours, on a beautiful location. Admission is $29/adult. http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/


3. Botanical Gardens
I haven't actually been to these, but if local flora is your thing, I've read that the gardens are very beautiful. I think admission is actually free, as well.

4. Byodo Temple and Gardens

I'm afraid I have not been here yet, so I will let some other traveler's opinion tell you about it.

This beautiful Buddhist temple is a replica of the 900-year-old Byodo-In located in Uji, Japan. It is located in one of the most peaceful locations in O'ahu - the Valley of the Temples. The valley is situated against a back-drop of tall cliffs and is landscaped with traditional lush Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Inside the Byodo-In Temple is a nine-foot Lotus Buddha. Outside is a three-ton, brass Peace Bell.

The botanical gardens nearby are extensive and beautiful, accompanied by random strolling peacocks. If you would like to see all the flora of Hawai'i, this is a great place.

Admission is $2.

5. Honolulu Zoo

I also have not been here - sorry. I'm assuming there are animals. $6 admission.
http://www.honoluluzoo.org/

6. Dole Plantation

In all honesty, I was underwhelmed by my visit here. I basically went because it was on the way to the North Shore, and it is one of those touristy things you 'have to do'. While the ride in used to be very picturesque with the fields of pineapples stretching into the distance, now the actual farm has been closed, leaving bare fields to greet you. The plantation itself is actually just one big store where you can buy pineapple-related things and foods. We browsed quickly through the store, got some pineapple-flavored soft serve, and went out back to look at the examples of different kinds of pineapples in a small garden. I believe there is a train ride available, but we decided to skip it. Buy your pineapples elsewhere - there is a bit of a price hike at Dole.

Scuba

we haven't done any chartered boat dives yet - so I don't have a company to recommend to you. On average, it will cost around $90 per person to dive.

7. Pearl Harbor

I almost didn't list this attraction, as it seems underwhelming to me. I know, I am a bad American. You are of course welcome to visit, but keep in mind you will have to be at the memorial before it opens, unless you want to spend your whole day there, waiting in line. Literally. If there happens to be a cruise ship docked, you might as well bring your sleeping bag. Traffic is absolutely horrendous during the week, with rush hour starting around 5 am - 8am. If you want to make it there by 8, I would suggest leaving the house around 6:30.

8. Chinatown

if you ever find yourself wandering around downtown, Chinatown is always a fun place to go to soak up some culture. It is mainly food markets, but I enjoy wandering the area and looking at a whole new direction of commerce.

9. Waikiki Aquarium

This is located downtown by Waikiki, and it is a well put together exhibit. There are many displays, and you get a personal tour guide recorded thing at the front. They have a large indoor area for all the fish, and then a smaller outdoor area featuring monk seals and mollusks. Great chance to see lots of native varieties of fish without actually getting wet. It took us around 1 1-1/2 hours to get all the way through it. $7 admission.
http://www.waquarium.org/