Founded in 1865, this area was originally desolate and uninhabitable. Through tender loving care and tenacity the lovely town of Laie, also known as ‘The Gathering Place’, grew into a beautiful center of spirituality, education and ethnic harmony. The Polynesian Cultural Center first opened its doors in 1963 as a way for students at the adjacent Church College of Hawaii (now Brigham Young University Hawaii) to earn money for their education and as a means to preserve and portray the cultures, art and crafts of the people of Polynesia. Prior to this great event, the town of Laie hosted weekly hukilaus, a community fish fry meant to entertain, instruct and support the community. We’ve come a long way since 1963. The center has grown to become Hawaii’s number-one paid attraction, drawing nearly a million visitors a year.

Surrounded by lush Hawaiian flora on a gently rising hill that features cascading pools and a large fountain, the Laie Hawaii Temple graces the north shore of Oahu just a half mile from the Pacific Ocean. Travelers along Kamehameha Highway can't miss the striking Hale Laa Boulevard that leads the short distance from the highway to the temple. The exquisite boulevard features a tropical garden on one end and palm trees and decorative lights on the other. Sharing the temple grounds is a highly visited public visitors' center. Down the street is Church-owned Brigham Young University–Hawaii and Hawaii's number-one paid attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Enjoy a tranquil moment during your busy sightseeing schedule. Enjoy the lush gardens on the Laie Hawaii Temple grounds, then come inside the visitors' center to learn more about Jesus Christ and the purpose of temples. 

The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.

Come create the stories your family will always talk about


CLIMB Works Keana Farms is a 3-hour guided zipline tour that includes Oahu’s longest ziplines ranging from 500 feet to nearly half a mile long. Participants explore a working agricultural farm on 8 world-class dual lines, 2 rappels, 3 sky bridges, a fun ATV adventure to the ridgetop, and other unique surprises. Along the way you’ll learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture while taking in constant panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu’s famous North Shore.

Duration: 3-hour tour (water provided along the way)
Restrictions: Ages 7+, Max Weight: 270 lbs.
Level of Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Using the sun, moon, stars, ocean currents and birds as guides, Polynesian voyagers ventured the Pacific Ocean and arrived in Hawai‘i as early as 400 AD. The large double-hulled canoes carried many plants needed for survival along with pua‘a (pigs), ‘ilio (dogs) and moa (chickens) which were raised as a food source. Over the next several hundred years additional voyagers landed in Hawai‘i. As early as 1092 AD, Waimea was chosen on the island of O‘ahu to be awarded to the Kahuna Nui (High Priests) in perpetuity due to its lush valleys, abundant resources, free-flowing streams and geographic location. Throughout Hawai‘i, Kahuna Nui were considered experts in their field of study. Whether the Kahuna was an expert prophet, healer, or fisherman, the role they played was of great importance to both the chiefly and common classes of Hawaiians. Throughout history Waimea Valley has been home to many people of the Kahuna class, thus being recognized as, “The Valley of the Priests.”

Skydive at the World's Most Beautiful Dropzone

Flying above the clouds and falling through the Hawaiian skies at 120mph is an adventure you will always remember and treasure. Enjoy our regular 12,000’ guaranteed tandem exits or a 14,000’ exit.  

Tandem skydiving is unquestionably the safest way to experience skydiving for the first time. After a few minutes of instruction, you can experience exhilarating free-fall with an instructor and enjoy the breathtaking views as you gently descend to earth together.

What: Historic surf town that is the cultural hub of the North Shore
Where: North Shore roughly an hour from Waikiki

Your first stop along the North Shore will be charming Haleiwa, about a one-hour drive from Waikiki. More than the laid-back surf town it seems, Haleiwa is filled with local style and country ambiance, as well as cool surf shops and boutiques, charming art galleries and understated restaurants housed in plantation-era buildings.

Rich with island history, Haleiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up on shrimp or other delicacies at one of the town’s abundant food trucks before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. You’ll also find locals and visitors winding down with a shaved ice after a day in the sun or shopping at boutiques filled with unique gifts that will allow you to bring back a piece of Hawaii with you. Haleiwa is a far cry from the excitement of Waikiki, and that’s exactly how the people of the North Shore like it.