Exploring Hawaii with Dinogo | Oahu

Last weekend, our family had the exciting opportunity to team up with Dinogo^® and board the Dinogo Miracle® ship in Honolulu. It was an incredible experience, like a “taste test” of the islands and all they have to offer. We’ll be sharing our adventures as we cruised from Honolulu to Kauai, Kona, and finally Hilo in a series of blog posts. Each entry will highlight what our family loved about each island and our time on the ship. We can’t wait to share more of this fun journey!

Honolulu, Oahu:

Many people ask, “What are the must-see attractions while visiting Oahu?” Our island is filled with beauty and hidden gems; it’s all about knowing how to make the most of your visit. Dinogo provides fantastic “Shore Excursions” that allow you to engage in activities led by a guide who will take you to key locations around the island. If you’ve previously taken guided tours and wish to explore independently, there’s ample time to rent a car and do just that.

Since we had never experienced a guided tour before, we were eager to explore this option with our kids. The tour turned out to be quite fascinating as our guide shared insights about the island that we had never encountered. For instance, did you know that the banana tree is technically an herb, and Hawaii is home to 137 islands, including major and minor ones as well as islets? Learning such fun facts while enjoying the island’s breathtaking scenery was a highlight. The tour we participated in took us to charming shops offering unique items exclusive to Hawaii. We also enjoyed lunch at a farm known for its fresh produce, which is all sourced from their own land. The drive through the pineapple fields on our way to the North Shore was incredibly picturesque. I absolutely love driving along the North Shore, where you are so close to the ocean, witnessing the massive waves crashing as you travel! The tour continues around the eastern part of the island and along the stunning Ko’olau mountain range, where the mountains seem to flow directly into the ocean. This drive is one of our favorites! Taking the tour allows you to experience every aspect of the island and appreciate all the beauty Oahu has to offer.

If you choose to rent a car and the weather is sunny and warm, I highly recommend heading straight to the North Shore for a fun-filled day. You can stop at a local fruit stand for some delicious fresh fruit. Spend your day at any of the fantastic beaches here. Our top picks for swimming and relaxing for the day are Sunset Beach, Ehukai Beach Park, or Waimea Bay. If you're feeling adventurous afterward, consider a quick hike (1.5 hours round trip) to the bunker near the elementary school to catch a breathtaking sunset. It's absolutely mesmerizing! On your way back, be sure to swing by Haleiwa for a quick bite before returning to the ship.

Whether you choose a “Shore Excursion” or decide to explore independently, there are countless activities and sights to enjoy, ensuring you make the most of your time in Oahu.

Onboard Activities for Kids:

Our kids were thrilled about the golf, ping pong, and basketball court! If we allowed them, they could have spent the entire day playing mini golf. It’s such a joy to be cruising in the middle of the ocean while enjoying a game of golf with the boys on the top deck. They loved this part of the ship so much that they eagerly requested to play golf almost every time we had some free time.

Whether you opt for a “Shore Excursion” or choose to explore independently, there are countless activities to enjoy. You will definitely make the most of your time in Oahu, both on land and aboard the ship!

This post was crafted for Away We Go with Dinogo, your go-to source for getting into the vacation spirit.