1. Go camping at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden should definitely be on your Kaneohe itinerary as it is one of the most sought-after destinations on any Hawaiian holiday. Not only is it popular for its gorgeous array of colorful flowers and plants and miles of hiking trails but also large campsites that have a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for a family camp and is a great way to get in touch with nature. Set up your tent on the lush landscape, ready to spend the night under the stars, and amongst unruffled sounds of nature. Start your morning with wonderful notes of chirping birds and spend the day relaxing by the lake as you feed the ducks or tour the garden and enjoy nature at its finest. Restrooms and picnic tables are available too.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Website: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: free

2. Hike through a beautiful and lush trail in Friendship Garden

Located along Kaneohe Bay’s southwestern shore, Friendship Garden is a breathtaking garden with a phenomenal hiking trail perfect for an outdoor excursion. The trail is pretty short and easy to hike. You’ll enjoy exploring this trail covered with various species of beautiful trees, wildflowers, and plants, and small placards inform you about the type of flora found here. Along the trail, you’ll come across several lookout points from where you can catch spectacular panoramic views of Lanikai, the Marine Corps Base, and the stunning Kaneohe Bay. You’ll also find a hut where you can relax and have a small picnic or just sit and enjoy the beautiful nature. Once at the top, you can take pictures with a backdrop of the beautiful bay and enjoy the amazing views.

Friendship Garden

Address: 45-219 Kokokahi Pl, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Website: Friendship Garden

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

3. Have a fun-filled family day out in He'eia State Park

Adjacent to the Fish Pond in Kaneohe Bay, He'eia State Park is perfect for family outings. Organize a picnic with your loved ones and enjoy lunch while taking in the cool breeze and spectacular views of the bay and the Ko’olau mountain range. Stroll around the park and discover its natural beauty. The park has picnic tables, restrooms and water fountains for the best outdoor experience.

He'eia State Park

Address: 46-465 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Website: He'eia State Park

Opening hours: 7am - sunset (daily)

4. Tour the exceptional Ko'olau Distillery

Situated at the base of the majestic Ko'olau Mountains, the Ko'olau Distillery is the only whiskey distillery in Hawaii. Take a guided tour of this distillery to learn how they produce exceptionally smooth whiskey using Hawaii’s superior quality water. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable whiskey aficionado, you’ll get to understand each step in making an artisan craft whiskey including mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging, and bottling. After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a whiskey and take home a Ko'olau Distillery souvenir.

Ko'olau Distillery

Address: 905 Kalanianaʻole Hwy Unit 5014, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Website: Ko'olau Distillery

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 2pm; Sat: 4pm - 5pm (closed on Sun, Mon & Tue)

Price: free

5. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Likeke Falls

Located only a short hike up a jungle trail, Likeke Falls is a gorgeous hidden two-tiered waterfall that pours down about 20 feet (6 meters). The cascade is fed by the heavy rainfall received in the area. To get to this hidden gem, you’ll have to hike through an old cobblestone trail surrounded with beautiful vegetation such as wild torch ginger, ferns, orchids, and, giant banyan trees. Also, be on the lookout for native Hawaiian songbirds. After a few minutes, you’ll be surprised to see that the trail opens up to a stream bed that goes up to the waterfall. Enjoy a relaxing and peaceful moment at the waterfall taking in all its beauty, dip your toes or splash around while taking some photos.

Likeke Falls

Address: O‘ahu, Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

6. Climb up Stairway to Heaven

Probably one of the popular ‘forbidden’ trails in the region, Stairway to Heaven, also known as Haiku Stairs, is a gorgeous trail that is climbed by many people to catch fantastic panoramic views. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or an avid hiker, a visit to this part of Kaneohe is a must. Here, you’ll have the chance to climb up nearly 4000 steps, which can take two to five hours. Upon reaching the top, you’ll realize why the stunning view is truly worth the climb. Take some amazing photos or just enjoy the sweeping views.

Stairway to Heaven

Address: John A. Burns Fwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

7. Take in panoramic views from Puu Maelieli Trail

Puu Maelieli Trail is a hidden trail along the busy Kahekili Highway in the Kaneohe region. The beauty of this trail is that it’s a lesser-known one, making it less crowded than other popular trails in the area. It offers you a chance to spend a few hours away from the city’s hustle and bustle and hike in the beauty of nature. While the trail has some steep parts and can get muddy or slippery during the rains, you’ll appreciate the stunning panoramic views of the bay and Koolau range upon reaching the top.

Puu Maelieli Trail

Address: 279 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Price: free

8. Soak up spectacular bay and mountain views from Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

Located only a short distance away from Honolulu downtown, Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout is one of the best lookout spots in Kaneohe, which makes it a must-visit destination for visitors. The lookout is just a short, easy hike from the base and upon reaching the top, you’ll have perfect views of the beautiful valley. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Kailua town, Kaneohe Bay and the stunning Ko'olau Mountains. The windward side has some of the finest views for taking a couple of incredibly beautiful pictures.

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

Address: Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Opening hours: 4am - 6pm (daily)

9. Seek spiritual renewal at Byodo-In Temple

Offering peace and serenity in the heart of the Valley of the Temples is the awe-inspiring Byodo-In Temple. People of all faiths, ages, beliefs and backgrounds visit it. Spend some time away from the busy city life and renew yourself spiritually at the Byodo-In Temple. At the entrance, donate to the temple and ring a bronze bell to clear the mind of temptations and evil. Upon entering, light a candle or incense in front of the Buddha. Marvel at the massive gold-lacquered Buddha sculpture that is said to be the largest one outside Japan. The temple’s lush landscape and gardens offer a nice place to relax and watch the sparrows and doves.

Byodo-In Temple

Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Website: Byodo-In Temple

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD onwards

10. Stand underneath Hamama Falls

Hamama Falls is a magical waterfall tucked away in Waihe'e Valley. On arrival, hike up the dirt path and you’ll come to a super popular swimming spot where the locals hang out. Enjoy amazing views of trees and plants along the way and some great picturesque spots too. After about two miles up the hill, you will be rewarded with a tall triangular-shaped cascade, Hamama Falls. Stand underneath the magical waterfall and soak in the beautiful views of the constantly flowing water. Take lots of beautiful pictures standing or relaxing by the waterfall.

Hamama Falls

Address: Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States

Price: free

Experience an epic Hawaiian adventure

For an epic Hawaiian adventure, be sure to visit Kaneohe. This charming city is home to lush, tropical foliage, the popular Kaneohe Bay, amazing trails, and has an incredibly rich history. All these provide endless opportunities to make you feel like you are in paradise.