While there are many encompassing circle island tours you can sign up for here in Hawaii, putting together your own self-made tour can be just as fun. BYU-Hawaii students’ “Top 10” places to visit on Oahu can be your stress-free guide to enjoying your loved ones stay while creating a perfectly tailored tour.1. Polynesian Cultural CenterRight in our own backyard, visiting the No. 1 paid tourist attraction in Hawaii is a way to not only show off the intercultural diversity of the school, but also a way to introduce your friends and family to some of your talented classmates. Joanne Wu, an undeclared freshman from Taiwan, said, “Taking them to all the different villages is a good way for them to get to know island culture.” 2. Beach Hopping on North ShoreWhether it is jumping the rock at Waimea or catching a wave at Pipeline, Hawaii’s beaches are a main attraction for tourists. Gabe Ribeiro, a freshman in ICS and anthropology from Brazil, said, “I would definitely take my family to Hanauma Bay or Sharks Cove to go snorkeling. It’s a nice quiet activity that everyone can enjoy while also being quintessentially Hawaiian.” Some other notable beaches include Sunset, Hukilau, and Kailua, which can easily be reached by bus or car.3. Dole PlantationFew objects embody the Hawaiian experience like the pineapple, which makes a visit to the Dole Plantation a must see for visiting friends and family. “The Dole Maze is a good option, even if it’s long, and you definitely have to get the pineapple ice cream,” said Johnny Watkins, a sophomore in biology from California. Cutting through the middle of the island, this activity also shows off the interior of the island with its Sahara-like grassy scenery, a change of pace from the otherwise ocean dominated drive towards Kaneohe. 4. Chinaman’s HatAndrea Hansen, a senior in ICS and communications from Colorado, said one of her favorite things to do on the island is go to Chinaman’s Hat. “Kayaking to the island is a lot of fun, but you can even wade over when it is at low tide. It is a simple and short hike to get to the top with a tiny bit of rock climbing involved, and it is also fun to explore the base of the island and the tide pools and exclusive little beach on the ocean side of Chinaman’s Hat.”5. Waikiki“I absolutely love Ala Moana, so I would make sure to take my friends there,” said Saya Kiribayashi, a freshman in art from Japan. “There are so many great stores, but my favorite is Forever 21.” Having a few days doing the stereotypical tourist shopping may seem like a drag for a seasoned Hawaiian veteran, but its sure to be a highlight for those looking to indulge their inner shoppers and gather trinkets to take home. 6. Swap MeetAnother great place to pick up souvenirs is the Swap Meet at the Aloha Stadium in Pearl City. Filled with jewelry, clothing, aloha coconuts, and delicious food the entire circle, it takes about two hours to complete while leisurely passing the various shops. Jessica Sand, a sophomore in business from Utah, loves to drink cold coconut water and eat bags of mangos while she walks around. “It’s a great place to go and just browse around for gifts,” she said. 7. Pearl Harbor TourTour the U.S.S. Arizona, the U.S.S. Bowfin submarine and more at the Pearl Harbor Memorial site, honoring those who died for their country on Dec. 7, 1941. Xiong Tanley Bench, a junior in political science from Idaho, is one of the few Army R.O.T.C. students here on campus. “I would show my family Pearl Harbor as a symbol of the legacy and history of the U.S. military,” he said. Pearlharboroahu.com is a great place to check out the various tours provided for this historic site combined with circle tours of the north shore attractions 8. Diamond HeadNo trip to Hawaii would be complete without at least one hike with a breathtaking view. “I think when my family comes I will take them to Diamond Head,” said Hui Wong, a sophomore in ICS and communications from Hong Kong. “Back home we have so many shopping centers already, so I don’t want to take them into town to go shopping. Diamond Head sounds like a good place,” added Wong. Though there are many hikes for various hikers’ abilities, Waimea Falls, Crouching Lion and Laie Falls remain some of the most popular here on the North Shore.9. HaleiwaA surfer’s hang out for years, Haleiwa town is known for its quaint tourist shops and local ono grub. Shave ice in particular for many has come to be a staple in hot temperatures, which makes Haleiwa a perfect place to stop by for a cool down after a long day of beach hopping. “You have to hit up Matsumotos when you go to Haleiwa,” said Jennifer Herrera, a senior in ICS and communications from Texas. “It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s in the cutest little beach town ever,” she added. 10. Macadamia Nut FarmJess Giles, a senior in TESOL from California, loves the experience of cracking her own nuts at the Macadamia nut farm. “I love going with my husband and eating all of the free samples of different seasoned macadamia nuts, especially the honey flavored ones,” she said. “They also make for great gifts to send home to the family. I just shipped some to my dad on the mainland last week,” she added.
Writer: Sydney Odell~Multimedia Journalist
