East of Honolulu on the other side of the Koloau Mountains, Route 72 runs past more beautiful white sand beaches, sparkling shopping centers and green golf-courses before either branching back west to Honolulu or adventuring on north to the windward coast.
Take an easy stroll out to Makapuu lighthouse for views out over the Pacific, or, for the experienced there are most strenuous hikes in the area with panoramic vistas—a look over the cliffs running alongside the trail is also an unforgettable and startling site. Mariner's Ridge Trail is a good intermediate compromise with thrilling views and not so great a risk of terrifying spills.
Ten miles east of Waikiki is Hanauma Bay. Frolic in the waters here for some of Oahu's best snorkeling and a visit to the 'Toilet Bowl', a pool that flushes when the tide is right.
If your trip to Hawaii has thus far yielded no dolphin-spotting, stop for a day at the Sea Life Park, just a few miles beyond Hanauma Bay. Here dolphins perform regularly as they are trained to do, and a range of other underwater sea creatures now call this park home.
For some night-time stargazing away from bright city lights, throw down a tent at Bellows Field Beach County Park and then climb out for a swim in the morning before driving the road back to Honolulu (note that because this was once a military base the grounds may not always be open).
Hanauma Bay is ten miles east of Waikiki.
