nice hike with a great view at the end. But I preferred the hike we did first thing this morning. Left Waikiki around 5:15 am, drove to Koko Crater trailhead (a bit beyond Diamondhead). Started hiking in the dark around 5:50 pm. The hike is pretty strenuous--straight up the face of the crater on railroad tracks/ties the entire way up. Over 1000 feet of vertical (compared to only 500 ft vertical at Diamondhead). Made it to the top in time for sunrise around 6:40 am. It was beautiful! Well worth the effort and not too hard to get up early for, given the time change that you are already dealing with during your first few days on the island.

Other first time recommendations: Definitely hit up Laie to see the Polynesian Cultural Center, BYU-H, and the Laie Temple. Food trucks in Kahuku are fun. My favorite beach is Lanikai Beach near Kailua. We also did the Ma'akapu'u Lighthouse hike. Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri tour) is a must-do. Waikiki Beach is fun but can get crowded--go early. Some fun eats: Dukes at Waikiki (expensive), Rainbow Drive In, Leonards (for malasadas)--both in Honolulu. Teds Bakery on the North Shore. Rays' Kiawe Broiled Chicken in Haliewa. Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Shark's Cove (Pupkea) tide pools--take frozen peas as they will lure the fish out. Dole Plantation. Lots to do. Kualoa Ranch has lots of fun activities too. It all depends on how much time you have, who you're bringing with you, how much you want to spend. Have fun!