I lived on Oahu while I was in high school, but haven't been back to visit in over 25 years. In September I'm going back for a school celebration and taking my husband, who has NEVER been to Hawaii. We'll spend a couple days of our week there visiting (and trying to recognize) my old haunts (Manoa Valley, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Diamond Head) but then I guess we should do the tourist thing. But here's my problem...I never looked at Hawaii as a tourist. I was a kid who lived there. I mean, I saw all kinds of great places and things, but it was never from a tourist mentality. And I had years to fit in whatever I wanted to do. (My favorite "tourist" thing back then was the Kahuku Sugar Factory, but I hear it's gone) So here's my dilema: if this is my husband's only trip to Oahu, what should I make sure he sees and/or does? I should mention that he loves to hike. Thanks. I know the Fodorites will have great ideas.

Must snorkel in Hanauma Bay.
Most gorgeous beach I've seen is Lanikai, please visit!

You might start off by taking a Circle Island Tour with Enoa Tours. I took the Royal Circle Island tour and it was excellent. Definitely hike up to the top of Diamond Head, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri.

Hike to the top of Diamond Head, great view of Waikiki.

I also loved doing the plane gliding at Dillingham Airfield at the very end of the road on the North Shore.

Oh please do consider a snorkle at Shark's Cove-North Shore-not the tourist place-miso soup water! LaniaKEA-not Lanikai- is 5 mins south of Shark's. (why can't people who been there spell it right??)
And on into Hale'iwa town for shave ice
or lunch or dinner.
R5

Okay, so snorkeling is in. What about a day trip to another island. Should I try to squeeze that in or just hope that he loves Hawaii so much that he won't wait another 25 years to take me back?