Things To Do While On Contract as a Nurse in Hawaii

If photos alone are not enough to get you to jump on a flight, once you hear all the fun things Hawaii has to offer, you will be ready to pack your bags and head to the airport.

Hikes With Views That Will Leave You Breathless

Just about anywhere on the island, you are sure to have a beautiful view. But nothing beats the views from the top of Koko Head Trail, located in Oahu near Honolulu. It is absolutely breathtaking!

No, I mean it — the hike takes some work, but it is worth every step. If the climb does not leave you breathless, the views at the top will. You can always go at your own pace and really soak up the scenery.

If you want to work your way up to Koko Head, try Lanikai Pillbox Trail first. Also located in Oahu, it has amazing views and is a little easier of a hike. The best part? Both hikes are free and open from sunrise to sunset, so no matter what your schedule is, you can fit one in.

Waikiki Beach: The Perfect Mix of Relaxation and Fun

When it comes to the beach, you really cannot go wrong with any — I mean, it is HAWAII! But if you are looking for the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, Waikiki Beach is the place to be.

During the day, the beach is perfect for soaking up some sun or even parasailing. At night, hit the strip and grab a bite at the famous Duke’s restaurant.

Every Friday night they have a firework show over the water. There is honestly nothing you can compare it to. The adults can grab a Lava Flow, kids can chow down on Hawaiian shaved ice, and everyone enjoys the show. It is one of my family’s favorite memories from when we had the pleasure of experiencing Hawaii ourselves.

Waimea Bay: The Ultimate Hawaii Experience

If you want the ultimate Hawaii experience, you have to check out Waimea Bay. You can try out surfing, or if you are not feeling adventurous, you can watch the locals take on some waves. With surfing being the state sport, you are guaranteed to see some action any day of the week.

I myself could not even stand on a board, but my oldest was riding in on waves by the end of her first day of trying. We both had a great time and checked it off our “must try” list for the trip.

Waimea Valley Falls: A Must-See for All Ages

Waimea Valley Falls is another must-see if you are in the area. You hike through beautiful gardens and end up at the falls. The round trip is 3.5 miles, but do not worry — you can stop for a swim to cool off before heading back.

It is great for all ages. We had children with us from ages 1 to 13 and they all had so much fun. It is also stroller and wheelchair friendly, which was so nice.

• No reservations needed
• Entry fee: $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12
• Stroller and wheelchair accessible
• Round trip: 3.5 miles

Not only can you swim the falls at Waimea, but you can also swim with sea turtles. You can book a private tour and make it a full day at Waimea Bay — a tour of the area, swimming with the turtles, and local food are all included. It is a little pricier compared to the falls, but how cool would it be to swim up close with sea turtles?

We had so much to do in the area that we did not get to make the tour, so it is on our list for when we go back.

Bellows Beach: Pure Relaxation

If you want a more relaxing beach experience, Bellows Beach is the place to go. The sand is as soft as powder and the water is like looking through glass. Pack a cooler, make a good playlist, bring a speaker, and just relax.

I still dream of the views we had at Bellows. It was unreal how beautiful and peaceful it was. I get jealous every time I think about people on the island getting off work and heading there to end their day — what a life!

A few things to know before you go:

• Located windward of Oahu, on the Air Force base
• Open to the public on weekends starting Friday afternoons
• Weekday access requires a military ID

Pearl Harbor Memorial: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

For those history buffs, the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is located in Honolulu and open 7 days a week. There are several tours to choose from, and prices vary depending on which you pick.

Plan ahead — spots fill up quickly every day since it is a major tourist attraction. If you have time before or after your tour, Honolulu has amazing food options nearby.

You must try the spam musubi while you are there. Do not let the name scare you away — it is fantastic and you will not regret it! We made it our mission to find the best musubi on the island. The verdict is still out, because every place had its own little twist on the dish that made it impossible to decide.

More Things to Do Beyond the Beach

If you want a break from the water, there is no shortage of activities:

• Coffee plantation tours
• Pineapple plantation tours
• Rent RTVs for the day and explore the trails
• Ziplining courses
• Food truck parks

For me, other than the beach, getting to experience a luau at Paradise Cove was my favorite activity of the whole trip. It was so entertaining, and it is honestly the best way to enjoy the island culture.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Time

To really experience everything Hawaii has to offer, you need time. There is so much to do and see! If I could replan the trip, the only thing I would change is staying longer.

I have been lucky enough to take many vacations in my life, but nothing has topped Hawaii. If you ever get the chance to visit, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Take an Assignment in Paradise

If Hawaii sounds as amazing as it is, we want to invite you to check out our job board for open Hawaii assignments. Our travelers who take assignments there are always sending us pictures and sharing their adventures. You can check out all the open Hawaii assignments.

If Hawaii is not your jam, our HR specialist used to live in Colorado. She shares all of her favorite things to do along with some places to get good deals to hit the snow and have a great time while you are on your assignment in Colorado in our Colorado travel guide.

– Written by Junxion Med Staffing Lead Credentialing Specialist Macy Sas