Four Things You Really Should Do This Summer

Once again, summer is officially here. You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, but you might need a little kick in the okole to get outside and into the elements.

We're lucky enough to call one of the world's most magical places home, and there's no denying that summer in Honolulu is second to none. To help you break out of the mold and make the most of the hot season, we've curated a handy list of four things you really should do this summer. We promise, you won't be disappointed.

Soak in the Night Sky from Round Top

While Hawai'i is best known as a tropical destination, Honolulu holds a very metropolitan vibe. With any big city, the glittering skyline serves as a hypnotic sight after the sun goes down. Unfortunately, all those city lights block out the twinkle of the stars in the night sky. Stargazers and night lovers fear not, you can escape the city lights with a quick jaunt up Round Top Drive to Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Wayside Park. Pull out your blanket or beach chair and take advantage of what a mere 1,037 feet of elevation can do for opening up the night sky. Find Ursa Major to the north northwest, Virgo nearly straight overhead, and Ursa Minor, better known as the Little Dipper, to the north, as it's home to the North Star. We dare you to find a cooler way to end a summer's night than watching the stars with the people you love.

Watch the Sunrise from Lanikai

Lanikai, which translates to "heavenly sea," is a quaint residential hamlet at the end of the road, just south of Kailua. For good reason, it's received critical acclaim for being one of the most famously beautiful beaches in the world. During the day, residents and visitors flock to the powdery white sand beaches to post up for hours. Without a care in the world, they relax amid crystal clear water and blazing tropical sun. But if you're like us and want to escape the crowd, we recommend heading to Lanikai to catch the sunrise from this amazing windward locale at first light. While getting up in the dark is never fun, you'll be some of the first people on O'ahu to see the sun awake from its slumber. Not a bad way to start the day, huh.

Surf Queens at Night

Queen's—traditionally called Queen's surf because it was the favorite wave of Hawaiian royalty Queen Lili'uokalani—is, hands down, the best wave in Waikīkī. For those in the know, surfing the gentle waves that peel across the sandy reef have been a favorite pastime for ocean-loving humans for over a century. As it turns out, it just so happens that there are quite a few of you "in the know." Often, it can be hard to get a wave to yourself. Solution: On a full moon, grab some glow sticks, a waterproof headlamp, and a few of your friends and paddle out to Queen's at night. Engage your four other senses and really feel what it's like to surf this magical wave while the glow of nearby Waikiki lights up the lineup. Don't be surprised to find company in the lineup. Just remember to be careful and the same rules of the lineup apply during the night as they do in the day.

Catch the Friday Night Lights from a Glass Bottom Boat in Waikīkī Bay

If there's one thing we like to do in Hawai'i, it's celebrate an occasion with fireworks. Fourth of July: Fireworks. New Years Eve: Fireworks. Friday Why not? Fireworks. Every Friday, people flock to the shoreline on the south shore to catch the Waikīkī fireworks display. While any local worth their salt can practically set their watch by the show, few have seen the beauty of the display while perched in Waikiki. Glass Bottom Boat, based out of Kewalo Harbor, can take you from Ward to Waikiki to catch the show in just a few minutes. Cruising Waikīkī Bay at night, on a boat with a few of your friends, gently soaking in an amazing view of the Waikīkī skyline, complete with fireworks—we couldn't imagine a more breathtaking way to spend a Friday night.