Take a slow drive around the island from Honolulu east. Make sure to go by Haleiwa for some Matsumoto's shave ice. If you do the slow tour around the island it will take most of the day. You'll hit all the surf spots on the north shore. Before you go, get a map that indicates where they are because there aren't many good signs. Parking up there is a bitch. Whatever you do, don't leave anything valuable in the car when you park on the N shore. Leave your windows open. Jamesons in Haleiwa is a good lunch spot.
I lived in Kaliua for 10 years, so I'm partial to Lanikai beach for hanging out and Kailua for running. The last time I visited, things had changed a lot. Tour buses now go to those locations so the crowds are unsat in my opinion. Lucky for me, some good friends live in Lanikai so it's easy to get around to the key spots in town there. Buzz's is a great dinner spot in Kailua. Prepare to have a drink or two while you wait.
For a true tourist experience, try to get into Duke's on Waikiki for lunch. Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head are close so you can make an afternoon of it there. If you are a runner, running around Diamond head is a workout. Start and finish at Kapiolani Park follow the road up and around (it's about 6 miles).
SKX wishing it was at the beach in Lanikai (recycled photo, but appropriate):
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