If you’re looking for things to do on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are endless activities to keep you entertained, whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation. Here are 21 of the best!
1. Go to a Luau.
When in Hawaii, one of the must-dos is to attend a Luau. Oahu is home to some of the best Luaus on the island, and they are definitely worth checking out. Most of the Luaus offer a traditional Hawaiian feast, complete with all the local delicacies. You can also expect plenty of entertainment, including traditional hula dancing and music.
2. Check out the beaches.
There are plenty of amazing beaches in Oahu, but these are some of the best.
Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the world and for good reason. It’s a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Lanikai Beach is a secluded beach located in the town of Kailua. It’s known for its gentle waves and stunning sunsets.
Kahana Bay is a beautiful beach located on the North Shore. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Makapu’u Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and whale watching.
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on, these are the best beaches in Oahu.
3. Go hiking.
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, why not go hiking in Oahu? There are plenty of great hiking spots on the island, and you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. Some of the best spots include Diamond Head, Koko Head, and Manoa Falls. So grab your hiking gear and get ready for a great adventure!
4. Go surfing.
There’s a reason why Oahu is known as the “surfing capital of the world.” With its world-class waves and perfect weather conditions, it’s no wonder that both beginners and experienced surfers flock to this island paradise.
If you’re interested in learning to surf, there are plenty of surf schools along Waikiki Beach that can get you up on a board in no time. Or, if you’re an experienced surfer, you can try out some of the best waves in the world at spots like Pipeline, Waimea Bay, or Sunset Beach.
No matter what your level of surfing experience is, Oahu is the perfect place to ride the waves. So come on over and join the fun!
5. Visit the North Shore.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable Hawaiian experience, be sure to visit the north shore of Oahu. This area is home to some of the most iconic beaches and surfing spots in the world. You can enjoy the stunning natural scenery while watching surfers catch some of the biggest waves on the planet. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops in the area, so you can easily spend a full day or more exploring everything the north shore has to offer.
6. Go Snorkeling.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to explore the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, go snorkeling! There are some amazing snorkel spots on Oahu, and the views are well worth the effort.
One of the best places to go snorkeling is Hanauma Bay. This marine preserve is teeming with fish, coral, and other sea life. Be sure to bring your camera, because you’re sure to see some amazing sights.
Another great snorkeling spot is Waikiki Beach. Here you can see colorful fish, coral, and other sea life in the clear waters of the Pacific. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle!
If you’re looking for some good snorkeling spots that aren’t as crowded as Hanauma Bay or Waikiki Beach, try Kailua Beach or Kaneohe Bay. These beaches offer great views and plenty of sea life to explore.
So if you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to explore the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, go snorkeling! There are some amazing snorkel spots on Oahu, and the views are well worth the effort.
7. Visit the Dole Plantation.
The Dole Plantation in Oahu is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something fun to do. There are all sorts of activities to enjoy, from a train ride through the plantation to a maze, to a garden where you can pick your own fruit. The plantation is also home to the world’s largest maze, which is great for families or groups of friends.
8. Try out the best food in Oahu.
If you’re looking for the best food on Oahu, you don’t have to look any further than the island’s capital, Honolulu. From hole-in-the-wall joints to elegant fine dining establishments, Honolulu has something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Honolulu.
For breakfast, head to Over Easy for some delicious eggs benedict or acai bowls. If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, try out Leonard’s Bakery for some traditional malasadas.
For lunch, we recommend grabbing a poke bowl at Ahi Assassins or a sandwich at The Local. And for dinner, you can’t go wrong with Zippy’s for some delicious plate lunch or The Pig and the Lady for some inventive Vietnamese cuisine.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Honolulu has something to satisfy your appetite. So be sure to try out some of the best food that the island has to offer!
9. Explore the Nightlife in Waikiki.
Waikiki is world-famous for its incredible nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy club or a more relaxed bar, Waikiki has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to party in Waikiki.
Waikiki Beach Walk is home to a number of popular nightclubs. If you’re looking for a wild night out, head to the Aloha Tower Marketplace or the Waikiki Beach Walk. You’ll find everything from dance clubs to karaoke bars.
The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is a great place to go for a more upscale night out. You’ll find a mix of bars and nightclubs, including the famous Mai Tai Bar.
For a more laid-back evening, check out the bars and pubs in Waikiki. The Duke’s Waikiki, for example, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With its live music and laid-back atmosphere, the Duke’s is the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
No matter what you’re looking for, Waikiki has something to offer. So get out there and explore the best places for nightlife in Waikiki!
10. Visit Pearl Harbour.
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, but Pearl Harbor is a must-see attraction on the island of Oahu. The USS Arizona Memorial is the most popular destination at Pearl Harbor, and it’s easy to see why. The memorial honors the sailors and marines who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The sunken battleship USS Arizona is also visible from the memorial.
11. Go Cliff Jumping.
If you’re looking for a thrill while in Oahu, then go cliff jumping! There are plenty of spots on the island where you can take the plunge. Some of the best places to go are Shark’s Cove, Kaena Point, and Pu’u Hinahina. Depending on your level of bravery, you can choose to jump from anywhere from 10 to 40 feet high! Just be sure to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
12. Go to the Botanical Gardens.
The botanical gardens in Honolulu are a great place to explore the diverse plant life of Hawaii. There are several gardens located in different parts of the island, each with its own unique collection of plants. The gardens are also home to a variety of animals, including butterflies, frogs, and birds. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens, or join one of the guided tours.
13. Go ziplining.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush while on vacation in Hawaii, then go ziplining! There are several ziplining companies in Oahu, and they offer a variety of courses with different levels of difficulty. You’ll fly through the air on a zipline, soaring over canyons, forests, and rivers. It’s an amazing experience and a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the island.
14. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the Polynesian culture. The center has a variety of exhibits that teach you about the different Polynesian cultures. You can also watch cultural performances and learn how to do traditional Polynesian dances.
15. Watch sunrise and sunset.
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon or rise above the horizon to start or end your day, and Oahu is home to some of the best spots in the world to take in these natural spectacles.
Some of the most popular spots to watch the sunset are located on the island’s North Shore. If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, head to Waimea Bay, where you can watch the sun dip into the ocean below. A great spot for sunrise is Turtle Bay Resort, where you can watch the sun come up over the mountains while enjoying a cup of coffee or a breakfast buffet.
No matter where you choose to watch the sun set or rise on Oahu, you’re sure to be treated to a beautiful show.
16. Go for a helicopter ride.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to see Oahu, book a helicopter ride. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and sparkling ocean. It’s a must-do activity for visitors and locals alike.
17. Visit Iolani Palace.
Iolani Palace is an amazing place to visit in Oahu. It is the only royal palace in the United States, and it is full of history and culture. The palace is open for tours, and there are also exhibits and events held there throughout the year. I highly recommend visiting Iolani Palace if you are in Oahu – it is definitely worth it!
18. Go Shark Diving.
The experience of diving with sharks is one that is both thrilling and educational. Shark diving in Oahu offers the opportunity to view these apex predators in their natural environment. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you can learn about the different species of sharks that inhabit the area, their behavior, and the role they play in the ocean’s ecosystem.
The dive begins with a safety briefing, during which you will learn about the best way to observe the sharks without disturbing them. then you will gear up and enter the water. Depending on the season and the weather conditions, you may be able to see a variety of sharks, including blacktip reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and hammerhead sharks. The dive usually lasts around 45 minutes, and it is an exhilarating experience to come face-to-face with these powerful creatures.
19. Visit Byodo In Temple.
The Byodo In Temple is a replica of a temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is located in the Valley of the Temples in Honolulu, Hawaii. The temple is made of concrete and copper and is in the shape of a phoenix. It was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
20. Go Skydiving.
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and tropical scenery, but there is another side to the islands that is just as exciting. For adventure seekers, Oahu offers plenty of opportunities to get your heart racing. One of the most popular activities is skydiving. If you’re brave enough to take the plunge, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the island and the Pacific Ocean.
21. See some Turtles.
There are a few places on Oahu that are known for their awesome turtle-watching. One of these places is the Kualoa Ranch on the Windward side of the island. This 4,000-acre ranch is open to the public and is a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including endangered green sea turtles.
Another great spot for turtle-watching is Hanauma Bay. This marine life conservation area is a great place to see a variety of fish and coral, as well as the occasional sea turtle. Hanauma Bay is also a great place for snorkeling, so make sure to bring your gear!
If you’re looking for a place to see turtles on the Leeward side of the island, look no further than Laniakea Beach. This beautiful white sand beach is a great place to relax and catch a glimpse of one of Hawaii’s gentle giants.
