20 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii

Kualoa Ranch in Oahu is a must-visit for film buffs and adventure enthusiasts. This iconic location offers tours of popular movie sites like Jurassic World, Jumanji, and Godzilla, which can be explored via ATV.

Visitors can also enjoy a two-hour horse riding or e-bike adventure through the picturesque hilly landscape. For those seeking more excitement, jungle exploring and zipline excursions are available. Additionally, a vintage bus tour with guided commentary provides an informative and scenic way to travel around the ranch.

If you are in Oahu, visiting Waikiki Beach is a must. Known as the home of modern surfing culture, it attracts swimmers and surfers all day. Waikiki offers top-rated surfing schools for those eager to learn how to surf.

Besides surfing, you can enjoy activities like swimming, boogie boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. For a unique experience, join a beach yoga class on the oceanfront and marvel at the heavenly sunset. Don't miss the magnificent fireworks display every Friday, best viewed from a boat out at sea.

Spotting wildlife is one of the many free activities to enjoy in Oahu, an island home to numerous native species. It is important to keep a respectful distance from these animals, as many are endangered, and violating rules can lead to hefty penalties.

Some of the best places to see wildlife include Hanuma Bay for colorful fish, coral, urchins, and sea turtles; Makapuu Lighthouse Trail for whale sightings; Ka'ena Point for seals, whales, and albatross birds; Laniakea Beach for turtles; Kawai Nui Marsh for birds such as doves, herons, Hawaiian cardinals, egrets, and ducks; and Kualoa Ranch for horses and chameleons.

The best hiking in Oahu for incredible views is the Diamond Head trails. The Diamond Head hike is a 1.6-mile roundtrip with a summit trail, and it is rated as easy to moderate due to its sloped, dry, and hot terrain.

While at Diamond Head, you can take a narrated hiking tour and hike the famous Diamond Head Crater to enjoy panoramic views of Waikiki. There are benches along the trail where you can rest whenever needed. After the hike, you can visit Diamond Head Beach Park to cool off.

Iolani Palace, a National Historic Landmark and the official state residence of royalty showcases the unique American Florentine-style architecture and offers a glimpse into Hawaii's rich culture. Visitors can choose between guided or self-guided tours to explore the historic palace, hear stories of lavish royal events, and learn about Hawaiian history and culture.

The palace also houses royal jewels, including crowns and swords. Additionally, guests can stroll through the expansive palace grounds, immersing themselves in the grandeur and history of this iconic site.

Visiting Pearl Harbor in Oahu is a budget-friendly activity offering rich historical experiences. The USS Arizona program, two museums, and the visitor center are all free for visitors.

At Pearl Harbor, you can hear first-hand stories from survivors, learn about the events on Battleship Row, and walk through an airplane hangar. You'll also see the preserved wreckage of the USS Arizona and commemorate the lives lost in the attack. For a deeper understanding, sign up for a tour that includes a movie about the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The best place to snorkel with turtles in Oahu is Kahe Beach Park, also known as Electric Beach, located on the island's west side. Here, you can swim with turtles, colorful fish, and other vibrant marine life.

Snorkeling adventures offer opportunities to spot eagle rays, octopuses, dolphins, and white-tip sharks. Follow the warm water pipes from the power plant for an exciting swim. Afterward, relax on the shoreline or take a scuba diving lesson with one of the top-rated schools in the area.

The tour to North Shore Oahu is incomplete with skydiving. Pacific Skydiving and Skydive Hawaii are some of the best tour operators for the sport in Oahu.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for many; there is no adventure more thrilling than this. Most tours reach an altitude of 9000-14000 feet, and the free-fall time lasts more or less 20 seconds.

The tours include a photo and video package to purchase, which you can keep as souvenirs.

One of the top things to do in Oahu is to visit the Dole Plantation, a famous pineapple plantation. It features the world's largest maze and offers train rides, making it a perfect spot for families.

At Dole Plantation, you can take the narrated Pineapple Express train to enjoy views of the North Shore and learn about James Drummond Dole's agricultural empire. You can also stroll through the beautiful landscape, take a self-guided Plantation Garden Tour, navigate the giant pineapple maze, ride the Ohana Express, and feed the koi fish.

North Shore shark diving no cage is famous among adrenaline junkies. Get very close to these animals and get a unique ocean experience.

Spending about 30 minutes swimming with the sharks will give you all the adrenaline rush. Even though you are not swimming in a cage, you will be in safe hands as each group has a team of guides and safety divers.

If this is a little too much of an adventure, shark diving with a cage is also available. They are beginner friendly, and you will learn much about marine life.

Hawaii's things to do Oahu are incomplete without the lighthouses. Makapuu and Diamond Head are two of the most photogenic ones.

Makapuu Point Lighthouse, an iconic landmark, overlooks Makapii Beach. It is a popular trail with a moderate to easy hike that comes to an end with a scenic viewpoint.

With incredible lookout points along the trail, one can spot Kaohikaipi, Mokokai, and Manana islands on a good day.

For a tranquil retreat in Oahu, Hawaii, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden offers a serene escape from the island's lively atmosphere. Spanning 400 acres, this garden invites visitors to explore diverse landscapes reminiscent of India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Africa, and the Philippines.

Embrace panoramic vistas of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, engage in catch-and-release fishing, and even camp overnight amidst the lush surroundings. Whether strolling through the gardens by day or experiencing its serene ambiance under the night sky, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden promises a rejuvenating experience away from the island's hustle and bustle.

The Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a quintessential Hawaiian cultural experience that's highly recommended. It's well worth the investment, providing an immersive journey into local traditions through its vibrant shows, delicious cuisine, and diverse activities.

Visitors can enjoy the captivating Ha Breath of Life Show, featuring dynamic dance performances and impressive fire knife displays. Exploring the lagoon by canoe, shopping for unique souvenirs at the marketplace, and indulging in local delicacies at the Hukilau Marketplace or buffets like Gateway Buffet and Ali'i Luau Buffet add to the enriching experience.

The Stairway to Heaven hike on Oahu is widely known for its challenging nature and legal restrictions. Starting at Moanalua Valley Neighborhood Park is recommended to avoid fines.

As you ascend, breathtaking views of the mountains, cityscape, and ocean unfold, offering a unique perspective of Oahu from above the clouds. Despite its popularity, accessing the hike involves navigating legal risks, adding to its controversial allure among adventurers seeking panoramic vistas of Hawaii's diverse landscapes.

Hiking at Kaena Point State Park demands ample stamina along with essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and water. The coastal route offers stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Mokuleia to the north, and the Waianae coast to the south, making it ideal for leisurely walks amidst breathtaking scenery.

Visitors can also indulge in whale watching at the Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve or unwind at the secluded Yokohama Bay, renowned for its pristine and isolated beach experience.

Lanikai Beach stands out as Oahu's premier destination for snorkeling enthusiasts, boasting soft, powdery white sands and inviting turquoise waters that rank among the USA's most stunning coastal landscapes.

Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including swimming in the clear, sparkling waters, sculpting sandcastles, and soaking up the sun's rays while sunbathing. For those seeking adventure, kayak tours offer thrilling opportunities for snorkeling amidst the sea's wonders, while panoramic views of the Mokulua Islands provide breathtaking vistas to behold.

The best things to do at Oahu Hawaii are windsurfing and kitesurfing at Kailua Beach. Relax or play and enjoy local cuisines here.

Kailua Beach Things To Do

• Try water sports activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Enjoy a day under the sun with your family and friends.
• Best beach in Oahu for swimming; you can enjoy boogie boarding and kayaking as well.
• Have a picnic on this pristine shoreline.

Ala Moana is a premier destination for souvenir shopping, boasting an expansive open-air mall with over 290 stores, 70 eateries, four department stores, and numerous local Hawaiian retailers.

Visitors can spend a day immersed in a shopping extravaganza, indulging in diverse dining options and soaking up the Hawaiian atmosphere complete with live ukulele performances and hula dances. The mall offers a wide array of local products including coffee, flower leis, postcards, and other unique items, making it a must-visit for those looking to take home a piece of Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship.

Make the most of your day by island hopping around Oahu, where careful planning allows you to explore numerous tiny isles. Begin by kayaking to Chinaman's Hat, also known as Mokoliʻi, and enjoy a climb to its summit for breathtaking views.

Next, venture to the Kailua area for a kayak journey to the Mokulua Islands, perfect for snorkeling and beach relaxation. Cap off your adventure along the Kaneohe coast with options like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or joining a scenic boat tour to discover more hidden gems of Oahu's picturesque coastline.

Best helicopter ride Oahu includes the views of South Shore, Ko'olau Mountains, Sacred Falls, North Shore, and many more.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers 50-minute tours of the hidden rainforests, historic sites, and lush valleys. Mauna Loa has private tours of the island's most iconic beaches.

Paradise Helicopters offers nature-themed air tours, where the aerial views of Oahu's mountains and bays shine. Magnum Helicopter has a thrill-seeking door-off adventure.