The things to do in Oahu depend on what kind of vacation you’re looking for.
Don’t want to miss any of the attractions? Are you here on your honeymoon or on a romantic, relaxing retreat and want to see Oahu’s best sights? Or perhaps you’re here for a fun-filled family vacation and want to enjoy the best water adventures and activities.
Whatever your plans, there are so many things to do on Oahu, you’ll probably need to come back!
This is the most popular of all islands. Inhabited by exotic wildlife and woven among tropical gardens, waterfalls and pools framed by towering palms, it invites you to experience lush tropical gardens, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, priceless artwork and Polynesian entertainment at its best!
When considering the things to do in Oahu, you should know that Honolulu and Waikiki Beach are the most popular spots, a blend of modern ambiance amidst an abundance of Polynesian traditions and culture where you get to do a LOT of things.
Want a different and unusual point of view? Don’t miss a helicopter tour!
Enjoy breathtaking views of bustling Waikiki, historic Pearl Harbor, and the gorgeous Hanauma Bay.
For a romantic time, you can’t beat flying over Waikiki at starlight.
Have you ever longed to be in a movie?
If so, this must be on your list of the things to do in Oahu! There are Hummer off-road 2-5 hours rides at Kualoa Ranch, where yo can visit the most popular movie locations used for movies like 50 First Dates, Jurasssic Park, Pearl Harbor, Tears of the Sun, Windtalkers and more... how fun is that??
See Hawaii from a different angle - get out on the water, on a cruise. Even if you think you get seasick, take a sunset dinner cruise on Navatek, a state-of-the-art catamaran designed with stabilizers to guarantee that you will not turn green. Dine on delicious cuisine and Hawaiian music as you cruise off Waikiki and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
More things to do in Oahu? Plunge underwater with Atlantis Submarines, where you can view the underwater world without getting wet. Plan to eat a fish dinner in Waikiki that night ;)
If you love speed, take a 5-hour bike ride from a point 1,800 ft. above Waikiki, as part of the "Downhill Coasting Ride" organized by Bike Hawaii. You’ll get exclusive access to a 200-foot waterfall in Manoa Valley and an exhilarating downhill biking adventure!
For the truly fearless, take a 17,000 ft. skydive and marvel at a North Shore view few have seen!
Experience giant ferns, Hawaii’s lush rainforest, and the island’s tallest waterfall accessible by foot.
Walk on the trail that Steven Spielberg used in Jurassic Park, & The Lost World and watch out for the green & black wavy striped frog!
The next day, head out in the morning for spectacular snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. After a couple of hours, wander down the coast to Sea Life Park, a must-stop - especially for kids. If you want to go snorkeling or diving for the whole day, Pupukea Beach Park is excellent. On your way home, go through Kuhuku and stop at the shrimp trucks for a cheap and delicious meal.
Another day, get up early and drive to the North Shore to have breakfast at Café Haleiwa with the surfers, then wander across the street to the Paradise Found Café to pick up a picnic lunch and head out to the beach.
In the summer, when the waves are flat, Waimea Beach Park is great for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing, but in the winter, surfers take on huge, 30-ft. waves. Watching them has to be on your list of things to do in Oahu, you simply can’t miss this - as you know, surfing in Hawaii is BIG!
