Oʻahu attacks your senses. Tropical aromas and temperatures, turquoise waters, a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, verdant rainforest and sensuous scenery, plus so much to do. There are so many Oahu things to do, especially if you like sun, sand and adventure. Playing in or on the water could keep you happy for months. Learn to surf, and if you’re already good, hit the big waves on the North Shore; bodyboard at Waimanalo, walk through the world’s largest maze at Dole Pineapple Plantation, snorkel with the fish in Hanauma Bay, or get a history lesson at Pearl Harbor. On the land, hike up Diamond Head or atop knife-edged pali (cliffs). Up top, jump out of a plane or soar in a glider above the North Shore; circle the island in a helicopter. It’s all there waiting. Think about getting the Go City all-inclusive pass. Enjoy savings on various attractions. You can choose from a 1-2-3-4-5 or 7-day pass.
Planning your trip to Oahu? First, check out my blog post on a full day by day itinerary for spending 1 Week in Oahu. Known as the “Gathering Place,” Oahu Islands is the most populated and arguably offers the most tourist attractions in Hawaii. To make the most of your trip, you will want to organize Oahu things to do based on location. See below for a map and a breakdown of the different locations.
Honolulu and Central Oahu
Hawaii isn’t exactly known for being a cheap destination, but you don’t have to break your budget to enjoy everything the state capital has to offer. Honolulu is full of low-cost things to do, from markets and museums to beaches and stunning scenic drives, not to mention plenty of sites that tell the story of Hawaii’s long, complex history.
My favorite Oahu things to do in Honolulu include walking back in time with a stroll through Honolulu’s Chinatown. Chinatown bustles with traditional dim sum restaurants, noodle shops and hip bars in converted lofts, as well as crowded Asian markets full of antiques and stalls selling lei flower necklaces. For a history lesson combine a sightseeing tour that includes Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl Cemetery, and downtown Honolulu where you can visit the Iolani Palace, once the royal residence of Kamehameha III.
This next one is controversial… some say leave it… some say you can’t go to Oahu and not visit it. I’m in the second camp. I think visiting Waikiki Beach is absolutely essential. While this beach gets crowded and there are plenty of overpriced tourist shopping nearby, it’s such a fun place to visit with beachfront restaurants (try the macadamia nut pie at Duke’s Waikiki).
Bringing kids along? Maybe check out the Honolulu Zoo! The Honolulu Zoo is the only zoo in the United States to be established by grants made by a sovereign monarch. Don’t forget a hike up to Diamond Head to get picturesque views of Oahu. If you’re not athletically inclined, don’t worry. There are plenty of stops along the way for sitting and taking in the views. Slow and steady wins the race sometimes!
The Windward Coast
A trip to the Windward Coast reveals a slower-paced side of Oahu. Soak up some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawaii. Discover all the windward side of Oahu has to offer. From lush countryside to rugged mountains, & golden beaches!
One of my favorite experiences was taking the drive from Diamond Head (located in Honolulu proper) to Byodo-In Temple & Valley of the Temples. Drive the Kahekili Highway 83, and you’ll see the beautiful Ko’olau Mountains. At the Byodo-In Temple, you’ll get to learn a little more about the peace offering that this place represents between Japan and the United States post Pearl Harbor.
After spending time in this beautiful temple, head towards Waimanalo Beach, easily my favorite beach in Oahu. The powdery white sand and clear, calm water was unlike most of the beaches you’ll find in Hawaii. As most Hawaii beaches offer large waves. While other beaches may be desirable for surfing, Waimanalo Beach is perfect for wading in the water and relaxing. Nearby, you’ll find local stands selling authentic Hawaiian cuisine such as lau lau, pictured below.
Heading back to Waikiki Beach, where you likely are staying while in Oahu, stop by the famous Halona blowhole. Next to the blowhole you’ll find Hanauma Bay, known for snorkeling! If time allows, you can visit the Kualoa Ranch. Here you’ll get to see where famous Hawaii movie scenes are filmed like Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates. I highly recommend pre-booking a movie or ATV tour as they fill up quick!
Some of the other Oahu things to do in the Windward Coast include Lanikai Beach and hiking the Lanikai Pillbox trail, Chinaman’s Hat, and Kalama Beach.
The North Shore
Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea… You don’t have to be a surfer to have heard of the North Shore. The epic breaks here are known worldwide. And there are so many activities besides surfing. Try kayaking, take a snorkeling or whale-watching tour, go hiking or horseback riding. Or swim near a waterfall in Waimea Bay.
I highly recommend starting your morning with an acai bowl at Sunset Cafe! Such a cute location serving delicious bowls of energy. You’re going to need it for the North Shore. Make your way over to Laniakea Beach (“Turtle Beach”) where you’ll see turtles basking in the sand. Keep a respectful distance though! You can look, but you can’t touch.
Looking for some shopping and mingling with locals? Head to Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, held on select days of the week. The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is a large flea market where you can grab some fairly priced souvenirs. After all that shopping, get your grub on at the famous garlic shrimp trucks located in North Shore. Giovanni’s is the most famous, and the line is wrapped around. But you’ll find good eating at any of these trucks. Also check out my blog post featuring the Top 20 foods in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for a challenge, try your luck at the world’s largest maze located at Dole Pineapple Plantation. Come for the maze, but stay for the dole whip! Looking for a little more culture? Head to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show in the islands.
The Leeward Coast
The sunny and dry Leeward Coast of Oahu lies at the foot of the Waiʻanae mountain range just 30 miles from Waikīkī, but the contrast between the regions is striking. Where Waikīkī offers urban hustle and bustle, the Leeward side of Oahu is less developed, with picturesque towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches and rural landscapes to explore.
There’s an abundance of family-friendly Oahu things to do on the Leeward Coast. Ko’Olina is where you’ll find luxury family-friendly resorts like Four Seasons Oahu and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Other fun and family-friendly attractions include the Paradise Cove luau (photos below), Wet n Wild Hawaii water park, and local beaches like Makaha Beach.
Planning your trip to
Oahu Island, Hawaii?
