Best Things to Do on Oahu
Overview
〰️
Overview 〰️
Honolulu, HI
Planning a trip to Oahu? Here’s the ultimate guide to the best things to do on Oahu! From the hustle and bustle of Waikiki to the stunning white sand beaches of the Windward side, this Hawaiian island has something to offer for every type of traveler. It’s the type of destination that keeps you constantly craving for more. Here are 15 of the best things you must do while you’re on the island!
Explore Waikiki
〰️
Explore Waikiki 〰️
Waikiki, Honolulu
Waikiki is a Hawaiian word that means “spouting freshwater” referring to the numerous springs and streams that once flowed through the area. Today, it is the epicenter of Hawaii tourism with numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants all bundled up next to world-famous Waikiki Beach. Take some time to walk around and relax on the beach! If you’re in the mood for something more active, rent a surfboard or sign up for one of the many surfing lessons available.
Hike Diamond Head
〰️
Hike Diamond Head 〰️
View of Diamond Head from Waikiki
While relaxing on Waikiki Beach, there is an iconic landmark overlooking the ocean that is impossible to miss: Diamond Head. Known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi, Diamond Head is a dormant volcanic tuff cone that is arguably the most recognized landmark in all of Hawaii. It’s a relatively easy hike up to the summit where you are rewarded with stunning views of Waikiki and the city of Honolulu. The hike is around 1.6 miles round trip and generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, but you can definitely finish it in a shorter amount of time depending on your fitness level. Be sure to note that reservations are required if you are a non-Hawaii resident. I recommend going early in the morning as it can get really hot inside the crater later in the day!
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
〰️
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay 〰️
Hanauma Bay
Ten miles east of Waikiki is the Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve. Hanauma Bay is the perfect place to snorkel, especially for families and beginners, and it has an abundance of marine life, including Hawaii’s state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a! Reservations are also required for all non-Hawaii residents and can easily be made online.
Hike Koko Head
〰️
Hike Koko Head 〰️
View from Koko Head
Located right by Hanauma Bay is Koko Head. Like Diamond Head, Koko Head is a dormant volcanic tuff cone that offers breathtaking views at its summit. The hike up is on a steep abandoned railway that was built to transport supplies up to the summit during World War II. While Diamond Head is considered an easier hike for most, Koko Head can be very challenging to the average visitor because of its steep incline, but it’s also one of the most rewarding hikes on the island!
Hike to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse
〰️
Hike to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse 〰️
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
Sitting on the easternmost point of Oahu is Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. The hike is two miles round trip on a fully paved trail, so it is easy and accessible to visitors of any age or capability. In the winter months, keep an eye out for humpback whales out in the ocean!
Relax at Waimanalo Beach
〰️
Relax at Waimanalo Beach 〰️
Waimanalo Beach
If I had to choose one beach to go to while visiting Oahu, it would be this one! Located on the Windward side of the island (the East Coast), Waimanalo is the longest stretch of beach on the entire island with 5.5 miles of uninterrupted white, powdery sand. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds of Waikiki and want a serene and relaxing beach experience, this is the perfect place for you. The water is a beautiful shade of turquoise blue and there is plenty of shade thanks to the number of ironwood trees lined up along the beach. Please be sure to look out for warning signs regarding high surf and Portuguese Man O’ War before you get into the water!
Catch the Sunrise at Lanikai Beach
〰️
Catch the Sunrise at Lanikai Beach 〰️
Lanikai Beach at Sunrise
Lanikai Beach is often regarded as one of the best beaches in the world and I can definitely see why! It has crystal-clear turquoise water and an absolutely stunning view of the Mokolua Islands. My favorite time to visit is during sunrise as the beach is on the Windward side and faces the east, so you get amazing views of the sun rising above the horizon! One thing to note is that there is no designated parking lot, so you will either park on the street or at the parking lot of the nearby Kailua Beach Boat Ramp, which is around a 15 minute walk away. The beach is also fairly small, especially compared to Waimanalo, so it can feel a bit crowded later in the day.
Visit Byodo-In Temple
〰️
Visit Byodo-In Temple 〰️
Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a historic Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The temple grounds offer a serene and tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush, green nature and the Ko’olau Range in the distance. There are plenty of koi fish and birds to feed, making it ideal for families and children. This beautiful temple is the perfect place to admire traditional Japanese architecture in an oasis of nature.
Explore Kualoa Ranch
〰️
Explore Kualoa Ranch 〰️
UTV Tour at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve on the Windward side of the island. There are numerous tours and activities you can enjoy in this stunning valley, including UTV and ATV riding, horseback riding, and ziplining. Over 200 movies and TV shows have been filmed here and you can embark on a movie tour to visit iconic filming locations from movies like Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and Jumanji. Whether you’re looking to surround yourself in some of the island’s finest nature or seeking some adventure and thrill, Kualoa Ranch has something fun and exciting for everyone!
Enjoy the North Shore Shrimp Trucks
〰️
Enjoy the North Shore Shrimp Trucks 〰️
Butter Garlic Shrimp at Jenny’s Shrimp Truck
While on the North Shore of Oahu, don’t forget to indulge in some shrimp at one of the many shrimp trucks in the area, including Giovanni’s, Jenny’s, Romy’s, Fumi’s, and Big Wave. Oahu’s North Shore has historically been a center for freshwater aquaculture, which led way to the establishment of these iconic shrimp trucks. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck opened in 1993 as the first of its kind and in the wake of its success came numerous other trucks on the North Shore. Today, a trip to the area is incomplete without making a stop at one of these trucks. If you have the appetite, try stopping by multiple to see which one is your favorite.
Watch Turtles at Laniakea Beach
〰️
Watch Turtles at Laniakea Beach 〰️
Sea Turtles at Laniakea Beach
One of the best things to do on the North Shore is to watch sea turtles at Laniakea Beach! Although sightings are not guaranteed, this beach remains one of the best places to spot turtles on the island, whether they are swimming in the water or chilling on the sand. Something to note is that the peak season for turtle activity is summer, so you will have a better chance at spotting the turtles that time of year. Please remember to stay at least 10 feet away and never touch or feed them!
Visit Pearl Harbor
〰️
Visit Pearl Harbor 〰️
Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor
As a history buff, Pearl Harbor is one of my favorite places on Oahu and a must-visit for anyone visiting the island! Being the site of one of the country’s most pivotal moments in history, Pearl Harbor offers a moving and educational experience that is truly unique and unforgettable. Notable sites to visit include the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and Battleship Missouri Memorial, which is shown in the photo above. You can easily spend the whole day here so plan accordingly!
Hike to Manoa Falls
〰️
Hike to Manoa Falls 〰️
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall and is the tallest waterfall on the entire island! The hike is 1.6 miles round trip and is a relatively easy hike that takes you through a lush, tropical rainforest with scenic views all throughout. Since you will be hiking through a tropical rainforest, expect the trail to be on the muddier side and remember to use bug spray! Nonetheless, I found the hike to be both easy and beautiful, making it an amazing hike for anyone to enjoy!
Shop at Ala Moana Center
〰️
Shop at Ala Moana Center 〰️
Ala Moana Centerstage at Ala Moana Center, Honolulu
Located right outside of Waikiki, Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world! With four levels and over 350 stores and restaurants, this shopping center offers everything you would want and is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a place to shop or stroll around.
Enjoy Shave Ice
〰️
Enjoy Shave Ice 〰️
Coconut Island at Island Vintage Shave Ice
I honestly cannot think of a better way to end the day than with a bowl of Hawaiian shave ice. And yes, it’s shave ice, not shaved ice! Popular spots to get shave ice include Matsumoto Shave Ice on the North Shore, Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu, and my personal favorite, Island Vintage Shave Ice in Waikiki. It’s the perfect sweet treat to cool off on a hot, humid day!
