Things to Do in Oahu – The Ultimate Island Adventure Guide

Oahu, the most popular and populous island in the Hawaiian chain, is known for many things, including the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the iconic Waikiki Beach.  I lived on Oahu for many years and was always discovering new beaches, hikes, food trucks, and other places that I had never been to before.  Oahu is only 600 square miles, yet it offers a diversity of experiences from city life to surf culture.  Oahu has many towering mountains offering excellent hiking opportunities.  There is also an eclectic range of island cuisine.  This blog article will offer some of the best things to do in Oahu, from Honolulu to the North Shore and beyond.      

Why Visit Oahu?

Oahu is unique among the Hawaiian Islands for its blend of urban and cultural experiences, with plenty of outdoor activities no matter where you are on the island.  It is home to the state capital, Honolulu, which offers fine dining and luxury shopping.  There are also quite a few historic landmarks, including Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and the Bishop Museum.

Oahu offers outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and beaches.  Oahu is considered a premier destination for people who want to learn to surf, with plenty of surf schools located all around the island.  The North Shore of Oahu is also a top destination for world-class surfers during the winter months.  

There is no shortage of hiking opportunities, from paved trails to mountain ridges.  Some popular spots include Diamond Head and Manoa Falls, but that is just the beginning.  Hiking on some other trails away from the crowds is a whole other experience.  

Oahu has beautiful, accessible beaches on every side of the island.  Waikiki Beach is where many visitors stay in hotels.  Lanikai Beach on the windward side is also a popular spot for visitors.  

Oahu experiences beautiful tropical weather year-round.  The warmest months are July to September, where the average high temperature is around 84-85 degrees Fahrenheit.  The coldest months tend to be from January to March, where the high temperature is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  The winter months can be wetter, but it won’t ruin your vacation. There is still plenty of warm sun.    

Top Things to Do in Honolulu

Explore Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is a fun place to visit.  The first time I saw it, I couldn’t believe all of the hotels right along the beach.  Then, walking a bit further to Kalakaua Avenue and seeing all the high-end shops and people walking down the street carrying huge surfboards.  It is such a fun place to visit.  At night, all of the tiki torches are lit up, lining the streets. 

Waikiki Beach is indeed touristy.  Don’t spend your whole vacation here and never see the real Hawaii.  But it is where many hotels are located, so naturally, that might be where you are staying for the week.  

My favorite thing to do on my first morning in Waikiki is walk all the way down Kalakaua Avenue to Lulu’s and have a late breakfast or brunch, looking out over Waikiki Beach from the second-floor open-air restaurant.  Then stroll back along the shops, passing tens of ABC Stores, before having a relaxing day at the beach and pool, recovering from my jetlag.  

Visit Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head is the volcanic tuff cone visible first from your flight landing, and then from the beach in Waikiki.  Diamond Head is probably Hawaii’s most recognized landmark.  It is also known for its hiking trail, scenic viewpoints, and military history. 

The trail to Diamond Head’s summit is .8 miles and is fairly steep and challenging.  The trail features some stairs, switchbacks, and a tunnel.  The elevation gain is about 560 feet.  At the top, you are rewarded with stunning views.  There is now also a reservation system, so this visit must be reserved in advance.

Diamond Head is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of Hawaii, so it’s an experience to climb up it.  The panoramic views at the top are worth it. If you are in moderately good shape, this hike won’t be a challenge for you. 

I have heard that at times it is busy at the top and not as enjoyable for people, but I have not experienced that.  My most recent trip up Diamond Head was in early November, so perhaps it was less crowded on the island in general than compared to the summer months.    

Discover the History at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a must-do for first-time visitors to Hawaii.  The Pearl Harbor Museum and grounds are run by the National Park Service.  The visitor center has interesting exhibits and memorials, sharing the stories of those who were there on December 7, 1941. 

Visitors can take a shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits above the wreckage of the USS Arizona.  This underwater grave serves as the final resting place for approximately 1,102 of the 1,177 men who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  The oil slick on the water is still visible after all of these years.  Check your dates ahead of time because this area is sometimes closed for preservation activities by the National Park Service.  

Shop & Dine Along Kalakaua Avenue

International Marketplace is an open-air mall with shopping and dining.  I highly recommend checking out local businesses whenever possible.  Sundaes is a little boutique that is filled with items hand-made by local wahine.  They have jewelry, accessories, and art.  I made a charm necklace here last year, picking out charms from the charm bar, and they put it together for me while I walked around the rest of the mall.   

The ALOHA Collection was also formed by two Hawaii natives.  Their splash-proof bags and accessories are a perfect souvenir.  I use my ALOHA bag as a beach bag wherever I go.  They also donate 5% of their profits to Hawaii-based conservation organizations.  They have a store right on Kalaukaua Avenue.    

House without a Key is a special experience at the Halekulani Hotel.  You can watch the sunset along Waikiki Beach under their 130-year-old Kiawe tree.  They have live Hawaiian music every night from 5 pm onwards and hula dance from 6 pm – 8 pm.  You can visit for sunset cocktails on the lawn (no reservations) or make a dinner reservation in advance.  You can even try to reserve Ernest Hemingway’s table, table 97, with a direct view of Diamond Head.  This was Hemingway’s preferred table when he visited in 1940 on his honeymoon.    

Best Outdoor Adventures on Oahu

Hike to the Manoa Falls Trail

The Manoa Falls Trail is a popular hike on Oahu.  It is close to Waikiki and features an accessible hike to a large 150-foot waterfall, making it a popular destination for many visitors.  Manoa Falls is an out-and-back trail of about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round-trip.  There is a modest elevation gain of 577 feet.  The trail is considered moderate and can be very muddy. 

Parking at Manoa Falls is $7.  There is a staffed parking lot that can fill up, especially on weekends and holidays.  There is no street parking available close to the trail, but you can park about 10 minutes away and walk if you are looking for free parking.   

The pool below the waterfall is not swimmable, so this is really about the hike.  The trail through the rainforest is incredibly lush with towering bamboo and huge ferns.  The waterfall has been used in films and TV shows from Lost to Jurassic Park.  Depending on when you go, the waterfall may not be flowing.  The pictures in this article were taken in July, which is not the rainy season, and there was plenty of waterfall to see!

Take Paddleboarding or Surfing Lessons

Both Waikiki and the North Shore offer excellent opportunities for paddleboarding and surfing lessons.  Waikiki Beach is calm most of the year and is an amazing place to learn to paddleboard, take lessons, or rent equipment.  The Anahulu River in Haleiwa is a calm and easy-to-access river.  It is also a prime location to spot sea turtles.  You can paddle under the iconic rainbow bridge and go a good way down the river until it gets too shallow before turning around.

There are many surf schools right along Waikiki Beach as well.  Waikiki generally has rideable waves except during select days when they may be too big.  It is a great place to learn on small waves.  

On the North Shore, Pua’ena Point has small waves that are perfect for beginner lessons.  Chun’s Reef is also a spot that surfing schools take beginners because of smaller wave sizes.  

Sunrise Hike at the Lanikai Pillbox Trail

This is a popular Instagram-worthy spot on Oahu and can be a difficult place to find parking.  However, I have done this hike so many times that I think it’s worth it to get up early on your vacation.  Sunrise is by far my favorite time to do this hike.  

The trail is about 1 mile round-trip and is considered moderate.  It is a steep hike up the ridgeline leading to two old WWII era military pillboxes and panoramic views of the coastline and offshore islands.  

The trail begins opposite the Mid Pacific Country Club & Golf Course, just before you reach a gated community.  The beginning of the hike is a steep scramble uphill.  Once you reach the ridgeline, you will start to take in the awesome views while heading higher to the pillboxes.  You can even keep going past the second pillbox to a small concrete platform that marks the highest elevation point of the ridge.  

Once you finish the hike and take in the scenery, there are great places nearby to eat breakfast in Kailua and Waimanalo.  My favorites areDown to Earth,Kalapawai Cafe & Deli, and Ai Love Nalo.  Down to Earth is an organic grocery store but also has an extensive grab-and-go section, deli, and made-to-order counter.  Kalipawai Cafe has coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, pizza, you name it.  Ai Love Nalo is plant-based and absolutely delicious.  I know many meat-eaters who are very happy to eat a meal there.     

Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove on the North Shore

Snorkeling and scuba diving at Shark’s Cove is a seasonal activity on Oahu.  Dangerous swells hit the North Shore of Oahu in the wintertime.  Summer is the best time to snorkel here.  There is impressive marine life to be seen here ,including fish and turtles.  Despite its name, this cove is not known for having sharks.  Since the cove is rocky, it is best to wear water shoes here.   

Top Things to Do on the North Shore of Oahu

Watch Big Wave Surfing at Waimea Bay or Pipeline

During the winter, you can have a front-row seat to some of the best surfers in the world here.  Locals refer to this as the “circus being in town,” but it is such a fun experience sitting on the beach with locals and visitors, photographers, and surfing channel reporters.  

There are competitions from November through February all throughout the North Shore surf spots, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, WSL Championship Tour, Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.  Even if you aren’t lucky enough to see one of these competitions, you can still watch local surfers during the winter on almost any day when the surf is up.  Here is a calendar showing North Shore surf contests for the current season.     

Visit the Charming Town of Haleiwa

I wrote another blog post that goes into detail about the North Shore and Haleiwa here.  Haleiwa and Waialua are laid-back surf towns on the North Shore of Oahu.  In Haleiwa town, there are many shops, restaurants, art galleries, and beaches to visit.  Check out the North Shore Marketplace and the Haleiwa Store lots.  Or visit nearby Waialua’s Old Sugar Mill.              

Visit Waimea Valley and Falls

Waimea Valley has an easy paved route that is a more accessible option for hiking.  The casual walk through the botanical gardens and historical sites up to the waterfall is 3/4 of a mile one-way or 1 1/2 miles round trip.  There are also options for booking transportation on electric shuttles for those who cannot walk that far.  Adult admission is $25 for the day.  Admission for children (ages 4-12) is $15. 

Swimming in the waterfall here is allowed but depends on the daily conditions.  There are also cultural sites here to explore and learn more about Hawaiian history.  Resident artisans also work here and give presentations and lessons.  

There is also a snack bar, coffee shop, and gift shop here.  Lifeguards are on duty at the waterfall as well. 

Top Things to Do on the Leeward Coast Oahu

Visit the Calm Lagoons at Ko Olina

Ko Olina lagoons are a series of four man-made lagoons on the west side of Oahu.  There is a string of hotels here, from the Disney Aulani to the Marriott, but public access to beaches is a law in Hawaii.  There are public parking lots and access to these lagoons, so even if you aren’t staying at one of the hotels here, you can access the beach.
Public parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis from sunrise to sunset.  It is best to arrive before 9 am to secure a spot.  The lagoons are generally calm, offering excellent swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding opportunities.    

Drive the Scenic Waianae Coast

The Waianae Coast is located on the leeward side of Oahu.  It is known for its rugged beauty and pristine beaches, and a strong local Hawaiian community.  Farrington Highway stretches from Nanakuli all the way to Kaena Point, where it ends at the far northwest tip of Oahu.  

There are some beautiful beaches along the Waianae Coast, including Yokohama Bay, Pokai Bay, and Maili Beach Park.  Many beaches here can be nearly empty at times.  Others have homeless camps set up on them, which is a sad reality for this region.    

Kahumana Organic Farm Tour 

Kahumana Organic Farm is a hidden gem on Oahu.  It is located deep in the Waianae Valley.  Kahumana is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers opportunities to the homeless community, people with disabilities, and youth.  They have an organic farm, cafe, and CSA.  They offer lunch and dinner on select days in a truly “farm to fork” environment.  They also offer a farm tour where you can taste fruits, learn about their crops, and then have a delicious 3-course meal.  There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans as well.    

Top Things to Do on the Windward Coast of Oahu

Visit Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple located on the windward side of Oahu.  It is a smaller-sized replica of a temple in Japan, which is a United Nations World Heritage Site.  General admission to the temple is $7 for adults.  Tours here are self-guided with signage and information at various locations on the grounds. 

On the paths to the temple outside, there are koi ponds.  Other wildlife that live here are peacocks and black swans.  There is a large brass bell outside the temple.  Visitors are invited to ring the bell before entering the temple for happiness and longevity.  Inside the temple, you can light incense or offer a prayer.  The Ko’olau Mountains are located behind the temple.  It is a stunning scene and a very peaceful place to visit.   

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is a historical landmark that offers scenic views of the windward coast.  The Pali lookout is located off the Pali Highway.  There is a $7 charge for cars, but no fee for visitors to enter.  The lookout is the site of the Battle of Nu’uanu, where King Kamehameha I united Oahu.  It can be extremely windy here and cool compared to lower elevations by the ocean, but it is a short stop on the way from Honolulu to the windward side.  

Take an ATV Tour at Kuaola Ranch

I have been here three times, and although it is touristy, it is so fun to see all the places where movies have been shot, ride ATVs, and take pictures.  Kualoa Ranch is actually a private cattle ranch.  They also offer tours on e-bikes, ATVs, and nearby ocean tours.  I highly recommend doing an ATV tour.  They now have UTVs, so a whole group of up to 6 people can ride together in the same vehicle.  This is great for multigenerational families, as not everyone is comfortable driving them.  You will ride deep into the valleys and see filming locations for Jurassic Park, LOST, and many more movies and TV shows.    

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is located in Kaneohe on the windward side of Oahu.  It is over 400 acres of botanical collections that you can drive through. There are parking lots along the way with different collections that you can walk through and stop at scenic views.  Admission is free here!  Stopping on the main road is not allowed because many people stop in the middle of the road to take a viral picture of themselves with that gorgeous backdrop of the road and mountains.     

Scenic Drives on Oahu

The windward coast is a great place to drive along the ocean and take in the scenery.  Starting on the North Shore and driving Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83) from Haleiwa, all along the coast on the North Shore before heading to the Windward Coast.  Or, starting in Honolulu, drive the H3 highway through tunnels and over bridges to the windward side before connecting with the Kamehameha Highway to go north to Kahuku.  

What to Skip on Oahu

Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation is generally considered a tourist trap.  It is crowded with huge buses of tourists stopping here along the way to the North Shore.  There are lots of pricing packages because not everything is included.  Honestly, you can get Dole Whip at other places on Oahu.  

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay was underwhelming.  I think it has been over-touristed for many years, and although they are now restricting dates and ticket sales, there is not a great amount of fish in the water.  The bay is beautiful, but it’s a pretty big hassle to score tickets, get here, watch the video, take the tram to the bay, and then finally snorkel.  I would spend my time elsewhere.  

Lanaikea Beach

Lanaikea Beach, aka Turtle Beach on the North Shore, is regularly the source of local complaints about traffic.  The North Shore does not have the infrastructure to accommodate all the visitors to stop at this tiny beach to see turtles.  Because you have to cross the two-lane Kamehameha Highway, everyone stopping here for pedestrians can create huge traffic backups.  I have seen turtles in so many other places along the North Shore that are easier to get to and park at.  

Planning Your Oahu Trip

How to Get Around the Island

The easiest way to get around the island is probably by renting a car.  There are tons of rental companies that you can rent from, along with Turo.  Even if you are staying in Waikiki, you can rent a car for a day or two for excursions around the island.  There are also tours, but they generally are coralling a bunch of different people, so you don’t have the same freedom to see what you want and stay places as long as you want.

Where to Stay in Oahu (by area and vibe)

Most people stay in Waikiki because there are just so many hotels here right on the beach.  This spot is relatively close to the airport, but it can be more expensive and crowded.  There is no authentic Hawaiian feel here as well because it is basically a huge tourist area.  But if walking around at night and having access to plenty of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife are important to you, this is the place to stay.

Ko Olina is another area on the west side that is a smaller but also developed space.  There are a few large hotels here and calm waters in the manmade lagoons.  There are also plenty of shops and restaurants here.  Generally, people rent a car for their trip when they are staying in this area, as it is further out from the airport.  

Kailua is another popular place for tourists to stay.  There are not really hotels here, as it is a much more residential area.  There are Airbnbs here, but there is a crackdown on vacation rentals, so this is becoming less common.

The North Shore is another area that has mostly Airbnbs (make sure they are legal!) and one hotel, Turtle Bay.  The North Shore is a much more relaxed, laid-back place to stay.  You will definitely want a car here as well.  

Final Thoughts – Oahu Has It All

  Oahu is the most populous and popular island for a reason.  There are so many diverse activities to do here, from historical sites to beach activities and shopping, and dining.  Remember to save/bookmark this post for making your own list of things to do in Oahu.  There is truly something for everyone.