A list of the Top 10 Best Things To Do on Oahu, Hawaii. A must read if you're planning a trip to Hawaii, and want to know all of the best Oahu secrets, activities and tips!
Since living on Oahu, Hawaii for 9 glorious months in 2009, I've been asked countless times for activity recommendations by people who are heading to the islands on vacation.
I thought it would make a good FAQ post to list out our top 10 favorite things to do on Oahu, Hawaii, for anyone who is dreaming of Oahu, or who is heading to there on vacation and looking for things to do or see.
Please keep in mind that these are the best, in our humble opinion alone, and that there are many other incredible things to do and see on the island besides these. The list I made of our favorites was much longer than 10 so I pared it down to include our MOST favorite. I might need to do a follow-up post to this one in the future. I know other people will disagree with this list, saying other things are better than what I've listed, but like I said, these are in our opinion only.
10 Things You Must Do on Oahu Hawaii:
1. Pearl Harbor
I listed Pearl Harbor first because it was such a moving place for me to visit. We went with each different family group that came out, and I enjoyed the experience every time.
Hearing the stories, watching the video from the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, walking through the memorial and seeing the oil still leaking up in the bay; it got me every time.
2. Waikiki Beach
The iconic Waikiki Beach is a must see when you're on Oahu. If you're visiting, chances are you might be staying in Waikiki, since the majority of the island's hotels are located here.
During the day, the view of Diamond Head [top photo, below] is spectacular, and the beaches are idyllic. The water is warm, you can people-watch to your heart's content, and there are lots of water activities to try. You can learn to surf, snorkel, hop on a fishing charter, try out a dinner cruise, or stop at one of the many bars and restaurants along the beach.
At night, the Waikiki strip is full of night life, shops and more attractions to keep you entertained.
3. Diamond Head
Diamond Head is actually a state monument, and it's as much an iconic part of Oahu as Waikiki Beach.
The hike up Diamond Head is easy enough to accommodate most anyone; I saw girls making the trek in high heels!
The views from the top are nothing short of jaw-dropping. One of my most favorite photographs I've ever taken is from the top of Diamond Head and hangs as a huge canvas in both my bedroom and my parent's bedroom.
4. Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
A hike similar to Diamond Head but less commercialized and organized is the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. This hike provides more incredible views and other neat sights along the way like old military bunkers and a beautiful lighthouse.
In the photo below, the little turtle-looking island on the horizon to the left? That was where we called home - Marine Corps Base Hawaii [MCBH]. Matt lived there for 3 years, when he wasn't deployed to Iraq, and I lived there for 9 blessed months in 2009.
5. Snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Hanauma Bay
I love to snorkel. I love snorkeling in Minnesota's lakes and mine pits, even though the fish we see are all generally the same color and look a lot alike.
Snorkeling in a tropical place is completely different and totally charming. There are two amazing places we liked to snorkel and we took our visitors to.
Shark's Cove is a great spot off the Kamehameha Highway. You park along the road, walk down to the bottom of the cove's shoreline and jump in the water. If it's wavy that day or the tide gets too high, there can be rolling waves which stir up the bottom and make it hard to see the fish. But it's a great spot to snorkel and there were TONS of fish to see every time we went there!
Hanauma Bay is another incredible snorkeling place. It's very popular, and the parking lot fills up quickly. So if you plan to go, go early in the day so you can get a spot. You have to pay, but it's well worth the money. There are tons of fish, and the bay is so picturesque you could almost cry.
My only complaint about snorkeling here was that we must have gone at a low tide time. The water was only a few feet deep, so I was almost scraping the bottom at times as I swam along. It might be worth trying to go at a time of high tide here, or else just deal with it. It did allow me to get real up close and personal with the fish!
6. Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe
We lived at MCBH which is on the windward side of Oahu. Waikiki and Diamond Head are on the south side.
Not far from the base was the prettiest botanical garden I have ever been to. The Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe were absolutely spectacular and made you feel like you were very much in lush, jungle Hawaii.
Chickens ran wild through the gardens, there were dozens of hiking trails, and the views... oh the views!
One thing I would recommend is bringing some bug spray. We didn't and were driven out of some spots because of the bugs.
7. Maunawili Falls Trail
On one of my very first trips to visit Matt before I moved out for good, he took me to Maunawili Falls, on a hiking trail through the jungle of Oahu. I loved the feel of being deep in the lush vegetation of the jungle, and it was unlike anything I'd ever seen before in my life.
It made such a great impression, we brought every visitor we had there too!
The hike is on a trail through the jungle, over a few streams, and finally leads you to a breathtaking waterfall.
Maunawili Falls is notorious for being a place where people can jump off that rock ledge, into the pool below. There is also a much higher ledge to the top left of the photo, maybe 40 or 50 feet above the pool? I've seen people jump from there too. I passed on that opportunity.
Maunawili Falls remains one of the key memories that pop into my mind when I think of Oahu, and being in Hawaii. It is very much what I picture as HAWAII.
8. "Turtle Beach" - Laniakea Beach
We stumbled upon this beach on our drive up the North Shore once, but I know it's not a secret beach by any means. We had just never heard of it before.
As you're driving up the North Shore toward Haleiwa, just before you get to the town of Haleiwa, you'll pass a beach that will be full of cars. That beach is Laniakea, better knows at Turtle Beach.
Turtles come in to eat the algae on the rocks and they are mesmerizing.
You can see them floating in the waves in the shallow parts of the water, and then you can almost always see some up on the shore.
When my parents talk about being in Hawaii, Turtle Beach is one of their most favorite memories. They liked it so much that we went back twice during their visit.
9. The Drive Up To North Shore
One of my favorite things to do while we lived on Oahu was to get in our car and drive around the island.
You can drive around the perimeter of most of the island, cutting through the middle which offers you views of picturesque pineapple fields and the Dole Plantation.
Some of the must-sees on a drive around the island are the views everywhere, the delicious fruit stands that dot the edges of the highway, the Shrimp Trucks and Shacks along the way, and when you get to Haleiwa, getting Shave Ice at Matsumoto's or Aoki's.
Catching a sunset while sitting on the beach on North Shore is an incredible way to experience Hawaii too.
10. Ko'Olina Lagoons
The last of our favorite spots on Oahu is on the far southwest side of the island. The majority of everything else is either on the southern part of the island, the eastern side or the north shore.
On the southwest coast of Oahu are the Ko'Olina Lagoons. They are incredible beaches with the finest white sand and the calmest waters, because the reefs block the waves.
I felt like a mermaid sitting on the beach at Ko'Olina!
The only downside to these lagoons is that parking can be a problem. We lived on the opposite side of the island and one time, we drove ALL the way across the island to go to the lagoons. Once we arrived, we found the parking lots completely full and had to change plans and go someplace else. If you go, get there early so you can secure your spot.
There you have it - our Top 10 Favorite Things To Do On Oahu, Hawaii!
Like I mentioned before, there are many, many more things to do on this incredible island. I would highly recommend picking up a guide book to help you plan your trip. A good Oahu, Hawaii guide book will point you to hidden gems that you might not find out about otherwise, as well as give you food recommendations that can be very helpful. I bought and read Oahu Revealed cover to cover before our trip and it helped find many Must Do's we would have missed otherwise.
Things change quickly too, so it's possible some of these recommendations will change over time.
One of my favorite things to do in Waikiki was to go to the International Marketplace, and while I was writing this list, I googled it and discovered that just a few months ago, the International Marketplace closed and was torn down to accommodate a Saks Fifth Avenue. How disappointing! However, a blog reader who lives on Oahu mentioned that many of the vendors from the International Marketplace relocated to the Swap Meet at the Aloha Stadium. The hours vary to be sure to check first before you go. But that's a great place to look for souvenirs.
I also read that the Aoki's building that had been serving Shave Ice to locals and tourists alike for decades was torn down in part of a new development project. Aoki's said they were moving to a new building, so I hope they continue to have business success in their new location.
Matt and I are starting to plan our return to Oahu for the first time since leaving in September of 2009. I can't wait to revisit these favorites of ours and soak in the Aloha spirit we have missed so much. The islands get into your blood almost the minute you set foot here, and you never get rid of that feeling. At least we didn't.
Have you been to Hawaii? Oahu, or one of the other islands? What were your favorite things to do?
P.S. There have been other great suggestions given in the comments section below. Make sure to give those a look to add a few more things you must do on Oahu Hawaii!
Lake Toba
Amazing guide, hope I can visit Oahu someday with my family!
Donna
My daughter will be visiting Oahu in June. Can you recommend places to eat for a very picky eater
Laura Radniecki
Hi Donna! It's been awhile since I've been on the island so unfortunately, I don't have any specific recommendations. But I would say that as long as you steer clear from very unique or creative places, I would think your daughter should be able to find food she likes. There are all kinds of chain restaurants as well as typical beach type places. Waikiki especially has a huge range of places, all the way from beach burger joints to super fine dining. There are usually menus available to look at before going in, to help. Good luck to your daughter! I am a bit of a picky eater too, so I know the struggle! -Laura
L Adams
Thank you for this! I did get a used copy of the book Oahu Revealed and have earmarked it extensively. My sister and I lived in Ewa Beach in our early teen years (1965-68). We're taking our husbands for 8 days in November and are so excited we can hardly stand it. Some of your recommendations are already on our list and we'll be adding a couple of others. Aloooooooha!
Alena
Hi, Laura! Thank you for sharing this insightful information! We’ve read many posts and watched different videos as I’m planning a trip to Hawaii with my family. After finding your perfect blog post and this video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPn22xhM7-c we’re ready for our trip. I like to see a place what I’m reading about so it’s my perfect combination) Thanks!
Laura Radniecki
You are welcome, Alena! I hope you have the trip of a lifetime!
harison
Waikiki Beach is a most exciting holiday destination of the world where I stay for two days. I really enjoyed there boating and kayaking and came back with many pleasant memories. I hope you will have a joyful time there.
Janice
Hi Laura,
My husband and I went to Oahu 2 years ago for our 20th anniversary, and the moment I stepped off the plane I was in heaven!! We live in Idaho and it is constantly cold here so to go to a place that is warm all the time was wonderful. I can't describe how different the air smells there in Hawaii I loved it every time we would step outside I had to just sit and breathe it in for a min. My husband and I were there for a week and it was a very full week, our 1st day we decided to walk Waikiki beach and go to the Zoo just for your information if you don't have a car the bus system is a life saver. The zoo was awesome full of animals and the friendliest people. The second day we went to Sea Life Park and the King's Luau both were wonderful but our feet were killing us so we just kind of sat around rather than take in the lighthouse hike I wanted to do in between. I can't believe how funny the luau was and they even gave me flowers for our anniversary, and did I mention Kind the people of Hawaii are. The next day we went snorkeling to Hanauma Bay it had rained the night before and was overcast when we arrived so was a little chilly, my husband is a big guy so it didn't bother him but I froze after about an hour, definitely see what the weather is like or rent a wet suit to keep warm but oh the fish we saw were incredible! We even saw the state fish Humuhumunukunukuapua and many many others. The next day we did the Pineapple plantation but they were alternating the fields that year so didn't actually see any pineapples growing. The train ride was fun but waiting 1 1/2 hours to get on said train was not. We also rode the bus there and whenever we got confused by the switches we would ask a local and they were always very helpful. I also wanted to go to the swap meet at Aloha stadium but of course my husband was hurting at the time so just stayed at the hotel and had some couple time instead. The last day we were there we went on a whale watching tour but were disappointed by only seeing 1 hump going into the water. Overall it was a wonderful time but next time I go I am going with someone who will be able to do hikes and water adventures since my husband has bad feet and knees.
In fact I'm going back in January 2019 with 2 of my sisters and we really want to do a kayak ride to the "Mokes" do you happen to have any recommendations on who to go thru to rent them? We are also going to go hike Diamond Head, Do the Manoa Waterfall hike, Makapu'u light house, the Kaena Point tide pools, turtle bay, and maybe Lulumahu falls. Still have a few months to plan more. Did you ever try Mike's Huli Chicken? I've heard it is really good, definitely going to try Ted's Bakery I've heard about them a ton. Any other recommendations would be great. Thanks for your blog and all the people that commented they gave me a few more place we will try.
Laura Radniecki
Hi Janice! Thank you so much for sharing your trip experience with us! It sounds like you had a wonderful time, despite having to sit a few of the hikes out that you wanted to do. You'll love your Jan 2019 trip and all that you have planned! If you think of it when you return, stop by here again and give us an update of your second trip! I don't have any recommendations for rentals for kayaks, but I would look at maybe the chamber website or the guidebook that is linked in the post. They might have some suggestions. We didn't try Mike Huli Chicken but it sounds good and Ted's Bakery, I've heard great things about them too. The comments here have tons of great ideas in addition to the ones in the post. Enjoy!! (And I completely agree with there being something about that Hawaiian air. There's nothing like it!)
Caroline Wilhite
I think your list is spot on! I just moved back to Oahu and am making sure I do as much as possible on this beautiful island before heading back to the mainland eventually.
John & Jan Whitehouse
I have just read a post about trips in Oahu. We were there in May and 2 places we would suggest are the Polynesian Cultural Centre and Waimau Valley. We enjoyed both and whilst the Centre isn't cheap it does provide a great insite into the culture. Waimau is great with walks through the valley and also the chance the swim in the pool by the waterfall. It is totally safe with 2 lifeguards and lifevests compulsory. We are from the UK and these were definitely our highlights.
On another note we would urge eveyone to check very carefully what they are getting when they book in Oahu. We took self catering in the north of the island and thought we had booked a 2 bed house. When we got there it turned out to be a lower floor 2 bed apartment in a duplex. We also had a car arranged but were offered an upgrade at a cost of US$40 for the week, turned out we got charged US$40 per day. With the property it wasn't great and the end came when we found cockroaches living with us. We love nature and wildlife but not when it shares our accommodation.
One dispute is settled the other is ongoing. All we can say is check everything twice before you commit and if it is car hire ignore the queue behind you. Read everything line by line!! We wouldn't go back to Hawaii again following this experience which is a shame as the local people are very friendly and chatty.
Laura Radniecki
Hi John and Jan!
Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback, although I'm sorry to hear your experience with Oahu was disappointing! There's always that risk with travel, and coming into the unknown. I'm sorry you didn't have the magical experience so many have.
Good points on the Polynesian Cultural Center and Waimau Valley. Others may have added them in the comments as well, but your tips can be further incentive for someone to add it to their list!
I hope your second dispute can be resolved soon and you can put the disappointing parts of your trip behind you. Perhaps then the good parts will be what you remember the most!
Laura