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!
Jason Akrami
Very Helpful Information and Beautiful Photos. Thanks!
Laura Radniecki
You are welcome, Jason! I'm glad you found it helpful!
Marko
Hi Laura.
Great Post Laura. We planned a last minute holiday to Oahu and this is exactly what we were looking for, a brief description, couple of great pictures and some basic information of some of the things to do in Oahu. Well done!
Thank you
Laura Radniecki
Hi Marko!
Thank you!! I'm glad you found the post helpful and I hope you guys have a fantastic trip to Oahu!
Laura
Dawn
Hi Laura and friends,
What an amazing blog..thank you so much. Should I order any travel books and if so which ones would be good? My husband and I are going in March 2016 to celebrate our 25th anniversary...so exciting! We were also thinking of going for a day trip to Maui...thoughts?
Thanks! Dawn
Laura Radniecki
Hi Dawn!
Thank you for reading and I'm glad you enjoyed the post!!
Oh, you and your husband and are going to have a BLAST on your trip! What a way to celebrate 25 years of marriage! Congratulations!
Yes, I highly recommend this Oahu guide book below:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0983888787/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0983888787&linkCode=as2&tag=lauraradni-20&linkId=G6UI2AH6FITY4Y4P
This is a few versions newer than the one I bought before I moved to the island, but I read it completely through and bookmarked all kinds of places to try. I think it really helps to increase the anticipation and excitement too, reading as you prepare for your trip! 🙂
Matt and I took a weekend trip to Maui too. I personally am a small town kind of person, so while I find Waikiki beach and the city parts of Oahu fun, I must prefer the slower paced North Shore of Oahu [like I mentioned in the post]. Maui has a more rural feeling to it, which I just loved.
I think that visiting Maui would be a great addition to your trip! I'm not sure how the day-trips work; how much time you'd have to explore etc.
We loved the city of Lahaina on Maui - it's a quaint little tourist town on the ocean and has tons of shopping and eating options. So fun to just walk around. We did the drive to Hana but that's an all-day trip, so if you just went for one day, you probably wouldn't have time for that. There is a big volcano/mountain there too that I wish we had done up. But we just ran out of time!! We plan to go back and extensively visit Maui someday!
I hope that helps!! I know that there is a guide book just like the one above, but for Maui, so that might be a good resource too. I know I'll be buying that before we ever take a trip to explore Maui more [or any of the other islands for that matter!]
Let me know how your trip goes! I'd love to hear an update afterwards!
Laura
Blossom
Hi! Thank you all for your input. Going to Hawaii in January with the husband for 2weeks. Excited much! Just reading your posts make me wanna go back there already even if I haven't set my foot there yet. I believe it's going to be an amazing trip....
Blossom
Note: for our 10th wedding anniversary. <3
Laura Radniecki
You are going to have the best trip ever!!! What a way to celebrate your 10th wedding anniversary!!!
Haha, be prepared to leave with Hawaii deeply embedded in your bones. It doesn't matter how long you are there, there's something about it that sticks with you when you leave!
Thanks for stopping by!
xo,
Laura
Betsy
These are all great suggestions that I agree with. For bakeries go to Liliha and get coco puffs. Teds bakery for haupia pie. Uncle Bo's for delicious pupu. North shore is great! Do your shopping there, it's cheaper and better!! Koalo ranch is great to learn some history. I miss my island life☹️
Laura Radniecki
Thank you for adding in some great suggestions, Betsy!
I don't know if anyone had mentioned Koalo Ranch before so that's a great addition!
xo
Laura
Art
One of my top recommendations is to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center! Their ALI'I LUAU is the best if you want to experience traditional luau food (kalua pork, lomi salmon, poi and more...) and authentic Hawaiian entertainment. You also can explore 6 island villages, exhibits, interactive "GO Native" activities which are so much fun! I also highly recommned the spectacular "Ha: Breath of Life" show.
Laura Radniecki
Hi Art!
Thank you for your recommendation of the PCC! That's been mentioned by a few other people so it must be worth checking out!
It's on the top of my list for things to do when we visit Oahu again! 🙂
Thanks for the link to the discounts too; that's super helpful for people making travel plans!
Laura
Christina
I too had the opportunity to attend University on Oahu and I loved it there! The Polynesian Cultural Centre is a definite must and for a few days too. There is so much to see and do there. Hukilau Beach & Goat Island , Ponders Beach, Pipeline, Bikini Beach, Wiamea Gardens, Turtle Bay, Teds Bakery and Pali lookout are a few of the places I would add to a must see list.
Laura Radniecki
Hi Christina!
Thank you for reading and commenting! I appreciate you adding to the list!
I went to a few of the places you listed, but a lot of them are new to me, so thank you!!
Lucky you for getting to spend college in paradise! 🙂
Laura
Judy1223
Hi Laura! I found your blog post a few months before we took our recent trip to Oahu, and I'm so glad i did! Between your advice and the comments of your readers, we filled every minute of our ten day trip with fun! I had to come back to say THANK YOU!!!
My husband and I took our four kids (ages 16, 15, 13 and 10) on this trip for our 20th anniversary, and there was fun for all ages there! We hiked to the top of Diamond Head crater (although it says it is easy, my daughter and I didn't hydrate enough early on so we had to take a few breaks toward the top...something to be aware of with kids and adults alike). We took surfing lessons at Waikiki Beach and snorkeled at Hanauma Bay. We had rented a house in the marina of Hawaii Kai and drove everywhere we could on the island -- even with railway construction, nothing look longer than 90 minutes to get to, even on the other side of the island! We took the tours at Pearl Harbor (including the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, the U.S.S. Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) and it was an amazing day -- what an important history lesson for all of us. We also drove to the North Shore and swam (and jumped off the rocks) at Wiamea Bay. So gorgeous -- and so much fun for the kids! While the waves there are usually crazy big in the winter, it was very calm because we were there in July...hardly any waves to speak of. We attended a luau called Chief's Luau (at the same location as Sea Life Park - it got the best ratings for luaus at Trip Advisor) and it was wonderful! Not too long, fun for kids and adults, and the chief was funny! We also took a morning drive along the coast and stopped at every "scenic overlook" and I'm so glad we did! We spotted sea turtles and wild life of all kinds! We saw the Blowhole and Cockaroach Gulch, and got some amazing photographs. We enjoyed walking around Waikiki in the evening to eat and shop and people-watch. We even ate outside at Duke's -- a long wait but the scenery was like out of a movie! On our last day (with time to kill before heading to the airport), we attended the Ukulele Festival in the park next to the zoo and had a great time listening to ukulele bands from around the world as well as Willie K and Jake Shimbakuro -- my daughter plays the ukulele so she particularly enjoyed this! (Have you ever heard Jake play? Check him out on YouTube and you will be blown away!) We also took a day trip to the big island to tour the Volcanoes National Park and visited Rainbow Falls. A long day, but worth it! None of us were ready to leave when our ten days were up...we still had so many things we wanted to do and see. Even walking around, I couldn't get enough of the flowers and trees and birds and wildlife...even the salamanders! I kept stopping as my gang kept on walking so I could take pics...then I'd run to catch up. Eventually they began to stop along with me, and by the end we were pointing out butterflies and flowers we had never seen before to each other.
All I can say is Oahu was a little bit of paradise and it was a trip my family will never forget. The kids are already talking about how we can get back there...college? Work? They are thinking about it! They will have to save their pennies since a gallon of milk was almost $8, but I can't blame them for wanting to go back...I want to go again, too! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us...and thanks to your readers who also added to the information base. It helped us to plan our trip to the fullest and I really appreciate it!
Laura Radniecki
Hi Judy!
THANK YOU for this amazing recap of your trip!!!
It literally brought tears to my eyes, because I can not only tell what an amazing time you had, but I can tell that you guys have now been infected by the Aloha spirit that just gets into you the minute you set foot on the island!!
Thank you for recapping all that you did - it will be very helpful to people planning their own trips.
I had a family friend who's daughter went to college for a few years on the island - I can't think of a better place to go to college, really! Yes, it's expensive, but I think it's worth the sacrifice to be able to call it home.
Warmest aloha to all of you!!
Laura
Susan Moore
Thank you a lot for the interesting article! I am going to move to Hawaii next month because of my job and I am still learning about this place. For one thing I am sure- this is the heaven on Earth. I am so excited and I can't wait to go there and to see all of these incredible places!
Laura Radniecki
Hi Susan!
Thank you for reading and commenting!
Oh man, lucky you!!! You are going to LOVE living there!!!
I think that like living anywhere, when it's "home", it can lose some of it's luster. But if you're intentional about it and make a point to get out and enjoy the amazing beauty of the island, you will not fall into the trap of becoming complacent and taking it for granted.
What a blessing you've been given! I hope you're able to explore all of these things and more!
Laura
Susan Moore
Thank you for the encouraging words Laura! So kind of you! I can't wait to learn new things about Hawaii!
Kellie
I was lucky enough to visit Oahu with my friend and we got to stay with her aunt, who was living there at the time. She knew the ins and outs fairly well, so that was a huge advantage! We went on the Admiral's Tour of Pearl Harbor, which is a private tour guided by members of the Navy, and it's FREE! And not just for Veterans. But of course as a Veteran, it was very special to me. There was only about 15 of us in the group, so much more personal and quiet than the well-known tourist boats.
We did the Swap Meet, which was fun for the first 30 minutes, but then you realize that people are selling pretty much all the same stuff ... it was A LOT of walking, but we did pick up some cool loot.
My friend's aunt lived in a gated community right next to Ko'Olina, so we got to walk to the lagoons each day (which was fantastic!) I went snorkeling with Kai Oli Oli and it was amazing. They went out of their way to find the good spots for us, since we weren't quite in 'prime' season for dolphins and whales. They did follow a small pod of dolphins so we could see them up close, which was really neat. Being in Ko'Olina, it was also easy for us to head to the Paradise Cove luau. It was amazing! Great food, great entertainment; can't say enough nice things!
One thing I would recommend is the Macadamia Nut Farm. Sounds kind of cheesy, but it was actually VERY cool! For an extra fee, you get to go on a boat ride with some of the tour guides, who are dressed in grass skirts the whole time. It was very unique and a lot of fun!
Just as you, I could go on forever, as Hawaii left a special mark in my heart 🙂
Laura Radniecki
Hi Kellie!
Thank you for the great comment and added information!
I wish I had known about the Admiral's Tour!! FREE?! That's such a hidden gem!
Aren't the lagoons amazing? I swear they're straight out of a movie.
I don't think I have ever heard of the Macadamia Nut Farm, so that's a great addition! Thank you!
I've got such a long list of things to do the next time we go!! 🙂
There's something about Hawaii - it doesn't even matter whether you go there for a week, a year or a decade - it gets into your system instantly and never leaves!!
xo!
Laura
Jodie
Hi Laura
Great blog post! I'm heading over with friends in October for a short trip (all first-time visitors) and your top 10 list looks pretty exciting! What's your experience with the weather during that time of year?
Laura Radniecki
Hi Jodie!
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I'm happy the list got you even more excited for your trip! You'll have a blast!
There are jokes that being a weatherman in Hawaii is the easiest job in the world. "Sunny and 80 for a high, 65 for a low. Chance of rain." haha!
The weather never really gets hotter than mid 80's and lower than mid 60's. But because there are lots of different climates on the one island, I'd bring layers. It can be really windy and chilly up on the mountains, and super hot down in Waikiki. It is rainier in the mountains, so a raincoat or something for rain might be a good idea. I always brought a sweater to restaurants etc because the AC is cranked usually.
Basically, if you bring clothes for heat, and then bring a couple layers to wear if it gets chilly and/or wet, you'll probably be set.
I hope you have a fantastic time!
Laura
Ann
Being a 4th generation kama'aina, I recommend the following attractions:
1. Iolani Palace, the only real royal palace in all of the US!
2. Bishop Museum. An amazing collection of artifacts depicting old Hawai'i as well as history of the ali'i, musical implements, feathered capes and headdresses, kahili, ancient cooking utensils, and on and on.
3. Sea Life Park which features a beautiful island girl who swims with dolphins, a huge saltwater aquarium, a show featuring tricks by dolphins, porpoises, whales, and penguins.
4. Drive to Nu'uanu Pali where King Kamehameha fought the final battle that united all the islands. The views are spectacular. On a windy day you can actually lay into the wind and it holds you up!
5. Blowhole and Cockaroach Gulch. The blowhole is a natural volcanic rock formation with a hole in it that acts like a geyser when the waves crash upon it. Cockaroach gulch is immediately to the right of the blowhole where the infamous kissing scene if From Here To Eternity was filmed.
6. The Zoo, located at the east end of Waikiki. Not sure if admission is still free but certainly worth visiting.
7. Of course the already mentioned Polynesian Cultural Center. By day you can stroll through "villages" representing Hawai'i, Tahiti, Samoa, Maori, just to name a few. By night, the most spectacular Polynesian revue with song and dances of all of Polynesia.
8. Also already mentioned, Pearl Harbor Memorial. Very sobering and humbling as you read the list of names engraved on a great marble wall, and seeing oil still leaking from the ship.
9. Fisherman's Wharf where you can charter a fishing excursion, Pearl Harbor tour that includes battleship row, embark on a sunset dinner cruise, or enjoy the most incredible bowl of clam chowder at the wharf restaurant.
10. The world's most famous pink hotel, The Royal Hawaiian. Presidents, Royalty, dignitaries, celebrities have all stayed at this wonderful hotel.
Well, that all I could think of off the top of my head. As far as eateries, must have malasadas from Leonard's Bakery, manapua from the manapua factory in Kalihi, teriyaki from Zippy's Drive-in (plenty delicious teriyaki steak, 2 scoop sticky rice, 2 scoop macaroni salad, and also famous for their chili), kalua pig, laulau, chicken long rice, lomi salmon, haupia, and poi from The Poi Bowl at Ala Moana Shopping Center, fabulous ribs at Tony Roma's in Waikiki, just to name a few.
As you explore, notice the abundance of plumeria, crown flowers, orchids, gardenias, bougainvillea, and ti leaves. Not to forgot papaya, coconuts, guavas, bananas, mangoes, most growing wild, ripe for the picking, or at the very least simply knock on someone 's door and ask permission to pick.
If you REALLY want to see O'ahu from a local's perspective just hop on Da Bus and go around the island that way. You'll wind through the streets of where they live and take in scenery that you don't get on a tour bus. Cheaper too!
Now I'm incredibly homesick...I've transplanted to Virginia, but there's a saying...you can take the girl out of the island, but you can't take the island out of the girl!
Laura Radniecki
Hi Ann!
THANK YOU for this amazing list!
You listed a few things that I didn't even know about, and a few that I did but wasn't able to experience.
I've got a long list for the next time I visit!! 🙂
Oh man - I'm sure you're enjoying your life in Virginia, but I can only imagine that hole the size of the islands in your heart.
I only lived on Oahu for less than a year and I can feel it still, 6 years later.
Thank you for reading and commenting, and sharing your knowledge here!
Laura
LaurieF
Don't forget Leonard's Bakery at 933 Kapahulu Ave, for great homemade malasadas (portuguese donuts)! They are worth standing in line for! But beware: too many, and you won't fit in your bikini!
Laura Radniecki
Thank you for the addition to the list, Laurie! I'm not positive if I made it to that bakery; I think I might have because I remember some amazing, mouthwatering donuts haha!
You're right - too many and it'd be a one-piece beach day for sure! 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting! I appreciate it!
Drew
Thank you for taking the time to write this. I've never seen a bad picture from Diamond Head and this just makes me want to see it in person even more.
Laura Radniecki
Thank you, Drew! I'm glad it helped you get even more excited to see it in person!!
Beth Wooster
This website has been very useful to me. My husband and I will be visiting four of the islands the end of April to celebrate our 40th anniversary. So much to see in so few days. Need to hit the highlights.
Laura Radniecki
Hi Beth!
Thank you for reading and commenting! I'm so happy this post was helpful to you.
Oh, you're in for a treat! What a blessing to be able to see FOUR of the islands in one trip! You're right; there is SO much to see. You could easily spend months on each island, seeing everything.
I hope you enjoy every single minute of your trip, hitting all the highlights!
Laura