Oahu Things To Do

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through the link, I earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. This helps keep my content free, thank you!

When I posted photos and stories of Oahu on my Instagram account, a lot of my followers from around the world said visiting Hawaii is their dream. It goes to show how popular Hawaii is.

Oahu is the most popular and most populous of the Hawaiian Islands and many airlines fly directly to Honolulu Int’l Airport.

Oahu is also famous for being the filming spot of Jurassic Park and ‘Lost’ TV show.

Compared to other islands like Maui (check out my Maui’s must do things here) or Kauai, Oahu might seem touristy to some people but I beg to differ.

I highly recommend visiting Oahu for your first visit to the Hawaiian Islands for many reasons.

• Oahu is easily accessible, has more food options and has an active nightlife and it also gives you an idea of the island’s pace and lifestyle.

• The island of Oahu offers many things to do that are touristy but also unique and off the beaten path.

• If you venture off the popular areas of Waikiki and Honolulu, you will find great trails, incredible views, amazing waterfalls and beautiful beaches that are nearly empty.

Here is everything you need to know to visit the most popular Hawaiian Island and top things to do in Oahu!

Things to do in Oahu

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Some of the popular spots (stairway to heaven, some insane waterfalls, trails) that you see on Instagram and Tiktok are illegal to access/take photos for various reasons like our safety and privacy.

Keep this in mind when you visit any island in Hawaii to avoid disappointment and follow the rules as a sign of respect to the locals.

There are a lot of other pretty spots in Hawaii to explore! 🙂 I have not included any such attractions because what’s the point? 

In addition to the list of things below, I also recommend taking some of the tours below. They give you unique perspective from a local’s viewpoint and fun to meet other tourists.

Having said that, let’s look at the best things to do in Oahu!

Hanauma Bay 

This is a popular spot for snorkeling in Oahu. We went there on our first trip to Oahu and enjoyed the snorkeling experience.

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s top things to do if you are visiting for the first time. You are guaranteed to see lots of fish.

PRO TIP: Go as soon as the park opens when the water is calmer and parking is easier. Snorkel equipment is available for rental at the bay.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Hanauma Bay now requires advance reservations to manage crowds and protect the marine ecosystem. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and visitors must watch an educational video before entering. Be sure to book your tickets online before your visit!

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

This is one of the most significant historic sites in the United States. The memorial honors the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Make sure to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri and Pacific Aviation Museum.

Arrive early, as tickets to the USS Arizona Memorial are limited and often sell out by midday.

Beaches

Waikiki beach

The most popular and crowded beach in all of Oahu and for a reason! It is only steps away from Waikiki hotels.

I suggest going either early in the morning or during the evening to watch the most beautiful sunset.

Do not miss the sunsets on Waikiki beach!

Lanikai beach

This is a beautiful beach but parking is only available around the residential areas around the beach on weekdays.

On weekends, it is illegal to park in the residential areas.

Waimanalo beach

This is a gem of a beach that is surprisingly less crowded.

There is ample parking available unlike Lanikai beach and the water is the most gorgeous turquoise color.

Go to this beach, you won’t regret it!

Kualoa beach

This is a peaceful beach overlooking Chinaman’s hat.

While you are there, stop by Kualoa Ranch. It is where Jurrasic Park was filmed.

They only do tours but you could visit the store to see what it’s all about.

Hiking

I get it! Vacation is meant to be relaxing but I read somewhere that the best way to see the beauty of Oahu is to hike.

So try to go on at least one hike to checkout the beautiful coastline and mountains of Oahu!

These are a few of my favorite hiking trails.

Diamond Head crater

Closest to Waikiki and a very popular hike. It is a volcanic crater formed due to eruption some hundreds of thousands of years ago.

The scorching sun can be hard to escape during the afternoon so start early!

Makapu’u lighthouse trail 

This is one of my favorite trails because it is paved, doesn’t take too long and offers incredible views of Oahu!

And in the end, you get to see the amazing coastline of Oahu, the lighthouse and the islands of Maui and Lanikai on a good day.

There are other incredible hikes like the sunrise hike to Lanikai Pillbox, Koko Head Crater but we haven’t done those.

If you do plan to hike the Lanikai pillbox or Koko Head Crater, note that they are medium-difficult hikes and need some planning if you want to watch the sunrise.

Drive from Waikiki to North Shore

Amongst the many things to do in Oahu, my top suggestion is to spend a day driving along the coast from Waikiki to North Shore.

The drive is breathtaking with many beautiful views of the coast as well as the tropics of Oahu.

Most of the places mentioned in my list are along the coast.

Start at Waikiki and pick a few stops between Waimanalo beach, Kualoa beach, Ho’omaluhia botanical gardens, Byodo-in temple, Waimea Bay and North Shore. 

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens

Oahu is not just about the beaches. The lush green mountains and tropics are home to great botanical gardens.

My favorite is the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. These gardens are so peaceful and surprisingly less crowded and will make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.

The gardens are huge and can be accessed by car. There are multiple parking spots at different points of interests and access to different gardens.

PRO TIP: With lush green mountains in the background, these gardens are a great spot for a photo shoot. 

Byodo-in Japanese Temple

This is my favorite place in Oahu. I loved it so much the first time that we visited it again during our second and recent trip to Oahu.

This is a Japanese temple set in a picture perfect location, quiet surroundings and dense greenery. I could stay there for hours meditating!

You MUST go there to appreciate it’s true beauty! Enjoy the sounds of nature and be mindful of the people praying.

There is also a fruit stand in the temple premises that sells freshly squeezed juices and coconut water and they accept cards! 

Waimea Bay and Waimea Valley

Famous for its massive winter waves, Waimea Bay is a surfer’s paradise.

In the summer, the water calms down, making it perfect for swimming and cliff jumping (if you’re brave enough!).

The Waimea Valley is a short walk from Waimea Bay. This lush valley offers a family-friendly hike leading to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim. 

Sunset Beach

As the name suggests, this beach is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset.

During the winter months, it is a prime location for watching professional surfers tackle the massive waves.

We went during a surfing competition and amazed by the waves and surfers’ incredible talent!

Shark’s Cove

This is a top snorkeling spot during the summer months when the water is calm. The cove is teeming with marine life, making it a favorite among snorkelers and divers.

Haleiwa Town

This charming surfing town is the heart of the North Shore.

Stop by for shave ice at Matsumoto’s or Aoki’s, browse local art galleries, and grab a bite at one of the many food trucks.

Don’t miss Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for their famous garlic shrimp! I still dream of the garlic shrimp from Giovanni’s! 😀

Kualoa Ranch

If you’re a fan of movies like Jurassic Park, Jumanji or Godzilla, you’ll love Kualoa Ranch!

This 4,000-acre private nature reserve is one of Oahu’s most iconic attractions, offering a mix of adventure, history, and stunning scenery.

Here’s what you can do there:

• Movie Sites Tour: Explore the filming locations of famous movies and TV shows. You’ll see the iconic Jurassic Park gate, the bunker from Lost, and much more.
• ATV Rides: Get off-road and explore the ranch’s lush valleys and rugged terrain on an ATV. It’s a thrilling way to experience the beauty of Kualoa.
• Horseback Riding: Enjoy a leisurely ride through the ranch’s scenic trails, perfect for all skill levels.
• Jungle Expedition: Hop on a 6×6 off-road vehicle and venture deep into the rainforest for breathtaking views and hidden valleys.
• Ziplining: Zipline above the treetops and enjoy panoramic views of the ranch and the ocean.
• Ocean Voyage: Take a catamaran tour of Kaneohe Bay and see the ranch from the water.

PRO TIP: Book your tours in advance, as they often sell out, especially during peak seasons.

Where to stay in Oahu?

Waikiki is the most popular area where many hotels and airbnbs are.

We preferred Waikiki because of the many restaurants and hotels to choose from.

Best Areas to Stay in Oahu

1. Waikiki: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the action. It’s close to shopping, dining, and iconic beaches like Waikiki Beach.
2. Ko Olina: A quieter, resort-heavy area on the west side of the island, ideal for families and those seeking a more relaxed vibe.
3. North Shore: Known for its laid-back surf culture and stunning beaches, this area is great for nature lovers and adventurers.
4. Diamond Head/Ala Moana: Close to Waikiki but less crowded, with easy access to hiking trails and Ala Moana Beach Park.
5. Honolulu: Best for those who want to explore the city’s history, culture, and urban attractions.

Best Hotels in Oahu

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

This resort is a paradise for luxury seekers, offering spacious rooms, a serene lagoon-style beach, and exceptional dining options. The spa and pool areas are top-notch, and it’s family-friendly with a great kids’ program.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

This is more than a hotel—it’s a luxury residential experience. The rooms are spacious with full kitchens, and the rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.

Turtle Bay Resort

Recently renovated, this resort is the only luxury option on the North Shore. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to nature while enjoying upscale amenities.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

While it’s family-friendly, Aulani also offers luxury for adults, including a private adults-only pool and spa. The resort blends Disney magic with Hawaiian culture.

How to get to Oahu?

The best and the only option for most people is flying.

Many airlines offer direct flights from major US cities and some airlines offer direct international flights as well. 

I recently found out that you can take a cruise to Hawaii from the west coast!

Yup! Several cruise companies offer 10 day cruises from big cities like SF, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Diego. Just be prepared to spend 4-5 days at sea each way!

How to get around Oahu?

Rental car is the way to go.

If you only intend to stay in Waikiki and visit nearby areas, you could get away with walking and public transit.

But if you would like to explore the beauty of North Shore, access pristine beaches and rainforests or hike beautiful waterfalls, I suggest renting a car. 

Note that most hotels in Waikiki charge parking fee in the range of $40-$50 per night. And getting in and out of Waikiki could be a problem during peak traffic hours.

Where and what to eat in Oahu?

I have you covered here (with a broad smile :D)!! Check out my blogpost about best food and local eats in Oahu.

So there you go – all my favorite things to do in Oahu!

All these places are incredible but don’t sweat it out on your vacation to checkout all of them. Just relax and enjoy your time, especially in Hawaii!

We chose one or two activities per day and spent the rest of the time relaxing and reading novels in our hotel room! Isn’t that what vacation is all about? 🙂

Enjoy your time in Oahu!

PIN FOR LATER 

HEADING TO HAWAII? RELATED POSTS YOU MIGHTS ENJOY