Oahu is the most populated island in the Hawaiian archipelago, which means that if you’re looking for an authentic experience and to connect with the local culture, this island is a top destination for you. And every year, over five million visitors from all corners of the globe travel there, and you could be the next one!
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best things to do in Oahu, Hawaii, and pick up a few handy tips to make your stay even more enjoyable. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let’s go to Oahu, Hawaii!
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8 Activities You Can Do While Visiting Oahu
Explore Diamond Head State Monument
Let’s start our exploration on the south shore of Oahu, Hawaii, where you can find Diamond Head State Monument. It’s a very popular attraction, and it’s a great proof of the volcanic past of the islands. The iconic volcanic cone spans 475 acres and was formed approximately 300,000 years ago during a volcanic explosion.
The main attraction, of course, is hiking, and many people try to arrive as early as possible to see the sunrise from the top of the crater. The morning light over the panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean is quite magical. Please note that a reservation is required, especially during peak season.
Photo by Braden Wagner on Unsplash
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
In Oahu, you’ll find one of the most incredible nature reserves in the world. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is situated right inside an extinct volcanic crater. Its formation dates back approximately 32,000 years, and now you can see how the crater walls border the calm, crystal-clear waters.
It’s a great place to practice water sports, such as snorkeling and observing marine life. You can submerge yourself in an aquatic ecosystem full of colorful fish and corals. In the process, you will likely learn a great deal about environmental conservation, as all visitors are required to watch an educational video about reef conservation and park rules. What are you waiting for? Make your reservations now!
Photo by Brian Bondoc on Unsplash
Discover North Shore Beaches
Oahu has numerous famous beaches on the North Shore, which are particularly popular with experienced surfers and families who enjoy the sun and sea. Here are some of the best beaches you can visit in Oahu, Hawaii:
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Waimea Bay: The preferred for surfers, especially in winter, as the waves can be over 10 meters tall. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a nice place to sit down and see experts taming the waves.
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Ehukai Beach Park (Banzai Pipeline): Another great spot to see surfers, but this time we’re talking about competitions! Swimming there is not recommended, though, especially during the top surfing season.
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Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach): A place to see sea turtles. It is best to visit between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. during the summer months. And don’t forget to keep your distance from the turtles; it is illegal to touch them.
Photo by HARRY BUGARIN on Unsplash
Tour the Polynesian Cultural Center
For now, you have only seen the natural wonders of Oahu, but there are a lot more to explore there. For example, the Polynesian Cultural Center! It was founded in 1963, and ever since, it has been a cultural tourist attraction celebrating the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands.
It’s located on the north shore of Oahu, spanning 42 acres and designed as a living museum. You can explore the six themed villages to see the crafts, dances, and traditions offered by their native people. One of the most popular activities to do in Oahu, Hawaii, is joining the Aliʻi Lūʻau, a traditional Polynesian dinner featuring traditional dishes like kalua pig, cooked in an underground oven (imu). However, you can also witness demonstrations of traditional techniques, including weaving, tiki carving, and Polynesian dances, which are held throughout the day.
Photo by Michal Pechardo on Unsplash
Hike Manoa Falls Trail
Oahu has a lot of incredible hikes that you can try, and one of the most popular ones is the Manoa Falls Trail. It’s a nice round trip of 1.6 miles that stretches past the Honolulu Makau trail system, leading to the aforementioned Manoa Falls, which are approximately 150 feet high.
It can be slippery, especially if it has rained recently, but it’s not that long. Most people complete it in around 1 to 2 hours, depending on their pace. Additionally, if you’re a shoulder-season traveler, you’ll appreciate knowing that it’s open year-round. However, please note that it’s best to avoid visiting after 5 pm, as it can get dark and potentially dangerous.
Photo by Walter Martin on Unsplash
Surfing at Waikiki Beach
We already explored the beautiful north beaches, but let’s talk about one of the most famous, Waikiki Beach, on the south coast. It is recognized worldwide as one of the best places to learn surfing, as the waves are gentle and long, ideal for beginners. You can visit it all year, but most people choose the summer months, when the waves are smaller.
If you’ve decided to start taking surfing lessons, don’t worry about the equipment. Most beginner instructors will have surfboards and wetsuits available, but rentals are also commonly offered.
Photo by Jess Loiterton
Experience Kualoa Ranch Tours
If you’re a passionate film fan, you probably want to see where in Hawaii your favorite vacation scenes were filmed, and we have the place for you! Although locations change a lot around the islands, on the east coast of Oahu, you’ll find Kualoa Ranch, a tourist destination famous for its natural beauty and extensive film history.
It’s a nice place to visit, with numerous tours and activities that allow you to explore its breathtaking scenery and learn about Hawaiian culture. Take a Hollywood Movie Sites Tour that will transport you to the filming locations of iconic movies, including “Jurassic Park”, “Kong: Skull Island”, and “Hawaii 5-0”. Another popular option is the Jurassic Adventure Tour, which explores the specific filming locations of the “Jurassic Park” series, reliving the most famous scenes from the movies.
See Sea Life Park’s Marine Shows
And we’ve arrived at the last activity we’ll be suggesting in this list, and that’s going to Sea Life Park’s marine shows. It’s a fun and interactive way to discover the beauty and diversity of marine life in Oahu.
You can see the dolphin show, one of the most popular, and enjoy their incredible acrobatics and jumps. There’s also the sea lion presentation and the Hawaiian Ocean Adventure Show. And, if you want a more educational activity with the animals, you can join the turtle feeding and talk story.
Expert Tips for Visitors in Oahu, Hawaii
If you’re planning to spend time and do some exciting things in Oahu, Hawaii, consider some details to help you stay comfortable and safe.
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Book in advance: Even if you’re planning to go in the off-season, it’s always a good idea to make reservations with plenty of time to secure your spot. You can even get a significant discount.
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Rent a Car: Consider renting a car to explore the island, especially if you plan to visit less accessible areas or are traveling with children.
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Watch Out for Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals.
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Local Food: Take the opportunity to try traditional Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig and lomi lomi salmon at a luau or local restaurants.
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Keep an eye on the weather: It’s a good idea to have a general understanding of what to expect each season, and we have a seasonal guide to Hawaii with all you need to know!