Things To Do
Explore Oahu with Go City
First time to Oahu? Enjoy incredible savings and discover 45+ attractions, all on one digital pass. We recommend at minimum, the 3 day pass (starting at $199 Kids/ $243 Adults) as it includes your choice of one premium experience which is valued at over 50% of the pass price itself, plus many other must-do activities are included! Some of our picks on the list for first timers to Oahu is the Moana Splash Luau (premium experience), Polynesian Cultural Center, USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Activities at Kualoa Ranch (for $15 per person, you can upgrade to the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour) and Makani Catamaran Sail. Click "view" to book your pass!
Snorkel at Sharks Cove (Pupukea)
Located on Oahu’s world famous North Shore, this small rocky bay forms part of Pupukea Beach Park and boasts blue water and an impressive amount of sea life. Plus, on the left side of Sharks Cove are tide pools to wade and explore. It's by far our favorite snorkeling spot on the island. North Shore is about an hour drive from Waikiki and we recommend going in the early morning to avoid traffic and ensure you can find a parking spot and then heading back down to Haleiwa Town (10 mins drive) for lunch. There are lots food trucks and restaurant options to choose from along with surf shops, boutiques, and charming art galleries to check out. It's also known for having the best shave ice in Hawaii at Matsumoto's Shave Ice. Click 'view' for everything you need to know about snorkeling at Shark's Cove. *looking for an option that is not as far and is kid(s) friendly? Check out Hanauma Bay!
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a stunning and unique destination located on the southeastern side of Oahu, Hawaii (~25 mins from Waikiki). Formed within a volcanic cone, this pristine marine ecosystem offers visitors an amazing place to snorkel and explore the diverse wildlife that inhabit the area. Perfect for those with kids. Online reservations can be made 2 days in advance starting at 7:00am Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST). $25 for Adults /Free for Kids 12 & under. Parking fee is $3 and snorkel gear can be rented for $20. The park is open Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry allowed from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. No entry will be allowed into the nature preserve after 1:30 p.m. with the beach being cleared at 3 p.m. Note: There's a snack bar at the upper level of the park but you can also bring your own cooler with food and beverages (non-alcoholic) down to the beach or plan lunch at Kona Brewery afterwards for an icy cold beverage! Click 'view' to make your reservations!
Go on a Hike
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is one of our favorite hikes with a 360 degree view of the Island that is well worth the long trek. The trail is 4.7 miles out & back with a elevation gain of 1,617 ft. therefore, it's not for the faint heart. We suggest you head out in the morning with appropriate hiking shoes and enough water. The trailhead is in a gated community, Waialae Iki. When approaching the gate, there will be a guard and you will need to let them know you are there for the trail and he/she will give you a parking pass. For those looking for a shorter hike we a view, we suggest these popular hikes; the iconic Diamond Head State Monument (reservation required + entry and parking fee). Please visit https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead for more information. Manoa Falls Trail ($5 parking fee) is also a great easy/short hike located close to Waikiki and it ends with a waterfall. Click "view" to direct to All Trails where you can discover the beautiful trails all over the island.
Northshore
Take a day trip to the Northshore. It's about an hour drive from Honolulu, so start your day early to check out all there is to do and to avoid the traffic! The must dos includes: 1. Swing in the Dole Plantation for Dole whip (pineapple soft serve) and all things pineapple. There's a train tour and pineapple maze that is fun for the little ones. 2. Explore Haleʻiwa town; fun surf town known for its laid-back vibes, local art galleries, plentiful food trucks and surf shops...also the famous Matsumoto's shave ice. 3. Haleiwa Shark Cage Diving (morning tours) 4. Observe Sea Turtles (also known as Honu) at Laniakea Beach or stay and make it a beach day on the long white sand beaches that are usually not that busy. 5. Visit Waimea Valley; ancient Hawaiian living site and botanical garden with a waterfall and/or make it a beach day at Waimea Bay. 6. Snorkel at Sharks Cove. Click 'view' for more information on the above as mentioned in 10 Best Things to Do in North Shore.
Be a beach Bum
Period. Click "view" to see the top 10 Oahu Beaches!