Things To Do
Pearl Harbor
This is one of the top activities people plan to do in Oauhu. You can book many tour options, but as of today, there is no fee for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and no ticket is required to see the museums. Seeing this piece of history is likely something you’ll want to check out. Tours pick up from certain hotels to shuttle you over to the center along with several meeting points on the island for shuttles. Parking is available at the center but is limited.
Kualoa Ranch
Did you see Jurassic Park? Part of it was filmed here at Kualoa Ranch! They offer ATV, kayaking, horseback riding, jeep tours, zip lining, and other activity packages. Right next to the majestic Ko’olau mountain range, these are fun activities in an amazing setting!
Island Water Sports Hawaii
For the adventurous type, Island Water Sports offers what you’d expect. Yes, they have cruises, snorkeling trips, stand-up paddle boards, and surfing, but they also have something most people haven’t seen before: submarine scooters!
Bishop Museum
If you want to learn more about Hawaiian history, Bishop Museum has the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts in the world. It also has a planetarium, and in the Science Center, a volcano erupts every seven minutes!
Sunset Beach, North Shore
A little far from Waikiki but worth the trip, the North Shore has many beaches that could make our list. Sunset Beach itself is beautiful, usually easy to park, has restrooms, good for swimming in the summer, and the beach isn’t too crowded.
Laniakea Beach
Here’s another North Shore beach for you. Laniakea Beach isn’t for swimming or lounging around but for seeing honu (sea turtles)! Not that you can’t swim or lounge around, but most people stop hoping to see the turtles. If you’re lucky, there will be a few right up on the sand. Turtles…just taking it easy on the beach.
Sherwood Beach
Sherwood’s is one of the best spots for an amazing beach day. Sherwood’s is a very long stretch of beach with lots of space and seclusion, but if you go on a weekend or holiday, the parking lot fills up quickly. During the week, you might be surprised there aren’t more people here. The wide, long beach, the turquoise water, the lush mountains in the background, and the smaller crowds than many of Oahu’s beaches.
Yokohama Bay
Located on Oahu’s West Side, Yokohama Bay is literally the end of the road. Few visitors make it this far, and considering the distance from Waikiki. However, if you want an uncrowded beach and have the time, it’s a beautiful part of the island to see. If you have the time and want to see all Oahu has to offer, I think it’s worth the drive, especially if you swing by Pearl Harbor on the way. Also, on those infrequent days when Honolulu is covered in clouds, there’s a good chance Yokohama Bay is sunny. Check the weather radar. The West Side gets less rain than the rest of the island, and I like to believe there’s always sun somewhere on Oahu.
Lanikai Pillbox Trail
Lanikai is one of Oahu’s most famous beaches. The Pillbox Trail overlooks the Lanikai and the two Mokulua Islands. The hike isn’t too difficult, but it is steep and a little slippery with loose gravel initially.here are three pillboxes dating back to World War II. Most hikers only go to the first or second one, take some pictures, and then head back down. It is possible, however, to continue on the path. If you do, you’ll come out at the other end of Lanikai and have to walk back to your car through the neighborhood. As long as you don’t slip on the way up, it’s not too difficult of a hike … and that view!
Koko Head Botanical Garden Trail
This one is definitely off the tourist trail. Koko Head Botanical Garden is a flat walk that leads through multiple gardens. Some plants back there look like they’re from another planet, which is very cool! At about two miles round trip, it’s long enough to feel like you’ve gotten some exercise. And if you go early or later in the day, it’s not too hot.
Koko Crater Stairs (Summit)
Koko Head Stairs only takes 20 minutes for the super fit, but it can take over an hour for us regular people. The stairs are railroad ties from WWII (replaced with new ties in 2021 for a safer climb). If you do try Koko Stairs, be sure to take water and be careful. The steps are uneven, and it’s easy to turn an ankle. Unless you’re looking for a workout, there are better options for a hike.
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trailhead
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular and fairly easy hike. The path to the top is paved, and there are several lookout spots along the way. In the winter, this is a good spot to see whales, and on clear days, you can see Moloka’i, Lana’i, and maybe even Maui. From the top, you can see the Waimanalo coastline.
Ala Moana Center
As the largest open-air mall in the world, walking around 2.4 million square feet of retail space could certainly count as a hike! With over 340 stores and restaurants! If you’re looking for anything, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
CLIMB Works Keana Farms Zipline Tour
Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring from the top of Oahu’s longest ziplines on this guided tour. Start with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu's famous North Shore from long, high and extra-quiet ziplines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way.
Haleiwa Shark Tours
Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
Experience Diamond Head Crater, one of Oahu’s most-loved hikes, on a self guided tour with a map, water, park entrance fees and round-trip transportation provided. The tour is fully customizable, so take your time or challenge yourself, and enjoy the stunning views from the 760-foot summit. Hotel departures are early in the morning to insure you avoid the big crowds later in the day. This tour is ideal for anyone looking for a bit of adventure and exercise and wanting to see one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks.
