Things To DoThings To Do
Island Water Sports SeaBobs + SeaScootersIsland Water Sports SeaBobs + SeaScooters
Scott and I have done trips with Island Water Sports twice now and absolutely loved it! We’ve tried both the Seabobs and the Sea Scooters, and each one is such a fun experience depending on your comfort level in the water. The Sea Scooter is great for anyone who doesn’t swim or dive but still wants to explore the ocean—you're pulled along the surface while floating, so it’s super beginner-friendly and you still get to see a lot of marine life. The Seabob, on the other hand, is better suited for experienced swimmers. It’s like a little underwater jet that lets you dive and glide through the water, giving you an up-close look at the reef. Both are amazing in their own way and such a fun way to experience the ocean!
Hawaii Shark EncountersHawaii Shark Encounters
Scott and I did Hawaii Shark Encounters and wow, it was such a fun adrenaline rush! You’re in a cage out in the open ocean, and you typically see Galapagos sharks swimming all around you, which is wild in itself… but we got lucky and saw three tiger sharks. It was unreal. I would do this again in a heartbeat. If you love a good thrill and want a story you’ll be telling forever, this is one experience you won’t regret!
Kualoa RanchKualoa Ranch
The Kualoa ATV Tour is one of our favorite adventures on the island! You’ll ride through some of the most beautiful scenery on Oʻahu and if it looks familiar, that’s because so many movies and shows were filmed there, like Jurassic Park, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and Lost. It’s a super fun and bumpy ride, but heads up: it’s dusty, muddy, and you’ll probably get wet, so don’t wear your nicest clothes or shoes. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Waikiki, so having a car is definitely recommended.
Pearl Harbor National MemorialPearl Harbor National Memorial
For a meaningful and historic experience, we highly recommend visiting Pearl Harbor. It’s home to several memorials and museums, including the USS Arizona Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives in the 1941 attack. It’s a powerful, emotional, and educational stop. **plan ahead and book tickets early if you can.
Diamond HeadDiamond Head
Diamond Head is a classic Oʻahu hike with incredible views, but fair warning—it’s a steady uphill climb with lots of stairs, narrow paths, and barely any shade. It’s not super long, but you will get sweaty, so bring water and wear good shoes. The parking lot at the base fills up fast, so go early or plan to park nearby and walk in. It’s definitely a workout, but the view from the top is totally worth it!
Dole PlantationDole Plantation
If you’re looking for a classic Hawaiian activity, the Dole Plantation is a must! It’s a historic pineapple plantation with a giant garden maze, a cute little train tour, and fun souvenirs. But the real reason to go? THE DOLE WHIP. It’s cold, creamy, pineapple perfection and hands down the BESSSSST you’ll ever have.
Waimea Bay BeachWaimea Bay Beach
One of our absolute favorite beaches on the island! Scott loves jumping off the big rock here (you’ll see it right away), and if you're lucky, you can even spot sea turtles swimming just off shore. The water is usually calm and perfect for swimming during the summer months. This one’s a bit of a drive, so you’ll need a car to get there and parking fills up fast, so try to arrive early! There aren’t any food spots nearby, so be sure to pack lunch, snacks, and lots of water. Good news: there is a bathroom on site!
Lanikai BeachLanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is seriously a dream, some of the softest sand you’ll ever feel and crystal-clear water that looks straight out of a postcard. If you go in the morning, you’ll probably catch the outrigger canoe rowers practicing, which is so fun to watch. Street parking can be tricky (it's a popular spot!), but with a little patience, it’s doable.
Eggs 'n Things SaratogaEggs 'n Things Saratoga
This spot is a classic and for good reason. They have the BEST pancakes (get the macadamia nut ones with coconut syrup, trust us) and the loco moco bowl is so, so good. Their hashbrowns are also perfectly crispy and underrated. Heads up: the line is always super long, so be sure to join the waitlist on Yelp before you head over!