Top 31 Things to Do in Oahu

Have you ever heard of O’ahu? This US island is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It is known for its paradisical beaches, lush tropical forests, impeccable dining scene, and vibrant culture. Visitors will be impressed with the abundant outdoor and watersports opportunities available here. They will also be thrilled to explore this island’s bustling markets and historic streets and learn about its culture and heritage. So, without further ado, let’s check out these top things to do in Oahu.

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Find Things To Do In Waikiki

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Beach visits, shopping, dining

We begin our list with the vibrant Waikiki. This Honolulu neighborhood is known for its breathtaking beaches, where visitors enjoy the sun most of the year. It is also home to designer fashion stores offering one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities. Visitors can also stop by the local restaurants and cocktail bars and enjoy fine dining with exciting live performances or shows. You will also find luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Work On Your Tan At Waikiki Beach

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Things To Do: Sunbathing, Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling

One place you can not miss in Waikiki is the gorgeous Waikiki Beach. This picturesque beach is known for its soft golden sands, clear turquoise water, towering palm trees, and vibrant atmosphere. Millions of visitors come here annually to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, surf, and enjoy other watersports. The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes visitors with open arms upon arrival. While many consider this beach overrated, it lives up to its reputation.

Hike Up The Diamond Head

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Things To Do: Hiking, camping, scooter tours

Did you know Waikiki Beach offers stunning views of Mount Lēʻahi, aka Diamond Head? This volcano received its English name from 19th-century British sailors who mistook its calcite crystals for diamonds. It features a broad, saucer-shaped crater formed from a single explosive eruption about 300,000 years ago. In addition to being a geological masterpiece, this landmark is known for its historic hiking trail. The Diamond Head Summit Trail takes up to 2 hours and offers stunning sunsets and coastal views.

Pay Your Respects To Late Marines At The USS Arizona Memorial

• Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
• Entry Fee: Free entry, but a $1 non-refundable management fee is charged when booking through Recreation.gov

Many of us are familiar with key events of World War II. Oahu was one of the primary targets who faced a deadly attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorates the events of that attack. Likewise, the USS Arizona Memorial is on the memorial site. It is the resting place of 1,177 sailors and marines killed on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack. It welcomes 4,000 to 8,000 visitors daily who come to pay their respects to those war heroes. Pearl Harbor also has the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Step Back In Time At The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

• Address: 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

If you want to learn more about the attack on Pearl Harbor, head to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. It showcases planes and artifacts that showcase America’s entry into World War II nearly a century ago. These collections are a powerful reminder of the bravery of those who defended their country at significant personal risk. You will see historic aircraft, fighter jets, and choppers used during the Second World War.

Experience Country Ambiance At Haleiwa

• Address: Hawaii 96712, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Visiting Waimea Valley, Cliff jumping at Waimea Bay

Oahu is home to many iconic neighborhoods, including the historic Haleiwa. This census-designated place offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life. It is a haven for surfers, especially at Haleiwa Ali’i Beach. The town also features many cool surf shops, charming art galleries, eateries, and boutiques. It is also home to Waimea Bay, where cliff jumping is a famous tourist activity. You can also include a Waimea Falls hike to your itinerary at the same time. Both attractions are located in Waimea Valley in Haleiwa.

Visit The Dole Plantation

• Address: Kānekapōlei St, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Get Hawaii’s Pineapple Experience at the Dole Plantation. This plantation was initially a fruit stand in 1950 before being transformed to its current state in 1989. It offers family-friendly activities, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, a twenty-minute train tour where you will learn the pineapple story in Hawaii. Other activities include the Plantation Garden Tour and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Each tour ranges from 20 minutes to an hour. After all tours, visitors can stop by the Plantation Grille to try island favorites like teriyaki chicken plate, loco moco, and kalua pork plate.

See What The Fuss Is All About Magic Island

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Snorkeling

If you are a fan of watersports, Magic Island is your destination. This artificial peninsula, adjacent to Ala Moana Beach Park, features large seawalls, a beach area, grassy spaces, and a shallow lagoon. It has calm waters, where even children can enjoy swimming. Adults can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and scuba diving. They can also fish by the lagoon. Moreover, you can have picnics by the shore with your friends and families under shady trees. Magic Island is ideal for hanging out with loved ones and celebrations.

Tour The Iconic Iolani Palace

• Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

You can never miss visiting Iolani Palace during your Oahu expedition. This historic landmark symbolizes Hawaiian national identity. King Kalakaua built this palace in 1882, which housed Hawai’i’s last reigning monarchs until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. It is restored to its former grandeur and features original palace artifacts and furnishings. You can tour the palace’s first and second floors, which houses the Grand Hall, Throne Room, Blue Room, Music Room, State Dining Room, King and Queen’s suites, and the Imprisonment Room.

Stop By The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

• Address: 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Oahu has several spaces dedicated to the fallen war heroes, including the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. This is the final resting place for World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans. It is located at Punchbowl Crater and is also known as Punchbowl Cemetery. This cemetery’s Hawaiian name, Puowaina, translates to Hill of Sacrifice, paying homage to the Crater’s history as an altar for human sacrifices. Many royals, Hawaii heroes, war veterans, and Medal of Honor recipients are buried here.

Enjoy Snorkeling At Hanauma Bay

• Address: Hawaii 96825, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Snorkeling, Exploring the bay

The beautiful Hanauma Bay features calm waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Its abundant marine species include the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (reef triggerfish), Hawaiian state fish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, and green sea turtles. Hence, it is renowned as a snorkeling spot among locals and tourists. The best time to visit Hanauma Bay is around 7 AM, when the water is calmer and less crowded. You can also see the nearby attractions like the Makapu’u Lighthouse and Sandy Beach Park.

Sign Up For Outdoor Adventure At Kualoa Ranch

• Address: Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Experience Hawaii like never before at Kualoa Ranch. This 4,000-acre ranch offers a nature retreat that will make you feel like stepping into Jurassic Valley. It features exciting activities, including movie tours, ATV rides, zipline adventures, and horseback riding. Visitors can choose from the UTV Raptor Tour, Jungle Expedition Tour, Ultra E-Bike Tour, Secret Island Beach Activities, Ocean Voyage, Jurassic Adventure Tour, Malama Experience, and more. Each tour or activity will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Take Photos In Front Of The King Kamehameha Statue

• Address: 447 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Things To Do: Leaning about the statue, taking photos, historical tours

Next, the King Kamehameha Statue is an iconic 18-ft bronze statue in front of Ali’iolani Hale dedicated to the Hawaiian Islands’ first monarch. King Kamehameha was known for uniting the Hawaiian Islands into a viable and recognized political entity, protecting residents from a quickly changing world. Four statues are dedicated to this monarch, including the one in Oahu. The statue shows the King raising his right hand in the gesture of aloha and carrying a spear in his left hand, symbolizing how he ended the wars among the Hawaiian people. It is near many attractions, including the Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha’o Church, and the Hawaii State Capitol.

Catch Live Cultural Shows At Polynesian Cultural Center

• Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 12:15 PM – 9 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Next, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a one-stop destination for anyone interested in the culture of the islands of Polynesia. It gives life to the spirit of Polynesia through its immersive tours, luau, and evening shows. This center offers private guided tours through six island villages, including the Island of Hawai’i, the Island of Aotearoa, the Island of Fiji, the Island of Tahiti, the Island of Samoa, and the Island of Tonga. Next is the royal Ali’i Lu’au feast featuring island and mainland dishes. Finally, the evening show, HĀ: Breath of Life, is an action-packed story with fire, song, and dance elements.

Discover Kewalo Basin Harbor Things To Do

• Address: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Social Media: Official Website

The Kewalo Basin Harbor is home to Honolulu’s elite charter and commercial charter fishing fleet and excursion vessels. It was once the Kukuluae‘o fishery before being sold to become part of the Hawaii territory. It offers some of the best ocean adventures, from sailing to snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, whale watching, jet skiing, and sport fishing. Visitors can book fantastic boat tours and cruises, including sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and canoe and kayak tours.

Explore Ko Olina Marina

• Address: 92-100 Waipahe Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

We are halfway through our list of the top things to do in Oahu, and it’s time for Ko Olina Marina. This 43-acre marina is a boater’s dream. It features state-of-the-art Bellingham floating docks, 342 full-service slips accommodating up to 200-foot vessels, a fuel dock for diesel, gas, and pump-out, a dive shop, and the Marina Market. It offers many ocean activities, from whale watching to sport fishing, snorkeling, and sunset charters.

Pray At Byodo-In Temple

• Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official X

Get a taste of Japan in the middle of Hawaii. Byodo-In Temple is a smaller-scale replica of the nearly 1,000-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. It is located at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park with the majestic Ko’olau Mountains as a backdrop. It features the magnificent Amida Buddha statue, the Bell House, the Meditation Pavilion, and glass-front niches. Visitors will experience a serene ambiance at the temple and the memorial park. They can also buy custom Byodo-In Hawaii souvenirs and Japanese items from the Gift Shop.

Take A Cruise To Kaneohe Sandbar From Kaneohe Bay

• Address: Hawaii, USA; Google Map
• Distance From Kaneohe Bay: 1 mile
• Things To Do: Swimming, Snorkeling, Sunbathing

Travel to the natural wonder Kaneohe Sandbar, one of Oahu’s hidden gems. It is within a mile from the shoreline in Kaneohe Bay. You can book a boat tour, rent a boat/kayak, and go alone. Surrounded by a formidable barrier reef, the sandbar offers fantastic aquatic adventures, including snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Snorkeling is a famous tourist activity here, where you can see beautiful coral reefs and vibrant sea life. You can also relax on the sandbar’s beaches and enjoy the sun.

Retreat To Manoa Valley

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Sightseeing, Hiking up the Manoa Falls

Escape to Oahu’s picturesque Manoa Valley. This residential valley neighborhood perfectly blends natural, manmade, ancient, and modern. Its lush, natural setting has been featured in many TV series, including Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. You can explore nearby attractions, mingle with locals, and learn about the valley’s culture. The best thing to do here is hike to the Manoa Falls. The 150-foot waterfall is a celebrated hiking area with a lush, tropical backdrop.

Catch Stunning Views From Halona Blowhole Lookout

• Address: 8483 HI-72, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States; Google Map
• Things To Do: Sightseeing, having a picnic at Halona Cave, hiking

Are you looking for that perfect photogenic spot in Oahu? Then, Halona Blowhole Lookout is your destination. This natural wonder offers a breathtaking display of ocean water shooting 30 feet into the air from a lava tube. It is a beautiful overlook that has gained popularity among locals and tourists. This blowhole was created thousands of years ago from volcanic activity. It is open at all times of the year, with many coming to see humpback whales and Hawaiian Green Sea turtles in the winter.

Explore Ocean Activities At Maunalua Bay

• Address: Hawaii, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Parasailing, jet ski rides, snorkeling, submarine scooter adventure

In Oahu, there is no limit to ocean adventures. Maunalua Bay is in the southeast of Honolulu and extends about 6.3 miles from the southern tip of Diamond Head. It has become a favorite spot among boaters, canoe paddlers, and commercial tour drivers. People come here to indulge in various ocean activities, including parasailing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The water is clean and full of diverse marine species, making snorkeling one of the most recommended things to do in Maunalua Bay.

Discover The Deadliest Banzai Pipeline

• Address: 59-355 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States; Google Map
• Things To Do: Surfing, participating in surfing competitions

Let’s explore Oahu’s North Shore this time. The Banzai Pipeline is a renowned attraction on the North Shore. Its waves are among the most dangerous on the planet. They are so deadly that numerous surfers and photographers, including Tahitian Malik Joyeux and Jon Mozo, have lost their lives. Yet, every year, many surfers come here to ride Banzai Pipeline’s incredible waves. It also hosts prestigious surfing events and competitions. The pipeline is only a few miles from Sunset Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and relax.

Learn About The History Of Mokolii Island

• Address: Hawaii 96744, USA; Google Map
• Things To Do: Surfing, kayaking, climbing the cinder cone

Travel to beautiful Mokoli’i at Kualoa Regional Park. It is also called Chinaman’s Hat due to its conical shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat. Mokoli’i translates to ‘little lizard,’ a reference to Hawaiian mythology that states that the island is the remains of the giant lizard’s tail. According to the myth, the demigod, Hi’iaka, fought and defeated the lizard and threw its chopped tail into the sea, which later became the Mokoli’i island.

Check Out The Honolulu Harbor

• Address: Honolulu, HI 96817, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM

Next, Honolulu Harbor is in the state capital of Honolulu on Oahu’s southwestern coast. It was initially a tiny, reefed basin created by the natural flow of freshwater from the streams of Nu’uanu Valley. Today, the harbor handles over 11 million tons of cargo annually. In addition to handling overseas cargo shipments, it caters to passenger and fishing operations. Many ongoing projects are developing a strategic plan for optimizing Honolulu Harbor’s facilities to serve future cargo handling and non-cargo maritime operations.

Take In Breathtaking Views From Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

• Address: Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Things To Do: Sightseeing

Catch stunning Oahu views from the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout above the Pali Highway tunnels. This scenic spot is 1200 feet in the Ko’olau Range and offers panoramic views of the lush Windward Coast and sheer Ko’olau cliffs. Expect strong trade winds in this region. The Pali Highway saw the ancient Battle of Nu’uanu in 1795. Likewise, the Old Pali Road is renowned as a hiking route. It carries many urban tales and Hawaiian myths, including that of a lizard named Mo’o Wahine. The lizard impersonated a beautiful woman and lured male travelers to their deaths off the cliff.

Build Sandcastles At Lanikai Beach

• Address: Kailua, HI 96734, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Things To Do: Sunbathe, Kayaking, Paddleboarding

Are you ready to visit one of the best beaches in the world? Lanikai Beach was named the best in the US for its turquoise waters and breathtaking sunrise views. It is also among the 14 best beaches worldwide. This picturesque beach features powdery white sand, turquoise water, and a laid-back atmosphere. It also offers stunning views of the Mokulua Islands. You can lie down on your towel and sunbathe. You can also indulge in watersports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and paddling.

Meet Tropical Animals at Honolulu Zoo

• Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Honolulu Zoo is your destination if you are looking for family-friendly things to do in Oahu. It is the only zoo in the US to be established by grants made by a sovereign monarch. It features approximately 900 animals, including the Komodo Dragon, African Spurred-Thighed Tortoise, Asian elephant, black rhinoceros, orangutan, and Kona Nightingale. The zoo also has many birds, reptiles, and amphibians. You can visit during the daytime or book a Twilight Tour to explore the zoo after the gates close.

Splash Water And Play At Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii

• Address: 400 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 3 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Prepare for an epic day at the Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii. This waterpark has everything you want, from thrilling rides to a wave pool, a lazy river, and live cultural shows. The rides range from kid-friendly to adrenaline-jerking, like the Volcanic Wedgee, Volcano Express, Tornado, Shaka, and Da’ Flowrider. Visitors can also experience the Chief’s Luau, a fantastic evening of Polynesian culture produced by the world champion fire-knife dancer, Chief Sielu Avea.

Spot Seals And Sharks At Waikiki Aquarium

• Address: 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Take your kids to the iconic Waikiki Aquarium. It is located on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach across the Kapi’olani Park. Founded in 1904, it is the second oldest aquarium in the US and showcases over 500 marine species. The aquarium has many exhibits, including the Amazing Adaptations Gallery, Giant Clams, Coral Farm, Ocean Aquaculture, Edge of the Reef, Hunters on the Reef, and Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat. These exhibits feature invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, and marine mammals like the Hawaiian Monk Seal.

Have A Picnic At The He’eia State Park

• Address: 46-465 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Social Media: Official Instagram

Next, He’eia State Park is an oceanside tropical park near Kaneohe. This 18.5-acre state park offers stunning views of Kaneohe Bay and He’eia Fishpond. You will also see the gorgeous Kaneohe Sandbar. This park features lush landscapes, ancient fishponds, and the iconic H-ōku-leʻa voyaging canoe. Visitors can have picnics while enjoying the surrounding views. They can also indulge in outdoor activities, like kayaking along serene waters.

Sample Local Food At KCC Farmers’ Market

• Address: Parking Lot C, 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States; Google Map
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11 AM

You can not travel on an empty stomach. So, why not fill your belly at the KCC Farmers’ Market? It is held every Saturday from 7:30 AM to 11 AM at the Kapiolani Community College‘s Parking Lot C. Local farmers, artisans, and food vendors sell their products at affordable rates at the market. You can try local dishes from food vendors. You can also buy baked goods, handmade pasta, aqua-cultured seafood, local honey, top-quality beef, Hawaii-grown coffee, flowers, and vegetables.

Oahu, also known as ‘The Gathering Place,’ is a sight. Whether it be its iconic Iolani Palace or the stunning Waikiki Beach, each attraction has something special. Likewise, the Oahu people are super friendly and helpful. These residents are all about the ‘aloha’ spirit, meaning to express love, compassion, and mercy for all. Visitors can greet locals with ‘aloha’ or ‘mahalo’ to show appreciation for the island’s culture. They must also respect the island’s sacred sites and way of living.