You Just Can’t Miss These 10 Best Things To Do On Oahu, Hawaii!
If you are planning a trip to the Hawaiian island of Oahu and wondering what to put on your itinerary, we have a round-up of the very best things to do on Oahu.
With world-famous Waikiki Beach, the snorkeling paradise of Hanauma Bay, a crater you can climb for sensational views (Diamond Head), and historic Pearl Harbor, Oahu has something for everyone.
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Whether you want to surf, snorkel, hike, look for dolphins or whales, or explore the island on scenic drives, you have lots of choices on Oahu.
In this article, we’ve curated the best Oahu activities you and your family will love.
First time to Oahu and no time to read the blog? You can’t go wrong selecting from these 5-star rated, immensely popular experiences ranked by traveler popularity!
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For more details, refer to our disclosure.
1. Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Canyon
Turtle Canyon lies just off the coast of Waikiki and is famous as a “cleaning station” for turtles.
What’s a “turtle cleaning station?”
It’s a place where turtles routinely show up to have their shells cleaned of algae by reef fish.
The result is a snorkeling destination where turtle sightings are extremely commonplace.
So if snorkeling with honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles, is on your Oahu bucket list, join a boat tour to Turtle Canyon!
You’ll get to see lots of colorful reef fish as well, and, en route to Turtle Canyon you may spot dolphins and, in season, whales as well.
Snorkeling with turtles at Turtle Canyon is one of the most popular excursions in Waikiki…this tour has a whopping 3,500+ reviews on Viator with an overall 5-star rating.
Tours leave from Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor, an easy Uber ride from hotels in Waikiki, and all gear is provided.
>>> Check pricing and availability on this Turtle Canyon snorkeling tour now!
2. Enjoy a sunset cruise off the Waikiki Coast!
Waikiki Beach is vibrant and a must-enjoy on your trip to Oahu, but there’s no getting away from the fact that it can be a little too crowded for comfort at times.
That’s why we always put a sunset cruise on our Oahu itinerary.
Viewing the picturesque Waikiki coast from the water is a very relaxing evening activity, especially with a mai tai in hand and an ocean breeze to cool you down.
On this popular sunset cruise, you’ll glide along the Pacific Ocean toward Diamond Head and watch the sun go down over the ocean in a blaze of colors.
It’s the perfect way to cap off a day in Waikiki.
>>> Check pricing and availability on this Waikiki sunset cruise now!
Want to do sunset with dinner and a show? Pick this tour instead, which includes a crab and steak dinner and traditional Hawaiian entertainment.
3. Choose an ocean adventure on the Waikiki Coast!
Love adventurous activities on your vacation? Whether you are a thrills-loving couple or a family looking for an exciting adventure, these fun Waikiki activities are worth the splurge!
Take a surf lesson in Waikiki
You can’t visit Oahu without trying to ride the waves! It’s the birthplace of big wave surfing, but Waikiki is a great place for beginners to learn.
We had never surfed before we took a lesson here as a family, and all of us caught a few waves before the lesson ended. It was very cool!
This group lesson is capped at just 4 students, or you can opt for this private lesson for two.
Explore underwater in a personal submarine scooter!
On this exciting submarine scooter adventure, you’ll get a front-seat view of the dramatic Waikiki Coast as you cruise past Diamond Head in a power catamaran.
Then you’ll dive under the surface in your personal electric submarine scooter to view colorful coral, schools of tropical fish, and green sea turtles.
Venture underwater in a large submarine, or take a glass bottom boat tour!
Want to look for marine life underwater along the Waikiki Coast…without getting wet? Then this Atlantis submarine excursion is just the ticket!
The submarine-style glass bottom boat allows you to learn about local marine life from your guide as you look for fish, coral, turtles, and more.
And if you’d rather stay above the water, this glass-bottomed boat tour lets you look for marine life through the clear bottom as you cruise over a reef. You’ll also see a shipwreck!
These are great options for viewing the rich underwater life on the Waikiki coast if you are traveling with young kids or older family members!
Soar over the coast on a parasailing adventure!
For another perspective of the dazzling Waikiki Coast, adventure-loving visitors may enjoy this thrilling parasailing excursion.
The one-hour excursion has you parasailing 500 feet above the coast for fabulous views all along the route, and no prior experience is necessary.
4. Visit Pearl Harbor
Oahu is home to one of the most significant sites in American history — Pearl Harbor, which was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, and drew the USA into World War II.
At Pearl Harbor, you can visit the sites that bookended WWII: the USS Arizona Memorial, honoring the fallen on one of the ships that was sunk in the initial attack, and the Battleship Missouri, on the deck of which Japan officially surrendered to end WWII.
The lovely white USS Arizona Memorial appears to float on the ocean right over the spot where the sunken ship rests underwater. It requires a short boat trip to visit.
You can visit Pearl Harbor on your own, or join a guided tour if you don’t have a rental car or didn’t score a reservation for the boat trip.
This popular tour includes the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial and a tour of the visitor center at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Or you can opt for this longer tour that also includes the Battleship Missouri.
5. Do the Diamond Head Hike
One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, the Diamond Head Hike offers breathtaking views over Waikiki and the southeastern Oahu coastline.
The trailhead is located in Diamond Head State Monument near Waikiki.
The monument requires advance reservations for entry and parking, which go fast, so be nimble and get your spots as soon as your date opens up. If you are not a resident of Hawaii, there is also a fee for parking and an entry fee per person.
The family-friendly trail is relatively short, at 1.6 miles round trip, but is fairly steep and requires climbing many stairs, so younger kids may need to be carried.
If you have less time on the island, this popular more general tour of Oahu starts with the Diamond Head hike. The tour is limited to 10 participants.
>> Check price and availability for this Oahu island tour with Diamond Head hike!
TIP: Want views over Waikiki without the need to lace on those hiking shoes? Head to the Tantalus Lookout, a drive-up viewpoint with expansive 360-degree views.
6. Explore the North Shore and the East Side of Oahu
Even on a short trip to Oahu, you should set aside at least one day to explore beyond Waikiki.
Both the north shore of Oahu and the east side of Oahu offer spectacular natural scenery, plenty of must-see sights, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of activities.
If you have a rental car, you can drive up on your own, stopping for viewpoints and activities that interest you, from the Halona Blowhole and the Byodo-In Temple to Sunset Beach and Waimea Valley.
Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands is a very popular activity on the east shore of Oahu, as is shark cage diving on the north shore.
If you don’t want to drive and are in Oahu for a short amount of time, a circle island tour is the perfect way to explore a lot of the island in an efficient way with a local driver and guide.
Typically a full-day excursion, a van tour usually includes major sightseeing spots on the windward side of Oahu and the north shore of Oahu.
>> Check price and availability for an Oahu circle island tour now!
7. Admire the beauty of Manoa Falls
Oahu is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but not all of them are easy to access.
Manoa Falls is both beautiful and relatively easy to reach via a hiking trail.
What’s more, the Manoa Falls Trail that leads to the waterfall is a hike worth doing in its own right, with a rainforest ambience that’s right out of Jurassic Park.
You’ll see dense tropical vegetation on both sides of the trail, with giant ferns and vines, often dripping with water.
And yes, the area did serve as a filming location for the movies.
The trail is 1.6 miles round trip and family friendly, although it can get muddy after rains. On the plus side, the 150-foot waterfall flows powerfully after rains.
Manoa Falls quite near Waikiki, so you can take an Uber to the trailhead if you don’t have a rental car.
Instead of driving or taking the bus, we opted for this tour from Waikiki Manoa Waterfall Hike with Health Lunch Included which worked out really well for us – we were picked up from our Waikiki hotel.
Also a guided hike is definitely better than a self-guided hike. Our tour guide was amazing, we learned a lot about Hawaiian flowers, tropical plants and trees, and birds along the hike to Manoa Falls.
Check out pricing and availability on the Manoa Waterfall Hike guided tour now!
8. Enjoy a luau on Oahu
If you are a first-time visitor to Hawaii, it’s likely you want to experience a luau.
A luau typically combines a traditional Hawaiian feast with live Polynesian (or Hawaiian) music, dance, and storytelling for an evening of entertainment.
Although a luau is typically a large-scale affair where you may share a table with others and stand in line for a buffet, a luau is still great fun and a must-have Hawaii experience.
You’ll often be greeted with a lei, and witness the imu ceremony (the ceremonial bringing up of a whole roasted pig from an underground oven).
Polynesian shows usually end with a thrilling fire dancing act.
There are many luaus on Oahu from which to choose, but here are our favorites:
Toa Luau at Waimea Valley makes the perfect ending to a day on the north shore. The food is good quality, and the show very entertaining.
Paradise Cove Luau has an oceanfront setting so you can enjoy mai tais with your sunset and then enjoy the authentic Hawaiian fare and show. Pick up and drop off at Waikiki hotels is included.
Chef’s Luau is located at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii in Kapolei. It’s hosted by Chief Sielu, a world-champion fire-knife dancer, and the grounds have a gorgeous 50-foot backlit cascading waterfall. Pick up and drop off are offered.
9. Snorkel Hanauma Bay
As a world-famous snorkeling site, horseshoe-shaped Hanauma Bay is on the bucket list of most visitors to Oahu.
With its turquoise waters and golden sands, Hanauma Bay is a beautiful Oahu destination, but what makes it irresistible is the rich diversity of marine life you can observe in the bay.
You can snorkel right from shore, and enjoy seeing a large variety of colorful tropical fish, beautiful coral, and sea turtles, eels, octopuses and more.
Now protected as a nature reserve, Hanauma Bay requires reservations to visit. Secure your spots as soon as your date becomes available, or arrive first thing in the morning for one of the limited standby spots.
Or avoid the reservation and parking hassles by joining a guided tour.
>> Check pricing and availability for this Hanauma Bay snorkel tour now!
10. Savor local cuisine on a food tour
Oahu is known for its food scene, from fine dining restaurants in Waikiki to shrimp trucks on the north shore.
From poke and sushi to malasadas and mochi, there are lots of foods to try on Oahu. A food tour is the perfect way to sample local cuisine while steering clear of tourist traps.
This off-the-beaten-track Honolulu food tour is also a great way to tour parts of downtown Honolulu as well as Chinatown, which is seeing lots of tourist traffic with trendy eateries and boutiques.
You’ll taste Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese dishes along with fresh poke on this tour.
Or check out this bike foodie tour in Waikiki that takes you past a number of interesting sights while allowing you to sample many tasty local treats!
>> Check pricing and availability for this bike foodie tour of Oahu now!
Planning a longer trip to the island or looking for a more exhaustive list of Oahu activities and attractions? Read our article on all the most exciting things to do in Oahu!
The Best Oahu Tours
Have you booked these popular Oahu tours and excursions yet?
Love snorkeling? This Turtle Canyon snorkeling excursion from Waikiki lets you frolic with colorful fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Hands down the MOST BOOKED Oahu snorkeling tour: turtle sightings are guaranteed!
The most popular luau in Oahu, Paradise Cove Luau has a 4.5 rating on Viator with over 3.5K reviews. The tour includes pick-up from your Waikiki hotel, pre-dinner games, arts, and crafts, a delicious meal, and an award-winning show.
Based in Waikiki but want to see more of the island? This full-day Oahu Circle Island Tour includes Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Haleiwa, the Dole Plantation, and more!
Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor! This popular Pearl Harbor tour includes boat tickets and round-trip transport from Waikiki.
A super popular Oahu North Shore excursion, this Oahu shark cage dive allows you to observe wild sharks in the open ocean from the safety of a cage! It’s a THRILLING Oahu adventure for your bucket list.
We have a detailed guide to the top Oahu tours and excursions if you are in the midst of planning your itinerary for the island.
Where to Stay in Oahu
Honolulu (Waikiki in particular) offers a large number of hotels and resorts, along with shopping and dining options. Most visitors to Oahu choose to base in Honolulu at least for a part of their stay.
While many of the large chains have a presence if you are looking to use your memberships, Honolulu also has several unique boutiques to consider.
Our faves include Halekulani for a splurge stay, the Lotus Honolulu for views of Diamond Head, and The Laylow for its awesome location.
Want more room to spread out or looking to stay elsewhere on Oahu? You will find VRBO listings all over the island!
On previous trips to Oahu, we have stayed in VRBO rentals in Waikiki as well as on the North Shore and the east coast and we’ve found the choice and quality great.
>> Look for an Oahu vacation rental on VRBO now!
Renting a Car in Oahu
If you want to explore more of the island of Oahu on your vacation, you should get a rental car.
Oahu’s popular attractions are spread over the island: the windward coast, the North Shore, and Ko Olina are great places to explore beyond Waikiki (or the greater Honolulu area).
While Oahu does have public transport options that are better than the other islands, a car offers a lot more flexibility and time savings.
We always use Discover Cars to book Oahu car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Oahu car rentals now!
Honolulu Airport-Hotel Shuttle
If you are not planning to get a rental car at Honolulu Airport, consider booking shuttle transport in advance!
This shared shuttle can be canceled up to 24 hours from the date of service. It serves hotels in Waikiki and Honolulu and then back again to the airport the day you leave. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Oahu now!
Staying in Ko Olina? Consider this round-trip airport transfer instead!
More Oahu Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out our other in-depth Oahu travel guides for help finalizing your Oahu itinerary!
Start by discovering the best things to do in Oahu. We also have a detailed guide to Oahu’s North Shore, a round-up of things to do on the east side of Oahu, and the best things to do in Ko Olina, on the west coast of the island.
If you ar planning a short first visit to the island, we have the perfect day-by-day 3 days in Oahu itinerary for you!
Of course you’ll want to learn about all the exciting things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, and Waikiki, the touristic core of Oahu. We also have an article on the best places to eat in Waikiki!
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Oahu, and a round-up of the best beaches on the north shore of Oahu. Also read about must-visit Oahu waterfalls and botanical gardens in Oahu you have to visit.
Oahu is home to so many must-visit landmarks! Check out our in-depth article on how to visit Pearl Harbor, and our guides on the beautiful Waimea Valley in Oahu and the spectacular Byodo-In Temple.
Want to enjoy the thrill of observing sharks in the wild? Check out our article on shark cage diving on Oahu’s North Shore!
Discover the top places to go snorkeling in west Oahu, where you will find a long coastline with lovely beaches, and tips for snorkeling Kaneohe Sandbar on the island’s east coast as well as the super popular Hanauma Bay.
And if you love marine life, also check out our complete guide to (respectfully!) see and swim with dolphins in Oahu, and the best spots to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a round-up of the best Oahu hikes, and if you are looking to exclude the harder Oahu trails, a guide to the best easy Oahu hikes.
Find out how to do the iconic (and VERY popular) Diamond Head Hike near Waikiki for exceptional views. We also have a guide to the very popular Manoa Falls Trail in Honolulu.
More advanced hikers will want to read up on the Koko Head Hike, a long set of stairs leading to expansive views.
Learn where to go for the best sunsets in Oahu, whether you want to hike or enjoy watching a colorful Hawaiian sunset without working up a sweat.
We also have a guide to the best sunrise hikes in Oahu, one of which is the spectacular Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in the southeastern part of the island. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is another wonderful sunrise hike on Oahu!
If you are a garden enthusiast, check out our detailed guide to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, our article on the unique Koko Crater Botanical Garden, and our guide to Foster Botanical Garden!
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