Things To Do in Oahu

With so many things to do in Oahu, vacations can sometimes feel quite overwhelming with endless choices and so little time!  Discover the best Oahu attractions along with helpful insider local tips, and off the beaten path destinations worth visiting!

"The picture below was taken at the Makapu'u Tidepools, located below the lighthouse."

I’ve had the privilege of growing up on Oahu Hawaii, and exploring some of the very best things to do on Oahu.  But the best part is that I’m still discovering new amazing experiences today on this rich and exciting island!  

Best Island Outdoor Activities

If you are feeling adventurous and excited to explore Oahu’s outdoor natural wonders, then you might want to check out some of the best active things to do in Oahu. Discover accessible Oahu waterfalls, like Waimea Falls or Lulumahu Falls in the picture.

Also check out our beautifully challenging Oahu golf courses, dreamy Oahu beaches worth sinking your toes in, and fun Oahu hiking trails no matter if you more or less prefer to stroll or are looking to try to reach the summit of some of Oahu's ridges. 

Playing in the water

There is absolutely no way to avoid dipping into the warm Pacific ocean during your vacation in Oahu.  Beyond frolicking in the waves, try snorkeling Oahu 's shallow reefs in favorite spots like Hanauma Bay and other less popular (and therefore less crowded) spots around the island.  

If you are certified and would like to explore a little further into the deep blue Pacific, try submerging a little deeper for some exciting scuba diving in Hawaii 's share of amazing marine life, getting up close and personal with larger fish and intriguing shipwrecks in the deeper waters.

Wanna try some Hawaiian surfing?  There are some great south swells near Waikiki that'll keep the beginner and intermediate entertained.  If that leaves you wanting, take a drive out to the west side to surf Makaha. Or if you're bold enough, make the journey to North Shore, and depending on the surf conditions, you may either brave a few waves, or just be content to be a spectator and leave the towering waves for the surf pros. 

If You Want to Shop 'Til You Drop

Does Shopping on Oahu capture your interest?

I know of a few Hawaiian specialty shops, and some better quality Oahu shopping areas that will keep your wallet busy! 

Make sure to check out the popular Aloha Stadium Swap Meet that is a Honolulu Attraction in itself, and also the fascinating outdoor, 4-story Ala Moana Shopping Center!

Explore the North Shore Countryside

Take a day trip out to the famous Oahu North Shore. 

Stop for some Huli Huli Chicken smoking on the side of the roadway, watch winter waves pounding on the North Shore beaches, hike inland through Waimea Falls Park to discover a roaring Oahu waterfall, and slow down in old town Haleiwa to slurp down a Hawaiian shave ice while checking out great local art in several art galleries and shops. 

You will feel like you have transported to different island, when you roll into Oahu’s North Shore countryside!  It is the perfect antidote to Waikiki.

Oahu for Keikis (Kids)

There are many Things to do in Oahu for kids and the family. 

In addition to visiting Oahu Beaches, heading out to the North Shore, and trekking to some fun Oahu waterfalls, you might also want to consider other friendly places to visit in Oahu, such as visiting Pearl Harbor, snorkeling Hanauma Bay Oahu, and engaging in an Oahu luau adventure at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are also nice close little adventures worth checking out for the family.

Honolulu Attractions

Honolulu is the largest city on Oahu.  It makes up 80% of the local population and also incorporates the most popular tourist destination known as Waikiki. 

It just so happens that some of the best Oahu attractions are located throughout Honolulu.  Take a moment to check out the best Honolulu Attractions that are worthy of a visit, including Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum Oahu, and visiting Pearl Harbor.

Hawaiian Culture

Don’t forget to mix a little Hawaiian Culture into your trip.  The Hawaiian people take great pride in many old traditions and customs that make up a large part of Hawaiian culture.  An island style and way of life that still exists today in Hawaiian music, food, language, dance, arts, and local family life!  There are two ways to experience Hawaiian culture.

You can witness it through museums such as the historic Iolani Palacewhich is the only palace in existence within the United States, the Bishop Museum Oahu which houses a great collection of Hawaiian historical artifacts, or the popular Polynesian Cultural Center where you can find fantastic array of Polynesian cultural and historical exhibits. 

The second way, and in my opinion, equally important and often more enjoyable, is to partake in the local culture through Hawaiian music, whether going to one of the many live music venues, or strumming an ukulele yourself, attending a Hawaiian luau (you may not be lucky enough to be invited to an authentic luau, but the luau shows done for tourists are a good substitute to experience a Hawaiian ceremony complete with hula and fire dances, food, and music), getting to know the colorful locals and listening to them speak pidgin' English or if you're lucky, the real Hawaiian language.  The best part for me is the food!  Hawaiian food goes from yummy authentic Hawaiian staples that include kahlua pork, lau lau, poi, lomi lomi salmon, etc, to the mouth-watering fusion foods created by Oahu's renowned chefs who take the diverse population of Oahu and blend flavors and ingredients together to create some of the most "onolicous"  eats you'll ever have.  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Aloha & Enjoy!!

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