Top 10 Oahu Adventures

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There are countless Oahu adventures to discover while visiting the island, but which are considered the best, and which would you like to experience on your vacation?  From thrilling open door helicopter rides above to mysterious submarine adventures below, I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking.

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Oahu Adventures worth exploring

Think Oahu adventures and you will immediately think fun, wild, and absolutely memorable experiences.

Flying through the air strapped on a zipline at Kualoa Ranch, swimming alongside exotic marine life in the ocean, and parasailing along the coastline are just a few that make our list.

There are other adventures that are a little more low key and allow you to explore at your own pace, like learning the history of Pearl Harbor, or getting lost in a Dole Plantation maze.  For the uninitiated, even a Hawaiian luau can be quite an adventure!

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Here are your top 10 Oahu adventures.  Let’s count them down together!

# 10 - Parasailing along Waikiki

Have you ever parasailed in paradise?  It’s quite a thrill as the speed boat accelerates across the ocean, towing you in front of a large parachute, filling up with air behind you and pulling you into the sky.  It's the perfect bird's eye view of the string of beaches along the Waikiki coastline!

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# 9 - Submarine Ride

How cool would it be to ride in a real submarine and see some of the amazing marine life swimming around you?

You get close enough to be next to old plane & boat wrecks that are amazing to see, along with small and large fish and marine life that inhabit the deeper waters.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see schools of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and maybe even some cruising sharks.  It’s a Pacific Ocean adventure and memory you won’t forget!  See availability and book now…

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#8 Kaneohe Sand Bar Adventure

Embark on an extraordinary Kaneohe Sandbar Snorkeling Adventure. You’ll be captivated as riding on a boat in turquoise blue waters from the shores of Kaneohe to a mesmerizing sandy oasis nestled amidst the vast Pacific Ocean.

Step onto the pristine sand of the Kaneohe Sandbar, a natural wonder that appears out of nowhere.  A true hidden gem, this ocean sandbar provides an exclusive opportunity to walk on water as you explore the marine paradise that surrounds it.

Gaze in awe at the crystal-clear waters that make up this Windward Side of the island, revealing a thriving ecosystem teeming with vibrant marine life.  This boat tour is equipped with snorkeling gear and paddle boards for your use.

Dive into a world of wonder beneath the surface, and be mesmerized by an array of tropical fish, colorful coral formations, and graceful sea turtles that call this sanctuary home.  Walk or stand...you'll be immersed in the tranquility and serenity of this natural haven.

Learn more about the Kaneohe Sand Bar Boat Tour

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# 7 - Explore Pearl Harbor

While Pearl Harbor is about viewing and learning what took place in history, there is a great sense of adventure for this Oahu attraction.

The popular USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pacific Aviation Museum are also available for viewing.

Book your tickets now...

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# 6 - Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Sailing in the Pacific Ocean is one thing but watching a tropical Hawaiian sunset while out at sea is a bonus.  Become one with the sea as your catamaran cuts across the water…it’s a rush!

Sometimes the spinner dolphins in the area will join you, as they ride the kinetic energy generated below.  It’s like an endless wave being generated for them.

Whether you find an ideal spot in the sand along the 7-mile stretch of beach, or land a seat on a catamaran sailing along this beautiful coastline, the Hawaiian sunsets are magical here!

Most folks pack up and race back to town for dinner, but sticking around for a sunset can be quite rewarding!

Honolulu has the party boats that ride into the sunset, but a quiet no-frills catamaran ride on the north side might be more fitting! 

Explore simple Haleiwa Sunset Catamaran Rides

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# 5 Polynesian Cultural Center

Here’s an amusement park full of Oahu adventures!  Spend a day exploring the cultures of Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji and more. 

The Polynesian Culture Center has been an institution since 1964, and continues to evolve and entertain throughout the years.

55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie

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# 4 - Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

This ocean adventure takes you beyond the Waikiki reefs on a boat to secluded areas of the west side and north shore in order to snorkel within areas where green sea turtles are known to make a steady appearance.

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# 3 - Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch could easily be one of the most beautiful ranches in the world and with lots of adventures to participate in.  You can choose between horseback rides, ATV and bike group rides, movie tour adventure, and much much more!

Kualoa Ranch is the chosen spot on Oahu for filming box office movie hits such as Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, and famous TV shows like Lost, and Hawaii Five-O.  Touring these valleys are a blast via ATV adventures, horseback rides, trolley tours and more...

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# 2 - Helicopter ride over Oahu

This could very well be the biggest thrill on the island.  Riding along the coast and zipping through the valleys is such a rush.  There is so much you will see from above that you can’t access from below.  It’s a thrill of a lifetime!  One of the most amazing experiences is taking it all in from above!

Explore a once in a life time experience...

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# 1 - Attend a Hawaiian Luau

And finally, the number one Oahu Adventure is attending a Hawaiian Luau.  It’s one big party full of performances, traditional ceremonies, a feast, and fun throughout the whole evening for all age groups!

There are some popular ones including one at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore and Paradise Cove in Ko'olina.  There are also smaller outfits that I really like for their family-feel including the Toa Luau and Germaine's Luau.

Also check out a Waikiki show, "The Diamond Head Luau", located on the grand outdoor lawn at the Waikiki Aquarium.

A Luau is a celebration for enjoying each other’s company, play traditional Hawaiian games, watch a Kalua Pig Imu ceremony take place, participate in a hukilau, listen to live local music, and being entertained throughout the night with many Polynesian and Hula performances.

• Location- Paradise Cove, Ewa Beach
• Time – Pick up starts at 3:15 PM in Waikiki, Gates open at 5 PM
• Cost – $85 to $170
• Purchase tickets and reserve – ParadiseCove

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Bonus Oahu Adventure - Shark Cage Dive

Even with a protective cage, it takes a lot of courage to jump into shark infested waters.  It’s actually much more peaceful then it sounds, but it won’t stop your heart from beating faster…

This is a thrilling experience that requires no scuba license, but maybe not for the faint of heart. You can also just take it all in from the boat…you decide.  Sign up for a shark dive!