15 Best Things to Do in Oahu | Top Tours, Attractions + Tips

Visiting Oahu anytime soon? The most visited of the Hawaiian islands, it won’t take you long to find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this captivating destination. So, let’s look closer at the amazing things Oahu has in store for you.

Drenched in Hawaiian history, the island, which sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is no stranger to fame. Whether you’re roaming the streets of Honolulu, discovering historic Pearl Harbor, or visiting the surfing mecca of North Shore, there’s a lot to experience.

But there’s so much more to this wonderful place than meets the eye, and you’ve come to the right place for every juicy detail on everything the Hawaii island offers. So, read on to find out for the Best Things to Do in Oahu, when to go, where to stay, and a lot more.

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Map Of Best Things to Do in Oahu

I’ve embedded a Google map below with this itinerary! You can download and save it for offline use, but I recommend printing it out, too, so you’re covered if you find yourself without service on the trail.

What to Do in Oahu | 15 Top Activities & Attractions

A lot of planning goes into a memorable trip to Oahu, and it may seem challenging to pinpoint precisely how to spend your time. So here’s a detailed breakdown of just a few of the best of Oahu’s must-do activities and top attractions.

1. Explore Kualoa Ranch

Sitting on the windward side of Oahu, the 4,000-acre private nature reserve of Kualoa Ranch is easily one of the top-tier places to visit. Now, while there are some truly stunning landscapes on the island, this one is absolutely iconic.

The views here are incredible, and if they seem familiar, it’s because much of the reserve and its terrain has been featured in numerous Hollywood blockbusters. If you’ve ever wanted to walk where the world of Jurassic Park originated, this is the spot.

Thanks to its continued conservation efforts, Kualoa has remained undeveloped, allowing the region’s natural beauty to thrive. This makes touring the nature reserve one of the best activities to do in Oahu.

Although I chose to do an incredible UTV tour of Kualoa, there are various ways to see it in all its glory. You can also explore as you go ziplining, horseback riding, or on a Jeep tour.

2. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Offshore snorkeling is a fantastic treat on Oahu, and there are some standout spots where you can head out into the water. One of the best places to visit in Oahua is Hanauma Bay, and its popularity is well deserved.

Home to roughly 400 species of fish, the bay is covered by a coral reef, giving its waters a glistening turquoise color and a gentle tide. Grabbing your snorkel gear and heading here early for a parking spot is recommended, as there is a strict visitor limitation per day of just 1,000.

Considered one of the jewels of Oahu, it’s hands down one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Hanauma Bay also features a Marine Education Center to learn about the conservation of tropical fish and sea turtles. Keep in mind that the bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday, so book a guided tour to secure your spot. 

3. Visit Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for impressive plant life, Oahu is pretty much heaven on Earth, but there’s one particular place to take it all in – the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. And considering the number of botanical gardens on the island, this is a showstopper.

The gardens span a glorious 400-acre piece of land directly next to one of the island’s gorgeous lakes. Enjoy the outdoors as you stroll its walkways that wrap around a stunning koi pond set against mountains straight out of Jurassic Park.

If you’re heading for Kualoa Ranch, this is the perfect pitstop on the way there. Or if you’re going to learn more about Hawaiian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center this also makes for a memorable detour.

4. Hike Koko Crater Tramway

• Mileage: 1.6-mile out and back
• Elevation Gain: 912 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Besides beaches that will blow your mind, Oahu also shows off various fantastic hiking trails. One of these is the short yet beautiful Koko Crater Tramway Trail. Also known as the Koko Head Stairs, this is a relatively short hike, but don’t be fooled by this fact. 

This one is definitely not for the faint of heart, and the unforgiving incline takes no prisoners. You can tackle the trail at a leisurely pace and finish in 30 minutes to an hour. Don’t let the sight of other hikers bolting past you throw you off. For many, racing to the top and back is a favorite pastime.

5. Hike Lanikai Pillbox Trail

• Mileage: 0.6 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 226 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Oahu is renowned in the hiking community as the site of the famed (but illegal) Stairway to Heaven hike, but its mountain ranges also hold lesser-known but very similar trails. One of the most captivating sunrise scenes can be found hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail.

Also called the Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, it offers some truly stunning views of both Lanikai and Kailua. While it does feature a steep incline, it is considered one of the tamer trails on the island and, thanks to its short distance, one the whole family can tackle. So, if you’re planning on heading to Lanikai Beach, this is a hike you shouldn’t skip.

6. Stroll Along Lanikai Beach

Speaking of Lanikai Beach, one of the best things to do on Oahu is strolling along its soft white sands while near-ethereal blue-green waters lap against the shore. Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lanikai also gives you the ideal chance to see the famous Mokulua Islands.

Sitting less than a few hour’s drive from Kailua, Lanikai is a treasure on the island’s windward coast. Its calm waters are perfect for watersports and swimming. If that doesn’t sound like fun, you could also spend hours lounging on its silky soft sands, basking in the glorious Hawaiian sun.

While there isn’t any dedicated parking lot at Lanikai, you can always park inside the nearby Kailua Beach State Park. It’s about a mile away, making it an easy walk to Lanikai, and you get to explore the state park as well.

7. Relax at Waikiki Beach

Another one of Oahu’s acclaimed beaches is that of Waikiki Beach – a picturesque crescent of white sand and almost unreal turquoise waters. Way back when the beach was notorious as the playground of Hawaiian royalty, but today, it’s a marvelous public shore.

The sandy beach stretches all the way from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in the west to Kapiolani Beach Park in the east and is split into several sections. A popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and parasailing, there’s a lot to do besides sunbathing.

Of course, there are also a lot of great boat tours, with this glass-bottom boat cruise taking the cake. On the far more easygoing side of things you should take some time and stroll along the promenade with less crowded areas within walking distance from the shoreline.

8. Explore Oahu’s North Shore

If there’s just one reason you get a rental car while in Oahu, let it be to explore the classically laid-back North Shore of the island. While the entire area is great to explore, it’s known for its huge waves, snorkeling and sea turtle spotting, tasty food trucks, and slow pace.

Along the drive to North Shore, there are a few epic pitstops, such as the charming town of Haleiwa or add chasing waterfalls to your outdoor activities list and head for the Waimea Falls. During the winter months, however, the area becomes the surfing capital of the world, culminating in the Triple Crown of Surfing competition.

Although the region does do well to earn its laid-back badge, here, you can also have some thrilling adventures. One of the most adrenaline-pumping ones is to go cage diving with sharks. As you descend into the Pacific waters inside an underwater cage, you’ll be surrounded by shivers of sharks.

Don’t worry, though. You’re perfectly safe, and seeing these predators gracefully swimming around you is an unmissable thing to do in Oahu, Hawaii.

9. Hike a Waterfall Trail

While Oahu can’t really compete with the mesmerizing waterfalls of neighboring Kauai or the Big Island, there are many on the island worth visiting. From the west side through to the eastern side of the island, there are some waterfall hikes you shouldn’t skip.

Areas such as the Waimea Valley boast many of these, and not only are they pretty, but many of them allow for swimming, making this a must-do activity. These are some of the best waterfall trails for your Oahu itinerary:

• Likeke Falls: Leading to a two-tiered waterfall right below the Pali Lookout, this moderately challenging 1.8-mile out-and-back trail takes about 26 minutes to complete.

• Waimea Falls: Situated inside the Waimea Valley Botanical Garden, this is an easy 1.5-mile round trip that leads to one of the most popular falls on the island, the Waimea Falls.

• Waimano Falls and Pools: Easily one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in Oahu, the 2.9-mile scenic round trip should take you between 1 and 2 hours to complete.

10. Hike the Diamond Head Crater Trail 

• Mileage: 1.9 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 515 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Defining the skyline of Waikiki Beach, the Diamond Head Crater is believed to have gone extinct more than 150,000 years ago. These days, the volcanic tuff cone is the site of numerous Oahu attractions.

This U.S. State Monument showcases incredible views. Here, you can also venture out on the Diamond Head Crater Trail along the interior, heading to the Fire Control Station at its summit. The historic trail features tunnels, underground command posts, and steep switchbacks, which are considered challenging.

While that might be true, it’s not very strenuous. If you persevere, the rewarding views from the summit over all of Waikiki into downtown Honolulu are quite something. While the monument is open daily, out-of-state visitors need a reservation, which you can get here.

11. Discover the Hidden Gem of Halona Beach Cove

It’s no surprise that Oahu has a few tricks up its sleeve, and one of these is the hidden cove of Halona Beach, also known as Eternity Beach. While it’s not easy to reach, it’s definitely worth every effort, and thousands come each year to view Halona Beach and all its beauty.

It’s managed to keep its almost-hidden appeal, though, and being difficult to spot from the road, most simply visit the Halona Blowhole and call it a day. However, when you venture below the blowhole, you’re welcomed by Eternity Beach.

For many, this is just a scenic spot for photography, so remember to bring your camera, but more enticing than its photographic value is the hike down onto the beach. Even though there’s a board that states the area can be dangerous, with a fair bit of caution, you can make your way onto the sands and enjoy some beach time.

12. Hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

• Mileage: 2.4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 649 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Although it’s not as popular as Diamond Head, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail that leads you to the Makapu’u Lookout is well worth your hiking boots. Situated within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline Park, it’s an easy trail, and if you time it right, the trek gives you the perfect opportunity to see humpback whales breaching the waters.

The trail is paved from the trailhead for the entire trip; although you should expect some steep areas, they’re nothing to worry about. While you can’t visit the lighthouse itself, there are various viewing platforms giving you epic scenes of the lighthouse, Makapu’u Beach, Koko Crater, and various offshore islets.

13. Attend a Luau

This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but when visiting Oahu one of the best things to do is attending a traditional luau. Aside from presenting Hawaiian culture, this feast is an insight into the community all Hawaiian people share.

Most hotels host luau but while these are entertaining, for a more authentic experience, head for luau venues or book a spot on a luau tour package. If you’re looking for the best places to participate in one, head for the Polynesian Cultural Center, Top Luau in Waimea Valley, or Paradise Cove Luau in Ko Olina.

Read next: Find out how to plan the perfect trip to Hawaii.

14. Learn More About Pearl Harbor

For a more sobering experience, head for the USS Arizona Memorial, established at Pearl Harbor. Dedicated to the memory of the 2,390 lives lost on December 7, 1941, the memorial was completed in 1961 and dedicated in 1962.

One of the best ways to take it all in is on a guided tour of the memorial, where you’ll get a more comprehensive glimpse at the WW2 event. Inside, you can view the sunken USS Arizona, amongst other historical items. 

15. Sunset Boat Cruise & Whale Watching

If you’re looking for the best way to get a different perspective of the island, then heading on a sunset boat cruise is a fantastic activity. Enjoy the boat ride as you cross the waters and enjoy dinner and drinks.

Alternatively, if you’re in Oahu from December to May, then add whale watching to your itinerary. These months are peak times to see these majestic beasts breed and give birth in the warm waters of the coast.

Top Recommended Tours to Join in Oahu

If you’re looking to make your experience of the island as stress-free as possible, here are the top tours worth joining:

• Ko Moana Luau Dinner and Show
• Glass Bottom Boat Tour Along Oahu’s South Shore
• Kualoa Jurassic Movie Set Tour
• Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tour
• Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
• Kualoa Jurassic Valley Zipline Tour
• Tour of Pearl Harbor
• Waikiki Whale-Watching Boat Tour

The Best Time to Go to Oahu

By now you’re probably ready to get going, and who could blame you? But without paying attention to when the best time is to visit the island, you could end up with a far different trip than planned.

While Oahu has excellent weather all year round, April, May, September, and October, its shoulder season months, are considered to be the best travel months. These offer not just great weather but also less demand for accommodation and fewer crowds.

Weather wise most summer months (May to October) see a typical high of 80°F, and even winter months (October to April) see similar temperatures. During the winter Oahu does see a bit more rain, but showers are typically scattered and don’t last long.

Where to Stay in Oahu

Considering that you’ll be staying in Oahu for a few days, there are some amazing overnight spots located around the island. The island offers everything from cozy Bed and Breakfasts to high-end hotels and luxury resorts.

Luxury | The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Tucked into one of Honolulu’s most affluent neighborhoods, the Kahala is a luxury resort like no other. With a guest list that includes the likes of Frank Sinatra and the Dalai Lama, it’s definitely a stay worth the splurge.

Rooms feature tasteful design and decor. On-site amenities include a gorgeous waterfall-fed lagoon where you can spot turtles and stingrays, as well as swim with visiting dolphins. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort

Occupying a prime location along Kalakaua Avenue, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort is an excellent mid-range option that redefines affordable luxury. Sitting right across from the famous beach, it is well worth a stay.

Each air-conditioned room comes with a bright and modern design flair and either mountain, city, or ocean views. On-site, you’ll find a gorgeous freshwater swimming pool, a poolside bar, and extensive spa and wellness facilities. >>>Check Availability

Budget | Hotel Renew

Sitting just one block from Waikiki Beach, the Hotel Renew is perfect if you’re not in the mood to break the bank. Considering its price tag, the hotel is very well-designed and has a touch of luxury and refinement.

Selected rooms have balconies offering spectacular views, while all guestrooms include en-suite bathrooms and complimentary toiletries. The hotel also offers guests complimentary beach towels and beach gear. >>>Check Availability

Read More: Where to Stay in Oahu | 10 Best Hotels & Lodgings

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Oahu

There are a lot of amazing things to do in Oahu, and being able to tick off as many as possible means spending a few days exploring the island. As a good starting point, your ideal trip should be between five and seven days.

This does allow you enough time to see and do quite a bit, but it is the minimum recommended stay. If you want more time to venture to smaller attractions like an art museum or two or areas like Turtle Bay, add two days to your trip.

What To Pack For Oahu

• Bathing Suits
• Shorts
• Leggings for yoga or hiking
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Hiking Sandals
• Regular Sandals
• Hiking Shirt
• Sports Bra
• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Socks
• Hiking Backpack
• Comfy Dress

FAQs About the Top Things to Do in Oahu

It’s time to run through some of the most commonly asked questions about a trip to Oahu.

What Is Oahu Popular For?

As the third largest Hawaiian island, Oahu boasts stunning beaches, lush forests, and lively local culture. Of course, there are various attractions that make the island stand out, such as Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Iolani Palace, and North Shore.

Where Is the Prettiest Part of Oahu?

While it is still debated, the most beautiful part of Oahu is the stretch of Lanikai Beach. For many, this becomes their favorite sunset beach, and the laid-back seaside towns and area are a fantastic spot to unwind and marvel at the great scenery.

Is Oahu an Expensive Vacation?

On Oahu you’re going to be paying Hawaii prices, and that means a somewhat more expensive trip. While it is moderately priced, there are a number of extra expenses you’ll need to budget for.

Wrapping Up the Best Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii

There you have it folks, the ultimate rundown of the greatest things to do in Oahu. Featuring all of the details you need to make this an unforgettable getaway, all that’s left to do is book your ticket and pack your bags. Oahu awaits.

Read next: If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, check out this 5 – 7 day itinerary.

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