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Best 40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (the list + map you need)

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The island of Oahu in Hawaii is best known for its Waikiki Beach, stunning mountains, and gorgeous beaches. But it can also feel like a crowded, big city. Let us show you the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii so you can escape from Waikiki to visit the country of this Hawaiian paradise.

Most things to do on Oahu lists take you randomly around the island. Here, I’ll show the best things to do starting in Waikiki, greater Honolulu, and then clockwise around Oahu. 

With maps, directions, and why we love the activity, you can start planning your trip to Oahu easily. 

My wife Erica and I lived on Oahu and now visit Oahu two to three times a year with our kids (sometimes with our dog Hattie ). We are constantly exploring to find the new, best places to eat, things to do, and tours.

Our free Oahu Travel Guide has more to help you plan your trip to Oahu. You also won’t want to miss the best beaches , snorkel spots , and places to stay on Oahu .

Things to Do on Oahu Video

One of our most popular videos is 21 Things to Do Around Oahu. This article contains even more things to do but we’ve found a video is the best way to show you what you can expect with the best things to do on Oahu. 

If this video doesn’t get you excited about your Hawaii vacation , I don’t know what will.

After all these amazing things to do on Oahu, you may be asking yourself how many days do you need on Oahu?

If your a family traveling to Oahu, see our 23 Things to Do on Oahu with Kids !

Best Things to Do on Oahu in Waikiki

Waikiki is a neighborhood in the city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. As the most popular part of Oahu to stay in, Waikiki has a lot to do but also can feel crowded. We always recommend taking a day during your Oahu vacation to relax around Waikiki to walk the main avenue, Kealakakaua Avenue, and sunbathe and swim on Waikiki Beach. 

Here are the best things to do while you enjoy Waikiki.

Check out the map below for a list of all our things to do in Waikiki. Then, see our 7 Best Family Hotels on Oahu for ideas on where to stay and our favorite places to stay in Waikiki .

Do you need a rental car to do all these things on Oahu? Oahu is the only Hawaiian island that we don’t say a rental car is a must-have. See How to Get Around Oahu: Car, Bus, Bike, and More (a full guide) to decide if you need a rental car and what to do if you don’t get one.

Additional Hawaii planning resources:

• What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation
• Oahu vs Maui (from someone who has lived on both)
• Oahu vs Maui for Kids

1. Where to Escape the Crowds on Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is a 2-mile-long, gold sand beach lined with highrise hotels. I love Waikiki Beach for the beautiful, clear water and views of the iconic Diamond Head. 

There is so much that makes Waikiki Beach famous , hence the crowds flock to this beach. Half of all visitors to Hawaii stay near Waikiki, usually for their first visit (see our first time to Hawaii guide for planning tips! )

Here is how to find a secluded section of Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is divided up into multiple sections or beaches. The far sides of the 2-mile stretch of beach have far fewer people than the areas in the middle, like in front of the Royal Hawaiian or Moana Surfrider hotels.

To escape the crowds in Waikiki, go to Kahanamoku Beach ( click for directions ) near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. Kahanamoku Beach has been rated the best beach in the country by Dr. Beach for its wide, sandy beach and its great spot for swimming. You will also get epic views of Diamond Head. And a good place to see the fireworks, see below!

Our second favorite secluded spot in Waikiki is on the Diamond Head side of the beach. Go to Queen’s Beach ( click for directions ) to find a place for your towel. We like this part of the beach as there is the Waikiki Wall (small jetty), volleyball courts, and shade near the park side of the beach. 

2. Surf Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is well known for its surf break. The long, slow rolling waves are perfect to learn how to surf. You can take surf lessons ( Erica was so much better at surfing than me ) or grab a board for $20 for three hours from dudes on the beach.

The surf breaks, starting on the Diamond Head side, are Publics, Queen’s, Canoes, Populars, Threes, Fours, Kaisers, and Rockpiles. You will easily see where everyone is surfing once you are on Waikiki Beach. 

If you have never surfed before then a surf lesson ( our favorite surf school is at Publics ) is highly recommended to get you started safely.

A good surfboard rental location is between the banyan tree and the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound and the Duke Kahanamoku statue. You will find local vendors renting out surfboards. Bring cash and look for the surf racks. 

Directions: Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI

Grab our favorite reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens before you head into the water for surfing and swimming at the beaches below.

3. Friday Fireworks

The show is back! Every Friday night the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a 4-minute fireworks show. From June to September, the show starts at 8:00 PM. The show switches to a 7:45 PM start in the fall. 

You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to see the show. Find a nice place on the beach near the hotel. The best viewing will be from Fort Derussy Beach Park ( click for directions ) to Kahanamoku Beach.

4. Acai Bowls at Tropical Tribe

Our favorite acai bowls in Waikiki are at Tropical Tribe. The small cafe with counter service has the best Brazilian acai bowls with fresh fruit in Waikiki. Located on the Ewa Side, near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, look for the small cafe at street level. 

Directions: 1778 Ala Moana Blvd #101, Honolulu, HI 96815

5. Fresh Poke at Sato Seafood

There is nothing more authentic than fresh poke when you are in Hawaii. While we love getting poke at local grocery stores like Foodland, Sato Seafood serves up unique and delicious poke bowls right in Waikiki.

Order the Hawaiian Munchies or Spicy Maui Maui. You can’t go wrong with their generous portions and quick service. Eat there or take it a block to the beach.

Directions: 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #215, Honolulu, HI 96815

If Muragame Udon has too long of a line, Sato Seafood is right next door.

6. Japanese Noodle House

Sure the line can be long at Muragame Udon, but it is worth the wait in our opinion. Watch them make the noodles and cook your udon right in front of you. 

Grab a tray, order your udon, and then pick up additional bites like tempura or spam musubi in this cafeteria-style restaurant. 

Directions: 2310 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

7. Hula and Happy Hour

If you don’t have time to attend one of Oahu’s best luaus, then House Without a Key is a good substitute. 

Directions: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Located in the luxury Halekulani hotel, House Without a Key is an open-air patio lounge serving up amazing mai tais, pupus (appetizers), and a light dinner fare. But we come for world-class hula performances and live Hawaiian music. 

With views of Diamond Head and the Hawaiian band playing under a 100-year-old kiawe tree, this happy hour shouldn’t be missed.

If you’re on Oahu now searching for things to do on Oahu or you are just starting your Hawaii vacation planning, then check out our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary . 

Let two professional Hawaii travelers show you the best things to do around Oahu on planned excursion days. No need to write these all down, download our itinerary and you’re off! Learn more below.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the oahu itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

Things to Do on Oahu: Honolulu

Let’s escape from Waikiki to explore things to do in Honolulu. Honolulu is called the Manhattan of the Pacific with its highrise offices and apartment buildings. We love Honolulu for its culture, nightlife, and food. Such amazing food options due to the Pacific island cuisine.

Our favorite neighborhoods are Kapahulu, Kaka’ako, and Chinatown. We have things to do in each. Plus, don’t forget the culture with trips to ‘Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum.  

But our first thing to do is to beat jetlag with a hike. 

See the map below for all these things to do in Honolulu.

Free Oahu Itineraries for more things to do on Oahu!

• Oahu Travel Guide
• The Best 5-Day Oahu Itinerary
• 7-Day Oahu Itinerary Without a Rental Car
• Your 10-Day Oahu and Maui Itinerary

The free itineraries are great but our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary is world-class (not just our biased opinion).

We are going to Oahu, Maui, and Big Island over the course of 21 days, so I have loved your itineraries–seriously they are a must-have lifeline for planning a trip to Hawaii! Kim S.

8. Diamond Head Crater Hike

Diamond Head Crater Hike starts inside a 300,00-year-old volcano, about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. A reservation for the Diamond Head hike is now required. The moderate 0.8-mile hike rises up 560 feet to an observation deck overlooking Waikiki and the east coast of Oahu.

Explore an old military bunker inside the volcano and take amazing photos of Waikiki. Rainbow views are possible with a morning hike. The gates open at 6:00 AM so come on over for those jetlagged travelers.

Directions: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead

Diamond Head Crater Hike made our list of the 7 best easy hikes on Oahu .

9. Leonard’s Bakery for Malasadas

Leonard’s Bakery makes it onto all things to do in Honolulu lists and for good reason. Their large, fluffy malasadas live up to the hype. Malasadas are Portuguese donuts with a fruit or chocolate filling. 

The doughy pastries are light, warm, and delicious in the morning with a coffee. The line does get huge at their original location on Kapahulu Avenue just outside of Waikiki.

Directions: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

See if you can order online to skip the line (they discontinue the online service at times) or plan on arriving early.

Another way to skip the line is to visit one of the many MalasadaMobiles they have conveniently located around Oahu. Bring cash for those and they only serve three types of malasadas at them.

10. Ono Seafood

The colorful red building with an art mural on the side is hard to miss from Kapahulu Avenue. Locals flock to this seafood restaurant for poke and more fresh seafood dishes. The no-frills place is relaxing and delicious. 

There are a lot of great restaurants on Kapahulu Avenue such as Rainbow Drive-In and Kono’s. You won’t go hungry on this avenue on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki.

Directions: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

11. Waiola Shave Ice

Shave ice is a must when you visit Hawaii . The fluffy ice and the flavors are a must when it is hot out and it is always a nice, hot temperature in Hawaii. 

Waiola Shave Ice is a classic. While there are few around Honolulu, the one below is the original and a short drive from Waikiki. 

Directions: 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826

Shave ice made our 5 Unforgettable Hawaii Foods You Have to Try video. 

12. Honolulu Nightlife

Honolulu is the place to go (the only place to go) in Hawaii for nightlife. The Hawaiian Islands can feel sleepy as most bars and lounges hardly make it to midnight on the neighbor islands. But in Honolulu, you can find hip lounges, wine bars, and even some clubs. 

For a little bar hopping in Waikiki, check out Lewers Street for Roy’s, Yard House, and some dive bars.

Our favorite area to go to in Honolulu is the hip and trendy restaurants and lounges in Chinatown. These award-winning restaurants, like Fete who is a 2022 James Beard winner, have great food and even better drinks. 

Head to North Hotel Street in Chinatown to find the likes of Lucky Belly, The Manifest, Little Village Noodle House, O’Kims, The Dragon Upstairs, Bar 35, The Tchin Tchin! Bar, and so many more.

Directions to North Hotel Street: 35 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817

13. Ala Moana Beach

Ala Moana Beach is the place where locals go in Honolulu for the beach. The large beach park has its own L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Magic Island Lagoon, and a well-protected beach for kids (keiki). 

Located in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, an upscale shopping center with a great food court, and next to Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach doesn’t have the Waikiki crowds and is a good place to take the kids for a beach day.

Directions to Ala Moana Beach Park

For those families out there exploring Oahu, read our 23 Things to Do on Oahu with Kids for more ideas!

14. Kaka’ako Street Art

Kaka’ako is an old neighborhood of Honolulu that has been re-developed with condo towers, restaurants, and breweries. We like the breweries for dinner and drinks. But, you can make an evening out of this neighborhood by walking the murals.

Kaka’ako has murals everywhere. Start at Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park and just follow the murals. You can’t miss them.

Directions: Cooke St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Watch our Escape from Waikiki video for our day out exploring unique things to do around Honolulu. 

15. ‘Iolani Palace

The ‘Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The palace had electricity and running water before the White House. Come to learn about the royal family, the forced overthrow of the kingdom, and Hawaiian history in this well-preserved, stately palace in the heart of Honolulu.

Directions: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

‘Iolani Palace is located in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Across from the palace, you will find Ali’iolani Hale, home to the state supreme court and the famous King Kamehameha The Great Statue. You can take our favorite Pearl Harbor guided tour that includes a tour of historic Honolulu.

Historic Downtown Honolulu gets bedazzled for Christmas. From parades to Christmas craft festivals, you will love Honolulu in December. See our Things to Do in Hawaii During Christmas . 

If you’re thinking of visiting Hawaii for a Christmas vacation, then you gotta read our 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation .

16. Historic Chinatown and the Arts District

As I mentioned in the Honolulu Nightlife thing to do, Chinatown is a fun part of the city to explore. A Chinatown walking tour is a wonderful way to hear the rich history and taste the food or go out and explore yourself.

The area has unique architecture and great food from Vietnamese to Chinese to Hawaiian and everything in between. There are also a lot of shopping and art galleries. 

The first Friday of the month is home to a lively street festival. The art galleries turn into lounges and street performers fight for your attention. It is the place to be for First Friday . 

Directions to Chinatown Parking Lot: 888 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817

17. Best Honolulu Sunset Spot

Tantalus Look is the place to come for the sunset and amazing views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Located 25 minutes (6 miles) from Waikiki, drive up a windy road to Pu’u Ualakaa State Park. Bring a picnic and a picnic blanket to sit on the lawn overlooking the grandeur of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. 

The sunset view is best during the winter but even during the summer, this is worth visiting.

Directions: Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822

18. Kamehameha Bakery

While everyone is lined up at Leonard’s Bakery just outside of Waikiki, drive over to Kahili Neighborhood for another famous bakery. Get their maladas or one of their many amazing donuts and freshly baked bread.

Directions: 1284 Kalani St Unit D106, Honolulu, HI 96817

19. Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum showcases exhibits on Polynesian culture and natural history. This is our favorite museum in Hawaii. Our kids love the science center where they can go inside a volcano and get hands-on with science. I enjoy the Polynesian voyaging exhibits and then heading to Highway Inn Cafe for a Hawaii plate lunch.

The Hawaii Hall alone is worth checking out with three wood floors featuring Hawaiian history. It reminds me of the great museums in London.

Directions: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817

20. Honolulu Helicopter Tours

While we don’t always recommend a helicopter tour in Hawaii due to the weather, the team at Honolulu Helicopter Tours has the best safety record on Oahu. They offer tours for different budgets too. From an 18-minute flight over Honolulu and Diamond Head to a 60-minute circle island tour, you should check them out to get above Honolulu for a fresh perspective. 

Save 5% on all their tours with promo code HVG, learn more and book here: Honolulu Helicopter Tours .

21. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Welcome to one of the most popular sites on Oahu ( this is the other one ). Pearl Harbor National Memorial brings thousands of visitors a day to pay their respects, learn about the air raid, and visit the historical sites. 

Pearl Harbor is 25-minutes away from Waikiki so it isn’t in Honolulu but I’ll keep it simple for this list. 

Directions: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

Hop in an Uber, Taxi, Lyft, or drive yourself to the visitor center. But, before you arrive make sure you make a reservation for t he USS Arizona. Reservations can be tough to get, especially during the busy holiday season and summer.

You can skip the hassle of driving and getting a reservation by booking a guided Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour with our favorite local tour group. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Bags are not allowed in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Also, make sure to hop on the free shuttle to take you to Ford Island. Home of the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum .

Things to Do on Oahu: Ko Olina and Waianae

We lived in Ko Olina, on the leeward side of Oahu, for a couple of years. Ko Olina is at the start of Waianae, the West Side of Oahu. 

Waianae is a residential area of Oahu. Therefore, it is not a place visitors go often and we support that. But, there are some places of note and tours to explore.

22. Ko Olina Lagoons at Ko Olina Resorts

Ko Olina Resorts are known as the home of Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, but Ko Olina is better known to us for the lagoons. One of the 10 best beaches on Oahu is the Ko Olina lagoons.

We love these lagoons for the calm waters for our kids, proximity to the resort restaurants for lunch and snacks, and the big, empty beaches. 

The lagoons are man-made. Blasted from the volcanic rock as part of the Ko Olina Resorts development, the lagoons are open to the public and ready for your vacation. Arrive before 9:00 AM for a free, public parking spot. See our Oahu itinerary for details.

Stay in Ko Olina (see our Ultimate Ko Olina Guide ) or stay in Waikiki, you can hop over to this dry and sunny side of the island for amazing beaches.

While you are over here, book a tour with our favorite Oahu snorkel tour to see dolphins and sea turtles. Or stay till sunset for their Ko Olina Sunset Sail .

23. Electric Beach for Snorkeling

Electric Beach made our #1 spot for the best snorkeling on Oahu . The beach’s namesake is due to being located in front of a large power plant (Hawaii Electric or HECO). The snorkel spot is abundant in fish as the fish congregate around the hot water discharge from the power plant. 

This snorkel spot is only for advanced swimmers and snorkelers. It is risky because you have to swim out over 100 yards to the snorkel spot, it is in water that is over 30 feet deep, there can be currents or rough surf, and there are no lifeguards on duty. It is not an easy snorkel spot so swim with a buddy and understand the ocean conditions. 

You will be greeted by a lot of fish making for beautiful snorkeling. 

Directions: 92-301 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707

I park at Kahe Point Beach Park. Car break-ins are common in this parking lot so don’t leave valuables or anything in the car.

24. Maili Pillbox (Pink Pillbox) Hike

Pillbox hikes are very popular on Oahu. These are bunkers from the military defenses built to protect the island before and during WWII. We share the history of many of them in this video: All of Oahu’s Pillbox Hikes Explained (plus the history): 5 Honolulu Pillbox Hikes . 

Most of Oahu’s great hikes are located on the windward and east side of Oahu so this one is special. Located on top of Pu’u O Hulu, you can hike the 45-minutes to the pink pillbox, up a steep trail. Beautiful, sweeping views of the Waianae coast will reward you. It is hot and sunny on this part of the island so bring water and sun protection.  

Directions: Pink Pillbox Trail, Waianae, HI 96792

25. Oahu’s Best Whale Watching

The best locations for whale watching on Oahu are on the North Shore and Waianae. Waianae is my favorite as you can expect better weather and calmer seas during whale seasons. The annual humpback whale migration to Hawaii is from December through March, 

While Maui is our favorite island for whale watching , Oahu has some excellent viewing also. 

Our favorite whale-watching tour leaves from Waianae Small Boat Harbor. Head out on a power raft for up-close encounters with majestic humpback whales. We like this tour for the fast rafts increase your chances of seeing them (they don’t chase but cover more ground) and their staff of marine biologists that are full of knowledge. Learn more and book here – Waianae Whale Watching .

Directions: Waianae Small Boat Harbor at 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792

26. Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

If you can’t make it to Oahu during whale season then a dolphin excursion is your best option. Located at Waianae Small Boat Harbor, the team from Dolphin Excursions Hawaii will take you out to see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, and to epic snorkel spots on the Waianae Coast. 

Click to learn more about their Dolphin Excursion Tour or their Afternoon Snorkel Safari .

Things to Do on Oahu: North Shore

Time to leave Honolulu and the resorts to get out into the countryside of Oahu. Honolulu is considered town and the North Shore is considered country. Hence, Oahu-founded surfboard company called Town & Country. 

Our favorite area to visit on Oahu is North Shore. Make sure you leave one or two days in your itinerary to see everything. We sure do in our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary !

Finally, time to head to North Shore Oahu. The home of Jack Johnson, big wave surfing competitions, waterfall hikes, and the best food trucks on the island. North Shore is also home to 10 Free Things to Do on North Shore Oahu and the Ehukai Pillbox Hike . If you still haven’t had your fill, we have another 21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore .

27. Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa Town is the unofficial home base for the North Shore. We love this town for the food trucks, shave ice, and coffee shops. The art galleries and kayak and SUP in the river are also worth checking out.

Directions: Haleiwa, Oahu

Leave Waikiki in the morning so you can stop in Haleiwa for coffee at Haleiwa Cafe, Coffee Gallery, or Island Vintage Coffee (a chain but they have Kona coffee and good food). Then continue up the coast to do the things below. Come back to Haleiwa for lunch or dinner at a shrimp truck or food truck.

Stop at Kaimana Shave Ice and say, “ The Hawaii Vacation Guide brought you here .” You will save 10% on the freshest shave ice in Haleiwa. See our full list of coupon codes here .

28. North Shore Food Trucks

Did I mention the food on the North Shore? Giovanni’s was the original shrimp truck serving up spicy and buttery shrimp from their signature-covered truck in Kahuku, North Shore.

Check out one of the many shrimp and food truck parks in Haleiwa. You can’t miss them off the main road. Kaimana Shave Ice is located near a large food truck park, so you get two birds with one parking spot.

You will also find more trucks in Pupukea near Waimea Bay (across from Shark’s Cove) and in Kahuku, at the northern tip of Oahu.

29. Waimea Bay for a Beach Day

Waimea Bay is hard to miss as you drive up the North Shore on Kamehameha Highway. The road turns to present the beautiful bay with the bell tower in the background. 

Waimea Bay is probably the best beach on the North Shore. The bay has two drawbacks. Parking is limited in the public parking lot and along the road. Waimea Valley and the church charge for parking which I’ve found very helpful. The other drawback is the bay is calm from May to September but should be avoided during the winter. Big waves and strong currents make it a dangerous place to swim.

Pack a lunch and enjoy a day of swimming and relaxing on the beach at Waimea Bay. You will find lifeguards on duty, showers, and restroom facilities.

Directions: Waimea Bay Beach, North Shore, HI 96712

30. Waterfall Swim

If you’re looking for a waterfall swim on Oahu, this is the place to go. With many waterfalls being on private land, hard to reach, or dangerous, the 40-foot Waimea Valley waterfall is the place to go.

Waimea Valley is a botanical garden and Hawaiian cultural immersion area. You can spend half a day here at the arts and crafts booths, walking the valley’s gardens, exploring the Hawaiian villages, and swimming in the waterfall. This is a perfect spot for strollers and kids. It is also home to one of the best luaus in Hawaii .

Reserve your Full Day General Admission to Waimea Valley ticket here. This is a direct booking with Waimea Valley!

Directions: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

31. Shark’s Cove Snorkeling

Shark’s Cove made our list of the best snorkeling on Oahu . From May to September, the waves settle down for some epic snorkeling in the lava rock-protected lagoon. 

Lifeguards are on duty and there are restroom and shower facilities. A snorkel rental shop is across the street along with food trucks for lunch. 

We like Shark’s Cove for the clear water and the protected lagoon. Make sure the conditions are good for snorkeling before you go out by talking to the lifeguard and checking lifeguard flags. Grab our favorite reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens before you head into the water.

Directions: Shark’s Cove at Pupukea Beach Park, Oahu

32. Romy’s Kahuku Shrimp Hut

As we continue up the North Shore, it may be time to stop for fresh shrimp. Just past Turtle Bay Resort are Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp and Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp Hut. These two serve up fresh shrimp from their shrimp ponds directly behind their huts. 

Romy’s is our favorite as we describe in the video below. Stop for a garlic butter shrimp plate before you move on down the road.

Directions: 56781 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731

North Shore Oahu is full of fruit stands and food trucks. You won’t be hungry as you spend the day up here.

33. Polynesian Cultural Center Lu’au

For many visitors to Oahu, this is the must-see thing to do on Oahu. Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center attract more visitors than any other sites on Oahu.

Located near the northern tip of the Oahu in La’ie, the Polynesian Cultural Center is known for its luau dinner but we like it for the Islands of Polynesia. Walk past the luau area and into six island nations of Polynesia. Learn about the culture, games, songs, and stories of Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Fuji. Check out our full Polynesian Cultural Center review .

We recommend you arrive when they open at 12:30 to spend the afternoon there and then go to the Ali’i Luau or Gateway Buffet . Stay late for the HA: Breath of Life Show. Book below and save up to 20% on their luau packages as it is a direct booking link with the Polynesian Cultural Center.

If you’re on Oahu frantically searching for things to do or you are starting your Hawaii vacation planning, then check out our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary . 

Let two professional Hawaii travelers show you the best things to do around Oahu on planned excursion days. Download our itinerary and you’re off! Learn more below.

Things to Do on Oahu: Windward

As we drive over the northern tip of Oahu, past Kahuku and La’ie, we enter windward Oahu. On the windward side, you will be greeted with lush rainforest and towering cliffs of the Ko’olau Range, the remnants of one of Oahu’s two distinct volcanoes.

After North Shore, windward Oahu is my favorite part of the island to visit. 

34. Kualoa Ranch Tours

When we lived on Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center and Kualoa Ranch felt too touristy to be worth my time. I regret that decision because they offer such great tours. They are both good places to learn the history of the islands. 

Kualoa Ranch is known as the Jurassic Valley as Jurassic Park and Lost World movies were filmed in part here, plus dozens of other movies. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and farm full of wonderful employees who like to share their stories. 

Visitors to Hawaii make the drive to Kualoa Ranch for the popular tours below, but they have so many more to offer.

• Kualoa Ranch ATV tours
• Kualoa Ranch Zipline
• Malama Aina Tour
• Explore all Kuoloa Ranch Tours here

Directions: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

35. Kaneohe Sandbar

This place has become very popular in the past few years. Kaneohe Sandbar or Ahu O Laka in Hawaiian is a ridge of sand in Kaneohe Bay that becomes a beach island during low tide. 

The water is turquoise, the sand is white, the bay is calm, and sea turtle sightings are common.

Accessing the sandbar is limited. You can kayak by renting a kayak in Kailua or go out on a boat tour. As the sandbar can be tough to reach in a kayak, we recommend going on a boat tour. Boat tours include lunch, snacks, sunscreen, snorkel gear, and other comforts for a day out on the water.

Our favorite Kaneohe Sandbar tour leaves directly from the small boat harbor near the sandbar. Learn more about the best Kaneohe Sandbar boat tour .

Directions: 46-499 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

36. Lanikai Beach

Another one of our top 10 Oahu beaches is Lanikai Beach located in Kailua. Lanikai is known for its long, white sand beach with outrigger canoes parked on it from the local canoe club, and the views of the Mokulua Islands. 

We find ourselves at Lanikai Beach every time we visit Oahu. We recommend arriving early as there are no public parking lots, only street parking. Respect the neighbors by not blocking driveways or making a lot of noise. Spend the day at Lanikai or go on a kayak adventure.

Directions: Lanikai Beach, Kailua, HI 96734 

37. Kayak to the Mokes

Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands or the Mokes was our favorite activity to do with friends who visited us on Oahu.

Rent kayaks from the local shop, wheel them to Kailua Beach (another great beach) and make the short kayak trip out to the islands. 

You can rent kayaks and go yourself or you can go on a guided tour. If you’re not a confident kayaker then we recommend the guided tour. Click below to learn more.

• Self-Guided Kayak Discovery
• 2-Hour Guided Kayak + Beach Time

38. Waimanalo Beach Park

Welcome to the best walking beach on Oahu. At over 3-miles long with gorgeous views of the mountains and ocean, this white sand beach is worth a trip to the East Side of Oahu. 

Waimanalo Beach Park has abundant public parking, showers, restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty. The currents can get strong during the winter months so check with the lifeguard before heading out. 

We show you how to fit Waimanalo Beach and everything worth visiting in East Oahu in our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary .

Directions: 41-741 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimānalo, HI 96795

39. Makapu’u Beach & Lighthouse

Located on the far eastern tip of Oahu, Makapuu Beach and Lighthouse make for a nice morning out with the family. 

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved walking path that takes you up to the top of the point, with views of Makapuu Beach, Manana Island Seabird Sanctuary, and coastal views of Oahu. 

If you have time, head down to Makapuu Beach. It is a tucked-in beach that is nice for relaxing. It is known for bodysurfing so be careful of the surf break.

Directions: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795

40. Koko Head Crater Hike

Let’s finish strong with a hike to the top of a volcanic cinder cone. 

• Length: 1.8 miles
• Parking: Large parking lot at the bottom of the hill
• Avoid hiking for sunrise as no parking is available

This is more of a moderate hike, not because the terrain is challenging (there’s no hill to slide down or rocks to climb over) but because the hike is steep. This hike is a workout as you ascend up over 1,000 steps to reach the top. 

While it is a workout, it’s also a fun trail with some pretty amazing views. The steps that you take up to the top are old railroad tracks, which adds to the fun (you’re not just taking stairs up to the top). 

Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island for hiking in our opinion. Explore all of Oahu’s easiest hikes and moderate to advanced hikes .

More Things to Do with the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Thanks for traveling with me around Oahu with this epic things-to-do list. We find ourselves going back to Oahu multiple times a year because there are so many things to do and places to eat. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t have time to plan a trip to Oahu, then learn more about our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary. The itinerary is structured to grab and go on your mobile device. 

Love this list? Pin it and follow us for more!

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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Best Oahu Tours

Best oahu tours and activities.

Island of oahu

Traveling to Hawaii and want to explore the best tours, activities, and excursions the island of Oahu has to offer? Here at Real Hawaii Tours, we went above and beyond and compiled a top list based on local insight and tourist feedback. Whether you're looking for the perfect all-in-one Oahu island tour for the family or a perfect sunset dinner cruise for you and your loved one... Real Hawaii Tours has you covered!

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Oahu circle island tours.

Real Hawaii Oahu Circle Island Tour

129.5 Per Adult

Highlights of Oahu

Transportation from Waikiki

Local Tour Guide

7 Hour Tour

North Shore/Dole Island Tour

$149 Per Adult

Top Oahu Sights

See Haleiwa Town

Exclusive Dole Plantation Tour

Majestic Circle Island Tour

$163 Per Adult

Smaller Intimate Group

Lunch Included

Majority of Oahu Attractions

Tour Lasts 9 Hours

Oahu Ocean Tours & Activities

West Oahu Dolphin Swim

$140   Per Adult

Swim With Dolphins and Sea Turtles

Snorkel Equipment Provided

Open 7 Days A Week

Tour Lasts 3 Hours

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Freshly Prepared Gourmet Dinner

Tiki Bar Available

Tour Lasts 2 Hours

Haleiwa Shark Dive

$135   Per Adult

Swim With Sharks

In-Ocean Guide

Monday - Friday

Oahu Historic & Cultural Tours

Experience Nutridge Luau

$169 Per Adult

Rainforest Tour

IMU Build (Hawaiian Oven)

Family Style Luau

Small Group and Intimate

Pearl Harbor City Tour

$67.00 Per Adult

USS Arizona Memorial Included

Guided City Tour

Round Trip Transportation

Local Guide

Oahu Horseback Riding

$95  Per Adult

At Famous Gunstock Ranch

Scenic Forest & Coastline Views

Small Guided Tour

1 1/2 Hours

Jurassic Valley Kualoa

• Newly Offered
• Jurassic Adventure
• Movie Site Tours
• ATV Raptor Tours

Oahu Tours, Attractions & Excu r sions

Do you need a vacation? Getting ready to take a trip? Our  authentic Oahu Tours, activities, attractions, and excursions can help you  get the most out of your upcoming trip to the islands of Hawaii.

There is something truly special about every single one of Hawaii’s main islands. Even though 137 islands make up the Hawaiian archipelago, there are really only 8 main islands that are referred to when talking about Hawaii.

Out of those 8 main islands, Oahu is certainly the most popular to visit. Oahu has been nicknamed   “Gathering Place”  because of all the people who live there and visit every year. 

With roughly 70 percent of Hawaii’s population living on Oahu, this island is considered “the heart of Hawaii”.

Since Oahu is the heart of this beautiful group of islands, it makes sense that this is where visitors and tourists love to come to  get an authentic taste of Oahu attractions, activities, and exciting excursions.

What Our Oahu Tours Will Provide You

Our goal at  Real Hawaii Tours  is to ensure that you get the most exciting, and memorable experience of our incredible home. Not everyone is lucky enough to live in Hawaii, but we want to make you feel at home while you are here. Creating a relaxing, exciting, and authentic environment for our visitors is what we aim to do with  every single one of our Oahu tours, activities, attractions, and excursions.  It doesn’t matter if you are here on a family vacation, or a romantic honeymoon, we offer something that everyone can be excited about. In the morning you can go snorkeling with majestic sea turtles, then go horseback riding down the beach in crystal clear water, and then  experience an authentic Hawaiian luau  all in the same day. Or you can take it easy and relax while whale watching, or fly around the island on one of our Oahu helicopter tours seeing the stunning sights from the most incredible bird's eye view. 

More About Our Oahu Tours

One of the most popular tours is the Circle Island Tour Oahu , with tons of sights, Oahu attractions, and activities the entire family will love. During this tour, you will spend the day driving around the entire island and experience all of the best spots. You will be able to enjoy and experience some of the most  beautiful and fun places here on Oahu . You can crack open macadamia nuts at Tropical Farms and taste them straight from the shell. 

The Famous Dole Plantation

Witness Hālona Blowhole Lookout in all of its beautiful glory when water shoots out of the ground. We’ll stop by the  Dole Plantation  where you can check out the farm and purchase a pineapple straight from the source. 

Try a taste of the best coffee and tea Oahu has to offer at Green World Coffee Farm with freshly roasted coffee every single day. These are just some of the fun things that you can experience on our  Circle Island Tours.

Out of all the tourist destinations on any island in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor attracts the most visitors every year. Pearl Harbor is known as one of the most memorable attacks on America and pretty much anyone you ask knows the story of that day. 

That is why so many fellow Americans choose to come here during their visit to pay their respects to the amazing heroes that gave their lives for our country. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the USS Arizona Memorial really help to paint a haunting yet admirable picture of the attack that happened here so many years ago. 

Best Oahu Island Tours

Depending on the time of year, some of the spots are subject to change on our tour, however, this is usually what you will see on one of our exclusive Circle Island Oahu tours. (Check out our tour page to see the updated list of sights that we are currently offering on our Circle Island Tour )

• Diamond Head
• Hālona Blowhole Lookout
• Sandy Beach
• Makapuu Lookout
• Waimanalo Beach
• Mokolii - Chinaman's Hat
• Sunset Beach
• Banzai Pipeline Beach
• Laniakea Beach
• Haleiwa North Shore
• Dole Plantation
• Green World Coffee Farm
• Fruit Stands
• Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

Best Oahu Island Luaus

You can’t visit Hawaii without an authentic Hawaiian Celebration! Traditional dancing, as well as food, are a great way to experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Every Hawaiian Luau is different but is based on the same traditions.

Good food is a must for a Luau. Typically you will see things like Kalua Pua (roasted pig), Haupia (a desert food), and Hawaiian sweet bread (among other traditional foods). Since a Luau is one of many traditional Oahu activities, it only makes sense that the food is prepared traditionally. 

Using an Imu (an underground oven) to cook some of the food is a fun touch for visitors to experience. Not to mention the entertainment. Hula dancing is a beautiful show to enjoy with all of that food. 

Check out our traditional Hawaiian Luau activity page to learn more about what our current Luau package is offering!

Swimming with Dolphins

Who doesn’t love these incredibly fun and beautifully playful creatures? Dolphins are a part of the stunning marine life that calls Oahu home. Sharing their beauty and magnificence with visitors has been a long-time tradition for native Hawaii. 

That is why it is one of our most popular Oahu Tours.

Out of all of the Oahu excursions and activities available to you , don’t pass up the opportunity to snorkel with dolphins. Getting to see spinner dolphins playing with each other happily in their natural habitat is a completely unique experience. 

We will also most likely see some sea turtles swimming around. Depending on the time of year we might see some bottlenose or spotted dolphins. During the winter months, we could even see some humpback whales if we are lucky. 

Check out our Oahu Dolphin Excursions page to see what we are currently offering in our tour package. 

Snorkeling with Turtles on Oahu

Snorkeling is a magnificent experience if you have never done it before. If you have, then you know just how amazing it truly feels to swim with stunning sea creatures and to see them in their natural habitat. Even if you have been to an aquarium and have seen the tropical fish and marine mammals, there is no comparison to the mesmerizing experience of seeing them firsthand in the water. 

When snorkeling with sea turtles it is important to follow whatever rules that the guide gives you in order to keep these gentle giants safe and relaxed. Make sure to keep your distance, and never touch or feed one of the sea turtles. They are a federally protected species so we need to always remember to be mindful when in the water with them. Depending on the time of year or weather conditions our tours are subject to change to ensure you are provided with the best possible experience. If you want to see our current turtle snorkeling package check out our Oahu Snorkeling Tours page .

Oahu Shark Excursion

Do you love Shark Week? Who doesn’t? Sharks are fascinating and have been given a really bad reputation over the years. Now we know that sharks aren’t for everyone, however, they are a vital part of our underwater ecosystem. During this amazing Oahu excursion , you will learn more about these misunderstood creatures and get to swim in the water with them to experience them firsthand. Watching them effortlessly glide through the water is breathtaking and magical exposure to what the life of a shark is actually like. There is no need to be worried. We make sure that your guide will help keep you safe and protected during this gentle shark dive. Depending on the time of year and the weather, our tour packages and activities are subject to change (to ensure that you get the best possible experience). To see what our current Oahu Shark Excursion is or to learn more take a look at our Oahu Tours page.

Horseback Riding on Oahu

Horseback riding is always a fun and family-friendly activity. But what makes our Horseback Riding Tour so special? You will be able to see some of the most beautiful sights while riding your horses through scenic Oahu. While horseback riding, we will be able to reach places that you can’t with your car. Hidden sights that are calm, quiet, and tranquil. And it wouldn’t be a real Oahu Horseback Riding Tour without getting to see the ocean.

One key point during our tour is to take the horses to the shoreline. This is the best time to get some beautiful pictures to remember this amazing experience for years to come. All of our tours and activities are subject to change depending on the time of year or due to weather or time of year. We do this to ensure that you are always getting the best possible experience while visiting us here on Oahu. Check out our Horseback Riding Tour page to see what we are currently offering. 

Oahu Helicopter Tours

See the island from a different with an  Oahu Helicopter Tour ! This is by far the best way to see Oahu all at once. Getting up in a helicopter and looking around the entire island from up in the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Out of all of our Oahu attractions, activities, tours, and excursions , a helicopter tour is one of the most memorable tours you will have the chance to be a part of. Looking down on Oahu and seeing all of the lush green tropical forests, landmarks, and shorelines is a sight that brings many to tears. Oahu isn’t the most popular island of Hawaii for no reason. The incredible hidden beauty of this island is brought to life for everyone when soaring overhead. Just relax and let the magic of this tropical island paradise wash over you like a gentle wave. Our helicopter tours are subject to change depending on certain factors. If you want to get more details and information about our current helicopter tour package take a look at our helicopter tour page.

Whale Watching on Oahu

Whales. These are some of the most majestic creatures known to mankind. They have been depicted for thousands of years in folklore and ancient stories around the world including right here in Hawaii. A long time ago, whales were believed to be Kanaloa, the Hawaiian god of the ocean. Because of all the legends surrounding whales they have been considered sacred creatures with mythological or ‘divine’ properties. 

It is easy to understand why whales have been depicted this way throughout history, especially with how much we know about them today. Although whales aren’t seen anymore as scary sea monsters but more like gentle giants, seeing one in real life is a truly magical experience. If you want to learn more about our current Whale Watching Adventure, take a look at our whale watching tour page . There you will find an up-to-date package of our whale watching tour with all the information you will need. 

Waikiki Trolley in Honolulu

Staying in Waikiki and need a fun means of transportation in and around Waikiki? The Waikiki Trolley is an affordable and easy hop and hop off option that allows you not only to get to your favorite destinations within Waikiki but also the eastern shoreline of East Honolulu.

When it comes Waikiki transportation this is the best shuttle Oahu has to offer.  With three exciting routes and an endless amount of stops you'll be able to view the East Oahu shoreline, visit historic downtown Honolulu, and enjoy some of Waikiki's top shopping options. You can learn more on about the lines, routes, stops, maps and more information on our Waikiki Trolley Guide page .

The trolley has 3 lines (routes) that stop at the  top Oahu attractions and historical locations throughout Waikiki and Honolulu. Below are some of the Waikiki Trolley routes and Waikiki/East Oahu destinations:

Waikiki Trolley Line & Routes

Waikiki trolley blue line.

• T Galleria Hawaii
• Duke Kahanamoku Statue
• Hanauma Bay
• Halona Blow Hole
• Sea Life Park
• Koko Marina Center
• Kahala Mall

Waikiki Trolley Red Line

• Waikiki Shopping Plaza
• Aston Waikiki Beach
• Honolulu Museum of Art
• I'olani Place (State Capitol)
• Punchbowl Crater
• King Kamehameha Statue
• Salt at Our Kaka'ako
• Ward Centre

Waikiki Trolley Pink Line

• Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Hotel La Croix
• Saratoga Road (Post Office)
• Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Aqua Palms Waikiki
• Ala Moana Center
• 'Ilikai Hotel
• Saratoga Road (Trump Hotel)

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HAWAII'S BEST GUIDED TOURS

With stops at major destinations and hidden secrets, our variety of tours offers something for everyone.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HAWAII VACATION

Our friendly drivers and top-rated tour guides work hard to provide a relaxing and memorable experience, keeping you informed and entertained throughout your journey.

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SIGHTS & BITES CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR

A Taste of Adventure! Some of the best sights & scenic viewpoints of Oahu and the chance to try local flavors and favorite dishes.

Dedicated Guides

We are proud to provide Hawaii's top-rated drivers & guides on our tours to ensure the safest & most in-depth experience for our guests.

Memories in the Making

Bring your cameras! From history tours that show you Hawaii's past, to our most adventurous excursions, get ready for unforgettable moments.

'Slippahs Only

Relaxed tours, great for the whole 'Ohana! On our comfortable air-conditioned buses you can sit back, relax and enjoy the Aloha.

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Things To Do on Oahu

Oahu hawaii adventures & excursions.

At HawaiiGuide , we understand how much time and effort go into planning the perfect Oahu vacation. We also know that your precious vacation time is limited and that you want to experience only the best adventures on Oahu. To this end, we have carefully handpicked these Oahu Tours and Adventures  with you in mind. Name an activity or tour and you can likely book it on Oahu: hiking, whale watching, surfing, paddle boarding, ziplining, horseback riding… the possibilities are seemingly endless.

• Hour Glass 0.75 hours
• Tags Horse Riding

Horseback Trail Ride

North shore stables.

Hawai’i has had a uniquely close relationship with horses dating as far back as 1803. Kings and Queens rode horseback, and our pani’olo (Hawaiian Cowboy) culture was strong! Whether you’re in Hawai’i visiting, or you’re a local yourself, come connect with these majestic animals and experience it for yourself.

• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Tags Whale Watching

Shark Dive Eco Tour

Deep blue eco tours.

On your whale watch trip with us we will take you out to the coastal waters of the North Shore of Oahu and search for a sighting of the magnificent humpback whales that call Hawaii home for the winter months.

• Tags Boat Tour

Sunset Sail

Ko olina ocean adventures.

Set sail from Ko Olina Marina located on the beautiful Ko Olina Resort along leeward Oahu’s picturesque coastline on a two-hour Sunset Catamaran Sail on the lovely Holole’a kai.

• Hour Glass 5 Hours
• Tags Kayaking , Paddleboard

Kayaking, Stand up Paddling & Cleanup in Paradise

Kailua beach adventures.

Have fun getting out on the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay while keeping Hawaii beautiful. Help Hawaii’s seabirds, fish, and turtles, by removing marine debris. After a brief “Talk Story” in the Kailua Bay Learning Center, participate in a 45-minute cleanup session.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours
• Tags Attraction

Front Row Seating

Queens waikiki luau.

Learn the Hula, Eat Delicious Hawaiian Food, and enjoy an authentic Polynesian Show which includes the traditional dances from across the Pacific as well as the famed Fireknife Dance!

• Hour Glass 8 hours

North Shore Adventure Tour

Aloha hawaii tours.

The ultimate North Shore Tour; Sample local coffee, kayak or SUP on the North Shore, famous beaches, waterfalls and Farm Lunch & Tour!

Pearl Harbor USS Arizona

Welcoming over a million visitors each year, Pearl Harbor easily takes first place as Oahu’s “must see” attraction. Immerse yourself in history and learn about “the day that will live in infamy” as you enjoy one of the country’s historical treasures.

• Tags Snorkeling

Turtle Canyon Snorkeling and Swim

Go tours hawaii.

Snorkel with Hawaii Green Sea turtles, and numerous species of reef fish, and every now and then we get surrounded by dolphins or a Humpback Whale breaching in the distance during Whale Season.

• Hour Glass 1 hour

Daytime Waikiki Boat Tour

Hawaii glass bottom boats llc.

Large or small groups book a fun filled tour with Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats for your Family or Friends while visiting Hawaii, Conventioneers groups, Employee appreciation days, Military groups outings and Local School Field Trips.

• Tags Attraction , Boat Tour

Fireworks Cruise

Our Friday night fireworks tour outside of Waikiki is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. You’re sure to experience the Friday night city lights as you’ve never seen them before when you join us on this fun tour!

Ultimate Adventure Package

Coral crater adventure park.

Experience the thrill of Six Ziplines, Giant Swing, Freefall, Climbing Wall, Adventure Tower, and a Off-Road Adventure! Most of our adventurers want to do it all and with the Ultimate Adventure package, you can!

• Tags ATV , Rope Course , Zipline

ATV/Off-Road Adventure Tour

Explore Coral Crater by driving an off-road ATV. Oahu has such a diverse, rugged landscape, what better way to explore Coral Crater than by driving an off-road ATV?  A specially-designed technical course

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• Tags Boat Tour , Eco Tour

Large or small groups book a fun filled tour with Hawaii Glass Bottom for your Family or Friends while visiting Hawaii, Conventioneers groups, Employee appreciation days, Military groups outings and LocalSchool Field Trips.

• Hour Glass 3 hours
• Tags Hiking , Kayaking

Popoia Guided Tour

Sun & salt adventures hawaii.

This paddling tour takes place on calm, reef-protected waters on Kailua Bay, Oahu. One of our trained guides will lead you along this beautiful coastal area to Popoi’a Island. Along the way, you might see our most important resident, the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.

• Hour Glass 9 hours
• Tags Bus Tour , Eco Tour , Hiking

Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden

The exceptional botanical collections at Waimea Valley feature dozens of distinct gardens representing flora from different parts of the world including an assortment of plants found only in Hawai’i.  An incredible waterfall also awaits you as you take a stroll through this incredible valley.

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Excursions & Tours

WWII From Beginning to End

Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour

Sail and Snorkel Adventure

Waikiki Whale Watching

Hawaiian Rainforest Hike

Island Safari Tour

Snorkel, Sail and Dine with the Turtles

Snorkel and Sail with the Turtles

Small Group Surfing Lesson

Sunset Photo Tour

Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show (Pacific Star)

Grand Oahu Island Tour

Hawaii Five-O Tour

Oahu Turtle Snorkel & Lunch

Oahu Afternoon Turtle Snorkel

Bike, Hike, Sail and Snorkel Adventure (Full Day)

Sunrise and Island Photo Tour

Downhill Cycling Adventure

Sunrise Photo Tour

E-Bike Hawaii

Amazing Honolulu Scavenger Adventure

Hidden Gems of Oahu and Waimea Botanical Garden

Taste of Oahu

A Cultural Exploration of Oahu

Island Photo Tour

Lunch at McGarrett's House

Amazing Waikiki Scavenger Adventure

Diamon Head Crater and Waterfall Hike

Private Surfing Lesson

Oahu tours & honolulu excursions.

Oahu, housing the capital of the State of Hawaii, Honolulu, is a spectacular place to book shore excursions when cruising to Hawaii. In addition to spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, breathtaking views, surfing lessons, biking, hiking, and numerous other tropical outdoor activities, Oahu also houses the incredible Pearl Harbor memorial sites. Visit the legendary Punchbowl National Cemetery, the USS Missouri and USS Arizona Memorials, and learn about Oahu's history during World War II, including the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

True Hawaiian Experiences

Oahu island tours, excursions, & luaus, select your hidden gems of oahu tour.

Looking for the perfect Oahu excursion during your vacation? Come experience the best of our island with a local expert on one of our highly rated Hidden Gems of Oahu tour options. Each option below shows you the best of what Oahu has to offer with both tours going to the same locations but each one containing a special highlight that sets it apart from the other. Either choose the Hidden Gems tour to visit the majestic Byodo-In Temple or join us as we marvel at one of Hawaii’s world famous waterfalls located in Waimea Botanical Garden. Either way, Go Tours Hawaii will take care of you and your ohana. Mahalo nui loa!!

Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden/ Waterfall

The exceptional botanical collections at Waimea Valley feature dozens of distinct gardens representing flora from different parts of the world including an assortment of plants found only in Hawai’i.  An incredible waterfall also awaits you as you take a stroll through this incredible valley.

Hidden Gems of Oahu with Byodo-In Temple

The Temple grounds are nestled on the foothills of Ko’olau Mountains and surrounded by a lush Hawaiian landscape, home to wild peacocks and hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The beautiful grounds instill an out of body experience via a large reflecting pond, meditation niches, and small waterfalls.

Experience Hawaii with one of our boat tours

Waikiki friday night fireworks cruise.

Join us on our weekly Mai Tai Friday Night Fireworks Boat Cruise for an amazing experience cruising on our catamaran. View Waikiki’s iconic skyline to Diamond Head during the twilight hours. Upon boarding each guest will be greeted with a complimentary Mai Tai.

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling and Swim

Snorkel with Hawaii Green Sea turtles, and numerous species of reef fish, and every now and then we get surrounded by dolphins or a Humpback Whale breaching in the distance during Whale Season.

Go Tours Hawaii Mission Statement

We are extremely proud to be 100% locally-owned and operated. With one finger directly on the pulse of the Hawaiian islands, living and working here is second nature to us. This guarantees that you will receive the best of everything Hawaii has to offer, with the peace of mind of knowing that you are traveling with the #1 connected local tour operator.

Responsibility

Aloha is a philosophy we carry with us daily. Whether you interact with our tour guides, phone representatives, or management, our  aloha  experts adhere to the highest standard of responsibility and accountability. We rely on your feedback to ensure that you are being treated with the true aloha spirit.

We promise to deliver a memorable experience that will last a lifetime. Our team has put in countless hours making sure your experience with us is one to remember! Additionally, all of the tour and activity providers we work with have been through our thorough vetting process to ensure that everything we offer comes with exceptional value.

See Why We're the Best Hawaii Tour Operator

Makani is very friendly and made booking the trip so easy. Tiho was our guide and made the trip fun and exciting. He had great stories to tell along the way. He even made some extra stops for us. Would definitely recommend this company over one of the bigger bus tours.

Ankala Tony (Uncle.Tony) is a man with a big heart and many talents that my wife and I felt privileged to behold. We soon discovered that we were in the company of a professional caliber comedian who combined side splitting humor with poignant informative narratives about his beautiful island home. One highlight involved Tony sharing his blissful vocal gift and ukelele skills.

King Mike, you LEGEND!!!!!! My wife, 12 year old son and I were lucky enough to be taken on a tour today with King Mike as our guide, what an experience. What ever he is getting paid, double it. The knowledge he shared with us about the history of Hawaii was outstanding.

We highly recommend Go Tours Hawaii. We were looking to book a tour to the north shore for 12 people and our own van with a tour driver; other companies were more expensive and one company we booked didn’t turn up, so nearly gave up until we bumped into Rodney who was so friendly, helpful, professional and gave us a really good deal.

Ray was the tour guide this day and he was awesome! He did a great job of pointing out a lot of different things as well as introducing us to local Hawaiian culture. Most of the time you drive around the North Shore in the bus - thankfully the air condition was not to cool. At each tour highlight you have a short stop (15 to 40 min.) to take pictures or explore the location.

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THE 10 BEST Oahu Shore Excursions

Shore excursions in oahu.

• Sightseeing Tours
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History

2. Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Departing from Waikiki Area

3. Pearl Harbor Dole Plantation and Polynesian Center from Waikiki

4. Stunning views of Oahu! Half-day scenic tour, lookouts + photos

5. Private Oʻahu Experience: ALL WINDOW SEATS

6. Oahu Island Tour

7. Deluxe Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour

8. Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki

9. Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial & Battleship Missouri

10. Turtle Canyons Snorkel from Waikiki (Semi Private Boat Tour)

11. Pearl Harbor Complete Experience Passport

12. Roundtrip Shuttle From Waikiki to Dole Plantation & Haleiwa Town

13. Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial, small group Tour

14. Hike Trail to Waterfall & Nature Walk

15. Oahu Unveiled: Tailored Luxury Private Island Tour

16. Private Helicopter Oʻahu: Photography Flight ALL WINDOW SEATS

17. Private Sunset Sailing Tour

18. Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona & Hawaiian History Tour , Small Group

19. Complete Island Tour and Waterfall Photo Experience

20. Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour of Oahu

21. Custom Island Tour - for 4 to 5 people - up to 8 hours - Private tour of Oahu

22. Tribute to Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour

23. Best of Oahu: Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center

24. Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide

25. Pearl Harbor USS Arizona & Bowfin Submarine

26. North Shore / Waimea, Falls Day & Swim with Turtles

27. ETOHI: Exclusive Island Tour - Oahu • Private • Custom • No Rush

28. Private Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial

29. Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Departing from Waikiki

30. Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial
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• Mauka Warriors Luau - Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History
• Complete Pearl Harbor Experience Tour Departing from Waikiki Area
• Turtle Canyons Snorkel from Waikiki (Semi Private Boat Tour)

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North Shore Adventure Tour

Discover Oahu’s North Shore with Roberts Hawaii’s tour. Engage in Camp Erdman’s hiking and reforestation, paddleboard or kayak along Anahulu River at Tsue’s Farm, or opt for shopping and scenic delights in historic Haleiwa Town. A perfect mix of adventure, conservation, and cultural exploration awaits.

North Shore Dole Pineapple Farm Tour

Embark on a thrilling exploration of Oahu’s North Shore, where the Dole Pineapple Farm Tour unveils the secrets of pineapple cultivation, complemented by exotic coffee tastings, local flavors, historic sugar mill visits, and serene beaches, culminating in a captivating Hawaiian cultural experience.

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Discover Hana, the jewel of the Valley Isle, on this breathtaking adventure, as you access the narrow, winding road marked by tiny bridges, wildly gorgeous foliage, and waterfalls.

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See Oahu’s most awe-inspiring landmarks and destinations including the spouting Blowhole, and the sacred Kualoa Ranch.

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Explore the legacy of Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Battleship, and more in this emotionally resonating tour.

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Waikele Outlets Shopping Shuttle

A hassle-free way to go shopping for bargains in more than 50 legendary brand name stores.

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Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, Honolulu City Tour

On this popular narrated tour of Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial and other historic Honolulu landmarks, you get to explore firsthand what happened on December 7, 1941.

• Most Popular Kauai Tour!
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Hawaii Movie Tour®

With its striking natural beauty, Kauai has long been a destination for Hollywood filmmakers intent on capturing the island’s unspoiled terrain. See famous locations for Pirates of the Caribbean , Jurassic Park , and more!

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Roberts Hawaii has offered a wide variety of shore excursions to guests of Hawaii since 2007. We strive to personalize an amazing experience, ranging from ocean going adventures to scenic Hawaiian views. All of our tours provide the best convenience and value when coming for your island vacation. Once you have chosen your ideal vacation, choose from our shore excursions encompassing the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii’s Big Island.

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We had friends book us on this island tour & it was amazing!! Not one bad thing to say & our driver & tour guide (Wes) was not only a great driver, he was also very funny & extremely knowledgeable on the island history. This tour stopped at so many great locations that included Kualoa Ranch, where we were treated to an excellent buffet style lunch after our tour of the ranch, as well as we stopped at a Macadamia farm, the Dole plantation & several amazing lookout points. Along our stops we were lucky enough to see 2 whales & even some sea turtles.

Roberts Hawaii is the tour company I used to set up my time on the Big Island. EVERYONE I dealt with from the Honolulu airport, to the Hilo airport, to the cars and tour guides…they were ALL exceptional!!!! Most of my readers know I do NOT use any guide without checking with TA first and this group came highly recommended and I’ll vouch for that authenticity!!! Knowledgeable, nice, and fun and boy did I get my money’s worth with this trip to the Big Island!!! Thanks to all of you on the Roberts Hawaii Team!!!! You were the best!!!

Our driver Fred was bang on time at the pick up, he is extremely knowledgeable with regards to the island history and Polynesian culture and relays all this throughout the day. The coach was very comfortable and during the tour there are plenty of stops to stretch your legs. Pretty much everything was covered during our tour, and the highlights for me were the Macadamia nut farm and the Dole Pineapple plantation.

Everything you need in an airport shuttle, prompt, attentive, driver safe and calm, helped with my luggage and most importantly got me to the airport on time. Easy to book online (although i did have to alter my departure time as i prefer to be at the airport with plenty of time). Not the cheapest but definitely not expensive, and i prefer to pay for reliability. Thanks for minimising the stress levels.

We booked two shore tours with Roberts Hawaii when cruising around the islands; a day trip including Pearl Harbour in Honolulu and Historic Kona on the big island. We highly recommend them! The website booking process was very easy to use and the transaction very smooth, with an email confirmation and reminder the day before. Once on shore, the tour representatives were easy to identify and friendly. The tour buses were clean and air conditioned. The drivers were friendly, approachable and knowledgeable with a pleasant dialogue on the tour. Mahalo John and Chuck! We enjoyed our time with you.

Our Hawaiian package included airport to hotel and hotel to airport shuttle service. This company was perfect both ways. Once we got our luggage from baggage claim we didn't have to touch it again until we got to our room. The driver and his assistants were so very nice. We got a lot of the local flavor on our ride. The driver on the return trip was just as helpful. He was punctual which put our minds at ease. Great company.

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Oahu Bucket List: 45+ of the Coolest Things To Do in Oahu, Hawaii

Last Updated: January 6, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith Leave a Comment

If you’re searching for the coolest things to do in Oahu to round out your Oahu bucket list, you’ve come to the right wahine . I’ve been to Hawaii a fair numbers of times already and, with the exception of a few days in Maui, I’ve spent all the rest of my time on the island of Oahu.

There are plenty of people out there who’d call me crazy. Yes, there are many other islands to explore. Yes, Oahu can be “touristy.” And yes, maybe the other islands are more beautiful. I get it. But don’t be so quick to write off the state’s main island. #hatersgonnahate

Oahu is so much more than resort-packed Waikiki Beach. There are actually so many awesome things to do here that you may never want to leave. So if you’ve got some time on Oahu coming up and you’re looking for the best ways to spend your days in paradise, start here with this super rewarding Oahu bucket list.

Table of Contents

2024 Oahu Bucket List

Best tools for your Oahu bucket list

In case you’re just beginning your Hawaii trip planning, here are the tools you’ll need for your Oahu bucket list. (These are the travel resources I always use myself.)

How to save money on your Oahu bucket list

I can’t stress this enough: if you’re looking to save money on your trip to Oahu, consider picking up an Oahu GoCity pass . This all-inclusive sightseeing pass includes a TON of the most popular items on the Oahu bucket list and all for one low flat fee.

You can choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day passes and you’ll save up to 50% on the cost of these awesome activities and attractions. Plus, they will literally refund you the difference if you don’t save money! (I personally love these kinds of all-inclusive passes and get them wherever I can.)

You can view the entire list of activities and attractions here, but I’ll also mention whether each item on the Oahu bucket list is included with the pass.

Check out the Oahu GoCity pass for yourself here.

Where to stay on Oahu

There are several different parts of the island you can stay in, and you can find awesome hotels and resorts in all of them. I always use Booking.com , but definitely check Hotels.com and Expedia for comparable deals.

To make things easy for you, here are some popular options:

• Wayfinder Waikiki – One reviewer calls it “a funky little gem outside of the chaos of the main tourist area of Waikiki” and I think that’s perfect.
• Prince Waikiki – Gorgeous property on the marina, great views, tons of on-site dining.
• Turtle Bay Resort – Famous, gorgeous, top-notch accommodations on private land and shoreline.
• Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore – Friendly hotel in a quieter location that’s convenient to places like the Polynesian Cultural Center and Kualoa Ranch. (Both on this Oahu bucket list.)

Rental properties are another great way to go if you’re going to be spending significant time on the island or looking to share space with family and friends.

This is also the best way to go if you want to stay in parts of the island where there aren’t any hotels. (Which is most of the island actually!) Check out the many great options on VRBO to find a property that best fits your needs.

How to get around on Oahu

By far the easiest way to check off all the items on your Oahu bucket list is to rent your own car . Picking up rental cars at the Honolulu airport is notoriously a pain in the ass, but it really is worth it overall. And really, it’s the only way to efficiently get around the island. *sigh* The price you have to pay for paradise.

I always use RentalCars.com because I’ve found they have the best deals and the most rental companies available. (Some rental car sites don’t show you all the brands for some reason.)

Pro tip: Rent yourself either a convertible or a Jeep Wrangler. A convertible is just the best way to *island vibes* yourself around Oahu. And a Jeep is going to be necessary (or at least preferred) for some of the more rugged areas of the island.

Things to do on Oahu

In addition to the 45+ items on this Oahu bucket list, there are many more fun activities to do here. Take a look at all the Oahu options on Viator and Get Your Guide to see if there’s something else you might enjoy. (There really is so much to do here!)

And if you want more of a truly local experience, check out these great options from ToursByLocals , another favorite tour operator of my readers. All of these links take you right to the Oahu pages.

Have motion sickness?

I used to suffer from brutal motion sickness that controlled just about every aspect of my life. Until I cured myself. (No joke!) My Hawaii trip in 2013 and my desire to check off so many ocean-centered items on my Oahu bucket list was actually my breaking point.

If you also suffer from motion sickness, you’ll probably benefit from reading my post on the motion sickness cure that changed my life . THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Give it a read and see if it’s for you.

Now, let’s get to the Oahu bucket list!

1. Get lei’d at the airport

Any movie or TV show you’ve ever seen where someone arrives to the airport in Hawaii shows that person being greeted by someone putting a lei around their neck. Spoiler alert: this is not real life! (But… it can be !)

Being welcomed to Hawaii with a flower lei is a tradition that goes back to the early 1900s. However, as the number of tourists increased into the literal millions, that tradition became more exclusive and strategic.

If you’re meeting friends or family in Hawaii for the first time, there’s a good chance they’ll pony up and greet you at the airport with a lei. There are several lei vendors outside the airport where they can purchase real flower lei for their visitors.

Otherwise, you can totally arrange your own personal lei greeting at the Honolulu airport ! If getting lei’d at the airport has always been on your Oahu bucket list, don’t wait for your friends or family to move there, make it happen!

A lei-making class is included in the Oahu GoCity pass . Pro tip: Make sure you adhere to proper lei etiquette .

2. Visit Waikiki & Waikiki Beach

Hilarious, right? Me throwing Waikiki Beach out there right off the bat. It’s true that Waikiki is, like, far from the highlight of any Oahu bucket list, but it’s still something you should check out while you’re here. It’s the Eiffel Tower of Paris, the Colosseum of Rome; it’s Nick Tahou’s, home of the Garbage Plate , if you ever find yourself in Rochester, NY.

Waikiki is Hawaii’s main resort, shopping, dining, and nightlife area. It’s loaded with skyscrapers and traffic and bodies so sunburned it’ll make you cringe. But it’s also loaded with scenes from your favorite movies and TV shows, glitz and glamour, good food, and million dollar views. So there’s that.

Stay in Waikiki if you want to be at the center of it all, or just spend a day here seeing all there is to see. While you’re in Waikiki, don’t miss:

Three Waikiki activities are included with the Oahu GoCity pass : a cruise with snorkeling, surfboard rental, and sunset beach yoga.

3. Duke’s Restaurant

Duke’s Waikiki never disappoints with great food and service, spectacular views, and fun atmosphere. (Fabulous breakfast!)

4. The statue of Duke Kahanamoku

Getting a picture with the statue of Duke (Hawaiian legend and father of modern surfing) at the entrance to Waikiki Beach is a must for any Oahu bucket list.

5. Waikiki Beach

The most famous beach in Hawaii with priceless views of Diamond Head , sunsets, and wannabe surf legends. You can even take your own surfing lesson here at this iconic beach!

6. International Marketplace

Open-air shopping and entertainment area in the center of Waikiki. Great for picking up souvenirs for friends and family that you’ll probably end up keeping for yourself. No judgment, bruh.

7. Take a catamaran cruise

Sunset catamaran cruises out of Waikiki are one of the things that was most recommended to me for my latest visit to Oahu (August 2023). The one I just linked to has almost 700 reviews and 5 stars! (Two different Waikiki catamaran cruises are included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

8. Explore Pearl Harbor

Every single Oahu bucket list should include a visit to Pearl Harbor, one of the most significant locations in U.S. history.

There are tons of sites to visit here, whether you’re a World War II buff (like myself) or not. If you want to just see the basics, you can; and if you want to spend two full days here (like myself), you can do that too.

Depending on how far you want to go into Pearl Harbor/WWII history will determine how many of the Pearl Harbor sites you should add to your Oahu bucket list. Either way, here are the top sites you should consider:

9. Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center

To get the most rudimentary idea of what happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, make this your first stop. The PH Visitor’s Center is free to visit and you’ll be able to explore the museum and watch a film that describes the events. *Bring tissues, just saying.

Be sure to check out my full guide to visiting Pearl Harbor . It has all the important stuff you NEED to know before you go and it’s full of helpful tips.

10. USS Arizona memorial

When people think of visiting “Pearl Harbor,” this is what they’re thinking of. Pearl Harbor is so much more than the Arizona memorial, but it has undoubtedly become the symbol of Japan’s attack on the United States. A visit to the Arizona is gut-wrenching but absolutely vital for your visit to Hawaii.

Visiting the Arizona is free and doesn’t take too much time. The site is run by the National Park Service and includes a roundtrip boat ride to the memorial and a little bit of time there. Visit the PH Visitor’s Center first if you want to learn about why this memorial is so significant. (A USS Arizona narrated audio tour is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

11. Battleship Missouri

The USS Missouri was a WWII battleship that served as the location of the surrender ceremony that ended the war. Great guided tours of the ship are included and you can see some really unique history here (like where a kamikaze plane hit the side, for example). (Admission is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

Also check out : Here’s How Much All Pearl Harbor Tickets Cost + How You Can Save

12. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

If you’re an aviation geek (like myself), you’ll love the PH Aviation Museum . Really cool collection and stories of WWII aircraft (but also other stuff too). You can also tour the historic hangar and see bullet holes from the December 7th attack all over the place. (Admission is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

13. Top of the Tower tour

The PH Aviation Museum just added a brand new feature: the Top of the Tower tour which takes you to the top of the air control tower. The views are incredible but the explanation of the Pearl Harbor attack from that vantage point is game-changing. This was one of the coolest things I did in 2023.

14. Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

This is such a cool place to learn about submarine warfare. There’s a museum, tons of watercraft, a large memorial, and you can tour the entire USS Bowfin submarine . (Admission is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

15. Go snorkeling

Hawaii may be beautiful on top, but it’s just as stunning below the surface too. Be sure to squeeze some snorkeling into your Oahu bucket list. Two of the most popular spots for snorkeling are:

• Hanauma Bay down on the southeasternmost tip of the island
• Shark’s Cove in historic Haleiwa on the North Shore

But since these are some of the most popular areas, keep in mind that that means it’s probably going to be crowded . And I don’t know about you, but I hate getting slapped in the face with other people’s flippers. Turtle flippers? That’s another story.

The good thing about the Hawaiian islands is that you can literally drop a snorkel into just about any part of the ocean and you’ll see some awesome stuff. Visit these popular spots on your own or just bring your snorkel gear down to whatever beach you end up on .

If you want something a little more “expert” level, you can also book spots on some great snorkeling tours to make sure you hit up the best areas to see everything you want to see. (Like gnarly sea turtles, dude!)

There are four snorkeling options included in the Oahu GoCity pass , including Hanauma Bay.

16. Snorkel with wild dolphins

One of my most epic adventures to date was the day I spent with Wild Side Specialty Tours. This small-group snorkeling excursion is led by eco-conscience marine biologists and we were able to swim with wild dolphins, sea turtles, tons of fish, and even a pod of pilot whales. It was the most amazing day. (I did their Best of the West tour.)

Also check out my post on what it’s like snorkeling in Belize in the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef.

17. Spot a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a

…or at least learn how to say it! The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a is the state fish of Hawaii (and is much more easily referred to as a Reef Triggerfish). I learned this fun word on my first trip to Oahu back in 2007, and was so excited to finally see one while snorkeling here in 2013.

So while you’re out bobbing around the island of Oahu, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for one of these super colorful fish.

18. Hike Diamond Head Crater

You’ve seen Diamond Head probably a thousand times in photos of Waikiki/Honolulu, but did you know you can hike to the top ? The hike is relatively easy and will reward you with killer views of Waikiki.

The entire hike is on either a paved or dirt path which makes it fairly easy. But, it can be pretty steep and it’s fully exposed, so it’s very hot. Bring lots of water, wear a sun hat and protective clothing, and take it slow.

Diamond Head State Monument is run by the Division of State Parks. It costs $5 to enter, parking is $10, and you’ll need to reserve a time slot. Set aside about 2 hours on your Oahu bucket list to hike up and down the crater.

A Diamond Head shuttle and hike is included in the Oahu GoCity pass . And my full guide on hiking Diamond Head is in that link – it’s got everything you need to know!

19. Attend a luau

Obviously one of the top items on any decent Oahu bucket list is to attend a luau. But which one? There are plenty to choose from, and they’re all unique in their own ways.

Some are touristy garbage, while others are more authentic and overall enjoyable. Some are huge, and others are more intimate. I’ve personally been to two of Oahu’s luaus and they were incredibly different from one another—the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center (twice actually) and most recently the luau at Experience Nutridge.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The one at the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular, and biggest, luaus on Oahu. This is actually an all-day experience that’s well worth it.

The pros: You’ll get to explore the entire cultural village to learn about many different Polynesian cultures, you’ll have a fantastic luau dinner, and you’ll get to see an incredible show.

The cons: This luau is alcohol-free ( boooo ) and it definitely feels more like an entertainment venture than anything else. You’ll be one of about 700 people at your luau.

That being said, I’ve enjoyed both of my luau experiences here . The PCC is anything but intimate, but the time spent in the Polynesian villages is super fun, the food is great, and the show is incredible. I highly recommend a visit here.

Experience Nutridge

On my latest trip to Oahu in August 2023, I went in the opposite direction and booked a spot at the Experience Nutridge luau .

The pros: This luau is much more intimate at only about 75 people max and you really do feel welcome and appreciated here. (I attended this luau solo on my birthday and, between the amazing staff and the other awesome luau-goers, I never felt like I was here alone.)

The venue is incredible (on top of a mountain in Honolulu on a beautiful estate), the staff is so friendly and fun and talented, and there’s booze (they even give you a free welcome drink).

The cons: I wasn’t the biggest fan of the food, but that’s not really why I booked anyway.

Both of these luaus are unforgettable and worthwhile experiences but vastly different from each other. I’m sitting here trying to decide which one I would recommend if you had to choose, and I honestly can’t pick. Let’s just say, you won’t be disappoint with either of them!

Other luaus for your Oahu bucket list

Beyond these two, there are several more luaus on Oahu. I can’t give you any firsthand advice on these, but some other popular options include:

• Paradise Cove luau , close to the Ko’Olina resort area
• Chief’s Luau in Kapolei
• Toa Luau at Waimea Valley
• Germaine’s luau , also in Kapolei
• Ka Moana luau is included in the Oahu GoCity pass
• And the Ka Wa’a luau at Disney Aulani Resort (geared towards children and families, obviously)

20. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

OK, even if you decide to attend a different luau from this one, you should still consider a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center . You can still visit the PCC without attending the luau.

You can visit the six historically-accurate cultural villages (across 42 acres) to learn about different Polynesian cultures. You’ll get to experience all the cultural presentations and activities. You’ll learn how to hula in Hawaii, race a canoe and throw spears in Tonga, learn about warriors in Fiji, and watch a guy climb a 40-foot palm tree in his bare feet in Samoa. (And so much more!)

You can also attend the incredible nighttime show full of beautiful dancing and fire shows. And you can shop in the marketplace. All without having to attend the luau.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

21. Explore Jurassic Park

It took me three visits to Hawaii to finally check this off my Oahu bucket list and it was so worth the wait. Kualoa Ranch is where they’ve filmed (and continue to film) tons of well-known movies and TV Shows. And they offer a ton of different tours so you can visit your favorite filming locations.

For me, that meant spending the day at both Jurassic Park and Jurassic World . I booked this Jurassic Adventure Tour that takes you to tons of filming locations from both franchises. You get to learn all kinds of behind-the-scenes info about the movies and even walk around in some of the sets. If you’re any bit of a dino-geek like me, you’ll love this tour!

This is also where they filmed things like Lost , Hawaii Five-0 , Jumanji (the newer ones), 50 First Dates , and a bunch of action films I’ve never seen. And you get to see locations and props from all of them.

Book the same Jurassic Adventure Tour that I did here. Get my hilarious shirt here . (A couple of Kualoa Ranch tours are also included in the Oahu GoCity pass , just not this one.)

22. Stroll the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Flea Market

One of the oldest activities on your Oahu bucket list is going to be the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet . This massive collection of vendors has been happening every week since 1979.

You can find everything here —souvenirs, home décor, clothing and jewelry, local artists, food trucks and vendors, and just about anything else you can think of.

The Aloha Stadium swap meet takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 8am – 3pm, and every Sunday from 6:30am – 3pm. It’s located all around the perimeter of Aloha Stadium. It’s free to enter but costs $2 (cash) to park. Once inside, some of the vendors will accept credit card but definitely be prepared with cash.

And even though they’ll soon be tearing down Aloha Stadium to build the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, the weekly swap meet isn’t going anywhere.

23. Visit the Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation is “Hawaii’s complete pineapple experience” and it really has something for everyone. You can ride a cheesy pineapple train around the property to learn about growing pineapples, get lost in the “world’s largest maze” in the pineapple garden, and eat so many delicious pineapple things .

Honestly, you’ve never had pineapple this good in your life. I’ve been here twice, and the last time I literally just left with a pineapple as a souvenir. It didn’t survive the day.

The Dole Plantation is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

24. Walk the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is one of the easier “hikes” on this Oahu bucket list. It still climbs a little in elevation, but the entire path is paved road which makes it considerably easier (and more accessible) than most. (Check out my full guide in the link above.)

The trail winds along the coastline where, in the winter months, you can see just loads of humpback whales. At the end of the trail is the Makapu’u Lighthouse and an observation platform overlooking the ocean.

Parking at the trailhead is free and you can park along the road if the lot is full. Pro tip: Do this hike at sunrise like I did. Pure magic.

The Makapu’u Lighthouse hike (with transportation) is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

25. Explore historic Haleiwa and the North Shore

Exploring the historic surf town of Haleiwa on the North Shore is such a fun way to spend a day of your Oahu bucket list. Leave Honolulu behind and feel like you’re really in a small surf-obsessed village on a remote island .

This super laid-back town is full of cool shops, chill restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful beaches. Parking your car and simply walking the streets with no agenda is the way to go here. But if you do want some kind of plan, you should also…

A day trip to the North Shore is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

26. Get lunch from a North Shore shrimp truck

Shrimp trucks are super popular on the North Shore and the garlic butter shrimp is where it’s at . Besides being delicious, this is such a fast, easy, and surprisingly affordable way to grab lunch here.

On the recommendation of my friend Moani (whose Hawaii-focused food and travel blog you should definitely follow while you’re here), I went with Jenny’s Shrimp Truck and, yall. YALL. It was so freaking good. I mean, shrimply heavenly.

Other popular North Shore shrimp trucks include:

• Giovanni’s – the original NS shrimp truck that started the trend
• Fumi’s Kahuku

27. Eat shave ice

OK so yes maybe this Oahu bucket list is just all about eating, so sue me. But after you eat your garlic shrimp you’re going to need dessert. And yes, ice counts as dessert.

Hawaiian shave ice is simple, but perfect. It’s literally just thinly shaved ice covered in flavorful syrups and other toppings like ice cream and fruit. The best part is that it can be whatever you want it to be.

There are shave ice stands all over Oahu , but some are more well-known than others. (Pro tip: If they spell it “shaved ice,” stay away.) Be sure to stop by:

• Matsumoto’s on the North Shore – the most famous of them all. Be prepared to wait in a very long line.
• Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha in Honolulu – I went here after seeing this place on the show Somebody Feed Phil . I’m not really a fan of the show, but I am a fan of being able to add adzuki beans to my ice. (Something I ate a lot of during my summer in Taiwan and that you almost never see here in the U.S.) All in all, this place is fantastic.

28. Pick up some mac nuts

The North Shore Macadamia Nut Company is a small family-run operation that’s actually the only working macadamia nut farm on Oahu . Stop by their shop where you can pick up any and all kinds of macadamia nuts, products, and gifts.

29. Take a surfing lesson

Hawaii and surfing go together like, well, garlic butter and shrimp. And even if you’ve never so much as laid eyes on a surfboard before (ahem, guilty), I highly recommend adding a surfing lesson to your Oahu bucket list.

Really, I had never so much as touched a surfboard before when I decided to add this private surfing lesson to my itinerary. And I’ll be honest—I was super nervous before my lesson. I’m a good swimmer, pretty fit, maybe a little too adventurous for my own good, but still nervous. My expectations were also super low. I expected to have a fun time trying to surf, but never in a million years did I think I would actually ride a wave.

And yall. YALL. I RODE SO MANY WAVES. Seriously, it was incredible. This was undoubtedly the highlight of my August 2023 Oahu trip. Yes, I face-planted plenty of times. I walked away with cuts, contusions, a fat lip, and what I’m pretty sure were a couple of bruised ribs… but it was SO FUN! (Seriously though, get your tetanus shot first , lol.)

Waikiki Beach or North Shore?

You can take lessons on Waikiki Beach (considered to be the birthplace of surfing) or the North Shore (definitely the world headquarters of surfing). I opted for the iconic North Shore and loved every minute of it. The waves were the perfect size, the beach was beautiful, and there were curious sea turtles swimming all around us!

Long story short, it was the perfect ocean adventure for my Oahu bucket list. I highly recommend trying this out for yourself if you’re not afraid of the ocean and a few bruises. These lessons include all the equipment you’ll need, expert instructors, and no experience is required. (Some even have the option of adding a photographer.) Check out these options:

• Small-group surfing lesson (2 hours, many times available) on either Waikiki or the North Shore
• Private group lesson for just your party (how fun would that be!) on Waikiki or the North Shore
• This one-on-one private lesson I took on the North Shore. (It cost barely more than the group lesson.) They offer private lessons on Waikiki as well.

A private group surfing lesson and Waikiki surfboard rental are both included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

30. Swim in the waterfall at Waimea Valley

Since you’re already on the North Shore in your bathing suit, next up on the Oahu bucket list is a visit to Waimea Valley . This hidden piece of Oahu includes a beautiful walk through the botanical gardens which ends at Waimea Falls, a cool waterfall that you can swim in (and under).

The Waimea Valley botanical gardens are included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

31. Eat at the world’s cheapest Michelin star restaurant

Yes! Somehow here in the country’s most expensive state you’ll find the world’s least expensive Michelin-starred restaurant: Tim Ho Wan . “Dim sum perfection” they call themselves, and you can be the judge here at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Honolulu.

Michelin star dining has gotten pretty much out of control at this point (in terms of both cost and ridiculous factor), but if you want to say you’ve done it, this is the best deal. Tim Ho Wan is open every day from 10am – 9pm.

32. Do the Lanikai Pillbox Hike

If you prefer to stay on land, here’s another great hike for your Oahu bucket list. The Lanikai Pillbox hike is fairly easy on the difficulty scale. (It can get slippery though, especially when it’s really dry.) It takes you up the ridge where you’ll pass a couple of WWII pillboxes.

The trail is lined with beautiful flowers and plants and you’ll be able to get some amazing views over the ocean and surrounding areas. Since it’s over on the east side of the island, this is another popular sunrise hike .

Pro tip: There’s no parking at the trailhead as it’s in a neighborhood, but you can park for free at nearby Kailua Beach Park and walk the 15-20 minutes to the trailhead. For everything else you need to know, read my super helpful guide to the Lanikai Pillbox trail .

33. Hit up the poke bar at Foodland

One of the best things I learned on my most recent visit to Oahu was that Foodland (the local grocery chain) has one hell of a kickass poke bar . The couple I met while waiting for my rental car told me, “It’s like a deli, but instead of sliced meat it’s twenty different kinds of poke.” They’re weren’t lying.

I made this my lunch on more than one occasion and I only wish I could try them all. If you want some delicious poke, tons of different options, and all for a super reasonable price, head to the nearest Foodland.

Pro tip: Get a Foodland member card to save lots of money on your poke. Or if you’re staying with a friend, just use their phone number. I’m sure they won’t mind. 🙂

34. Visit a museum

If you find you need a break from the sun (it happens), consider adding one (or all) of these museums to your Oahu bucket list:

The Bishop Museum – Hawaii’s “premier natural and cultural history museum.” You can learn all about Hawaiian history and culture, but also about the surrounding land and sea. (Included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

Iolani Palace – This iconic building was the former residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii. (King Kamehameha lived here.) You might also know it as Five-0 headquarters, just saying. And you can take a tour of it! (Included in the Oahu GoCity pass .)

U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii – If you want to learn about Pearl Harbor but in a much less-crowded location, hit up the Army Museum instead of the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center. Seriously, I found the exhibits here much easier to follow than those at PH. Plus, there’s air conditioning, and WWII tanks, and it’s free to visit, and they validate parking. Convinced yet?

35. Eat SPAM and eggs for breakfast

Speaking of WWII, I bring you: the wonder that is SPAM. SPAM became popular in Hawaii during the war and remains an iconic piece of Hawaiian culture . To honor that history and to experience something pretty unique to this destination, order yourself some SPAM and eggs for breakfast at your local diner or café.

I actually like SPAM, but the runny egg yolk is definitely needed to tone down its saltiness. On my most recent trip, I had SPAM and over-easy eggs with hash browns at Cinnamon’s Restaurant in Kailua. Highly recommend!  

Breakfast not your jam? Then try musubi, also known as SPAM sushi. Big fan here.

36. Catch a sunrise on the beach

I don’t know why sunsets get all the glory; in Hawaii, the sunrises are just as epic ! While in Hawaii working on my Oahu bucket list, the friends I was staying with suggested I catch the sunrise at the local beach.

So I did… and then I caught the sunrise on the beach every day of my trip. I even kept myself on Boston time the whole time I was here so I wouldn’t miss one.

I simply can’t tell you how serene it is watching the sun come up while sitting on the beach, nearly alone, with the cool breeze and the swaying palms. I’m going to lull myself to sleep just writing about it.

Show up a little before sunrise, find a spot in the sand, and just watch the day begin. Chances are there’s already surfers in the water, a handful of joggers and their cute pups, an outrigger team charging into the waves, a rooster or two waking up the rest of the neighborhood, and other visitors like you out there.

37. Hike the Koko Head Railway

Admittedly, this is one of the crazier things on the Oahu bucket list, but one of the most unique and worthwhile! If you’re in decent physical health and with a little bit of a crazy streak, that is.

The Koko Head Railway was built during WWII to transport materials up and down the crater to the military defense installations at the top. When the war ended, the railway and bunkers were simply abandoned.

Today, you can hike to the top of Koko Head Crater via what’s known as the “Koko Head Stairs.” These “stairs” are actually the railroad ties from the former railway. At the top, you get amazing 360° views and some desperately-needed air.

There are 1,050 railroad ties (spaced about 3 feet apart, mind you), and the entire hike up and back down takes about 2 hours. But the important thing to know here is that the path is pretty much vertical. Your legs won’t know what hit them. This hike is actually pretty brutal, but awesome.

If you’re looking to add a little bit (lol) of exercise to your Oahu bucket list, this is the #1 activity for you.

Read my full Koko Head Crater hike survival guide here! It’s got everything you could possibly want to know about this crazy hike.

38. Go whale watching

And even if you left your hiking legs back home, hopefully you at least brought your sea legs to your Oahu bucket list. If you’ll be visiting Hawaii between the months of December and April, be sure to book a whale watching excursion while you’re here.

Living in Boston , I go whale watching pretty regularly and it’s always a beautiful experience . Seeing some of the world’s largest creatures up close in the wild is simply jaw-dropping.

Off the coast of Oahu, the most common whales you can see are humpback whales, but you can also see right whales, beluga whales, and even sperm whales. During my last Hawaii snorkeling trip, I actually found myself on the edge of a massive pod of pilot whales (in August).

If you’re interested in adding whale watching to your Oahu bucket list, check out these popular excursion options :

• Waikiki Beach Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Cruise – Spot migrating humpbacks from a double-deck luxury catamaran along the beautiful Waikiki coastline. (That means you also get fantastic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head!)
• Eco-Friendly West Coast Whale Watching Cruise – Sail along the stunning Ko’Olina coastline, snacks and free hotel pickup included.
• Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from Waikiki – No-frills, two-hour whale watching trip out of Waikiki.
• Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu – Have your breakfast on board while you sail to where the humpbacks hang out.
• See more whale watching options here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide .

39. Visit a local craft brewery

Visiting local craft breweries is something I try to do on every trip, so this Oahu bucket list is no exception. And what better place to sit back and enjoy some good beer in the sunshine? I mean really.

Oahu is full of great craft breweries , so depending on where you are, you’re sure to find something delicious. Here are some places to start:

• Kona Brewing Co. in Honolulu – Hawaii’s most famous craft brewery has a taproom here in Oahu. In fact, it’s near the base of the Koko Head stairs. (I.e., the best way to end that grueling hike.)
• Lanikai Brewing in Kailua for great local beers and a fabulous brick oven pizza truck on Fridays.
• Honolulu Beer Works whose coconut hefeweizen is my new favorite beer!
• Maui Brewing Co. in Waikiki for a taste of Maui here on Oahu.
• Hana Koa Brewing in Honolulu for the IPA lovers
• Inu Island Ales in Kaneohe for something fruity and unique

A beer bike tour around kaka’ako (Honolulu’s vibrant arts and warehouse district) is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

40. Go kayaking

Kayaking is one of my favorite ways to get out on the water and Oahu offers so many cool kayaking experiences. You can likely rent a kayak from whatever hotel/resort/beach you’re staying at and simply paddle around the (albeit gorgeous) ocean.

Or you can opt for something different and paddle over to some of the island’s coolest kayaking spots. Like…

• Kailua Bay and the Mokulua Islands (also known as the Mokes) – includes lunch!
• The famous islet of Mokolii , also known as the “Chinaman’s Hat”
• Kaneohe Bay and He’eia State Park to see sea turtles and dolphins

A 3-hour Kayak or standup paddleboard rental is included in the Oahu GoCity pass .

You can also trade in a regular ol’ kayak for something really cool , like:

• this glass bottom kayaking excursion with guaranteed sea turtle sightings
• or this nighttime light-up kayak experience
• See many more kayaking adventures here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide .

Keep in mind that most excursions offer either guided or self-guided options. Guided is great to learn about the ocean and wildlife. Self-guided is great when you just want to explore on your own. Many also offer stand-up paddleboard options as well.

41. Visit Punchbowl Cemetery

Honolulu, Hawaii is the site of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (commonly known as the Punchbowl Cemetery due to its location inside the Punchbowl Crater).

This huge and beautiful cemetery that overlooks Honolulu opened in 1949 and contains the graves of those who died serving in the United States military. This includes a number of Pearl Harbor victims and WWII veterans, as well as many other notable figures.

Besides the famous burials, there’s a great memorial atop the hill with huge mosaics that detail the events of WWII’s Pacific Theater.

Check out my full guide to the unforgettable WWII sites on Oahu here.

42. Explore Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens

You’ll know why the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are on the Oahu bucket list as soon as you drive in. This beautiful site is located in a lush valley, surrounded by the sky-high Ko’olau mountains. The park is free to visit.

There are nature trails lined with all kinds of interesting tropical trees and flowers, a large lake, lots of wildlife (ahem, mongooses), and tons of green space. But really, just driving from one end of the gardens to the other is the real treat . (Just don’t stop on the road – like the bajillions of signs say but so many jerks completely ignore.)

43. Take an Oahu food tour

I’m a huge fan of Hawaiian food, are you? If so, you should definitely consider adding a local food tour to your Oahu bucket list. Food tours are the perfect way to sample tons of local foods, learn about the culture, and, well, get fed.

Check out some of these popular Oahu food tours for your next trip:

• Hawaii Food Tour – Off the Beaten Path – This 3-hour, small group walking tour “provides insights into Hawaii’s multicultural history and culinary heritage while taking you to some excellent eateries that lie off the tourist trail.” 5 stars. I’m sold.
• Da Local’s Food Tour – Another 5-star, 3-hour tour that includes all the best stuff like poke, garlic shrimp, and shave ice.
• Oahu Food Tour by Bike – If you’re looking to burn the calories while you consume them, this super popular tour is for you.

44. Go on a submarine scooter adventure

I had no idea what this was either when I asked my Instagram followers what their favorite thing to do in Oahu was. SO MANY people replied that I should go on a submarine scooter adventure . And looking at how many 5-star reviews this activity has, apparently they were right!

You’ll have to look at the pictures in that link above to understand, but it really is like riding a scooter at the bottom of the ocean. You get to be up close with all the fish and sea turtles, but in a totally gnarly way! Seriously, everyone told me it was so much fun .

45. Spend some chill time on the beach

And because this is still Hawaii and the beaches here are some of the dreamiest in the world, you should definitely feel free to add some relaxation to your Oahu bucket list too. (But still bring your snorkel gear!)

I’m very much a doer when I travel, but I did carve out some chill beach time after one of my sunrise hikes. And it was absolutely a highlight. The waters here are crystal clear and full of colorful fish and sea turtles galore! The water is warm, the scenery is amazing, and many of the local beaches are beautifully uncrowded.

Visit Waikiki Beach because it’s famous, but definitely spend some time on a lesser-known local beach too for a true Hawaiian experience.

I hope I’ve helped plump up your Oahu bucket list and/or introduced you to some new things to do here. Definitely come back and let me know which were your favorites. And if you’d like this bucket list in printable, checklist form, you can get it below for free! Aloha!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 32 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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13 Best Excursions From Honolulu, Hawaii

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: August 8, 2023

Categories HAWAII , TOURS

There are so many beautiful places to see as well as a wide variety of exciting excursions in Honolulu to do such as helicopter rides, sunset cruises, surfing, snorkeling, diving with sharks, and more. In this blog post, I’ve handpicked the 13 best and most popular Honolulu excursions.

My personal favorites are Oahu Helicopter Tour for its amazing full-tour island and Waikiki Sunset Cruise for its amazing view of Waikiki and cocktails.

Table of Contents

QUICK PICKS: TOP 3 HONOLULU EXCURSIONS

Don’t have time to read my entire article about the best Honolulu Excursions? No worries! I’ve shortlisted my three favorite tours here to make things easy for you. These are the top three most popular excursions from Honolulu.

Oahu Helicopter Tour

• Amazing full-island tour
• Doors on or off
• Best way to see Oahu

Pearl Harbor Tour

• A MUST-DO excursion
• Pick-up included
• Guided Historic Tour

Waikiki Sunset Cruise

• Best way to end the day
• Cocktails on board
• Amazing view of Waikiki

13 BEST EXCURSIONS IN HONOLULU

It’s advised to book your Honolulu Excursion in advance, especially during the high season. Below is a list I created that reviews the best tours and excursions in Honolulu excursions.

RAINBOW HELICOPTERS TOUR (DOORS ON OR OFF)

Rainbow Helicopters Tour with doors on or off : If riding a helicopter in Hawaii is on your bucket list and you are up for an activity that gives you an adrenaline rush, book a Rainbow Helicopter tour with doors on and off experience. This excursion takes you over the best sights of Honolulu and you’ll fly over numerous sites on Oahu island.

The flight is 45-minute long and also shows you some hidden places such as Chinaman’s Hat, Makapu’u Lighthouse, and more. If you take part in this tour, you will be able to see all the gorgeous natural highlights of the island. This is a live guided tour and what is exciting is that you can opt to experience a chopper ride with doors off. I highly recommend you seat on the right side to get the best views. 

Book your tour: Rainbow Helicopters Tour

Rainbow Helicopters Tour

• Rainbow Helicopter
• Amazing experience

WAIKIKI SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISE

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise

There’s nothing more relaxing than an evening on the water where you can feel the wind in your hair and warm sun on your skin while cruising from Waikiki to Diamond Head. This Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise takes guests on a tranquil ride on a spacious boat with a glass of cocktail in hand.

It’s fantastic when you watch the sunset paint the sky with beautiful hues of orange and pink which definitely makes you grab your camera and take the best sunset shot on Oahu. You’ll also be served with non-alcoholic drinks, 2 complimentary bar drinks, and Pupus “the famous Hawaiian-style appetizers). The onboard crew is very welcoming and fun. I highly recommend this if you want a relaxed excursion in Honolulu.

Book your tour: Sunset Cocktail Cruise

• Sunset Cocktail Cruise
• Stunning views

WAIKIKI GLASS BOTTOM BOAT SUNSET CRUISE FROM HONOLULU

Waikiki Glass Bottom boat Sunset Cruise from Honolulu : This boat excursion will cruise the crystal-clear water of Waikiki for an hour which is great if you want a little escape from the crowded Waikiki strip. Guests board the spacious Haleiwa Queen and enjoy a fun and informative boat ride.

Each guest is provided with one bottled water but one can also bring their own beverages including alcoholic drinks. You can take as many photos as you want of the iconic Diamond Head crater and if you are lucky, you’ll see plenty of dolphins and turtles along the way. For $55, you can enjoy watching the legendary sunset in Waikiki as well as the magnificent Hawaiian coast. I highly recommend this Honolulu excursion.

Book your tour: Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise

Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise

• Crystal-clear water
• Informative

BEST OF OAHU: PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR FROM WAIKIKI

Oahu: Best of Hawaii Photography Tour from Waikiki : If you are a traveler looking for photography and cultural experiences, you will be very happy if you book the best Hawaii photography tour from Waikiki. This five-and-a-half photography tour will take you to the best scenic spots on Oahu island from Waikiki to the Kailua or Waimanalo for lunch.

It is perfect for anyone who wants to spend more time capturing stunning sites with a camera. Not to mention they also have a professional photographer to guide and help you during this Honolulu excursion.

Book your tour: Oahu Photography Tour

Oahu Photography Tour

• Cultural experiences
• Photography
• Scenic spots

PEARL HARBOR TOUR WITH ARIZONA MEMORIAL

Pearl Harbor Tour with Arizona Memorial : This budget-friendly tour is perfect for history buffs who want to learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor. In this tour, you’ll visit historical places in downtown Honolulu such as Iolani Palace, the State Capitol, King Kamehameha Statue, and Aloha Tower. But the highlights of this excursion are the Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial.

This activity takes four (4) hours with pickup available from handpicked hotels in the Waikiki area including drop-off. An expert tour guide will talk about the riveting history and what it was like to live during the war. For $54, this tour is reasonable enough compared to other expensive tours in Honolulu so I suggest you book this tour.

Book your tour: Pearl Harbor Tour

• Budget-friendly
• Historical places
• 4 hours with pickup available

OAHU SIGHTS AND BITES ISLAND TOUR

Oahu Sights and Bites Island Tour : Experience the beauty of Oahu while sampling the local food and feel the aloha vibe as you join this five-hour tour in Oahu. In this tour, you’ll explore Oahu’s most beloved tourist attractions, iconic sites, and breathtaking scenery. There is a complimentary pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels in Waikiki and bottled water for each guest.

It is advisable to bring cash as you might want to spend your own money for your delicious lunch at a shrimp truck. The first destination is the Diamond Head Lookout where you’ll admire sweeping views and continue along the coast of Hanauma Bay Viewpoint and end your tour at Dole Pineapple Plantation.

Book your tour: Sights & Bites Tour

Sights & Bites Tour

• Beauty of Oahu
• Five-hour tour
• Complimentary pick-up and drop-off

GROUP SURFING LESSON ON WAIKIKI BEACH 

Group Surfing Lesson on Waikiki Beach : Do you or your mates want to try surfing in Waikiki? Surfer Girl Academy got your back. For $99, you can enjoy surfing with your mates for two-and-a-half hours. The instructors are super nice, patient, and very professional – they even take pictures for you. This surfing lesson limits up to four participants which is fantastic as you can really learn from your surfing instructor. It’s a great way to enjoy a day out on the water and this is also suitable for kids 12+ up and adults.

Round-trip transportation for guests staying in Waikiki and surfing equipment is included in the price. Guests will also be given a gift which is a bonus. If you are looking for an activity that doesn’t disappoint, look no further and book your surfing lesson with Surfer Girl Academy.

Book your tour now: Group Surfing Lesson

Group Surfing Lesson

• Professional instructors

MORNING SNORKEL & SAIL ALONG WAIKIKI BEACH

Morning Snorkel & Sail along Waikiki Beach : If you want to snorkel for a couple of hours before doing other activities whilst in Waikiki, this morning snorkeling excursion is just right for you! This snorkeling and sailing tour lasts for two hours only with a limit of five joiners. You will sail and snorkel along Waikiki beach in the morning. Pickup is included from all hotels in Waikiki.

During this water excursion, participants will be able to see Hawaiian Green Sea turtles and beautiful marine life but if you don’t see turtles you can do it again free of charge. The boat excursion departs from Honolulu at Kewalo Basin Harbor. Bar snacks, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, and two swimming equipment (fins and life vest) are included. 

Book your tour: Snorkel & Sail Tour

Snorkel & Sail Tour

• Water excursion
• Free of charge

OAHU DISCOVERY SCUBA DIVING FOR BEGINNERS

Oahu Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners : Is scuba diving on Oahu on your to-do list? Look no further and book on Oahu Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners. You’ll explore Oahu’s colorful coral reefs accompanied by a certified PADI instructor and have a close-up encounter of these beautiful and magical sea creatures – turtles, sharks, fishes, and more.

For $235 per person, you can already scuba dive for three hours with complete gear, boat transfers as well as snacks, and refreshments. There is plenty of space on the boat with a restroom.  This underwater activity will give you an awesome and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your own towel and sunscreen. This is definitely one of the top Honolulu excursions.

Book your tour: Discovery Scuba Dive

Discovery Scuba Dive

• Colorful coral reefs
• Beautiful and magical
• Refreshments

OAHU: 3-HOUR WAIKIKI SNORKEL & SAILING ADVENTURE WITH LUNCH

Oahu: 3-Hour Waikiki Snorkel & Sailing Adventure with Lunch : To further explore Oahu’s warm waters and encounter some amazing marine life species such as turtles and colorful fishes, this 3-hour Waikiki snorkel and sailing adventure with lunch is right for you.

Yes, this water activity has a complimentary lunch with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and two bar tickets if you feel like drinking alcoholic drinks. Joiners hop aboard the 48-passenger Gold Coast Catamaran and mesmerize the crystal-clear Waikiki water. To make your day more unforgettable, not only you can sail and snorkel but also have a dolphin-watching experience. Snorkeling gear is not included so you might as well bring your equipment. 

Book your tour: Waikiki Snorkel & Sail

Waikiki Snorkel & Sail

• 3-hour Waikiki snorkel
• Crystal-clear
• Unforgettable tour

ECO-FRIENDLY MORNING WHALE WATCHING EXCURSION

Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Excursion : Eco-Friendly Morning Whale Watching Excursion is one of the best water excursions in Honolulu. This two-hour water excursion will allow you to encounter the gigantic and majestic humpback whales from a luxury double-deck catamaran.

The excursion begins at Kewalo Basin Harbor and joiners can take advantage of complimentary sodas, chips, and cookies aboard. The staff is incredible and very accommodating. You will definitely enjoy the experience. If you don’t see any whales on that day, don’t freak out as they will give you a coupon for the second time for free. One of the most once-in-a-lifetime excursions available from Honolulu.

Book your tour: Whale Watching Tour

Whale Watching Tour

• Eco-Friendly
• Best water excursions
• Luxury double-deck catamaran

I hope you enjoyed this guide about the top excursions from Honolulu, Hawaii!

WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU

• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort  (Overall Favorite) : In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
• Sheraton Waikiki   (Luxury) : A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
• Ewa Hotel Waikiki : (Value):  Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
• Waikiki Beachside Hostel   (Budget Choice) : A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
• Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice):  This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.

MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!

• What to pack for Hawaii:  THE HAWAII PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK
• A helpful guide to choosing accommodation:   WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
• Most epic hike on Oahu: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OAHU, HAWAII
• The best Waterfalls: AMAZING WATERFALLS ON OAHU, HAWAII
• Ultimate Cliff Jumping Guide: 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU
• Guide to Swimming with Sea Turtles: WHERE TO SEE TURTLES ON OAHU
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20 Best Things to Do on Oahu, According to Locals

These are some of the best ways to enjoy Oahu’s beauty and cultural heritage while being mindful, respectful, and sustainable.

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Oahu’s beauty is legendary — from the famed Waikiki Beach in Honolulu and surf spots on the North Shore to the lush Manoa Valley and the island’s two mountain ranges, the Waianae and the Koolau. Given its diverse natural beauty, as well as its variety of cultural attractions, historical sights, and outdoor activities, it draws tourists from all over the world. This also means Oahu, like many other Hawaiian islands, has experienced an influx of over-tourism, particularly since COVID-19 restrictions were removed. While tourism continues to be one of the largest industries on Oahu (and Hawaii as a whole), travelers must be aware of their impact on both the environment as well as the people who call this exquisite place home. 

“Coming to Hawaii with a mindset of giving versus receiving is a great start,” says Kealoha Domingo, chef and owner of Nui Kealoha, Kupaʻāina . “Know that although we are often dependent on visitor industry dollars, negative impacts and irresponsibility with what our ʻāina (land) has been gracious enough to provide often cannot be reversed. Please come to Hawaii to become an active part of the circular ecology, not as a mere consumer.” 

According to Zita Cup Choy, the palace historian at ʻIolani Palace , this means travelers should take a multi-faceted approach to their visit. Along with “following designated paths, properly disposing of waste, and opting for eco-friendly transportation,” she recommends “engaging respectfully with locals, learning about their traditions, leaving natural areas undisturbed, and supporting conservation efforts.” One of the most straightforward ways to ensure you’re embracing both sustainable and respectful travel practices in Oahu is to support local businesses. “Choosing locally-owned accommodations, dining at neighborhood eateries, and shopping from Indigenous artisans or farmers markets not only offer an authentic experience but also boost the island's economy, ensuring a more sustainable future for Oahu's residents,” she explains.  

Interested in planning a trip to the third largest of the Hawaiian islands? Read on to discover some of the best things to do on Oahu — all of which come recommended by locals and help preserve the island’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. 

Support local artisans and creators.

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For Debbie Alipio, artist and owner of Makuahine Vintage , supporting organizations and pop-ups that feature “some of the best Native Hawaiian artisans” is one of the most important things travelers can do while on Oahu. “ Ho’omau Hawaii Market is an exclusive market specifically designed to showcase the best of the best of our Kanaka Maoli makers and artisans,” she says. Aloha Home Market in Kailua, Mālama Hawaii Makers Markets , and Sunshine People Market at SALT at Our Kaka’ako are also great options.

Related : Here’s Where to Find the Best Handmade Crafts on Oahu, From Jewelry to Ukuleles to Panama Hats

Visit ʻIolani Palace.

To “learn the true history of Hawaiʻi and understand what the people of Hawaii have endured,” says Domingo, head to ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu. A crucial part of Hawaiian history, the Palace was the official royal residence for the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii. “Exploring the Palace allows visitors to step back in time and witness the grandeur and significance of Hawaiʻi’s monarchy. The architecture, cultural resources, and stories within the Palace walls provide a glimpse into our islands’ royal past, offering invaluable insights into our cultural heritage,” explains Choy.  

Learn about traditional Hawaiian aquaculture practices at Paepae ʻO Heʻeia Fishpond.

Heʻeia Fishpond is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and “a living example of how the early Hawaiians ingeniously managed their resources,” says Choy. One-hour walking tours are offered, and you can also reach out to the organization if you’re interested in a volunteering shift . “Visiting Paepae ‘O He’eia Fishpond allows guests to not only appreciate the beauty of the environment but also to learn about the importance of preserving these cultural practices and the interconnectedness of the land and sea in Hawaiian culture,” she adds.  

Take plenty of photos — and tag responsibly on social media.

There’s certainly no harm in capturing Oahu’s gorgeous sunsets and unforgettable memories on your phone or camera, but Domingo recommends keeping some spots private. “I personally have witnessed beaches that were once quiet and secluded become overrun with visitors, photographers, and flocks of people following the latest Instagram trends,” he says. “If you are lucky enough to find a beautiful secluded spot, let's keep it that way. Please do not geotag it.”

Related: 15 Best Hikes on Oahu

Beaches We Love: T+L’s Top Coastal Escapes

Satisfy your sweet tooth at waiola shave ice..

In between visiting Oahu’s many historical, cultural, and natural sights, make sure to try the flavors of the islands. One of your first stops should be Waiola Shave Ice . “It's not just about the shave ice itself but the tradition and authenticity behind it. It's a local favorite that adds a sweet touch to the visit, showcasing the island's culinary delights,” explains Choy.

Try poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple food.

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Domingo describes poi as “a minimally processed taro dish made of pounded (or milled) steamed taro.” While it can be an acquired taste, he says, try not to waste it. “Traditional Hawaiians consider taro sacred, and in the cosmology of Hawaiian people, it is considered to be our ancestor. We treat taro and poi with great respect.” He says you can find it in local supermarkets and farmers markets — or dine at Waiahole Poi Factory , which both he and Alipio recommend.

Learn about the island’s diverse immigrant history at Hawaiiʻs Plantation Village.

Located in historic Waipahu town, Hawaiiʻs Plantation Village encompasses a living history museum and botanical garden. Choy explains that the museum “showcases the different cultures that contributed to the islands’ development” — including Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Filipino, Okinawan, Korean, and Puerto Rican — and offers “a comprehensive view of the varied lifestyles, traditions, and challenges faced by these communities.” She also says Hawaiiʻs Plantation Village is a destination where visitors can “honor the resilience and contributions of these cultures to Hawaii's heritage.”

Sign up for a pāpale-weaving workshop.

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For travelers who enjoy working with their hands, Alipio recommends a pāpale-weaving workshop with CocoKealohi . All materials are provided, and participants get to make their own open-top pāpale lau niu (coconut frond hat).

Plan your trip around locally-owned restaurants and eateries.

If you enjoy delicious food, Oahu is a wonderful place to be — so open up your Google Maps app and start to plot out some of these local-recommended destinations. Alipio’s must-try places include Kalo Bombs and Tanioka’s Seafood & Catering ; Domingo also has a long list of favorites — The Pig and The Lady , Fête , ʻIliʻIli Cash and Carry , Nami Kaze , and Helena’s Hawaiian Food , among them.

Volunteer for one of the Aloha ʻĀina organizations.

Experience and education go hand in hand, and volunteering while on Oahu is the perfect way to accomplish both. “Like many of us in Hawaiʻi have been taught,” says Domingo, “leave a place better than when you got there.” Consider Papahana Kuaola or Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi — or he, says, “If you’re not able, consider sending a donation to support the work.”

Related : Oahu Is Home to a Jaw-dropping Volcanic Crater, Luxury Hotels, and Some of the World's Most Famous Surf Beaches

Schedule a group lei-making session.

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“For me, a goal would be to provide our visitors with meaningful cultural opportunities to better understand the native people, gain awareness of some of the challenges we face, and offer an opportunity to immerse themselves in cultural activities,” says Alipio. One of the activities she suggests is making a lei with Haku Lei Haleiwa .

Book a surfing lesson.

Surfing originated in the area now known as Polynesia, but it took off after Polynesians introduced it to Hawaiians. Instead of trying out the sport for the first time solo, opt to take a class with a Hawaiian-owned company, like Kalani Surf School . A trained instructor will keep you, and those around you, safe and protected.

Explore Washington Place.

“As the former home of Queen Liliʻuokalani and later a residence for governors of Hawaiʻi, Washington Place holds significant historical and cultural importance,” says Choy. She describes it as “a window into the personal life of Queen Liliʻuokalani and the political climate during her time,” and a way visitors can get a “closer look at Hawaii's political history and the pivotal moments that shaped the islands’ future.”

Pick up local produce at a farmers market.

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While you’re exploring the island, there’s a good chance you’ll pass a farmers market. According to the Hawaii Farm Bureau , it’s a good idea to carry cash in small denominations, a shopping basket or bag, and decent walking shoes. “This would be a great way to support local farmers and try some locally produced foods and, of course, some amazing fresh local fruits and vegetables,” says Domingo. 

Spend the day on the beach.

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With 112 miles of coastline, Oahu has many gorgeous beaches to visit. Before you head out for the day, though, do your research — and keep an eye out for any signage that may alter your plans. “Please know that there are places that are just not designed for visitors. If a trail is marked as off-limits, do not go there. If a beach has warning tape up to keep marine life isolated, please do not cross it,” advises Domingo.

Related : 12 Best Beaches on Oahu With Stunning Views and Epic Waves

Find a moment of peace in the Foster Botanical Gardens.

Foster Garden is Honolulu’s oldest botanical garden — and Choy describes it as a “tranquil oasis” in the middle of the city. “It showcases an incredible array of tropical plants, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature, appreciate biodiversity, and learn about conservation efforts while enjoying a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle,” she says. Along with a map, visitors will receive a self-guided tour upon entry.

Embark on a scenic drive, but do so respectfully.

If you’re driving, you can see many of Oahu’s most popular (and most beautiful) spots in just one day. Remember, though, you’re not the only one on the road. “We are often on many of Hawaiiʻs two-laned highways driving at 20 miles an hour behind a curious visitor enjoying the beauty of our islands. Please pull over and let us get to our jobs and lives,” reminds Domingo. 

View the exhibitions at the Bishop Museum.

Within the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu, you’ll find the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, often shortened to the Bishop Museum . Here, Domingo says, you’ll “learn about true Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Pacific Island history.” It’s open daily, and you can view the current exhibits and programs online . 

Attend a local festival.

“Participating in authentic experiences, like attending local festivals or visiting community-run initiatives, allows visitors to engage with the island’s diverse cultures,” says Choy. Depending on when your trip is scheduled, you may be able to witness the Honolulu Festival in March, the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June, or the Prince Lot Hula Festival in July.

Related : The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List

Follow the golden rule.

Finally, Domingo shares the Hawaiian phrase, “Aloha ke kahi i ke kahi,” as a general rule of thumb when visiting Oahu. It translates to “the call to love one another,” or he says, “Treat as you would like to be treated.”

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The Excursions Hawaii site offers the top Tours, Activities, Excursions and Attractions for the four main Hawaiian islands. Our goal is to help visitors to Hawaii plan their tours and activities either ahead of time or the day of. If you are looking for things to do on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island or Kauai, we have something for you. All of our tours are booked through a secured activity booking system (Fare harbor) so you have the peace of mind knowing that you are booking through a reliable company. All of our tours offer you live availability so you know if your tour is actually available at the time of booking. Please contact us with any questions or suggestions to improve our site. Mahalo!

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10 Frequently Asked Questions About Oahu Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours in Oahu have become a popular activity for tourists seeking a bird’s-eye view of the island’s lush mountains, cascading waterfalls, and iconic coastlines. However, with this unique adventure comes a variety of questions regarding safety, timing, what to expect, and how to prepare. This article aims to address the most frequently asked questions about Oahu helicopter tours, giving you all the essential information needed to make your aerial adventure as memorable and seamless as possible.

Q1: What can you see during an Oahu Helicopter Tour?

During an Oahu helicopter tour, passengers are treated to unparalleled views of the island’s most iconic attractions, including the bustling Waikiki Beach , the majestic Diamond Head crater, the historically significant Pearl Harbor , and the serene North Shore’s stunning beaches and surf spots . From the comfort of the sky, you’ll gain a unique perspective on Oahu’s diverse landscapes and historical sites, offering a panoramic experience that beautifully combines the island’s natural beauty with its rich cultural heritage.

Q2: How long do Oahu Helicopter Tours last?

Oahu helicopter tours vary in duration to cater to different preferences and schedules, ranging from quick 20-minute overviews that highlight the island’s major attractions to comprehensive 60-minute flights that offer an in-depth exploration of Oahu’s stunning landscapes and historical sites. For first-time visitors, a tour lasting between 30 to 45 minutes is often recommended as it provides a balanced experience, allowing ample time to marvel at the island’s beauty without being overwhelming.

Learn More: What to Expect on Your First Oahu Helicopter Tour

Q3: Are Oahu Helicopter Tours safe?

Oahu helicopter tours are held to high safety standards, with reputable operators rigorously maintaining their aircraft and adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure passenger safety. While specific statistics on safety records vary by company, the industry as a whole prioritizes safety through regular maintenance checks, pilot training programs, and certifications from aviation authorities. Reputable tour operators often boast certifications from organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and participate in safety programs that go beyond regulatory requirements. These measures, combined with the expertise of highly trained pilots familiar with Oahu’s weather patterns and terrain, contribute to an excellent safety record for helicopter tours on the island, allowing passengers to enjoy their experience with peace of mind.

Q4: What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour in Oahu?

The best time of day for an Oahu helicopter tour largely depends on what you’re looking to experience. Morning flights often offer clearer views and smoother flying conditions, making it an ideal time for those who want to enjoy uninterrupted vistas of Oahu’s stunning landscapes. On the other hand, sunset tours provide a dramatically lit sky that can enhance the visual appeal of the island, offering a picturesque backdrop of vibrant hues that beautifully highlight the terrain and ocean. Regardless of your preference, it’s crucial to book in advance, especially for these popular time slots. Early booking not only secures your spot but also gives you a better chance of experiencing the island under your desired lighting conditions, making your tour an unforgettable part of your Oahu visit.

Q5: Can children participate in Oahu Helicopter Tours?

Yes, children can participate in Oahu helicopter tours, making it a fantastic family adventure. However, age and height restrictions may apply, varying by tour operator. Typically, children under the age of 2 may be required to sit on a parent’s lap, while older children must occupy their seats and may be subject to height requirements for safety reasons. Tour operators prioritize safety, providing children with appropriate headsets and ensuring all passengers are briefed on safety procedures. For comfort, it’s advisable to discuss the flight with children beforehand, prepare for ear pressure changes, and bring along snacks or distractions for younger passengers. Always check with your chosen tour operator for specific restrictions and recommendations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Q6: What should you wear on a helicopter tour in Oahu?

For an Oahu helicopter tour, dressing in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is key to ensuring an enjoyable experience. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for staying comfortable in Hawaii’s warm climate, while a light jacket or sweater can be handy for cooler altitudes. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and comfort. It’s also advisable to avoid loose accessories and hats, as they can become hazards or nuisances during the flight. Importantly, opt for darker or neutral colors; bright colors can reflect off the helicopter’s windows and interfere with the visibility of both passengers and the pilot, potentially affecting the quality of your photos and the overall experience. This attire not only enhances comfort but also contributes to a safer and more visually rewarding tour.

Learn More: 10 Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Helicopter Tour Experience

Q7: How much does an Oahu Helicopter Tour cost?

The cost of an Oahu helicopter tour varies widely, with prices typically ranging from $280 to over $825 per person, depending on several factors. Basic packages on shared tours offer a more affordable way to experience the skies, while luxury private tours, which provide an exclusive and personalized experience, fall on the higher end of the price spectrum. The duration of the flight is a significant factor affecting cost, with longer tours commanding higher prices. Additionally, special inclusions such as doors-off flights, private landing opportunities, or added amenities like champagne can also increase the price. When considering a helicopter tour, it’s important to weigh these factors against your budget and preferences to select the best option for your unique Oahu adventure.

Q8: Do you need to tip your helicopter Pilot in Oahu?

Tipping your helicopter pilot in Oahu is not mandatory, but it is a highly appreciated gesture that reflects your gratitude for their expertise and service. As a guideline, gratuities in the range of 10% to 20% of the tour cost are considered generous and appropriate, depending on your level of satisfaction and the quality of the experience provided. Tipping is a way to acknowledge the pilot’s role in ensuring your safety, sharing insightful knowledge about the island, and enhancing your overall tour experience. If you decide to tip, doing so directly to the pilot after the tour is a personal and respectful way to express your appreciation. Remember, a tip is not just a reward for the service but also a recognition of the pilot’s commitment to making your aerial adventure memorable.

Q9: What are the best helicopter tours in Oahu for photographers?

For photographers aiming to capture Oahu’s breathtaking landscapes from the air, tours offering doors-off options are the gold standard. These flights provide unobstructed views, free from the glare and reflections of windows, allowing for crystal-clear photography of the island’s stunning scenery. Additionally, tours that specifically cater to photographers often include extended time hovering over particularly scenic spots. This extra time is invaluable for capturing the perfect shot, with the added advantage of expert pilots who understand the importance of lighting and angle. When selecting a tour, look for those that emphasize photography, as these typically ensure the best opportunities for capturing Oahu’s beauty through your lens.

See More: Best Oahu Helicopter Tours

Q10: How do you choose a reputable helicopter tour company in Oahu?

A strong safety record and pilots with extensive experience flying in Oahu’s unique conditions are non-negotiable for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Customer reviews , particularly those on trusted travel sites like HawaiiActivities.com , can provide valuable insights into the quality of the tours and the overall satisfaction of past passengers. Additionally, look for companies with certifications and affiliations with recognized aviation and tourism safety organizations, as these credentials indicate a commitment to maintaining high safety and service standards. HawaiiActivities.com is a useful resource for comparing different companies , allowing you to make an informed decision based on comprehensive information about each operator’s offerings and reputation.

Be Well-Informed Before Booking an Oahu Helicopter Tour!

The FAQs provided here serve as a valuable starting point for planning your journey, covering everything from safety and duration to what to wear and how to choose the best tour operator. For a more comprehensive understanding, we highly recommend checking out [“The Ultimate Guide to Helicopter Tours in Oahu]  article. This guide offers extensive insights and tips to enhance your experience. We invite you to use this knowledge to plan your tour with a reputable company, setting the stage for an extraordinary exploration of Oahu’s stunning landscapes from the skies.

A writer whose words flow where the mountains meet the sea.

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