Bucketlist Things to do on Oahu
Wondering what the best things to do on Oahu actually are? With so many regions, beaches, hikes and neighbourhoods, planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time visiting Hawaii.
Hawaii has a rare kind of variety. One minute you’re snorkelling with turtles in clear tropical water and the next you’re climbing steep ridgelines through lush rainforest with gorgeous ocean views below. There are photo-worthy hikes, fun surf lessons, cultural activities, hidden waterfalls and seriously great food, all packed into one island.
Oahu is one of my favourite places on the planet for exactly that reason. You don’t need to choose between a relaxing beach holiday and adventure because it lets you have both.
This bucket list guide brings together the very best things to do on Oahu, from must-see highlights to wandering off the beaten track, so you can plan a trip that feels exciting but relaxing and completely 1000% worth it!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!
Quick Guide to Oahu
Where to stay:
– Budget
– A Little bit fancy (great for a special stay)
Should you rent a car: If you want to explore outside of Waikiki, yes! Our go to for the best rental car deals on Oahu ➡ Discovercars.com
One experience worth booking – Snorkelling at Turtle Canyons is one of the easiest ways to see turtle and tropical fish straight from Waikiki, even if it’s your first time snorkelling.
➡ Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion
The Best Things to do on Oahu
Oahu is a pretty large island so it can be overwhelming when trying to plan what to do there. This list Oahu activities should help you get to know what there is to do so that you can plan your trip!
Personally I think if you do anything on Oahu, it should be a turtle snorkelling tour! Snorkelling with turtles in Hawaii is something I will never forget. Seriously though, if you don’t have time to read this entire guide just call it a day and go snorkelling with turtles. It WILL make your entire trip! 😉
If You Only Book a Few Things, Make Them These
Snorkel with Turtles from Waikiki
I had snorkelling with turtles as my number one priority on my Hawaii Bucketlist, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
This group snorkelling tour is Oahu’s most popular snorkel tour! You will get to snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and other tropical fish. You might even see flying fish from the boat which is SO SO COOL!
Helicopter Flight – Doors on or off
If you are into adventure and views, doing a helicopter flight in Hawaii is a true bucket list experience and one of the best ways to see the island of Oahu. On this flight, you will see loads of places such as Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Sacred Falls, the Dole Plantation and Pearl Harbour.
With this tour company, you are also able to choose whether you want to have the doors on or off!
I recommend this exact helicopter flight so that you can fly with the doors off for a more thrilling experience!
Whale Watching Cruise
“Guaranteed whale sightings or you can go again for free!” That’s exactly what you want to hear before setting out on the water.
This 2 hour tour operates during humpback whale migration from December until May, when these majestic creatures come to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed. Your guide will point out different whale behaviours such as breaches, flukes, tail slaps and more, making it an unforgettable experience.
If you’re visiting Oahu during whale season, I highly recommend booking this tour ahead of time to secure your spot.
Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail
Join a small group and experience an important part of Hawaiian culture on this Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail. You will sail along Waikiki’s coastline and hear stories of native Hawaii, myths and legends.
You will get to join in on cultural activities such as making food, clothes and more while listening to ukulele music and traditional chants.
💡 Traveller’s Tip: Book ahead to secure your preferred date and sunset spot!
Explore Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch
Did you know that Jurassic Park was filmed on Oahu? You can book a tour to see real filming sites from the Jurassic Park film series!
You will drive through the Kualoa, Hakipu’u, and Ka’a’awa Valleys in an open-air vehicle so you will feel like you are actually in the real Jurassic Park. You will see the paddock, bunkers, dinosaur cages and more!
This is something that we didn’t end up doing while we were in Hawaii and I have regretted it ever since. 😩
💡 Adventure Tip: Book ahead, especially if you want a morning tour because it’s one of the most popular activities on Oahu.
Snorkel and Dive with Sharks in Hawaii with One Ocean Diving
If you want to snorkel or dive with sharks in Hawaii, this is the company to do it with! One Ocean Diving is run by Ocean Ramsey & Juan Oliphant who I have been following on Instagram for years because I am so in awe of what they do. I may have even named this blog after them!
They are are the first company in the United States & Hawaii to offer freediving with sharks without a cage. You will be taught loads about sharks from shark expert guides who will be with you the entire time.
🦈Book your shark dive here: One Ocean Diving Shark Snorkel / Dive
Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
A Hawaiian Luau is a must-do while on Oahu! You’ll enjoy live music, traditional dances, and stories about Hawaiian culture, all while indulging in a delicious buffet of authentic Hawaiian cuisine. It’s a full sensory experience that gives you a true taste of the islands. I really enjoyed our Luau experience!
In this Luau package, you don’t only get to experience the music and cultural dancing performances, but you also get to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian buffet feast.
🥥 Pro Tip: Arrive early to get a good seat and soak in the pre-show atmosphere.
Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu
Sail along Honolulu’s coastline on a 2 hour sunset cruise and watch the sky turn golden behind Diamond Head. Enjoy a 3 course dinner and cocktails with an ocean view while listening to soft background music. This is SUCH a romantic and relaxing way to end your day in Oahu.
🍹 Traveller Tip: Book ahead, especially during peak travel seasons so that you don’t miss out.
Book your Dinner Cruise: Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu
Learn to Surf on the North Shore of Oahu
If you’re going to learn to surf anywhere, make it the legendary North Shore! This 2-hour lesson is perfect for first-timers and includes guidance from experienced instructors. Fun bonus: their friendly dogs might join you on the beach! You’ll even get a mini turtle tour as part of the experience.
🏄 Traveller Tip: If you’re staying in Waikiki and don’t want to travel up to the North Shore, there are also highly rated surfing lessons there:
Do an Introductory Scuba Dive in Honolulu with Take Home Video Footage
If you are looking to try scuba diving for the first time, what better place to try than in Hawaii?!
This small group lesson and scuba tour is ideal for beginners and even includes GoPro footage which you will get to take home with you. You don’t need to be certified, making it a stress-free way to experience Hawaii’s vibrant marine life.
🐟 Traveller Tip: Great for first-timers or certified divers wanting a refresher.
🐟 Book your scuba adventure here: Beginner Scuba Diving Adventure with Videos in Honolulu
Do a Shark Cage Dive
If you don’t feel comfortable enough to go diving or snorkelling with the sharks in the open, now is your chance to try shark cage diving!
This tour starts on the North Shore of Oahu where you will board a boat and sail out into the open ocean. Once you are in the diving cage, you might spot not only sharks but dolphins, sea turtles and even humpback whales in the Winter.
Go Horseback Riding at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is one of the most scenic places to go horseback riding on Oahu. As you ride through the stunning Kanehoalani Mountains, you’ll also pass filming locations from Hollywood movies like Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor. Choose between a 1 hour or 2 hour trail ride depending on your schedule and experience level.
🐴 Adventure Traveller Tip: Book your horseback riding tour in advance to ensure you get your preferred time slot.
Experiences You Can Do on Your Own
Go Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay was one of our favourite snorkelling spots on Oahu! In a nutshell, Hanauma Bay is a huge Marine Park which you can visit for 1 hour, 2 hours or the whole day, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.
The cost for the day is $25 per person and there is a parking lot there for $3 if you have a car.
Reservations are required: 48 hour advanced reservations starting at 7am daily are required to enter.
🐟 Snorkelling Tip: Look out for the fish in the above photo. They are the humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish – The State Fish of Hawaii!
Hike to Koko Head aka The Koko Crater Stairs
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6km | Elevation Gain: 912 ft / 277m | Time: 1.5-2 hours
The hike to Koko Head is a popular trail but also quite challenging. It will be crowded on the weekends so if you can, try to go on a weekday.
The thing that makes the Koko Head hike special is the 1,048 railroad ties which are the “steps” leading you up to the lookout. This is the reason that the hike is so challenging. The railroad stairs also get steeper and steeper as you get closer to the top. It’s an exhausting hike, but satisfying all the same not to mention a great work out!
Don’t feel comfortable hiking the Koko Stairs yourself? Join this full day tour which takes you not only to Koko Head, but also to some local favourite beaches on Oahu!
Hike to Diamond Head
Distance: 1.9 miles / 3.1km | Elevation Gain: 515ft / 156m | Time: 1-1.5 hours
The Diamond Head Crater Summit Trail is a popular hike to do on Oahu at any time of the year.
From the top, you get incredible 360-degree views of the ocean, Diamond Head Crater and the Ko’olau Mountains as well as the coastline all of the way from Waikiki to Waianae.
Diamond Head is an easier hike than Koko Head Crater still with fantastic views so if you are trying to choose between the two of them, this might help make up your mind.
🚶♀️ If you don’t want to hike along, you can join this hiking tour!
Hike the Crouching Lion Trail
Distance: 0.8km / 0.5 miles | Elevation Gain: 90m / 300 ft | Time: 1-2 hours
The Crouching Lion Hike was the first hike that we did in Hawaii and were a little out of our comfort zone with the scrambling along the trail but the views at the end made it 1000% worth it! The trail is located on the East Coast of Oahu in Kaaawa and the insane views at the top look out over Kahana Bay.
The trailhead is located about 1 hour from Waikiki and you can park in the small parking lot across the road. If you don’t have a car, you can still reach the trail head by public transport but it will take you double the time.
I have more information in my hiking guide on how to get there and find the trailhead.
Hike a Hawaiian Ridge Trail!
When we went to Hawaii, one of the things I desperately wanted to do was to hike one of the insane ridge trails!
I did loads of research on which one to do. We wanted one with great views but not too exposed. If you have ever been hiking in Hawaii, you will know that the hiking is on another level!
We settled on the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail and it was great! We felt safe the entire time. Make sure you keep an eye on the weather because it can change suddenly and if it rains the trail will become extremely slippery.
The Wiliwilinui trail is one of the best non-touristy things to do on Oahu so if you are looking to get away from the crowds and other tourists, this hike is for you!
Hike to Manoa Falls
Distance: 2.7km / 1.7miles | Elevation Gain: 185m / 610ft | Time: 1-2hours
The Manoa Falls Trail is about a 25 minute drive from Waikiki and it is a pretty easy walk to the waterfall through a beautiful rainforest.
You can do this hike yourself or you can join this group tour which includes shuttles to and from the trailhead (which would be an hour on public transport instead of 25 minutes) and lunch!
Hike to Waimea Falls and go for a swim!
Distance: 3km / 1.9miles | Elevation Gain: 88m / 291ft | Time: 1-1.5 hours
The Waimea Falls Trail is a very popular trail so don’t expect to have it to yourself! However, it is a fun little hike and being able to swim in the waterfall feels like you are truly in Hawaii!
Book a day tour: Waimea Falls & North Shore swim with turtles beach day
Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is one of the best snorkelling spots on Oahu and is located up on the North Shore. It is almost right across the road from a garlic shrimp food truck which is where we had our first garlic shrimp!
This snorkelling spot is a protected area which you can access either off the rocks or from small sandy spots on the shoreline.
While you are snorkelling, look for the “Aloha” on the ocean floor, made from shells and pebbles.
Take Sunset or Sunrise Photos at Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is famous for being one of world’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also where Dave and I got engaged!
The beach has the most beautiful white sand and blue water with a couple of small islands called the Mokulua Islands which you can see from the shoreline which you can actually paddleboard to!
From Waikiki, it’s about a 40 minute drive to Lanikai Beach, or you could stay in the nearby town Kailua, which is what we did. The town of Kailua is only a 5-8 minute drive to Lanikai and it’s a nice little town! Kailua Beach is also worth visiting while you are in the area if you have the time.
Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach
Watching the sunset on Sunset Beach is one of the best things to do on Oahu’s North Shore. You will find that you won’t be completely alone as it is a popular sunset spot. However, I think it’s worth it.
Funny story, this is where Dave had planned to propose, however I wanted to leave and get cocktails so he decided to wait. 😅
Try the Garlic Shrimp from one of the food trucks!
You can’t visit Hawaii without trying the Garlic shrimp! One thing you will notice in Hawaii, is that there are loads of food trucks selling different kinds of food. One of the favourites is the garlic shrimp which is served with rice and oh so delicious!
You will find lots of these food trucks up on the North Shore at Pupukea. This is where we first tried Garlic Shrimp. To get there, use google maps to direct to “North Shore Shrimp Truck.”
Cool Down with some Shave Ice
After arriving in Hawaii, you will soon realise that Shave Ice is EVERYWHERE. It is colourful, sugary ice that is shaved off and put in a cup for you to enjoy. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot Summer’s day.
It is mainly sold from food trucks which are also all over Hawaii.
Visit Pearl Harbour
At Pearl Harbour, you will visit the USS Arizona Memorial, where you can learn about a key chapter of World War II history. You will be able to walk through exhibits which will teach you about the events leading up to the attack on Oahu and the aftermath and Interpretive Wayside Exhibits.
You can also join a tour to visit the USS Arizona Memorial or both the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Bonus Experiences if You Have Extra Time
Visit the Dole Plantation
What is the Dole Plantation you might ask.
The Dole Plantation started as a simple fruit stand in 1950. Now, it is one of Oahu’s most popular attractions and has more than one million visitors a year!
At the Dole Plantation, you will experience Pineapple EVERYTHING! There is a Pineapple Garden Maze, a Pineapple Express Train Tour and Pineapple merchandise which you can buy at the gift store. We didn’t have time to do this when we were on Oahu but it’s definitely on my list for next time!
Take a stroll through the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden become famous through Instagram when visitors began taking photo at the photogenic entrance on the road. This is actually no longer allowed and if the security guard sees you get out of your car at all, he will tell you to get back in straight away. We know.. we tried. 😅
The garden itself is beautiful however, so if you have the time then it is worth it to visit. It reminded me of Jurassic Park a little because you can see the classic jagged Hawaiian mountains from the gardens.
The garden is closer to Kailua than Waikiki. It is a 40 minute drive from Waikiki and a 20 minute drive from Kailua.
Kayak and Hike on Mokoliʻi Island (Chinaman’s Hat)
This is a pretty unique adventure so if you have the chance to do it you should! Rent a kayak and paddle over to Mokoliʻi Island, more commonly known as Chinaman’s Hat. Once you reach the island, there is a hike you can do to get to a higher viewpoint.
The views you get from both the water as you paddle and from the island are gorgeous so don’t forget a camera of some sort! 😍
Relax on a Sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast
Enjoy a 2 hour sunset sail along Oahu’s coastline, sipping on a cocktail while you look out for whales, dolphins and rainbows. If you think of a better way to end a day of adventure in Hawaii, let me know.
🍹 Book your Cruise: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast
Our Thoughts
There are SO many things to do in Oahu and I know if can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do. If I were to go back to Oahu for a few days these are the top 3 things I would do:
You might also enjoy:
- Where Can I Snorkel With Turtles in Oahu
- Best Things to do on Kauai
- The Ultimate 4 Day Kauai Itinerary
- The Ultimate 4 Day Oahu Itinerary
- How to Spend One Perfect Day in Waikiki
- How to Hike the Crouching Lion Trail
- Hiking the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, Oahu
- Kalepa Ridge Trail, Kauai – How Dangerous is it really?
- Oahu vs Kauai: Which Island Should You Visit and Why
- Where to Stay on Kauai: Breakdown By Area
📌 Like it? Pin
