40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!) - The Hawaii Vacation Guide (2024)

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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.

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).

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 the 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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