57 BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU IN 2025
Are you looking for the best things to do while you’re on Oahu🌺?
Then you’re in the right place! As my home for 9 sun-filled years, I’ve gotten to know Oahu inside out and upside down. And I’m going to share what I learned with you.
Book My Favourite Private Tour Here!
➡️ If you’d like to begin your escape by spending a day with an island expert, I LOVE this customizable tour! –>
Whether you’re looking for adventures or a deep dive into local culture, you’re going to love the list I’ve got for you. From snorkelling in Hanauma Bay to exploring the history at Iolani Palace, this island is the perfect playground for you.
You’ll find water sports, botanical gardens, Hawaiian crafts, and culinary pleasures here for you, and so much more. Oahu really is a unique island that provides relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion… whatever your heart desires.
This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect Hawaiian escape on Oahu. Stick with me and you won’t miss a thing.
Best Things to Do in Oahu
Many of these activities can be arranged on the spur of the moment. Others need some pre-planning. I’ve provided you with the facts to do it yourself, and organized day trips where available – just click on the red text.
Water Sports
1. Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay – on the island’s east side, Haunama Bay is a beautiful curved beach, with some of the best snorkelling on the island.
These days, though, you need a reservation to visit unless you’re a Hawaii resident with a photo ID. There are several rules in place now, too, so be sure to read up on those.
2. Snorkelling Shark’s Cove on the North Shore – This is my favourite snorkelling spot on Oahu, April through October. Winter water conditions can be too rough in the winter, but sometimes they’re great!
Snorkelling at Shark’s Cove will let you see a lot of fish, underwater rock formations, and often Hawaiian sea turtles and octopus. No standing on the coral, though!
3. Whale Watching – Humpback whales visit Hawaiian water roughly from December to April, and they like the southeast side of the island best.
From land, the top of the Makapu’u Lighthouse hike is the best place to spot them. My best sighting was a mom and her calf, straight down at the bottom of the cliff I was standing on. It doesn’t get better!
For a whale-watching cruise, I like to book in advance through Viator. This tour is with Hawaii Nautical is my favourite. It leaves from Waikiki or Ko Olina. You have a better chance of seeing whales from Waikiki!
4. Surfing at Waikiki Beach – There are several beach boy stands along the beach where you can take surf lessons. Look especially on the sand in front of the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the “father of modern surfing”.
Stop in at one of these stands – they should all be the same price – and arrange your lesson with the beach boys. Or if you like to plan in advance, book your lessons online.
5. Kayaking to Popoia and the Mokulua Islands from Kailua Beach – Kailua is a perfect spot to kayak.
If you’re a beginner and would prefer to take a guided paddle, this 2-hour excursion is an excellent choice. You can book online, they’ll provide everything you need, and will even feed you lunch afterward.
Or make it a part of a customized private day tour of the island – the whole day will be planned around what YOU want to see and do.
If you’re comfortable going out on your own, stop at Kailua Beach Adventures on Kailua Road to rent your kayak. They’ll give you a short spiel on safety and what there is to see in the area. Then just roll your kayak to the beach!
6. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Haleiwa – if you’ve never tried an SUP before, you can take a lesson and tour in one in this North Shore beach town.
Or if you just want to rent an SUP – or a kayak – stop in at Blue Planet Adventures in Hale’iwa town. They’ll have everything you need, except towel and sunscreen, and will give you pointers if you need them.
7. Scuba diving off the coast to explore shipwrecks and reefs – wherever there’s ocean, there’s a whole underwater world. Discover the underwater world around Oahu with Dive Oahu.
The crew is a lot of fun, even while being total professionals, and you’ll see some amazing stuff.
Or if you’re on the Windward side in Kailua, stop in at Aaron’s Dive Shop. They’ve been around forever, and have been voted Hawaii’s best dive shop. They can even help you get certified while you’re on Oahu.
8. Parasailing in Waikiki – from the air is an incredible way to see all of Waikiki and Oahu’s southern shore! This trip with Xtreme parasail will put you with a fun and experienced crew – it’s unforgettable! I recommend getting the photo package.
9. Swimming with dolphins in the wild at Waianae Coast – Swimming with dolphins in the wild along the Waianae Coast is such a thrill! To get to see them in their natural habitat, and be in the water with them is like a dream.
Tours typically depart from Waianae Boat Harbour, and you can plan a trip with Indigo Ocean Hawaii. They’ll pick you up at your hotel, and supply everything you need for the trip of a lifetime.
Hikes and Other Outdoor Activities
10. Walking the Lanikai Pillbox Hike – The Pillbox Hike, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is another popular hike on Oahu. It’s found on the Windward side of the island in the Kailua neighbourhood of Lanikai.
It’s known for its stunning panoramic views of Lanikai Beach, the Mokulua Islands (“the Mokes”), and the Ko’olau Mountains.
11. Exploring the trails at Kualoa Ranch – The 4,000-acre ranch is the backdrop for several Hollywood films, such as “Jurassic Park” and “Lost”. Guided tours are available on horseback, ATV, or by foot.
You can also enjoy activities like ziplining and cultural tours. It’s an incredibly versatile destination, with a lot to do, and insanely scenic landscapes.
12. Hiking Diamond Head Crater – This popular hike is about 1.6 miles round trip, with a moderate to challenging climb that includes steep stairs and tunnels. It takes most people around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
It’s all about the views from the top! You’ll have a 360° panorama, and on a clear day, you can see Molokai, Lanai, and the peaks of Maui off in the distance. Bring water, it’s a thirsty climb 💦.
13. Visit Malaekahana State Recreation Area – On the North Shore, this area has a long, sandy beach, with a bit of forested wilderness thrown in. It’s great for swimming, sunbathing, and shoreline fishing.
There are campgrounds here, too, and it’s easy to get your permit to camp. Just go to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) online reservation system. It’s important to plan ahead as these permits can sell out, especially during peak travel seasons and weekends.
14. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail – Again on the Windward side, the lighthouse is south of Kailua and Waimānalo on the Kalaniana’ole Hwy. Or Hwy 72, for an easier-to-pronounce option.
It’s an easy trail with gorgeous views, but no shade. You can’t go inside the lighthouse, but the top of the trail is an excellent place to watch for whales in the winter.
On your drive out to the trail, take along an audio tour of the east Oahu shoreline. Listen through your phone, and hear interesting stories and the history of the terrain you’re driving through. There’s a lot to know!
15. Kuli’ou’ou Ridge and Canyon Trails – The Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail is a 5-mile round trip hike with a mix of less-than-tropical forest scenery and panoramic views of Oahu’s east side. It’s moderately challenging with a steady climb.
Stay left and for the Kuli’ou’ou Canyon Trail. It’s an entirely different experience with a much shorter, tropical-shaded path down to a little water feature. It’s a less crowded, peaceful hike.
Both trails are fantastic for exploring Oahu’s natural beauty and enjoying outdoor adventures.
16. Biking the North Shore Bike Path – The North Shore bike path on Oahu runs parallel to the coast, about 5 miles long. The ocean views are soothing to the soul, and you’ll have access to different beaches and surf spots.
The path starts in the south near Waialua and stretches eastward towards Sunset Beach. Rent a bike from North Shore bike rentals.
17. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden – Ho’omaluhia is on 400 spectacular acres. natural ecosystems. There are walking trails, stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountains, and fishing opportunities in the catch-and-release lake.
Plus, there are themed garden areas displaying flora from major tropical regions around the world. It was designed to promote understanding and appreciation of tropical plants, and does a great job of it!
18. Ziplining in Kaaawa Valley – Ziplining in Kaaawa Valley is an adventure! As stunning as the rainforests and landscapes are from the ground, they’re even more other-worldly when you speed over them.
You get unique aerial views of the valley, often featured in famous films. This is one you don’t want to miss out on. This is another one of your options at Kualoa Ranch, #10 above. Make your own reservations with the ranch, or have it all taken care of for you.
Cultural Activities
19. Byodo-In Temple – A replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan. Byodo-In is at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Wander through the large reflecting pond, koi carp, and meditative gardens.
Take part in the unique experience of ringing the sacred bon-sho (sacred bell). It’s believed to cleanse the mind of evil and temptation. And keep an eye out for wild peacocks!
20. Visiting the Bishop Museum – This is my favourite museum on Oahu. It’s Hawaii’s largest museum dedicated to the history, arts, and culture of the Hawaiian islands and the broader Pacific region. There’s even a planetarium.
It also has an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and natural history specimens. Plus, there’s the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center.
It has interactive exhibits on Hawaiian natural history, including a walk-in volcano and a living reef aquarium. I love this!
Get tickets through the tour company, or through the Museum itself.
21. Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie is a fun way to experience the heritage of the Pacific Islands.
It showcases the traditions, arts, and lifestyles of six Polynesian cultures including Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Tonga.
There are interactive village exhibits and activities like fire-walking, hula dancing, ukulele lessons and traditional games.
And they have a fun luau, with a spectacular show!
It’s a great way to spend a day for any age, and there are restaurants and shops at the centre, too. Sometimes I’ll just stop here for a snack on the way home from the North Shore.
22. Touring Iolani Palace – The Palace is a unique glimpse into the royal history of Hawaii. It served as the official residence of the kingdom’s last reigning monarchs, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.
Inside, you can explore meticulously restored rooms such as the Throne Room and the State Dining Room. You can also see the private suites of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalan.
It still has the original furnishings and personal artifacts that tell the interesting story of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Tickets for Iolani Palace can be purchased online through their official website. You may also be able to buy tickets at the palace ticket office if there are any available. I recommend buying tickets in advance as it’s a popular attraction.
* Iolani Palace is well known for the continued spectral presence (ie. haunting) of Queen Lili’uokalani. Oahu has a fascinating history full of ghost stories and haunted locations. Get to know this fascinating side of Hawaiian culture with a ghost tour.
23. Attending a luau, such as Paradise Cove’s – A luau at Paradise Cove is a quintessentially Hawaiian experience. It combines entertainment, cultural experiences, and delicious dining.
You’re greeted with a traditional Hawaiian lei and can participate in some pre-dinner activities like hula lessons, canoe rides, and spear-throwing. You’ll get to see the traditional method of cooking the luau pig in an underground oven (the ‘imu’).
There’s a spectacular live show that includes Hawaiian music, hula dancing, and performances by fire knife dancers. It all tells stories of the islands’ history and folklore. It’s a fun night out, and a must at least once.
24. Visiting the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens – Located on Oahu’s North Shore, the Gardens have over 5,000 tropical and subtropical plants spread across 300 acres.
They’re also home to Waimea Falls, a 45-foot waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool under the watch of lifeguards.
Besides swimming, the park has guided horticultural tours and cultural demonstrations. Plus you’ll find a variety of walking trails that let you explore the area. See markets and other activities below.
Crafts and Classes
25. Lei-making workshops – there are several places where you can learn to make lei. A few examples are the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Queen Kapiolani Garden, and Na Mea Hawai‘i at Ward Village in Honolulu.
26. Hawaiian quilting classes – Here are some places on Oahu where you can find Hawaiian quilting classes: Mission Houses Museum, Kaimuki Dry Goods, and Na Mea Hawai‘i at Ward Village.
27. Photography classes – Become a better photographer while you’re on the island. Take a tour guided by professionals who know the best spots and times for photography, and who will share their technical expertise with you.
Markets and Shopping
28. Kailua Farmers Market – Takes place every Thursday from 4-7pm. It’s out in front of Long’s Drugs, next door to Whole Foods in Kailua, on the Windward side of the island.
Find fruit and produce, as well as hot meals, crepes, and lots of treats.
Living in Kailua, this is the market I visited most often. You won’t usually find much in the way of art or crafts, but there is some great food here!
Parking can be tough, though. Be prepared to walk a bit. But if you find a great vacation rental in Kailua, you may be able to walk!
29. Lōkahi Kailua Market – Every Sunday from 9am – 1pm. Food, artisans, and live music! You’ll even find treats for the pups. Plus surfboard socks, jewelry, and unique clothing items.
There are free arts and crafts for the kids (keiki), too. Keep up to date on any location changes so you don’t miss it!
30. KCC Farmers’ Market – Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 am at Kapiolani Community College, in Parking Lot C. KCC is at 4303 Diamond Head Rd in Honolulu, on the way to the Diamond Head hike.
Parking is free in parking lots A, B, and E.
Find lots of local tropical fruits and flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, acai bowls and a lot more. There is often live entertainment, too, like some ukulele music.
31. Aloha Stadium’s Swap Meet & Marketplace – This Halawa marketplace is a popular one, where vendors sell a whole variety of products. You can find everything from Hawaiian souvenirs, such as leis and ukuleles, to handmade crafts, local art, and jewelry.
There are also clothing items, sports memorabilia, antiques, and a wide variety of local foods. The swap meet is sometimes known locally as the flea market.
It’s an excellent place to pick up unique, affordable gifts and souvenirs to take home and to sample local flavours. There are a lot of choices here.
You’ll find a few ATMs on the grounds, but many of the vendors only accept cash.
It’s held in the stadium’s parking lot, even now that the stadium is closed. The general admission fee is $2.00 per person, with children 11 years old and younger entering for free.
The swap meet is open three days a week: Wednesday, and Saturday from 8am to 3pm, and Sunday from 6:30am to 3pm. If you’re there right until closing, you might get some good deals as people would rather sell their stuff than pack it up again.
32. Chinatown for unique finds and fresh produce – If you appreciate cultural diversity, historical settings, and colourful street life, wander through Chinatown in Honolulu.
You’ll see historic temples, art galleries, and the famous Hawaii Theater. The area’s architecture reflects its multicultural past. Chinatown is also a food lover’s paradise, with a lot of eateries and markets.
You can sample everything from traditional Chinese dim sum and Vietnamese pho to trendy fusion restaurants and local Hawaiian fare. Don’t miss the fresh produce and exotic ingredients at the Oahu Market or Maunakea Marketplace.
And if you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, participate in First Friday. This terrific evening event – galleries and shops open their doors late for an evening of art, music, and food. It can be crowded, but lots of fun!
33. Oahu has a bunch of arts and crafts fairs where local works are a highlight. They’re excellent spots to find unique artisanal things, engage with the friendly locals, and support independent creators.
They’re fun community events that combine shopping with food and often live entertainment. And you get to support local businesses. Check these out:
- Honolulu Night Market – Located in the Kaka’ako district. Has everything from local fashion and live music to art installations and gourmet street food. It’s especially popular for its vibrant nightlife atmosphere.
- Waikiki Artfest – At the south end of Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. An art-focused festival featuring local artists’ paintings, photography, jewelry, and crafts.
- Haleiwa Art Festival – In Hale’iwa on the North Shore.More art in various forms, including fine arts, crafts, and traditional Hawaiian art techniques.
32. Ward Village Shops for a mix of local and international brands – I love spending a few hours wandering through the Ward Village shops. There are clothing boutiques, and handmade jewelry stores… find a list of all the shops here. The selection is varied and fabulous.
There’s even a Crazy Shirt’s Outlet store for Crazy Shirt fans like me. (I love the board shorts that change colours when they get wet.)
34. International MarketPlace – What used to be a kitschy local place full of kiosks selling T-shirts and hula dolls, is now a high-end shopping and dining extravaganza. It was completely renovated from 2013-2016.
I have to say I miss the somewhat gaudy old marketplace. But the new incarnation is beautiful, full of shops like Saks and Christian Louboutin, as well as more mid-level places. You can also find live cultural performances on occasion.
There are also some great restaurants, as well as a Liliha Bakery location. Please try a coco puff here. It will be one of the best things you’ve ever eaten. There are some interesting bits of history in the marketplace too, well worth your time.
35. And, of course, the iconic Ala Moana Center – It’s one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world, with over 350 stores from high-end to every day.
Ala Moana isn’t just for shopping. There are often cultural performances and other live entertainment, plus a great selection of restaurants. The first-floor food court is worth checking out, too.
36. Haleiwa, the main town on the North Shore – home of surf shops, shave ice, great eats, and pretty little shops. My favourite is Kai Ku Hale! Driving into town with the ocean on your right, make a right turn on main-looking side roads to find the parking lots.
Also, try the famous Matsumoto’s shave ice or Aoki’s nearby. Plus, Haleiwa Joe’s has excellent Mai Tais and seared ahi.
Plays and Performances
37. Watch a play at Diamond Head Theatre – This theatre is often called the “Broadway of the Pacific”. It’s one of Hawaii’s best-performing arts theatres, and they have a wide variety of plays and musicals.
The theatre also hosts special events, concerts, and one-night performances. These often feature well-known local and visiting artists. It’s near the base of the Diamond Head crater in Honolulu.
38. Take in an event at the Blaisdell Center – between the Blaisdell Arena, Concert Hall, and Exhibition Hall, as well as the outdoor Waikiki Shell, you can find all kinds of entertainment. Concerts, sporting events, ballet, plays, fairs, and a lot more.
I especially recommend getting tickets for anything at the Shell if you get a chance. Any outdoor event here is fun – take a blanket and get comfortable on the lawn under the stars – skip the chairs. But like always in Waikiki, parking is tricky.
39. Go to a show at the Hawaii Theater in Chinatown – you can see all sorts of productions at this iconic and elegant, classic venue. Plays, live music, comedy shows, and film screenings are just a few of what you can find here.
40. Catching live hula performances at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound every Tuesday and Saturday evening. And it’s free!
41. Outdoor movie nights at Waimea Valley, and participate in cultural demonstrations and events. This is the same Waimea Valley where the Botanical Gardens are found.
Besides the summer Thursday movies, there are concerts, keiki (kids’) days, and a lot of other activities. This is a great place.
Music
42. Live music at the Turtle Bay Sunset Pool Bar – Nightly from 4pm to 7pm. This is a sublime way to spend an evening. The music typically includes different genres, with a strong focus on Hawaiian and island-style music.
This includes both contemporary and traditional Hawaiian tunes. It’s a good way to hear local artists play the ukulele and slack-key guitar.
43. Music and events at The Republik – Like the Hawaii Theater, the Republik has concerts, comedy shows, and cultural events. The Republik is geared to a younger crowd, though.
44. Traditional Hawaiian music at Waikiki’s Kani Ka Pila Grille – The Kani Ka Pila (say Kahnee kah peelah) is a trendy poolside bar and grill at the OutriggerReef in Waikiki.
Fish tacos, Mai Tais, and nightly live Hawaiian music – you might find yourself spending every evening here. I know I have 🌺.
45. Ukulele performances at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Mentioned earlier as a place to learn the fine art of making lei, the Royal Hawaiian has a lot of entertainment, too. Find out what’s playing and when on their website.
Dining Experiences
46. Eating local seafood at the shrimp trucks 🍤 – The town of Kahuku, on the North Shore, is a small, rural community. It’s well-known for its laid-back vibe and its shrimp trucks.
These shrimp trucks, like Giovanni’s, Romy’s, and Fumi’s, all offer basically the same options. Choose from plates of garlic, spicy, and lemon butter shrimp with rice. Simple and delicious.
Personally, I prefer Romy’s (not technically a truck though), just a little farther down the road. But Giovanni’s is the most famous and has been featured on the Man v Food Nation TV show.
47. Fine dining at Roy’s Hawaii Kai – This is one of 5 Oahu locations that serve up chef Roy Yamaguchi’s creations. If you’re not familiar with him, award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi is known for pioneering the Pacific Rim Cuisine movement.
Roy’s Hawaii Kai‘s menu blends European cooking techniques with fresh, local Asian and Hawaiian ingredients. It’s also in a superb location overlooking Maunalua Bay.
48. Casual eats at local favourite Zippy’s – Zippy’s is a beloved chain of casual dining restaurants all over Oahu and on other islands. It’s famous for its local comfort food that blends American, Japanese, Korean, and Hawaiian influences.
They have a wide variety of dishes like Korean fried chicken, their famous chilli (with rice or over spaghetti), and teriyaki beef plates. The atmosphere in Zippy’s is laid-back and family-friendly.
They also have the in-house Napoleon’s Bakery. Everything is good, but I think they make the best glazed donut on the island, (since Ken’s in Waimanalo closed 😢).
49. Breakfast at Cinnamon’s in Kailua – Another local favourite, their menu is full of local flavours and generous portions. The friendly, casual atmosphere is the perfect start for your day.
Cinnamon’s is known for their famous guava chiffon pancakes, red velvet pancakes, and their loco moco*. You can enjoy these unique dishes alongside traditional breakfast favourites, all prepared with a distinct Hawaiian twist.
*🍚 Loco moco is a Hawaiian favourite with rice, a hamburger patty (or spam), and fried eggs, all covered in gravy. Yum!
50. Enjoy sunset cocktails at House Without a Key – Named after the 1952 novel set in Hawaii, House Without a Key is a lovely indoor-outdoor restaurant. It’s located in the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki.
We love it for its signature cocktails, especially the Mai Tai, and its incredible sunset views over Diamond Head.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxed but upscale. You can enjoy live Hawaiian music and traditional hula performances every evening.
Its menu has both local and international dishes and is a prime spot for both breakfast and sunset cocktails.
51. Duke’s Barefoot Beach Bar – This Waikiki spot is a fun experience right on the beach where you can kick back with a drink. It’s a relaxed place with tasty cocktails, local beers, and yummy snacks.
The bar often has live music, adding to the laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the view after spending the day in the sun. Be prepared to ‘hover’ in order to get a table.
Epic Oahu Drives
52. Tantalus Drive – This long, winding road takes you through tropical forests and ends with a scenic lookout point. The panoramic views of downtown Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the Pacific Ocean, shouldn’t be missed.
The view from the top is especially stunning at sunset or during the evening when the city lights begin to sparkle. Then head down to Waiola shave ice on Wailola Street for a treat.
53. Halona Blowhole and Eternity Beach – The Halona Blowhole is a fun natural attraction along Oahu’s southeastern coast. Here, waves force water through a lava tube, creating impressive geyser-like sprays that can shoot up to 30 feet high.
Nearby is Eternity Beach, a small, picturesque cove that gained fame in the film “From Here to Eternity”. It’s as beautiful and secluded as it is on the screen.
Miscellaneous Fun
54. Visit Oahu’s Dole Plantation – This is a fun spot to learn about Hawaii’s pineapple and agricultural history. You can explore the Pineapple Garden Maze, ride the Pineapple Express Train, and visit the Plantation Garden Tour.
Don’t miss trying their famous Dole Whip, a pineapple-flavoured soft serve. I visit the plantation mainly when I have friends or family in town. But I often stop in just to get a Dole Whip. Yum.
55. Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet – This is a nice stop on the way to Waimea Bay or Hale’iwa. Here you can sample a variety of flavoured macadamia nuts and watch demonstrations on how they are processed from nut to snack.
It’s also a great place to pick up unique local gifts like freshly roasted macadamia nuts, coffee, and other island treats. Ask about their farm tours, too, while you’re here.
56. Tour the Pearl Harbor Memorials – Pearl Harbor is an incredibly important historical site, dedicated to commemorating the events of December 7, 1941. It does a beautiful job of honouring those who served in the military at that time, and I highly recommend it.
The Memorial is made up of 4 sites: the USS Arizona, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the USS Missouri Battleship, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. They’re all interesting and definitely worth spending a day at.
57. Get a resort feeling – For a resort-like experience, check out Ko Olina and its beautiful lagoons. Lagoon #4 is the biggest and has free parking, though you might need to wait around for 5-10 minutes for a spot.
And if you like Disney, you can visit Aulani at Ko Olina, have a character breakfast, shop, eat and visit their beach (you just can’t swim unless you’re staying here).
Bonus: If you want to start with a tour of the island or just a part of it, there are a lot to choose from! See what’s available, pick one or two, and then hop into some independent adventures.
Summing It Up: Best Things to Do in Oahu
Oahu has something for everyone, making it an awesome spot for a getaway from a couple of weeks to several years.
Whether you’re visiting historic Pearl Harbor, indulging in the fresh shrimp in Kahuku, or enjoying a lazy day at Weamea Bay, there’s no shortage of great stuff to do.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Shark’s Cove, soak up local culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center, or enjoy a shopping spree at Ala Moana Center. Oahu is packed with unforgettable activities that make every visit special.
It’ll be the one place you travel to that you just don’t want to leave. It’s not just a great place to visit—it’s a place you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Hele hauʻoli! (Happy travels!)
Keep Reading!
🏖️ Best Areas for Vacation Rentals in Kailua, Oahu in 2025
🪼 Oahu Beaches and Jellyfish: Here’s What You Should Know
🎉 Oahu 4th of July Celebrations for 2024
🤿 Best Oahu Snorkelling: 11 Top Spots for 2025