Things to Do on Oahu (That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else in Hawaii)
Oahu gets a bad rap sometimes. People hear “Waikiki” and picture wall-to-wall high rises and tourists in matching aloha shirts, and honestly…fair. But that’s like judging all of New York City by Times Square. Oahu is SO much more than Waikiki, and once you get outside that little bubble, this island has some of the most jaw-dropping beaches, hikes, and hidden gems in all of Hawaii.
Here’s the run down on 27 things to do on Oahu (that you can’t do anywhere else in Hawaii):
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Waikiki & Honolulu
Sunset Mai Tais at House Without a Key
If I only had one night in Waikiki, this is where I’d go. Tucked into the luxurious Halekulani Hotel at the quiet, older end of Waikiki, this place feels like old Hawaii. It’s sophisticated, the views are as good as it gets, and there’s nightly live music and hula dancing. Sipping a mai tai on the lawn while watching a hula dancer’s silhouette at sunset is about as “Hawaii” as it gets.
Make a reservation if you want a table with the full menu, otherwise the smaller tables near the stage are first-come-first-served with a smaller food and drink menu (though I’ve always been able to order off the main menu anyway). Live music runs 5-8pm with hula from 6-8pm. Their mai tais are legendary, the pizzas are a pleasant surprise, and the coconut cake is famous for a reason.
Visit the Pink Palace of the Pacific
Even if you’re not staying at the Royal Hawaiian, strolling the grounds is one of my favorite things to do in Waikiki. Grab a drink at the Mai Tai Bar and browse through the shops.
Hike Diamond Head
Probably the most iconic thing to do in Waikiki. It’s a fairly mild hike for a big payoff, though it’s all uphill with a bunch of stairs right at the end. It only takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, where you get a fabulous view over Waikiki and Honolulu. Increasing popularity means a reservation system is now required, so plan ahead.
Reservations open 30 days out, and if you’re booking entry plus parking (recommended if you have a car), slots run in 2-hour windows starting at 6am, and you’re expected to arrive within the first 30 minutes. Entry is $5/person plus $10/car for parking. Book an early slot if you can…there’s zero shade on this hike.
Surf Lessons on Waikiki Beach
A classic for a reason, and Waikiki is actually a genuinely great place to learn. There are dozens of surf schools along the beach, and I’d generally just say book whichever is closest to your hotel. If you’re staying off the beach, Waikiki Beach Services is a solid bet.
Hike to Manoa Falls & Visit Lyon Arboretum
A popular hike because it’s quick (1.6 miles round trip) and genuinely rewarding…waterfall at the end! While you’re in the neighborhood, the Lyon Arboretum, part of the University of Hawaii Manoa campus, sits in a lush rainforest setting and is worth a visit if you’re a nature lover. It’s closed Sundays, with a suggested $5/person donation.
North Shore
If you only have time for one area outside of Waikiki, make it the North Shore. It’s laid back, it’s gorgeous, and it feels worlds away from the resort scene.
Kawela Bay
This is probably my favorite beach on ALL of Oahu. There’s parking across the road (or you can park at Turtle Bay and walk through the forest or along the coast), and most of the time there’s only a handful of people here.
The sand is impossibly white, the water is impossibly blue, and trees hug the beach so there’s always shade, which is more than I can say for most Hawaii beaches.
Fun fact: they’ve filmed a bunch of movies here, including Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Pirates of the Caribbean: Stranger Tides.
Snorkeling at Sharks Cove
Don’t let the name scare you off. Sharks Cove at Pupukea Beach Park is an excellent summer snorkeling spot. The rocks protect it from the open ocean, which means calm conditions and a natural “nursery” for a bunch of smaller sea critters.
This is mostly a summer thing (always check conditions before you get in), but on a low swell day it can work in winter too. There are food trucks across the street plus snorkel rentals and lockers, so it’s pretty accessible…just get there early because parking is limited.
See Turtles at Laniakea Beach
A few miles from Haleiwa, Laniakea is THE spot to see honu (green Hawaiian sea turtles) hanging out on the sand. There’s a bit of parking across the street, but this place gets popular midafternoon (prime turtle time), so you’ll likely end up parking along the road. Give it 20-30 minutes here, keep your distance from the turtles, and also…be ready for chickens. So many chickens.
Cliff Jump at Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii, period. In summer, it’s a gorgeous swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping spot. In winter, it turns into one of the biggest surfable waves in Hawaii and is NOT swimmable. Still beautiful to look at either season, just always listen to the lifeguards about when it’s actually safe to get in the water.
Watch the Surfers at Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach might be the most famous beach on the North Shore, if not the world. Golden sand, wide, beautiful…and the legendary Banzai Pipeline surf break is right offshore. Expect crowds in winter since this is one of Oahu’s premier surf spots and home to several major competitions.
Try the Shrimp Trucks
The North Shore is famous for its shrimp trucks and you really can’t go wrong. Giovanni’s (Kahuku and Haleiwa locations) is the original and most popular, but my personal favorite is Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck…in Kahuku. Most spots do some version of the classic garlic “shrimp scampi” plus other options like spicy or coconut shrimp. Other names to know: Romy’s, Tanaka (formerly Fumi’s), Honos, and Jenny’s.
Horseback Riding at Turtle Bay
They call this area “the country” for a reason, so of course there are horses. Book a ride with the Stables at Turtle Bay and they’ll take you along the beach and through the trails surrounding the resort.
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Have Sunset Drinks at Turtle Bay
I saved my personal favorite for last. The newly renovated (and rebranded) Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay is stunning, and the best part is how they’ve polished up the lobby into the coziest hangout spot with views in every direction. The Off the Lip bar is spectacular and not to be missed…get there well before sunset to snag a little table or a spot at the bar. The mai tais are stout and well flavored, the small bites are all yummy, and save room for the turtle cheesecake.
Windward Coast
The Windward side is where Oahu gets its “postcard” reputation, and it’s an easy day trip whether you’re staying in Waikiki or Ko Olina.
Byodo-In Temple
Dedicated in 1968, this is a replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants. Tucked into the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park against the Ko’olau Mountains, it’s incredibly peaceful and absolutely worth a stop while you’re exploring the Windward side. Admission is $7/person ($4 for kids).
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Just north of Kailua in Kaneohe, admission here is free and the gardens themselves are lovely, but honestly the real star is the drive back to get there. The mountains rise up right in front of your car in a way that feels almost unreal.
Haleiwa Joe’s
This is my pick for the best nice dinner on Oahu, and probably the closest thing this island has to Maui’s Mama’s Fish House (still not quite in the same league, but close). The Kaneohe location (Haiku Gardens…not to be confused with the one actually in Haleiwa) sits in one of the loveliest spots on the island. The food is delicious, the atmosphere feels special without being stuffy, and it’s a favorite with locals celebrating special occasions.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
There are a LOT of hikes on Oahu, but this is my favorite. It’s short with a great payoff. You’ll find the trailhead on Kaelepulu Drive in Lanikai, and all parking is on the road (super limited, so be respectful of where you’re allowed to park). It only took me about an hour up and back, but you do have to scramble in a few spots, especially right at the start, which is the steepest part. Most people stop at the first pillbox, but you can keep going if you want to see them all.
Lanikai Beach
THIS is why you come to Hawaii. Lanikai regularly lands on “world’s most beautiful beaches” lists, and it earns it. It’s not the most convenient spot…it’s a small neighborhood right next to Kailua Beach Park with very limited parking (none allowed on the bike path side, and obviously don’t park in someone’s driveway), and there are zero amenities, so pack in and pack out everything you need. It’s become really popular in recent years, which has put a strain on the local neighborhood, so just be extra respectful since you’re accessing the beach through residential streets.
Makapu’u Point and Trail
A great easy/beginner hike with a big payoff at the top. There’s a small lot at the bottom (plus roadside parking), and it’s about a mile, fully paved, at a decent incline to the summit, where you get a lighthouse plus epic views of the Windward coast. I did it in flip-flops, though I wouldn’t recommend that. It takes about an hour round trip, and there’s basically no shade, so bring water.
Halona Blowhole
Blowholes always pull a crowd in Hawaii, and this one is one of the most accessible you’ll find (mostly you’re fighting off the tour buses for a good look). There’s a turnout on the highway with plenty of parking. The blowhole’s strength changes with the tide…low tide means a weak (or sometimes invisible) blowhole, high tide means a much stronger show. The viewing area is clearly walled off for a reason: people get sucked into blowholes or swept out by rogue waves ALL the time, so watch from a distance. There’s also a picturesque cove beach just south of the overlook that’s usually got a crowd of its own.
Hiking Koko Head Crater
Often overshadowed by Diamond Head, this hike is no joke…I’ve been told it makes Diamond Head feel easy. I haven’t done it myself yet, but it’s 1,000 steps, straight up an old railroad tie incline. Simple, straightforward, and a real leg burner.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Oahu’s most popular snorkeling spot is now a protected nature preserve, with active efforts to restore the reef after years of overuse. It’s largely sheltered from the open ocean and home to a huge range of marine life, plus it’s just a gorgeous beach to spend the day at. Fair warning though…access here is limited and genuinely complicated, so you have to plan ahead.
Here’s the rundown as of now: Hanauma Bay is closed Mondays and Tuesdays to let the reef rest, and open 6:45am-4pm otherwise (last entry 1:30pm). Entrance is $25/person (free for kids 12 and under, active military, and Hawaii residents). Parking is $3/vehicle, cash only. Reservations ARE required and they go fast…they release two days in advance at 7am HST and are usually gone within five minutes. Only 1,400 people are allowed in per day, and the 300-space parking lot fills up first-come-first-served regardless of whether you have a reservation, so early is everything. There are a limited number of walk-in tickets if you show up right at opening, and locals with a Hawaii state ID can get in free without a reservation between 6:45-9am.
A few extras: snorkel gear rents for $20/set, there’s a snack bar and small gift shop, lockers are available, and a shuttle takes you down to the beach (it’s a steep walk otherwise). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, and keep an eye on conditions before your trip…the bay can close suddenly due to jellyfish or, as happened earlier this year, high bacteria levels. It’s a hassle to plan around, but it really is special.
Ko Olina & West Side
Secret Cove, Ko Olina
One of my favorite hidden gems on the island. Follow the beach walk around past the Four Seasons and you’ll find this little sandy cove that’s often home to a sunbathing monk seal or turtle. It’s a genuinely scenic walk up around the coast toward Paradise Cove, though wear shoes since parts require walking over rocks.
A PSA that applies here and everywhere: if you come across a resting seal or turtle, give it plenty of space…the rule of thumb is 50 feet (photos always look closer than they are because of zoom).
If you’re not staying in Ko Olina, there are around six small free lots scattered around the different lagoons. The Lagoon 1A lot behind the Four Seasons (on Olani St) is closest but only has about 10 spots. There’s also free parking at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute (pull in near Paradise Cove Luau and follow signs), plus more lots near Aulani and around lagoons 2, 3, and 4. Otherwise you can pay hourly at the shopping center across the street or get validated parking at Aulani or the Four Seasons with a purchase.
History & Culture (Don’t Skip This Stuff)
Pearl Harbor
If there’s one “not to be missed” experience on Oahu, this is it. It’s educational, it’s moving, and there’s more to see here than people expect. Most people think of just the USS Arizona Memorial, but the site includes a Visitors Center (free entry, no bags allowed) with two museums covering pre-war Hawaii and the events of December 7, 1941, plus a Navy boat out to the Arizona Memorial itself.
Tickets to the Arizona Memorial are technically free (just a $1 online service fee) but limited and released 8 weeks in advance at 3pm HST. Miss that window and your only shot is the standby line day-of…wait times I’ve heard range from 20 minutes to 3 hours. From the Visitors Center you can also take a free shuttle to Ford Island for the USS Missouri ($35/adult), the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum/USS Bowfin ($22/adult), and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum ($26/adult). A Pearl Harbor Passport ($90/adult) covers everything except the Arizona. Honestly, it’s a lot…more than you can reasonably do in one day. I’d recommend the two Visitors Center museums, the Arizona boat tour, and picking just ONE extra site.
Iolani Palace
Built in 1882, this was home to Hawaii’s last monarchs until the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom, and it had electricity before the White House did. It’s the only official royal residence in the United States. I highly recommend the docent-led tour ($30/adult, Wed/Thu/Sat) over the audio option, because hearing the story of how the monarchy was overthrown while standing in the actual rooms where it happened makes it hit so much harder. It’s a sad, important story that’s surprisingly unknown to most visitors, and I genuinely think skipping it in favor of only beach days is a missed opportunity. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Bishop Museum
One of Oahu’s most underrated stops. Maybe not a total secret, but it definitely gets overlooked in favor of more “adventure” activities, and that’s a shame because it’s world class. The Hawaiian and Polynesian Halls are Smithsonian-quality, and the Planetarium’s wayfinding presentations are a big draw. Admission is $26.95 ($18.95 youth) on weekdays and slightly more on weekends.
Shangri La
This might be the most unexpected surprise on the whole island. Formerly Doris Duke’s Honolulu home, it now houses her extensive collection of Islamic art, and it’s only accessible via a guided tour departing from the Honolulu Museum of Art. If you have any appreciation for art, architecture, or beautiful homes, this is a must. Tours run Thursday-Saturday and sell out fast, so book ahead. I did the 9am slot (recommended, since there’s no AC at Shangri La)…you gather at HoMA, shuttle over for a little over an hour of self-guided exploring with docents stationed throughout, then shuttle back for included admission to the art museum itself.
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