Top 10 Things To Do in Oahu Hawaii
From world-famous surf spots to breathtaking sunset cruises, to up-close encounters with dolphins, Oahu is like nowhere else in the world. This island has it all, but it can be overwhelming figuring out how to best spend your time here. How do I get to Pearl Harbor? Is it worth it to see the North Shore? What should I check off my Hawaii bucket list? Well, we’re here to help! Check out our list of the top things to do in Oahu, and make the most of your vacation in paradise.
#1 – Take a Dolphin Cruise from Waikiki
Location: Waikiki
For a truly unforgettable Oahu experience, you can’t beat cruising to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins off the coast of Waikiki Beach. This dolphin viewing and snorkeling tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, and all of your snorkeling gear. Choose from morning and afternoon departures, where you’ll enjoy getting to learn about Hawaii’s friendly dolphins, snorkel one of Hawaii’s best coral reefs, and even slide down your boat’s waterslide! There is no better way to get to know Oahu than to get out on (and in) the water.
Free hotel pick up | Snorkeling equipment included
#2 – See Honolulu from above on a Helicopter Tour
Location: Honolulu Airport
If you’ve always wanted to take to the skies in a helicopter there’s no better place to do it than Hawaii. Imagine the incredible contrast of the blue ocean and vibrant mountain views from above. Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours offers this incredible 1 hour Private VIP Helicopter Tour for 2-3 passengers, where you’ll see some of Oahu’s most iconic sights including Diamond Head, the North Shore, Jurassic Valley, and fly over Pearl Harbor on your way back. This one is definitely bucket list worthy, and you can even choose to fly with the doors off!
Pearl Harbor from Above | Private Tour
#3 – Go Shark Cage Diving
Location: Haleiwa Boat Harbor
Journey to the waters of the North Shore of Oahu with Hawaii Shark Encounters on this Shark Cage diving experience. After a scenic boat ride, you’ll enter the water in a floating cage to observe Galapagos and Sandbar sharks up close. No dive experience is needed, as you’ll use snorkeling gear in the cage. As part of your tour you’ll also learn fascinating insights into shark biology and behavior from your guide. Bring your sense of adventure and a love for learning about these incredible undersea creatures.
No Experience Needed | 2 Hour Tour
#4 – Enjoy a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
Location: Honolulu
One of the most memorable experiences of any Hawaiian vacation is to go to a luau to discover the culture, and taste the food, of the islands. The Ka Moana Luau in Honolulu, is not far from Waikiki Beach, and offers a delicious island-style buffet, captivating Polynesian performances, and even an award-winning fire knife dance, all set against a stunning oceanfront backdrop. Your luau experience includes interactive cultural activities before the show like lei-making and hula lessons, an island-inspired farm-to-table luau dinner complete with island favorites like poke, lomi lomi & Kalua Pig, and the option to add round-trip transportation from select Waikiki and Honolulu hotels.
Transportation Option Available | Welcome Drink Included
#5 – Learn to Surf on the North Shore
Location: Haleiwa, Oahu North Shore
Hawaii is known for surfing and there’s no better place to catch your first wave than on Oahu’s North Shore. Surf N Sea’s surf lessons are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Choose from 2 hour group or private lessons which start off with a safety and surf etiquette briefing, include expert instruction on the best way to get up on your board quickly and smoothly, and provide high quality boards and rash guards to ensure you have a great experience on the water.
No experience needed | All gear provided
#6 – Discover History at Pearl Harbor
Location: Honolulu
No visit to Oahu is complete without seeing Pearl Harbor and reflecting on its historical significance. Skip the lines and the logistics with this Pearl Harbor guided tour, which includes entry to the USS Arizona Memorial, a 25-minute documentary screening, the boat ride to the memorial site, and roundtrip transportation from your hotel. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour will help you better appreciate the events of WWII, and commemorate the Sailors and Marines who lost their lives on that fateful day.
Hotel Pick-up | USS Arizona Tickets Included
#7 – Circle the Island Tour & Snorkel with Sea Turtles
Location: Hotel Pick-up
Oahu has a lot to offer beyond the beach and the best way to get to know the real Oahu is to get out there and see it for yourself. This North Shore Circle Island Adventure is a small group tour that will take you to see the best of Oahu, from the stunning views of Diamond Head Lookout and Makapuu Point, to the food trucks and farms of the North Shore. You’ll also visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and make a snorkeling stop at Turtle Beach. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly tour is an ideal way to spend a day in paradise!
Snorkel with Sea Turtles | Family Friendly
#8 – Taste the Best of Oahu on a Food Tour
Location: Hotel Pick-up
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything and love food, this Island and You – Oahu Food Tour is the perfect choice! You’ll enjoy a full-day adventure combining cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and delicious local cuisine, that showcases the best of Oahu. Your tour will take you to visit iconic sites like Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, and you’ll enjoy some of the best food in Oahu including Leonard’s famous Malasadas, fresh Kahuku shrimp, and macadamia nuts and coffee straight from the farm. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour is a great way to discover a true taste of Oahu. Best of all, your food is included in the cost of the tour.
All Food Included | Hotel Pick-up
#9 – Take to the Skies Parasailing & See Diamond Head from Above
Location: Kewalo Basin Harbor, Honolulu
For those looking to soar above paradise, X-Treme Parasail offers exhilarating parasailing adventures off the coast of Waikiki Beach. Their professional staff ensure a safe and enjoyable experience where you can choose from Standard (700 feet of line), Deluxe (850 feet of line), and X-Treme (1000 feet of line) flight options. No matter what option you choose, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head during your flight.
Family-Friendly | Safe and Fun
#10 – End Your Day with a Sunset Cruise
Location: Kapolei and Honolulu options
There’s no better way to end your day in Oahu than on a relaxing sunset cruise. Ko Olina Ocean Adventures sunset sail departs from Ko Olina Marina in Kapolei and features a gorgeous 53 ft catamaran. You’ll enjoy complimentary beverages as you toast to the breathtaking scenery while gliding along the shoreline—it’s the perfect evening for couples and families alike! If you’re in the Waikiki area, the Ocean and You Sunset Cruise departs from the Kewalo Boat Harbor and features a live DJ onboard your vessel.
Complimentary Drinks | Luxurious Catamaran
BONUS – Go Whale Watching in Oahu during the Winter Season
Location: Waianae Harbor, Oahu West Coast
Finally, if you’re visiting Oahu between December and the end of March, don’t miss the chance to see incredible humpback whales during your trip. These majestic creatures winter in the warm Hawaiian waters to feed and give birth to their young. This Oahu whale-watching excursion departs from Waianae, which is the best place to see humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close. This is a small group tour aboard their state of the art 34-foot rigid inflatable boat. You’ll be accompanied by a lifeguard-certified crew and marine biology experts who will share fascinating insights about these gentle giants.
Small Group Experience | Winter Season Only