Top Things to do in Oahu
Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Outdoor Activities
The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
Restaurants in Oahu
1. Dolphin Quest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,312 reviews
Dolphin Quest Oahu, located at the world-famous Kahala Hotel & Resort just minutes from Waikiki, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all ages. Dolphin Quest Oahu's intimate and lush setting is the perfect place for a dolphin experience for everyone from kids to honeymooners. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. A portion of the proceeds from all Dolphin Quest encounter programs supports marine education, conservation and scientific study. TripAdvisor Certificate Excellence winner in 2017, 2016 and 2015!
2. Pu’U’Ohulu Kai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By secretagentgs - Honolulu, United States
This hike is affectionally known as the pink pillbox hike. It’s on the west coast Oahu so it’s off the beaten path so-to-speak, but this hike and locale is amazing!! It’s a good hike, definitely not for the weak hearted since it’s high up and on a winding path that is narrow at points and offers no protection from sliding off the path. But you have to check it out, and I highly recommend going at sunset...the views are AMAZING! There are a few different pillboxes & artifacts from a war and a time past! Super cool spot!!
3. Pupukea Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
This location is great for children to swim.
Reviewed By 896ricn
Pupukea tide pools to the left, Shark's Cove to the right. Pools are not deep, mostly walkable - but bring water shoes. Shallow, and barefoot can hurt. Can be hard to maneuver in Snorkel gear. Saw the prettiest little Snowflake eel here, about 18 inches, lots of endemic fish. Really a great spot for kids and little ones. Shark's Cove is to the right of the restrooms. Better depth here and therefore better to Snorkel, or dive. Fish were incredibly abundant: some massive schools of 500 (or so), Green Sea Turtles, eel, and a nice array of Parrot Fish. Visibility to about 60 feet. Visited Thanksgiving week and were told to select a day with little to no surf, as it can make swimming difficult, reduce visibility and possibility cause injury. Picked the right day apparently as it was absolutely fantastic... One of the best I've experienced in the Islands. Notes: go early to get a decent parking spot. The small lot fills up early, by 10am or so. Across the street are several eateries, and a market just next door.
4. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
5. Kane'ohe Bay
6. Waimanalo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 715 reviews
A large beach in Oahu.
Reviewed By gbmir3 - Houston, United States
Incredibly beautiful beach, with soft sand, great waves and beautiful clear blue water. Plenty of room, very uncrowned even on State holiday.
7. Makapu'u Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
A beautiful, scenic spot overlooking Makapuu Peninsula.
Reviewed By MimieW - Spokane, United States
During our visit, it was a cloudy and windy day, but that did not dispel the beauty of this place. The long beach and open water plus the two islands, Rabbit and Kaohikaipu make Makapu'u Point an interesting place. I would imagine on a bright and sunny day, this place would make gorgeous photos fit for a calendar!
8. Kailua Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,987 reviews
Reviewed By Vladimiramirela - Mississauga, Canada
For less experienced and brave swimmers, this is a perfect setting. Close to washroom facilities, with lots of parking within convenient distance and many shaded spots under the trees, this beach offers enough room for everybody to sit or walk around, without feeling crowded, even during the weekend days. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with nearby rock formations, and amazingly turquois water. As the slope into the waves is not too steep, even when the ocean is pretty rough, swimming is quite safe. The villages of Kailua and nearby Lanikai also offer many places to eat, have a good coffee or browse for souvenirs. Excellent location!
9. Makaha Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
A popular beach for surfing.
Reviewed By ladytattoo7 - Honolulu, United States
We live close by and this is our beach of choice on the Leeward side. Lifeguards are awesome, saved my brother's life one day. RESPECT the ocean at all times but esp here. Never turn your back to it! Gorgeous views, lots of local talented surfers!
10. Makapu'u Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Stretching more than 1,000 yards of sandy shoreline, this spot is considered the premier bodysurfing beach in Hawaii.
Reviewed By momoftwoboysnc
Enjoyed body surfing the big waves and exploring the area surrounding the beach, water shoes are a must.
