Oahu

Oahu Activities & Attractions

Oahu is a mecca for exploration, with panoramas that steal your breath nearly everywhere you go. The hiking trails alone would be enough to fill your days with plenty of exercise and scenery. Deeply channeled flanks of the Koolau and Waianae Mountain ranges offer some of the most spectacular vistas. Be on the lookout for tropical birds and waterfalls as you hike or bike through lush valleys. Take a drive through the pineapple fields to the North Shore to watch the winter waves pound the sand at Waimea Bay, or visit the small surf town of Haleiwa. And some of the best Oahu activities are by the sea. Try windsurfing or kite surfing at Diamond Head or Kailua Beach. Take a sunset sail off Waikiki Beach, go sport fishing, or behold a sunken ship by submarine. Oahu activities will not disappoint. And you'll find plenty of them right here on some of the best surfing, diving, and boogie boarding beaches in the Islands. And, of course, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a must-do. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Get behind the wheel of a Formula One race boat or an all terrain vehicle (ATV). Zip across the waters of Hawaii Kai on a jet ski or banana boat “water rocket.” Or go skydiving at Mokuleia and free-fall 5,000 feet for a completely different view of the island.

This is indeed the Hawaiian Island that can fill all the days and nights of your vacation with fun and fascinating new experiences. Oahu attractions include dozens of Polynesian shows, dancing dolphin exhibitions, sunset cruises, submarine rides, surfing lessons, garden tours, "ghost walks"... the list goes on and on.

Staying in the heart of Waikiki already provides many options for spending quality time together with you family with the Waikiki Zoo and Aquarium just steps away from Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki.  Or laze the day away and get some sun at one of the most famous white sand beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach.  If you like to keep fit even while on vacation, take a jog around Ft. DeRussy Public Park.

Wander around downtown Honolulu and some of the architecture will make you feel as if you waltzed into the 1800s. The area offers a number of diversions from shopping and dining to art walks and entertainment. Stroll through Chinatown and discover a blend of Southeast and Asian cultures, catch a performance at Hawaii Theatre, or pay a visit to renowned Aloha Tower where there’s always something going on. Part of Oahu’s allure is that it’s both an exotic island getaway and a cosmopolitan destination at the same time. Oahu attractions and activities offer endless possibilities for adventure and fun, and you can do it all from your home away from home base, Waikiki Shore or Hokele Suites Waikiki.

List of Top Activities & Attractions on Oahu

Atlantis Submarines
(808) 973-9811 / (808) 548-6262
Hawaii's most popular submarine adventure descends to 150 feet beneath the sea to give you spectacular underwater views.

Bishop Museum
(808) 847-3511
The state museum of natural and cultural history features daily activities, special exhibits, and craft demonstrations.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
(808) 945-3928
Hawaii’s #1 biggest n’ best family adventure. Hawaii's only water park, located 30 minutes of Waikiki.  More than 20-acres of water slides and play pools provide a full day of family fun.

Honolulu Zoo
(808) 971-7171
Located across the street from the Waikiki Grand Hotel, this is a 40-acre zoo with over 300 species of animals.  Exhibits include 7.5-acre African Savannah set against the backdrop of Diamond Head.

Paradise Cove Luau
(808) 842-5911
Hawaii's best luau on the oceanfront offers spectacular sunsets, Hawaiian feasting, a Polynesian extravaganza and cocktails.

Polynesian Cultural Center
(808) 293-3333
Fun, authentic cultural tours of seven Polynesian Islands. This famous Hawaii attraction also features a spectacular night show, an IMAX movie theater, shopping, and dining.

Sea Life Park
(808) 259-2500
Located across from Makapuu Beach, this educational park features more than 4000 creatures in simulated natural habitats.

The Contemporary Museum
(808) 526-0232
Ever-changing exhibitions of contemporary art from 1940 to the present are on display in this renovated estate on 3.5 acres of terraced gardens. Enjoy a gourmet cafe and unique museum shop.

USS Arizona Memorial
(808) 422-0561
Commemorating the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, this memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona. There are a number of Pearl Harbor tours available that provide transportation from your Waikiki hotel.

Waikiki Aquarium
(808) 923-9741
Honolulu's public aquarium features more than 2,000 animals from Hawaii and the tropical Pacific on exhibit. Open daily 9-5, except Christmas.

Iolani Palace
(808) 522-0822
A Hawaiian national treasure and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, `Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs--King Kalakaua, who built the Palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani.  During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i. Restoration and preservation continues, and, as a result, today's visitors to this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.

Aloha Surf Clinics with Nancy Emerson
(808) 294-5544
www.surfclinics.com

Nancy Emerson, a former world champion surfer with 35 years teaching experience, has created surfing lessons and invites you to the ultimate surfing experience with the highest quality of making How to Surf EASY, FUN AND SAFE. Nancy's Hawaii surfing clinic includes a local style lunch, surf coaching, guiding adventures and transportation from your South shore accommodation. 

Hedemann Surf School
(808) 924-7778
Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking for local knowledge about the Hawaii breaks, or a brand new surfer ready to catch that first wave, Hans Hedemann Surf School can help with all the things you need to get out there. Now offering Surf Lessons, tours, activity packages, and equipment rental, Hedemann’s is the one stop shop to make the most of your Hawaiian surf experience. The school is conveniently located right next door to the Waikiki Grand Hotel.

Kapiolani Park
When you visit Hawaii, this is one of the places that one should experience. There is no other park like this on earth. The park is named after a beloved Queen of Hawaii, Queen Kapiolani. People of Hawaii and from around the world still gather at this paradise park located within a 3 minute walk from the Waikiki Grand Hotel. The park holds the Waikiki Shell, an outdoor amphitheater that holds venues and concerts performed by the likes of Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, and the Hawaii Symphony, to name a few.

Diamond Head Crater
The most famous volcanic crater in the world is Diamond Head. The entrance is located less than 2 miles from the Waikiki Grand Hotel. A trail leads to the top of the crater where there are a few different observation decks overlooking Waikiki and the east side of Oahu (Hawaii Kai and Koko Head Crater).

Art on the Zoo Fence
Every Sat & Sun: for over 50 years Art on the Zoo Fence has been one of Hawaii’s lasting treasures, enriching the public's experience by providing the opportunity to freely view and enjoy artwork and to meet Hawaii's artists in person. At Art on the Zoo Fence, artists personally present their wide variety of art styles and subjects in original works and prints; primarily oils, acrylics, watercolors and photography. Artists participating in Art on the Zoo Fence also comprise and contribute to a non profit group called Zoo Fence Artists, which contributes annually to various organizations to promote arts education for children.

Honolulu Academy of Arts
(808) 532-8701
Hawaii's only general fine arts museum with an internationally acclaimed Asian art collection. Six charming courtyards surround thirty galleries, a gift shop, the Garden Café and a theater.

Back to Oahu Travel Guide