Things to Do on Oahu: 8 Must-See Attractions
We tell you what to do on Oahu, the most visited island in Hawaii.
When tourists think about what to do on Oahu, the first thing they think about is its size. But although it is not the largest island in the Hawaiian chain, it is by far the most popular, receiving millions of tourists each year who come to see the main attractions; the capital city of Honolulu, the resorts of Waikiki, the beaches of the North Shore, and the many mountains, valleys, and hiking trails in between.
What's unique about this island in the US archipelago is that you can disappear into nature or dine at some of the world's finest restaurants, grab a surfboard and head to one of the world's most famous beaches, or walk into a museum to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture. All this in a place whose maximum distance to travel is about 30 minutes.
What will you find in this note:
8 Things to Do on Oahu
- Tour Diamond Head State Park and appreciate its views
- Visit Pearl Harbor
- Swimming in Hanauma Bay
- Walking around the Waikiki area
- Venture through the Waimea Valley
- Hike to the Manoa Falls
- Trekking in Koko Crater
- Enjoy Lanikai and its beaches
8 Things to Do on Oahu
Oahu is often the first place people visit when they come to see the Hawaiian Islands. As you can imagine, that means it has so many attractions and things to do. To help narrow your search, here's what to do on Oahu and 8 must-see attractions.
Tour Diamond Head State Park and appreciate its views
Perhaps the most recognized landmark in the state of Hawaii is the Oahu Diamond Head State Monument. This now dormant volcano sits perched on the tip of the island like a crown overlooking Waikiki and Honolulu and is one of the most popular attractions in the entire archipelago.
The Diamond Head skyline is iconic for the island of Oahu. The state monument spans 475 acres and is most famous for its hiking trail that begins inside the crater and rises to the top. The out and back trail is less than two miles along the paved road. From the top, visitors have an extraordinary view of the Honolulu skyline, as well as the surrounding beaches.
Visit Pearl Harbor
Oahu has been a strategic military hotspot for centuries, and sadly, not all of that history has been a good one. Honolulu was the site of the famous attack on Pearl Harbor, which caused the United States to enter World War II.
The USS Arizona Memorial is poetic in design, almost shaped like wings, and stands atop the wreckage of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, which is the final resting place for the 1,177 crew members who died on December 7, 1941. Today the wreckage, as well as the monument, are maintained by the National Park Service.
A visit to the monument and Pearl Harbor includes a boat ride to the monument, as well as a tour. The monument receives more than 1.7 million visitors each year.
Swimming in Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu's natural gems to do. A kaleidoscope of tropical colors, this protected bay has a legendary reputation for being one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii.
The submerged bay was formed within a volcanic cone and today has one of the best preserved marine ecosystems in the world. It is protected on both sides by vertical crater walls, and the long distance from the bay's outlet to shore keeps the waves incredibly calm and the water pristine and beautifully colored. Visitors come here for the excellent snorkeling and marine life viewing.
Walking around the Waikiki area
Of all the beaches in the state of Hawaii, none is as famous as Waikiki Beach. What is actually made up of several smaller connected beaches is one of the most famous and iconic seaside destinations in the world, thanks to its beautiful scenery, charming hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
Waikiki is a small, flat area east of downtown Honolulu with one of the highest concentrations of beach resorts, restaurants, and shops. But the beach is what put this area on the map. Once the place where Hawaiian royalty greeted visitors, today the beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing.
Read More- 36 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii
Venture through the Waimea Valley
Oahu's North Shore is replete with spectacular scenery. But perhaps one of the most beautiful places to visit on the north coast of the island is the Waimea Valley. Steeped in both natural beauty and Hawaiian history, Waimea Valley is a must-stop for anyone venturing to the North Shore.
The site is an ancient and sacred place nestled between the mountains along the Waimea River, which empties into Waimea Bay. The valley was a gift from Kamehameha the Great to his most trusted advisor. Over the years, the land has changed hands many times, but today it is a protected area preserved for its natural beauty and ties to Oahu's history.
Hike to the Manoa Falls
Oahu is practically full of waterfalls, and many of them are very easy to reach on foot. Manoa Falls is one of the best waterfalls on the island and is very easily accessible thanks to a relatively moderate hiking trail through the jungle.
The road to the falls is less than two miles round trip through a lush and beautiful jungle landscape. The walk advances with a constant slope, although the exit is downhill.
Trekking in Koko Crater
If you're ready for an absolute quad workout, you have to try the Koko Crater Railway Trail. It's a humbling experience: many Honolulu locals use this trail as their daily pre-breakfast workout. The hike is completely uphill up a very steep and completely exposed mountain side, consisting of over 1,000 steps.
The steps are made from abandoned railway tiles, which were used by the military during World War II as part of a tram to carry supplies to the top of the ridge. While the hike is absolutely challenging, the top rewards you with spectacular views of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, and parts of the island of Molokai.
Enjoy Lanikai and its beaches
About 30 minutes from Waikiki is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. Lanikai Beach is known for its sugary white sand, turquoise water, and calm surf that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In fact, many people prefer Lanikai Beach to Hanauma Bay because it doesn't require tickets to enter and is much less crowded, making it one of the must-do things to do on Oahu.
