The 7 Absolute Best Things to Do on Oahu (if time is short!)

Hey there! If you’re gearing up for a trip to the amazing Oahu, you’re in for a treat!

This island is a gem, packed with loads of awesome things to check out. Seriously, I live here, and I’m still stumbling upon cool new spots all the time!

Now, a lot of folks swing by Oahu, hang out in the famous Waikiki for a bit, and then jet off to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island.

But hold up a sec!

Sure, Waikiki is fantastic – no argument there. But the real magic happens when you venture beyond the Waikiki hustle and bustle. There’s a whole bunch of incredible stuff waiting to be discovered all around Oahu.

Trust me, once you escape the Waikiki chaos and start exploring the rest of the island, you’ll uncover hidden gems that can easily compete with some of the coolest sights worldwide.

So, let’s make sure you don’t miss out on the real Oahu magic!

What are the best things to do on Oahu?

Wondering about the best things to do on Oahu? Forget those overwhelming lists like “50 Top Things to do on Oahu” or “30 Must-Do Activities in Oahu.” Seriously, who has time for all that on a vacation? It’s exhausting just reading those titles.

Let’s cut to the chase and focus on the BEST things to do on this fantastic island – the places and sights you can’t afford to miss.

But first, you might be wondering…

Need a rental car on Oahu? Not really, especially if you’re bunking in Waikiki, where the best things to see and do are a hop, skip, and a jump away.

Tours? Sure, they’ll take you to every point of interest, usually with a hotel pickup. But guess what?

Booking a tour for the places on my list? Not necessary. If you’re up for exploring on your own (and you totally should be!), having your own wheels is key. At least for a day or two.

Quick tip: Hotels in Waikiki might hit you with high daily parking fees (think $35-45 per day). Dodge that by renting a car in town for your last day (or two) and returning it at the airport. The cost of overnight parking beats the taxi ride to the airport (about $50).

Pro tip: Book that rental car well in advance. During the Covid pandemic, rental car companies trimmed their fleets. Good news: supply is bouncing back, and rental car availability is getting back to normal.

Now, driving in Oahu? Brace yourself for Honolulu traffic—it’s generally a headache.

But fear not! Once you escape the city, driving becomes a breeze. Just make sure to leave plenty of time when you head back to the airport.

Enough about traffic—let’s dive into the good stuff!

The 7 Best Things to Do on Oahu

Heading to Oahu? Awesome choice! Before making it my home in 2023, I visited over 20 times, even conquering the Honolulu Marathon 11 times. With experiences in over 175 countries, I’m excited to share the 7 best things to do on this fantastic island.

1. Soak up the glitz and glam of Waikiki Beach

Few cities worldwide blend a brilliant beach with a downtown vibe like Waikiki. Think Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Miami. While Oahu has less crowded beaches (#5 below), Waikiki is a must-see. Spend a week exploring or split your time and venture further afield.

Favorite Waikiki things to do:

Shop Waikiki’s magnificent mile 

Kalakaua Avenue is Oahu’s shopping hub, from Chanel to surf shops. Don’t miss the iconic ABC Stores for Hawaiian souvenirs and more.

Take a sunset catamaran sail

Join a cruise departing from Waikiki Beach for a 2-hour ride, free-flowing mai tais, and breathtaking sunset views. Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail is my top pick.

Honor Waikiki’s own Duke Kahanamoku & learn to surf

 Duke’s legacy lives on, and you can pay tribute by trying your hand at surfing. Lessons are available along Waikiki Beach, and this Private Surfing Lesson on Waikiki Beach is perfect for those who prefer a more personal experience.

Waikiki offers a vibrant mix of beach vibes and urban energy, making it a must-experience spot on Oahu. Stay tuned for more top picks!

2. Remember Pearl Harbor at the USS Arizona Memorial

In the quiet dawn of December 7, 1941, as the U.S. Pacific Fleet lay peacefully with 185 vessels, the first wave of Japanese aircraft entered Hawaiian airspace, marking the commencement of the U.S. Navy’s most significant defeat.

A “day that will live in infamy.”

At 8:06 am, the USS Arizona met its tragic fate when an armor-piercing bomb tore through its deck, leading to its explosion. In less than 9 minutes, it succumbed to the depths with a loss of 1,177 crew members. The assault on Pearl Harbor persisted throughout the day, relentlessly striking the harbor and nearby airfields.

Ultimately, 21 vessels were either sunk or damaged, and 2,390 Americans lost their lives, with countless others wounded. World War II had arrived on American soil.

Decades later, the USS Arizona Memorial emerged at Pearl Harbor, a tribute to those who perished in the attack. Completed in 1961 and dedicated in 1962, its design, described by architect Alfred Preis, symbolizes “initial defeat and ultimate victory, sagging in the center but standing strong and vigorous at the ends. The overall effect is one of serenity.”

Like the beaches of Normandy or the concentration camps of Auschwitz, a visit to Pearl Harbor offers a poignant but crucial glimpse into World War II history.

Need to Know Info:

Tickets for the Arizona Memorial are free but timed, often booking up quickly. Reservations, now available up to 8 weeks in advance, are highly recommended. Plan to arrive an hour before your reservation. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, with free admission.

For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a tour like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tour from Honolulu, where all the details are taken care of. However, note that booking a tour is not necessary; you can explore Pearl Harbor independently with reservations.

3. Snorkel the marine park of Hanauma Bay

Considered the jewel of Oahu and among the world’s top snorkeling sites, Hanauma Bay rivals vibrant coral havens like Moorea and the Maldives.

The pristine marine ecosystem of Hanauma Bay formed within a volcanic cone, creating a natural marine park deeply rooted in Hawaiian history. Native Hawaiians cherished this curved bay for thousands of years, with records indicating even Hawaiian royalty sought recreation here in the 1800s.

Efforts since the 1990s aimed at reducing mass tourism and preserving marine life have limited daily visitors to 3000. To appreciate Hawaii’s underwater wonders, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a must-do.

First-timers must watch a 9-minute video about marine life, preservation, and safety rules. Reservations, now mandatory, can be made online through the Hawaii Parks and Recreation Department, with a limit of 1000 people per day.

Tip: Reserve early; it often fully books a few days ahead. Alternatively, opt for a hassle-free experience with a tour like the Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tour, handling reservations and transportation.

Need to Know Info: Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, open 6:45 am-4:00 pm (last entry at 2:00 pm). Adults pay a $25 entry fee (locals and kids 12 and under free). Parking is $3 (cash only), and spots fill quickly. Bring your snorkel gear, snacks, and beverages.

4. Take a Sunrise Hike up Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head crater, a volcanic tuff cone, dominates the skyline of Waikiki. This U.S. State Monument offers more than an iconic view; visitors can hike to the summit, Fire Control Station Diamond Head.

Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1908, the historic trail features tunnels, command posts, and switchbacks along the 1.5-mile journey. Challenging but not overly strenuous, hikers are rewarded with dazzling views over Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.

Comparable to the panoramic views from the hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, Diamond Head is less demanding.

Personal Note:

I hold a special connection to this hike, having gotten engaged there during a beautiful sunrise in 2014. Romantic and cheered on by Japanese tour groups—bless them.

BONUS: Hike Diamond Head on a Saturday & catch the KCC Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning from 7:30 am-11:00 am, the KCC Farmer’s Market at Kapiolani Community College offers the island’s best treats and natural products. Conveniently located across from Diamond Head State Monument, it’s a perfect post-hike stop.

A favorite for locals, the market features food, music, and fun. Try a tropical fruit smoothie, a Hawaiian plate breakfast, or shop for authentic local products. A delightful reward after your hike!

Read Also: Best Whale Watching In Maui

5. Lounge on Oahu’s Best Beach – Lanikai Beach

Situated near the town of Kailua on Oahu’s windward coast, Lanikai Beach claims the title of Oahu’s best beach. The silky white sands and gentle turquoise seas rival those in far-flung Pacific destinations like Tahiti or Fiji.

The calm waters of Lanikai Beach are perfect for watersports, swimming, or just lounging about on your favorite float.

Need to Know Info: The drive from Waikiki takes 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. There’s no “official” parking lot at Lanikai, so go early or street parking in this residential neighborhood can be a challenge.

Tip: Kailua Beach State Park is less than a mile down the road. If you can’t find legal street parking in Lanikai, park here and walk. Or, just spend your day on the equally fab Kailua Beach.

6. Drive Oahu’s North Shore

Less than an hour’s drive from the glitzy crowds of Waikiki Beach, Oahu’s laid-back North Shore is known for big waves, daredevil surfers, and fish tacos served from a truck.

Considered the surfing mecca of the world, every December, the North Shore hosts 3 major surfing competitions known collectively as the Triple Crown of Surfing. In the summer months, this relaxed surfing community is a great place to escape the throngs in Waikiki.

In fact, the empty beaches and beach bum vibe of the North Shore remind me a bit of some of Thailand’s more laid-back islands like Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta.

But unlike the calm waters of those Thai islands, don’t attempt a swim here unless your big wave skill level is somewhere in the neighborhood of expert.

Here are 3 can’t miss stops on a driving tour of the North Shore:

1. Haleiwa Town

Start your visit to the North Shore in the charming surf town of Haleiwa. Oozing with island history, Haleiwa is the hub of the North Shore. From surf shops to local art galleries, a stroll through Haleiwa Town is a must.

Be sure to stop for a shave ice (Hawaii’s tasty twist on the snow cone).

2. Waimea Bay

The North Shore is known for picturesque, empty beaches, and Waimea Bay is one of the best. In the summer months, the water here is often calm enough for swimming (unlike the rest of the North Shore’s beaches!).

If you like to live dangerously, you can even try your hand at a cliff jumping off Waimea Bay’s big rock. Full disclosure, I do not live that dangerously, but I enjoy photographing those who do!

3. The BEST North Shore Food Trucks!

Now that you’ve built up an appetite, you’ve come to the right place. Head straight for one of the North Shore’s numerous food trucks for fresh garlic shrimp or tantalizing fish tacos.

You’ll find plenty of food trucks clustered in Haleiwa Town (my favorite in Haleiwa is Jenny’s Shrimp Truck) and across from Shark’s Cove. But Kahuku is ground zero for the widest assortment of food truck options.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (Haleiwa and Kahuku) is one of the most popular. But it’s also typically the one with the longest wait. I’ve yet to have a bad meal at a North Shore food truck, so feel free to avoid the crowd and sniff around.

Da Bald Guy is another great one. Or, if you’re looking for an amazing burger, seek out Seven Brothers (several locations along the North Shore).

Bonus Find: Leonard’s Malasada Truck, “MalasadaMobile.” Portuguese in origin, a malasada is basically a fried donut without a hole, often containing a delicious filling. Leonard’s Bakery is Hawaii’s original malasada bakery and has been making malasadas in the Portuguese tradition since 1953.

Tip: If your relaxed day on the North Shore inspires a permanent change of scenery from the high energy of Waikiki, book a room at the Turtle Bay Resort. There’s no better place to truly get away from it all on Oahu.

7. Go Hollywood at Kualoa Ranch

Just as Mount Aspiring National Park is New Zealand’s most popular movie backlot, Kualoa Ranch is considered “Hollywood central” in the Hawaiian Islands.

This 4000-acre private nature reserve has served as the filming location for a wide variety of movies and TV shows. From Hawaii Five-0 and LOST to Jumanji and the Jurassic Park series (though most of the films were shot on Kauai), Kualoa Ranch is a fun detour when visiting Oahu.

Visitors can tour popular movie sites by UTV, glide down a zipline, bike or hike nature trails, or take a horseback ride to explore the ranch’s incredible natural beauty.

We recently did the 2-hour UTV Raptor Tour, and it was excellent. Though fair warning, you will get VERY dirty!

Need to Know Info: Open daily from 7:30 am-6:00 pm. Tour prices vary by activity and are best booked directly through Kualoa Ranch’s website.

And there you have it! 

The 7 absolute best things to do in Oahu that you can’t miss on your next visit. You could easily spend weeks exploring Oahu and still discover new things to do.

But if your time on the island is limited, these are the places I always take my friends and family when they visit.

From epic sunsets and stunning beaches to verdant landscapes and turquoise waters teeming with marine life, you’ll find it all on Oahu.

So book those flights, grab your aloha shirt, and enjoy your Hawaiian holiday.

Conclusion

In summary, Oahu, Hawaii, presents an array of incredible experiences that showcase the island’s diversity and historical significance. From the iconic Waikiki Beach, blending glitz with beach vibes, to the poignant USS Arizona Memorial, each attraction offers a unique glimpse into Oahu’s character.

Moving beyond Waikiki reveals hidden gems like Hanauma Bay, a marine park rivaling global snorkeling sites. The sunrise hike up Diamond Head Crater provides not only stunning views but also a historic trail adding depth to the island experience. Lanikai Beach offers a serene escape, while the North Shore’s big waves, food trucks, and Haleiwa Town showcase Oahu’s laid-back charm.

For a touch of Hollywood, Kualoa Ranch stands as a testament to the island’s cinematic allure. In essence, Oahu harmonizes natural wonders, cultural richness, and diverse activities, ensuring an unforgettable visit. Whether time is ample or limited, these seven highlights encapsulate Oahu’s essence, promising a Hawaiian holiday filled with enduring memories. So, pack your bags, embrace the aloha spirit, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Oahu.