Looking for things to do on Oahu? Look no further!
Recently I ventured out to Hawaii for the first time in ten years, but this time, bringing along my amazing husband for our five-year anniversary. I planned the trip for about a year, trying to back in as much as possible during our weeklong stay.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many Yelp and AllTrails reviews I read to decide on activities. It was a lot.
Although it rained for much of the trip, it was still Hawaii-warm. We hiked, we enjoyed the beach — and were rained on off and on. In Hawaii, however, being wet doesn’t seem to be much of a problem. If it rains, enjoy the moment, and you’ll be dry soon enough! I loved every moment.
Make sure to plan the many details of your trip to Oahu ahead of time and you’ll be able to be “in” the moment.
Are you looking for things to do on Oahu?
Here’s a good start!
- Honolulu Zoo — A smaller zoo with beautiful flora. We couldn’t find many animals because it was raining and then cloudy, but walking in the gardens was also a highlight of this zoo. This zoo is in Hawaii, Honolulu – so how can you go wrong with how beautiful all the plants and animals are. I asked for a map at the entrance, and they mentioned taking a picture of their map or downloading their app – as they’re trying to be more green. I thought this was great to see – as a lot of zoos throw around the paper maps like they’re confetti.
- Waikiki Grand Hotel and Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand on Oahu — A hive of condo units managed by hotel or privately owned. We used Airbnb to grab a room. At the East end of Waikiki across the street from the Honolulu Zoo. We stayed at the Waikiki Grand Hotel just above Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. Food, drinks, and dancing throughout the week. Hula’s is one of the most popular gay stops in Waikiki!
- Eating at Duke’s Waikiki and Yoshitsune Restaurant in Waikiki — Duke’s Waikiki and Yoshitsune Restaurant are two delicious eateries we tried while enjoying the Waikiki strip.
- Visiting the Lyon Arboretum & Moanaloa Gardens on Oahu — Two beautiful settings to explore, visiting the Lyon Arboretum and Moanaloa Gardens make for a memorable afternoon on Oahu.
- Arancino Ristorante Italiano — Caught this place by chance during lunch. Previous nights it was completely booked. We ate inside, and had the most delicious lobster bisque. Wonderful part about this place, as is common with most Waikiki eateries – is that you can eat inside, or outside on the open patio.
- Hula Dog Kuhio — I had to bring my husband to Hula Dog, once Puka Dog, because this was yet another place I remember fondly. The location and vibe has changed, as since I visited the husband and wife team split, and this is what remains on Oahu – with Puka Dog traveling to Maui.
- Hanauma Bay — We had an hour before sunset to explore – so we made a stop at Hanauma Bay. We didn’t do much snorkeling, just a bit, as it was very windy, and choppy. I forced Barrett to snorkel in the waves a bit, and we found some fish, all under one foot in size, dancing among the coral. Although murky, it was fun. There’s not as much life in Oahu waters as in year’s past, which is sad, but it’s important to explore the world we’re left with – and work to preserve our future. There’s a tram that takes you to the bottom of the hill to Hanauma Bay for a charge, or you can walk. Standing showers are available to wash your feet and supplies after enjoying a day at Hanauma Bay.
- Pearl Harbor USS Arizona and USS Bowfin Memorial & Stopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet — Open on Saturday’s, get to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet early to see all vendors and browse the varied collection of items available for purchase. Vendors wrap around the entire stadium with everything from license plates to coconuts.
- Visiting the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Alan Davis Beach & Pele’s Chair — After visiting the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, it’s a hop, skip and jump to also visit Alan Davis Beach & Pele’s Chair.
- Momosan Ramen Waikiki — The brainchild of Chef Morimoto and his second ramen restaurant — Momosan Ramen Waikiki is right next door to the left of Morimoto Asia.
- Koko Crater Tramway to Kokohead Lookout — Koko Crater is an absolute monster. I thought I was going to fall off the world and die. I thought I may have to fake a heart attack, just to get firefighters to take me off the mountain. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience making it to the top – but I am absolutely so grateful I did. It didn’t help that we were wearing flip flops, either. Almost immediately it was very apparent who the locals were. Their quads and bodies were probably twice my size. They could have easily put me on their back and carried me all the way to the top. A huge plus of this place, however, is all the beautiful men who are jogging. Once I made it to the top I couldn’t go to the other side of the mountain to look down the crater. I just couldn’t. My fear of heights has increased as I age. Barrett grabbed the great photos from that side for me, and for that, I am forever grateful. Be warned – there’s one section of the railroad ties that lifts above the earth, showing a huge drop below. I took the trail less traveled, to the right of this atrocity, to try and preserve my life. My advice? Wear tennis or hiking shoes, dummies.
- Lulumahu Falls & Kaniakapupu Ruins in Hawaii on Oahu — Beautiful hike through a thick bamboo forest with lots of downed trees to get past. Honolulu Board of Water Supply owns the land and a day pass permit is required to enter the property. It was only $2.50 online and took roughly 10 minutes to register. The Kaniakapupu Ruins are King Kamehameha III’s summer home, not necessarily open to visitors. Visited while in the area with our day pass. There’s tremendous, beautiful energy here, although some consider the area haunted by Nightmarchers. Don’t tread on or touch the ruins. This is a sacred place.
- Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on Oahu — Tucked in the back of the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park this place is worth the pilgrimage. It’s one of my sacred places.
- Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck and Aloha Espresso on Oahu’s North Shore — Famous Kahuku Shrimp delivers delicious, no-frills shrimp plates if you’re looking to skip the massive Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck line. Nearby is a little “food” truck when you’re searching for coffee in Laie, Aloha Espresso. Remember, Starbucks only exists in Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu.
- Staying at a Velzyland Beach Airbnb Near Waimea Valley and Falls — Our Airbnb was a few blocks from Velzyland Beach, so spent time wandering. You can walk forever on this beach, making your way to Sunset Beach. The beautiful Waimea Valley and Falls are also nearby for a nice visit.
- Roy’s Beach House — At the well-known Turtle Bay Resort, we spent our anniversary evening at Roy’s Beach House. Delicious fish, boutique sushi, and more. Although we ate here after the sunset, I could tell this place would be glorious in the day. Looking right over the water! On the expensive side of restaurants. If I had to compare the two – I would actually choose Duke’s Waikiki over Roy’s Beach House. I had the butterfish – and it was very good. Buttery, and filled with a certain fire-roasted quality. Edamame served to your table complimentary.
- Makua Beach & Mermaid Caves at Nanakuli Beach Park on Oahu — Although you should treat all beaches with respect, you should treat any beach on the West Side with extra respect. You’re treading on the local’s playground. Nearby, the Mermaid Caves are absolutely stunning. Climb down to view the caves, or view from above if you’re not feeling adventurous. Watch your step. You could fall into a Mermaid Cave!
- Dole Plantation — The Dole Plantation! One of the most recognizable brands in the entire world! As a branding expert, I surely enjoyed visiting this place again. You can get drinks, snacks, plushies – all pineapple themed. So much fun! The world’s largest maze was closed, and although I have already done it, I wanted to visit again. We opted to do the Dole Plantation train – which is something I hadn’t experienced. When you see the “Do not eat food on the train” signs – remember, you can still finish your snacks in the line until you board. Although Barrett was dozing off during the train ride – I had an absolutely fantastic time. I loved seeing the various crops – from cane sugar to avocadoes, to coconuts. See a pineapple labeled “Royal Hawaiian” at the store? That means it came from the Dole Plantation on Oahu!
- Eating at Ted’s Bakery & Visiting Haleiwa — The perfect day on the North Shore? Eat at Ted’s Bakery and then stroll the streets of Haleiwa.
- Polynesian Cultural Center: Hawaii’s Top Attraction on Oahu — A spectacular destination not to miss while on Oahu.
- Pacific Marina Inn — The Pacific Marina Inn is pretty much your best bet if you need a place to crash right before heading to the Honolulu Airport. This is where I grabbed a room reservation for our last night – dropping off our rental car at Enterprise right after checking in. I’m sure this place is beat to crap – as one of the last stops where you wash off all the red Hawaiian mud, before you head back home. Great perk of this place is that they have a complimentary shuttle – call to be taken from the airport from the hotel, and also gives shuttle rides to the airport from the hotel every hour and half hour.
Hawaii leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Visit if you have the chance!
