Wondering what to see or do when you visit Hawaii? You're in the right place! Especially if you love adventure and water activities.
Below is a list of top adventures and attractions to see and do. Whether this is your first trip to Oahu or your tenth, you'll find plenty of great ideas for a very happy vacation and lots of lasting memories.
Top 17 adventures and water sports - Oahu
1. Kayak over turquoise water to the Mokulua Islands.
2. Snorkel to discover Oahu’s underwater world. Take one of the many snorkeling boat/catamaran cruises from Waikiki or Ko Olina or head out to the island’s Hanauma Bay.
3. Visit Waikiki Aquarium to see tropical fish and ocean life without getting wet.
4. Hike to Manoa Falls to stand at the base of a 100-foot tall lacy waterfall.
5. Hike to the top of Diamond Head (Le’ahi) crater for sweeping views of Honolulu.
6. Learn to surf from one of the many beach boys on Waikiki Beach.
7. Try stand up paddle boarding. For the experienced, you can rent paddleboards. If you are a beginner, we recommend taking a lesson.
8. Enjoy a beach day at one of Oahu’s many beautiful beaches. Lanikai Beach is arguably the most beautiful.
9. Take a sunset sail or cocktail/dinner cruise.
10. Enjoy a scenic Oahu trail by horseback ride. Kualoa Ranch and Turtle Bay Resort both offer good horseback riding.
11. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest or Sea Life Park.
12. Ride an outrigger canoe. You can find outrigger canoe tours along Waikiki Beach, Kualoa Ranch and in Ko Olina.
13. Take an ATV (all terrain vehicle) tour of dirt trails.
14. Swim at a waterfall. One of the best and probably safest place to swim at a waterfall is in Waimea Valley.
15. Experience deep sea fishing on an Oahu fishing tour.
16. Go paragliding off the Koolau Mountains.
17. Take a sunrise walk along the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. During winter months keep an eye out for humpback whales that frequent this area.
