• Big Island of Hawaii
• Maui
• Kauai
• Oahu
• Lanai
• Molokai

Things To Do In Oahu - Best Activities

Explore the North Shore

Hailed by surfers as one of the best spots to catch a wave in the world, the North Shore will be a feast for your eyes and your soul as the pounding surf reminds you of nature's incredible strength and power. Regardless of your own surfing skills you will be able to appreciate the daring feats of athleticism as you watch professionals brave the dangerous waters at Bonzai Pipeline, a beach featured in several surfing films over the years. Winter brings the largest waves and spectators come from across the island to see the action. An hour driving from Waikiki will bring you to the small town of Haleiwa and from here the North Shore stretches out, waiting for you to come enjoy its intimidating beauty.

Join in a Luau Celebration

You don't have to just sit and watch at a traditional Luau, you can get up and participate! An evening filled with good food and excellent entertainment, popular luaus like the Paradise Cove Luau invite visitors to join in ancient games and lessons in hula or lei making. The historical Polynesian traditions are preserved in all their majesty, so that you will walk away with a newfound respect for the people of the Pacific Islands who migrated so far to reach the paradise of Hawaii. There are several other Luaus of excellent quality to choose from, such as Germaine's Luau, and the Polynesian Center's Ali'i Luau.

Visit the Bishop Museum

Take a journey through Hawaiian cultural heritage at this wonderful establishment of education, suitable for visitors of all ages. Built by bequest of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the Bishop museum was intended to preserve the history of the Hawaiian people, from whom Bernice herself descended. Her husband made sure that her desire to have the museum built was fulfilled after her death, and today we can all enjoy the beauty and rich culture of the exhibits here.

Take a Hike: Makapu'u Point

A manageable 2.5 mile hike to the most eastern tip of Ohau would be a pleasant and invigorating excursion, taking about and hour each way. It is recommended to take off in the early part of the day to avoid the mid-day and afternoon heat as you hike uphill in the sun. You can expect some spectacular views of Waimanalo Bay and Koko Head to the north and south. In the winter months from Dec-May you might even be lucky enough to see some whales!

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Over 1,500,000 visitors pay their respects at this sobering yet inspiring monument to the sunken battleship and fallen heroes from the infamous battle of Pearl Harbor. The Arizona Memorial and the newest addition of the restored Battleship Memorial are also popular spots to visit in the vicinity. Over 1,177 people lost their lives in this spot, and for the young and the old this is a sobering sight to behold. But the experience is a positive one as well, and the whole family can enjoy an educational visit that also acts as a lesson in our country's history. The harbor was named after the plentiful oysters that were once harvested from the shore, and is the largest natural harbor in the island chain. The naval base is now designated as a National Landmark, the only one in the country with this special title. At the comprehensive visitors center you can learn all about the "infamous" day through video and exhibits. A boat can shuttle you out to the battleship USS Arizona that still sits in the harbor.

Climb Diamond Head

Catch some priceless views of the island and its major cities from the giant peak that towers over Waikiki. The Hawaiian name for this mountain is Le'ahi and was only renamed in the 1700s by the seafaring British explorers who notices sparkling lights on the rocky cliffs and thought that they had discovered diamonds. Those alluring sparkles were in fact calcite crystals, but the misleading name stuck. If you care to hike to the top, plan to spend at least an hour each way, but save time to let your eyes linger on the panorama of gorgeous views. This famous natural landmark rises to 760 feet and is visible on the skyline from all around the island. The crater was named a National Landmark in the late 60s and has continued to be a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers for many years. You can also explore the old military bunkers here, but be sure to remember your flashlight! You can get here by bus, only a short ride from the nearby Waikiki.

Polynesian Cultural Center Tours

One of the greatest sources of tourist revenue, a ticket to this cultural center offers a Paradise Canoe Pageant show performed each day on the adjacent lagoon. Visitors are transported across four Polynesian "islands" that have been built into a landscaped area spanning 42-acres. The only IMAX theatre on the island, or in the whole state of Hawaii, is used here for educational entertainment. Host of the Ali'i Luau, the cultural center is dedicated to the preservation of ancient culture and wants to share their rich history with visitors to their island home.

Waikiki Aquarium and Zoo

Frequently overlooked by tourists, the 2,300 mile zoo located in Kapi'olani Park was originally given to the people of Hawaii by a grant from the King. The Waikiki aquarium is located nearby and is unique in that it is the third oldest aquarium in the US. Find native marine life and exhibits on some of the research done by scientists who come to Hawaii for the distinct eco-systems and wide array of tropical sea-life.

Tour the Dole Plantation

There are almost too many activities to choose from just in this one fascinating spot! From train rides to mazes to gardens, this once bustling commerce center is now a wildly popular tourist playground. The World's Largest Maze, according to Guinness world records in 2001, is located here and you can explore the many twists and turns for hours! Take a ride on the Pineapple Express, a narrated 20-min train ride that takes you for a historical ride through the plantation's agricultural world. Learn all about the fascinating life of pioneer James Dole. The Garden Tour will lead you through eight gardens with a variety of fruit bearing plants, flowers, vegetable and special native species. There are also over 20 varieties of pineapple plants to see and admire for their beauty and delicious flavor. You can find many souvenirs at the old-time country store so that you will never forget your visit.

A similar tour is available at The Hawaii Plantation Village. Here you can learn all about the lifestyle of plantation workers form over a century ago, when laborers came from all over the world for work harvesting crops. From Portugal, China, Puerto Rico, Japan, Korea and more, these immigrants contributed to the rich cultural mix of Hawaiian life.

Iolani Palace

Step into the home of royal monarchs King Kalakaua and his sister Queen Liliukalani who later took the thrown herself. You will admire the lavish decorations of the Blue Room, State Dining Room, throne room and even the private apartments of the royals themselves. Tour guides will tell the historic tale of Liliukalani's imprisonment in the palace during the overthrow of the monarchy by Hawaiian citizens. There are displays that show the personal jewelry and crowns of the king and queen, and you can also visit a restored kitchen made to look just like it did during the most active days in the palace. Guided and audio tours of Iolani Palace are available Tuesday through Saturday. Ticket cost to the museum is: Guided $20 - Adults, $5 - Children 5-12; Audio Tour $13 - Adults, $5 - Children 5-12; Galleries: $6 - Adult, $3 - Children 5-12. Childen under 5 are free and admitted to Galleries only.

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