There are so many great things to do in Oahu. This is one of the reasons why it is the most popular and the most visited island of the six Hawaiian Islands. Apart from enjoying a beautiful climate, rich nature, and a thriving marine life, the island is also colorful, vibrant and full of vigor. Oahu is also the busiest of the six islands, since it enjoys a generous crop of tourists from all over the world. Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island to visit for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies seeking to be dazzled. The island has plenty for everyone; there are plenty of things to do and see. In fact, there is so much to do and see in Oahu to outlast more than a single trip. Below is a list of top things to do in Oahu.
Visit Honolulu Historic Sites
Visit downtown and central Honolulu for breathtaking sights of historical buildings such as the Iolani Palace, home to the last monarchs of Hawaii, as well as the only Royal Palace ever to stand on American soil. Do not hesitate to take a guided tour through the palace to learn more about Hawaii’s last monarchs.
For an even more rewarding experience, remember to visit the Kamehameha I statue, the Old Federal Building, Kawaiaha’o Church – the first ever church in Hawaii, the Mission Houses Museum, as well as the Hawaii State Capitol. All these and other historic sites in the city center are well within walking distance of the equally popular Aloha Tower.
The Incredible Oahu North Shore
Famous by the title “Surfing capital of the world”, Oahu North Shore is a mecca for killer wave surfing. The shore, which spans from Kaéna to Laíe point, is home to surfers who seem to possess more skill than sense. Surfers from across the world come to Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach to put on impressive shows against 50-or-so feet waves. Once in Oahu, every surfer will want to be at Oahu North Shore. Surfing is probably one of the most obvious things to do in Oahu.
Hike Diamond Head Crater
Hiking the Diamond Head Crater is one of the best things you can do in Oahu and one of the best Hiking Tours on Oahu. The hike is a 1.4-mile round-trip trek to the famous Diamond Head Crater. The 150,000 year-old, dormant cone volcano got its name from British seamen who mistook sparkling calcite crystals for real diamonds. The crater provides an incredible 360-degree panoramic view over Waikiki. The crate towers over Waikiki beach and several other landmarks making it a favorite spot for photographers. If you are up to it, you can join people who run up the hike just ‘for fun’.
Visit Pearl Harbor
Visiting Pearl Harbor is one of the best things you can do in Oahu. Pearl Harbor is a history class by itself, and there is a lot to learn about the Arizona Memorial. For more history and a richer travel experience, take the Mighty Mo tour or the USS Bowfin Submarine tour. Bring your kids a long with you, both tours are hit with the young ones.
Vibrant Waikiki Beach
Take time to mingle with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people from all over the world. Waikiki is a wonderful beach; it is warm, clean, long and with gentle surf. It is ever alive and full of vigor. Waikiki beach is all about fun, pomp and color, and then some more fun. Do not lazy away in your hotel room, walk down to Waikiki beach and socialize, get surfing lessons, or play water games. Waikiki beach is also a shoppers’ paradise; there are many shops and restaurants along the beach walks. When planning your ‘things to do in Oahu’ list, you MUST include Waikiki beach.
Golfing
If golfing is on your travel itinerary, enjoy teeing off on spectacular golf courses such as Ala Wai and Koólau. With the latter lying at the base of Pali Mountain, where golfers get incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, it is without a doubt one of the most incredible golf courses.
Waikiki Boat Trips
One of the best things you can do while in Oahu is actually getting out on the water. If you enjoy boat rides, there is a variety of options to keep you spoilt for choice. For first timers, Outrigger Reef Hotel provides excellent catamaran rides. If you have kids, bring them along for the catamaran ride; the little angels will love lounging on the mesh and peering down to the ocean below. Many luxury cruise companies in Oahu offer a wide range of cruises including lunchtime and sunset cruises. A popular company named Atlantis Adventures offers a submarine cruise experiences like no other.
Oahu is a Shoppers’ Paradise
Oahu is a delightful shopping destination. The island hosts both cheap stores likes ABC and the International Market Place as well as prestigious brand names such as Chanel, Tiffany and Gucci. After renovation, the Royal Hawaiian Center now contains over 150 shops and stores. The famous Waikiki beach walk has numerous incredible restaurants and shops on two levels. Foreigners seeking to enjoy duty-free savings on luxury products can visit the DFS Galleria.
Good planning will save you both time and money when researching the best things to do in Oahu.