37 Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii (Fun, Couples, Free)

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Even though the island of Oahu is the most populated island in Hawaii, it’s just as beautiful as the other islands, and there are so many good things to do in Oahu for every kind of traveler.

Some of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii include hikes, beaches, waterfalls, botanical gardens, water sports, wildlife sightings, and more.

There are also some less conventional things to do in Oahu island, like seeing lighthouses, visiting the Pear Harbor memorial, or touring the Jurassic Park film site.

I’ve been privileged to visit the Hawaiian islands many times (often for months at a time), so I’ve done a bunch of hiking, exploring, and sightseeing all over Oahu, including some of the most far flung corners of the island.

This travel guide is our complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii!

Where To Stay In Oahu

 
 

Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii

 

1. Hike The Trails

Oahu island has almost 300 documented hiking trails, featuring jagged green mountains, coastal views, jungles, and waterfalls.

Many of these hikes are easy and doable for all ages or fitness levels, although Oahu also has epic and dangerous hikes for the serious thrill seekers.

Some of the best hikes in Oahu include Ka’ena Point, Koko Head, and the Crouching Lion hike. Easy trails for families include Diamond Head and the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli hike.

Read More: Best Oahu Hikes

       
 
 

2. Visit The Pillboxes

During World War II, the U.S. military built concrete bunkers all around the island of Oahu as lookout posts for spotting enemy activity.

These bunkers, or ‘pillboxes’ as they’re called, usually have stunning views of the Oahu coastline and some of them are nicely perched for watching the sunrise or sunset.

The two most famous pillbox hikes in Hawaii are the Diamond Head Lookout and the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, although they can get a bit crowded. Visit some of the others (like the Ma’ili pink pillbox) if you want to escape the crowds!

 

3. See The Waterfalls

There are dozens of nice waterfalls on Oahu island, and they can usually be reached with a short, easy hike through the jungle.

Don’t expect any giant Jurassic Park-style waterfalls like the ones on Kauai or the Big Island, but Oahu’s falls are still worth a visit.

It’s a fun change of scenery from the beach and mountains, and sometimes you can swim in the water too. Two of our favorite waterfall hikes are Maunawili Falls and Lulumahu Falls, which are both very scenic but require a bit of work to reach.

The most popular and family friendly waterfalls to visit in Oahu are Waimea Falls and Manoa Falls, although the latter one (Manoa) is a bit seasonal and it tends to dry up easily, so you’ll want to check the conditions before you go.

 

4. Climb The Stairway To Heaven

This hike is so amazing it deserves a special mention. It’s also epic, scary, and slightly illegal. Still interested?

The infamous ‘Stairway to Heaven’ takes you to the top of the Ko’olau mountains via 3,922 metal stairs of pure adrenaline and doom. At some points, the stairway is almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain.

There’s an old World War II radio station at the top of the mountain, but the stairway has been closed since the 1980s, and fines of up to $1,000 have been given out to people caught climbing it. The area is even patrolled by security guards around the clock.

Still, thousands of people make the climb every year, and for good reason — it’s one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth!

Read More: Stairway To Heaven Hike

       
 
 

5. Climb A Volcano Crater

Another famous hike in Oahu that deserves a special mention is the Koko Crater Trail! This one is an endurance test that takes you up 1,048 stairs on the steep slope of an extinct volcano crater.

The island of Oahu doesn’t have any active volcanoes with lava flows like the ones on the Big Island of Hawaii, but it does have several dormant volcano craters left over from ages past, and it’s fun to visit them even if it’s just for the novelty of walking on a volcano!

Many Hawaiian locals and tourists alike enjoy the Koko Head stairs for the good workout and calorie burn, and the sunrise and sunset are also known for being spectacular. It’s not a dangerous hike, but it’s a real fitness test and this slog may not be enjoyable for everyone. It’ll definitely make your legs sore the next day!

Two other extinct volcano craters you can climb in Oahu are Diamond Head and the Ka’au Crater. Diamond Head is family friendly and relatively easy, while Ka’au is long and difficult. Both are great!

 

6. Visit The North Shore

The north shore of Oahu island is known for its fantastic sand and waves, snorkeling and sea turtle spotting, bargain food trucks, and overall laid back vibes.

To be fair, the north shore is no secret anymore, and there’s plenty of tourist traffic here, but it still manages to be one of the more quiet and undeveloped corners of Oahu island. Compared to Waikiki, it’s a totally different experience.

During the winter, the north shore is also known for having some of the biggest waves in the world, and it’s fun to watch the pro surfers riding the giant swells at the Banzai Pipeline.

Whether you’re a surfer, a snorkeler, or a family with kids, you should definitely check out the north shore at least once while visiting Oahu!

 

7. Relax On The Beaches

There are so many white sand beaches in Oahu it’s hard to choose a few to highlight, but I’ll try.

On the windward side of the island, Lanikai Beach has powdery white sand and it’s ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.

On the north shore, two great choices are Laniakea Beach (where you can spot sea turtles) and Sunset Beach.

Even the touristy beaches at Ala Moana and Waikiki are pretty nice if you can handle the crowds. Regardless of which side of the island you decide to explore, you’re sure to encounter some fantastic beaches!

Read More: Best North Shore Beaches

 

8. Stroll A Botanical Garden

The island of Oahu is home to a bunch of different botanical gardens — at least eight of them!

Aside from having thousands of interesting plant and tree species, these gardens are nice for taking a stroll or snapping photos, usually featuring their own ponds or waterfalls.

Arguably the best botanical garden in Oahu is Ho’omaluhia, which has walking paths that wrap around a koi pond, and stunning green mountain backdrops that are fit for Jurassic Park. It’s one of our favorite free activities in Oahu.

 
Here are a few other great botanical gardens to check out in Oahu:
 

• Lyon Arboretum — Located right outside Manoa Falls, this is a 194-acre tropical rainforest featuring 5,000 exotic plants, singing birds, and a self-guided hike.
• Wahiawa Botanical Garden — You can visit this one on the way to the Dole Plantation, or the north shore. It’s a 27-acre high elevation garden that’s free and underrated.
• Waimea Valley — A beautiful jungle valley on the north shore, and it also has a nice waterfall of its own.

       
 
 

9. Try Shave Ice

You can’t leave Oahu island without trying shave ice, the iconic frozen treat of Hawaii.

They have dozens of fun flavors like bubblegum, guava, lemon, and passion fruit, plus add-ons like ice cream, Azuki beans, and Mochi (Japanese rice balls).

You can find good shave ice shops in every corner of the island, but one of the best (and the most famous) is definitely Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, which is located on the North Shore.

This shop dates back to 1951, and they make some of the best shave ice we’ve had anywhere in Oahu Hawaii!

Here are some other good shave ice shops to check out:

• Island Vintage Shave Ice (Honolulu)
• Shimazu Shave Ice (Honolulu)
• Waiola Shave Ice (Honolulu)
• Banan (Honolulu, Waikiki, Kailua)
• Island Snow (Kailua)

 

10. See The Lighthouses

Lighthouses may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of tropical islands, but Oahu is actually home to a number of them, including two very photogenic ones.

Makapuu is Oahu’s most famous lighthouse, and you can see it up close by hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, which is a family friendly hike on the southeast corner of the island.

The Diamond Head lighthouse is another good one. It’s not open to the public, but you can see it from the road nearby, or hike the Diamond Head crater for even better views from above.

If you want to get off the beaten path, check out the Barber’s Point Lighthouse, which is located directly on the beach in Kapolei, with a nice view of the sunset!

 

11. See The Wildlife

Hawaii is home to several native wildlife species, including the chubby Hawaiian monk seals.

If you’re lucky, you can also spot whales, sea birds, turtles, and all kinds of colorful fish. Seeing this wildlife in its natural environment is definitely one of the best things to do in Oahu!

Remember to keep a healthy distance from wildlife, especially the seals and turtles. They’re endangered and highly protected, so you can get hefty penalties for being too close.

Here are a few great places to see wildlife in Oahu:

• Ka’ena Point — You’re practically guaranteed to see seals and Albatross birds here, plus occasional whales in the distance! This is a family friendly hike on the northwest corner of Oahu.
• Makapuu Lighthouse Trail — Hands down one of the best spots to see whales from the shore! This is a family friendly hike on the southeast corner of Oahu.
• Laniakea Beach — One of the best places to see turtles on the beach. They come here almost every day and like to lounge on the sand.
• Hanauma Bay — This nature preserve is Oahu’s most famous place to go snorkeling. You can see lots of colorful fish here, up close and personal. Great place to learn how to snorkel!

 

12. Take A Scenic Drive

The island of Oahu has a bunch of scenic roads where you can enjoy the landscape without even stepping out of your car.

A favorite is the coastal route from Waimanalo to Hawaii Kai, driving along the Kalanianaʻole highway as it travels the southeast coastline and circles the Koko Head Crater.

Another good one is the drive from Kaneohe to the North Shore, which gives you stellar views of the green Ko’olau mountains and the windward coastline.

Last, but not least, the North Shore is always good for a scenic drive. This stretch of the Kamehameha highway, from Laie to Haleiwa, is covered with good beaches!

 

13. Tour The Film Sites

The original Jurassic Park movie was filmed in Oahu, and many other blockbusters have since made use of the island’s tropical scenery and beaches.

That includes popular Hollywood hits such as King Kong, Jumanji, The Hunger Games, Godzilla, and the Jurassic Park sequels, which all had scenes filmed in Oahu.

The most popular filming location in Hawaii is Kualoa Ranch, where they sell tours of all the film sites, as well as other fun activities like four wheeling and zip lining.

Book Now: Hollywood Movie Sites Tour

 

14. Visit The Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation is a fun, free place to see on your way to the North Shore of Oahu island.

Sure, it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but I think it’s still worth at least one visit for the souvenirs, history, and ‘Dole whip’ ice cream (pineapple soft serve).

They also have a pineapple shaped garden maze (billed as the world’s largest) and lots of other fun activities for families.

 

15. See The Rainbows

The Hawaii state license plate features a rainbow, and there’s a good reason for that. These islands are loaded with rainbows. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many rainbows in any other place on Earth!

There was even a 2021 study by Dr. Steven Businger that found Hawaii is the ‘rainbow capital of the world’ and has perfect conditions for rainbow sightings because of its latitude, trade winds, sunlight, and other weather conditions.

 

16. Go Island Hopping

One of the best things to do in Oahu is island hopping to the nearby small islands and sandbars, particularly on the windward side.

For a real adventure, kayak over to Chinamans Hat and climb to the top of the rock! Alternatively, head over to the Kailua area and kayak out to the Mokulua islands, which are the little twin islands you can see from Lanikai Beach.

Or, if you fancy relaxing on a sandbar, there’s a big one near the coast of Kaneohe that can be reached by kayak, standup paddleboard, or a boat tour.

 

17. See The Landmarks

It’s worth spending a half day exploring Honolulu city and seeing the popular landmarks.

Two city landmarks that stand out are the King Kamehameha Statue, dedicated to the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and the Iolani Palace, which was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs.

The Waikiki Trolley is a great way to get around town and see some of the sights. You can buy a trolley pass online.

Natural landmarks in Oahu are too many to list, but they include such gems as Diamond Head, Koko Head, Hanauma Bay, and Chinamans Hat Island (also known as Mokolii Island).

Book Now: Honolulu City Tour

 

18. Visit Pearl Harbor Memorial

The Pearl Harbor Memorial is dedicated to the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which killed over 2,400 Americans and marked the U.S. entering World War II.

This memorial and museum is a short distance from Waikiki and it’s open to the public seven days a week. The visitor center, two museums, and USS Arizona program are free for all visitors, but a guide is still helpful for explaining everything.

The highlight of this experience for me was touring the deck of the USS Missouri battleship, which is where the emperor of Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945, ending World War II. Aside from the history, the ship is also an impressive piece of hardware.

Book Now: Pearl Harbor Tour

 

19. Enjoy The Viewpoints

If you’re in the mood for scenery but don’t feel like hiking, check out some of the scenic viewpoints in Oahu!

Here are a few top recommendations:

• Tantalus Lookout — Relaxing hilltop near Honolulu with stunning views of the city, rainbows, and the Diamond Head crater. Also good for sunset.
• Nuuanu Pali Lookout — This is a popular viewpoint on the Pali highway, and it has panoramic views of the whole windward side of Oahu island. It’s also a historic landmark known for the Battle of Nuuanu in 1795, where King Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united Oahu under his rule and hundreds of warriors were forced off of the Pali’s sheer cliffs.
• Halona Blowhole Lookout — Also known as Eternity Cove, this is a popular coastal spot near Koko Head where you can see an active blowhole shooting out water. It also has Halona Beach, one of the nicest beaches on Oahu.

If you want to see even more viewpoints in Oahu, here are a few extra recommendations:

• Makapuu Lookout — Not to be confused with the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (which requires hiking), this is a nearby pulloff spot where you can park and get similar views of the Makapuu coastline without doing any hiking.
• Lanai Lookout — Another coastal lookout by Koko Head, with panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs. Also good for sunrise.
• Punchbowl Lookout — Small hill with scenic views of Honolulu city. This one is located inside of the Punchbowl Crater, so it requires a bit of walking to reach.
• Laie Point — This is a remote, lesser known viewpoint with neat rock formations on the northeast corner of Oahu. It’s a good place to stop while driving from Kaneohe to the North Shore, or vice versa.

All of the scenic viewpoints listed above can be reached by car. No hiking needed!
 

20. See A Temple

Tucked in the hills of Kaneohe is a photogenic Buddhist temple called Byodo-In, and it’s open to tourists seven days a week.

Interestingly, it’s a true to life replica of a real Japanese temple by the same name, which can be seen near Kyoto, Japan.

The original Byodo-in Temple in Japan was built in the 11th century, while the one in Oahu was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants coming to Hawaii.

It’s a very photogenic temple with a reflective pond, small waterfalls, Japanese landscaped gardens, an 18-foot tall Buddha statue, a giant brass peace bell, and schools of koi fish for the kids to feed.

 

21. Go Snorkeling

Hawaii’s most famous snorkeling spot is Hanauma Bay, which is home to about 400 species of fish in its turquoise waters.

Hanauma is a great place to learn how to snorkel because the entire bay is covered by a coral reef, making the water relatively gentle and shallow. You can see all kinds of colorful fish, sea turtles, eels, and more here.

I learned how to snorkel for the first time at Hanauma Bay, and it was such a fun experience! Being up close and personal with the fish is just amazing.

Book Now: Oahu Snorkeling Tour

 

22. Take A Helicopter Tour

If you really want to shell out some money and splurge on something special in Hawaii, nothing beats a scenic helicopter tour!

The island of Oahu is even more beautiful from above, and you can fly over some of its most famous landmarks, like Diamond Head, Makapuu Lighthouse, Chinaman’s Hat, and Sacred Falls.

These helicopter tours are normally available with the doors on, but they can also take the doors off for more thrills and better photography. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Oahu!

Book Now: Oahu Helicopter Tour

 

23. Go Whale Watching

The whale watching season in Oahu generally runs from December to May, as this is when the whales like to come to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and give birth.

You can sometimes see whales with the naked eye from shore, but the best way to get a good look is with a whale watching tour or boat charter.

Whale sightings are almost guaranteed if you come in the right season, and it’s an amazing experience!

Book Now: Whale Watching Tour

 

24. Take A Gyroplane Flight

If you want to experience one of the newest and most unique activities in Hawaii, check out the gyrocopter flights offered by Skyland Air!

In their 30 minute introductory flight lessons, you can take to the skies with an experienced pilot, soaring over the North Shore of Oahu while an onboard camera records your entire adventure. Think of it like flying in a helicopter, except with an open cockpit so you have even better views of the island scenery.

You can find out more about the gyro flights and how to book them on Skyland Air’s website here.

 

25. Try Watersports

The Honolulu area is popular for watersports, and you can rent jet skis, banana boats, wakeboards, parasails, and more.

Me and a friend did the jet skiing one time and had a blast. Some of these companies also have photography services, so they can take pictures of you having fun on the water.

On the windward side of the island, Kailua is great for kayaking and standup paddle boarding. There are a bunch of companies offering kayak rentals for a half day or full day.

 

26. Skydive In Paradise

Skydiving is a once in a lifetime experience that many people have on their bucket list, and what better place to do it than in paradise?

Oahu has two reputable skydiving companies, Pacific Skydiving and Skydive Hawaii, which are both based on the North Shore, and they can provide pictures and videos of your jump.

I did a 14,000 foot tandem jump with Skydive Hawaii several years ago, and it was an amazing experience. Bucket list stuff, for sure!

 

27. Swim With Sharks

If you want a unique thrill in Hawaii, you can dive with sharks on the North Shore!

The most popular shark diving tours have a metal cage for protection, and you can get up close with sandbar sharks, galapagos sharks, and hammerheads. It’s snorkeling, not scuba diving, so you don’t need any certification (although swimming experience helps).

Some of these companies also have cageless shark diving, where you can swim freely with sharks. I did this with One Ocean Diving and it was awesome.

Obviously there are no safety guarantees in the ocean, but their website points out that they’ve “taken hundreds of thousands of people out in the ocean with zero incidents for over twenty years.”

Book Now: Shark Diving Tour

 

28. Go Cliff Jumping

Cliff jumping can be a fun adrenaline rush, and the island of Oahu has no shortage of great cliff jumping spots, including some places near Honolulu.

Two local favorites that stand out are China Walls (near Hawaii Kai) and the big jumping rock at Waimea Bay (on the North Shore). Alternatively, for a good waterfall with a natural pool to jump into, you can check out Maunawili Falls!

Of course, this kind of activity comes with some risks and responsibilities. Go with a friend, know your limits, and always double check the conditions before you leap.

       

 

29. Visit Tropical Farms

There’s a little store in windward Oahu called Tropical Farms, and they sell coffee, chocolate, and macadamia nuts.

This is a family owned business that’s been in operation for 30 years, and their store is located near the Kualoa Beach Park.

The main reason to come here is for the macadamia nuts, which are delicious. We love the Kona coffee flavored mac nuts.

They have free samples of every flavor, so you can do a taste test before you buy!

 

30. Watch The Sunrise

A tropical sunrise is hard to beat, and there are plenty of good sunrise watching spots on the windward (east facing) side of Oahu island.

Some of our favorites include the Lanikai Pillbox Sunrise Hike, Lanikai Beach, Kualoa Beach Park, and pretty much any east facing beach.

Book Now: Oahu Sunrise + Photography Tour

 

31. Watch The Sunset

For every sunrise there’s a sunset, and Oahu has lots of great places to see it.

Pretty much any west facing beach on Oahu island has a good view of the sunset, so pick one and enjoy the photo ops! Some of our favorites include Ka’ena Point, Ala Moana Beach Park, and any of the North Shore beaches (especially Sunset Beach).

Better yet, you can book a sunset catamaran cruise and watch the sun dip below the horizon as you take in Hawaii’s beautiful coastline!

Book Now: Waikiki Sunset Cruise

       

 

32. Visit The Museums

For a slow day in Oahu, visiting a museum can be a great way to learn about the art and history of the island.

Here are some great museums to check out in Oahu:

• Bishop Museum — The biggest museum in the state of Hawaii. It has lots of authentic Hawaiian artifacts, and all kinds of information on the history, culture, plants, and animals of the Hawaiian islands. There’s no better museum for learning about Hawaii.
• Honolulu Museum of Art — A collection of fine art from Asia, Hawaii, and some famous international artists like van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. You can also get an add-on ticket to visit Shangri-La, Doris Duke’s estate.
• US Army Museum of Hawaii — This is a military museum where you can see tanks, helicopters, small arms, and more. There’s also a lot of historical info. Admission is free!
• Tropic Lightning Museum — A true hidden gem for people who enjoy military history. This museum is part of the Schofield Barracks in central Oahu, but civilians can still visit with a temporary base pass.
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum — You can see World War II fighter planes here, including a rare and authentic Japanese Zero. This museum is located off-site from the main Pearl Harbor visitor center, but you can reach it with a shuttle bus that runs regularly throughout the day.

 

33. Experience Hawaiian Culture

One of the most popular ways for tourists to experience Hawaiian culture is by attending a luau (pronounced ‘loo-au’), which is a traditional feast with music, lei flower necklaces, and hula dancing.

If you want to take it a step farther, you can also make a visit to the family friendly Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, which is located on the northern windward corner of Oahu island. Here, they have luau buffet dinners, live shows, canoe rides, arts and craft displays, and more.

We haven’t been to the 42-acre Polynesian Cultural Center yet, but it gets rave reviews and they’ve won a lot of awards, including the Kahili award for ‘Most Authentic Luau’ in Oahu island.

Book Now: Oahu Luau Feast & Show

 

34. Eat Poké Bowls

Poké (pronounced ‘poh-kay’) is a classic Hawaiian dish with cubed raw fish meat, usually served in a bowl with other ingredients like rice and veggies. The most common type of meat is tuna, but you can also find octopus poké.

Even though raw fish may not sound appetizing or healthy at first, you may be surprised by poké! It’s quite safe to eat, and it has plenty of protein. I was apprehensive of poké when I first tried it, but after eating one or two bowls I became a fan.

You can find poké shops all over Waikiki and Honolulu, and it’s even sold at Foodland supermarkets in Oahu! Give it a try!

 

35. See The Malls

Oahu has a bunch of good malls to choose from in the Honolulu area. Here are the main choices:

• Ala Moana Center — Biggest mall in Hawaii, with more than 350 shops and restaurants.
• International Market Place — A mall in Waikiki with more than 90 stores.
• Royal Hawaiian Center — Another mall in Waikiki with 110 stores and 30 restaurants.
• Kahala Mall — A shopping center in eastern Honolulu with 100 shops and restaurants.
• Pearlridge Center — Big mall in Aiea with more than 170 shops and eating places.

Some of these malls also have weekly live performances from hula dancers or local Hawaiian artists, which can be fun if you’re looking for free things to do near Honolulu and Waikiki!

 

36. Shop For Souvenirs

Of course you can’t leave Oahu without grabbing some souvenirs for friends (or for yourself), and there are lots of places to do it.

The main place to shop for souvenirs in Oahu is at one of the many ABC Stores. This is a chain with lots of locations all over Waikiki and the Ala Moana area, near Honolulu.

These souvenir shops have a wide assortment of the usual gifts like Hawaii keychains, flower leis, stickers, postcards, fridge magnets, games, etc.

If you’re wanting a more unique souvenir from Hawaii, you could pick up a dashboard hula girl, some Kona coffee, or a dirt shirt. The dirt shirts are stained with bright red dirt from the Hawaiian soil, giving them a nice earth color.

 

37. See The Rest Of Hawaii

When you’ve finally exhausted all of the fun things to do on Oahu, you’ve still only scratched the surface of Hawaii!

The other Hawaiian islands like Kauai, Mauai, and the Big Island are loaded with nice scenery, beaches, waterfalls, hikes, and all kinds of other fun things to do for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

If you like Oahu, then you’re sure to love the other islands too. Inter-island travel is pretty easy in Hawaii, with flights taking less than 1 hour and ticket prices sometimes as low as $50 USD one way. You can shop for Hawaii flights at Skyscanner.

Enjoy and happy travels!
 

Map Of Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii

Here’s a fun map of some of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii, including hikes, beaches, waterfalls, botanical gardens, shave ice shops, scenic viewpoints, and cultural attractions.

You can click the icons on the map to get more info on each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.

For more detailed information on how to find the exact locations of each of these attractions in Oahu, you can check out my individual travel guides for each place.

 

Oahu Hawaii: Areas Explained

Oahu is an oddly-shaped island, but it can be split into four main areas with their own sights and activities.

These main areas are:

• South. It’s the main tourist area, encompassing the city of Honolulu and Waikiki. It has the Honolulu International Airport (code: HNL) and many famous sites.
• North. This is the island’s beloved quiet side, although it’s still very popular with tourists. Go here for surfing, food trucks, beaches, and country vibes.
• East. Usually called the windward side, this area is home to Kailua and Jurassic Park (Kualoa Ranch), along with dramatic mountain views and some of the best beaches on the island.
• West. This may be the driest and least touristy side of the island, but it still has plenty of hidden gem hikes and white sand beaches.

Regardless of where you choose to stay and explore, there are lots of great things to do in Oahu Hawaii on all corners of the island!

 

How To Get Around Oahu Hawaii

The best way to get around Oahu Hawaii is to rent a car and self drive, or take the bus. Either of these work well. Or, if you’re someone who likes to stay in one place (like Waikiki), then you may not need transportation at all! You can take a taxi from the airport and then book day tours to see more of the island.

Having a rental car is more flexible and efficient than the bus, although the latter is cheaper and sometimes more fun and convenient than driving. You can reach almost any corner of Oahu island by bus, but it’s quite a bit slower and sometimes requires a bit of walking.

Overall, whether you use a car or the bus just depends on your travel style and how long you’re staying in Oahu island. A rental car is great to have if it fits in your budget, but you can also use the bus to reach many of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii!

Book Now: Rental Cars In Oahu

 

Oahu Hotels

 
 

Best Tours In Oahu Hawaii

 

More Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii!

We’ve only scratched the surface here, and the list is always growing as we explore every corner of this wonderful island.

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out my complete Oahu Hiking Guide for more tips, info, and photos of the best hikes and other activities in Oahu!
 

See Also

• Best Hikes In Oahu Hawaii – Most Epic & Beautiful Hiking Trails
• Best North Shore Beaches In Oahu Hawaii