Oahu is all about exploration and enjoying the various activities around the Hawaiian islands. And if you are planning a visit to Oahu for spring break, you’re on the right track!
From Oahu tours to Oahu activities, there is a lot to do here, which is also one of the many reasons why people from all around the world love visiting this place.
During our visit to Oahu, we tried to explore a few popular destinations that are well-known among visitors. Here is a list of our ten favorite tourism activities, Oahu, that you should try at least once while you’re here.
1. Experience Traditions At The Polynesian Cultural Center
One of the first places we love recommending to tourists is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s the No.1 tourist attraction in the whole of Hawaii, where you’ll get to learn a lot about the legends and the Hawaiian culture.
Watch traditional luau and taste the delicious local food of each island when you’re here. There are stalls and shops available where you can shop for traditional Hawaiian items.
2. Walk Through The History At Pearl Harbor Tours
Next, you can head to Pearl Harbor, which will reflect the true history of World War II. We booked a Pearl Harbor Tour and would suggest you do the same to get an in-depth insight into the events. As you move ahead, you’ll come across the USS Arizona Memorial and the mighty USS Missouri Battleship.
This tour is sure to touch your heart. Tickets are available online, and yes, you can explore the place alone, but trust me, a guided tour of Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial, will be enlightening, and you could actually get firsthand experience of the events of December 7, 1941.
3. Explore The Only Palace In The US
Yes! You heard that right. Hawaii is the only country with a royal palace, the Iolani Palace. The palace was built in 1882, where the royalties used to stay. Now, it has been restored to the public and is named among the national attractions of the town, which both tourists and locals love to explore.
The palace is open for visits from Tuesday to Saturday, along with tours at designated times. You can check their website for more information on the same.
4. Visit The Famous Shooting Site Kualoa Ranch
If you’re thinking of shooting to be all guns and ammo, we’re talking about a different shooting here. Kualoa Ranch in Honolulu is one of Oahu’s famous destinations where films and shows have been shot (now you get the shooting we mentioned?). Remember the movie Jurrasic Park and Jumanji? Both the movies were shot here.
Kualoa Ranch is a working cattle ranch, but trust me, it’s surrounded by spectacular views. You can choose from multiple tours. We went on a 90-minute Hollywood Movie Sites Tour or a 2-hour Raptor Tour, which was definitely exhilarating. Visiting this place is an adventure in itself that you won’t want to miss, so click photos and make memories whenever you can.
5. Explore The North Shore
Are you staying in Waikiki and don’t know where to go? Oahu’s North Shore is a location that you’ll indeed enjoy. According to us, a Hawaiian vacation is not complete without exploring this part of the island.
From swimming and snorkeling on the Pacific Ocean, North Shore has it all. You can see Hawaiian green sea turtles at Turtle Beach or engage in kayaking and paddleboarding along the Anahulu River. This part of the Hawaiian island also has great spots for surfers, such as Banzai Pipeline, Laniakea Beach, and Waimea Bay.
There are a lot more tourism activities you can do on Oahu’s North Shore. You can explore more about it here.
6. Go On Hiking Tours
Oahu, Waikiki is a gathering place and a popular destination for hiking trips. If you are an adventurer, hiking is one of the best things to do in Oahu. You can start off with an easy Diamond Head Summit Trail, which is short but will give you different views of nature.
We love hiking Koko Crater, however. It’s a bit challenging (which is why we love it), and it might take more than an hour to climb up. When you reach the top, the magic begins: You’ll be surrounded by a spectacular view of the island.
7. Watch The Sun At Popular Beaches
Oahu is filled with beaches where you can experience one. From Sunset Beach on the North Shore to the famous Waikiki Beach, you can see the sun going down. There are also beaches where you can see the sunrise over the ocean if you are a morning person.
We really like going to Lanikai Beach for beautiful sunrise sights. It is a lovely beach, but when the clouds cover the sky and the sun peeps through those cotton candy-looking clouds, it is a view that you’ll always remember.
8. Explore Hawaiian Flora And Fauna
While Oahu in itself is surrounded by natural beauty, exploring the botanical gardens here is a fun journey you can embark on. Oahu houses multiple botanical gardens where you can come across flowers and plants native to Hawaii.
Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the corpse flower, is one such flower that we found in Foster Botanical Garden, Honolulu. It had a very stinky smell, and we found it difficult to go near it, but its beauty was something we could see even from afar.
There are many other botanical gardens on the island that you can visit and that offer tours, making it a great tourist activity to enjoy with your family.
9. See The Underwater Through A Submarine
Things you see on TV can actually be experienced in Oahu, Hawaii. A submarine trip is not something you can find everywhere. If you get a chance, we highly suggest you book your tickets for this amazing tour. We booked a tour with Atlantis Adventures, and the experience was out of the world.
We were comfortably seated inside the submarine. As we moved underwater, we saw a variety of colorful fish (some I can’t even name). We also spotted the famous Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) floating comfortably.
10. Go On A Dinner Cruise
The dinner cruise is something that could be available in most places but not everywhere you can enjoy it. We really liked the Atlantis Cruise, where we went for a Sunset Cocktail Cruise. The view was stunning as we were in the middle of the ocean and covered by the majestic mountains.
They have many other cruise options for guests coming for a memorable vacation. You can also book private tours with your partner to spend quality time. Even if you are with your entire family, this short cruise trip is a great way to spend the evening.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Oahu?
Oahu is a great destination year-round, but the best times to go on a trip here are from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December. These periods offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
What are some adventure activities available on Oahu?
You zip-line at Kualoa Ranch, kayak in Kailua, or take helicopter tours for breathtaking aerial views of the island. For an adrenaline rush, try shark cage diving on the North Shore.
Do I need to rent a car to get around Oahu?
While renting a car offers the most flexibility, you can also get around using TheBus, Oahu’s public transportation system, taxis, rideshares, or guided tours.
Have An Enjoyable Time Here
Oahu is a treasure trove of activities and experiences, making it a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation alike. The place offers endless opportunities to explore its natural beauty, rich culture, and historical landmarks. So pack your bags and enjoy every moment as you dive into our top ten favorite activities.
