24 Best Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii: Ultimate Oahu Bucket List (2025)

Planning a trip to Oahu? Keep reading for a list of the top things to do in Oahu for your Oahu bucket list!

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Oahu is Hawaii’s most popular island for tourists for a good reason – there’s SO much to do in Oahu!

The island is home to cultural sites, epic hiking trails, activities for thrill-seekers, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

With all of the choices, planning a trip to Oahu can be overwhelming.

To help you plan your next trip to Oahu, I reached out to a few fellow Oahu travelers who have helped me put together this ultimate Oahu bucket list.

This epic list includes all of the top things to do in Oahu, Hawaii – including insider tips!

On this list, you’ll find some of Oahu’s must-see attractions along with some of the island’s top hidden gems.

Ready to check things off your Oahu bucket list? Keep reading for a guide to the best things to do in Oahu!

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

Oahu Bucket List: Map of the Best Things to Do in Oahu

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

1. Hike Diamond Head

Oahu is known for its incredible hikes. If you only have time for one hike during your visit to Oahu, make sure to pay a visit to Diamond Head!

Located on the eastern edge of Waikiki, the volcanic tuff cone is one of the most famous Hawaiian landmarks.

Diamond Head is undoubtedly the most popular hike on Oahu for tourists, but that doesn’t make it any less worth visiting.

Plan your visit to Diamond Head for the early hours right after the trail opens in order to miss out on the crowds that show up in the afternoon.

The trail itself is relatively easy (minus a couple sets of very steep stairs).

There are plenty of spots along the trail to take a breather and enjoy the view.

Once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over Waikiki Beach and the coast.

Make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (parts of the trail are uneven) and bring along a refillable water bottle – the visitor center at the base of the trail has water fountains so you can fill up before the hike.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

2. Take a Hawaiian Style Cooking Class

If you love to cook (or just love to eat new foods), you must add a Hawaiian Style Cooking Class to your Honolulu bucket list. I’m a novice cook myself, but this class was one of my favorite things I’ve done during all of my travels.

The Hawaiian Style Cooking Class is led by Chef Linda, who has worked around the world in the food and beverage industry for decades.

The classes are held in her beautiful Honolulu home, where you’ll work with your classmates to prepare a delicious meal.

At the end of the class, you’ll enjoy your meal along with a drink with your classmates (and new friends).

There are several different classes offered with varying cuisines. The most popular is the Hawaii Local Favorites class, where you’ll learn how to prepare three different kinds of fresh poke, coconut shrimp, spam musubis, and butter mochi.

Other classes include Asian Fusion, Traditional Hawaiian, and various premium classes like Korean, Mexican, and Dim Sum.

Even if you’re not experienced in the kitchen, the Hawaiian Style Cooking Class is an incredible experience that needs to be on your Oahu bucket list.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

3. Go Surfing on the North Shore

Recommended by Marcie from Hawaii Travel with Kids

While there are tons of cool things to do on Oahu, none are as iconic as going surfing.

One of the most famous places for Oahu surfing is on the North Shore.

There’s actually a 7-mile stretch of the best surfing beaches in Hawaii. This is where you’ll find world-class surf competitions during the winter months, like the Hawaiian Pro, Vans World Cup of Surfing, and the Pipe Masters.

These are super exciting events to watch and be in awe of seeing professional surfers in action.

But, surfing is more than a spectator sport. If you are an experienced surfer, there are plenty of surf shops where you can rent boards during your trip.

If you want to learn to surf for the first time, there are tons of private and group surfing lessons to choose from.

You will need to know how to swim and there are classes for kids, teens, and adults.

Just be sure to wear a rash guard and use reef-safe sunscreen before you hit the waves.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

4. Visit Pearl Harbor

Recommended by This Hawaii Life

One of the most popular attractions to visit in Oahu is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Oahu.

Visiting this naval site will give you a better idea about the historic and cultural aspects of this base and the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor during World War II.

A visit to all the historic sites includes watching their excellent film with a variety of old clips, visiting the various museums on the site, and taking the short cruise to the Arizona Memorial which is inspiring and somber to visit at the same time.

You can also visit a few of the ships docked in the park area for a nominal fee to actually see all the fascinating tours of these historic vessels.

While you are touring the main attractions close to Honolulu, check out these tips on the top things and places to visit in Waikiki.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

5. Visit Dole Plantation

Recommended by Nicole Sunderland from Bucket List Lists

One of the BEST things to do in Oahu is to visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation in the North Shore.

This is a popular USA bucket list destination because they have the one thing that is rare to find in the United States: DOLE WHIP!

Because pineapples, among other fruits, are grown here, they make Dole Whip on-site and serve it in a variety of ways.

You can get it plain, in a cone, as a float, a pineapple sundae, and more. So don’t miss this opportunity for a sweet treat.

Some of the cool things to do while you are visiting is to take the train through the plantation to see growing fruits, the park maze, feed the koi, and of course, the gift shop.

There is so much pineapple stuff you would never think of that you can take home with you or enjoy on the island.

Admission to the grounds is free, but you can also book extra tours and activities like the Plantation Garden tour or the Pineapple Express train tour.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

6. Check out Oahu’s Best Hikes

Recommended by Allison Boyle from She Dreams of Alpine

One of the best ways to explore Oahu is by hiking!

The island offers so many amazing natural sights, from waterfalls to tropical ridgelines to secret caves, if you’re willing to take an adventure on the trails.

Even though they’re full of epic views, many of the best hikes in Oahu are actually great for beginners.

The Manoa Falls hike in Honolulu not only takes you to an absolutely gorgeous waterfall but also showcases wildflowers and other local flora along the way.

For a perfect view of the Twin Islands of Moku Nui and Moku Iki, hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail – then relax and enjoy the clear waters of Lanikai Beach.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, hike to the Upper Makau Cave for simply stunning views of Oahu. Although the trail is very short, it is also quite steep with sheer drop-offs.

For an even bigger challenge, try the Kahekili Trail, where you’ll have to scramble and even use fixed ropes to get to the summit. But the spectacular views are worth the effort!

This is just a taste of the trails in Oahu, so be sure to plan plenty of time to hike on this incredible island!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

7. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau

Recommended by Nikki from She Saves She Travels

Every bucket list for Oahu needs to have a traditional Hawaiian luau on it!

Visiting a Hawaiian luau is one of the easiest ways for first-time visitors to dive in and learn about the Hawaiian culture.

It’s often argued that the best island in Hawaii for visitors is Oahu, based on the wide variety of activities.

Oahu is the most populated and most visited island of all the Hawaiian island chain, catering to tourists. Therefore it’s easy to find a luau during a week-long Hawaiian vacation.

Be sure to make reservations in advance, as luaus can fill up quickly. This is especially true for those located in or near Honolulu.

Visitors can expect to be served a traditional luau feast, oftentimes witnessing Kalua, the use of an imu, which is an underground oven.

Of course, no luau is complete without hula dancers!

Most traditional luaus include a dance show where male and female dancers show the audience their culture through this dance.

There are countless luaus around the island of Oahu, including the Chief’s Luau, Ka Moana Luau, and the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley.

Out of all the things to do in Oahu, make sure a traditional luau is on your Oahu bucket list!

Popular Oahu Luaus

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

8. Hang Out at Sunset Beach

Recommended by Casandra from Karpiak Caravan Adventure Travel Blog

Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore is a must-see destination on your Hawaiian bucket list.

Leave the busy, touristy areas of Oahu and head to the quieter North Shore where you will feel a million miles away from Waikiki.

Sunset Beach is a two-mile stretch of beautiful sand that is a very popular beach for surfing in the winter months where the swells bring in 15 to 30-foot waves.

This beach is one of three surfing spots to host the famed Triple Crown surfing contest so bring your binoculars if you visit in the winter and be treated to some epic surfing displays.

In the summer months, the waves are much calmer and Sunset Beach becomes the perfect spot for snorkeling. It is also much less crowded during the summer and ideal for relaxation or a nice long walk along the beach.

Accessing Sunset Beach is very easy, just take the Kamehameha Highway and pull into the parking spots located along the road.

There are picnic tables, restrooms, and beach showers available – just make sure to lock your vehicle and do not leave anything valuable inside or visible.

The Kamehameha Highway becomes very busy during the winter months, so plan to arrive early to avoid the traffic congestion or stay late and enjoy the spectacular sunset for which this beach gets its classic name.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

9. Go Cage Diving with Sharks

Recommended by Destiny from Guided by Destiny

Nothing like waking up at the crack of dawn to go cage diving with sharks, right (coffee check!)?

I highly recommend doing it early in the morning, right when you wake up. That way, you’re still a little delusional from being asleep in dreamland, and the endeavor seems a bit more doable.

The experience lasts about two hours, and I cannot recommend doing this excursion enough!

I was trembling, up until the point I got in the water. And it was the weirdest thing, but once you’re in there, you somehow feel very calm.

I’ve went cage diving with sharks twice now, both times with Hawaii Shark Encounters.

Steve and the guides make you feel extremely comfortable while providing you with education, laughs, and entertainment.

They even get you some sick GoPro footage up close and personal of the sharks while they feed!

You’re mostly going to see Galapagos sharks, but you can get lucky enough to come across a tiger shark!

During my first tour, the guides pointed over to a boat in the distance where people were actually swimming with the same sharks (Galapagos sharks) in open water — without the cage.

So if cage diving seems too lackluster for you, you can always take it to the next level and swim with these beautiful creatures in open water!

I recommend doing both if possible. When you swim with the sharks in the cage, they’re more curious and you get much closer to them. When you swim with them in the open water, they stay well below you.

Either way, you’ll get a thrill out of the experience!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

10. Stand-Up Paddleboard to the Mokes

Recommended by Ashlee Fechino from The Happiness Function

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is all the rage!

A trip to Oahu wouldn’t be complete without a SUP trip to Oahu’s famous Na Mokulua islands.

Also known as the Mokes, these two virgin islands located off the windward coast of Oahu are roughly three-quarters of a mile from the incredibly beautiful beaches of Lanikai.

Ready to SUP to the Mokes? We have insider tips for you! One of the best places to rent stand up paddleboards near Lanikai is at Kailua Beach Adventures.

At Kailua Beach Adventures, visitors may rent SUPs, along with all the gear, and pay for a self-guided tour.

The self-guided tour consists of a video instruction of how to safely SUP to the islands and includes an offshore landing permit required to hike around the Mokes.

If you don’t have a rental car big enough to transport a SUP, no problem! You can walk your SUP with a cart right to the beach since Kailua Beach Adventures is so close.

Don’t miss a fantastic outdoor adventure in Oahu – add a SUP trip to the Mokes to your Oahu bucket list!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

11. Hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Recommended by Candice from CS Ginger

The Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, also known as the Pillbox Trail, is a beautiful trail that will take you along a ridge overlooking Lanikai Beach.

At the top, there are old military pillboxes. This is one of the best places to watch the sunrise or sunset on Oahu.

The Lanikai area is one of the prettiest spots on Oahu because of the clear blue water and mountains.

This is one of the easier hikes on Oahu so everyone you’re traveling with can enjoy the hike.

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is on the east coast of Oahu. The hike is about 40 minutes from Waikiki by car and there is a bus route that takes about an hour.

The trailhead is on a small street off Ka’elepupu Drive. Keep an eye out for the small sign marking the dirt trail.

The trail is steep but short.

After a morning of hiking, head down to Lanikai Beach for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

12. Check out Kualoa Ranch

Recommended by Holly from Globeblogging

When I was planning my trip to Hawaii, there was one thing that was recommended to me more than any other attraction: Kualoa Ranch.

Kualoa Ranch is a must visit for any movie buff.

The expansive property on the eastern side of the island of Oahu is known as Hollywood’s Hawaii set, and the location is featured in blockbusters including Jurassic Park, Kong: Skull Island, and Jumanji, as well as TV shows including Lost and naturally, Hawaii Five-O. You can even take a tour of all of Kualoa Ranch’s Hollywood movie sites.

It would be easy to dismiss the ranch if movies aren’t your thing, but the working cattle ranch is also a site for sustainable farming, the location of military bunkers from World War II, and adventure activities including zip lines and UTV tours.

While there are a variety of tours on offer, since you’re making the trip anyway, it is worth checking out the tour bundles and making a day of it with an included lunch of fresh farm produce.

The Best Kualoa Ranch Tours

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

13. Visit the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar

Recommended by Rachel-Jean Firchau from Rachel Off Duty

Just off the shores of the windward side of Oahu, the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is truly one of the most incredible “hidden” gems on the island.

This natural sandbar – one of the largest saltwater sandbars in the world stretching six miles long – is the only formation of its kind in all of Hawaii.

To get there, you’ll need a boat, a kayak, or a paddleboard, because the sandbar is about a mile out at sea.

It may sound far, but surrounded by coral reefs on all sides, the journey out to the sandbar alone is a great opportunity to spot bright corals, colorful fish, octopi, and the occasional honu (sea turtle), which makes the journey worthwhile!

You can also book a Kaneohe Sandbar snorkeling tour which includes a boat tour, snorkel equipment, and paddle boards for exploring.

Once you’ve arrived, the sandbar reveals itself as Oahu’s coolest hangout spot, with boats playing music, people lazing away on floaties and having picnics, and kids snorkeling in the surrounding reefs.

With the backdrop of the Ko’olau mountains and nearby islands like Mokoli’i and Moku o Lo’e off in the distance, a trip to the sandbar is bound to blow your mind.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

14. Go Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay

Recommended by Jenny from Global Game Plan

A popular destination for both tourists and locals, snorkeling with the tropical fish and marine life in Hanauma Bay is not to be missed on your trip to Oahu.

It’s the perfect spot for first-time snorkelers and also offers access to deeper waters for avid snorkelers.

Located on the south side of Oahu, the Bay is approximately 12 miles from Waikiki.

You can get there via the #22 bus, taxi, or private transportation. There is limited paid parking ($3, cash only).

Hanauma Bay is wheelchair accessible (via tram service and beach wheelchairs available for free).

Snorkeling equipment available to rent on-site but there are also tours to book that include equipment and transportation.

Even if you’re not interested in snorkeling, you can still relax on the beach and treat yourself to a view of the majestic blue water.

Talk to the volunteers at the booth on the beach level to learn about the local fish and reef conservation.

Note that reef-safe sunscreen is required and don’t forget your waterproof camera!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

15. Take a Hawaii Five-0 Tour

Recommended by Chris Fry from The Aquarius Traveller

If you’re a fan of television shows filmed in Oahu, then you probably know about Hawaii Five-0.

Originally released in 1968, Hawaii Five-0 first ran for 12 years. Later, it was reinvented in 2010 and ran another 10 years.

Fans love the action, intrigue, and comedy produced by the actors as well as the different Hawaii scenes they take you to each week.

Even if you’re not a fan of the show, the Hawaii Five-0 tour is a great tour to see some of the different monuments and sites around Oahu that you might not see on other tours. So if your travel partner is a fan, you can rest assured that there are parts of the tour that you can enjoy as well.

After the latest series was released, many travelers visiting Oahu wanted to see the sites from the show.

To that gain, the Hawaii Five-0 tours were introduced and enjoyed by many of the fans.

There are now several different tour companies that will take you along for the ride.

Bring back some memories by visiting several sites like The Hawaii Five-0 Headquarters, the Rainbow Drive-In lunch stop, and even Steve McGarrett’s House, among the other houses, landmarks, and beachside views used in the filming of the latest show.

Let your imagination run wild and give this tour a go.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

16. Check out the Surf Competition at Banzai Pipeline

Recommended by Luke from Wild About BC

Hawaii is known for being home to some of the best waves in the world, and the North Shore of Oahu in particular has some huge waves.

The World Surf League runs the final event of their pro surf tour at Banzai Pipeline every year as the best surfers from around the globe battle it out to be crowned world champion.

Watching the world’s best surfers ride huge waves and get crazy barrels is an awesome way to spend the day.

The atmosphere on the beach is electric and you get perfect views straight out to the surfers.

During the competition, which usually runs around mid-December, the beach in front of Pipeline is packed with excited spectators.

They even build a small event village in the main parking lot where you can get food, buy the competition merchandise and even meet the pro surfers as they sign autographs and take photos.

If you do end up in Oahu at the end of the year then this is a must-do activity, even if you aren’t into surfing.

The buzz around the place makes it impossible not to enjoy, especially as there are a few local surfers that compete every year that the crowd goes wild for.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

17. Things to Do in Oahu: Visit Byodo-In Temple

Recommended by Claire from Claire Pins Travel

Located at the base of the Koʻolau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple is only a 30-minute drive or about 15 miles from downtown Honolulu.

This distinctive red and white temple features Japanese-style architecture and it is set against a beautiful backdrop of tall trees, fog covered mountains, and a landscaped garden area, perfect for a relaxing walk in nature or some quiet meditation.

You are welcome to ring the large sacred brass bell before entering the temple, and once inside you are greeted by a 9 foot tall golden carved Buddha statue. In the gardens, you can see koi fish jumping in the reflection pond and you might even spot some black swans floating by or a wild peacock walking around.

There is a small gift shop in the Japanese tea house building which sells fish food if you want to feed the koi.

As a non-denominational site, there are no monks in residence, and the temple welcomes people of any faith to come inside and visit.

You will need to remove your shoes before entering the temple as a sign of respect.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

18. Oahu Bucket List Hikes: The Koko Crater Railway Trail

Recommended by Mia from Walk a While with Me

An essential stop on your Oahu bucket list is definitely the Koko Crater Railway Trail.

While there are many great hikes near Honolulu, the Koko Crater hike is well-known for being one of the best and most unique climbs on the entire island of Oahu.

But what’s so special about the Koko Crater trail?

Well, the Koko Crater hike is a steep climb up an abandoned railroad track, up the west side of the Koko Head Crater.

While the US military had previously used the railway system to transport supplies to a lookout during World War II, it has since turned into one of the best hikes on the island.

With over 1000 steps climbing up to a summit that provides breathtaking panoramic views, this is without a doubt one of the best Oahu hikes.

However, it’s not for the faint of heart; it’s quite a strenuous workout, especially in Hawaii’s heat, so remember to pace yourself, and brings lots of water and sunscreen!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

19. Enjoy Matsumoto Shave Ice

Recommended by Monica from Planner at Heart

When visiting the North Shore, a stop in Haleʻiwa at Matsumoto Shave Ice is a must-do.

I lived on Oahu as a kid, and Waimea Bay Beach was our family’s favorite. Every trip, we stopped for shave ice on the way back home.

As a kid, I had no idea of the shop’s history, just their delicious ‘snow cone’ like treats in endless custom combinations.

Matsumoto was initially opened in 1951 by a Hawaii-born Japanese family as a small grocery store. They added this sweet treat to grow their small business.

Kakigōri (Japanese ice dessert flavored with syrup and a sweetener) has long been a favorite in Japan. It was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants who used tools to shave flakes off large blocks of ice and flavored it with juice or sugar. “Shave Ice” was born.

Today, Matsumoto serves 1,000 Shave Ices to locals and tourists from around the world every day. Stop by and see for yourself why this is an iconic part of the North Shore.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

20. See the Kaka’ako Murals

Recommended by Carol Guttery from California Crossings

Honolulu’s Kaka’ako neighborhood used to be a gritty, under-served area with light industry and auto shops.

The neighborhood still off the tourist trail, but it has blossomed into a true hipster neighborhood. This was due in no small part to the efforts of the POW!WOW! street art festival.

POW!WOW! runs mural festivals in twelve far-flung locations from Long Beach to Guam to Israel.

But, Honolulu is their literal and spiritual home. They’ve been curating murals in Kaka’ako since 2011.

It was not their intention to gentrify Kaka’ako, but rather to use art to bring a sense of community to the neighborhood.

It’s working.

What’s cool about the murals is that they are from a mix of famous, world-class muralists like Tristan Eaton and also local artists.

Many of the murals reflect Hawaiian culture and they are all painted in the spirit of friendship and community.

Most of the murals can be seen in an hour or two while strolling around Kaka’ako, sampling the breweries around the neighborhood. You can find POW!WOW!’s map of the murals here.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

21. Go Cliff Jumping at Waimea Bay

Recommended by Amanda from Bucket List Seekers

Taking a little road trip over to the northern side of Oahu will take approximately 1 and a half hours from Waikiki, and you’ll find an abundance of bucket list things to do and great places to eat.

The North Shore is most famously known for big wave surfing, snorkeling with turtles, and hiking. But one of the most thrilling things to do is cliff jumping!

As you drive north along the Kamehameha Highway from the town of Hale’iwa, there’s a great little beach called Waimea Bay.

This spot is famous for hosting high-profile big wave surfing competitions during December, but for most of the year, the waters are calm enough to swim or snorkel, or just soak up some sun rays.

On the southern end of Waimea Bay is a rocky outcrop, where you’ll find many locals and thrill-seeking visitors climbing up a large 15-meter high rock to take an adrenaline-packed plunge into the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Don’t worry if you’re feeling a little nervous, there’s always plenty of other people around to count you cheer you on as you leap off the rockface.

After taking the leap of faith, there are plenty of other great things to do around Waimea Bay.

You could take a hike up the Waimea Valley and swim in the spectacular Waimea Falls.

Or nearby Shark’s Bay has some great snorkeling and underwater caves to explore, as well as one of the best shrimp trucks in Hawaii – the North Shore Shrimp Truck.

There’s also a great nearby hiking spot called Ehukai Pillbox hike – it’s only a short hike, but offers a great viewpoint at the end.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

22. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

Recommended by Lisa from Planningaway

One of the best things to do in Oahu is visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, located on the North Shore of Oahu.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is open from 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and you will want to spend the entire day exploring the center.

Admission includes access to the six villages and exhibits, dinner, and an incredible nighttime show. You can also upgrade your dinner package to the luau (which I highly recommend).

There are six villages representing many Polynesian areas: Tonga, Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa, Fiji, and Tahiti. At each village, there are shows and hands-on exhibits. You can also go on a canoe ride, and even take ukulele lessons.

The nighttime “HA: Breath of Life” performance is incredible! The show includes fire dancers – they are out of this world amazing!

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must see when you visit Oahu – make sure to add it to your Oahu bucket list!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

23. Watch Waves Crash at Halona Beach Cove or Spitting Caves

Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

There is nothing more serene on the island of Oahu than watching the waves crash against the rocks.

Although you can watch the tide come in from a million places on the island, there are two places that are favorites among both locals and tourists.

Spitting Caves is a popular spot to watch the waves crash against the cliffs.

If you’re lucky, you might also witness cliff divers taking advantage of the high tide, which adds another layer of excitement and awe to watching the sheer power of the ocean.

Halona Beach Cove is another great spot to watch the tide come in.

Directly adjacent to Halona Blowhole, this scenic cove surrounded by black rocks is a popular stop for group tours.

Just a short hike down from the parking area, you can stand in the sand as the waves come in or perch yourself on a rock for a better view.

Even if you only have 3 or 4 days in Oahu, make sure you take a moment and watch the waves crash.

You’ll appreciate island life and enjoy your trip much more if you just give yourself a chance to relax and let your cares wash away with the waves.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

24. Take a catamaran cruise off the coast of Waikiki Beach

For a really fun experience (and some incredible views), book a catamaran cruise that departs from Waikiki Beach!

There are several cruise operators, but Maita’i Catamaran is one of the best around. They offer several different sailings each day, including their popular Tradewind sails, an evening sunset sailing that includes an open bar, and Friday night fireworks sailings.

After you board the boat, you’ll head out into the waters to enjoy views of the ocean and the coast. Don’t skip out on having a mai tai from the on-board bar!

If you’re lucky, you might also spot some marine life like whales and sea turtles – the guides will be on the lookout and let you know if they spot anything!

Bring a dry bag and a towel, as there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get wet. But this is all part of the fun!

Top Things to Do in Oahu: Frequently Asked Questions

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Oahu Bucket List: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are so many amazing things to do in Oahu to include on your Oahu bucket list.

Even if you can’t knock everything out in one visit, you’ll be ready to go back to Oahu for more exploring!

Have you been to Oahu? What’s on your Oahu bucket list?

Planning a trip to Hawaii? Check out these posts next:

• 9 of the Best Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii
• The Best Waikiki Beach Catamaran Cruises
• Best Free Things to Do in Oahu