There are numerous attractions and activities to visit and partake in while on the island of Oahu. Below are some of the most recommended things to do on Oahu. Don`t be limited by this list however. Select each ativity for additional details on each.
Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorials and re-live the events of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, and the consequential United States entry into World War II. Start with a visit to the museum at the USS Arizona memorial Visitors Center. Visitors are first introduced and educated on the events of that day through a 23 minutes documentary film. Visitors are then boarded onto a US Navy shuttle boat for a ride out to the actual memorial which is built over the actual sunken battleship. More details
Undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii is the Diamond Head State Monument on the southeast coast of Oahu. It is located just minutes away from Waikiki, and the 360 degree panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu from the top of this famous extinct volcanic crater are absolutely breathtaking. The climb to the top of this 760 foot summit, though a bit challenging for some, is quite rewarding in the end. More details
The Polynesian Cultural Center is a beautiful 42 acre property on the North Shore of Oahu. It is made up of seven different Polynesian villages, with each village representing one of the seven different Polynesian Islands. The seven different Polynesian villages represented are Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji and Marquesas. Each village brings to light the different cultures, people and lifestyles of the represented Polynesian group. More details
If surfing is what you like to do then this is the place to be. The north shore is made up of a handful of beaches (Banzai, Sunset, and Waimea). The winter waves are some of the most enormous in the world. While you`re there, Waimea Valley Park is a beautiful natural reserve where some of the world`s flora, trees, and fruits are on display. At the end of the park, you`ll find the Waimea Falls.
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At one point, this was named the best beach in the world. Once you`re there, its easy to see why this is the case. Unlike Waikiki Beach, Kailua/ Lanikai Beach is not as densely populated. It is located in a small (and rich) coastal town in the Windward side of the island. The scenery is beautiful. Directly in front of the beach there are two small, uninhabited islands and the waters are so inviting, you feel like you can almost swim to the islands. See pictures of Lanikai and Kailua Beach in the pictures section.
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Marine life is one of the many things Hawaii is known for. Snorkeling is one of the most intimate encounters you`ll get with marine life. Fishes of all shapes, sizes, and colors come inches away from you and if you`re lucky you might run into sea turtles. Hanauma Bay was formed when a volcanic crater was flooded and this was the beginning of a diverse marine habitat. Hanauma Bay has become the most visited snorkeling site in Hawaii. A word of caution, it does get heavily crowded in the high season. If seclusion sounds better to you then there are many tours that can offer snorkeling in other places. Can`t swim? No problem! The Waikiki Aquarium offers the same view without getting wet!
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If you live in a major city, then seeing the sunset is probably a difficult thing to do. For a romantic rendezvous, take an early morning or late afternoon stroll on Waikiki Beach for a sunrise or sunset with your significant other and watch the sparkle in their eyes. A lot of people who visit Hawaii visit on their honeymoon; this is perfect scenery to set the tone for a lifetime together. See if you can spot the "green flash" just before the sun disappears off the horizons! For pictures of Oahu Sunsets visit the Sunset Picture Gallery in our Hawaii Pictures Section.
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Whale watch (when in season)
Due to the fragile state our environment is currently in, the world`s whale population is on a decline. During the winter months (November to April), Humpback whales visit just off the coast of Oahu. If you do visit during this time, stop by and take a peak at these beautiful, gargantuan creatures while they still exist. Hint, these can sometimes be seen from the top of the Diamond Head Monument.
Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, and if you`ve never surfed in your entire lifetime then this could be the birthplace of your surfing career. If you are a surfer then chances are you`ve heard about this surfer`s haven off the coast of the
Hawaiian Islands. Surfing conditions are usually much calmer in the summer months but could be downright dangerous during the winter months. Waikiki Beach is a good area for beginners while the North Shore is more ideal for the more daring.
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Dinner Cruise
There is something about having dinner on a ship while the sun goes down that people just love. A dinner cruise can be romantic, fun, or delicious. Depending on which of these you want to focus on, there are many dinner cruises around the island. It`s recommended to ask around to find out which one you would probably like the best. One of the most comprehensive vessels is the Star of Honolulu. It has a handful of packages to fit all kinds of ambiance and budgets.
