When you think of Hawaii, your mind most likely goes to Honolulu, Hawaii or Pearl Harbor- both of which are located on the island of Oahu (Hawaii’s main and most popular island). Oahu is sometimes known as the Gathering Place with a huge melting pot of cultures living in one place.
I was born and raised in Oahu until I was 10, and I have gone back to the island every year since so I can stay connected to my island home and family.
I have divided this list by area to make it easier for you to plan your days when you’re visiting Oahu! This post will be a great guideline for first timers and adventure lovers. All of these activities are free and out in nature, so enjoy the beautiful scenery that Oahu, Hawaii has to offer while being respectful to the land and its people.
Getting around: there is public transit that goes all over the island, so the bus is the most budget friendly way to get around, with the options to rent a car or moped as other means of transport.
Google maps will help you know which bus routes to take and you can also download the Oahu bus app (called Dabus2) to see what times the buses come.
FYI: if you rent a moped you cannot ride them on highways so if you’re planning to go to the north shore or east side from Waikiki area be prepared for at least an hour and a half journey THERE since you have to go around the island vs through with highways
Table of Contents
HONOLULU
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is the picturesque volcanic cone you constantly see when you think of Oahu. It is a National Natural Monument and the most popular of Hawaii’s State Parks. It’s an easy hike to do for sunrise or just great views in general. So, if you’d like to get a good workout in at the beginning of your day, paired with amazing views of Honolulu and the sun rising above the ocean- this is your hike. I believe its a $3-5 for admission and many people do this hike, so be sure to go early to avoid crowds.
Manoa Falls
The famous waterfall that almost every tourist visits since it is the easiest to get too. It is a little hike (1.7 miles round trip) through the forest that literally looks like jurassic park with a beautiful waterfall at the end.
We had a friend that lived on the island that knew a way up to the second waterfall above so we also did that while exploring.
Just be aware you really have to be physically able if you want to do this, you’re basically just depending on rocks and vines to hang on too, and if you fall your’e basically falling down a mountain– or we just went the wrong way lol.
Waikiki Beach
The most famous beach on Oahu and the one with a perfect view of Diamond Head. Although it is the most heavily trafficked beach, you have to at least visit this area once. The water is so clear and blue, this beach is just too pretty to pass up (I mean its the reason so many people go in the first place- AMAZING VIEWS AND PRIME OCEAN WATER).
This is also a great place for beginner surfers to surf and get a good bite to eat.
Mount Tantalus- Puu Ualakaa Park
If you want to see panoramic views of downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head without having to hike then the Tantalus Round Top Drive is your go too. This is the perfect place to have a picnic and watch the sunset over the city (Elvis picnicked here in one of his movies!). The scenes along the way are just as beautiful so be sure to make some stops along the way.
The drive will take you up and down and around the mountain until you see the parking place to Puu Ualakaa Park with a little field that leads to views of the city.
EAST SIDE
Koko Head
This is another great hike to get your day started, but be warned, the Koko Head stairs are straight up a mountain- 1,000 steps up and rises 1,200 feet in elevation. Granted it is only 1.4 miles roundtrip, but the incline is the true test of endurance. It’s basically a giant stair-master.
I made my friend do this for her birthday and she was not happy with the straight narrow ladder-like incline I was putting her through lol.
The reward is incredible with views overlooking Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, and Hanauma Bay.
Halona Blowhole
A great stop on the east side with a blowhole for tourists to watch but also a blue beach to play in as well. Many just stop at the point at the top to look at the views but you can go down to the beach and explore the rocks/caves around there.
Makapu’u Tidepools
The place where all the mermaids go to hang. Just hike up the mountain and once you get to the whale watching area, towards the middle of the hike, there should be paths going down the side of the mountain that lead to tidepools.
The hike is called the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, its just pass Halona Blowhole and Sandys beach.
Crouching Lion Hike
The last time I went on this hike turned out to be the clearest I had ever seen it. Island weather is ever-changing so one minute it could be rainy and the next minute it’s sunny so just keep that in mind before you completely give up on a hike.
The trail is pretty steep so be sure to where hiking shoes or just go barefoot (better traction) to stay on the safe side. Park at Swanzy Beach Park and there should be a little trailhead next to a yellow sign that says “do not pass” across the street that you should follow up the mountain.
Enjoy the hike and the stunning views of the east side of the island.
Lanikai beach + Pillbox Hike
Lanikai is another famous beach on Oahu and one of the most beautiful with its iconic blue waters and two islands off the shore. This beach has pristine white sand with beautiful clear water and views. You can spend the day floating in the water or kayaking to the islands.
There is even a hike to the Lanikai Pillboxes you can do to get a birds-eye view of the coast!
Another great place to watch the sunrise!
NORTH SHORE
We all have seen the famous Haleiwa acai bowls or Sunrise Shack so don’t forget to snag some yummy food to start your day off right in the North Shore!
Bring your own bamboo utensils to cut down on plastic waste!!! You can snag some here & get 10% off with ‘MONICAROAMS’.
Waimea Bay
Another stunning and fun beach that is great for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Hence why its one of my favorite beaches to go too. There is a little natural ocean pool on the beach that kids play in that sometimes attaches to the ocean when in full force. Some people even surf or slide down the beach.
Definitely bring goggles everywhere with you so you can witness the underwater life of all the sea creatures-turtles, fish, etc.
During the winter the north has huge swells so be careful when playing in huge ways if you’re not used to it.
WEST SIDE
Electric Beach aka Kahe Point Beach Park
This beach is actually named Electric Beach due to the nearby power plant that outflows clean warm water into the ocean= a fish’s own hot tub. Due to the warm water this is a paradise of diverse sea life so one of the best places to snorkel! Make sure to swim past the channel if you aren’t that great of a swimmer and just explore the open ocean.
Makua Cave
A hike I told my mom would be easy that we ended up having to basically climb up some places so just be aware not every hike in Oahu is paved and easily accessible. This is an iconic cave with beautiful views of the West Side.
There is a parking lot along the free way and once you see the picture above just start going up the path to upper Makua Cave. Park near the Kaena Point State Park sign.
Mermaid Caves
Another place where mermaids go that makes you feel like you are on Mako Island from H2o.
This is a natural cave that requires you to jump/climb into so be sure to bring a buddy. If the tides are high you cant really do much sitting in the caves and risk getting pushed up against the rocks from the waves coming in so be sure to check for low tide before heading in. Google should actually lead you here then just walk along the rocks and beach until you see a little hole in the ground that people are going into.
Lulumahu Falls
A less touristy waterfall that is still relatively easy to find parking wise- just take the Pali Highway and find the parking area off Old Pali Road (if you get to the Pali Lookout you have gone too far). Although it may be easy, it is also considered trespassing since its on private property.
The trail is about 2.5 miles roundtrip and leads you through a bamboo forest, the Honolulu Water Board Supply, grafitti walls, and the Nu’uanu Reservoir. There are ribbons along the way to help guide you to the 50ft waterfall. Just be sure to wear the right shoes and try not to go after it has just rained- this hike would be considered moderate.
China Walls
Basically cliffs to watch the ocean and sunset from, but if you’re really daring, a place to cliff jump about 60-90ft.
I personally did not jump (which is a lot to say because I usually do) but if you see others jumping in then you should be fine. I was with my local friend and he almost got suck out in the ocean since the current is strong so be aware of this before trying anything. Other than that is a beautiful place to watch whales, the ocean crashing against the cliffs, and sunset.
I hope you enjoy this list of some of the best things to do on the island! Be safe when exploring. Follow and tag me in your Hawaii posts so I can see your adventures! Let me know which place was your favorite adventure 🙂
