The Ultimate Activity List For Oahu

Who has been waiting for the ultimate activity list on Oahu? The truth is, I get a lot of e-mails from people saying “Hey Kait! I’m coming to Hawaii, any top tips for things I should do while I’m there?” Talk about a loaded question! But the answer it YES, twenty times over yes. But first, what do you like to do? Do you like to hike? Spend all day everyday at the beach? Shop? Are you into history? There is SO much to do that seven days worth of vacation wouldn’t even begin to cover it all. That said, I always send a list that helps them navigate the sometimes overwhelming itinerary debacle. I mean, what kind of island resident would I be if I just said…“Yeah there are beaches here, monuments there…you’ll figure it out! And don’t forget a luau!” Not a very good one, that’s what. Today I’m sharing the ultimate activity list for Oahu – where to stay, what to eat + do and so much more!

The Ultimate Activity List For Oahu

So, for anyone who might be lucky enough to be moving here or if you’re just simply coming for a visit, get ready for the ultimate list of activities, sights and attractions on Oahu. Plus, a full Oahu hotel guide at the bottom if you’re trying to figure out where to stay.

Ultimate Guide To Oahu

I’ve broken all the Oahu activities down by category, so hopefully that helps a little bit 🙂 For all the activities I’ve covered here on my blog, I’ve also linked to those posts so you can check them out in more detail. I hope this is helpful!

History & Culture – Oahu has more than just Pearl Harbor!

Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona, Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri)

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)

Queen Emma’s Summer Palace

Kawaiaha’o Church

Iolani Palace

He’eia Fishpond

Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site

Hawaii State Art Museum

Kukaniloko Birthstone State Monument (Birthing Stones)

Doris Duke’s Shangri La

Ali’iolani Hale and King Kamehameha I Statue

Polynesian Cultural Center

Byodo-In Temple

Valley of the Temples

Bishop Museum

Honolulu Museum of Art

Pacific Aviation Museum

U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii

Hawaii Plantation Village

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii

Hawaiian Mission Houses

Washington Place

St. Andrew’s Cathedral

The Ultimate Activity List For Oahu

Sights, Activities & Landmarks – Things you don’t want to miss!

Statue of Duke Kahanamoku

Dole Plantation

Ali’iolani Hale

Chinatown

Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium

Historic Haleiwa

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

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Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove and Hanauma Bay

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Rainbow Bridge

Old Waialua Sugar Mill

Mai Tai Catamaran

Friday night fireworks in Waikiki

Rent bikes and ride around Kailua

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Farmer’s Market

Take a surf lesson

Ala Moana Shopping Center (largest open-air mall in the world)

A traditional luau (Paradise Cove, Germaine’s, Polynesian Cultural Center, Hale Koa, Chief’s)

Beaches – No two beaches are alike, right?

Banzai Pipeline

Lanikai Beach

Waimanalo Beach

Kailua Beach

Sunset Beach

Ko Olina Lagoons

Waimea Bay

Makaha

Waikiki Beach

Ala Moana Beach Park

Kaimana Beach

Hanauma Bay

Sandy Beach (Sandy’s)

Kalama Beach Park

Three Tables

Chun’s Reef

Laniakea

Papailoa Beach

Maili Beach Park

Nanakuli

Hikes – Be sure to check each hike’s difficulty rating – some of these are not for beginners!

Diamond Head State Monument

Koko Head Crater

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Koko Crater Arch

Waimea Falls

Lanikai Pillboxes

North Shore Pillboxes

Kaena Point

Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)

La’ie Falls

Waimano Ridge

Pele’s Chair

Aiea Loop

Pali Puka

Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)

Maunawili Falls

Kauu Crater

Seven Falls

Pali Notches

Crouching Lion

Manoa Falls

Lanipo Trail

Hanauma Bay Ridgeline

Food & Drink – Hawaii has some of the best food in the world – be sure to bring your appetite!

Green World Coffee Farm

ARVO

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Opal Thai

Haleiwa Bowls (you really can’t go wrong with acai bowls — don’t miss all the best spots to get an acai bowl on Oahu!)

Mai Tai Bar

Uncle Bo’s (two locations)

53 By The Sea

Leonard’s Malasadas

Livestock Tavern

Pint & Jigger

Bar Leather Apron

Town

Kono’s

Coffee Gallery

Beet Box Cafe

Duke’s

Matsumoto’s

Sky Bar Waikiki

Buho Cocina y Cantina

Kalapawai Cafe

Diamond Head Cove Health Bar

South Shore Grill

Sunny Days

Earl Kaimuki

Piggy Smalls

Alan Wong’s

Lulu’s

Koko Head Cafe

Sweet E’s

Hy’s Steak House

House Without A Key

Arancino

Lucky Belly

North Shore food trucks

Breweries + Distilleries On Oahu

Island Distillers

KoHana Rum

Honolulu Beerworks

Aloha Brewing Co

Home of the Brave Brewing (Brewseum)

Paradise Ciders

Hotels – Even if you aren’t staying at these properties, the views and design cannot be missed!

The Royal Hawaiian

The Surfjack

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The Moana Surfrider

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Outrigger Waikiki

Four Seasons Oahu

Aulani: A Disney Resort

The Laylow

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Turtle Bay Beach Resort

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Halekulani

Sheraton Waikiki

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The Modern Honolulu

I hope this breakdown was helpful for anyone planning a move or a trip. If you have any suggestions – feel free to pass them along! I plan to keep this post updated frequently to add new favorites 🙂

Have you visited Oahu? What was your favorite part?