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. This is long overdue!
Ultimate Guide To Oahu
I’ve broken them down by category, so hopefully that helps a little bit 🙂
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)
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
Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove
Rainbow Bridge
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
Kailua Beach
Sunset Beach
Ko Olina Lagoons
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
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Waimea Falls
North Shore Pillboxes
Kaena Point
Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)
La’ie Falls
Waimano Ridge
Aiea Loop
Pali Puka
Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
Maunawili Falls
Kauu Crater
Seven Falls
Pali Notches
Crouching Lion
Lanipo Trail
Related: 10 Best Hikes On Oahu, What To Wear Hiking In Hawaii
Food & Drink – Hawaii has some of the best food in the world – be sure to bring your appetite!
Green World Coffee Farm
Opal Thai
Haleiwa Bowls
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
House Without A Key
Arancino
Lucky Belly
North Shore food trucks
Related: 6 Must Visit Coffee Shops on Oahu, Top 3 Shave Ice Stops on Oahu , 10 Thing You Must Eat When You Visit Hawaii, 15 Restaurants To Visit In Hawaii
Hotels – Even if you aren’t staying at these properties, the views and design cannot be missed!
The Moana Surfrider
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Four Seasons Oahu
Aulani: A Disney Resort
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Halekulani
The Modern Honolulu
Related: The Ultimate Hotel Guide For Oahu
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?
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