Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Bodies of Water

August 3, 2021 Marissa Gamble

The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
Restaurants in Oahu

1. Kane'ohe Bay

Kaneohe, Oahu, HI
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Kane'ohe Bay

Reviewed By Tivi50 - Bolton, United Kingdom

Worth a visit! Absolutely beautiful - caution re swimming though as there are sharks at some times of the year

2. Waimea Bay

Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712-1304 https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/north-shore/waimea-bay
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,245 reviews

Waimea Bay

A popular surfing area located on the North Shore of Oahu.

Reviewed By amysun2016 - Fairfield, United States

Waimea valley is beautiful. The big is big and is on the 7 miles miracle, north shore in general is very nice in the winter with big waves and you can watch surfers.

3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825-2005 +1 808-396-4229 [email protected] http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-dpr-menu/site-dpr-sitearticles/1716-hanauma-bay-home.html
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16,879 reviews

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

A perfect snorkeling spot.

Reviewed By shezau - Safety Beach, Australia

This place takes your breath away with its beauty , what a stunning beach , perfect for snorkelling as there is many reefs there , also lots of people, its a great tourist attraction , and would definately go there again , had an amazing day at Hanauma Bay .

4. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon

2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1917
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon

Reviewed By Travelcooking - London, United Kingdom

This man-made lake, located by to the Hilton hotel, is a great place to relax. If you have children is ideal to let play in the water. There are plenty of activities to enjoy for all ages. You can even have a picnic in the grass area close by.

5. Kawela Bay

Kahuku, Oahu, HI
Excellent
68%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Kawela Bay

Reviewed By susanal759 - Silver Spring, United States

We came here before the crowds overwhelmed the island as is typical for this time of year. Luckily, COVID has deterred the crowds for now and we were able to enjoy this piece of heaven in relative solitude and peace. Although the winter swell was high the waves crash on the rocks/reef allowing for calm waters and gentle waves. We really enjoyed it here.

6. Waialua Bay

Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, Oahu, HI
Excellent
53%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Waialua Bay

7. Makapu’u Point Tide Pools

Waimanalo, Oahu, HI
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Makapu’u Point Tide Pools

Reviewed By erinschmiedt

Check tide levels before trekking down there because the rogue waves and surges will sweep visitors back out into the open ocean (and there have been deaths from it re: 2016 and 2011 father and daughter incidents). If you see wave turbulence at all going into the tide pools then stay out and away from them. Also, be aware there is some scrambling involved getting down and up from them. This is an intermediate hike. With all the rain, it may be a bit precarious especially when muddy. Also, wear water shoes because getting in and out of the pools there are a ton of sea urchins. Otherwise, it’s a must-see and experience spot.

8. Ala Wai Canal

1959 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1856 http://www.to-hawaii.com/oahu/attractions/alawaicanal.php
Excellent
17%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 116 reviews

Ala Wai Canal

Reviewed By ChristineToo - Richmond Hill, United States

On our first full day in Waikiki, we took a lovely walk along the Ala Wai Canal, down through the park, far into a residential neighborhood along the back-side of Diamond Head, and back along the ocean. We'd never walked along the canal before, and it was quite interesting - saw lots of tilapia along its banks, passed joggers and other walkers, enjoyed walking past the zoo and hearing the occasional "hello" sounded by its occupants, and getting an up-close look at gorgeous houses. This is another adventure that we've added to our Waikiki list of to-dos.

9. Heeia Fishponds

Oahu, HI
Heeia Fishponds

Amply sized fish ponds.

10. Jackass Ginger Pond

Judd Trail, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 1 reviews

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