Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Nature & Parks

May 4, 2022 Diedre Savory

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. Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744-1855 +1 808-233-7323 [email protected] http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/trees-gardens/honolulu-botanical-gardens.html?id=569:ho#96;omaluhia-botanical-garden&catid=182:site-dpr-cat&Itemid=2069
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 380 reviews

Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens

A 200 acre botanical garden.

Reviewed By 87EdS - Birmingham, United States

Wonderful gardens, well maintained and laid it. Hiking is awesome for neophytes all the way to experienced folk. Well worth your time; fascinating collection of tropical plants.

2. Diamond Head State Monument

18th Ave. Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 +1 808-587-0300 [email protected] http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23,500 reviews

Diamond Head State Monument

A dormant volcano crater.

Reviewed By alp107

Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????

3. 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

4. Waimea Valley

Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,434 reviews

Waimea Valley

Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.

5. Wahiawa Botanical Garden

1396 California Ave, Wahiawa, Oahu, HI 96786-2534 +1 808-621-7321 http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/hbg/wbg.htm
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 152 reviews

Wahiawa Botanical Garden

A 27-acre forest with native plants in central Oahu.

Reviewed By Watermaniac2

Fantastic views and learning experience. The attraction was very clean and maintained nicely. Was an excellent stop and Can’t beat the price too....free!

6. Waimanalo Beach

41 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, Oahu, HI 96795-1299
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 715 reviews

Waimanalo Beach

A large beach in Oahu.

Reviewed By gbmir3 - Houston, United States

Incredibly beautiful beach, with soft sand, great waves and beautiful clear blue water. Plenty of room, very uncrowned even on State holiday.

7. Makapu'u Point

Kalaniana'ole Hwy turnout above Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, HI 96795 http://liveinhawaiinow.com/makapuu-lighthouse-trail/
Excellent
67%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 303 reviews

Makapu'u Point

A beautiful, scenic spot overlooking Makapuu Peninsula.

Reviewed By MimieW - Spokane, United States

During our visit, it was a cloudy and windy day, but that did not dispel the beauty of this place. The long beach and open water plus the two islands, Rabbit and Kaohikaipu make Makapu'u Point an interesting place. I would imagine on a bright and sunny day, this place would make gorgeous photos fit for a calendar!

8. 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.

9. Kailua Beach Park

526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/gokailuabeach
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,987 reviews

Kailua Beach Park

Reviewed By Vladimiramirela - Mississauga, Canada

For less experienced and brave swimmers, this is a perfect setting. Close to washroom facilities, with lots of parking within convenient distance and many shaded spots under the trees, this beach offers enough room for everybody to sit or walk around, without feeling crowded, even during the weekend days. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with nearby rock formations, and amazingly turquois water. As the slope into the waves is not too steep, even when the ocean is pretty rough, swimming is quite safe. The villages of Kailua and nearby Lanikai also offer many places to eat, have a good coffee or browse for souvenirs. Excellent location!

10. Makaha Beach Park

84-369 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, Oahu, HI 96792
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Makaha Beach Park

A popular beach for surfing.

Reviewed By ladytattoo7 - Honolulu, United States

We live close by and this is our beach of choice on the Leeward side. Lifeguards are awesome, saved my brother's life one day. RESPECT the ocean at all times but esp here. Never turn your back to it! Gorgeous views, lots of local talented surfers!

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