Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Outdoor Activities

July 6, 2021 Roger Rusk

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. Dolphin Quest

Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,312 reviews

Dolphin Quest

Dolphin Quest Oahu, located at the world-famous Kahala Hotel & Resort just minutes from Waikiki, brings people and dolphins closer than ever in fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all ages. Dolphin Quest Oahu's intimate and lush setting is the perfect place for a dolphin experience for everyone from kids to honeymooners. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. A portion of the proceeds from all Dolphin Quest encounter programs supports marine education, conservation and scientific study. TripAdvisor Certificate Excellence winner in 2017, 2016 and 2015!

2. Pu’U’Ohulu Kai

87 Kaukama St, Waianae, Oahu, HI
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Pu’U’Ohulu Kai

Reviewed By secretagentgs - Honolulu, United States

This hike is affectionally known as the pink pillbox hike. It’s on the west coast Oahu so it’s off the beaten path so-to-speak, but this hike and locale is amazing!! It’s a good hike, definitely not for the weak hearted since it’s high up and on a winding path that is narrow at points and offers no protection from sliding off the path. But you have to check it out, and I highly recommend going at sunset...the views are AMAZING! There are a few different pillboxes & artifacts from a war and a time past! Super cool spot!!

3. Pupukea Beach Park

59-727 Kamehameha Highway North Shore, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712
Excellent
66%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 188 reviews

Pupukea Beach Park

This location is great for children to swim.

Reviewed By 896ricn

Pupukea tide pools to the left, Shark's Cove to the right. Pools are not deep, mostly walkable - but bring water shoes. Shallow, and barefoot can hurt. Can be hard to maneuver in Snorkel gear. Saw the prettiest little Snowflake eel here, about 18 inches, lots of endemic fish. Really a great spot for kids and little ones. Shark's Cove is to the right of the restrooms. Better depth here and therefore better to Snorkel, or dive. Fish were incredibly abundant: some massive schools of 500 (or so), Green Sea Turtles, eel, and a nice array of Parrot Fish. Visibility to about 60 feet. Visited Thanksgiving week and were told to select a day with little to no surf, as it can make swimming difficult, reduce visibility and possibility cause injury. Picked the right day apparently as it was absolutely fantastic... One of the best I've experienced in the Islands. Notes: go early to get a decent parking spot. The small lot fills up early, by 10am or so. Across the street are several eateries, and a market just next door.

4. 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. ????

5. 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

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. 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!

9. 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!

10. Makapu'u Beach

41-095 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, Oahu, HI 96795-1808
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 320 reviews

Makapu'u Beach

Stretching more than 1,000 yards of sandy shoreline, this spot is considered the premier bodysurfing beach in Hawaii.

Reviewed By momoftwoboysnc

Enjoyed body surfing the big waves and exploring the area surrounding the beach, water shoes are a must.

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