There are several exciting things to do on the beautiful island of Oahu. This stunning island boasts some of the most spectacular beaches, mountains, cliffs, et cetera.
In addition, Oahu has a vibrant culture and attracts several tourists every year.
Most tourists who come to Oahu are often captivated by the beautiful scenery. However, they are also fond of the several fun activities the beautiful island has to offer.
These activities include surfing, sailing, exploring the numerous side attractions available on the island, et cetera.
This article covers some exciting Things to do in Oahu (Hawaii).
Where Is Oahu?
Oahu is the third-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also called The Gathering Place. More than two-thirds of Hawaii’s residents reside in Oahu.
The island is within Honolulu County, and the state capital of the same name is on Oahu’s southeast coast. According to the 2020 census, Oahu has a population of over a million.
This makes up around 70% of Hawaii’s total population of 1,455,271. Around 81% of the residents live near or in the urban Honolulu area.
Oahu measures 44 miles long and 30 miles wide. Its shoreline is over 200 miles long and has a total area of 596.7 square miles.
Some of its smaller islands, such as Ford Island, are also in the region. It is the 20th-largest island in the US.
Things To Do In Oahu (Hawaii)
Oahu is the perfect vacation destination for fun lovers. It is a city that’s bustling, lively, and entertaining.
It is impossible to run out of fun activities, spectacular locations to visit, et cetera. These are some of the things to do in Oahu, Hawaii;
1. Bishop Museum
The museum, which is known as the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, is located in Honolulu.
It features a vast collection of royal family artifacts and personal items. It was established and founded by the husband of the last surviving princess of the Hawaiian royal family in 1889.
The collection also includes millions of documents and artifacts related to South Pacific history and culture.
The museum’s exhibits explore the history of the Hawaiian people and the South Pacific.
It also features various artifacts related to the region’s cultural and historical activities.
Address: This museum is at 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817.
2. Fort DeRussy Military Reservation
Fort DeRussy used to be a military facility for the state of Hawaii.
Today, the museum exhibits depict the various forces that have played a significant role in Hawaii’s history. It also displays artifacts related to the Vietnam War.
The museum’s exhibits also depict the various aspects of Hawaii’s history.
They include relics from ancient Hawaiian weapons, US military camps, and the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Aside from World War II, the museum additionally features displays about the Korean War.
Address: The Fort DeRussy Military Reservation is at 2161 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815.
3. Hawaii Food Tours
Among the fun things to do in Oahu, Hawaii, is to go on the North Shore Food Tour, which takes tourists on a journey to some of the best bakeries on the island.
The other famous food tour is the Hole in the Wall Tour, which visits some of the best local restaurants and cafes. These tours usually last for around five to six hours.
4. Hawaiian Mission Houses
One of the most exciting things to do in Oahu, Hawaii, is to visit the Hawaiian Mission Houses.
This historical site and museum offer a glimpse into the lives of missionaries who lived here during the 19th century.
Visitors can get a deeper understanding of how missionaries lived in Hawaii through its multiple structures.
One of the exhibits in the museum is an interactive replica of the oldest printing press in the state.
It also features various other exciting artifacts. Tourists on guided tours can visit this museum.
Address: The Hawaiian mission houses is at 553 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813.
5. Hawaiian Parasail
One beautiful experience a person can have is parasailing. This activity allows them to experience the freedom and excitement of flying through the air while feeling the wind in their hair.
At Hawaiian Parasail, the team members have been in the parasailing business for over 40 years.
The company provides various parasailing options for its customers, such as the length of line they want to go parasailing in, the amount of time they want to spend, and whether they’d like to be with friends or alone.
However, children below five years old are not allowed to participate.
Address: This beautiful attraction is at 1651 Ala Moana Blvd #600b, Honolulu, HI 96815.
6. Diamond Head
One of the most popular things to do in Oahu, Hawaii, is visiting the Diamond Head volcano, which is over 300,000 years old and features a massive ridge that looks like the dorsal fin of a tuna fish.
A trail that leads to the top of the volcano provides visitors the opportunity to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu from a different perspective. The hike to the top of the volcano takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
The park where the volcano is open from 6:00 pm to 6:00 pm. However, during the day, hikers are not allowed to enter the park after 4:30 pm to ensure that everybody has enough time to get to the top.
Address: This attraction is at Diamond Head Rd Honolulu, HI 96815 (800) 464-2924.
7. Honolulu Museum of Art
One of Hawaii’s most prominent art museums is the Honolulu Museum of Art, which has over 50,000 items in its collection.
Many are Japanese woodblock prints, classical European paintings, and textiles.
This museum also features various art pieces from the Hawaiian Islands. Its knowledgeable docents can provide visitors with a variety of tours.
Address: This impressive museum is at 900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814.
8. Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is a relic from a different era. Its establishment was after lands were given to the state by a royal ruler. It’s the only zoo in the US established following a royal decree.
The zoo was established in 1876 and has grown into a world-class facility. It has over 300 acres of land and features various animals.
Many of the zoo’s animals are from other countries. Some of these include the Asian elephant, the black rhino, and the cheetah.
Address: The zoo is at 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
9. Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace was built in 1882 and served as the home of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani until their reign ended in 1893.
It is one of the most significant royal residences in the US. The palace is also the only royal residence in the entire country.
It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the royal family and its history.
Visitors can better understand the palace and its various rooms through guided tours.
After exploring the castle, guests can also take a walk through the gardens and paths of the facility.
Address: The palace is at 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813.
10. Hawaii State Art Museum
The Hawaii State Art Museum is located in downtown Honolulu and is housed in the Capitol District Building.
It features a variety of art exhibits that explore the relationship between Hawaiian culture and art.
In addition, its visual sculpture garden features pathways that lead through various elements of art, architecture, and natural beauty. This garden design gives visitors a unique perspective on Hawaii.
Address: The museum is at 250 South Hotel St Second Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.
11. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
This museum features several massive hangars designed to exhibit different types of aircraft.
Through these displays, visitors can get a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian Islands before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Through its exhibits, the museum also aims to educate visitors about the various facets of aviation.
It features a variety of aircraft that were used during the Second World War. In addition, it has a flight simulator that allows people to try their hand at flying.
Address: This attraction is at 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818.
12. Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center embodies a variety of exhibits that explore the history and culture of the people of the Pacific Islands.
Through six different villages, visitors can explore the various traditions of the people of the Pacific.
They will also learn about traditional drumming and dance and observe the structures of homes and traditional tattoos.
Address: The cultural center is at 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762.
13. Sea Life Park Hawaii
The Sea Life Park is a place where visitors can get a close encounter with some of the fascinating marine creatures in the world.
Various experience packages allow them to interact with dolphins. They can also take a belly ride with the dolphins or swim with them.
In addition, visitors can also get close to sea lions and other marine animals.
They can get a kiss from one of the sea lions or immerse themselves in a shark tank. Families, groups, and individuals can participate in these experiences.
Address: This park is at 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795.
14. Shangri La
Shangri La features a collection of over 2,500 items that are related to Islamic culture.
Some of these include art and design pieces from countries such as Egypt, Iran, and Morocco.
In addition, the museum showcases various other objects, such as rugs and furniture.
Address: This attraction is at 4055 Papu Cir, Honolulu, HI 96816.
15. Sunset Suzy’s Surf Camp
For over two decades, professional lifeguard and surf instructor Suzy has been helping people in Hawaii learn how to surf.
Her ability to do this is with the immeasurable help of her two dogs, Coco and Kaya.
This camp is on the island’s north shore, and visitors can enjoy the waves and get away from the crowds at the nearby Waikiki Beach.
Address: This surf camp is at 62540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712.
16. Kaniakapupu Ruins
The Kaniakapupu Palace, the summer home of the Hawaiian King Kamehameha III, was constructed in 1845.
The various structures and designs provide the king with multiple services and facilities.
This property also has a garden and a temple. The king often spent his time relaxing and sleeping in the main room.
Address: This palace is at 295 Nuuanu Pali Dr, Honolulu, HI 96817.
17. Kualoa Ranch
At the Kualoa Ranch, guests can enjoy several activities and create lasting memories.
These activities include horseback riding through Oahu’s valleys and hills, an all-terrain vehicle tour through the mountain ranges, and a catamaran trip to explore the island from the water. The ranch is one of the fun things to do in Oahu, Hawaii.
Address: The ranch is at 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744.
18. Manoa Falls
At the end of a 1.6-mile hike on the Manoa Falls Trail lies the breathtaking Manoa Falls. This enormous waterfall reaches over 150 feet tall.
Due to the area’s nature, it is prone to flash flooding. This natural feature is in a rainforest that receives heavy rainfall almost every day of the year.
Address: The Manoa falls are at 3860 Manoa Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822
19. Moanalua Gardens
The Moanalua Gardens is a 24-acre property with various walking paths and green spaces.
This property was once the home of Prince Lot Kapuaiwa, who eventually became the king.
One of the garden’s most popular attractions is the Hitachi Tree, which has a unique and distinctive shape.
This tree is protected by the Honolulu government and is considered exceptional.
Address: The Moanalua garden is at 2850 Moanalua Road A, Honolulu, HI 96819.
20. Nuuanu Pali
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a beautiful spot that overlooks the ocean and the nearby cliffs.
It’s only a few miles from the center of Honolulu, and it’s a peaceful and ideal location.
Address: This attraction is at Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States
21. USS Missouri
One of the most famous decommissioned battleships in the world is the USS Missouri.
During the Second World War, it served as the vessel where General Douglas MacArthur signed the surrender papers of the Japanese.
After the war, the ship served in various other conflicts. It was officially retired in 2017 as part of the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Address: The USS Missouri harbor is at 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818.
Cost Of Visiting Oahu
A trip to Oahu for one person usually costs about $1,864. A two-week trip for a couple to the island costs about $7,457, and a one-week trip for two people costs about $3,729.
Best Time To Visit Oahu
The best time to visit Oahu is during the early April, May, September, and October months.
It’s advantageous to book a trip during this period because of the availability of accommodations and the weather.
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