From historic sites and downtown diversions to natural wonders and scenic attractions, the island of Oahu has much more to offer than just sun and sand. To inspire you to get out and explore, we offer a dozen of the island’s most memorable day trips. The adventures and activities are suitable for all ages and are available year-round.
Catch a Sunset and Some Fireworks
On Friday evenings, locals and in-the-know vacationers converge on Waikiki Beach in anticipation of the weekly fireworks show staged by the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel. The pyrotechnics kick off around 7:45 p.m., but for a double treat, come early to catch the sunset over the water. A prime spot for viewing and photographing the fireworks is from the pier in front of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. A closer view is the lawn at the Hawaiian Village, it’s part of the evening when you book tickets for the resort’s Waikiki Starlight Luau. Take in an island buffet, followed by games and entertainment.
Find Inspiration at the Valley of the Temples
Buddhist, Shinto, Protestant, and Catholic traditions coexist in this tranquil and scenic memorial garden, which is nestled into the lush valley at the foot of the Koolau Mountains on the eastern side of Oahu. A centerpiece of the memorial is the life-size recreation of an 11th-century Byodo-in Buddhist temple found in Uji, Japan. The temple is made entirely without nails and was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to come to Hawaii. Inside the temple, there is a 9-foot-high Amida Buddha statue. The garden-like grounds also hold a number of statues depicting saints, the Virgin Mary, and the Passion of Christ along with crypts and mausoleums. The setting provides a quiet, tranquil, and relaxing atmosphere for meditation.
Immerse in the Sights and Scents of Chinatown
This 20-block historic district in downtown Honolulu is not only one of the nation’s oldest Chinese American communities, but it is also a vibrant and inclusive community comprised of a mixture of native Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese cultures. Historic buildings include temples and shrines that transport you to historic China. Here, vendors offering ethnic foods and herbal medicines share space with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that serve up a wide range of Pan-Pacific and Asian cuisines. Stroll along Bethel Street for First Friday festivities and take in some eclectic underground bars and clubs in the weathered lofts and buildings.
Climb to the Top of Diamond Head
The iconic profile of this long-extinct volcano is one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks. Known as the brow of the tuna, Le’ahi was named Diamond Head by British sailors who thought they discovered diamonds on the crater slopes. What they thought were diamonds were actually shiny calcite crystals with no value. Visitors can enter the crater and follow a half-mile trail that winds up in the inner walls of the crater, passing through tunnels and hidden stairways to reach an elevated observation post that was once key to the city’s aerial defenses. Today, this watch post has been transformed into a viewing platform that provides sweeping views of Oahu’s southwestern shore.
Snorkel the Reefs at Hanauma Bay
It’s Oahu’s most popular snorkeling destination, and for good reason. Formed within a volcanic cone and set between encircling hillsides that create a pool of calm water, the bay’s seabed is filled with living corals that are home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. Because it is a State Park, Hanauma enjoys protected status as a marine life conservation area observing measures to reduce the impact of overuse. Visitors are provided with showers, bathrooms, changing areas, and a tram for those who don’t want to make the ten-minute walk to the water. Come early to get a good parking spot and remember that the park is closed on Tuesdays.
Tour Historic Iolani Palace
Now a National Historic Landmark, this island landmark is the only official royal residence in the United States. Iolani was home to the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, including King Kamehameha III. It later served as a prison for overthrown Queen Liliuokalani and was the capital in territorial times. The palace became the provisional government headquarters until 1969 when government offices moved to the State Capitol building and the rooms of the palace were prepared for renovation. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously restored building and grounds on their own, or join guided tours hosted by docents who recount the building’s history and lore.
Spend a Day at Kualoa Ranch
Nature preserve, cattle ranch, adventure park, movie set, wedding destination. The 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch is all this and more. Established in 1850, the ranch is home to 600 head of cattle, 120 horses, 200 pigs, and 100 sheep. In addition, these rich and fertile agricultural lands produce cacao, banana, breadfruit, and papaya. Located in a sacred valley on Oahu’s eastern shore, this expansive property has provided the setting for films such as Jurassic Park and Skull Island. With landscapes that range from forested hillsides and lush grasslands to a white sand beach, visitors can enjoy everything from horseback rides and ATV adventures to zip lines and catamaran cruises.
Hike to Manoa Falls
Once a muddy path known only to locals, the trail to this popular waterfall is now well-maintained and covered in a coat of shoe-friendly gravel. These improvements haven’t spoiled the experience, as the route still winds through verdant rainforests and bamboo thickets as it follows a babbling stream to the 150-foot cascade. The trail is open year-round and is considered moderately challenging taking a little over an hour to complete the round-trip course. To find the trailhead, look for the parking area at the top of Manoa Road. And you might want to bring a light rain jacket because this is one of the wettest places in Hawaii.
Pay your Respects at Pearl Harbor
Once a harbor where pearl oysters were harvested, the original Hawaiian name of Pu’uloa was later called Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. In one visit, history buffs can visit the sites where World War II both began and ended. The USS Arizona Memorial sits over the remains of the battleship, which was sunk by the Japanese raid on December 7, 1941, resulting in the US declaration of war. Also in the harbor is the decommissioned battleship Missouri, on which the Japanese signed terms of surrender on September 2, 1945. It’s an ever-popular tour, so it’s a good idea to reserve in advance.
Go Native at the Cultural Center
Hotel luaus don’t compare to the celebration staged at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Set on 42 acres surrounding a lagoon on Oahu’s North Shore, the center is a collection of 6 authentic villages and exhibits representing the island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Easter Island. Travel back in time and experience thousands of year’s worth of culture. On a visit to the Island of Hawaii, you will learn how to fish with a net and dance with grace, take in Tonga, and learn to toss a spear and at the Island of Aotearoa, you’ll learn about the significance of Māori tattoos. Visitors can take canoe tours, and attend the famous Ali’i Luau, which combines traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment with the story of Hawaii’s royal history.
Catch a Wave at Waikiki
You don’t have to be a pro to ride the waves at Waikiki. Unlike the challenging and sometimes treacherous surf of the island’s north shore, Waikiki’s gentle rollers are fun and novice-friendly. Take a surfing lesson or a guided stand-up paddle tour. A typical lesson lasts two hours where the instructors will spend a brief time on land and then head to the water. One quick push on the board and you’ll be standing up and riding a wave in no time. Numerous shops and concessions along the beach offer board rentals and lessons, and vacationers can also grab a paddle and join an outrigger canoe crew for a thrilling ride.
Take in Island Views at Tantalus Lookout
Some of the best views on Oahu are from the top of Mount Tantalus, and you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy them. Four miles north of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, this 2,000-foot-high volcanic formation rises above forest canopies of Puu Ualakaa State Park to provide sweeping views of the city and coast. A nine-mile scenic drive leads to the starting point for an easy half-mile loop trail that accesses the overlook. There is a 2.5-mile moderate hike that rambles through lush rainforest. Those seeking more of a rush can bike downhill along the narrow road. Many visitors come for the sunsets and stay to take in nighttime views of the city lights.
