Planning a trip to Oahu and wondering what the best things to do in Hawaii actually are? This guide breaks it all down in one place. Oahu is packed with incredible free things to do like beaches, scenic lookouts, and historic sites, plus unforgettable tours if you want to add a few standout experiences to your trip.

How the “Best Things to Do in Hawaii” Guide Works

Everything here is organized by area of the island, so you can easily plan days that make sense without crisscrossing Oahu. Under each major attraction, you’ll find what you can do for free, along with optional tours you can book if you want a guided or more hands off experience.

Quick Tip Before You Start Planning

Many Oahu tours offer exclusive TikTok discounts, so it’s always worth checking there first. We’ve also linked trusted booking options throughout the guide so you can compare and book however it works best for you.

Save this post and come back to it as you plan. We’ll keep updating it with new videos and experiences, making this your go to Things to Do in Hawaii, Oahu guide.

Best Things to do in Hawaii: South Island

South Oahu is the most built up part of the island and where many visitors stay. This area is walkable, packed with food and activities, and easy to explore without a car. It’s also where many full day tours and excursions begin, making it a convenient base for seeing more of the island.

Waikiki

Waikiki is lively, central, and full of things to do without much planning. Whether you’re staying here or just visiting for the day, it’s an easy place to fill time with beaches, food, and classic Hawaii experiences.

Free things to do

• Waikiki Beach
• Free Friday night fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Beach walks and people watching
• Shopping and local art browsing
• Honolulu Cookie Company free samples
• Free Luau Saturday Nights at Kuhio Beach Park

Bookable experiences

• Waikiki Beach Sunset Sail
• Waikiki Fireworks Sunset Cruise
• Group Surf Lessons
• Private Surf Lessons

Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most recognizable landmarks and an easy add on if you’re staying in Waikiki. The hike is short but steep, and the views from the top are worth the effort.

On your own option

• Reservation required at Go Hawai’i State Parks website
• Entry: $5.00 per person
• Parking: $10.00

Bookable option

• Diamond Head Self-Guided Hiking Tour (with Pick-up/Drop-off, Entry and water)

Downtown Honolulu & Iolani Palace

Downtown Honolulu offers a completely different side of Oahu, one that’s deeply tied to Hawaiian history and the islands’ past as an independent kingdom. Walking this area feels less like sightseeing and more like stepping into a chapter of Hawaii that many visitors never fully learn about.

At the heart of downtown is ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil and the former residence of Hawaiian monarchs. Built in the late 1800s, the palace was incredibly advanced for its time. It had electricity, indoor plumbing, and a telephone system before the White House did.

But beyond the architecture, what makes ʻIolani Palace so powerful is its role in Hawaiian history. This is where Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and where many of the events that changed Hawaii forever took place.

Visiting ʻIolani Palace gives important context to Hawaii beyond beaches and resorts. You’ll learn about the Hawaiian monarchy, the cultural traditions of the islands, and how Hawaii transitioned from a sovereign nation to what it is today. For older kids and teens especially, this stop often sparks meaningful conversations and helps them understand Hawaii on a much deeper level.

Downtown Honolulu itself is walkable and filled with historic buildings, statues, and landmarks that pair well with a palace visit. Many guided tours include ʻIolani Palace as part of a larger itinerary, which can be a great option if you want expert storytelling and transportation included rather than navigating downtown on your own.

Free things to do

• Walk through downtown Honolulu
• See historic buildings and statues

Bookable experiences

• On your own: Iolani Palace Tours
• Iolani Palace visits are often included in guided Honolulu History tours with multiple stops across all the epic points of interest with pick-up and drop-off

Luau Experiences (South & Nearby Areas)

A luau is one of those experiences people either plan around or skip entirely. If it’s on your list, South Oahu is a convenient place to fit one in, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki.

Free Luau option (no food included)

• Kuhio Beach Hula Show

Popular options

• Toa Luau
• Disney’s Aulani Luau
• Chiefs Luau
• Hale Koa Luau (Military Affiliation Only)

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay is one of the most well known snorkeling spots in Hawaii, and for good reason. The bay is a protected marine life conservation area with clear water, colorful fish, and a curved coastline that helps keep conditions calmer than many other spots on Oahu.

This is an experience you can do on your own, but it does require some planning. Entry is limited, reservations are required, and there’s a mandatory educational video before entering the bay. If you’re renting a car and comfortable coordinating timing, visiting independently is very doable and rewarding.

For many visitors, booking a guided tour that includes Hanauma Bay is the easier option. These tours typically handle transportation, timing, and entry logistics, which can take a lot of stress out of the experience, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki or traveling with kids.

Free option

• Visit Hanauma Bay independently (Reservation required, limited daily entry)

Tours that include Hanauma Bay

• Oahu Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Town Full-Day Guided Tour

Halona Blowhole

Halona Blowhole is a quick but dramatic stop on Oahu’s southeastern coastline. When ocean conditions are right, waves force water up through a lava tube, creating a powerful spray that shoots into the air. It’s one of those places that’s easy to visit but still feels impressive.

This stop is completely free and works well as a short pull-off when driving along the coast. Even when the blowhole isn’t actively spraying, the views alone are worth it. The rugged cliffs, blue water, and nearby lookout points make this a great photo stop.

Halona Blowhole is also commonly included on island loop and coastal tours, which is helpful if you don’t plan to rent a car or want to pair it with other nearby highlights without worrying about parking.

Free things to do

• View the Halona Blowhole
• Quick photo stop

Tours that include this stop

• Oahu Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Town Full-Day Guided Tour

Best Things to do in Hawaii: West Island

West Oahu is more spread out and less touristy than Waikiki, with resort lagoons, rugged coastline, historic landmarks, and some of the island’s most memorable guided experiences. This part of Oahu is perfect for day trips, resort stays, or full day tours that cover multiple stops.

Pearl Harbor & Ford Island

Pearl Harbor is one of those places that feels completely different once you’re actually there. You can read about December 7th in a book, but standing on the grounds with your family, hearing the stories, and seeing everything up close hits on another level. It’s emotional, educational, and absolutely worth planning into your Oahu itinerary.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is where most visits begin. Entry is free, and this is where you’ll find exhibits, historical displays, and a short introductory film that explains what happened that day. The film is powerful and honestly sets the tone for everything that follows, especially if you’re visiting with kids and want context before heading out to the memorials.

From there, visitors take a boat ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits directly above the sunken battleship. This is one of the quietest, most emotional parts of the experience. You can still see oil slowly leaking from the ship below, often referred to as “the tears of the Arizona,” and it’s one of those moments that really stays with you long after you leave.

Just across the harbor on Ford Island is the USS Battleship Missouri, and this is where things become much more hands-on. The Missouri is massive, and you’re able to walk the decks, go inside the ship, and see where sailors lived and worked.

This was our kids’ favorite part of the visit because it feels immersive. Fun fact: scenes from the movie Pearl Harbor were filmed right on the USS Missouri, and you can also see the exact spot where World War II officially ended. And yes, slightly unexpected but very real, the shave ice on the Missouri is surprisingly good.

It’s also worth mentioning the USS Oklahoma Memorial, which honors the sailors who lost their lives when the ship capsized during the attack. This stop is quieter and less crowded, but incredibly meaningful, especially if you want a deeper understanding of the events of that day.

Now, here’s the helpful part if you’re planning: Pearl Harbor itself is free to visit, and if you’re renting a car and don’t mind coordinating timing, you can absolutely do it on your own. However, many families find that booking a guided Pearl Harbor tour with transportation ends up being easier and often costs about the same as rideshare back and forth from Waikiki.

These tours typically include round-trip transportation, admission tickets, and an in-person briefing, which means you don’t have to worry about logistics or missing timed entry slots. You just show up and focus on the experience.

If Pearl Harbor is high on your list, it’s one of those things that’s worth planning ahead for. The most popular tours often book out weeks in advance, especially during busy travel seasons, and for good reason. It’s an experience that’s educational, emotional, and incredibly impactful for both adults and kids.

Free option

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  (Free entry for Standby Callback or $1 timed ticket if reserving ahead)

Guided tour options

• Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona
• USS Missouri & Oklahoma Memorial

@saltyvagabonds Best things to do in Hawaii, Oahu Island • Part 1 🌺 If Pearl Harbor is on your Oahu list, here’s something most people don’t realize 👇 The Pearl Harbor Memorial itself is free! but once you add the USS Missouri, transportation, tickets, and timing, it can turn into a lot of planning. That’s why so many families book this experience months in advance. This tour includes round trip transportation from Waikiki, all admission tickets, the Arizona Memorial boat ride, the USS Missouri, and an in person briefing so you’re not piecing everything together on vacation. As a mom, I’ll always choose the option that lets us actually enjoy the day. Vacation is supposed to be relaxing and fun… not a logistics puzzle. You show up, everything’s handled, and you get to experience it together without the stress. We did this with our kids and it was one of the most meaningful experiences on Oahu. And yes, the shave ice on the Missouri is a must. If you’re watching this on TikTok, make sure you check rates directly here through the booking tag! TikTok’s exclusive partnership offers deals you won’t always find elsewhere. 🫶🏼💖 💬 Planning the trip on your own? Comment HAWAII and I’ll send you our Hawaii Things To Do guide. It includes all the FREE stops plus the Pearl Harbor tips we used. and Stay tuned because we’re sharing everything to do on Oahu next, whether you want to plan your trip fully DIY or book the experiences that save time and energy🏝️✨ #tiktokgo2025recap #oahu #hawaii #pearlharbor #travelrecap ♬ оригинальный звук – albiana_violinist

Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina feels like a completely different side of Oahu. This area on the west side of the island is known for its calm, man made lagoons, making it one of the best places on Oahu for an easy, low stress beach day. The water here is typically swimmable year round, and the entire area feels relaxed and family-friendly, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want a quieter beach experience.

One of the best parts about Ko Olina is that it’s incredibly easy to enjoy without spending any money. The lagoons are open to the public, and you can walk between them on the paved coastal path. Lagoon hopping is a fun way to explore, and the sunsets here are some of the prettiest on the island, especially if you time your visit for the evening.

There’s also a lesser known “secret beach” area near Ko Olina where Hawaiian monk seals are sometimes spotted resting on shore. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but if you’re lucky enough to see one, it’s a special experience. As always, give them plenty of space and follow posted guidelines to help protect these endangered animals.

Another thing people don’t always realize is that you don’t have to be staying at the resorts to enjoy the area. You can grab food and drinks from Disney’s Aulani or the Four Seasons and enjoy them right on the public beach or along the lagoon path. It’s an easy way to upgrade your beach day without committing to a full resort stay.

If you want to add something special to your visit, Ko Olina is also home to a few memorable bookable experiences. Disney’s Aulani Luau is one of the most popular options and a great way to experience Hawaiian culture, music, and food in a family friendly setting. The surrounding resorts also offer dining, activities, and occasional events that can easily turn a simple beach day into a full afternoon or evening experience.

Free things to do

• Ko Olina Lagoons
• Monk Seal Sightings at Secret Beach

Nearby Bookable Experiences

• Luau at Disney’s Aulani
• Four Seasons Dining

Mermaid Caves

The Mermaid Caves are one of those places that feel a little unreal when you first see them. Located along the rugged coastline of West Oahu, these lava rock caves fill with bright turquoise water when conditions are right, creating that iconic “hidden Hawaii” look people dream about. It’s dramatic, wild, and very different from the calm beaches on this side of the island.

That said, this is not a casual stop, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The caves are completely tide- and weather-dependent. During calm conditions and low tide, they can be stunning to see. During rough surf or high tide, they can be dangerous. Waves can surge into the caves without warning, which is why locals are very clear about only visiting when conditions are safe.

If you’re experienced, checking the surf report and tides carefully, you can visit the area on your own to view the coastline and caves from above. Even without going inside, the scenery alone is worth the stop. This is one of those places where simply watching the waves crash against the rocks can be impressive on its own.

For many visitors, the safest and easiest way to experience the Mermaid Caves is by booking a guided tour. Tours typically include transportation, local knowledge about conditions, and guidance on where it’s safe to walk and explore. It takes the guesswork out of timing tides and surf, which is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with Hawaii’s ocean conditions or visiting with older kids or teens.

This is one of those experiences that feels adventurous and unforgettable when done right, but it’s not something to rush or squeeze in without planning. If Mermaid Caves are on your list, flexibility and safety matter here.

Free option

• View the Mermaid Caves area independently (Best during calm surf and low tide, viewing from above is safest)

Guided tour option

• Mermaid Caves and West Oahu with Kaena Point Hike

Wild Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Safari

The Waianae Coast on West Oahu is one of the best places on the island to see marine life. This area is less crowded than Waikiki, with clearer water and fewer boats, which makes it a popular spot for dolphin and seasonal whale sightings.

This experience typically includes snorkeling in calm, open water and searching for wild dolphins in their natural habitat. During the winter months, there’s also a good chance of seeing humpback whales passing through the area. Many tours conveniently pick up from Ko Olina hotels, which makes this an easy add on if you’re staying on the west side of the island or visiting Ko Olina for the day.

If you’re looking for a wildlife focused experience that feels a little more removed from the busy parts of Oahu, this is a great option to consider.

Guided tour option

• Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

Best Things to do in Hawaii: North Island

Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa is the heart of the North Shore and a must stop on any North Oahu day. It’s a small, walkable surf town with local shops, laid back energy, and some of the most iconic food stops on the island. Even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth stopping to stretch your legs, grab a treat, and soak in the North Shore vibe.

This is an easy area to explore on your own. You can park once, walk through town, pop into shops, and make stops for classic North Shore favorites like Makua Banana Bread co and Aoki’s shave ice. It’s one of those places where wandering without a plan is part of the fun.

If you’d rather not navigate the drive or parking, Haleiwa is also included as a stop on many North Shore and Grand Circle tours. Booking a guided tour can be a great option if you want Haleiwa paired with other North Shore highlights in the same day, without worrying about timing or logistics.

Free things to do

• Walk through Haleiwa Town
• Browse local shops and art
• Surf watching and people watching

Tours that include Haleiwa

• Sea / Eat & See The North Shore
• Oahu Grand Circle Island Experience from Waikiki

Shark’s Cove & Waimea Valley

Shark’s Cove and Waimea Valley sit along the same stretch of the North Shore and together offer one of the most diverse experiences on Oahu. Within just a few minutes of each other, you can go from snorkeling along a protected reef to walking through lush botanical gardens and standing beneath a waterfall. It’s a perfect example of how much variety the North Shore packs into a single stop.

During the summer months, Shark’s Cove at Pūpūkea Beach Park is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu. Lava rock formations create natural tide pools, and when ocean conditions are calm, it’s a great place to see tropical fish and marine life close to shore. In the winter, the water here becomes too rough for swimming, but the coastline turns into an impressive surf watching area best enjoyed from above.

Just down the road is Waimea Bay, which also changes with the seasons. In summer, it’s often calm and swimmable. In winter, massive waves roll in and attract professional surfers from around the world, making it one of the most iconic surf spots on the island.

Inland from the beach is Waimea Valley, home to a beautifully maintained botanical garden and the well known Waimea Falls. The paved walking path through the gardens makes this an easy and enjoyable experience for all ages, and it’s a great way to balance out a beach heavy day. Swimming at the waterfall is sometimes allowed depending on conditions, adding an extra highlight when it’s open.

You can explore this entire area on your own if you’re renting a car and comfortable checking ocean and weather conditions. Many visitors combine snorkeling or surf watching with a walk through the botanical gardens for a relaxed half day on the North Shore.

If you’d rather have everything planned for you, there are guided North Shore tours that include Waimea Valley and the waterfall, along with other popular stops. This is a great option if you want transportation, timing, and logistics handled for you while still seeing the highlights.

Free things to do

• Shark’s Cove snorkeling in summer
• Surf watching along the coastline in winter
• Waimea Bay beach time
• Coastal views and tide pools at Pūpūkea Beach Park

On your own experiences

• Waimea Valley walking Botanical tour
• The trail to Waimea Falls

Tour that includes this area

• Waimea Botanical Gardens

Laniakea Beach: Turtle Beach

Laniakea Beach is one of the most well known places on Oahu to see Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on shore. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but this stretch of beach is one of the most reliable spots on the island.

Because turtles often come up to rest, there are usually volunteers on site helping visitors keep a safe distance. It’s a special stop, especially for families, and an easy quick roadside stop on a North Shore drive.

Free things to do

• Turtle watching from a respectful distance
• Beach walks and photos

Tour that includes seeing this area

• Snorkel with Turtles & Explore Turtle Beach

Ehukai Pillbox Trail

The Ehukai Pillbox Trail is a short hike with a big payoff. The trail climbs above the coastline and offers sweeping views of the North Shore, including famous surf breaks below.

It’s a good option if you want a hike without committing to something long or difficult. Many people do this early in the morning or around sunset for cooler temperatures and better light.

Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site

Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau is the largest heiau on Oahu and one of the most significant ancient Hawaiian sites on the island. Sitting high above Waimea Valley, it offers expansive views of the North Shore and a quiet place to reflect.

This stop adds important cultural context to a North Shore day and is a meaningful contrast to the beaches and surf spots nearby. It’s often overlooked, which makes it feel especially peaceful.

Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation is a popular stop on the way to or from the North Shore and an easy place to break up the drive. While it can be busy, many visitors enjoy it as a quick stop for treats and souvenirs.

It works best as a short visit rather than a main attraction, especially if you’re focused on beaches and outdoor stops.

Free things to do

• Walk the grounds
• Browse the gift shop

Paid on your own options

• Pineapple Express Train Ride
• world’s largest Garden maze
• Pineapple Love Lock
• Try a Dole Whip Treat from the Grille

Tour that includes seeing the Dole Plantation

Dole Plantation & Haleiwa Town

Ko Hana Distillers (Kahuku)

Ko Hana Distillers is a unique North Shore experience that focuses on Hawaiian agriculture and craftsmanship. The distillery uses heirloom sugarcane varieties grown locally, which gives their rum a strong connection to the land and history of the islands.

A guided visit here offers insight into Hawaii’s sugar industry and how it shaped the islands, along with tastings of their small batch rums. This is a great stop if you’re looking to add something different to a North Shore day, especially for adults.

Bookable experience

• Ko Hana Rum Tour and Tasting

Shark Cage Diving: North Shore

Shark cage diving on the North Shore is one of Oahu’s most adrenaline filled experiences. Boats head offshore where you can safely enter a cage and see sharks up close in open water.

It’s thrilling, memorable, and often one of the most talked about experiences of a Hawaii trip. This activity is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults who are comfortable in the ocean and looking for something truly unique.

Bookable experience

• Oahu Shark Dive

Wrapping Up North Oahu

North Oahu is the kind of place where you don’t need a strict plan. Between surf towns, beaches, cultural sites, short hikes, and classic food stops, it’s easy to build a day that feels relaxed but still full. You can keep things simple with free beach stops and scenic viewpoints, or mix in a few standout experiences to round out your visit.

This area works especially well as part of a full island loop or a dedicated North Shore day. Whether you explore it on your own or join a guided tour, North Oahu is one of those parts of Oahu that leaves a lasting impression and makes people want to come back.

Best Things to do in Hawaii: East Island

East Oahu is where the island starts to feel lush and dramatic. Think green mountains, calm turquoise water, cultural sites, and big outdoor experiences. This side of the island pairs really well with North Oahu or works as its own full day if you want to slow down and explore.

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is one of the most recognizable places on Oahu and for good reason. The scenery here is unreal, with steep green cliffs, open valleys, and ocean views that feel straight out of a movie, literally.

This is a working ranch and a filming location for movies and shows like Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and more. You can’t explore most of the ranch on your own, which is why booking a tour is the best way to experience it.

Things to do on your own

• Shop their Gift Shop
• Eat at the Restaurant

Bookable experiences

• Horseback Riding at Kualoa Ranch
• Movie Sites & Ranch Tours
• ATV and combo adventure tours
• Kualoa Ranch Jungle Expedition Tour

Gunstock Ranch

Gunstock Ranch offers a more laid back ranch experience compared to Kualoa and works well for families. It’s a great option if you want open space, views, and activities without the crowds.

One of the biggest perks is that even if not everyone in your group wants to ride, there’s still plenty to enjoy here.

Free things to do

• Free petting zoo
• Scenic ranch views

Bookable experiences

• Sunset Horseback Ride
• Horseback Ride Like an Authentic Paniolo in Kahuku
• 1 Hour Scenic Horseback Ride
• Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride

Climb Works Keana Farms Zipline

If you’re looking for a little adrenaline with a view, Climb Works Keana Farms is one of the best zipline experiences on Oahu. Located on the Windward side, the ziplines give you sweeping views of the coastline, mountains, and surrounding farmland.

This experience is well organized and works great for families with older kids and teens. It’s a fun way to add something adventurous to an East Oahu day.

Bookable experience

• Zipline Tour at Keana Farms

Kaneohe Sandbar

The Kaneohe Sandbar is one of those experiences that feels almost unreal. At low tide, a shallow sandbar appears in the middle of the bay, creating bright blue water that you can walk through.

You can see the sandbar from shore, but the best way to experience it is by boat.

Free option

• View Kaneohe Bay from shore or nearby beaches

Bookable experiences

• Sandbar boat tours and snorkeling trips: Tour 1
• Sandbar boat tours and snorkeling trips: Tour 2

Byodo In Temple

Byodo-In Temple is a peaceful and unexpected stop on the Windward side of Oahu. It’s a replica of a Japanese temple set against the Koʻolau Mountains and surrounded by ponds, gardens, and peacocks.

This is a quiet, reflective stop and a nice contrast to the more adventure-focused experiences nearby.

Free things to do

• Walk the temple grounds
• Feed the fish
• Enjoy mountain views

Bookable experience

• Byodo In Temple, Waimea Botanical Garden & Waterfall

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the most scenic and underrated spots on Oahu. The drive alone is worth it, with mountain views in every direction.

This is an easy stop to pair with Kaneohe or Kualoa and works well for all ages.

Free things to do

• Drive through the garden
• Walk paved paths
• Scenic viewpoints

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a deep dive into Polynesian culture, history, music, and traditions. It’s a full experience that includes interactive villages, performances, and cultural demonstrations from across Polynesia.

This is a longer stop and works best if you plan most of your day around it.

Bookable experience

• Polynesian Cultural Center Gateway Buffet Package
• Islands of Polynesia Admission Ticket

Kaaawa Beach

Kaaawa Beach is a quiet Windward side beach with mountain views and far fewer crowds than the South Shore. It’s a great place to stop if you want a peaceful beach break between bigger attractions.

Free things to do

• Beach walks
• Scenic photos
• Picnic stop

Wrapping Up East Oahu

East Oahu is perfect if you want a mix of adventure, culture, and scenery. You can build a full day around ranch tours and ziplining, slow things down with gardens and beaches, or plan one big experience like Kualoa Ranch or the Polynesian Cultural Center and fill the rest of the day organically. It’s one of the most visually stunning parts of Oahu and pairs beautifully with a North Shore or South Oahu itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Hawaii: Luxury Experiences & Unique Day Trips

If you’ve already mapped out the main sights around Oahu or you’re looking to add something a little different to your trip, these experiences are great add-ons. Some are more relaxed and luxurious, while others are truly once-in-a-lifetime. These work best if you have extra time or want to celebrate something special.

Oahu Beach Picnic: Private, Luxury Experience

This private beach picnic experience is perfect if you want a relaxed, picture perfect moment without planning all the details yourself. Everything is set up for you on the beach, making it an easy way to enjoy the coastline in a more elevated way.

This is a great option for couples, families celebrating something special, or anyone who wants a slower-paced experience that still feels memorable.

Bookable experience

• Oahu Beach Picnic: Private, Luxury Experience

Private Whale Watching Safari (Seasonal)

During whale season, private whale watching safaris offer a quieter and more personal way to experience humpback whales off the coast of Oahu. Unlike larger boats, private tours allow for a more flexible and intimate experience.

This is best for travelers visiting during peak whale season who want a more exclusive outing.

Bookable experience

• Private Whale Watching Safari

Volcano Adventure: Day Trip from Oahu

This experience is a full day excursion from Oahu to the Big Island of Hawaii, allowing you to see active volcanoes and dramatic landscapes in a single day.

Because this is a flight based day trip, it’s best suited for travelers with limited time who still want to experience Hawaii’s volcanic side without committing to a separate island stay.

Bookable experience

• Active Volcanoes Day Trip from Oahu to Hilo

Planning the Perfect Oahu Itinerary

Oahu is one of those islands that really rewards slowing down. With so many things to do in Hawaii, you can pack your days with iconic stops and unforgettable tours, or keep things simple with beach time, scenic drives, and a few well chosen experiences. There’s no single “right” way to do Oahu, which is what makes it such a great destination for families, first time visitors, and return trips alike.

This guide is designed to help you mix free things to do with paid experiences in a way that actually makes sense geographically. Whether you explore on your own, join a guided tour, or do a little of both, you’ll be able to build an itinerary that fits your pace and travel style.

We’ll be expanding this guide with Best Things to Do on other Hawaiian islands, including the Big Island, next.

Follow us on social for real time videos, planning tips, and honest recommendations as we share each experience. This post is designed to be saved and revisited as you build your itinerary, so come back anytime you need it.