Must Do Activities in Oahu – 10 Epic Adventures You Should Not Miss (Tried and Tested!)
Planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering what you absolutely can’t miss on Oahu? Let me help you out. After visiting the island a couple of times and even working remotely from Oahu for a month, I’ve experienced the island like a local and a tourist combined. These are the must do activities in Oahu that left a lasting impression on me and they will for you too!
Most Oahu blogs will give you a generic list of things to do. But here’s the thing: I’ve lived, worked and adventured on this island. From lazy beach days to hiking rugged trails and kayaking in open waters, I didn’t just tick boxes, I immersed myself. This isn’t a list for people rushing through Oahu in 48 hours. It’s for you if you want to savor it.
Want to know if Oahu is the right island for your first trip to Hawaii? Check out our detailed post for Best Hawaiian Island for First-Time Visitors.
A Quick Word: Don’t Do the Stairway to Heaven (aka Ha’iku Stairs) which was built by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Yes, the photos look unreal. But it’s illegal to hike and there’s a real risk of injury. Instead, we’re giving you 5 legal, incredible and typically safe alternatives that give you the same kind of rush!
Must Do Activities in Oahu – Our Top Picks
Kayak to Chinaman’s Hat (MokoliʻI Island)
Let me start with our absolute favorite of all the must do activities in Oahu. It’s thrilling, serene, slightly risky, and offers unbeatable views. Chinaman’s Hat is a tiny islet off the shore of Kualoa Regional Park. You can only reach it by kayak (or paddleboard) during good weather. Once there, you can hike up to the top for a jaw-dropping view.
We booked our double kayak via Oahu Active Tours and requested drop-off at Kualoa Regional Park. We left Honolulu early, grabbed some breakfast on the way, and reached just in time to meet our kayak rental. Kualoa Park itself is stunning, with the Kualoa mountain range behind you and Chinaman’s Hat in front. The water crossing felt daunting at first, we had zero ocean kayaking experience but it turned out smoother than expected.
Once we reached the islet, we pulled our kayak onto a flat rocky patch and started our short-but-intense hike up the Chinaman’s Hat. There’s even a rope section not for the faint-hearted, but so worth it. At the top it’s unreal. Cartoon-style eyeball-popping views. Turquoise waters. Lush green mountains. We could’ve sat there forever, if not for the ticking clock on our kayak rental.
Tips:
- Check the weather, don’t attempt on windy or rainy days
- Book for at least 3 hours (2 might cut it too close)
- Wear comfy clothes, water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen
- Bring water, snacks and your adventurous spirit
UTV Ride at Kualoa Ranch
If Chinaman’s Hat was serene and offbeat, Kualoa Ranch is pure adrenaline with a cinematic twist. This place is MASSIVE and has served as a backdrop for movies like Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and Lost. Definitely one of the must do activities in Oahu, especially if you’re an adventure junkie or movie buff.
We did the Kualoa Ranch UTV tour in the morning to beat the afternoon sun. It was a group ride, but you drive your own UTV through valleys, rivers, and forest trails, with panoramic views at every turn. Mud splashes included! You can choose from different types of tours some focus on movie sites, others explore remote areas of the ranch. We loved how much ground we covered and how immersive it felt.
Tips:
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Bring sunglasses and a camera (with a strap!)
- Book in advance – it fills up fast
Hike Diamond Head Crater
Is it touristy? Yes. Is it still worth it? Absolutely.
This iconic volcanic crater hike is relatively short (~1.6 miles round-trip) but climbs fast, with switchbacks, steep stairs, narrow tunnels and a final spiral staircase that adds to the sense of adventure. You’ll feel your legs working, but the reward is more than worth it. At the summit, you’re greeted with a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of Honolulu’s skyline, the turquoise Pacific, and the curve of the southeastern coastline. On a clear day, you can even spot surfers down at Waikiki Beach and the crater’s ancient military bunkers tucked into the rocky outcrop.
We went early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds and it was surprisingly peaceful at the top. The sunrise painted the sky in pastels, and the breeze was the perfect reward after the climb. It’s one of those moments that make you feel completely alive and thankful you didn’t sleep in.
Tips:
- Go at sunrise for the best light and fewer people
- Parking is limited, rideshare might be better
- Wear proper shoes and bring water
Learn to Surf on Waikiki Beach
Confession: I was a little terrified. But Waikiki makes it easy. The waves are long and gentle, the instructors are experienced, and the water is warm and forgiving. Plus, there’s an infectious sense of fun in the air, with everyone cheering each other on even strangers.
We opted for a small-group surf lesson near Queen’s Beach. Within 15 minutes, we were on the boards (falling often, but trying). The instructors broke down the basics on the sand, taught us how to pop up and kept things light-hearted the entire time. Even when we wiped out, we were laughing. And by the end of the hour, we managed to stand and ride a wave for a few glorious seconds!
Trying surfing at least once is 100% one of the must do activities in Oahu.. Even if you’re not the sporty type, give it a go. The vibe at Waikiki is so welcoming and the waves make you feel like you’ve been surfing forever. Even if you wipe out every time, it’s the most fun you’ll have failing!
Tips:
- Morning lessons have better conditions
- Rash guards and reef-safe sunscreen are musts
- Don’t worry if you’re not super athletic
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area with some of the most colorful underwater scenes we’ve ever witnessed. There are tons of fish and coral, and the water is usually calm making it ideal for beginners and seasoned snorkelers alike. The bay is nestled inside a volcanic cone and its curved shoreline gives it a calm, lagoon-like feel that sets it apart from open ocean snorkeling.
We arrived around 7:00 am and were in the first wave of snorkelers. The clarity of the water and the variety of fish was mind-blowing. We even spotted a sea turtle from afar, gliding gracefully between the coral heads. It felt like swimming in an aquarium only better because it was real, raw, and alive. The water got a little crowded by mid-morning, so we were extra glad we came early. If you’re only going to snorkel once in Oahu, this is the spot to do it.
Tips:
- Book your timed entry online in advance
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Bring your own snorkel gear if possible, or rent it nearby
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only
Bonus List: More Must Do Activities in Oahu
Oahu’s magic doesn’t stop at the highlights. If you have extra time on the island or just crave more adrenaline, scenery and unique experiences, these bonus activities are just as unforgettable.
Ko’olau Mountains Zipline
Soar through the North Shore’s lush forests on an exhilarating zipline course with CLIMB Works Keana Farms that includes sky bridges and rappels. It’s equal parts thrilling and scenic, with views of the ocean and mountains.
Underwater Scooter Adventure
Perfect for non-swimmers or nervous snorkelers, this unique activity lets you glide beneath the surface while breathing normally inside a personal scooter pod. A surreal, sci-fi way to explore coral reefs! You can do this off the coast of Maunalua Bay with Island Watersports Hawaii.
Diving with Sharks
Yes, it’s cage-free and no, you won’t get eaten. You’ll head out from the North Shore with North Shore Shark Adventures and swim near the Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in deep blue water. It’s nerve-wracking at first but wildly empowering.
Waimea Falls Trail
Located in the lush Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore, this paved 1.5-mile round-trip trail is family-friendly. It leads to a stunning 45-foot waterfall where you can swim with a provided life vest, making this one of the few hikes on Oahu where you can actually take a dip. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a little nature, a little culture, and a lot of relaxation.
Doors-Off Helicopter Tour
For serious wow-factor, book a doors-off chopper ride with Magnum Helicopters for unobstructed views of waterfalls, mountains, and coastline. It’s the best way to see Oahu from above and feels like a real-life action movie.
Activities Reference Table with Cost
| Activity | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Kayak to Chinaman’s Hat | $80–$100 (2-person kayak) | 2–3 hours |
| UTV Ride at Kualoa Ranch | $120–$150 per person | 2 hours |
| Hike Diamond Head Crater | $5 entry + $10 parking | ~2 hours |
| Surfing Lesson at Waikiki | $60–$80 per person | 1–1.5 hours |
| Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay | $25 entry + gear rental | 2–3 hours |
| CLIMB Works Zipline | $180–$200 per person | 2.5–3 hours |
| Underwater Scooter Adventure | $120–$140 per person | 2 hours |
| Diving with Sharks | $120–$170 per person | 1.5–2 hours |
| Waimea Falls Trail | $25 entry fee | 1.5–2 hours |
| Doors-Off Helicopter Tour | $250–$350 per person | 45 mins |
Departing Words
All the above experiences were amazing in their own ways, but kayaking to Chinaman’s Hat takes the crown. It combined everything I love about Oahu – ocean, solitude, adventure, and unbeatable scenery. There was something deeply fulfilling about reaching a remote spot using your own effort and then being rewarded with views that don’t even look real.
If you try even one of these must do activities in Oahu, let it be that one.
Happy adventuring!
