Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Oahu
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 76 listings.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a one-stop adventure playground and a highlight for many travelers to Oahu. Stretching from the verdant folds of the Koolau Mountains to the tropical sea, the 4,000-acre (1,619-hectare) working cattle ranch is one of the largest tracts of accessible nature on Oahu and offers visitors a huge variety of ways to interact with Hawaii’s stunning landscapes, from ATV rides and zipline adventures to film site tours. The property is divided into two areas: the northerly Kaaawa Valley with its many movie locations, and Hakipuu Valley, fronted by an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond and the site’s Secret Island Beach.
The Basics
Guided Kualoa Ranch activities include bouncing along on an ATV tour, exploring the trails on a horseback ride, soaring through the jungle canopy on a zipline tour, cruising by catamaran around Kaneohe Bay, discovering Oahu’s famous film sites on a movie tour, and sunbathing on a white-sand beach. The ranch can be visited for a single activity, on a full-day adventure tour, or on a circle island tour that also visits other top Oahu sites such as Diamond Head, Makapuu Beach, and Kaneohe Bay. Choose from nearly a dozen themed activities, including unique options such as a farm-to-table look at the property’s ranching and a tour of Kualoa’s modern fruit orchards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All onsite experiences are part of fully guided tours, and reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- Kualoa Ranch offers lockers, a gift shop, a visitor center, and a restaurant, Aunty Pat’s Cafe, which serves dishes featuring Kualoa-grown meats and vegetables.
- Insect repellant and rain jackets may be helpful on jungle tours.
- Horseback riding tours are limited to visitors ages 10 and up; ATV tours are limited to those 16 and over.
- Some tours include round-trip transport from Waikiki hotels.
How to Get There
The property is set 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Waikiki Beach and about 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Kaneohe on Oahu’s windward side. It’s possible to take public transit via The Bus from Waikiki (Bus 55 runs past the property), but most visitors drive themselves along the scenic coastal roads or choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation.
When to Get There
The ranch is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm. While each tour departs several times per day, active tours—like ATV riding and ziplining—are best done in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Year-round temperatures on Oahu are almost always between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C), so there is no bad time of year to visit, though rain showers are most common between November and February.
Movie Magic at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch’s natural beauty is so scenic that its backdrop has been featured in numerous Hollywood films and TV shows. Choose a movie site tour and hop aboard a green bus for an off-road ride into cinematic history. Take photos in one of the Lost bunkers, hide behind the log that shielded Jurassic Park visitors from stampeding dinosaurs, and check out the Hukilau Cafe, where Adam Sandler’s Henry first met Drew Barrymore’s Lucy in 50 First Dates. The ranch offers a 90-minute standard movie tour, a 2.5-hour premier movie site tour, and a special 90-minute Jurassic Park Jungle Expedition, all with multiple daily departures.
Address: 49–560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaaawa 96730, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 48
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a beautiful, moderate, 1-hour hike close to downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Thanks to a paid parking lot and gravel path, it is one of the island’s most accessible hikes—and with a 150-foot (46-meter) rushing waterfall at the end, it is well worth the effort.
The Basics
The 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) round-trip Manoa Falls trail is well marked, and while visitors some go at it alone, a number of tour operators offer guided hikes. Parts of the path are paved or lined with gravel, but because of the heavy foot traffic and rainy weather, the trail can be very wet and muddy. As a result the relatively easy hike can be slippery; the last few minutes before the falls are the most challenging. The pool at the bottom of the falls is no longer open for swimming due to falling rocks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan on getting dirty, and wear sturdy walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
- Bring insect repellent, as mosquitos are out in full force on the trail.
- There is a small snack shop near the trail entrance.
- The force of the waterfall depends on rainfall; expect less water in summer months.
How to Get There
Manoa Falls is located at the end of Manoa Valley, northeast of downtown Honolulu. If driving from Waikiki, take the H1 toward the airport, exit at Punahou Road, and continue on to Manoa Road. There is paid parking near the entrance to the hike.
When to Get There
The Manoa Falls trail is open year-round. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate, with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March. On rainy days the waterfall is at its most impressive and the trail is less crowded—yet also very muddy.
Tropical Vegetation
Manoa Falls is full of colorful, tropical plants, and a naturalist guide or book can help you identify what you see along the way. Parts of the trail are lined with guava, eucalyptus, and banyan trees as well as awapuhi, or bitter ginger flowers. It is common to spot tropical birds and insects as well.
Address: Manoa Falls, Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
From $ 40
Mt Tantalus
A not-so-well-kept local secret, Mt Tantalus (Puʻuohiʻa) looms behind Honolulu offering stunning skyline panoramas. The nine-mile Round Top and Tantalus Drive loop snakes up its side with attractive pull-offs overlooking the city’s high rises, Punch Bowl Crater, iconic Diamond Head, the homes dotting Manoa Valley, as well as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in the west.
The scenic drive to the top drive lingers in lush forests but is not for the faint of heart—steep and narrow passages are frequent and sheer drops loom around abundant curves. Trailheads for a handful of hikes begin along this route and lead into valleys often shrouded in mist and topped by Honolulu’s famous rainbows. At the summit, Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park has a small cement walkway with commanding views of all of southern Oahu. There’s also a grassy lawn popular with picnickers. Though the drive is equally spectacular when buildings cast shadows and city lights glow at night, the summit park closes at sundown.
Tantalus is the first in a series of peaks that form the imposing green wall of the Koolau range, which hugs the Windward coast. Near the mountain’s base on Makiki Heights Drive, the Spalding House museum and galleries features local and international artists and boasts similar views from its trellised café.
Practical Info
Tantalus Drive is accessed via Makiki Street, two miles inland from Waikiki. The road becomes Round Top Drive halfway up amid a residential neighborhood. Numerous land-based Honolulu tours include the drive. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is open from 7am-6:45pm. If you visit in your own vehicle, it’s best not to leave valuables in your car.
Address: Makiki Street, Oahu, USA
From $ 120
Manoa Valley
Manoa is both a valley and a neighborhood that's part of Honolulu. It's about three miles from downtown, and less than a mile from Waikiki Beach.
The Manoa Valley neighborhood is largely residential, though there is also a university campus here, and is surrounded by the tall, green mountains of the Ko'olau Range. In the 19th century, Manoa was the setting for Hawaii's first sugarcane and coffee plantations.
Because of the geography and position of the Manoa Valley, it rains at least a little bit almost every day – rainbows occur frequently – and it is always incredibly lush. One of the main attractions is the 150-foot Manoa Falls.
Practical Info
Manoa Falls is only reachable after a hike of roughly 0.8 miles. It's a moderate trail, and most people can make the trip there and back in about an hour.
Address: Manoa Valley, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 40
Lanai Lookout
Panoramic ocean views, strange rock formations and smoothed shelves with wave-battered edges await at Lanai Lookout. This popular scenic overlook on a promontory north of Kahauloa Cove is so named because it affords sweeping views of the neighboring islands of Lanai, Molokai and Maui on a clear day. Though it may be challenging for visitors to peel their eyes away from the turbulent blue sea, turning 180 degrees provides a rewarding view of the southern slopes of Koko Crater, a dormant volcano climbable via a trail that follows old railroad ties to the summit rim.
Lanai Lookout has little more infrastructure than a parking lot with space for just under two dozen cars, but it’s worth it to circle for a space in the early hours of the morning when the sun rises over the horizon beyond the Oahu’s Windward Coast; visitors don’t stay here long. Another good time to visit? Between November and April, when the lookout becomes one of the island’s best locales for spotting visiting humpback whales—many of which spout, dive and frolic in the waters between Oahu and Maui.
Practical Info
The turnoff for Lanai Lookout is an equidistant mile between Hanauma Bay to the south and Sandy Beach to the north, along Kalanianaole Highway (HI-72). It is the southernmost of three similar lookouts on this stretch of the island. Binoculars will be useful for whale watching. If leaving valuables in the car while taking in the view, it’s advisable to keep them out of sight, even if it’s just a short stop.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA, USA
From $ 79
Mission Houses Museum
Two of the oldest wooden houses in Hawaii—the former site of the Sandwich Islands mission, the Island’s first western colony—remain not far from the skyrises of downtown Honolulu’s financial and government district. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is comprised of the Frame House, the Chamberlain House and the Printing Office—built between 1821 and 1841, and restored and furnished as they would have been in the early 19th century. Each feature small exhibits and artifacts detailing early missionary’s way of life: a recreation of a medical dispensary, chamber pots in the rooms and quilts on the beds. Short-term exhibitions regularly make an appearance too and have included features on children’s toys, portraits and portrait-making, quilts and reading. The site also includes a library featuring over 12,000 printed works, handwritten missionary journals and a printing press used to create the first written Hawaiian language materials. A block away, you’ll find the old coral Kawaiaha’o mission church and the state’s first Christian cemetery, still in use today. The buildings of the Hawaiian Mission Houses site are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and also serve as a venue for regular public programming including workshops, teas and lectures.
Practical Info
The Mission Houses are located at 553 South King Street in downtown Honolulu. The houses are open Tuesday through Saturday only from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and closed on major holidays. Guided tours start on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and are the only way to gain access to the buildings’ interiors. It’s free to walk the grounds, but tours cost $10 for adults and $6 for children and college students with ID (there are discounts for military and Hawaii residents, also with ID). The excellent Mission Social Hall and Café, run by renowned Hawaii chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, is reason in and of itself to visit. It serves authentic and modern Hawaiian fare for lunch only—it’s open the same days as the Mission Houses and closes by 2 p.m.
Address: 553 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm; Guided tours run on the hour 11am-3pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $6
From $ 62
Kapiolani Park
Even as early 1877, the Hawaiian Royalty recognized the need for preserving open space. With the city of Honolulu rapidly growing, King David Kalakaua—the last reigning King of Hawaii—allocated 130 of Waikiki’s acres towards a park for the people of Hawaii. Naming it after his beloved wife—Queen Kapiolani—the park today offers sprawling green fields for locals, visitors, and families.
In addition to the soccer fields, tennis courts, and jogging paths, the park also houses the Honolulu Zoo and public art shows on the weekends. For special events, the Waikiki Shell is a performance venue set in the middle of Kapiolani Park, where some of the world’s largest musical acts will throw concerts, benefits, and shows just minutes from Waikiki Beach. The Honolulu Marathon—held every December—usually finishes at Kapiolani Park, and even during other times of the year, this is a happening place for Honolulu residents to escape the city rush.
Practical Info
Kapiolani Park is on the eastern edge of Waikiki between Kalakaua Avenue, Monsarrat Avenue, and Paki Avenue. There is free parking and metered parking along the streets bordering the park, as well as next to the Honolulu Zoo. Hours for the zoo are from 9am-4:30 pm daily, and the zoo admission fee is $14/adult and $6/child.
Address: 3902 Paki Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 80
Maunalua Bay
Maunalua Bay is a popular bay for water sports activities on Oahu’s south shore. Home to many stand up paddlers and kayakers, snorkelers and divers also come to explore the nearby reef. Hawaiian for “two mountains,” Maunalua Bay is framed by the Ko’olau range and sits by the peaks of Koko Crater and Koko Head.
Famous for its sunsets, the adventure beach is especially popular among Honolulu’s boaters and jet skiers who come to make the most of Maunalua Bay’s launch site. Look out for parasailers while you’re here too, and if you’re coming to Maunalua Bay to snorkel or scuba dive the reef is a mile out to shore, its crystal-clear waters full of colorful reef fish and bright green sea turtles. If you’d rather relax, there are also park benches available on the shore where it’s popular to enjoy a picnic under the setting sun.
Practical Info
Six miles from Honolulu’s beachside Waikiki neighborhood, to get to Maunalua Bay just head to the beach park off Kalanianaole Highway, which is just across from Hawaii Kai Drive. As the ocean bottom is shallow and rocky at Maunalua Bay, this isn’t really a swimmer’s beach.
Address: Manualua Bay, Oahu, USA
From $ 89
Kawaiahao Church
Often referred to as 'the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,' this historic stone church was the first of its kind to be built on the island of Oahu. Prior to its construction in 1843, Christian missionaries held weekly sermons in small, pili grass huts, but the Hawaiian royalty rapidly embraced Christianity and a long lineage of Hawaiian royalty has worshipped here at the church. Not only is King Kamehameha II buried on the grounds, but this is where Kamehameha III uttered the phrase that would eventually become the state motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono"—"the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
When it was completed, Kawaiahao Church was unlike any structure that had previously been built on Oahu. Over 14,000 coral blocks were carved from offshore reefs, and it's estimated that over 1,000 workers took nearly six years to completely finish the church. Today, the structure is an architectural highlight of Honolulu’s historic quarter, where visitors can also find 'Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue, in addition to the current state capital.
Practical Info
Sunday mass is held at 9 a.m. and is partially conducted in Hawaiian. There are also prayer services on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can also stop by to visit the grounds and take photos of the church from outside.
Address: 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
Hours: Sanctuary open daily 8am-4:30pm
From $ 51
Kewalo Basin
In the heart of downtown Honolulu, just across the street and two blocks west of Hawaii’s largest mall, is the small boat harbor of Kawalo Basin and the starting point for a number of popular Honolulu water-based adventures. Deep sea charter fishing vessels moor alongside snorkel and scuba charters, parasailing vessels, winter whale watch pontoons, underwater submersible tours and even an 83-foot pirate galleon complete with water-firing cannons for daytime family fun or evening debauchery. If you’re looking to get beyond the beaches of Waikiki and out into the big blue, a stroll along its street-side dock will, at the very least, display your varied options.
Though there is no beach access here, a gentle but ridable wave that breaks left of the harbor channel is a popular surf spot with local groms (kids in surf speak). In addition to hosting the Rip Curl GromSearch competition, the break is a training ground for the Kamehameha High School surf team.
On land, the adjacent hipster enclave of Kakaako, and shopping strips in the Ward area, afford plenty of options for hungry (or thirsty) sailors and surfers.
Practical Info
Kawalo Basin is a private harbor where individual tour companies and boat operators dock; it’s about a mile west along the coast from Waikiki and serviced by a number of local buses. Bookings are made with the individual tour operators, though some—particularly whale watch tours in season—have harbor-side information booths and ticket sales for their regularly departing trips. If it’s the surf break you’re interested in, the best way to access it is via a jump off the jetty and a paddle out to the lineup, but you’ll have to bring your board—there are no rental spots here.
Address: Honolulu, HI, USA 96814, USA
From $ 75
Magic Island
A sandy peninsula extending into Honolulu Harbor, Magic Island—more rarely referred to by its official name, Aina Moana—affords rare right-off-the-beach green space with a protected swimming lagoon across from the Ala Moana shopping center in downtown Honolulu. The park is popular for local family barbecues and picnics, and its open 30 acres (12 acres) are fronted by remarkable banyan trees and feature tall palms, picnic tables, and long grassy lawns.
The Basics
From Magic Island, you can see the green Koolau Mountains and the high rises of Honolulu in one direction, and great views of the resorts of Waikiki—from the Duke Kahanamoku lagoon all the way to Diamond Head Crater—in the other. The space is great for sunbathing, people-watching, and swimming, especially for kids and their parents, who appreciate the shallow, protected lagoon and the presence of a lifeguard. Many boat and helicopter tours float or fly over the scenic park, and some land-based tours by bike and Segway also visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Magic Island is a must-see for sunbathers and families.
- The area offers a free parking lot, but on weekends its 450 spaces fill up fast.
- There are three restroom and changing-room blocks staggered throughout the park.
- Petty thefts have occured here, so keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave valuables in your car.
How to Get There
Magic Island is located off Ala Moana Boulevard, in the southeast corner of the larger Ala Moana Beach Park. The park is bordered to the east by the Ala Wai Canal and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, a departure point for some ocean-based tours, and to the west by Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Basin. The centrally located park is about halfway between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. Bus lines 20, 23, and 42 stop nearby.
When to Get There
Magic Island is great to visit any time between its opening hours of sunrise and sunset—for a morning jog, afternoon picnic and sunbathing session, or sunset barbecue. Due to the park’s location on the island, expect calmer seas in summer months. Each March, the space is consumed with carnival rides and food booths for the three-day Magic Island Carnival.
Magic Island on Memorial Day
Hawaii has a unique Memorial Day tradition: Each year, thousands gather to remember and memorialize all lost loved ones by floating illuminated lanterns in the sea between Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Address: Magic Island, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA
From $ 40
Lanikai Beach
While we can’t exactly claim it as fact, there’s a good chance that at some point in time Lanikai Beach was a finalist for a Corona commercial. With sand as white as the clouds above and water which is a welcoming and rich shade of turquoise, this tranquil beach on Oahu’s windward shore is the Hawaii you’ve always dreamed of.
Because it’s on the island’s eastern shore, Lanikai is often graced with gentle tradewinds which cool you just to the point of comfort. Afternoons in the summer months can get a little blustery, although kitesurfers and windsurfers who have launched from Kailua Bay opt to make the most of the wind and zip across the turquoise waters which are capped in flecks of white.
Since Lanikai is set in a private neighborhood the beach is accessed by simple footpaths and isn’t too visible from the road, and while this semi-isolation thins out the crowds, it also means there aren’t any facilities and parking can come at a premium.
Nevertheless, Lanikai is the perfect place for a comfortable chair, a good book, and the view looking out at the Mokulua islands graces the cover of many Oahu postcards. The white sand of Lanikai is the perfect place to spend the morning, or, if you happen to time it right, watch the full moon rise over the eastern horizon and as illuminates the cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains.
While nowhere near as developed as Waikiki Beach or as family-friendly as Kailua Bay, Lanikai Beach is a place you come if you simply want to the put the world on pause for a while. It’s as idyllic a stretch of shore of you could ever hope to find, and it’s no wonder why Lanikai consistently ranks as one of the nicest beaches in the world.
Because it’s on the island’s eastern shore, Lanikai is often graced with gentle tradewinds which cool you just to the point of comfort. Afternoons in the summer months can get a little blustery, although kitesurfers and windsurfers who have launched from Kailua Bay opt to make the most of the wind and zip across the turquoise waters which are capped in flecks of white.
Since Lanikai is set in a private neighborhood the beach is accessed by simple footpaths and isn’t too visible from the road, and while this semi-isolation thins out the crowds, it also means there aren’t any facilities and parking can come at a premium.
Nevertheless, Lanikai is the perfect place for a comfortable chair, a good book, and the view looking out at the Mokulua islands graces the cover of many Oahu postcards. The white sand of Lanikai is the perfect place to spend the morning, or, if you happen to time it right, watch the full moon rise over the eastern horizon and as illuminates the cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains.
While nowhere near as developed as Waikiki Beach or as family-friendly as Kailua Bay, Lanikai Beach is a place you come if you simply want to the put the world on pause for a while. It’s as idyllic a stretch of shore of you could ever hope to find, and it’s no wonder why Lanikai consistently ranks as one of the nicest beaches in the world.
Address: Lanikai Beach, Mokulua Drive, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
From $ 79
King Kamehameha Statue
Planted firmly on the lawn of Aliiolani Hale, the State Supreme Court building, is the most visited of all the statues honoring King Kamehameha I in Hawaii. The 18-foot bronze icon with golden-colored detailing was erected in 1883 and depicts a spear-wielding and cloak-draped Kamehameha the Great, the first Hawaiian monarch and the ruler credited with uniting the Islands under single rule in 1810.
Each year on a date near the June 11 state holiday commemorating King Kamehameha, community groups build massive flower lei garlands and drape them over the Honolulu statue using the ladder from a fire truck. The popular lei draping ceremony commemorates the King’s significance and kicks off week-long celebrations of colorful parades and festivals throughout the Islands.
The story of the statue’s procurement also undoubtedly adds to its allure: Constructed in Europe, the sculpture took several years to make, and, when finally finished and rounding the horn of South America, (the Panama Canal wasn’t completed until 1914) the ship carrying it wrecked near the Falkland Islands. Using insurance money, a second statue was quickly built and arrived in Honolulu without incident; this is the statue that stands here today. Meanwhile, Falkland fishermen were able to retrieve the sunken original and sold it to back to the then-U.S. territory, where the strikingly similar sculpture still stands not far from the king’s birthplace on Hawaii Island. Another Kamehameha figure, made from molds of the Honolulu version, is one of two statues representing the state of Hawaii in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
Practical Info
Honolulu’s King Kamehameha Statue sits in the center of Aliiolani Hale’s circular front lawn at 417 S. King Street in the downtown government district. Several TheBus public transit routes pass alongside the statue leaving from Waikiki, and visits to the statue are also included in many Honolulu-area tours. If you plan on watching lei draping commemorative ceremonies on or around June 11, be sure to arrive before the usual 5 p.m. start time to get the best vantage.
Address: 447 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
From $ 40
Laie Point State Wayside Park
Laie Point State Wayside Park, a rocky promontory on Oahu's North Shore hidden behind a residential neighborhood, got its 15 minutes of fame in the 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It’s here where Peter (Jason Segal) and Rachel (Mila Kunis) cement their relationship by braving the cliff jump off its side. Many daredevils still attempt the jump, but, as the abundance of floral memorials and crosses attest, it might not be the smartest choice—particularly when the waves pound during winter, making the already-challenging climb back up the cliff’s lava rock face all but impossible. Besides, there’s plenty to see from land.
Between November and March, humpback whales are often sighted in the waters off Laie Point and year-round local fishermen cast for dinner from the park's rugged edges. To the south, the greenery of the Windward Coast looms large with its backdrop of Koolau Range "foothills." Five small offshore Islands, one with a prominent puka (hole) through its center, and the wave-beaten texturized lava rock here make unusual and noteworthy subjects for photography enthusiasts. Read the plaque atop the boulder near the parking area to learn the Hawaiian creation story of the offshore Islands.
Practical Info
The park is free and open daily during daylight hours, but there are no lifeguards and facilities to speak of. To access the park, head to Laie turning off Kamehameha Highway about a mile north of the Polynesian Cultural Center onto Anemoku Street, which jogs and turns into Naupaka Street. Naupaka dead-ends at the park. Several bus tours include a stop at Laie Point Wayside Park with visits to the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center or the Laie Mormon Temple. Note that due to the North Shore town’s rich history with the Mormon faith, Laie is a dry town and many restaurants and stores are also closed on Sunday.
Address: Laie, Oahu 96762, USA
From $ 99
Ko Olina
Although it is often referred to as a resort, Ko Olina doesn’t describe a property in particular. It is, in fact, a master-planned vacation and residential community containing several upscale resorts, like the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa, the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. The area is famous for its pristine, man-made beach coves (the sand was imported from Lanai!) that are very popular with swimmers. Their creation was more a necessity than a caprice, as the ocean tends to be quite turbulent in these parts; the rock levies encase the lagoons for safer sea ventures.
The destination is famous for its unparalleled golfing opportunities, including the LPGA Lotte Championship (women's professional golf tournament on the LPGA Tour). Ko Olina caters to a luxury and affluent clientele, but visitors should know that it is entirely possible and strongly encouraged to visit the lavish hotel grounds without being a registered guest – the gardens and exotic flora alone are worth the detour. Additionally, the Ko Olina golf course features 72 impeccably maintained courses complemented by cascading waterfalls and rolling hills, as well as a Hawaiian fusion restaurant.
Because of its location on the west side of the island, Ko Olina makes for a perfect spot to enjoy one of Hawaii’s legendary sunsets. Activities in the area are otherwise limited if visitors are not registered guests at one of the three resorts.
Practical Info
Ko Olina is located on the western leeward coast of O’ahu, 17 miles northwest of Honolulu. It can be reached by car via routes H201 and H1 in 40 minutes. It is also possible to get there by bus but the journey is quite lengthy and complex. The beach is fully equipped with visitor facilities, such as showers, restrooms and outdoor restaurants at hotels.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 134
Kaneohe Bay
The best stretch of sand in Kaneohe Bay is out on the middle of the sea. That’s where the sandbar, or “Sunken Island” emerges during low tide, and its sugary white sands are like a floating cay that was made especially for you. Kayaking to the sandbar is one of the most popular activities on the Windward Side of Oahu, and while the beaches along the shoreline aren’t great for swimming, the protected waters make the perfect spot for paddling, boating, or kayaking.
In addition to the sandbar, five islands poke above the turquoise, reef-fringed waters. The tallest of the islands—Chinaman’s Hat—rises 200 feet from the northern edge of the bay and offshore of Kualoa Park. Known to Hawaiians as Mokoli“i, the island resembles a large straw that seems to be floating on the surface of the water. While there may or may not be a Chinese man underwater (according to local legend), one thing that’s found on the Kaneohe seafloor is tens of thousands of sea urchins—imported by scientists to help stave off the growth of highly invasive algae. While the water around the sandbar offers nice swimming and has a soft, sandy bottom, much of the shoreline is rocky, slippery, and potentially covered in urchins. A better bet is to stay in the kayak and enjoy the view of the mountains, which explode from the shoreline with a rugged fury, their peaks outstretched toward the clouds.
Practical Info
Kaneohe Bay is on the island’s eastern shore about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Morning hours offer calmest conditions for paddling, swimming, and boating, and check the tide charts for low tide for the best time to visit the sandbar. Private boats and charter boats can be rented in Kaneohe, and kayak rentals are offered in the neighboring town of Kailua.
Address: Oahu 96744, USA
From $ 48
Kailua Beach Park
Thanks to its ample parking, family-friendly atmosphere, and postcard-worthy shoreline, Kailua Beach Park is often regarded as one of Oahu’s nicest beaches. Like its neighboring cousin, Lanikai Beach, this stretch of white sand is fronted by turquoise waters which stretch out to the Mokulua islands.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Address: Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Hours: Open 5am - 10pm. Restrooms open 6am - 10pm.
From $ 121
Koko Crater
Koko Crater is where locals head when they’re in need of a really good workout, and it’s also a popular visitor attraction thanks to the stunning views from the top. In order to reach the summit, however, you’ll first need to conquer the 1,048 steps that run in a straight line up the mountain. The steps themselves are actually railroad ties left over from WWII, and while the first half of the steps are moderately steep, it’s the final push to the 1,100-foot summit that make your legs really start to burn.
The reward for reaching the top, however, is unobstructed, 360-degree of the southeastern section of O‘ahu. Gaze down towards Hanauma Bay and the turquoise waters of the crater, and watch as waves break along Sandy Beach and form foamy ribbons of white. Neighboring Diamond Head looms in the west and is backed by Honolulu, and the island of Moloka‘i—and sometimes Lana‘i—float on the eastern horizon. To explore Koko Crater’s dry interior instead of hiking to the top, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden offers self-guided tours of the 60-acre basin and its colorful dryland landscape.
Practical Info
The trailhead for Koko Crater is located on Koko Head Park Rd. off of Kalanianaole Hwy. There is no fee to hike the trail or hours of operation, the cooler hours of morning and evening are the most popular since there isn’t any shade. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the panoramic view, and the Botanical Garden is open during daylight hours on every day except Christmas.
Address: Koko Head Park Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 40
Lyon Arboretum
Twenty minutes. That’s all the time that is takes to be transported from the white sand beaches of Waikiki, up to the waterfall-laden wilds at the back of Manoa Valley. Here, where cliffs rise vertically over 2,000 feet and it rains nearly every day, visitors will find one of Hawaii’s foremost tropical botanical gardens. Managed by nearby University of Hawaii, the Lyon Arboretum spans 193 acres and has over 5,000 species of plants. Given the cool, wet conditions—it rains over 165 inches per year here—the forested amphitheater is the perfect setting for researching tropical plants.
Take an hour to stroll from the parking lot back to Inspiration Point, and reap the rewards of the casual walk with a view looking out at the valley. Along the journey you might encounter up to 25 species of birds, including the endangered amakihi which calls the arboretum home. There are over 200 species of indigenous plants found growing in the arboretum, and rather than being just pretty to look at, this garden is used to educate landscapers about recognizing species of plant species. While ecologists and botanists will be in plant heaven, other visitors will enjoy the hike back to ‘Aihualama Falls. The trail to this waterfall is just over a mile, and the feeling of sitting by the 40 foot falls, the sound of birdsong raining from the trees, in a garden that’s home to thousands of plant species, really lets you know that you’ve left the city are fully immersed in the forest.
Practical Info
The Lyon Arboretum is open for self-guided tours from Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm, and from 9am-3pm on Saturdays. There are also one-hour guided tours at 10am each day the park is open, and self-guided visitors are requested to leave a donation of $5/person.
Address: 3860 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-3pm
From $ 40
Makapuu Lighthouse
Within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on Oahu’s Windward Coast, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular hike ending at the historical red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse, built in 1909. Though the lighthouse is not open to the public, the moderately challenging hike attracts travelers and locals alike for its stunning coastal views.
The Basics
The scenic Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is entirely paved and stretches for 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). The hike affords views of Makapu’u Beach, Koko Head, and, on clear days, the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai. Lucky hikers will also see humpback whales breaching in winter months. There are also several delights along the trail, including military pillboxes and teeming tide pools.
Most travelers hike the trail independently, while many group and private tours of East Oahu and the entire island include stops at the Makapu’u Point Lookout.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Makapu’u Point is ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts and anyone looking for a lovely, low-impact outdoor experience.
- There is no access to the lighthouse.
- Good walking shoes are recommended, as are a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. On cloudy days, tote a rain jacket.
- The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though it does have a moderate grade to the lighthouse. The side trail to the tide pools is not accessible.
How to Get There
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is located on Oahu’s southeastern point, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. If driving, park on the street or in the free Makapu’u Point Lookout parking lot (opens at 7am) at the base of the hike.
When to Get There
The trail is open year-round. Oahu has mild tropical weather but can be wet in winter and quite hot in summer. No matter the time of year, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
Makapu’u Tide Pools
Once you reach the third rest stop along the lighthouse trail, you can climb down a challenging, rocky trail to the Makapu’u tide pools. Made of black volcanic rock, the pools host sea stars, crabs, fish, and intermittent blowholes. Be advised that this portion of the hike is unpaved and best suited to experienced hikers. There have been serious injuries and deaths at the tide pools—visitors are advised to stay far from the area during high tide.
Address: Hawaii, USA
From $ 25