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The Best Activities on Oahu

Best Activities on Oahu

Feature Photo: HTA

So Many Things to Do on Oahu... Here's a Start.

We want you to make the most of your Oahu vacation. Whether by exploring land and sea, horseback riding on the beach, gaining perspective on a hike, experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau, spotting green sea turtles while snorkeling, learning how to surf on some of the most famous beaches on the planet, golfing with a view, or simply relaxing.

South Side: Waikiki, Chinatown, Kakaako, Honolulu

North Shore: Haleiwa, Waialua, Mokuleia Pupukea, Kahuku and Laie

East (Windward): Lanikai, Kailua, Kanehoe, Waimanalo

West Side: Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Ko'Olina, Makaha, Nanakuli, Waianae

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A person swims underwater in a clear blue ocean surrounded by several silver fish. The sky and palm trees are visible above the water's surface, providing a tropical backdrop. This serene aquatic environment is one of the best activities for teenagers visiting Oahu.

Best Activities for Teenagers on Oahu

Two surfers ride a wave during sunset, with a clear sky and distant mountains in the background. The front surfer stands on a blue surfboard, while another surfer in the background paddles. Known for top surf lessons, this North Shore Oahu scene is bathed in warm sunlight, creating a serene and picturesque moment.

Top Surf / SUP Lessons on Oahu

A young girl, smiling broadly, lies on a surfboard in the water with the assistance of an adult man wearing a hat and sunglasses. They are near the shore with trees and a sandy beach in the background—truly one of the best surf lessons on the west side of Oahu.

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Find Your Perfect Beach

Photo: HTA

What to Do Right Now on Oahu

(or make plans for your next trip)

A golfer swings their club at the Sony Open in Hawaii, an annual event held near Waikiki, with a crowd behind holding up phones to capture the moment. The event is commemorating its 25th anniversary, as noted on the blue signage behind the player. A camera setup is visible near the golfer.

Waikiki Annual Events

A large crowd gathers on a beach and grassy area, some seated on towels and blankets, enjoying an outdoor event. A stage with a banner reading "Island Music Festival" is set up in the background. Palm trees line the edge of the beach under a partly cloudy sky, celebrating one of Ko Olina's Annual Events.

Ko Olina Annual Events

A surfer rides a massive, towering wave in the ocean during one of the North Shore annual events. The wave curls overhead, creating a tunnel of water. The surfer appears small in comparison to the sheer size of the wave, with white foam and spray from the wave's powerful break visible around them.

North Shore Annual Events

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A brightly colored bird with a vivid blue and orange plumage perches on a tree branch. The background is a blurred mix of green hues, suggesting a lush, natural environment. This striking bird could easily be among the eight birds introduced to Hawaii that everyone should know.

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Close-up of two hands peeling a small garlic bulb over a woven surface, reminiscent of the delicate craft to make a lei. Surrounding the hands are several other peeled and unpeeled garlic bulbs scattered on the mat.

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A woman stands against a wooden wall, smiling widely. She wears a colorful Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and a beaded necklace. Holding up a pair of flip-flops in each hand with a straw hat hanging on her left arm, she embodies the spirit captured by the top 13 Hawaiian Pidgin words to know.

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A couple wearing matching red floral outfits walks hand in hand along a sandy beach, embodying the spirit of aloha. The woman has a wide-brimmed hat and a blue tote bag with white patterns, and waves are crashing on the shore nearby, making this scene fit for any list of top 15 Hawaiian words to know.

Top 15 Hawaiian words to know before you go to Hawaii

A colorful wooden bench with slats featuring Hawaiian words and their English translations. The slats read unity, humility, patience, perseverance, honesty, many hands make light work, love all you see, and kindness. The largest slat highlights the Hawaiian phrase "ALOHA.

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Close-up of a humpback whale's back and fin partially submerged in the ocean, surrounded by small waves. The dark, smooth skin of the whale contrasts with the blue water, and some linear scars are visible on its back. The water is calm with gentle ripples, beautifully showcasing one of nature's majestic whales.

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Photo: HTA

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A family of four, including two adults and two children, enjoys snorkeling in the clear, shallow waters of Oahu. They are wearing snorkel masks and smiling, with water splashing up around them. The background features a partly cloudy sky and rocky shores.

Best Beaches for Snorkeling on Oahu

A scenic view of a coastal hiking trail surrounded by lush green vegetation, leading to rugged mountains under a clear blue sky. To the right, the vibrant blue ocean stretches out, meeting the horizon. Sparse clouds float above, enhancing this serene landscape—one of the best hikes Oahu Hawaii offers.

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A serene ocean scene at sunset with two small, triangular islands in the middle distance. The sun sets between the islands, casting a golden glow across the sky and reflecting on the water's surface, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere perfect for contemplating your next scuba diving adventure in Oahu.

The Best Places to Scuba Dive on Oahu

A scenic beach at sunset, with tall palm trees silhouetted against a colorful sky of pink, orange, and blue hues. A lifeguard tower stands near the beach with a few people around it. The tranquil ocean in the background makes this one of the best places to visit on Oahu.

Best Places to Visit on Oahu

Free (and Nearly Free) Things to Do on Oahu

Aerial view of a scenic bay in Oahu with turquoise waters surrounded by rocky cliffs and green hills under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. Dense green foliage covers the hills in the background, and small white structures are visible in the distance, hinting at vibrant marine life below.

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Aerial view of one of the best hotels on Oahu, a large pink beachfront hotel surrounded by palm trees and other buildings. The hotel has a green lawn with a group of people seated in the center. Beachfront umbrellas and lounge chairs are set up in front of the hotel on the sandy beach.

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2330 Marinship Way, Ste 300
Sausalito, CA 94965

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