Exploring 10 Fun Activities on Oʻahu Island

If you have to choose one island among all of Hawaii to visit, and if this is your first time coming to Hawaii, then Oʻahu is the most ideal choice. Oʻahu is not as untouched as Kauaʻi, nor as commercial as Maui. It has beautiful beaches, volcanoes, rich native culture, bustling streets, shopping centers, convenient transportation, and incredibly delicious food. And here are 10 fun activities that anyone visiting Oʻahu should try at least once in their life.

Join a Luau 

Luau is a special traditional cultural element of the Hawaiian people. On the island of Oʻahu, there are dozens of Luau parties for you to choose from. However, to have the most impressive cultural experience without any industrial mix, choose Mauka Warriors Luau. Unlike the shows in Waikiki, which are often commercial and heavily modernized, Mauka Luau takes place on a mountainside, featuring torch lighting ceremonies, imu pig roasting rituals, and the iconic fire knife dance of ancient Polynesia. You also get to learn hula dancing, weave lei garlands, taste kava, and participate in immersive role-playing activities. The activities here are friendly and suitable for couples, families with children, and the elderly. Make sure to book your tickets 2–3 days in advance, as the number of guests each night is limited.

Traditional Cultural Experiences at Mauka Warriors Luau

See Honolulu from Diamond Head 

On Oʻahu Island, there is a million-dollar view that anyone who sees it will be amazed by its grandeur. At the top of the Diamond Head crater, you can gaze over the entire beautiful city of Honolulu, admire Waikiki Beach shimmering in the sunlight, and see the vast Pacific Ocean. If you're a nature enthusiast, the hike to the top of Diamond Head is for you. The entire hike from the base to the summit takes about 45 minutes depending on your fitness level. Diamond Head opens at 6 a.m. You should be at the trailhead by this time to avoid crowds. The trail is not too difficult, with stairs, a stone tunnel, and several scenic lookout points. Once you reach the top, looking out over the turquoise Waikiki Bay and distant mountain ranges, you'll find that your effort was well worth it. It’s best to go early in the morning or close to sunset to avoid the harsh sun.

Panoramic view of Honolulu at night from the top of Diamond Head

Swim at Waikiki Beach 

There’s probably no need to say much about Waikiki Beach. In Oʻahu, Waikiki is the most famous beach. With its soft white sand and clear blue water, Waikiki attracts millions of visitors each year. Since the 1800s, Waikiki Beach has been a favorite retreat of the Hawaiian royal family. Today, Waikiki remains the center of luxurious resorts. If possible, you should book a hotel in this area for convenient travel and experiences. The waves here are gentle, ideal for surfing lessons (you can rent boards and take 1:1 lessons right on the beach). In the evening, you can admire the stunning sunset by the shore. What could be more perfect than a dreamy Waikiki sunset, a shave ice in hand, watching people surf with the soft sound of ukulele music in the background? If you prefer somewhere quieter, you can go a bit further to Kaimana Beach or Ala Moana Beach.

Waikiki beach 

Kayak to Mokulua Island 

One of the most vibrant and favorite experiences on the island of Oʻahu is kayaking to Mokulua Island. Mokulua consists of two small islands off the coast of Lanikai Beach, long regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The scenery here is not just stereotypically "Hawaiian" but has a wild and peaceful beauty that’s almost unbelievable: emerald clear water, fine white sand, and a space almost completely detached from the rest of the world. From Lanikai Beach, you can rent a kayak, stand-up paddle board, or even a surfboard to embark on a 30–45-minute journey to Moku Nui – the larger of the two Mokulua islands. The sea is so clear you can see coral reefs beneath, and if you're lucky, you might even spot sea turtles swimming alongside your kayak. The landing area on the island has no restaurants or tourist services, making it an ideal spot for a private picnic or simply laying out a towel and sunbathing in pure ocean breeze and waves. However, this activity isn’t for everyone. The sea around Mokulua has strong undercurrents, especially in the afternoon or on windy days. You need stable fitness, basic swimming skills, and full safety gear including a life vest, waterproof bag, and skills to handle capsizing. It’s best to depart between 8:00–10:00 a.m. when the sea is calm, the sun isn’t harsh, and the currents are manageable. Another important note: Lanikai Beach doesn’t have an official parking lot, so you’ll need to park along residential streets – arrive early to find a spot. And don’t forget sunscreen, drinking water, snacks, and a change of clothes if you plan to explore all day. This is a mini-adventure that truly brings a sense of freedom and deep connection with Hawaii’s nature.

Kayaking at Lanikai Beach

Discover Pearl Harbor 

One of the most historically significant places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Oʻahu is the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Unlike the vibrant beaches or bustling neighborhoods of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor feels like a living history book preserving the heroic memories of Hawaii. The most prominent site here is the USS Arizona Memorial – built directly above the wreckage of the Arizona battleship that was sunk during the December 7, 1941 attack. About 1,177 sailors and officers perished here, and the ship remains at the bottom of the bay as a silent witness to the war. Visitors are transported to the memorial by boat. There is an audio guide system in multiple languages, making it easy to grasp historical details in a clear, engaging, and emotional way without needing a tour guide. The best time to visit is in the morning. Although admission is free, tickets are limited daily and must be booked in advance through the official system. Therefore, if you want to ensure entry, booking online early is highly recommended.

Pearl Harbor is a place that marks historical evidence

Hike Manoa Valley 

For those who enjoy light trekking and want a change of pace after a few beach days, the Manoa Falls trail is a perfect choice located just outside downtown Honolulu. It’s one of the most accessible trails on Oʻahu, about 2.5km round-trip, taking 1–1.5 hours depending on your pace. The trail ends at the nearly 50-meter-high Manoa Falls, cascading in white mist within a lush, year-round rainforest. Walking the Manoa trail feels very cinematic. You’ll pass towering bamboo groves, intertwining giant roots, dense ancient tree canopies, and occasional mist that cloaks the path like a scene from a fantasy film. The area is cool, filled with birdsong and the trickle of streams – both soothing and mysterious, entirely different from the hustle of Waikiki just 20 minutes away by car. Although the trail is easy, the dirt path can be slippery and muddy, especially after short morning rains. So, wear sports shoes with good grip and avoid flip-flops or slick sneakers. Also bring a light jacket, mosquito repellent, drinking water, and a waterproof bag for your phone, as rainforest showers can be sudden and unpredictable. After your trek, you can drive less than 15 minutes to Chinatown to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Immerse yourself in the fresh nature

Zipline at Keana Farms 

If you love thrills and want to try something beyond the usual beach spots, ziplining in North Shore, Oʻahu will leave you exhilarated. At CLIMB Works Keana Farms, you’ll experience the largest zipline system on the island, with a total of 8 lines – one of which stretches up to 800 meters, enough for you to soar through the treetops, glide over papaya and banana plantations, and take in panoramic views of Oʻahu’s northern mountains from above. What impressed me wasn’t just the height or speed, but the feeling of absolute freedom as you’re suspended midair, wind on your face, lush green below, and the Pacific Ocean shimmering in the distance. Each zipline platform is elevated and secure, with automatic brakes and dual cables, making the experience extremely safe – even for first-timers. Before starting, you’ll go through a safety briefing, get familiar with the equipment, and be guided by a professional and friendly team throughout the 3-hour tour. Besides ziplining, the tour includes crossing a swaying bridge, climbing spiral stairs, and even tasting fresh fruits from Keana Farms. It’s a perfect combo of nature, adventure, and light snacking.

O'ahu also has no shortage of adventure sports

Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach 

If you have a free afternoon on Oʻahu, don’t hesitate to drive to North Shore and stop by Sunset Beach – known as one of the best sunset spots in Hawaii. Here, the sun doesn’t rush to set. It slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vivid orange, pink, and purple – like a live watercolor. Unlike the buzz of Waikiki, Sunset Beach offers a quiet atmosphere with a touch of intimacy. Soft sand, gentle summer waves, and a slight chill in the air as evening falls – it’s the perfect scene for couples seeking romance, or solo travelers wanting to reflect, journal, or simply lie back and listen to the waves. If time allows, explore nearby spots like Waimea Bay with its wide sandy beach, clear water, and cliff diving, or Shark’s Cove – a shallow coral reef snorkeling area ideal in summer (May–September). This area also has many small eateries and roadside food trucks selling poke bowls, fish sandwiches, and coconut ice cream – perfect for a light sunset picnic.

Watch the sunset on Sunset Beach

Stroll and Eat in Chinatown 

Chinatown in Oʻahu is perhaps one of the most unique and surprising neighborhoods to explore when visiting Honolulu. Not as flashy as Waikiki, nor "touristy" like beach resorts, Chinatown blends traditional East Asian culture with a fresh wave of creativity. Here, you’ll find long-standing Vietnamese pho shops, steaming Hong Kong-style dim sum joints, authentic Hawaiian poke spots, and even Asian grocery stores selling everything from rice paper and fish sauce to instant noodles. Nestled among these are indie cafés, tiny art galleries, and underground-style creative spaces that exude local urban Hawaii vibes. If you love inventive cuisine, check out The Pig & the Lady, a fusion restaurant famous across the island. They serve modern takes on bún bò Huế, liver pâté bánh mì with a twist, and street food–inspired Vietnamese dishes beautifully plated with fresh local ingredients and a dash of rebellious seasoning. The space is youthful and vibrant – great for lunch or a casual downtown date.

Chinatown in Hawaii will surprise you

Shop at Ala Moana Center 

Ala Moana Center is not only the largest shopping center in Hawaii but also the largest open-air shopping mall in the U.S. It’s one of the most beloved destinations for both locals and tourists. With over 350 stores spread across four levels, you can find everything here: from luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton to popular names like H&M and Uniqlo, as well as Hawaii-specialty retailers like ABC Store offering souvenirs, sunscreen, and quality aloha shirts. What sets Ala Moana apart from any other mall is its open-air design that embraces Hawaii’s sunshine and breeze. You can stroll around while enjoying the fresh air, lush greenery, koi ponds, and beautiful fountains scattered throughout the center. Besides shopping, the mall offers plenty of entertainment – from the Centerstage performance area featuring free hula shows and live music, to food courts like Foodland Farms and The Lanai offering a wide range of Japanese, Korean, American, and local Hawaiian dishes like poke, teriyaki chicken, and warm malasadas. If you’re traveling with family, don’t worry – there’s a children’s play area, ice cream shops, arcade games, and seasonal events that keep both kids and adults entertained. During holidays, the entire center is decorated beautifully – whether it's Christmas, New Year, Halloween, or Thanksgiving, you can feel the festive spirit in every corner.

This is the largest shopping mall in America

Oʻahu is beautiful, vibrant, and rich in depth. You can hike in the morning, swim in the afternoon, learn hula at night, and still have time to sip a Mai Tai overlooking the Pacific. If you only take one trip to Hawaii in your life, let Oʻahu be where it begins.