From its historic Chinatown and a crater that was turned into a cemetery to the legendary Waikiki Beach and the iconic Pearl Harbor, Oahu is a place with a little bit of everything. The island is part of the Hawaii island chain in Central Pacific, and is home to Honolulu, the impressive Hanauma Bay with its turtle preserve, as well as watersports opportunities galore. A tropical paradise, the island enjoys a parade of the best beach resorts. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you can still find a host of cheap Airbnb vacation rentals here. Oahu can be whatever you want it to be, from a romantic honeymoon location to a solo traveler’s place to reconnect with nature, and so on. Read on as we explore the best things to do alone in Oahu, Hawaii.
1. Explore Grand Circle Island (from USD 120.0)
If you’re looking for the best Hawaii island to visit alone, Grand Circle Island might be a great choice. There is a convenient tour that offers opportunities for adventure-filled sightseeing in one day. You’ll get an idea of what Oahu has to offer, so you know what part of the island you want to revisit and which things to focus on for the rest of your vacation.
Whether it’s the majestic forested mountains, the blue waters, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, or a sea turtle’s natural habitat, it’s all worth the visit.
Waikiki Full-Day Oahu Grand Circle Tour
Duration: 10 hours 45 minutes
2. Get a massage at LaaKea Spa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
November BOGO Massage special!! Buy any 80-min massage & get one free (to be used on same day) Visit our site to learn more!
Posted by La'akea Spa Hawaii - Mobile service on Sunday, November 3, 2019
After a full day exploring the fascinating land of Oahu and taking in its magnificent sights, what better way to relax than with a spa massage that will rejuvenate not only your body but your mind and spirit too. The Laakea Spa offers a variety of massage services for either singles or couples and of different durations. Guests can opt for the Laakea Four-Hands Massage, which is an amazing experience with lots of benefits for circulation, a Lomi Lomi Massage that is part of a holistic healing tradition, a Swedish Massage, a Sports Massage, or the Laakea Massage that lets you select your favorite aromatherapy scent for a blissful experience.
LaaKea Spa
Address: 2169, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach, Kalia Rd #129 5403, Honolulu, HI 96815
Website: LaaKea Spa
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 75 USD onwards
3. Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse
Located on the eastern point of Oahu, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse is a moderately easy hike away, with scenic views of the Windward Coast and sights of the island of Molokai in the distance, but all very much worth the effort. The lighthouse was built in the early 1900s, and today it sits on a cliff overlooking Makapuu Beach. The trail leading to the lighthouse has been recently repaved, making it even easier to get there.
So if you’re planning to tackle an off-the-beaten path, one of the best things to do in Oahu is to traverse the trails going to this lighthouse.
Makapuu Point Lighthouse
Address: Makapuu Lighthouse Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Website: Makapuu Point Lighthouse
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Go shopping at Ala Moana
Sprinkled with palm trees and green spaces, Ala Moana Center is home to over 350 stores and restaurants. A great destination for solo things to do in Oahu, shopping here offers an island-worthy experience. Travelers can find lots of souvenirs and Hawaiian clothes here, but also some of the usual go-to brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, and Bloomingdale’s.
The dining options range from casual snacks to fine dining, as their list includes full-service restaurants, grocery stores, and quick-service restaurants.
Ala Moana
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Website: Ala Moana
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
5. Learn scuba diving (from USD 170.0)
If you’re a scuba diving newbie but would like to explore everything Oahu and the Hawaiian waters have to offer, you can join a beginner’s scuba diving tour. Throughout the three hours and a half, you’ll learn the basics of this water sport from a qualified instructor. The warm and calm Hawaiian waters are among the best places to learn how to scuba dive. By the end of the tour, participants will try two boat dives in shallow waters, in two different scuba diving sites. The tour requires no previous experience, and participants will be provided with all gear necessary.
Beginner Scuba Diving with Turtles in Honolulu
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
6. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay (from USD 35.0)
Formed within a volcanic cone, the Hanauma Bay has been declared a protected marine life conservation area, as it hosts a pristine marine ecosystem with a wide variety of reefs and fish living in the waters here. Travelers come here for the best snorkeling experience on the island. The snorkeling gear can be rented on site, so all you need to bring is your bathing suit and good skin protection. Guests should keep in mind that the place can get crowded, as it is a one-of-a-kind location in Oahu, but its beauty makes up for it.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Half-Day Tour with Equipment
Duration: 6 hours
7. Visit Pearl Harbor (from USD 72.0)
Whether you’re a history buff or not, visiting the five historic sites of Pearl Harbor about 30 minutes from Waikiki is a must. The events that occurred here on December 7, 1941, definitely changed the course of history and had a big impact on creating the world as we know it. Visiting these places can be a powerful experience, as you get to listen to first-hand stories from survivors, walk through an airplane hangar,
Passport to Pearl Harbor
Duration: 7 hours
8. Have fun at Kailua Beach (from USD 89.0)
Kailua Beach is the second most beautiful of the Oahu beaches, right after the Lanikai Beach. A real spectacle to the eyes, Kailua Beach is home to soft, white-powder sand and the most turquoise water you’ll ever see. The water is usually calm, making it an excellent location for swimming, but the small waves sometimes turn it into an ideal spot for water sports like kayaking and kite surfing.
Ocean Adventure
Duration: 5 hours
9. Experience surfing at the legendary Banzai Pipeline
Experience surfing at the legendary Banzai Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii, a worldwide bucket-list activity for surf enthusiasts. Located on the North Shore, this iconic surf spot offers some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring and challenging waves. With massive swells reaching up to 30 feet (9.14 meters), it’s a playground for experienced and skilled surfers seeking an adrenaline rush.
The Pipeline’s reputation as a world-class surfing destination attracts professionals and thrill-seekers, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. However, it’s crucial to note that this surf break is not for beginners or the faint of heart. The powerful waves and shallow reefs below pose significant risks, requiring surfers to have expert-level abilities and a deep understanding of wave dynamics.
10. Grab a breakfast burrito at Kono's
Beachside with a bomber Start your day off right with one of our famous breakfast burritos or “Bombers” #breakfast #foodie #food #beach #waimea #haleiwa #eggs #bacon
Posted by Kono's on Monday, July 17, 2023
Grabbing a breakfast burrito at Kono’s in Oahu is a must for foodies and travelers seeking a delicious and filling start to their day. Located in the heart of North Shore, Kono’s is a popular local eatery known for its mouthwatering breakfast options, with the breakfast burrito being a standout favorite.
The breakfast burrito at Kono’s features a delectable combination of ingredients, including fluffy scrambled eggs, savory bacon or sausage, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s the perfect grab-and-go meal for those heading out to explore the island or hit the beach.
Kono's
Address: 945 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States
Website: Kono’s
Opening hours: 7am - 6:30pm (daily)
11. Take a walk down history lane at the Iolani Palace
One of the best ways for travelers to immerse themselves into the history of Hawaii and the national identity is by visiting its historic landmarks, and one that’s unmissable is the Iolani Palace, the only official royal palace in the United States. Visitors can opt for a guided tour, or if they want to take their time and explore it at their own rhythm, there’s always the option of a self-guided tour. Some of the palace collections on display include historic furniture, a collection of Royal Orders, but also military accessories and clothing.
Iolani Palace
Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Website: Iolani Palace
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 20 USD
12. Catch cultural programs at Royal Hawaiian Center
The Royal Hawaiian Center is a shopping mall in Honolulu with over 110 stores, selling anything from fine jewelry and gifts to luxury and classic timepieces. The Royal Hawaiian Center is not just a shopping venue though, but it’s also an excellent destination for dining and entertainment. There are 30 dining spots on site, so options are plentiful. What makes this place unique though, is the complimentary entertainment, including music, hula, cultural classes, and Hawaiian traditions. If you’re traveling solo, this can be a great way to meet new people, become friends with locals, and dig a little deeper into their culture.
Royal Hawaiian Center
Address: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Website: Royal Hawaiian Center
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Oahu, a natural paradise worth exploring by yourself
By now, you must not be wondering about what is there to do in Oahu alone. From snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and diving with sea turtles to taking in the history at Pearl Harbor and shopping at Ala Moana, Oahu offers solo travelers a unique and diverse experience. If you’re planning a solo travel, be inspired by this list of the best things to do alone in Oahu, Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do alone in Oahu, Hawaii
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to