Oahu is a vacationer’s paradise. The third largest island of Hawaii, Oahu is famous for its North Shore, the world’s big wave surfing capital, where surfers from all over flock during the winter months to experience waves that reach as high as 30 feet (9.1 meters). Home to the state capital of Honolulu, Oahu also boasts of busy cities, calm beaches with romantic sunsets, charming surfer towns, historical spots, a diverse culture that marries Eastern and Western influences, a wide variety of flavors offered in its restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. Planning to visit the island? Here’s a list of things to do in Oahu.
1. Kayak to the Mokes (from USD 89.0)
The Mokulua Islands, popularly known as the Mokes, are twin islands located off the coast of Kailua and are both nested within the Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuaries. Many tourists go to the Mokes using kayaks, which could be rented in Kailua, an adventure that you can do even if you’re just a beginner, as most tourists who go there are. On the way to the Mokes, you’ll be treated to beautiful clear waters, thriving corals, and stunning views of Kailua and Lanikai beaches from the sea.
Ocean Adventure
Duration: 5 hours
2. Go for the Laie cliff jump
Posted by Michael O'Shea on Wednesday, 10 April 2019
Tucked away on the coast of a small town on the North Shore, this popular cliff jumping point in Laie State Wayside Park lures thrill seekers and is not for the faint of heart. The activity is best left to the experienced jumpers and swimmers, and the best time to do the jump is on the summer months, as the waves are strong and huge during the winter months. If you’re not keen on jumping, Laie Point, with its jagged cliffs in a backdrop of turquoise ocean waters, is an ideal spot for taking photographs—just be careful to avoid the sharp rocks that abound the area.
Lāʻie Point State Wayside
Address: Off Kamehameha Highway (Hwy 83), Laie, HI 96762
Website: Lāʻie Point State Wayside
3. Hike Stairway to Heaven to chase the sunrise
Haiku Stairs Trail in Oahu, Hawaii ? By: @PriitSiimon
Posted by Travel Bucket List on Friday, 11 November 2016
If the Makua Cave gives a great sunset view, the Stairway to Heaven, one of the most popular hiking trails in Oahu, gives breathtaking views of the mountainside and the coastal town below, especially during sunrise. The steep trail, with its 3,922 steps traversing the Koʻolau Mountain Range, is actually illegal to hike—and if caught, you could pay up to USD1,000 in fines—but those who have gone there say it’s absolutely worth it. There is an alternate legal route to the trail, also called Haiku Stairs, but it’s more challenging. Stairway to Heaven was built in 1942 for soldiers to have access to a secret radio station in the mountains.
Stairway to Heaven
Address: Haiku Rd Kaneohe, HI 96744
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4. Feast on a sumptuous dinner at the North Shore food trucks
North Shore is not only famous for its big waves but also for its food trucks that sell huge servings of food with big flavors. Offering different kinds of food from local Hawaiian favorites to pizzas, tacos, shrimp, fish, and grilled meats, the food trucks in North Shore will certainly appease any appetite and satisfy even a picky palate. Reward yourself with a good meal after spending the day out on the beach or exploring the nearby islands. If you are game for some spicy Thai food, then visit the Panda’s Thai Food Truck.
Panda's Thai Food Truck
Address: 59-158 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 3pm - 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 11 - 30 USD
5. Swim with dolphins in the Electric Beach
?Electric Beach #droneshot Oahu West side ????♂️
Posted by Ryan Filibeck Photography on Tuesday, 16 January 2018
Just 40 minutes away from Waikiki, Electric beach, also called Kahe Point, does not look like much; the beach is ordinary and there’s no long stretch of sand along the coast like other beaches in Oahu. So-called because it sits right next to the Hawaiian Electric Kahe Power Plant, the beach attracts visitors because of its underwater beauty that is teeming with marine life. You can snorkel in from the shore (but you’ll have to swim through a channel) or you can charter a boat to take you out to the sea, where you can swim with dolphins and sea turtles in clear waters.
Hawaiian Electric Beach Park
Address: 92-201 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
6. Unwind in the quiet Makua Beach
•Makua Beach• Oahu, Hawaii #808 #oahu #hawaii #hike #saltlife #ancient #beautiful #beach
Posted by Waho Photography on Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Spared from tour buses and crowds, the secluded Makua Beach is the perfect place to unwind and spend some undisturbed time alone with nature. Hidden in the remote coast of Oahu past the popular surfing site of Makaha Beach, Makua Beach’s undeveloped beauty quickly captivates anyone who loves nature in its raw form. This quiet beach with its white sand is made perfect by a background of green mountains and is a good spot for bodyboarding and even surfing, but be aware that the waves can become strong on any given day.
Makua Beach
Address: 84-969 Hanalei St, Waianae, HI 96792
7. Experience North Shore skydiving with a loved one
5 Safety Tips for First-Time Skydiving https://vlnk.io/2l4xs9w
Posted by Pacific Skydiving on Monday, 9 July 2018
North Shore skydiving is a must do in Oahu. Imagine jumping from a plane and taking in the uniquely Hawaiian views of gorgeous green landscapes amid a deep blue sea for a few seconds before opening your parachute to glide smoothly through the air until you reach the ground. Skydiving in North Shore is truly an experience of a lifetime, and you can take it one step higher by doing a tandem skydive with a friend or a loved one.
Pacific Skydiving Center
Address: 68-760 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791
Website: Pacific Skydiving Center
Opening hours: 7am - 2:30pm (daily)
Price: 300 USD onwards
8. Hike up the Diamond Head trail for awe-inspiring views (from USD 47.0)
The iconic Diamond Head is a 300,000-year-old extinct volcano with a tuff cone and is a declared National Natural Landmark, being a prominent feature of the famous Waikiki beach. Built by the U.S. Army in 1908 for the Fort Ruger military base, the Diamond Head crater trail involves an ascent of 560 feet (170.6 meters) to the top viewing platform. The hike takes you through steep, narrow stairs and a long, dark tunnel, but is generally not a difficult climb.
Diamond Head Crater Hiking Adventure
Duration: 3 hours
9. Hike Chinaman's Hat for a quick adventure
This picture-perfect islet of Mokolii, also called Chinaman’s Hat because its shape resembles that of a conical Chinese hat, is just a 20-minute kayak ride from the shores of Oahu. The hike to the small island’s peak usually takes no more than 15 minutes, which is perfect for those who long for easy and short adventures. Chinaman’s Hat is rarely crowded, so if you want a break from the beaches of Oahu, you might consider going to Mokolii.
Chinaman's Hat
Address: Oahu, HI 96744
10. Watch the sunset from inside Makua cave
KA'ENA POINT SUNSET, OAHU LOOKING OUT FROM MAKUA, TOP CAVE.. ? BY Anthony Tortoriello
Posted by June Fernandez on Tuesday, 11 December 2018
A visit to Oahu won’t be complete without gazing at a captivating sunset from inside the Makua cave, a “secret cave” that can be accessed by taking a short hike from the Kaena Point State Park, about 3 miles (approximately 5 kilometers) north of the Makaha community. The cave, which is enveloped in various local myths, exudes a mystery that is both intriguing and alluring. Visitors go to the cave’s mouth mainly to bask in the amazing views of the coast below, which is made even more beautiful by the sunset.
Makua Cave
Address: 86-260 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792
Enjoy the best of Oahu
The island of Oahu is an interesting mix of contrasts — looming green mountains standing behind tall city buildings, huge waves splashing on the serene, sandy coastline, seemingly calm sea waters in some areas and thriving sea life below the surface. The diversity of natural attractions, food, and culture in the place lets visitors experience a vacation like no other. Try these 10 activities and enjoy the best that this Hawaiian island can offer.
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