Things to do in Oahu
Sunset Cruise Waikiki38 optionsSnorkel Oahu61 optionsWhale Watching Oahu31 optionsBoat Tour Oahu69 optionsOahu Helicopter Tour9 optionsNorth Shore Tours40 optionsZipline Oahu5 optionsSunset Cruise Oahu22 optionsOahu Catamaran36 optionsFishing Tour Oahu8 optionsSnorkeling Tour Waikiki8 optionsGlass Bottom Boat Oahu8 options
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Oahu Circle Island: Waimea Waterfall, North Shore Food Trucks & LookoutsYou get a full loop of Oahu's highlights in one day: a pre-dawn waterfall swim, the North Shore's actual food scene, five major lookouts with views of whales and cliffs, and a guide who knows where to be before the crowds. Hotel pickup, professional photography help, and all entry fees are included, so you show up and the day unfolds without logistics getting in the way.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to see the whole island in one day without renting a car or piecing together transport and entry fees — the small-group format and early timing at the waterfall are what make both the coverage and the experience possible in eight hours.
Oahu Sunset Catamaran: Diamond Head & Waikiki with BYOBYou board a 40-foot catamaran limited to 28 passengers and sail toward Diamond Head as the sun drops. You get complimentary pupus, water, and juice, plus free ice and Yeti coolers if you bring your own drinks. The boat stays out long enough to watch Waikiki light up at night before heading back, and the whole experience takes about two and a half hours without any of the crowding or upsell pressure of bigger sunset cruises.Is it for me?Book this if you want a sunset experience on the water without the crowding or the markup on drinks — the 28-person limit and BYOB setup are what make it feel less like a tour and more like a private evening with people who know what they're doing.
Diamond Head Honolulu: 1.6-Mile Hike & Crater ViewsYou hike 1.6 miles at your own pace through Diamond Head's volcanic crater, passing through restored military tunnels from the 1900s and climbing to a summit rim with views across Waikiki and the Pacific. Hotel pickup, park entry, water, and a trail map are included; the round-trip takes about three hours and suits moderate fitness levels. Bring sunscreen and good shoes—the final staircase is steep.Is it for me?Right for first-time visitors and photographers who want Oahu's most iconic view without arranging transport or park tickets—the self-guided format means you set the pace, and the fixed three-hour window fits easily into a morning or afternoon. Moderate fitness is essential; the steep final staircase and elevation gain rule out very young children, older travelers, and anyone with cardiovascular or joint concerns.
Oahu ATV Adventure: Drive 4-Wheeler on North Shore BeachThis Oahu activity puts you behind the handlebars of your own 2022 Kawasaki ATV on 80 acres of North Shore beachfront near Waialua, where you ride across farm land and a signature track, then choose and plant one of 49 native Hawaiian shoreline plants to restore the coastline. The tour runs about an hour with a live English-speaking guide, and children from age 10 are welcome; closed-toe shoes are required, and the track is dusty and muddy.Is it for me?You're behind the wheel of your own 2022 Kawasaki ATV across 80 acres of North Shore beachfront, then plant native Hawaiian species that'll be growing here long after you leave.
Oahu: Turtle Snorkel & Sailing with Luxury Catamaran & BarYou board a large catamaran at Waikīkī, snorkel Turtle Canyon with certified lifeguards in the water and a secured raft for beginners, then return to the boat for a complimentary cocktail and views of Diamond Head. The crew handles your gear and safety protocols throughout, and the boat's size means you're not crowded even with a full group.Is it for me?Right for swimmers and snorkelers who want sea turtles without the stress of arranging their own gear or worrying about safety — the lifeguards in the water and crew on deck handle both. Plan for a half-day on the water; the catamaran's size is what keeps it from feeling crowded even with a full group.
Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Diamond Head & Reef SightseeingA 60-minute glass bottom boat tour departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor in Oahu, cruising along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head while viewing live tropical reefs and a shipwreck through hull viewports. The boat carries an experienced captain and crew, provides bottled water and complimentary photos, and features a canopy-covered deck for shade. Marine life sightings—dolphins, sea turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish—are visible from the deck, though the operator cannot guarantee specific animals on any given departure.Is it for me?The live English-speaking captain narrates the cruise, so you follow along without needing to read signs or manage an app—ideal if you want the reef and marine life explained as you watch, or if you're traveling with family and want someone pointing out what's below.
Oahu Sunset Catamaran: Diamond Head Cruise & CocktailsYou board a catamaran at Waikiki in the late afternoon, sail toward Diamond Head with complimentary cocktails and appetizers, and watch the sunset from the water with a crew that knows the coast. The boat pauses near the crater so you can look for the green flash, then returns to the lit-up Waikiki shoreline. Plan for about two hours barefoot on deck, and bring a light jacket for the evening breeze.Is it for me?Right for travelers staying in or near Waikiki who want a sunset experience without arranging their own boat or worrying about timing — the fixed departure handles both. Expect about two hours on deck in bare feet with evening breezes, which is exactly what makes the sunset feel unhurried.
Oahu Circle Island Tour: Turtles, North Shore & Dole PlantationYou’ll circle Oahu from Waikiki’s early light to North Shore waves and sweet pineapple fields, stopping for turtle swims, local snacks and stories from your guide along the way. Expect laughter over lunch at shrimp shacks and small surprises—a taste of island life you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the sand.
Oahu Dolphin Tour: West Coast small group, 16 guests maxYou board a small, slow boat off Oahu's west coast with a marine biologist crew and up to 15 other people, searching for dolphins and whales along the Waianae. Snorkeling with sea turtles is included if conditions allow. You get lunch, all gear, and a dolphin sighting guarantee — if none appear, you return free. Hotel pickup is available on the 7am departure only; the 10:30am departure meets at the harbor.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to see wild dolphins without the crowds and don't mind that the experience depends partly on animal behavior — the small group size and low-profile boat are what make close encounters possible, and the guarantee means you're not gambling on a single departure.
Escape Room Honolulu at Ala Moana: 60-Minute Puzzle GamesThe Escape Game Honolulu is a 60-minute puzzle adventure at Ala Moana on Oahu where you and your team work together to find clues, solve riddles and complete a mission inside one of seven themed rooms. A live guide leads you through the game and helps as needed. Groups of up to 8 players (12 in Playground) can book the same game, and younger players under 14 must have an adult participate with them.Is it for me?Solve puzzles together as a team in one of seven themed rooms—pair it with a meal at nearby Ala Moana restaurants, then get back to exploring Waikiki.
Pearl Harbor Honolulu: USS Arizona & Battleship Missouri Full DayYou visit four separate Pearl Harbor memorials in one day with a professional guide who explains the WWII history at each stop. Hotel pickup, all entry fees, and the USS Arizona Memorial admission are included. The route also covers the National Cemetery of the Pacific and Historic Honolulu, so you see the broader context of the islands' history alongside the harbor itself. No need to arrange transport or figure out which sites to prioritize—the full day is planned.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see all the major Pearl Harbor memorials in one guided day without arranging your own transport or entry logistics—the fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you show up and the rest is planned. It's built for travelers who have a single day on Oahu and want the full WWII history in context, not just one site.
ʻAuana by Cirque du Soleil Honolulu: Acrobats & Hawaiian StoriesYou watch acrobats, comedians, hula dancers and live musicians tell stories of Hawaiian culture and folklore on the Waikiki Beachcomber stage. Your ticket covers entry in your selected section and all taxes, with nightly performances that run year-round. The show is wheelchair accessible and designed for all ages, so you book once and show up without arranging anything else.Is it for me?Book this if you want live entertainment that's rooted in Hawaiian culture but performed at Cirque du Soleil's scale — acrobats, comedy, live music and hula all in one show, nightly at a hotel on Waikiki Beach, with no other arrangements needed.
Honolulu: 60-Min Helicopter Tour Doors Off & Circle IslandYou fly a complete circle around Oahu in 60 minutes, seeing Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, Lanikai Beach, Sacred Falls dropping 1,000 feet, the North Shore breaks, and the USS Arizona Memorial. Choose doors on for a steady view through windows or doors off for unobstructed photos and the full wind experience. Parking and a phone strap are included; you're back at the airport before lunch.Is it for me?Best for travelers who want to see the entire island's landmarks in one flight without spending a full day driving between stops—the helicopter covers the circle in an hour, and the doors off option is worth it if you're comfortable with heights and want photos without reflections.
Honolulu Chinatown: Food Tour with Markets & 13+ TastingsYou’ll wander through Honolulu’s Chinatown with a local guide, tasting everything from smoky manapua buns and Filipino desserts to fresh sashimi and Hawaiian poke. Expect lively markets, unexpected flavors, and stories you won’t find in any brochure—all with hotel pickup included.
Pāʻina Waikīkī Luau: Polynesian Music & Dance at Waikiki BeachPāʻina Waikīkī is a three-hour luau dinner show at Waikiki Beach Marriott on Oahu where you watch Polynesian music and dance performances, join in hula, and learn cultural arts from local performers. A fresh flower lei greets you on arrival; a mai tai comes with general seating, and two extra cocktails come with VIP seating. The buffet includes Hawaiian and prime rib; show-only tickets skip dinner. Parking validation covers six hours of self-parking.Is it for me?Book general or VIP seating if you want the full evening with dinner and cultural participation; choose show-only if you want the performance and cultural activities without the meal cost.
Oahu Turtle Canyon: Small Group Snorkel Tour & Fast BoatYou’ll board a fast Zodiac boat with just a handful of fellow travelers and head out from Waikiki toward Turtle Canyon with a local guide. Expect salty air and laughter as you spot sea turtles up close while snorkeling in clear water—gear included! Afterward, enjoy juice and snacks as you cruise back toward Honolulu with sand still between your toes.
Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour: Small Group Raft & TurtlesYou’ll join just a handful of others on a small-group snorkel tour from Waikiki to Turtle Canyon—no crowds or big boats here. Swim alongside sea turtles and colorful fish with help from your local guide and captain, all gear included. Enjoy snacks and drinks on board as you soak up views of Diamond Head and maybe even spot dolphins if you’re lucky.
Waikiki Sunset Cruise: BYOB Boat Tour & Diamond Head ViewsYou’ll board a Waikiki sunset cruise right from Kewalo Basin with your own drinks in hand. Sail past Diamond Head as daylight fades, snack on local treats, and watch Honolulu light up from the water. Crew takes care of everything except your BYOB — all you have to do is show up ready to relax.
Waikiki Friday Night Fireworks Catamaran Cruise: OahuA Friday night catamaran cruise in Waikiki that sails from Ala Wai Yacht Harbor to watch the weekly fireworks show over Diamond Head. The boat departs at 6:30 pm for roughly 90 minutes, with a live English-speaking crew, premium sound system, and a cash bar for cocktails and beer. Choose between four catamaran sizes, from the 55-foot Kealoha to the 65-foot Odyssey, depending on how many people you're bringing and the crowd size you prefer.Is it for me?Pick the 55-foot Kealoha if you want a smaller crowd and more room to move around; choose one of the larger 65-foot options if you're bringing a group and don't mind a fuller boat. The fireworks show only happens Friday nights, so book early—availability fills up fast.
Oahu: Makani Catamaran Sunset Cruise & Waikiki PickupYou board at Kewalo Basin with no beach wading, sail past Diamond Head and Waikiki with one complimentary drink, and spot marine life from a 65-foot catamaran that's wider and more stable than most. Round-trip transport from Waikiki hotels is available for fifteen dollars per person, and the crew handles everything else.Is it for me?Right for travelers staying in Waikiki who want to get on the water without arranging their own transport or worrying about a small, crowded boat — the Makani's size and stability are what make the two-hour sail feel relaxed instead of rushed.
