Our Hawaiian Adventure
Hey, all! Before we get to all the fun things to do on Oahu, HI, I want to take a second to appreciate silver-linings. Due to the global COVID cris my husband was mobilived with the Navy. He left for Pearl Harbor in July 2020 and will be there for 15 months.
The silver-lining is that because of COVID, my family got to experience an amazing, extended Hawaiian vacation (Thank you Lord for a silver lining!). Unfortunately, we aren’t able to live there with him, but we were able to visit for several weeks and it was definitely the trip of a lifetime.
During our visit we were able to squeeze in so many fun activities. I am really great at living the Hawaiian life, if I do say so myself!
If you ever find yourself on Oahu or planning a Hawaiian vacation, you have to check out these awesome things to do on Oahu, HI. Some of these things are super touristy spots, but some are a little off the beaten path.
Things To Do On Oahu, HI
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The perfect outing for any age. Kids will enjoy the train ride (and all the treats available), while adults will appreciate the beautiful grounds.
Take a train ride around the grounds and learn about how the Dole Plantation came to be.
A great place for souvenirs and a bite to eat, however don’t you dare leave without trying their famous Dole Whip!
North Shore
Driving around the island is one of my favorite things to do on Oahu, HI. Everywhere you turn is a breathtaking view. If you want to see huge waves and possible sea turtle sightings, drive along the North Shore.
Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice
Authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice is the best shave ice you will ever have. The syrup they use is unlike anything we have where I am from PLUS you have the option to top it with sweetened condensed milk and/or ice cream. Definitely make time for this treat!
If you find yourself on the North Shore, check out Matsumoto!
In Waikiki, check out Waiola!
Visit A Waterfall
Manoa Falls is a beautiful walk through the jungle that leads you to a waterfall.
Waimea Valley is a gorgeous, paved trail that leads to a waterfall.
Cruise/Tours
There are several different cruise/tour options to choose from. Depending on the time of year you are visiting you could have the option of a dolphin cruise, whale watching tour, sea turtle tour, snorkeling, and/or a sunset cruise.
We chose the Pink Sails Sunset Cruise and it was wonderful. A gorgeous view of the island along with a gorgeous sunset. It is a 2-2.5 hour experience.
Hit the Scenic Points
In order to get a true feel for the island and all its beauty, you have to drive around to the different scenic points. I know renting a car is an added expense to what is probably already an expensive vacation, but it’s so worth it!
Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
For a beautiful view, check out the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. The trail is paved the entire way, which is nice, but it is quite steep. Several people were pushing strollers (which was mind-blowing because I was out of breath), so I guess it isn’t uncomfortably steep.
Diamond Head is another great hike with unbelievable views!
Hanouma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a great place for snorkeling.
Get there early to avoid the crowds.
Swap Meet
The Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium is a one-stop-shop for all your Hawaiian souvenir needs. The stadium parking lot is lined with rows and rows of vendors.
You will find the typical Hawaiian souvenirs, but also one-of-a-kind handmade items mixed throughout.
Bellows Beach
Bellows Beach is the most beautiful beach on the island in my opinion. It is only open on the weekends unless you are with the military, then you can go any day of the week.
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is a must-see if on Oahu.
Tickets are free, but only a set amount are distributed each day. Reserve a ticket online to eliminate the stress (here).
Punchbowl National Cemetery
The Punchbowl National Cemetery, also known as the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific has absolutely breathtaking views. It sits atop an extinct volcano and serves as a resting place for service members of the American Armed Forces who lost their lives during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is beautiful and definitely a place I want to revisit if ever given the chance. We stumbled upon this hidden gem right before it closed, so we didn’t get a chance to see as much as we would have liked, however, what we did see was gorgeous!
Honolulu Zoo
I can’t say enough good things about the Honolulu Zoo. The animals had beautiful (and large) enclosures, which always makes me feel less guilty about visiting a zoo in the first place. They were very strict about COVID safety, which I greatly appreciated, even though it meant their amazing “Kid’s Club” area wasn’t open. The Honolulu Zoo should definitely be on your list of things to do on Oahu, HI.
Other Things To Do On Oahu, HI
This is in no way an exhaustive list of things to do on Oahu. There are beautiful views, fun things to see and do, new places to explore at almost every turn. A few other places to check out include:
- Kualoa Ranch
- Hiking
- USS Missouri
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
- Food Truck Vendors
Traveling To Oahu
For as beautiful as Oahu is, the trip to the island is the only thing that gives me pause when considering a return trip. From Indiana, it is usually a 17 hour travel day. I am truly in need of a vacation by the time I get there. Especially since I am traveling alone with 2 young kids.
However, on the plus side (see, always looking for a silver-lining), I feel like I could travel ANYWHERE after traveling to and from Hawaii by myself with 2 kids. Not many places that we would consider going as a family would be nearly as far as Hawaii. So, bring it on!
I have a couple of posts dedicated to traveling with kids, both by car and by plane, and how to make that process easier if you want to check those out (here, here, and here).
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