Top 10 Things To Do on Oahu

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So you’re heading to Oahu, Hawaii, but you’re not sure what you should do or things that shouldn’t be missed? Here are my top ten recommendations on what to do when traveling to the Island of Oahu!

1. Watch the Sunrise

Inevitably, you will have jet lag waking up the first morning in Oahu if you are flying in from the mainland. When you wake up before the sun, head over to the East side of the island to watch the sunrise. Lanikai Beach is great for this.

Sunrise over the Island of Oahu, Hawaii.

2. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Mai Tai Bar

Check out The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Built in 1927, this hotel has incredible history. It is truly beautiful inside and out… it will be a hard one to miss considering it is a light pink on the outside, sometimes nicknamed the Pink Palace. Outside just steps from Waikiki Beach, make sure to try out the Mai Tai Bar. There are so many different mai tais and taste delicious.

  • Couple photo right outside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

3. Cinnamon’s

Eat at Cinnamon’s in Kailua for breakfast. Their guava pancakes are award winning for a reason! Also, try their ginger tea, and let me know if you can find out the secret ingredient that makes this tea so delicious.

Guava pancake and breakfast at Cinnamon's in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii.

4. The North Shore

Drive to The North Shore along the Kamehameha Highway. It is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu and there are plenty of food trucks to pick from along the way. The famous Shrimp Shack was my favorite spot! The North Shore in winter has huge waves with well known surfer competitions, but in the summer the ocean is pretty calm and this is a good floating spot for you and your favorite floatie!

  • Food truck The Shrimp Shack along the highway to the North Shore in Oahu, Hawaii
  • Floating in the ocean in Oahu, Hawaii on a flamingo and swan float

5. Honolulu Botanical Gardens

If you need a break from the beach and sun, head to one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. There are five gardens throughout the island, so plenty to choose from depending where you are staying. We went to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. There are so many tropical plant species to learn about and see with plenty of walking trails. Also- free admission!

Oahu Botanical Gardens in Oahu, Hawaii.

6. Hanauma Bay

If you are interested in snorkeling, head to Hanauma Bay. It is a very popular snorkel spot, so get there early. They will close if they reach capacity. They provide snorkeling gear and a quick tutorial and safety 101, if you need it. Otherwise, you can head on down to the beach and start snorkeling!

Hanauma Bay from above, a great snorkeling spot in Oahu, Hawaii.

7. Waikiki Brewing Co.

Along the main drag in Waikiki is Waikiki Brewing Co. They have great beer and food and a fun atmosphere with plenty of seating indoors and out.

Beer at Waikiki Brewing Co in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii.

8. Hike

Three of my favorite hikes were Kaena Point, Manoa Falls Trail, and Diamond Head. Kaena Point is super hot and dry, so make sure to bring plenty of water. Fun Fact – It is also the most Western point of Oahu.  For a hike where you are pretty much guaranteed to get wet, head to the center of the island for Manoa Falls Trail, You’re basically hiking through a rainforest, so bring a raincoat! Diamond Head is a touristy hike to do, but the views from the top are amazing. It is also very easy to get to if you are staying in Waikiki.

9. Luau

Experience an authentic Luau.  We went to Germaine’s Luau and had a blast. You will learn the history to the Hawaiian Luau, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast, and watch and maybe participate in an authentic luau.

Authentic Hawaiian Luau in Oahu, Hawaii. Germaine's Luau.

10. Shave Ice

And a final classic Oahu tradition is eat all the shave ice you can! You can find shave ice stands pretty much everywhere you go. There are so many flavors you can mix, and they are especially refreshing when you get hot from being out in the tropical sun! Let me know what your favorite flavor is when you are back on the mainland!

Shave Ice in Oahu, Hawaii.

What are some of your favorite things to do when traveling to Oahu, Hawaii?

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