65 Things to Do on Oahu for the Ultimate Bucket List
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Where do you even begin to start when exploring Oahu?
I have put together a bucket list of tried-and-true favorite adventures and experiences on the extraordinary island of Oahu. These are the most epic, popular, must-see and must-do activities and sites on this world-renowned vacation destination and Polynesian cultural hub. This list is structured as a succinct checklist for either first-timers looking for the coolest adventures that Oahu has to offer or for veterans looking to make sure they haven’t overlooked any epic experiences on the island!
The number and variety of experiences at your disposal is incredible, whether it is culinary, cultural, recreational… You name it!
Get out there and get after these sixty five bucket list adventures!
65 Things to Do on Oahu for the Ultimate Bucket List
In winter months, watch 40 foot waves crash on the North Shore, particularly at the Banzai Pipeline.
Spread the Aloha spirit with a shaka.
Kayak (or swim out in the shallower summer months) to Chinaman’s Hat Island, and climb the short, exciting haul to the tip-top.
Attend a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center and witness old-school Hawaiian tradition.
Take a tour of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
Look for whales from the Makapu’u Lighthouse, most often sighted in winter months.
Wander around Chinatown open air markets for fresh seafood and local produce on a Saturday morning.
Cliff jump off Laie Point, a 25 to 30 foot drop.
Grab some shaved ice for a delicious treat on a hot day!
Swing from the rope at Waimano Falls into a beautiful hidden waterfall pool.
Climb either (or both!) Kuliouou or Wiliwilinui Ridge for a great ridge trail, because there is no better way to get a panoramic view of the gorgeous scenery.
Climb Stairway to Heaven and dodge cops while doing so. *Cough* It is illegal.
Face your own mortality on the Pali Notches hike.
Snap a necessary Instagram pic at Botanical Gardens.
Take a surf lesson at Waikiki Beach. They are super fun and it will go way better than you think it will, if you have qualms!
Paddle board on a calm day near Waikiki, under the shadow of Diamond Head.
Kayak to the Mokes to do some insane cliff jumping.
Camp on the beach at Ewa Beach.
Get up early to swim with dolphins at Makua Beach.
Spot an enormous, gentle sea turtle and call it “Dude”, maybe at Lanikai Beach.
Snorkel at Electric Beach on the West Side.
Swim in a freshwater pool under a waterfall, such as Maunawili or Likeke Falls.
Drive the Pali Highway from Honolulu to Kailua for jaw-dropping views of the deep green mountains.
Eat a hearty poke bowl at a beautiful beach to understand the meaning of true happiness.
If you are a shopper, check out the world’s largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana Center.
Rent Bikis and explore Honolulu by bicycle! A great way to get around easily and cheaply.
Drive the Kamehameha Highway that hugs the eastern coast for awe-striking coastal views.
Rent mopeds and scoot around Waikiki.
Get a Mai Tai at any of the many tropical beach bars.
Take an evening stroll down Kalakaua Avenue in downtown Waikiki for bustling nightlife, street performers, and an overload of Aloha shirts.
Enjoy the balmy Hawaiian night air at any rooftop bar, such as Tommy Bahama’s or the Laylow.
Experience a sunset from famous Sunset Beach on the North Shore.
Hike Diamondhead Hike, an iconic, short and steep paved trail that is very accessible from Honolulu and grants magnificent views.
Hike to Maunawili Falls after a rainfall or in the winter months in order to have the true muddy experience that it deserves.
Catch a surf competition on the North Shore.
Watch a sunset from Tantalus Lookout near Honolulu.
Discover live evening entertainment such as fire-dancing near Waikiki Beach and live street musicians on Kalakaua Avenue.
Attend an outdoor movie screening on the roof of Ala Moana Mall
Sweat your brains out and kill your calves on the .7 mile hike up Koko Head Crater Trail for an amazing sunset and workout. And veterans, try for your personal best!
Check out a local favorite spot, China Walls, for cliff-jumping and hanging out during sunset times.
String up a hammock at Waimanalo Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Go see the Halona Blowhole, right off the highway near Hanauma Bay.
Be awestruck by the crystal clear, turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach.
Watch body surfers catch waves at Sandy’s Beach, also known as Breakneck Beach.
Hike one, or all, of the pillbox hikes scattered around the island. The Lanikai Pillbox (for sunrise) and the Pink Pillbox (for sunset) are very popular.
Find the Crouching Lion on the Crouching Lion Hike. Tip: you’re not actually on the lion.
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay, a gorgeous nature preserve tucked away in a beautiful bay, with awesome aquatic life and coral to see underwater.
Hit up the Dole Plantation if you’re a fan of pineapple. Pineapple for daysss!
Walk out to Ka’ena Point on the far Northwestern part of the island. Hot, dry, and stunning!
Spend an afternoon exploring the cultural center of downtown, such as the Bishop Palace, Hawaii State Art Museum, Iolani Palace, and Honolulu Museum of Art.
Check out and chuckle at the silly and awesome graffiti at Kaka’ako Street Art.
Grab a hip meal or drink in SALT at Kaka’ako.
Grab a beer on tap at Honolulu Brewing Company.
Take a sunset cruise from Waikiki (BYOB!) for a lovely evening and views of the island that you can only see from the water.
Choose one of the outdoor recreational adventures that Kualoa Ranch has to offer: horseback riding, ATV tours,or ziplining.
Prove yourself a bonafide badass by climbing all three peaks of the Three Peaks Trail.
Book a snorkeling tour to Turtle Canyon for an epic swim with turtles.
Join the ever-present pod of surfers off of Waikiki, who stay out past sunset in the water and the sun.
Get lost in the trees on the Judd Trail, right off the Pali Highway. Opportunity for swimming and a more extensive trail system exists!
Walk around the quiet town of Haleiwa after a day at the North Shore and grab a bite to eat at either one of its restaurants or at the food trucks.
Try out the quieter, more remote leeward (West) beaches, such as the beautiful Makaha Beach Park.
Find the mermaid caves on the west side, right nearby Nānākuli Beach Park. Drop in with a pal and watch the waves rush up from under the caved rocky shoreline!
Join a yoga class that congregates at Ala Moana Beach, or even try out paddle board yoga at sunset.
Before hitting up a hike, head to Leonard’s for a delicious malasada or two!
I have already written up a complete guide to a first visit to Oahu, so take a look at that blog to get a more thorough idea of how to divide up your time on the island.
Have we missed any of your top favorites? Let us know!
