Greetings, fellow wanderers! Welcome to the second chapter of our Oahu adventure – a comprehensive guide designed to navigate you through the diverse landscapes and activities that define this Pacific gem. Here we dive into some practical insights for making the most of your island exploration.
Before you embark on your Oahu journey, here’s a crucial tip: grab a map of the island and study it well. Oahu, though captivating, is not a small playground. To ensure a seamless and fulfilling experience, understanding the geographical layout is paramount. Pinpoint the locations of your chosen activities, like the historic ascent of Diamond Head or the tranquil havens awaiting your discovery. Let this map be your compass, guiding you through the richness that Oahu has to offer.
So, tighten those shoelaces and get ready for an adventure that goes beyond the surface – where informed exploration leads to a deeper connection with all this remarkable island has to offer.
Outdoor Adventures: Beyond the Beach
Diamond Head
Hawaii’s most historic landmark is situated on the southern edge of Honolulu. It is a short hike of 0.8 miles, partially paved but steep and strenuous. However, the view of Oahu’s coast from this point is worth the effort. If you’re visiting during the whale-watching season, you might even spot a few humpbacks from this vantage point.
It’s essential to note that if you’re not a resident, you’ll need reservations for entry and parking. You must also enter the park before 4:00 pm and be out by 6:00 pm.
Coral Crater Adventure Park
Looking for some excitement during your visit to Oahu? Look no further than Coral Crater Adventure Park! With a variety of zipline packages, an Adventure Tower with aerial challenges, and off-roading ATV tours through the jungle, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially if you have a larger group, as space is limited.
Jurassic Park Tour
The beautiful north shore of Oahu, particularly Kualoa Ranch, has been a popular filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the famous Jurassic Park series. It’s only a quick 45-minute drive from Waikiki and offers a variety of exciting activities. You can choose to take the Jurassic Adventure Tour to immerse yourself in the movie experience. Or opt for the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour to see other famous movie and TV locations like Jumanji, Godzilla, and 50 First Dates. The site isn’t just limited to movie locations, as you can also enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, ATVs, or E-bike tours. Additionally, you can take a tour of the ranch’s farmlands to learn more about the island’s agriculture.
Since space is limited, it’s best to purchase your tickets online in advance.
Best Beaches for Water Activities
Hawaii is a popular destination for surfing and other water activities. However, the beaches of Oahu are also great for snorkeling and scuba diving due to their clear waters and thriving coral reefs. It’s important to note that most of these beaches do not have lifeguards, so please follow the wise words of a lifeguard I met in the Bahamas and, “Do not go where you cannot swim”.
Surfing
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki, which translates to “spouting water,” used to be a much larger area filled with rivers and springs. However, in the early 1900s, the U.S. government colonized the island and drained the swampland to develop real estate for tourism. Despite this, the area did not initially have the beautiful beachfront we see today. In fact, the sand on Waikiki beach is actually imported from other areas in Hawaii and California. It was only after the first luxury hotels were established, and visiting celebrities like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Amelia Earhart brought attention to the area, that Waikiki became popular among the masses.
Duke Kahanamoku and Surfing
Duke Kahanamoku, a resident of Waikiki, is widely credited with introducing surfing to the world. Prior to this, he had won five medals as a freestyle swimmer in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics. Following his success at the 1912 Olympics, “The Big Kahuna” held a surfing exhibition at Waikiki that attracted thousands of people. During the exhibition, he demonstrated various surfing stunts such as surfing backward and doing handstands on his board. Kahanamoku also led several expeditions in California and Australia, spreading his love and admiration for surfing to countless others.
In addition to his sports achievements, Kahanamoku was also a civil servant who served as the Ambassador of Aloha. He held the position of sheriff of Honolulu for almost three decades. To this day, Kahanamoku’s bronze statue stands at Waikiki Beach (next to the Honolulu Police Station) with open arms, welcoming visitors to the beach.
If you’re interested in surfing or just watching from the shore, here are the best beaches visit:
- Ala Moana Bowls
- Kaisers
- Queens
- Makaha (popular with the locals)
- Ali’I Beach Park
- Waimea Bay
- Off-The-Wall
- Banzai Pipeline (experts only)
- Sunset Beach
North Shore Oahu
It is highly recommended that you take a day trip to the North Shore, which is located approximately an hour away from Waikiki. When you visit this area, you will get the chance to experience the lifestyle of the locals in the charming surf town of Hale’iwa. Moreover, this region is home to the Polynesian Culture Center and several farms that you can explore. However, the North Shore is best known for its big wave surfing, which is particularly popular during the winter months.
Turtle Beach (Laniakea Beach)
This beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including the majestic green sea turtle. The large rock patches present in the water provide a feeding ground for the fish and sea turtles. However, the water can be rough to swim in, especially during the winter months. If you’re walking along the beach, you’re likely to encounter green sea turtles on land, feeding on the seagrass at or above the waterline. It’s important to note that it’s prohibited by federal law to get close to, provoke, or touch the Green Sea Turtles. Please respect their territory and observe them from a safe distance. This beach is also a popular spot for surfing, kayaking, diving, and windsurfing.
Waimea Bay
This is the most popular beach on the North Shore, but finding parking can be difficult unless you arrive early in the day. The conditions at this beach can change dramatically with the seasons, so it’s important to be aware of them. Rip currents are also known to be present, and unless you’re an experienced waterman, it’s best to observe activities from the shore. During the winter months, you can enjoy watching various surfing competitions at this beach, but it’s important to leave the big waves to the experts.
Sunset Beach
This beach is ideal for capturing stunning photos that you’d love to set as your office screensaver. The waters at this beach are generally calm during summer, but you should remain cautious of rip currents. Rip currents are narrow channels in the water that can pull you away from the shoreline and pose a significant safety risk. Furthermore, please refrain from climbing the leaning palm trees to prevent environmental damage.
Snorkeling and Diving
Sharks Cove
There are two different stories about how this place got its name. Some people say it’s because the rock formation looks like a shark from above, while others believe that a local restaurant owner used to throw fish remains into the cove, which attracted sharks. Nowadays, however, it is rare to see a shark in the area. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see a variety of fish in the tidepools, but be aware that the rocky entrance to the water requires appropriate footwear. Additionally, there is a strong current outside of the cove, so only experienced swimmers and divers should venture out there.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a renowned snorkeling spot situated on the southeastern side of the island of Oahu. It was formed within a volcanic cone and is now a protected conservation area that houses hundreds of aquatic species. The water is tranquil and clear, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling, regardless of your skill level. This location was historically a popular destination for fishing and leisure with the Hawaiian royal family. While it is a well-known tourist spot, it is also beloved by the locals. To enter Hanauma Bay, visitors are required to pay a $25 entrance fee, and tickets must be reserved in advance.
Tranquil Escapes
Although there are many water sports available at any beach in Oahu, I personally enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding in calm waters. These areas are also perfect for bringing a big floaty and unwinding in the serene ocean waters. These are some of my favorite beaches for a quiet day of lounging and relaxation:
Magic Island Lagoon
Ala Moana Beach Park is one of my favorite spots for an afternoon of beach lounging. The park is protected by a large seawall, making the water very calm for swimming. Additionally, the park offers picnic tables, showers, and restrooms, making for an incredibly comfortable day at the beach. You can even find food vendors nearby, so there’s no need to worry about getting hungry. However, the seawall does prevent sea life from entering the area, so you won’t see much if you’re trying to snorkel in the lagoon itself. While you may see a few small fish, the overall experience is more about relaxing on the beach than exploring underwater.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Located on the southeastern side of Oahu, Waimanalo Beach is a serene spot that is mostly visited by locals. It is situated about 45 minutes away from Waikiki. If you are in search of a tranquil beach that is away from the crowds, then Waimanalo Beach is definitely worth the drive. The calm crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The soft white sand allows you to sit back and relax. You can rent beach gear from outfitters like Active Oahu Tours, who will even bring the gear to you and pick it up later in the day.
Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is situated towards the north of Waimanalo, but it still lies on the east side of the island. Finding parking and access to this stunning beach can be challenging. It is usually recommended to park further north at Kailua Beach Park and then walk, paddle, or kayak to Lanikai Beach. In addition to leisurely beach bathing, you can also explore one of the nearby hiking trails and enjoy the breathtaking views. On a clear day, you can even spot the island of Molokai, the nearest Hawaiian Island, south of Oahu.
Nature and Wildlife
Waikiki Aquarium
If you are not a fan of snorkeling or scuba diving, but still want to witness the beauty of the reefs in Hawaii, you can visit the Waikiki Aquarium, located at the southern end of Waikiki Beach. The Edge of the Reef exhibit, located outside the building, features a glass wall that allows you to observe the colorful fish and invertebrates. This area usually has less traffic than other parts of the aquarium, so you can enjoy the view peacefully. Don’t forget to check out the Ocean Drifters gallery, where you can have an up-close view of tiny jellyfish through the magnifying features of the glass.
Tickets can be purchased at the aquarium same day.
Glass Bottom Boat or Submarine Tours
If you want to see underwater life without actually getting wet, you can book a glass-bottom boat or submarine tour. During these tours, you can observe tropical reefs and the animals living in them, such as sea turtles, sharks, and other larger creatures. From November through May, it’s whale-watching season, so you might spot humpback whales and even hear them communicating with others. Boat tour guides are well-versed in the areas where wildlife is most abundant and will do their best to make it a memorable experience for everyone.
Birding in Oahu
Oahu is a popular destination for many migratory birds, as well as local populations. If you want to view Hawaii’s endemic populations specifically, the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot to do so. It is located on the northern side of the island and is only open for tours during the non-breeding season from September through mid-February.
Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for a leisurely walk amidst beautiful greenery, an opportunity to spot wildlife, and a glimpse into the history of the region, then Waimea Valley is the ideal destination! The site has deep roots in Hawaiian history and spirituality, and during your stroll, you’ll be able to observe several traditional structures. These structures are surrounded by lush vegetation that will guide you towards the back of the valley, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Waimea Falls.
Ready for your Hawaiian adventure? Discover our pre-made Oahu itinerary!
Fun Facts and Tips:
- The mongoose was brought to Oahu from India in the late 1800’s to control the rat population in the sugar cane fields.
- Hawaii only has two native mammals, the hoary bat and the monk seal.
- To keep the reefs safe, avoid damaging them by standing on or touching the coral. Also grab some reef-safe sunscreen like Maui Naturals Surfer Honey Natural as Hawaii has banned non-reef-safe sunscreens.
- Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii was filmed on Waikiki Beach
- If you find yourself caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of it, then you can swim back in.
As we bid adieu to this segment of our Oahu expedition, armed with newfound knowledge and an adventurous spirit, remember: the beauty of this island lies not just in its scenic spots but in the thoughtful curation of your itinerary. From the heights of Diamond Head to the lush gardens of Waimea Valley, Oahu unfolds its diverse tapestry.
Before you venture further, take a moment to reflect on the importance of informed exploration. Consider the map you studied before arriving, and identify the locations of your planned activities. If you haven’t joined yet, sign up for my mailing list to receive a free template that will help you organize your activities for a seamless experience. Our journey doesn’t end here – the upcoming chapter promises insight into transportation, accommodations, and culinary delights! And don’t miss out on part one of my Oahu series, where I explore the island’s rich history and culture through various activities.
Safe travels and may the spirit of aloha be your constant companion.
While the author generated the ideas and research, portions of this article were improved using Grammarly and ChatGPT.
