While Honolulu is undoubtedly a must-visit destination on Oahu, there are many other places on the island worth exploring. One of the most popular is the North Shore, known for its legendary surf breaks and laid-back vibe. Here, you can visit charming surf towns like Haleiwa, and sample some of the island’s best food, from shrimp trucks to farm-to-table restaurants. The Windward Coast is another beautiful area to explore, with scenic drives and stunning beaches like Lanikai and Kailua. You can also visit the quaint town of Kaneohe, and hike to the top of the Ko’olau Mountains for panoramic views of the island. On the leeward side of the island, you’ll find some of Oahu’s best snorkeling and diving spots, like the protected marine preserve of Hanauma Bay. And for a taste of traditional Hawaiian culture, you can visit the historic town of Waimea, where you can learn about the island’s rich history and attend a traditional Hawaiian luau. No matter where you go on Oahu, you’re sure to be surrounded by natural beauty and aloha spirit.
Best Things to see and do on Oahu besides Honolulu
See a Manoa Waterfall
Oahu is home to many stunning waterfalls, and one of the most popular is Manoa Falls. This waterfall is located in the lush Manoa Valley and is surrounded by tropical vegetation and wildlife. The hike to the falls is about 1.6 miles round trip and takes about 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the valley and may even spot some wildlife.
Take a Hike
Oahu is a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of trails to explore. In addition to Manoa Falls, some other popular hiking trails on Oahu include Diamond Head, Makapu’u Lighthouse, and the Koko Head Stairs. These hikes offer stunning views of the island’s coastline and interior, and range from easy to challenging. Here is the 5 best hikes that we did on Oahu.
Snorkel in Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is a popular snorkeling spot on Oahu’s North Shore. Despite its name, it’s a safe place to snorkel and is home to a variety of colorful marine life, including sea turtles, octopuses, and tropical fish. You can rent snorkeling gear from nearby shops, or join a guided tour for a more immersive experience.
See Kaiwi Shoreline
The Kaiwi Shoreline is a rugged stretch of coastline on Oahu’s eastern side, known for its natural beauty and dramatic views. You can hike along the shoreline, or drive along the scenic Kalanianaole Highway for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visit Byodo-In Temple
The Byodo-In Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, and is a replica of a 900-year-old temple in Uji, Japan. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, feed the koi fish in the ponds, and ring the temple bell for good luck.
Visit Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
The Nu’uanu Pali Lookout is a scenic overlook located on the Pali Highway, offering stunning views of Oahu’s windward coast. It’s also a historic site, where in 1795, King Kamehameha I won a decisive battle that ultimately united the Hawaiian Islands.
Swim with Dolphins in Sea Life Park
Sea Life Park is a marine mammal park and aquarium located on Oahu’s eastern side, offering a variety of interactive experiences with marine life. One of the most popular experiences is swimming with dolphins, where you can get up close and personal with these intelligent and friendly creatures in a safe and controlled environment.
Take Kualoa ranch tour
Kualoa Ranch on Oahu’s Windward Coast is a popular destination for fans of the “Jurassic World” movie franchise, as it was used extensively as a filming location for the films. Visitors to Kualoa Ranch can take a guided tour of the property to see where scenes from the movies were filmed, and get a taste of the “Jurassic” experience for themselves.
The tour takes you through some of the most iconic areas of Kualoa Ranch, including Ka’a’awa Valley, which served as the backdrop for many of the epic scenes from “Jurassic World”. You can also see the famous “Jurassic Park” gate, as well as other filming locations from the movie.
Oahu food trucks
Oahu is known for its incredible food scene, and food trucks are a big part of that scene. Here are a few popular food trucks to check out on the island:
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: This North Shore institution is famous for its garlic shrimp plates, which come piled high with fresh, succulent shrimp sauteed in garlic and butter.
- Kahuku Farms: This farm-to-table food truck on the North Shore offers a variety of healthy and delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try the farm-fresh salads, smoothie bowls, and homemade banana bread.
- Haili’s Hawaiian Foods: This family-owned food truck serves up classic Hawaiian comfort food like laulau, kalua pig, and poi, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
- The Pig & The Lady: This Vietnamese-inspired food truck is a favorite among locals, offering dishes like banh mi sandwiches, pho, and rice bowls. Don’t miss the crispy chicken skin salad, a local favorite.
- Puka Dog: This unique food truck on Oahu’s Windward side serves up a Hawaiian-style hot dog, with a Polish sausage tucked into a special Hawaiian bread and topped with a variety of delicious sauces and condiments.
