Things to do on Oʻahu

Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Beach · Sunset · Lifeguarded

The ocean beach in front of Hilton Hawaiian Village, beside Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. The map pin marks the beach, not the separate manmade lagoon.

Beachfront at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikīkī, Honolulu, HI 96815

Fort DeRussy Beach

Beach · Picnic · Sunset

A beach backed by the lawns of Fort DeRussy at the western end of Waikīkī. Walk along the shore toward Hilton Hawaiian Village, or stop for a picnic in the park.

Fort DeRussy Beach Park, Kālia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815

Kaimana Beach

Snorkeling · Beach

Honolulu, HI 96815

Kūhiō Beach

Beach · Walled swimming area · Lifeguarded

The walled swimming areas along Kalākaua Avenue have lifeguards and showers. Check conditions with the lifeguard before swimming. Use the Waikīkī Wall for walking; don’t jump from it.

Kalākaua Avenue, Waikīkī, Honolulu, HI 96815

Queen’s Surf Beach

Beach · Bodyboarding · Lifeguarded

The beach between the Waikīkī Aquarium and Waikīkī Wall, with Kapiʻolani Park behind the sand. Bodyboarders use this open-ocean stretch; it is not enclosed like the Kūhiō swimming areas.

Kalākaua Avenue beside Kapiʻolani Park, Honolulu, HI 96815

Ala Moana Beach

Beach · Picnic · Sunset · Lifeguarded

A long beach west of Waikīkī, with a reef offshore and a large park behind the sand. There are lifeguards, showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Ala Moana Regional Park, Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814

Magic Island Lagoon

Beach · Lagoon · Picnic · Sunset

The small lagoon at the tip of Magic Island is enclosed by seawalls. The surrounding peninsula has lawns and paths for a picnic or an evening walk, with views back toward Waikīkī. Check conditions before swimming.

Magic Island, Ala Moana Regional Park, Honolulu, HI 96814

Waiʻalae Beach Park · Kāhala

Beach · Picnic · Shoreline walk

A small beach park near Waiʻalae Country Club, with picnic space and a shoreline walk toward the Kāhala hotel. The water is shallow with reef underfoot. We recommend it for a picnic or a walk along the shore. Enter through the public beach park.

Waiʻalae Beach Park, Kāhala Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816

Kailua Beach Adventures

Kayaking · Kayak rentals · Guided tours · Paddleboarding

130 Kailua Road, Suite 101B, Kailua, HI 96734

Kailua Beach Park

Beach

526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, HI 96734

Kaiona Beach Park

Beach

41-575 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Waimānalo, HI 96795

Lanikai Beach

Beach · Photography · Sunrise

Lanikai, Kailua, HI 96734

Banzai Pipeline

Surf watching · Photography

59-355 Ke Nui Road, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

Laniakea Beach

Wildlife watching · Beach

Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

Sharks Cove

Snorkeling

Pūpūkea, HI 96712

Sand Cove

Wildlife watching · Beach

HPHV+46, Waialua, HI 96791

Yokohama Bay

Beach · Sunset

Hawaiʻi 96791

Diamond Head State Monument

Summit trail · Crater views · Photography

755Q+V8, Honolulu, HI 96815

Mānoa Falls

Rainforest · Waterfall · Photography

Mānoa Falls Trail, end of Mānoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822

Mānoa Falls

Rainforest · Waterfall · Photography

Honolulu, HI 96822

Friendship Garden

Garden walk

45-219 Kokokahi Place, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Pillboxes · Coastal views · Photography

265 Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua, HI 96734

Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve

Coastal walk · Nature reserve

〒96791 Hawaiʻi, Waialua, Unnamed Road

Mt. Kaʻala Hiking Trail

Mountain hike · Plants

FRGX+44R, Waiʻanae, HI 96792

Koko Crater Arch Trail

Rock arch · Photography

Honolulu, HI 96825

Koko Crater Stairs (Summit)

Stairs · Crater views · Photography

7430 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

Paved trail · Sunrise · Coastal views · Photography

Honolulu, HI 96795

Holokai Catamaran

Sunset cruises · Snorkeling · Catamaran sailing · Open bar

Choose the 90-minute sunset sail with an open bar, or the 2½-hour Turtle Canyon snorkel. Check in at OUTRIGGER Reef, then walk with the crew to the beach boarding point. Expect wet feet. Friday sunset sails are 21+.

2169 Kālia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 · OUTRIGGER Reef check-in

Little Fish Ocean Swimming · Kaimana Beach lessons

Swim lessons · Adult lessons

Private swim lessons for adults, including beginners. Arrange the lesson time and meeting point directly with Little Fish. The map pin marks Kaimana Beach, one of their teaching locations.

Kaimana Beach, Honolulu · lesson location by arrangement

MANA Cruises · Waikīkī

Sunset cruises · Snorkeling · Small groups · Native Hawaiian owned

For a smaller group, choose the shared Captain’s Sunset + Tasting cruise or Morning Snorkel + Lunch. Both are capped at six guests and depart from Ala Wai Boat Harbor. The sunset trip is about two hours; the morning snorkel is about 2½ hours. Native Hawaiian owned and operated.

5 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, HI 96815 · Ala Wai Boat Harbor

Na Hoku 3 · Waikīkī Beach

Booze cruise · Open bar · Beach boarding · Sunset cruises

A drinks-focused, 90-minute catamaran cruise with an open bar. Board from the beach in front of Duke’s and expect to get wet. The operator describes a bar atmosphere and advises against bringing young children. Choose Na Hoku 3 for Waikīkī beach boarding; Na Hoku 2 leaves from Kewalo Harbor.

2335 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 · beach in front of Duke’s

Waikīkī Beach Services · Royal Hawaiian

Canoe surfing · Surf lessons · Paddleboarding

Outrigger canoe surfing, surf lessons, and stand-up paddle lessons from the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian. Check age and swimming requirements for the activity you choose.

2259 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 · beachfront activity desk

Kailua Beach Adventures

Kayaking · Kayak rentals · Guided tours · Paddleboarding

130 Kailua Road, Suite 101B, Kailua, HI 96734

H2O Sports Hawaiʻi · Jet skis

Jet skis · Solo or tandem

Jet skis on a marked course in Maunalua Bay. A boat shuttle takes you from the Hawaiʻi Kai check-in office to the activity platform. Riding time is 30 minutes; allow about 90 minutes in total. Solo drivers must be at least 16.

377 Keahole Street, suite E-103, Honolulu, HI 96825

Island Water Sports Hawaiʻi · Underwater scooters

Underwater scooters · Snorkeling

A two-hour boat outing in Maunalua Bay with a guided 20-minute underwater scooter ride and time to snorkel. Your head sits inside an air-filled dome while your body stays in the water. If enclosed spaces make you anxious, this may feel claustrophobic; talk with the operator before choosing the scooter trip.

7192 Kalanianaʻole Highway, suite E-111, Honolulu, HI 96825

Honolulu Zoo

Zoo · Animals · With kids · Outdoors

At the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua, beside Kapiʻolani Park. Most of the visit is outdoors, so bring sun protection. Check the last admission time before a late-afternoon visit.

151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Waikīkī Aquarium

Aquarium · Marine life · With kids

A small aquarium beside Kapiʻolani Park and the Natatorium, with reef fish, corals, and other marine life. Pair it with a walk along Queen’s Surf or Kaimana Beach. Check the visitor page for exhibit access and last admission.

2777 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

HiClimb

Indoor climbing · Bouldering · Indoors

Bouldering and rope climbing in Kakaʻako. The first-visit package includes an orientation and rental gear. Complete the waiver before arriving; rope climbing has separate belay requirements.

825 Ilaniwai Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

Ice Palace

Ice skating · Indoors · Skate rentals

Indoor ice skating near Aloha Stadium, with rental skates and public sessions. Check the public-skate timetable before making the drive; skating lessons and hockey use the rink at other times.

4510 Salt Lake Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96818

We Rock the Spectrum · Honolulu

Indoor play · Sensory play · With kids · Indoors

An indoor sensory gym for children of all abilities. A parent or guardian must stay during open play, and adults need socks. Check the open-play schedule before going; private parties can change availability.

820 S Beretania Street, Suite 202, Honolulu, HI 96813

Foster Botanical Garden

Botanical garden

50 N Vineyard Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96817

Lyon Arboretum

Botanical garden · Rainforest

Mānoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822

Frankie’s Nursery

Plant nursery · Tropical fruit

41-999 Mahiku Place, Waimānalo, HI 96795

Friendship Garden

Garden walk

45-219 Kokokahi Place, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Botanical garden · Mountain views · Photography

45-680 Luluku Road, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744

Koba's Nursery Inc

Plant nursery · Mountain views

41-715 Mokulama Street, Waimānalo, HI 96795

The Plant Place

Plant nursery · Tropical fruit · Photography

41-821 Waikupanaha Street, Waimānalo, HI 96795

Waimānalo Country Farms

Farm · Seasonal outing

41-225 Lupe Street, Waimānalo, HI 96795

Waimea Valley

Botanical garden

Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

Wahiawā Botanical Garden

Botanical garden · Trees

1396 California Avenue, Wahiawā, HI 96786

Cirque du Soleil 'Auana

Live performance · Acrobatics

2300 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Bishop Museum

Hawaiian history · Science

1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI 96817

Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)

Art

900 S Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96814

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design

Art · Architecture

4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HI 96816

The Liljestrand House

Architecture · House tour

3300 Tantalus Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian cultures · Live performance

Run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the Mormon church. The Center says its purpose supports the Church’s religious mission. We would approach its cultural presentations with that perspective in mind and wouldn’t rely on it alone for Polynesian history, religion, or the effects of colonization. For more historical context, visit Bishop Museum or ʻIolani Palace as well.

55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lāʻie, HI 96762

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

History · Memorial

1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818

Tantalus Lookout · Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park

Lookout · Photography · Sunset · Picnic

Nutridge Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Botanical garden · Mountain views · Photography

45-680 Luluku Road, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744

Lanikai Beach

Beach · Photography · Sunrise

Lanikai, Kailua, HI 96734

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Lookout · Mountain views · Photography

Hawaiʻi 96744

Banzai Pipeline

Surf watching · Photography

59-355 Ke Nui Road, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve

Coastal walk · Nature reserve

〒96791 Hawaiʻi, Waialua, Unnamed Road

Kaneana Cave (Mākua Cave)

Cave

86-260 Farrington Highway, Waiʻanae, HI 96792

Yokohama Bay

Beach · Sunset

Hawaiʻi 96791

Hālona Blowhole Lookout

Blowhole · Coastal views · Photography

8483 HI-72, Honolulu, HI 96825

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

Paved trail · Sunrise · Coastal views · Photography

Honolulu, HI 96795

Blue Note Hawaiʻi

Live music · Jazz · Comedy · Dinner show · Indoors

A seated live-music venue on the second floor of the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort. The lineup includes jazz, local musicians, touring acts, and comedy. There is a minimum food-and-drink spend in addition to the ticket price. Seats are generally first come, first served within your ticket section.

2335 Kalākaua Avenue, level 2, Honolulu, HI 96815

Cirque du Soleil 'Auana

Live performance · Acrobatics

2300 Kalākaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Experience Nutridge · Tantalus

Lūʻau · Hawaiian culture · Dinner

A small-group lūʻau at Nutridge Estate on Tantalus, with cultural workshops, games, performances, and dinner. Round-trip Waikīkī transportation is an optional add-on. Wear comfortable shoes for the sloping grounds and bring a light jacket.

Nutridge Estate, Nutridge Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

Kailua Beach Adventures

Kayaking · Kayak rentals · Guided tours · Paddleboarding

130 Kailua Road, Suite 101B, Kailua, HI 96734

Kualoa Ranch

Ranch tours · ATV · Mountain views

Kāneʻohe, HI 96744

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian cultures · Live performance

Run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the Mormon church. The Center says its purpose supports the Church’s religious mission. We would approach its cultural presentations with that perspective in mind and wouldn’t rely on it alone for Polynesian history, religion, or the effects of colonization. For more historical context, visit Bishop Museum or ʻIolani Palace as well.

55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lāʻie, HI 96762

Toa Lūʻau · Waimea Valley

Lūʻau · Polynesian performances · Dinner

Afternoon and evening lūʻau at Waimea Valley, with Polynesian performances and a meal. Tickets include Waimea Valley admission; check the valley’s opening hours when planning a garden walk or waterfall visit. Waterfall swimming depends on the day’s conditions.

59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleʻiwa, HI 96712

Búho Cocina y Cantina

DJs · Dancing · Rooftop · Latin nights · Bachata · Salsa

A rooftop Mexican restaurant at Waikīkī Shopping Plaza that becomes a club later on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Friday’s DJ set starts at 10 pm, after bachata lessons and social dancing. Check the event schedule for your night.

2250 Kalākaua Avenue #525, Honolulu, HI 96815

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand

DJs · Dancing · Drag shows · LGBTQ+ venue · Live music

An LGBTQ+ bar on the second floor of the Waikīkī Grand Hotel. Live music often comes before the DJs; the calendar also lists drag shows and themed dance parties.

134 Kapahulu Avenue, 2nd floor, Honolulu, HI 96815

HB Social Club

DJs · Electronic music · House music · Live music

Touring DJs, house music nights, and live bands at Crossroads and Slack Key Lounge, the venues within HB Social Club. Check the lineup, ticket options, door time, and age limit for the event you want to attend.

1680 Kapiʻolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814

Ki Club (Restaurant)

Japanese fusion · DJs · Brunch

1731 Kalākaua Avenue Ste C, Honolulu, HI 96826

The District

DJs · Hip-hop · Top 40 · Dancing · Latin nights

Hip-hop, Top 40, and dance music, with Latin nights on Thursdays. Enter from Kona Street, below The Republik. Ages 21+ with government ID; check the event listing and dress code before going.

1349 Kapiʻolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814