UPDATED MAR 2020. Let’s face it, playing tourist can be a lot of fun and Oahu is a great place to do it. Here is the ultimate Oahu tourist bucket list to give you all the things you just can’t miss out on when you visit. I hope this can help take the stress out of your trip planning and help you to have a fun and memorable holiday.
The Ultimate Oahu Tourist Bucket List – All The Things You Can’t Miss
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Tours and attractions
Take a Jeep tour
If you want a hassle-free adventure day, let someone do the driving for you and cruise the island in a Jeep.
I took a day tour with The Real Hawaii and think it’s a great way for people to see the island because of how personalized the tours are.
You’ll get a custom, intimate tour that is suited for what you want.
More information: The Best Oahu Day Tour – A Jeep Adventure With The Real Hawaii
Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial
You simply cannot visit Oahu and miss the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
Allow a full day for your visit because there is a lot to see.
If you didn’t know much about Pearl Harbor beforehand, you will definitely come out with greater knowledge and understanding of all the infamous day.
More information: Pearl Harbor Memorial: A Guide To The Do’s And Don’ts
Go to a Luau
Experience a night of culture at a Luau.
The Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore is my favorite Luau on the island. There is a park full of interactive exhibits to see in the afternoon, then you can experience a Luau feast.
Afterward, watch a magnificent show which incorporates all the culture you learned about during the day. I cannot recommend this place enough.
More information: Best Luau On Oahu – A Day At The Polynesian Cultural Center
Swim with sharks
It sounds scary, but it will leave you with an entirely different perspective on sharks.
I recommend ditching the cage and taking a cage-free shark swim with Hawaii Adventure Diving.
They will keep you safe and give you a tour full of memories to last a lifetime.
More information: How To Do A Cage Free Shark Swim In Hawaii & Why You Need To
Outdoor adventures on Oahu
Conquer the Koko Head stairs
They’re called the Koko Head stairs of doom and they will have your thighs burning.
This is a popular hike that will walk you up a steep staircase to the top of the Koko Head crater where you will see amazing views.
It’s best to do this one in the cooler time of day because it is strenuous and there’s no shade.
More information: Koko Head Stairs – How To Conquer The Stairs Of Doom
Visit a famous beach
Of course, you have to experience that postcard Hawaiian setting we all imagine when we think of Hawaii.
Some of the best beaches for this on Oahu are Lanikai, Waimanalo, Waimea, Makapuu Tide Pools, or Yokohama Bay.
They’re different at different times of the year – anything on the North Shore and Westside will be off-limits in winter.
More information: Oahu’s Best Beaches – Where To Go For The Perfect Beach Day
Hike Diamond Head
Diamond Head is an iconic crater that is a must-see while you are visiting.
It’s a popular hike and can get crowded, but it’s well worth doing. Just go as early in the day as you can. The hike is easy so you won’t need a lot of equipment or too much research.
There are some good things to know about parking which is in the post I’ve linked below.
More information: How To Hike Diamond Head – An Uber Popular Trail On Oahu
Go snorkeling
The best snorkeling depends on what time of year you visit.
If you visit in winter, I recommend Hanauma Bay or Kaupo Bay.
In summer I recommend Sharks Cove, Waimea Bay or Electric Beach. There’s a lot more info linked so check which one is best for your skills.
Go cliff jumping
Oahu is a great place to try cliff jumping no matter what level of adventurer you are.
There are little spots off the wall at Waikiki, slightly higher jumps at Maunawili Falls off the rock or Alan Davis Beach off the plank.
If you want to get really bold you could jump off the rock at Waimea Bay or spitting caves.
Of course, use your best judgment with all of these adventures to make sure they are suited for your skill level and the weather on the day.
Photo opportunities
Here are some of the iconic places on the island where you should stop for a photo.
The Duke
The Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki is one of the most iconic images of Oahu. He is known as the father of modern surfing and while you are walking around Waikiki make sure you stop to get a photo of his statue.
The King
The King Kamehameha I statue across from Iolani Palace is another good place to stop for a photo.
The Haleiwa sign
When you drive in or out of Haleiwa, make sure you get a photo of the famous sign. You’ll need to park and walk back to the sign. There’s also a lot of great stores for souvenirs, food places, and a nice beach area in Haleiwa as well.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
If you’d like to see some views of the incredible mountains that look straight out of Jurrasic Park, head to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.
Swinging on beach swings
There are beach swings you can find all over the island and they make for a cute photo souvenir.
As you drive along the Kamehameha Highway into the North Shore have someone keep a lookout on the beach and you can see them from the road. There are many, but the one in the featured photo is around Kapaka Beach.
You’ll usually just need to park somewhere nearby and walk back to them.
You can also find one at Waimanalo Beach.
The Heart rock
Mother nature left a heart-shaped carving in the rocks out near the start of the Kaena Point trail on the west side and it makes for a nice photo. It’s also my favorite area of the island.
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Lookout points
You’ll get some good lookout points in some of the other places I have mentioned, but here are some others that are worth stopping at to soak in the views.
Top of Hanauma Bay
At the top of Hanauma Bay, before you go down to the beach, there is a great view of the bright blue bay. It’s nice to get a photo here to show your friends back home where you were snorkeling.
Tantalus lookout
It’s a windy drive uphill and at the top, you’ll get some beautiful views over Honolulu. There are hikes to do up here as well if you are interested. Otherwise, it’s a nice place to see the sunset.
Halona Blowhole
One of the most popular lookouts on the most beautiful stretch of coast. You can walk down to the Halona Cove nearby with a small beach area that’s worth seeing too.
Pali lookout
The windy Pali lookout will give you different views of the island compared with the other lookouts and it’s worth stopping at during your visit. There is a lot of jungle style, waterfall hikes in the area too.
Makapuu Lighthouse
There is a hike to get to the top of the lighthouse, but it’s a simple walk on a paved road uphill. This popular spot is great for sunrise and you might even see whales swimming by in whale season. You could also go to the tide pools afterward.
Laie point
This is the Forgetting Sarah Marshall jump spot so if you have seen the movie, you might recognize it. You can do the cliff jump as well if the surf conditions are safe otherwise it’s a great lookout spot.
Beach access to Lanikai
One of my favorite and underrated views is the cute beach access points at the famous Lanikai Beach.
Things to eat on Oahu
Eat a Dole Whip ice cream
Eating a pineapple ice cream from the Dole Plantation (as well as taking a photo of it) is a must-do.
You can get the ice cream in just about every way possible – cone, cup, sundae, and of course the souvenir take-home cup.
While you are there, you can go through the maze, feed the fish, and take the train tour to add on a little more fun.
The Quirky Travel Guy has a good review of The Dole Plantation here for more information.
Eat a ‘Loco Moco’
It’s a heavy meal of rice, hamburger patties, eggs, and gravy but one I think you have to try.
Zippy’s is a good place to go for this or, if you prefer a fancier experience, you could get it from a cafe.
Drink from a Coconut
There are plenty of places to get an ice-cold coconut from the side of the road or market stalls.
They sell for about $5 and most places will even cut the coconut open and get the flesh out for you once you have finished drinking the cool coconut water.
Devour a Shave Ice
It’s the perfect treat after you have been out and about exploring the island all day and the best part is, you can find one just about anywhere.
With add-ons such as ice cream, condensed milk, azuki beans, and all sorts of flavors to choose from, there will definitely be one that suits your taste buds.
For more information: Best Shave Ice Oahu Edition – The Best Spots In Each Area Of The Island
Eat From a Food Truck
You absolutely cannot leave Oahu until you try the food trucks in Kahuku on the North Shore.
Giovanni’s Shrimp is the most well known and it is amazing. I also like Romy’s Shrimp and Mikes Huli Chicken.
Things to watch
Watch the fireworks
Every Friday night the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a fireworks show in Waikiki that will add a little magic to your stay.
You can even go stand up paddleboarding under the fireworks with Nocturnal Adventures.
Watch a sunrise
Even if you’re not an early bird, you just have to watch the sunrise while you’re on Oahu. There’s something very healing about watching the sun rise up over the water while you can listen to the waves crash.
It’s soothing, magical, and very easy to do on Oahu. Some of my favorite places to go for sunrise are Lanikai or Lanikai Pillbox Trail, Sandys Beach, Chinaman’s Hat, the top of Koko Head, and the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.
Watch a Sunset
Likewise, you have to pause to watch the sunrise during your visit.
This is a little easier since you won’t have to wake up early. My favorite places to watch the sunset are Yokohama Bay, Tantalus Lookout, Waikiki Beach, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach.
Watch a football game
If there is a football game while you are visiting, I definitely recommend supporting the local team and checking it out. Just make sure to allow plenty of time to get to the stadium as it can get busy on game day.
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Where to stay on Oahu
If you plan to stay in Waikiki, and I recommend this because it’s a good place to base yourself, I recommend staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. I’ve stayed here before and it was an awesome experience.
If you will stay on the North Shore, I love Turtle Bay Resort. I stayed here on my first visit to Oahu and it is pure magic.
For other hotels or guesthouses, I recommend searching on Booking.com. I use this to book accommodation when I travel and can always find a good deal on their site.
I hope this Oahu tourist bucket list has been able to help you plan your trip.
There’s more information on the places and other things to do on Oahu in the links so check them out for more details.
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Aloha!
Just got back from 8 amazing days in Oahu! We did everything on your list except the last 2 – that particular beach and the sporting event – though we did drive along the North Shore to take in the surfers on the beach and we did see a stadium on our way to Pearl Harbor. Definitely a great vacation, one we’re looking forward to again!
Mahalo!
Aloha! That’s so awesome to hear and I am glad you had a great time! It’s always so nice to hear of people enjoying the island! 🙂
Aloha! Could you tell me exactly where the big swing on Oahu is located? My family and I would love to take pictures on it.
Mahalo!
Around Kapaka Beach area, have fun!
Do you have an approximate building or location, or which buildings it is behind? Spent 1.5 hour looking for the swing and could not find it. GPS to kapaka beach is right in the middle of the long line of rocks/cliff. To the right or left of it are private properties that does not have an access way to the water.