6 things to do in Oahu (Hawaii)

Known as the “gathering place,” the island of Oahu is the third largest island of the Hawaiian chain. It certainly lives up to its nickname since majority of Hawaii’s population resides here and the island is visited by travelers from around the world. Hawaii is also a melting pot of diverse ethnicities evident in the island's culinary traditions, entertainment, art and even languages. Enjoying fun in the sun on Oahu can mean admiring Mother Nature, hanging 10 in the Pacific Ocean or hiking old train tracks on top of a mountain. In no specific order, here are 6 things that travelers should do while on Oahu.

Learn to Surf

Surfing was once a sport reserved only for Hawaiian royalty but eventually the boys of Waikiki Beach and Olympic gold-medal swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku were among the many who helped spread the joy of surfing. Hawaii’s pristine beaches and excellent wave breaks make it a great place to surf. Whether you are learning to hang-loose on a surfboard for the first time or want to learn new tricks to be a better surfer, Hawaii’s waters will be the best to improve yourself. If you’re lucky, dolphins, turtles, whales and maybe a monkseal will greet you at sea.

You can rent a board for 10$ per hour, and get a lesson between 35 and 50$ per hour.

Drive Around the Island

In Hawaiian we like to go and “holo holo,” which in translation means to go out for a leisure ride. Leisure rides often lead to adventure, so why not seek one on Oahu? Drive around the island which takes about 2 hours. Head into the countryside and circle your way back to city while making a few stops along the way to take pictures.

It is also possible to take the bus that will take you around the island.

The ride ticket costs $ 2.5.

Warning: note that surfboards are not allowed on buses.

To rent a car I suggest you take it to the airport. Prices are lower. Remember to book your car online!

We rented a convertible Mustang for 24 hours, for $ 167.

Beware of convertibles: the weather changes very quickly on the island. Remember to close the roof before going on the highway!

Hiking Diamond Head

Visitors travel thousands of miles to get a first-hand glimpse of Diamond Head crater, one of Hawaii’s most recognized icons.

More than 3,500 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit, Diamond Head in Waikiki is perhaps the world’s most recognized volcanic crater. It is a lasting remnant of a volcanic explosion that occurred about 500,000 years ago. Ancient Hawaiians called it Laeahi, which translates to “brow of the tuna.” The name “Diamond Head” can be traced to the 1800s, when British sailors mistakenly thought there were diamonds lodged in the crater’s soil. The “diamonds” turned out to be calcite crystals embedded in the lava rock.

Tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid potential crowds.

The 0.7-mile hike up Diamond Head is considered a moderate climb.

It’ll take about an hour to reach the summit, and half that time for the return. The trail climbs the inside slope of Diamond Head for about 0.6 miles. It’s a switchback trail with the mountain on one side and a railing on the other. After a lookout point that doubles as a rest stop, the trail takes a steep upward ascent through a series of stairs and tunnels. The last set of stairs is a 99-step climb—just take it slow and steady—that eventually leads to a World War II bunker. From there, the stairs reach an end and you step up to some of the finest panoramic views on Oahu. Take a short walk around and savor the moment. On a clear day, you see forever. Standing atop the lookout, viewing Oahu’s entire leeward side, feeling the trade winds and hearing waves crashing far below, one can’t help but feel humbled to be on this glorious island.

Visit chinatown

Like all Chinatowns in the world, Honolulu’s Chinatown is an always bustling, energetic market section of the city.

It’s not quite as chaotic at Chinatown in San Francisco or Paris, but even though it’s small, it still has that same thrilling rushed market feel to it.

The smell of fruits and vegetables and the aroma of fresh fish and meat fill the air in Honolulu’s Chinatown, just as they do in other Chinatowns around the world. You’ll find great prices on produce, and you’ll find the fruits and vegetables you need to make whatever type of Asian food you want.

Along with fresh market foods to purchase, there are also an abundance of delicious restaurants throughout Honolulu’s Chinatown. Within Maunakea Marketplace you’ll find Filipino and Thai food, and on the outskirts of Chinatown you should not miss Char Hung Sut – a takeout restaurant that sells legendary Hawaiian style Cantonese dumplings and baozi (manapua).

Exploring and eating through Chinatown is one of the top attractions in Honolulu.

See Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls has to be one of the most fascinating waterfalls on Oahu to be seen! Cascading 150 feet down the mountainside, it will seem more like 1000 feet as you stare up at the endless water falling down the rocks. Not many Oahu waterfalls are easy to travel to, that can also deliver such an impressive show!

This Oahu hike is located on one of the better- maintained mountain Oahu trails which starts at the bottom of the old Paradise Park building at the top of Manoa Road.

This is where tourist buses used to bring visitors to eat lunch, as they bird watch through the rain forest below, and all the way across the canyon towards the Ko'olau Mountians.

You’ll quickly come upon a trail sign leading to a gate above an unattended facility parking lot.

Tip : I would recommend parking in the residential area where it tends to be a little safer to leave your car, and walk up an extra quarter mile.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, and more specifically the USS Arizona, is not so much an attraction in Honolulu, but rather a memorial.

It was on the morning of December 7th, 1941, when Japanese aircraft made a surprise bomb attack on the US ships anchored in Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor. During the deadly attack, many lives were lost, and many ships were destroyed. It was after this attack, when the US declared war on Japan and entered into World War II.

When you arrive at Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, you get a ticket with a time on it. When it’s your turn, you meet your group and first watch a 30 minute film which explains the history of what happened at Pearl Harbor – I thought the video was concise and provided good insight into the memorial.

After the film, you board a ferry for a short 5 minute ferry ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is a white platform that floats above the sunken ship. You spend about 15 minutes on the platform, respecting the location and the events that happened right there years ago.

Also, on the Pearl Harbor compound you can visit the USS Bowfin, for a chance to tour a WWII submarine.