Things to Do in Oahu: Oahu Travel Bucket List - Top 20 for 2022

These are unusual times so with restrictions being put in place and lifted with little notice, please confirm the operating hours before visiting any of the tours, venues or attractions mentioned in this article. 

Oahu is an island paradise offering memorable activities for everyone from young to not so young. 

We’ve put together an Oahu Travel Bucket List with '20 Top Things to Do, See & Experience'. Enjoy ticking these off your list and getting to know the real Oahu while you’re at it.

Our latest Oahu Travel Blog article, 'Things to Do in Oahu: Oahu Bucket List - Top 20 for 2022,' highlights ways to make the most of your trip to Oahu. If you have any questions about booking any of the tours or activities listed below, please ask our Concierge and they will be happy to assist you.

Let's get to the list!

1.    Enjoy a Helicopter Tour of Oahu
Locations: Various locations

There are a number of companies offering Helicopter Tours of Oahu. During these Helicopter Tours you'll have an amazing view of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, North Shore and more. A Helicopter Tour is a great way to get a better understanding of the landmarks and layout of Oahu.

2. Kayak to the Mokes
Location: Various locations

From Kailua Beach or Lanikai, kayak to the mokes on a 30-minute ride that will take you past cliffs and the beautiful Queen’s bath.

3. Hike to the famous Pill Boxes for great views

There are a number of amazing hikes across Oahu offering various degrees of difficulty but there are a few moderately difficult hikes that include a 'Pill Box' which initially served as observation stations from 1943. These make for great sightseeing points of interest and great views.

4. View Honolulu from the Top of Diamond Head Crater

Hike Diamond Head, located on the South side of Oahu, and enjoy amazing views of Honolulu,Waikiki and the beautiful beaches below.

5. Swim with Sharks
Location: Various locations - North Shore

Whether you take a tour that lets you swim with Sharks inside or outside of a cage, the experience will surely be one you will remember for the rest of your life. A pro tip: Always swim with Sharks on a guided tour.

6. Skydive over Oahu! 

The views of Oahu at 15,000 feet above the island are unforgettable combined with the thrill of gliding safely to the ground.

7. Take a Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Waikiki

Take one of the several sunset cocktail cruises from Waikiki and experience a relaxing catamaran ride toward Diamond Head. Discover paradise complete with island beverages!

8. Attend a Luau
Location: Various locations

Fire twirlers, hula dancers and great authentic Hawaiian food await at one of the many Luaus held on the island of Oahu. Sit back and sip a Mai Tai as you enjoy an incredible show.

9. Take a Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Tour

Sail on a Catamaran from Waikiki to snorkel with Green Sea Turtles off of the Oahu coastline. Turtle sightings are almost always guaranteed.

10. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a wildly popular spot for sea turtle viewing and snorkeling. The coral is stunning here and the bay is protected, so you will find hundreds of species of peaceful fish and other marine life.

11. Zip-Line at Kualoa Ranch
Location: 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Website
Distance from Ambassador Hotel: 22.7 miles

Ride a zip-line and take in the lush views of Kualoa Ranch below. Feel the island breeze pass by you as you enjoy a ride to remember.

12. Go Dolphin & Whale Watching
Location: Various locations

Spot dolphins and whales on snorkel excursions or boat rides that take place off of the shores of Waikiki daily. Spinner dolphin and breeching whales put on quite a show.

13. Hike to Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is the second most popular hike on Oahu, taking a backseat only to Diamond Head. Set only minutes from the bustling streets of Waikiki, Manoa Falls is a true escape.

14. Take a Surfing Lesson

Surfing is life on Oahu, so learn to do as the Hawaiians do and surf the big waves of the North Shore - or start with the baby ones on our Waikiki beaches.

15. See a Turtle at Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach, located on the North Shore, is a popular surfing spot and a top sight for sea turtle viewing. The locals actually call it ‘Turtle Beach.”

16. Hike the Makepu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

The Makepu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a 3.2-mile paved trail that takes you past the historic Makapu’u lighthouse and Koko Crater.

17. Visit Waikiki Beach

Visiting Waikiki Beach is one of the top things to do on Oahu and lucy for you, Waikiki Beach is a short 2 blocks from Ambassador Waikiki. Retreat here and relax in a tropical paradise that was home to Hawaiian royalty in the 1880s.

18. Remember the Fallen at Pearl Harbor

Pay your respects to our fallen heroes at Pearl Harbor, the site of the surprise Japanese attack that occurred on December 7, 1941.

19. Eat a Pineapple from the Dole Pineapple Plantation

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is one of the top attractions on Oahu. This family friendly destination features a pineapple express train tour and, you guessed it, tons of fresh pineapple!

22. Enjoy a Plate Lunch Picnic on the Beach

There are plenty of dining options throughout Waikiki which offer 'Plate Lunches' that are perfect for taking to the beach to enjoy a relaxing picnic.

We hope our latest Oahu Travel Blog article, 'Things to do in Oahu: Oahu Bucket List - Top 20 for 2022,' has provided you with inspiration on ways to enjoy a fun day, weekend or week on Oahu.

Visit our Oahu Travel Guide for more recommendations for all there is to do, see and experience when visiting Oahu.

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