1. Iolani Palace

Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, this palace served as the home of the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii. Take a guided tour to step back in time and discover a side to Hawaii you don’t generally see on the tourist route.

2. Leonards Bakery

Since 1952, this family-owned bakery has been serving delicious baked goods for all to enjoy. Make sure you try their specialty, malasadas, which are made as part of a Portuguese tradition. I got the custard-filled malasada and it was amazing! This is one of the most delicious things to do in Oahu!

3. The Sunrise Shack

Nothing is better on a warm day than a cool acai bowl filled with your favorite fruits and toppings! The Sunrise Shack serves a taste of paradise with its tropical snacks. It has two locations- one in Waikiki and one on the North Shore, so you’re bound to have one close to you!

4. Raised By the Waves

If you’re heading north, this food stop is a great place for brunch! With a beachy and inviting vibe both inside and out, Raised by the Waves is the perfect café to visit! Have a waffle for breakfast or grab a smoothie to start your day!

5. Drive to Tantalus Lookout

Although there are many good lookouts in Oahu, Tantalus lookout has a huge lawn where you can have a picnic or simply sit and watch the sunset with a view of the entire city below. The drive to get there is equally fantastic with plenty of spots to take in great views. Definitely one of my favorite things to do in Oahu!

6. Visit the Albatross Sanctuary at Kaena Point

The albatross sanctuary on Kaena Point is home to over 400 birds. It’s quite a sight to see them flying with their large wings outstretched! If you’re lucky enough, you may even spy some nesting only meters away! Bear in mind that this is no easy sanctuary to visit… seeing this place requires a 5.75-mile round-trip hike from the North Shore parking lot!

7. Yokohama Bay

This secluded beach on the northwest tip of Oahu offers pristine sand and sparkling blue water. As it is quite secluded, you will often find this beach empty so you can enjoy it all to yourself!

8. Sharks Cove

Don’t be fooled by the name- this is probably one of the safest places to snorkel on the island! How come? The vast tide pools! This rocky beach is a great place for snorkeling, but make sure to bring your water shoes as some of the rocks can be rough or sharp. The best to visit is during summer when the waves are calmer which makes it easier to spot the many fish that inhabit the area.

9. Try Dole Whip at the Dole Plantation

Take a tour around the Dole Plantation, explore one of the world’s largest mazes, and when you’re finished grab some delicious Dole whip as a treat! They were closed to the public for the majority of 2020, but are now open at the time of writing this!

10. Do a Helicopter Tour

Take a scenic ride in a helicopter (like this tour) and see Oahu from the air! There are many different tour operators available so you have lots of options when it comes to the route you would like to take and your duration in the sky.

11. Hike the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

This trail takes roughly 40 mins to complete and once you reach the top it feels as though you are right in the center of the island! With sweeping 360-degree views including mountains, the city, and the sea, this is one hike that should definitely be on your list.

12. Luau (a must in Hawaii!)

If you’re in Hawaii, it’s pretty much essential that you experience a luau. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian celebration, feast, or party that includes dancing, singing, and other entertainment usually in an outdoor setting. The event also includes traditional Hawaiian cuisine- yum! The best luaus in Oahu are either Paradise Cove or Germaine’s Luau. Hands down, luaus are some of the best things to do in Oahu!

13. Lanikai Pillbox Hike

This rugged trail is perfect for experienced hikers or those that want a bit of a challenge. The trail is steep and often narrow, but once you reach the top you’ll be greeted with a panoramic view of Lanikai Beach.

14. Polynesian Cultural Center

Learn about the history and culture of Hawaii at the Polynesian cultural center. Here you can see replicas of authentic villages and mingle with natives from different Pacific cultures as they share their culture and traditions with you through music and dance.

15. Search for Sea Turtles

When you think of Hawaii, you also probably think of sea turtles, so it only makes sense to try and spot a few while you’re in Oahu! One of the best spots to have a really good chance of seeing these beautiful creatures is Laniakea Beach on Oahu’s North Shore. Here the sea turtles can be found both while swimming in the ocean or while resting on land. Just be sure to keep your distance; sea turtles are protected in Hawaii!

16. Manoa Falls Hike

This easy/moderate level hike takes roughly one hour to complete. It is one of Oahu’s most accessible hiking spots with a parking lot and a gravel path. The beautiful 150-foot waterfall that lies at the end of the journey makes the 1.5-mile round trip hike so worth it! If you like waterfalls, this is one of the best things to do in Oahu! It has been closed for repairs for most of 2020, check here for the most recent status. Also, note that you should not actually go in the water here- it has been known to contain dangerous bacteria!

17. Kayak to Chinamans Hat

With its rugged landscape and pristine private coves, a trip to Chinamans Hat can be challenging, but definitely worth it! (You can see Chinamans Hat on the right-hand side of this photo!) A self-guided kayak tour will take roughly 3 hours for the round trip that will leave you with fantastic memories of your adventure.

18. Visit Waimea Valley

This area holds special significance in Hawaiian culture and religion, as it includes many historical structures constructed during the Hawaiian monarchy era. With beautiful gardens and a picture-perfect waterfall, the Waimea Valley Park is a wonderful step back in time.

19. Go Surfing (or watch a surf competition)

Surfing is the lifeblood of Oahu! And surfing is definitely one of the best activities in Oahu on the North Shore! There are surfing competitions pretty much year-round to attend, or you can take part in the action yourself and rent a surfboard to ride some waves. Alternatively, book a lesson so a professional can teach you the ropes of this fun-filled sport.

20. Eat at Fette in Kakaoko

This restaurant has a delicious fusion of dishes that showcase island flavors and ingredients at their best. The menu options are varied, and the dishes take inspiration from a wide range of different cultures. We ate here on our last night on Oahu and enjoyed every single bite! You can really taste the freshness in their cuisine!

Source: jasminealley.com