101 Best Things to Do on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
Written from the perspective of someone who calls Hawaiʻi home, I wanted to create an authentic guide about the best things to do on Oʻahu through my own personal experiences. These experiences have taken me everywhere from the renowned Waikīkī Beach to the rugged Koʻolau Mountains that span the island from north to south. I been fortunate to eat at the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants, hike the most beautiful trails, and dive off the most pristine beaches that one can imagine, which is why I truly believe there is something for everyone of all ages to enjoy on Oʻahu!
By this, I mean that Oʻahu has everything from relaxing white sand beaches with turquoise-blue water to amazing dining with food from around the world. There are stunning and adventurous hikes, some of the most acclaimed historic and cultural sites, like Pearl Harbor and the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, and world-famous surf at the Banzai Pipeline and other beaches across Oʻahu’s North Shore.
When I show friends and family around Oʻahu, I always have a long list of ideas to make a fun trip outside of a touristy vacation, which is exactly what my intentions were for creating this list. I wanted to show unique Oʻahu experiences, with only a few of the best must-see visitor attractions, including countless hidden gems that go beyond the typical tourist route.
This is all to say that Oʻahu is my home, I know the island and its people very well, and this is why my suggestions here and on the outer Hawaiian islands are truly recommendations worth considering!
Why am I Recommending these Oʻahu Tours?
One of my favorite things about booking through Viator is the reserve-now-and-pay-later option. As long as you’re booking more than three days in advance, you have the option to book ahead and cancel in the future if you change your mind.
Additionally, I’ve included these tours for two reasons. First, venturing out to some of the local spots listed below might not be the way you want to go, but more importantly, some experiences simply can’t be done without booking a tour—or in other words, a tour can offer a 'more guaranteed experience' on certain adventures, like swimming with dolphins!
For these reasons, I highly recommend considering the tour operators that I have listed below, as they can absolutely be a safer and more kid-friendly experience than some of my local recommendations listed throughout this article.
101 Best Things to Do on Oʻahu
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst, but more importantly, I talk about what NOT to do at the end, such as how to keep your car from getting broken into. Don’t skip over the end!
With that in mind, a rental car is ideal to enjoy many of these recommendations, but for a budget trip, don’t discount the bus system. It may be slow from places like Waikīkī to the North Shore, but it is cheap!
1. Koko Crater Stairs
Distance: 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
Elevation Gain: ~930 ft. / 283 m
The Koko Head Stairs is a beautiful but steep east Oʻahu hike in Hawaiʻi Kai that climbs the steps of a historic WWII-era tramway built in the early 1940s by the U.S. Army, ultimately ending at the summit of an ancient volcanic crater called Puʻu Mai!
Following its historic past, the Koko Crater Stairs have since become a favorite among both locals and visitors from around the world, with many Oʻahu residents hiking the railway as a quick morning or evening workout, often beginning just before sunrise or sunset.
That said, the Koko Head hike may not be for everyone, as the steep tramway climbs a little under 1,000 ft. (305 m) in only 0.45 miles (0.7 km). However, if you think you’re up for the challenge, the views from the summit cannot be beat—especially when hiked during golden hour!
Read My Separate Post: Koko Crater Stairs
2. Swimming with Dolphins (North & West)
Since whales in Hawaiʻi are seasonal to the winter only, they are not always a guarantee when you may be visiting.
However, dolphins in Hawaiʻi can be seen at all times throughout the year, which in my opinion, are best enjoyed on the West Side of Oʻahu.
I say this largely because the beautiful mountain backdrop as you swim with the dolphins in the crystal-clear blue water is truly second to none!
As you consider which tour will be best for your group, I highly encourage you to read my separate article about the time I went out with Aloha Ocean. I think you’ll quickly see why they have the best tour operating out of West Oʻahu, which is the last tour of the three linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Aloha Ocean Tour
3. Pūpūkea Beaches (Ke Iki to Sunset)
Some of the best beaches on Oʻahu stretch from Ke iki to Sunset Beach in Pūpūkea, and at any one of these beaches, there is never as much of an issue finding parking compared to Waimea Bay.
Apart from that, I think I would be splitting hairs to list one beach over another. That said, I recommend driving to any beach along this stretch, and there will always be a legal beach access among the multi-million dollar beachfront homes, which can be found on this interactive map.
If you drive up to one beach access and find it difficult to park, just continue down the road until you find a spot to park, as there will always be another beach access nearby.
This is all to say, do not park illegally. Parking on private property or blocking someone’s driveway will get you towed.
Finally, keep in mind that swimming is almost never possible during the winter months. The waves and shore-break on the North Shore are far too dangerous, and all too often, visitors around the state end up paralyzed because they try swimming in the shore-break. However, the winter waves can make for fun time to watch some of the best surfers in the world, which is especially true at the famous Banzai Pipeline!
4. Pūpūkea Bike Path
Distance (One Way): 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
If you are looking for a great place to workout or go for a long walk on Oʻahu, there is nothing better than the beautiful bike path that parallels Kamehameha Highway in Pūpūkea, extending from Shark’s Cove to Ted’s Bakery.
Parking for the 2.8-mile (4.5 km) one-way path can be found in the same parking lot as Shark’s Cove.
Personally, I love running the path in morning when there is hardly any people out, as this can be one of the best and quietest times to enjoy the North Shore! However, it’s important to note that there is a short section where the path briefly disappears along the highway before resuming shortly after. This section may be an area where you want to stay close by your kids.
Google Maps Directions: Pūpūkea Bike Path
5. ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail (Sunset)
Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
Going along with the last two in Pūpūkea, the ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail is a short, steep day hike on the North Shore of Oʻahu that leads to not one, but two WWII-era bunkers at the end of the hike, similar to the Puʻu O Hulu Trail on the West Side of Oʻahu!
That said, the views from either pillbox at the top of the ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail are beautiful and renowned by both locals and visitors alike because, when the big waves roll into the beaches across Pūpūkea in the winter, the hike is one of the best places to sit back and take it all in—especially in the late evening, when golden hour lights up the best of the beaches across the North Shore!
Read My Separate Post: ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail
6. Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona)
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial, along with the USS Arizona Boat Tour, is without a doubt one of the best things to do on Oʻahu—especially if you’re a first-time visitor!
That said, Pearl Harbor is, for obvious reasons, the single most sought-after tour on the island, meaning reservations can be hard to come by. This is even more true around specific times of the year, like the anniversary on December 7th, holidays, and summer travel, when Hawaiʻi receives the most visitors. This is why I highly recommend booking your seat on the USS Arizona shuttle boat as soon as you know your dates.
In any case, Pearl Harbor is so much more than the small, publicly accessible side of the National Memorial, which is exactly why I wrote a separate post about visiting. Here, you can learn about little-known secrets, hidden gems, and, most importantly, how to access Ford Island—the active U.S. military installation where the 1941 attack took place. It is on Ford Island where more than half of all the best things to see and do at Pearl Harbor are located, which is why I highly recommend reading my separate article if you’re interested in making the most of your visit to Pearl Harbor!
Read My Separate Post: Best Things to Do at Pearl Harbor
7. Menya le Nood
Menya le Nood is the best authentic ramen spot in Honolulu, and possibly the best local hole-in-the-wall on Oʻahu!
For those visiting, Menya is located only one block away from the Ala Moana Center and a short drive away from Waikīkī, which I highly recommend going out of the way for, as the whole Ala Moana area is a great place to walk around and explore!
Yelp: Menya le Nood
8. Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail (Sunrise)
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail, also called the Digging Hill Pillbox Trail, is a beautiful, fairly easy, and often uncrowded sunrise hike on the east side of Oʻahu that climbs a short ridge to an old WWII-era bunker overlooking Kāneʻohe Bay, Mt. Olomana to the south, and Kualoa Ranch/ Mokoliʻi to the north!
That said, I recommend reading my separate article to learn about the trail’s unique parking area and trailhead access, as the start of the Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail is located in a somewhat unsuspecting location.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail (Digging Hill)
9. Leonard’s Bakery (Kapahulu Ave.)
Since 1952, the original Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Ave., just outside of Waikīkī, has been serving their world-renowned hot malasadas, which have become a local and visitor favorite over their many years in the Honolulu community!
For those unfamiliar, a malasada is a fried Portuguese doughnut that Leonard’s bakes fresh throughout the day, including their most popular option: Cinnamon Sugar!
This is all to say that I personally recommend visiting their original location on Kapahulu Ave. near Waikīkī, but since Leonard’s has grown in popularity, they have expanded to include a number of food truck locations scattered across the island, which you can find here on Google Maps.
Yelp: Leonard’s Bakery
10. Pāʻia Fish Market
Pāʻia Fish Market is a renowned local and visitor favorite for its fresh-caught fish, big portions, and amazing preparation techniques that come in a variety of flavors!
From its original corner store in Pāʻia on the North Shore of Maui, the Pāʻia Fish Market has expanded off island to a few different locations across Oʻahu.
That said, if you have the opportunity to visit the Kailua location, I highly recommend stopping in to grab a bite, as this beautiful east side town has so much more to offer—from little boutiques to white sandy beaches, and much more!
Yelp: Pāʻia Fish Market
11. Hālona Beach (Cockroach Cove)
The Hālona Beach Cove is one of the most beautiful, secluded beaches on Oʻahu!
However, this goes without saying that Hālona Beach typically gets busy by midday.
This is why I recommend visiting first thing in the morning to enjoy the beach and the adjacent lava tube before the crowds arrive by mid-to-late morning.
Google Maps Directions: Hālona Beach Cove
12. Koko Crater Arch Trail (Sunrise)
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
The Koko Crater Arch Trail is a very short out-and-back day hike on the eastern slopes of Koko Crater, below the Koko Crater Rim Trail, that leads to a beautiful panoramic viewpoint above the easternmost side of Oʻahu!
If it’s your first time hiking the Koko Crater Arch Trail, I think it’s important to mention that finding the trailhead can be challenging—especially in the dark when trying to visit for sunrise—which is why I recommend reading my separate post before setting off on the hike.
Read My Separate Post: Koko Crater Arch Trail
13. Historic Haleʻiwa
Oʻahu’s North Shore is known for a lot of things, but the 1.6-mile (2.7 km) stretch of Kamehameha Highway through downtown Haleʻiwa is at the center of it all!
From surf shops to little boutiques, to great local food and so much more, there’s honestly too much to mention in just a few sentences!
Therefore, I recommend stopping in while you’re hungry and staying for a while to do some walking, as there are truly so many little places to check out in this beautiful small North Shore town.
Google Maps Directions: Historic Haleʻiwa
14. Stairway to Heaven (Haʻikū Stairs)
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the infamous Stairway to Heaven, as it’s certainly no secret that many people attempt the stairs every day—so, here are some honest thoughts!
First, regardless of your choice when picking an access point, all routes begin in residential neighborhoods, and all trails that lead to the stairs are illegal. That said, there’s no hiding what you’re up to if you’re in either of the two main residential areas prior to sunrise.
Second, there is no longer a guard at the bottom of the stairs—and hasn’t been for many years—but regardless, the residents and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) are the real concern. I say this because residents may confront you and call HPD if they see hikers where hikers shouldn’t be, and this includes when you can’t see them because they’re calling from within their homes.
This is all to say that I have not and never will provide a step-by-step guide to access the illegal Stairway to Heaven, but I’ve chosen to include Stairway on this list because of how popular this hike is.
To learn more about the Haʻikū Stairs, including the most up-to-date information about the trail, I encourage you to read more in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Stairway to Heaven (Haʻikū Stairs)
15. China Walls
Among locals, students, and visitors alike, China Walls is a very popular east Honolulu sunset spot. For this reason, don’t come to China Walls expecting a secluded spot late in the day, but if you walk past the crowds around the little cove to the south, there is a beautiful reflection pool that can be a great place for sunset photos!
Additionally, if you are a first-time visitor at China Walls, don’t swim! This is a very dangerous place that brings in an open-ocean swell. By this, I mean that on a day with waves, the swell will crash along the wall and often much higher, wiping out anyone or anything in its path. It has also been known to throw people against the wall, which you can read more about here.
This is all to say, treat China Walls as a locals-only swimming spot for your own safety. Jumping in will always look fun and easy, but climbing out can only be done in certain spots and in a very specific way. It’s much tricker than people make it look.
Google Maps Directions: China Walls
16. Honolulu Burger Co.
The Honolulu Burger Company is a great local burger spot that I personally love visiting after hiking nearby, which can include trails like Mānoa Falls, Waʻahila Ridge, or even trails in east Honolulu, such as Puʻu ʻO Kona or the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail.
Now, if I had to choose between Honolulu Burger in town and Seven Brothers on the North Shore of Oʻahu, I personally recommend Seven Brothers, mentioned later in this article.
However, both are truly great choices, which is why I suggest deciding based on what’s most convenient for your trip at the time!
Yelp: Honolulu Burger Co.
17. Camping at Peacock Flats [4x4 Needed]
Peacock Flats is a beautiful, large public campground in the heart of the Waiʻanae Mountain Range, with nearby trails that lead to some of my favorite overlooks on the entire island!
That said, getting to Peacock Flats can be tricky for out-of-state visitors with no family or friends on the island, but if you plan according, the adventure isn’t as bad as it may initially seem—especially for those who are familiar with 4WD roads across the Mountain West.
How to Camp at Peacock Flats?
Book your Reservation - Reservations are required through the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), with weekdays almost always being easier to book than weekends.
Book Here: Peacock Flats Campground
Drive [4x4 Needed] - The second most important thing that you will need is a 4x4 vehicle to drive the long and bumpy 7–8-mile (11.3–12.9 km) road through both the Kuaokalā and Mokulēʻia Forest Reserves.
However, if you don’t have one, there is the option to hike the 3.6-mile (5.8 km) Mokulēʻia Access Road from the North Shore to the campground, which can honestly be the quicker option in some respects, considering how long the drive is to the West Side, how long the check-in process takes at the Kaʻena Point Tracking Station, and the long drive through the forest reserve to reach the campground.
If you choose to drive, the 4x4 route begins up the road at the Space Force Tracking Station, just before Yokohama Beach on the West Side. Here, you will present your permit and the IDs of all those listed on it to the guard. If it’s a private vehicle, make sure the registration and safety inspection are current and accessible, as they may ask to see them.
From there, you will drive up the road and are usually escorted through the base until you reach the start of the 4x4 road on public land. If you don’t know where you’re going, download a map beforehand, as there are multiple roads through the forest reserve. At the end of the long, bumpy 7–8-mile (11.3–12.9 km) road, you’ll finally arrive at Peacock Flats, where several campgrounds are spread throughout the open area.
Google Maps Directions: Kaʻena Point Space Force Tracking Station
Hike (North Shore) - For those more interested in hiking to Peacock Flats, the 'trail' follows an entirely paved but steep road from Oʻahu’s North Shore in Mokulēʻia all the way to the campground, about 3.6 miles (5.8 km) each way.
To learn more about this option, I encourage you to read all the details in my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Mokulēʻia Forest Reserve Access Road
18. Mokulēʻia Trail
Distance (RT via Mokulēʻia Access Road Gate): 14.3 miles / 23.0 km
Distance (RT Way via Peacock Flats): 7.1 miles / 11.4 km
Distance (RT via Mokulēʻia TH): 5.6 miles / 9.0 km
The Mokulēʻia Trail is mentioned specifically after Peacock Flats because it is one of the best day hikes that campers can do when spending one or a few nights at the campground!
However, camping is not a requirement to hike the Mokulēʻia Trail, as there is both the option to reserve a free day-use permit (aside from an annoying processing fee) or hike in from the North Shore on the Mokulēʻia Access Road, the same road mentioned under Peacock Flats above.
All this aside, the Mokulēʻia Trail is a beautiful, forested, and relatively flat day hike in the Waiʻanae Mountains, where hikers can venture out to one of a few different panoramic viewpoints, both at the Mokulēʻia Shelter and at the end of the trail.
Since there is so much to know about the Mokulēʻia Trail, I highly recommend reading all the details in my separate post.
Above all else, I think it’s important to mention that the Mokulēʻia Trail is not a difficult adventure. It just happens to be a longer day if you decide to begin from the North Shore, which really isn’t overly strenuous if you plan accordingly and understand what you’re getting into before setting off.
Read My Separate Post: Mokulēʻia Trail
19. Private Oʻahu Hiking Guide
I provide a lot of Hawaiʻi hiking information throughout my blog, but even then, many of these adventures could be more comfortably done with a local guide.
That said, the reason I like these guided options below is because they can be tailored to different levels of experience. If you’d like a guide for an easier adventure near Waikīkī, the first few options would be the right choice for you. However, some of the other options are really what you’re looking for if you want a true Hawaiʻi hiking experience, including one on private property that can only be experienced by booking below!
This is all to say that you should be able to communicate with your guide about what you are looking for, and if you have a specific suggestion, like something from my blog, let them know! They should be able to accurately evaluate your level of experience to find the right fit for you!
20. Tantalus Lookouts (Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park)
This recommendation is for all three of my favorite drive-up spots that I like to go to for sunset or fireworks on Tantalus.
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park - Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa is the popular state-managed lookout above Mānoa Valley and the greater Honolulu area, and it’s a great spot to sit back and relax on a beautiful grassy hill to watch the sunset!
That said, on November 19, 2025 the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced that Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa would implement an advanced parking reservation system, much like the reservations for ʻĪao Valley on Maui or Hāʻena State Park on Kauaʻi.
However, as of now, it has not yet been implemented.
Round Top Viewpoint - The next and second most popular spot is located just below the Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa Lookout, on the side of the road heading up to the state park. This is the view in the photo below.
On the Mānoa side of the Tantalus Loop, the Round Top Viewpoint makes for nice place to pull over and sit by your car, as the sun sets on the south side of Oʻahu. Before visiting, know that the overlook doesn’t face the sunset directly, but it can be a nice place to grab some takeout and eat it here as the colors change across Honolulu.
Kalāwahine Trailhead - The last and most direct view to see the sunset from Tantalus is a little roadside overlook, located adjacent to the Kalāwahine Trailhead, the same starting point that I recommend for the hike up Kōnāhuanui.
This spot is a great place to sit along the wall that parallels the road, making it another great place to sit and enjoy some takeout, like the Round Top Viewpoint mentioned above.
21. Puʻu Pia Trail (Sunset)
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Puʻu Pia Trail is a short day hike in a quiet little corner of Mānoa Valley, away from the business near Mānoa Falls, and it’s one that I think makes for a great, untraditional Hawaiʻi sunset hike, in that I don’t recommend Puʻu Pia for the views you get of the sunset. Instead, the Puʻu Pia Trail is a great sunset hike for the views of the mountains, when the late-day sun lights up the ridges in the back of Mānoa Valley on a clear night!
That said, sunset from the summit of Puʻu Pia is typically better in the winter months than in the summer, but it’s worth noting that winter is typically wetter and muddier overall.
Therefore, I like to say, don’t let the time of year dictate your decision on whether to go or not, as Puʻu Pia is just as beautiful when the clouds are hanging over the valley as it is on a clear night!
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu Pia Trail
22. Waimānalo Beach
Waimānalo Beach, on the east side of Oʻahu, is a beautiful, calm, white-sand beach that I love recommending over the much more popular Kailua and Lanikai beaches.
I say this because, while Kailua is a great town to walk around and grab a bite to eat, I recommend against the beaches of how busy they both are—and yes, parking for both Kailua and Lanikai can be very difficult to come by!
For these reasons, I recommend Waimānalo Beach, as it’s a much better option—simply because it’s just as beautiful, yet significantly less crowded!
Google Maps Directions: Waimānalo Beach
23. Chengdu Taste
Chengdu Taste is the best Chinese restaurant on Oʻahu—and this isn’t just me talking, as it’s consistently rated by local guides and magazines as one of the top places to eat, specializing in Sichuan-style Chinese food!
Before visiting, I think it’s important to mention that they’re located in a bit of a weird spot off a side street near the Ala Moana Shopping Center. However, the challenge of finding street parking is worth the effort, as this is exactly what you want to see in a true local hole-in-the-wall!
Yelp: Chengdu Taste
24. Waimano Falls Trail (Waimano Pools)
Distance: 2.9 miles / 4.7 km
The Waimano Falls Trail, also called the Waimano Pools Trail, is one of Oʻahu’s best waterfall hikes, and the lower pool can make for a great place to jump in and enjoy the beautiful stream!
To learn more, I recommend reading my separate post, as the Waimano Falls Trail is not the most straightforward hike to navigate off Mānana and ʻIliahi Ridge.
Read My Separate Post: Waimano Falls Trail
25. Hanauma Bay (Snorkeling)
Located within the remnants of an ancient volcanic cinder cone, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most beautiful, family-friendly beaches when it comes to snorkeling on Oʻahu!
However, this goes without saying that the City and County, which manages Hanauma Bay, has a strict limit on the number of visitors allowed into the preserve on a daily basis, which is why I recommend taking the hassle out of the entire experience by booking your reservation below!
This tour takes care of transportation from your hotel in Waikīkī, the hectic parking situation, and snorkel gear in one easy reservation!
26. Puʻu O Hulu Trail (Pink Pillbox)
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6 km
The Puʻu O Hulu Trail, also called the Pink Pillbox Trail, is a short but steep west Oʻahu day hike that climbs to a handful of WWII-era pillboxes atop a panoramic summit above the Waiʻanae Coast, with Mt. Kaʻala, the highest peak on Oʻahu, off in the distance on a clear day!
That said, sunset is truly the only time of day I like to hike up Puʻu O Hulu, as the trail is not located in a great position for sunrise, midday can be very hot since there is little shade on the way up, but sunset is much cooler and more beautiful when the best of the colors across the dramatic Waiʻanae Range light up at golden hour!
This is all to say that if you decide to hike the Pink Pillbox for sunset, the short but steep hike back down as it’s getting dark is very manageable, given that you’ll likely make it back to the trailhead before it’s completely dark.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu O Hulu Trail (Pink Pillbox)
27. Kolekole Trail (Puʻu Hapapa)
Distance: 3.1 miles / 5.0 km
The Kolekole Trail to Puʻu Hapapa is a stunningly beautiful and little-known adventure in the Waiʻanae Mountains that I think is one of the most fun high-exposure trails on Oʻahu, largely because the steep climb is really not all that difficult—at least not as difficult as others on the island, like Mt. Olomana.
However, what all this doesn’t mention is that the Kolekole Trail is only open on select weekends, as the entirety of the hike is located on an active military installation.
While this may sound intimidating, accessing the Kolekole Trail is not difficult, which is why I highly recommend reading my separate post, where I share all the most important need-to-know details, including how to see if the trail is open!
Read My Separate Post: Kolekole Trail
28. Mt. Kaʻala Trail (Tallest Peak on Oʻahu)
Distance: 7.1 miles / 11.4 km
Elevation Gain: ~3,400 ft. / 1,036 m
Standing at approximately 4,025 ft. (1,227 m) above both the North Shore and the West Side of the island, Mt. Kaʻala is the tallest peak on Oʻahu!
That said, its height is not indicative of its difficulty, which is why I often call Mt. Kaʻala a gentle giant—especially when compared to other trails on this list.
As for the hike, the Mt. Kaʻala Trail begins deep in Waiʻanae Valley on the West Side of Oʻahu, where the climb is nearly constant from the gate to the one-of-a-kind summit bog at the top, which is easily the most difficult part of the entire hike.
However, the effort is certainly worth the reward, as expansive views of both Waiʻanae and Mākaha Valley open up on the ridge to the summit, and the views from the summit look across the entire North Shore on a clear day!
Read My Separate Post: Mt. Kaʻala Trail
29. Spitting Cave (Sunset)
Spitting Cave is a natural sea cave and cliff face on the southeast side of Oʻahu, most similarly compared to China Walls just down the road.
However, Spitting Cave is, by far, quieter and more relaxing, making it one of my favorite spots on the island to watch the sunset!
Now, all this goes without mentioning—Spitting Cave is infamous for its 60-ft. (18.3 m) cliff jump, which some locals dare to attempt. But, let me be absolutely clear: do NOT jump from Spitting Cave! People have lost their lives here before—most recently in 2025!
This is to say, consider yourself lucky if you get to see some local divers jump the cliff, but Spitting Cave should be seen as nothing more than a place to watch the sunset and whales if you happen to be visiting Hawaiʻi in the winter!
Google Maps Directions: Spitting Cave
30. Drive the Scenic H-3 Freeway
The H-3 is the most beautiful drive on Oʻahu!
For this reason, I recommend going out of your way to drive the H-3 Freeway, whether it’s convenient or not!
If you’re starting from Waikīkī, the H-3 is best taken as an alternate route to some of Oʻahu’s many east-side adventures, such as Mokoliʻi or the Lanikai Pillboxes.
That said, some locals might tell you that the drive is better in one direction over the other, but I can confidently say that driving east to west during periods of heavy rain is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Hawaiʻi, as the ridges you see in the photo below turn into waterfalls when it really starts coming down!
In addition to this, driving from east to west is also unique because, if you look to the south, you may spot the infamous Stairway to Heaven hike among the ridges of Haʻikū Valley.
Google Maps Directions: H-3 Freeway
31. Snorkeling at Kapoʻo (Shark’s Cove)
Kapoʻo, more commonly known as Shark’s Cove, is one of Oʻahu’s most popular snorkeling destinations because some of the best places to enjoy the island’s turquoise-blue water are only a short swim from the beach!
That said, the water clarity typically gets better and better the further you swim out past the waves that stir up the sediment, which is exactly where this photo was taken.
However, all this goes without mentioning that snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, or getting in the water anywhere on the North Shore, is a summer-only activity, as the ocean simply becomes too dangerous to access places like Kapoʻo when the large winter sets are rolling in!
When this is the case, you may want to consider booking a tour on either the North or West Side of Oʻahu, as these local operators know exactly how and where to find the best conditions when the ocean isn’t otherwise accessible from shore.
Google Maps Direction: Kapoʻo (Shark’s Cove)
32. Breakfast & Coffee in Haleʻiwa
Historic Haleʻiwa is known for a lot of things, but one of the more underrated is all of the niche little breakfast and coffee shops scattered throughout.
Whether you choose Farm to Barn, Coffee Gallery, Island Vintage Coffee, Nalu Health Bar, or the Beet Box Café, making a stop at any is always a great way to start your day!
Google Maps Directions: Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi
33. Buying Local Hawaiian Coffee
While Hawaiʻi may have a reputation for its famed Kona Coffee, I found my favorite by a long shot to be 100% Maui Coffee from the Maui Coffee Company! Locally, it can be bought at Safeway stores and Target, but to make it easy, you can order it below on Amazon, so that you don’t have to fly home with it.
In my opinion, Maui Coffee is the best, followed by 100% Kauaʻi Coffee. I put these two before anything grown on the Big Island, which in third I choose 100% Kona Gold Roast by Lion Coffee. This is just one person’s opinion, but I’m only saying to not let the famous Kona name convince you that it’s the best.
34. North Shore Shark Diving Tour
Out of all the islands in Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu has the best shark tours, which can be booked as either a cage or cageless experience, and I recommend considering my friend’s side-by-side comparison if you’re trying to decide between the two.
How to Decide Between a Cage or Cageless Shark Tour?
I have an old friend who works for the most popular Oʻahu shark tour company, and this is how he describes the difference between a cage and cageless experience.
In terms of safety, there is no difference between a cage and a cageless tour; it’s purely about your comfort level. However, my friend has said that the sharks get a lot closer to you during a tour with the cage than without it, and without a cage they tend to circle at a deeper depth below your feet.
In either case, I recommend booking a tour that leaves first thing in the morning because, compared to later in the day, the morning is typically when the water is the most glassy and the winds are the calmest. This is all to say that you have less of a chance of getting seasick if you go early.
I hope this helps when making your decision!
35. Mānoa Falls Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7 km
The Mānoa Falls Trail is a family-friendly tropical rainforest hike that leads to a beautiful, towering 150 ft. (46 m) waterfall in the back of Mānoa Valley, just a short drive from the heart of Waikīkī!
That said, there’s a lot to know about Mānoa Falls before visiting, including information about parking, the weather, the time of year, how the time of year impacts how much—or even if—the waterfall will be flowing, as well as the optional ʻAihualama Trail, in which visitors can hike to reach a completely different panoramic viewpoint that most hiking to Mānoa Falls never venture far enough to see!
For all these reasons, I highly recommend reading my separate article, where many of the most common questions about Mānoa Falls can be answered at the very beginning.
Read My Separate Post: Mānoa Falls Trail
36. Private Surfing Lessons
If this is your first time learning how to surf, I highly recommend booking a private surfing lesson, as one-on-one lessons are the best and easiest way to learn the insider tricks when it comes to catching your first wave!
That said, Waikīkī is the best place on Oʻahu to learn how to surf, and it’s always where I take first-time visitors because the waves in Waikīkī are relatively harmless for beginners.
I say this because, generally, 2-3 ft. (1 m) waves are the perfect size to learn on, but if it is your first time, I do not recommend going out on your own, as learning from a full-time instructor is the best and safest way to have a good time when you’re truly just getting started!
With all this in mind, book either of the first two options if you’d like to learn in Waikīkī, or check out the third option if you’re interested in learning at a much more local beginner surf break on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
37. Mt. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
Renowned for its stunning, dramatic views, Mt. Olomana on the east side of Oʻahu is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful hikes and one of the best sunrise hikes on the island!
However, its beauty cannot be talked about without first discussing the challenging, steep uphill climb to reach the first peak, including a few short Class 4 climbing sections below the summit and beyond!
It’s for all these reasons that I want to stress that the Mt. Olomana Trail is beyond some people’s hiking ability, and bear in mind that many—not a few, but many—hikers have lost their lives on the Three Peaks Trail in the past.
I write all this to say that Mt. Olomana should only be attempted by those who are comfortable with steep and exposed scrambling and who have the proper gear—most notably proper hiking shoes!
If you think you’re up for the challenge, I personally recommend the Mt. Olomana Trail for sunrise. However, there are some challenges to consider when it comes to simply accessing the trail prior to sunrise, meaning you need to start earlier than you may think, as the golf course security where the trail is located has been known to turn hikers away.
This is all to say, I highly recommend reading my separate Mt. Olomana Trail article, where I talk in more detail about the steep and challenging hike up to the summit, as well as all the most important details needed to hike the trail prior to sunrise.
Read My Separate Post: Mt. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
38. Oʻahu Helicopter Tour
There’s truly nothing better than seeing the island of Oʻahu from the air!
That said, I highly recommend booking a helicopter tour that’s close to or longer than one hour to give yourself the opportunity see the best that Oʻahu has to offer!
This is because shorter tours typically only stay within a short distance of where they took off, but the most scenic places from the air are truly spread across all sides of the island—including Koko Crater in southeast Oʻahu, Sacred Falls on the east side, and Kaʻena Point to the far west.
All this to say, the longer the tour, the more enjoyable the experience will be!
39. Kapālama Ridge Trail (Puʻu Lanihuli)
Distance: 7.6 miles / 12.2 km
The Kapālama Ridge Trail to Puʻu Lanihuli is a beautiful but challenging trail near Waikīkī, meaning the hike is without a doubt best for a group that’s a little more on the adventurous side.
In any case, Puʻu Lanihuli is one of my favorites because on a clear day, you can get amazing views of Kalihi Valley to the north, Nuʻuanu Valley to the south, and much of the island’s east side from the summit!
Read My Separate Post: Kapālama Ridge Trail
40. Maunawili Falls Trail
Distance (One Way via Kīnāʻole & Old Pali Road): 4.3 miles / 6.9 km
The Maunawili Falls Trail is a beautiful waterfall hike through a dense rainforest on the east side of Oʻahu that is renowned as one of the best waterfalls to swim in and one of the best cliff-jumping spots on the island!
Before visiting, know that the original, well-known Maunawili Falls Trailhead closed in the summer of 2021, citing erosion and environmental concerns, along with issues related to the amount of foot traffic in the local Oʻahu neighborhood at the trailhead.
However, Maunawili Falls is still open to the public, though it is not as easy or straightforward as it once was.
What I mean is that there are a lot of turns and unmarked junctions to be aware of—not to mention there is a lot to know about which trailhead to use, where to park, and how to park legally.
For all these reasons, I highly recommend reading my separate Maunawili Falls article linked below. I have personally been in contact with some of the private landowners involved in the 2021 closure, which is why I’m confident the information provided in the article is the best and most accurate when it comes to legally accessing Maunawili Falls today!
Read My Separate Post: Maunawili Falls Trail
41. Mokoliʻi (Chinaman’s Hat) - Kayak & Hike
Mokoliʻi, more commonly known as Chinaman’s Hat, is a small islet located right offshore from Kualoa Regional Park near the tours on Kualoa Ranch.
That said, Mokoliʻi is one of the best east Oʻahu islands to kayak to, but there is a lot to know before making trip if it’s your first time!
Therefore, I highly recommend reading my separate article to learn more about how to get to the island, as well as how to rent a kayak to get to Mokoliʻi.
Read My Separate Post: Mokoliʻi (Chinaman's Hat)
42. Waʻahila Ridge Trail (Mt. Olympus)
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km
The Waʻahila Ridge Trail is an out-and-back day hike along Mānoa Valley and up the hill from Waikīkī that climbs to a beautiful summit known as ʻAwaʻawaloa, commonly called Mt. Olympus.
Given its location, the Waʻahila Ridge Trail is one of the more popular day hikes on the town side of the Koʻolau Mountains and a favorite among locals as both an evening trail run and a sunset hike!
That said, it’s important to mention that the best views on Waʻahila Ridge are roughly 1.8 miles (2.9 km) into the hike, which, for the more adventurous type of person, can make for a great Oʻahu sunset adventure!
If this is something you’d like to know more about, I recommend reading all the details in my separate post, as there is a little bit to know when it comes to parking before turning Waʻahila Ridge a sunset hike.
Read My Separate Post: Waʻahila Ridge Trail
43. Hukilau Café
Have you ever seen 50 First Dates..? Well, it might surprise you, but the Hukilau Café is a real breakfast spot! However, it’s not exactly the movie set location that you may have in mind.
Located on the North Shore of Oʻahu, the Hukilau Café is a small local breakfast spot in Lāʻie that specializes in take-out breakfast plates, which I prefer to take on the go to one of the many nearby beaches, such as Pounder’s.
Yelp: Hukilau Café
44. Likeke Falls Trail
Distance: 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
The Likeke Falls Trail is a short, easy, and often muddy east Oʻahu waterfall hike that I typically see as one of the best waterfall adventures on the island for a number of reasons!
The first is that Likeke Falls is spring-fed, not rain-fed, meaning that when other waterfalls on the island run dry over long periods without rain, such as Mānoa Falls, Likeke Falls will still be flowing!
The second is that it is such a short and quick adventure at only 0.45 miles (0.7 km) each way, which is why I often think the Likeke Falls Trail is the best kid-friendly waterfall hike on Oʻahu, as opposed to both Lulumahu Falls and Mānoa Falls, which are nearly double the distance.
I think this is important to keep in mind because, even though it is often very wet and muddy, you’ll never be hiking for too long, making Likeke Falls the perfect trail to get outside with young kids!
Read My Separate Post: Likeke Falls Trail
45. Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaʻiwa Ridge)
Distance (Roundtrip): 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
The Lanikai Pillbox Trail is one of the more touristy hikes I’ve included on this list, but that is because the Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail to the Lanikai Pillboxes is one of the most beautiful day hikes and one of the best sunrise hikes on Oʻahu!
I say this because the vibrant turquoise-blue water just off Lanikai Beach is truly second to none, but all this goes without saying that the Lanikai Pillbox Trail is more challenging than it may initially seem.
This is because Kaʻiwa Ridge is one of the most popular day hikes on Oʻahu, which has inevitably made the already steep Lanikai Pillbox Trail very eroded and, as a result, very slippery!
Many hikers do not actually make it to the Upper Pillbox because of this, which is why I encourage you to read my thoughts on both the challenging trail and the challenging parking situation before setting off on the Lanikai Pillbox Trail—especially if you plan to hike it in the dark for sunrise!
Read My Separate Post: Lanikai Pillbox Trail
46. Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands
The Mokulua Islands, also called the Moks for short, are the two neighboring small islands that can be seen from the beautiful Lanikai Pillbox hike, located just off Lanikai Beach.
That said, I listed the Mokulua Islands immediately after the Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail because combining the two into one longer adventure is a great way to spend a full day on Oʻahu’s east side!
Before arriving, know that the Mokulua Islands are accessible to the public by kayak only, and if you’re interested in visiting, I recommend booking one of the tours below so that you don’t need to figure out how to transport a kayak to and from Kailua/ Lanikai Beach.
47. Kāneʻohe Pancake House
The Kāneʻohe Pancake House is the best local breakfast diner on Oʻahu, which I used to think about Cinnamon’s Restaurant in Kailua because it can be one of the best places to dine in after catching sunrise on the Lanikai Pillbox Trail.
However, the Kāneʻohe Pancake House has since become my favorite because the food is better, and it is generally not as busy, with the exception of weekends!
If you’re looking for a few other great breakfast recommendations around the island, consider Cinnamon’s if you don’t mind waiting, or my other favorites include, Moke’s Bread & Breakfast and Sweet E’s Café, both of which are just a short drive from Waikīkī.
Yelp: Kāneʻohe Pancake House
48. Poamoho Trail
Distance: 6.6 miles / 10.6 km
The Poamoho Trail is what I see as the best and most beautiful publicly accessible hike on Oʻahu—and for good reason, it made the number one spot on my top 10 list of Oʻahu ridge trails!
That said, the Poamoho Trail requires a little preparation to make it happen—most notably, a valid permit and a 4x4 vehicle.
However, obtaining a permit has gotten significantly easier over the years, and it can often be applied within a week of a desired hiking date. As for the drive to get there, the Poamoho Access Road is not a challenging 4x4 road, meaning all stock off-road vehicles should have no trouble making the drive.
To learn more, I highly recommend reading all the details in my separate post, as Poamoho is truly one of the best summit views on Oʻahu!
Read My Separate Post: Poamoho Trail
49. Matsumoto’s Shave Ice
Shave ice in Hawaiʻi is nothing short of a staple in the islands, and few have been doing it as long on Oʻahu as Matsumoto’s in Haleʻiwa.
Since the early 1950s, Helen and Mamoru Matsumoto have been a famed part of the North Shore community, serving up some of the best shave ice on the island!
Yelp: Matsumoto Shave Ice
50. Alejandro’s Mexican Food
Alejandro’s Mexican Food is the best place to get tacos on Oʻahu!
That said, their main location in residential Kalihi is not exactly where you’d expect to find good Mexican food, as this is truly a local hole-in-the-wall!
However, if you’re driving to or from Kualoa Ranch from Waikīkī or taking the northeast route to Oʻahu’s North Shore, Alejandro’s is conveniently located just off the Likelike Highway on the town side of Oʻahu.
Yelp: Alejandro’s Mexican Food
51. The Sunrise Shack
From a dream to the reality of four Hawaiʻi-born North Shore professional surfers, the Sunrise Shack is an amazing local coffee and açaí favorite that can be found at locations all across Oʻahu!
Originally, their first location opened in Pūpūkea at Sunset Beach on the North Shore in 2016, and since, their amazing locally owned and operated dream has since expanded to a number of different locations, including convenient options in Waikīkī!
Yelp: The Sunrise Shack
52. Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Distance: 4.7 miles / 7.6 km
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a stunning adventure on the southeast side of Oʻahu, and it’s a hike that I believe is the best introductory Hawaiʻi ridge trail!
What I mean when I say this is that I know Hawaiʻi ridges and trails to be among the most difficult places to hike of anywhere in the world. However, there are a number of trails, including Wiliwilinui and others mentioned in this article, that make for fun, beautiful, and easy-to-navigate adventures.
To add to this, both Wiliwilinui and Kuliʻouʻou Ridge, talked about later on this list, are two of the easiest Oʻahu ridge trails in this post, and both make for great day hikes near Waikīkī!
Read My Separate Post: Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
53. Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
The Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail is a state-managed trail in the southern Koʻolau Mountains that can most similarly be compared with the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail mentioned above.
However, the biggest difference between Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge and Wiliwilinui is that it is, by and large, less trafficked, as access to the hike is restricted to those with a State of Hawaiʻi or military ID.
This means that Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge can be a great option for those visiting family or friends on the island, who have the ability to access the trailhead located atop a private residential neighborhood.
All this to say, the Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail is slightly more difficult than Wiliwilinui, but they are both very similarly constructed, neighboring state trails near Waikīkī, which is why I think I’d be splitting hairs to say which of the two is better.
Read My Separate Post: Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge Trail
54. Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Distance: 2.0 - 3.0 miles / 3.2 - 4.8 km
The Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a beautiful—and not to mention free—botanical garden where visitors can hike a roughly 2.0-mile (3.2 km) loop through the caldera of an ancient volcanic crater.
Yes, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is the same Koko Crater as the Koko Crater Stairs mentioned previously, but the loop trail through the garden is not nearly as intense or as challenging as the steep hike up the stairs or the Koko Crater Rim that circles the whole thing.
That said, the Koko Crater Loop Trail takes hikers through a dry, desert-like microclimate within the crater, which is probably much different from what you’d expect to find on a tropical island. However, places like Koko Crater, and the leeward sides of the Hawaiian Islands, are known for their dryland forests, much of which have been lost in Hawaiʻi because of invasive species.
In any case, the Koko Crater Loop Trail is a great place to enjoy a casual hike and to see a variety of both plants from around the world and native Hawaiian plants—many of which are extremely rare, endangered, or otherwise difficult to find in their native habitats.
Read My Separate Post: Koko Crater Botanical Garden Trail
55. Local Honolulu Breweries
In terms of locally brewed beer, much of the Kona Brewing Company isn’t made here in Hawaiʻi. Rather, it’s made by Budweiser in Colorado.
That said, there are a number of great local breweries throughout Honolulu, including Aloha Beer Company on Queen Street, Honolulu Beerworks on Cooke Street near Salt, Hana Koa Brewing Company off Ward Ave., and my personal favorite—Lōkahi Brewing on King Street.
All this to say, these four options are fun places to hang out and enjoy a much more local drinking scene than those in Waikīkī, and all of the first three listed are within walking distance of one another, with Lōkahi being the exception.
Before visiting, be aware that parking can be tough at both Honolulu Beerworks and Hana Koa in Kakaʻako, but Aloha Beer and Lōkahi both have their own lots. However, unless you have a designated driver, I recommend taking an Uber or Lyft from Waikīkī, being that it’s so close!
Yelp: Aloha Beer Company / Honolulu Beerworks / Hana Koa Brewing Co. / Lōkahi Brewing Company
56. ʻAiea Loop Trail
Distance: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km
The ʻAiea Loop Trail is a beautiful day hike in central Oʻahu that winds its way through a towering Eucalyptus–Koa–ʻŌhiʻa forest, past a number of panoramic viewpoints that look far up the Koʻolau Range, before ultimately looping back around to the beginning.
What all this doesn’t mention is that the elevation change on the trail is fairly minimal, which is why the ʻAiea Loop Trail is often regarded as the best trail-running hike and the best kid-friendly hike on Oʻahu!
To this point, the ʻAiea Loop Trail can most practically be thought of as having two 'halves,' meaning that whether you’re running or hiking with young kids, it’s easy enough to turn around at any number of points before beginning the second half of the loop.
Now, all of this goes without mentioning that one of the biggest reasons I believe the ʻAiea Loop Trail is the best all-around trail-running and kid-friendly hike on Oʻahu is that even after it has recently rained, the trail is typically doesn’t get very muddy—something that certainly cannot be said about countless other adventures on this list!
Read My Separate Post: ʻAiea Loop Trail
57. Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oʻahu’s North Shore is a unique cultural destination where visitors have the opportunity to personally experience the cultures of six island archipelagos across the Pacific through a variety of shows, exhibits, lūʻaus, and more!
That said, there is so much to consider when planning a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center, and I know firsthand that it can be overwhelming to try to decide what to book and how to spend your time when visiting.
This is why I highly recommend reading my separate article before planning a trip, as I’m not only able to break down the best of everything there is to see and do, but I also talk extensively about the most practical ways to spend your time among a host of different activities to consider.
Read My Separate Post: Best Things to Do at the Polynesian Cultural Center
58. Local Hawaiʻi Souvenirs
Above all the Hawaiʻi souvenirs that you are sure to find in Waikīkī and across Oʻahu, two local businesses stand out from the rest:
Tin Can Mailman in Downtown Honolulu and Laulima, an online store founded by a local conservation biologist and artist focused on supporting conservation efforts across Hawaiʻi—especially those involving endangered species!
Tin Can Mailman - Think one-hundred-year-old postcards and various Hawaiʻi antiques that you won’t be able to find anywhere else!
The Tin Can Mailman is a small, one-of-a-kind antique shop located right in downtown Chinatown, with a focus on unique Hawaiʻi collector items.
That said, be sure to check their hours before visiting, as they can be a little untraditional.
Laulima - The Laulima Store is a small, local online business born out of a passion for protecting Hawaiʻi’s native plants, animals, and landscapes across the islands.
For those unaware, Hawaiʻi is nicknamed the "Endangered Species Capital of the World," as many of the islands’ plants and animals—the vast majority of which are endemic—are endangered and constantly on the verge of extinction.
This is all to say, businesses like the Laulima Store play a vital role in raising public awareness and support, and every purchase directly contributes to conservation efforts throughout Hawaiʻi.
59. Island Brew Coffeehouse
The original Island Brew Coffeehouse in Hawaiʻi Kai is the best place to grab breakfast and coffee in southeast Oʻahu, which has become a local and visitor favorite after hiking the Koko Head Stairs, the Koko Crater Arch, or the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail for sunrise!
I say this because their waterfront location in Hawaiʻi Kai is just a short drive from these and many other nearby sunrise hikes, like Kuliʻouʻou Ridge—making both a sunrise hike and breakfast at Island Brew one of the best ways to start the day in Hawaiʻi!
All this to say, don’t feel like you have to go clean up after a hike to stop in. It wouldn’t be local spot if you did!
For that matter, I’ve eaten at most of the restaurants on this list just after hiking—because it’s Hawaiʻi, not Miami.
Yelp: Island Brew Coffeehouse
60. Mauʻumae Ridge Trail (Puʻu Lanipō)
Distance to Puʻu Kainawaʻanui (Roundtrip): 6.6 miles / 10.6 km
Distance to Puʻu Lanipō (Roundtrip): 7.1 miles / 11.4 km
The Mauʻumae Ridge Trail to Puʻu Lanipō is one of the longer, more advanced trails in the southern Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu, but what I think sets it apart is the beautiful views of Kaʻau Crater that hikers can see on a clear day!
On that note, my favorite thing about the Mauʻumae Ridge Trail is that the beautiful views open up within just minutes of beginning the hike and continue for nearly the entire distance to the summit!
This is why it certainly makes no difference how far or how high up you decide to hike, as the mid-elevations well before the summit are all great places to get out and enjoy the views and the sunset, meaning it’s more a matter of personal preference regarding how much of the long trail you should prepare for.
Read My Separate Post: Mauʻumae Ridge Trail
61. Horseback Riding (North Shore & Kualoa)
Typically speaking, the North Shore of Oʻahu can be busy on any given day of the week.
However, the northeast side of the North Shore, from Kahuku to as far south as Kualoa Ranch, is pretty much the exact opposite of what you can expect from Haleʻiwa to Pūpūkea. It’s quiet, there’s less traffic, and this is exactly where you can have the opportunity to ride horse on some of Oʻahu’s beautiful secluded beaches and trails!
62. Polo Beach
Just as I described the Kahuku-Lāʻie stretch of the North Shore above, Polo Beach in Mokulēʻia also makes for one of the quietest beaches on Oʻahu to getaway! To show just that, this photo was taken midday on a Saturday!
In any case, it’s important to know that the right side of Polo Beach from the beach entrance is an 'unofficial' nude beach, but the further down you walk to the left, the quieter and more remote Polo Beach becomes!
Google Maps Directions: Polo Beach
63. Lulumahu Falls Trail
Distance (Roundtrip): 1.8 miles / 2.9 km
The Lulumahu Falls Trail is a short 0.9-mile (1.4 km), out-and-back day hike to a beautiful 50-ft. (15 m) waterfall near Waikīkī!
That said, there is a lot to know before hiking the Lulumahu Falls Trail, including information about permits, as well as very meticulous directions in order to follow the best and most straightforward path, so as not to get lost at countless different unmarked junctions within a sea of seemingly endless Bamboo!
This is why I not only recommend reading my separate post to learn more, but honestly studying it, as there truly is one junction after the next, all of which stray away from the best and most straightforward route to the waterfall.
Read My Separate Post: Lulumahu Falls Trail
64. Kāneʻohe Bay Sandbar
The Kāneʻohe Bay Sandbar is a long 1.3-mile (2.1 km) stretch of sand on the east side of Oʻahu that makes for an incredible place to swim and float around in the shallow, turquoise-blue water while looking back at the stunning mountain backdrop that spans the island from north to south!
That said, getting to the sandbar is only practical in one of two ways.
First, there is the option to paddle roughly 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from one of several points in Kahaluʻu, but this is certainly the more difficult and intimidating option.
Alternatively, the easiest, hassle-free way to visit the sandbar in Kāneʻohe Bay is to take a boat by booking the tour below, and I say this because the Kāneʻohe Sandbar is not nearly as close to shore as Mokoliʻi or the Mokulua Islands mentioned above.
65. Viewing Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, locally called Honu, can be seen at beaches across the island, but the best beaches to see sea turtles on Oʻahu are a handful up on the North Shore, including Three Tables, Haleʻiwa Aliʻi, ʻĀweoweo Beach Park, and parts of the North Kaʻena Point Trail.
From the sand, you can either see them swimming around in the shallow waters just off the beach or resting on the sand. That said, please respect their space! I emphasize this because if a video of you is taken deliberately touching, harassing, or getting too close to any native Hawaiian animal, it’s very likely that you will be found and prosecuted. It seems ridiculous to be writing this, but it has happened many times in the past, and I imagine it will continue to happen in the future. This is why I wrote my number three under the 'What NOT to do!' section below.
Above all else, I recommend against visiting Laniākea Beach to try and see Hawaiʻi’s Honu. I say this because Laniākea is the one spot along Kamehameha Highway that causes much of the North Shore’s traffic, and the other beaches that I just mentioned are much better places to see turtles on Oʻahu without the crowds.
Google Maps Directions: Three Tables / Haleʻiwa Aliʻi / ʻĀweoweo Beach Park
"NOAA and [the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)] recommend, for your safety and the animals’ protection, that everyone stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all sea turtles. If maintaining this distance isn’t possible, keep safety in mind and move away from the animal as carefully as possible, avoiding sudden movements and other actions that might disturb the animal."
66. Sunset Dinner Cruise (Honolulu)
A dinner cruise on the beautiful south shore of Oʻahu is a great way to escape the crowds in Waikīkī, while enjoying the sunset as you eat!
Personally speaking, this is the option that I recommend to those looking for a nice, romantic evening, as it is without a doubt one of the best and most relaxing ways to enjoy a night out compared to the dining options in Waikīkī.
67. Diamond Head Beach (Lēʻahi)
No, I am not talking about the Diamond Head hike. Rather, along Diamond Head Road up the hill from the residential houses as you leave Waikīkī, there is a lesser-known beach among out-of-state visitors known as Diamond Head Beach Park.
It’s here that there’s a nice concrete wall to sit on to watch sunset, or you can take the short but steep path down the cliffs to the beach below.
Before going, know that the sunset at Diamond Head Beach will be more visible in the winter months than the summer, but even still, Lēʻahi Beach makes for a great and mostly quiet beach throughout the year!
Google Maps Directions: Diamond Head Beach Park
68. Crouching Lion Trail
Distance (Roundtrip): 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
The Crouching Lion Trail is a very short but steep day hike just north of Kaʻaʻawa on the east side of Oʻahu that I personally see as the best sunrise hike on the island because it’s such a quick adventure for such a rewarding view!
To this point, first light hitting the mountains, as well as the turquoise-blue waters in Kahana Bay, easily makes Crouching Lion one of the best sunrise trails on this list, so long as your up a bit of challenging hike!
That said, if this is your first time hiking the Crouching Lion Trail, I recommend reading my separate post where I highlight all the different trails leading up the mountain, because if you begin at the wrong trailhead—which is very easy to do in the dark—you won’t end up at the best and most iconic viewpoint.
Read My Separate Post: Crouching Lion Trail
69. Puʻu Manamana Loop Trail
Distance (Full Loop): 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
The Puʻu Manamana Loop Trail is a stunning but steep east Oʻahu day hike that connects the popular Crouching Lion Trail along Kahana Bay with the Kahekili Ridge Trail in Kaʻaʻawa, creating one beautiful loop out of what are often two separate adventures!
That said, the Puʻu Manamana Trail is certainly not for the faint of heart, as the upper elevations—particularly on the Crouching Lion side—are very exposed, and there are some scrambling sections that must be navigated to traverse these upper elevations safely.
After that, the Puʻu Manamana Trail continues to climb before descending to a small area known as 'Hidden Valley,' where it crosses over to the dramatic Kahekili side of the loop to head back down.
This is all to say that there is quite a bit to know before heading out on the Puʻu Manamana Trail, but if this description says anything at all, it’s that the full loop above Crouching Lion should only be attempted by more experienced hikers, considering the exposure and scrambling involved.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu Manamana Loop Trail
70. Red Elephant Thai Cuisine (Kaimukī)
The Red Elephant on Waiʻalae Ave. in Kaimukī is the best Thai restaurant on Oʻahu!
Located just a short drive from Waikīkī, the Red Elephant is a great local restaurant with a nice outdoor dining experience that serves some of the best curry on the island, along with tons of other favorites, like amazing Pad Thai and stir-fry!
71. Keālia-Kuaokalā Trail
Keālia Distance (One Way): 1.5 miles / 2.4 km
Kuaokalā Distance (One Way): 2.6 miles / 4.2 km
The Keālia Trail and the Kuaokalā Trail are two separate Oʻahu day hikes that are seemingly synonymous, similar to both the Mokulēʻia Trail and Mokulēʻia Access Road mentioned above.
What I mean when I say this is that the Keālia Trail, like the Mokulēʻia Access Road, is a day hike that begins in Mokulēʻia on the North Shore of Kaʻena Point and climbs its way up into the Waiʻanae Mountain Range before ultimately reaching a vast network of roads and trails once at the top.
This is why I also like to say that the Kuaokalā Trail is one of a few day hikes on the island where the trailhead (actually two trailheads) begins in the mountains already, just like the Mokulēʻia Trail a few miles to the east.
This is all to say that the Kuaokalā Trail is one of the most beautiful day hikes on Oʻahu and certainly one of my all-time favorites! However, there is quite a bit of effort required to get there from Keālia on the North Shore, but I believe that whether you hike or trail run your way there, the views from the Kuaokalā Trail speak for themselves!
Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there is indeed an easier way to reach the Kuaokalā Trail by reserving a permit through the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). By doing so, hikers or trail runners can actually drive to a little-known trailhead up in the Waiʻanae Mountains, which you can learn all about in my separate Kuaokalā article linked below.
That said, reserving a permit can be a great option for those who plan ahead, but since hiking from the North Shore via Keālia requires no advanced planning, this is often the option I default to—not to mention, accessing the Keālia Trailhead is much quicker and easier compared to the long drive out to the West Side to get to the Kuaokalā Trailhead.
Read My Separate Posts: Keālia Trail / Kuaokalā Trail
72. Banzai Bowls (Açaí)
Named after the iconic Banzai Pipeline, Banzai Bowls is an açaí bowl spot on the North Shore of Oʻahu, which, in my opinion, is the best place to find açaí on the island!
I say this because everything on their menu is always such a great, filling, and often healthy choice—not to mention, other places on the island don’t give you as much for your money!
To check them out, head over to either their Haleʻiwa or Sunset Beach location in Pūpūkea.
Yelp: Banzai Bowls
73. Makapuʻu Beach Park
Makapuʻu Beach is a beautiful east Oʻahu beach, located just down the road from the famous Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail.
That said, it may be difficult or dangerous to swim at Makapuʻu, depending on the size of the swell.
Regardless, I recommend Makapuʻu for the beautiful beach alone, and if the waves happen to be calm, it can be a great place to enjoy both the sand and the stunning turquoise-blue water!
Google Maps Directions: Makapuʻu Beach Park
74. Kawainui Marsh (Kailua)
Distance (Roundtrip): 3.0 miles / 4.8 km
Whether you bring a coffee, your running shoes, or a stroller, the Kawainui Marsh Trail on the east side of Oʻahu is one of the island’s best and most underrated trails!
To learn more about this great and easy, kid-friendly adventure, as well as some of the native wildlife that you can expect to see, I encourage you to check out my separate post below.
Read My Separate Post: Kawainui Marsh Trail
75. Hauʻula Loop Trail
Distance: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km
The Hauʻula Loop Trail is a beautiful North Shore day hike through a native and non-native ʻŌhiʻa–Cook Pine forest, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kaipapaʻu Gulch, slow down and take pictures in the towering Cook Pine forest, and trail run—which is easily one of the better trails on Oʻahu to go for a run!
That said, the Hauʻula Loop Trail can most similarly be compared with the ʻAiea Loop Trail in central Oʻahu, with the exception that the Hauʻula Loop has more elevation change.
However, the main difference is that the Hauʻula Loop Trail’s location on the North Shore inherently makes it much less trafficked and much quieter overall, which is why it’s an adventure that I often think is one of Oʻahu’s best-kept secrets—especially if you’re staying at the Turtle Bay Resort just a few minutes up the road!
Read My Separate Post: Hauʻula Loop Trail
76. Ala Moana Shopping Center
Yes, the Ala Moana Shopping Center is absolutely one of the more touristy spots on this list, but how could I not include the largest outdoor mall in the world!
That said, there’s so much to see and do inside the Ala Moana Mall, from luxury shopping to dine-in restaurants on the fourth floor, to little unique one-of-a-kind shops that you’ll only find in Hawaiʻi.
This is why I highly recommend visiting Ala Moana—not to mention that Ala Moana Beach Park is located right across the street, making the whole area a great place to get out and be on your feet!
Google Maps Directions: Ala Moana Shopping Center
77. Oʻahu Lūʻau
This is one of those things where there’s no non-touristy way around it.
However, I hope you have taken a number of my recommendations from this list because if so, give yourself a nice night out at one of these Lūʻaus.
Below, I have provided a number of Lūʻau options to choose from, which can be found anywhere from Oʻahu’s North Shore to Waikīkī.
78. Kaʻena Point Trail & Pillbox
Distance (West Side): 2.1 miles / 3.4 km
Distance (North Shore): 2.4 miles / 3.9 km
Kaʻena Point State Park, on the northwest side of Oʻahu, is home to one of the island’s longest undeveloped coastlines, where visitors can hike one of two different trails, beginning from either the North Shore in Mokulēʻia or the West Side past Mākua and Keawaʻula Bay.
That said, both the North and West Kaʻena Point Trails are very similar coastal trails, but in many ways, they could not be more different from one another. Therefore, I highly recommend reading my side-by-side comparison at the beginning of either article linked below to learn more about which route sounds most interesting to you.
In any case, the Kaʻena Point Trail from either direction can be extended by hiking up the Kaʻena Point Pillbox Trail to the WWII-era bunker above Kaʻena Point, which makes for one of the best year-round sunset hikes on Oʻahu!
Read My Separate Posts: Kaʻena Point (North Shore) / Kaʻena Point (West Side)
79. Whale Watching Tour (Winter Only)
During the winter months in Hawaiʻi, Humpback Whales migrate south from Alaska to the warmer Hawaiian waters, where mothers give birth to their calves.
That said, the time of year to see the whales Hawaiʻi is very season-specific, meaning that if your trip is too early or too late in the winter, they may not have arrived yet or may already be on their way back to Alaska.
This season in Hawaiʻi is typically mid-December to mid-April, with peak activity occurring from January to March.
This is all to say that the best way to experience the Humpback Whales during this time is to get out on the water, as there’s truly nothing quite like an up-close experience through one of these local operators!
80. Lyon Arboretum & ʻAihualama Falls
Distance: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km
Owned and operated by the University of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Lyon Arboretum is a stunning tropical botanical garden maintained for the purposes of research, as well as protecting and propagating some of Hawaiʻi’s rarest endemic species.
The arboretum is a great place for visitors to come and learn about both Polynesian introductions, called canoe plants, and Hawaiian endemics, meaning plants that are found nowhere else on earth!
That said, the Lyon Arboretum is located adjacent to the neighboring Mānoa Falls Trail, but visiting and parking at the Lyon Arboretum is a bit different than Mānoa Falls.
For this reason, I highly recommend reading all the details at the beginning of my separate article, which is a great way to enjoy the best of both the Lyon Arboretum and ʻAihualama Falls, as well as Mānoa Falls if you’re interested in seeing all three!
Read My Separate Post: ʻAihualama Falls Trail (Lyon Arboretum)
81. Private Oʻahu Boat Charter
A private boat charter is easily the best way to see whales and dolphins and to snorkel in some of the most pristine waters off Oʻahu—places that are otherwise inaccessible from shore.
I believe this because countless times my friends and I have chartered a private boat just like this to enjoy all there is to see and do without the hassle of other visitors, and the best thing is that the captain is on your schedule!
The ability to move as fast or as slow as you want cannot be overstated, which is why a private boat means you can customize your tour as much as you’d like or simply take the captain’s recommendations. Either way, you can’t go wrong!
82. Mānana & Waimano Ridge Trails
Distance: 10.4 - 14.6 miles / 16.7 - 23.5 km
The Mānana and Waimano Ridge Trails are two sister ridge hikes, located only a short drive away from one another in central Oʻahu. The reason why I’m suggesting two trails under one recommendation is because it’s likely only practical to hike one of the two if you’re visiting the island.
This is because both trails are among the two longest ridge hikes on Oʻahu, and I only recommend them to visitors who are prepared for an all-day adventure, as they traverse some of Oʻahu’s most rugged terrain, reaching viewpoints that few venture far enough to see!
That said, my personal favorite is the Mānana Ridge Trail because I personally enjoy the hike to the summit better than Waimano. However, Waimano has the better summit view, which is why choosing one over the other is truly a toss-up if you’re only visiting the island for a short time.
Read My Separate Posts: Mānana Ridge Trail / Waimano Ridge Trail
83. ChadLou’s Coffee Roasters (Kailua)
There’s certainly no shortage of great coffee shops across Oʻahu, but few do it as good as ChadLou’s in Kailua on the island’s east side.
I say this because ChadLou’s is where you go when you truly appreciate coffee for the taste of coffee! It’s mochas that don’t taste like hot chocolates and coffee that is roasted onsite!
On top of this, there’s a great outdoor seating area that makes for a nice place to sit and enjoy your morning, or I recommend taking your coffee down the road to walk the easy Kawainui Marsh Trail mentioned previously. If so, you might just see myself and my miniature dachshund Eleanor on the trail!
84. Hawaiian Poke
The popularity of poke—not poké, as you might see on the mainland—has certainly exploded outside of Hawaiʻi, but authentic poke comes from the islands!
Yes, poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish, dating back to its origins well before Western contact, and the spelling "poke" is how you know it’s truly authentic.
That said, there are poke shops across Oʻahu, but three places stand out from the rest if you are looking for the best. They are Off the Hook Poke Market in Mānoa (a great place to visit after hiking Mānoa Falls), K.Bay Bros, which has a few different locations across the island, and Foodland—and yes, this is not a mistake! Foodland poke is certainly one of the best places to get poke on Oʻahu, especially the Foodland in Pūpūkea on the North Shore!
Yelp: Off the Hook Poke Market / K.Bay Bros / Foodland
85. Jackass Ginger Pool (Judd Trail)
Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Judd Trail, or more specifically, the Jackass Ginger Pool, is one of the best places to hang out in the sun and go for a swim in a beautiful natural swimming hole near Honolulu!
Regardless of which direction you choose to hike the loop, you will pass by the pool either way. However, if you’re interested in completing the full loop trail, I recommend hiking it in the same direction as I have shown in my separate post.
I say this because the Judd Trail is a very muddy hike, making the Jackass Ginger Pool a great place to swim and clean off just before completing the trail.
Read My Separate Post: Judd Trail & Jackass Ginger Pool
86. Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour
Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon is the best underwater adventure near Waikīkī!
While there are a few options to consider when booking a tour, such as the time of day or whether to choose a large or small group, know that the most important thing is the time of day.
The earlier in the day you go, the calmer the ocean conditions will generally be.
87. ʻIliʻIli Cash & Carry
ʻIliʻIli Cash & Carry is the best pizza restaurant on Oʻahu!
That said, ʻIliʻIli is known for its artisan pizzas, but it is not known as a dine-in restaurant. Rather, their pizzas are best enjoyed to go, which I personally love taking to the park, the beach, or any of the many beautiful sunset spots that I have on this list.
Yelp: ʻIliʻIli Cash & Carry
88. Kawela Bay
Do you remember the beach from the second Hunger Games movie..? Well, yes, that is Kawela Bay, and it’s located within walking distance of the beautiful Turtle Bay Resort.
That said, Kawela Bay is a quiet, calm, kid-friendly beach that makes for a great place to spread out and escape the crowds at other, more popular beaches across the North Shore, like Laniākea Beach closer to Haleʻiwa.
Google Maps Directions: Kawela Bay
89. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Since the early 1950s, Giovanni’s Shrimp has been a long-time community favorite on the North Shore of Oʻahu, and their 'signature' white truck has been at the center of it all, attracting both locals and visitors from around the world to try their famous garlic shrimp plate!
Over the years, the original white truck in Kahuku and also Haleʻiwa have become an iconic roadside stop, as customers from all corners of the world have covered their trucks in signatures and personal messages!
All that being said, yes, Giovanni’s is one of the more touristy places to eat on Oʻahu, but it’s popular because it’s so good! It makes for a great, easy spot to grab lunch if you’re heading to or from Kawela Bay, and if someone in your group isn’t up for shrimp, there are tons of other places to grab food within walking distance, including Seven Brothers Burgers in Kahuku mentioned below!
Yelp: Giovanni’s Shrimp
90. Ono Yo (Best Frozen Yogurt)
Whether you’re just driving through or coming from a hot day on the beach, On Yo is the best frozen yogurt spot on Oʻahu!
You can find them located next to the same food trucks as Giovanni’s at the Kahuku Sugar Mill.
Yelp: Ono Yo
91. Mākua & Keawaʻula Beach (Yokohama)
Located along Oʻahu’s westermost shoreline both Mākua and Keawaʻula Beach, more commonly known as Yokohama Bay, are two of the most beautiful beaches on Oʻahu!
On a clear night, sunset is a favorite at any time of the year, or if you arrive first thing in the morning, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins can commonly be seen making passes along this beautiful coastline!
Google Maps Directions: Mākua Beach / Keawaʻula Beach (Yokohama)
92. Kōloa Gulch Trail
Distance: 12.0 - 14.0 miles / 19.3 - 22.5 km
The Kōloa Gulch Trail is a challenging, full-day hike to a beautiful and very secluded waterfall that few ever venture to see!
With that in mind, Kōloa Gulch is not for the faint of heart, as the trail requires good navigational skills and most importantly, good weather!
To learn more about this challenging but beautiful adventure, I highly encourage you to read all the details in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Kōloa Gulch Trail
93. Salt at Our Kakaʻako
Salt at Our Kakaʻako is a unique mixed-use marketplace comprised of great restaurants, coffee shops, little boutiques run by local artists, and so much more!
The plaza, which takes up an entire city block in Kakaʻako near downtown Honolulu, is a fun place to walk around, eat good food, and enjoy the beautiful open-air atmosphere for which the space was designed—and yes, there is on-site parking!
Google Maps Directions: Salt at Our Kakaʻako
94. Makapuʻu Tide Pools
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The Makapuʻu Tide Pools are a little-known secret off the popular Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail in East Honolulu that leads hikers off the main trail to a beautiful cluster of turquoise-blue coastal tide pools along the water!
That said, the Makapuʻu Tide Pools Trail is not a hike for all people of all abilities—especially kids. It should not be compared as having the same difficulty as the popular Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail, as the path off the maintained trail to the pools traverses a very narrow, loose, rocky trail down a steep cliffside.
In addition to this warning, the Makapuʻu Tide Pools are exceptionally hazardous because of the open ocean swell that slams into the coastline, creating huge waves that wash onshore, which can make the pools particularly hazardous on any given day.
All of this is to say that while the Makapuʻu Tide Pools are, without a doubt, one of the best places to catch sunrise on Oʻahu, I highly recommend reading my separate post before setting off on this beautiful but challenging adventure, as there is more to the hike than the short distance may lead you to believe.
Read My Separate Post: Makapuʻu Tide Pools Trail
95. Kahuku Beer Garden
Located at the Kahuku Sugar Mill on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the Kahuku Beer Garden is the best place near Turtle Bay to stop in for some food and a drink.
However, I don’t mean food that you’ll get from the beer garden itself, but rather, the Kahuku Sugar Mill is one central location surrounded by a bunch of different places to eat, such as Giovanni’s Shrimp and Ono Yo mentioned previously on this list.
Yelp: Kahuku Beer Garden
96. Castles Beach
Located just outside the busyness of downtown Kailua, Castles Beach is a calm, beautiful white-sand beach away from all the crowds that typically make their way to neighboring beaches, like Kailua and Lanikai.
That said, one of my favorite things about Castles Beach is that there isn’t another public beach access in the nearby, meaning the further you walk down to the left (north), the more and more secluded Castles Beach becomes!
To get there, look for the inconspicuous Kailuana Public Beach Access along North Kalāheo Avenue, with residential street parking located just around the corner on Kailuana Place and Kailuana Loop.
Google Maps Directions: Castle Beach
97. Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
Elevation Gain: ~1,650 ft. / 503 m
The Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail in east Honolulu is a stunning, nearly all-uphill adventure that climbs to a panoramic overlook above Waimānalo, where those who undertake the steep climb get to enjoy beautiful views over Makapuʻu Point and the dramatic southern Koʻolau Mountains, which is particularly beautiful at sunrise first thing in the morning!
That said, Kuliʻouʻou Ridge is easily one of my favorite sunrise hikes on Oʻahu, but that doesn’t go without saying that it is a longer adventure in terms of being a sunrise hike.
Therefore, if it’s your first time, I highly recommend budgeting more time than you think you need, as the 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hike to the summit can certainly be a challenge, especially if you’re cutting it close on time while trying to catch first light.
Read My Separate Post: Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail
98. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoʻomaluhia is a beautiful, lush, 400-acre botanical garden on the windward side of Oʻahu, where both locals and visitors can enjoy various gardens and scenic viewpoints for free throughout much of the year!
That said, Hoʻomaluhia is quite different from the Koko Crater Botanical Garden in Hawaiʻi Kai, as the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is best enjoyed by driving the 2.0-mile (3.2 km) out-and-back road through the garden. In contrast, Koko Crater is best enjoyed by hiking the 2.0-mile (3.2 km) loop through the volcanic crater.
All this to say, Hoʻomaluhia is a great place to go for a casual walk or run on one of the many beautiful trails throughout the garden or around the pond, or simply sit back in the upper Kahua Nui-Makai clearing and enjoy the stunning backdrop against the rugged Koʻolau Mountains!
Google Maps Directions: Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
99. Seven Brothers Burgers
Seven Brothers Burgers is a locally owned, family favorite on the North Shore of Oʻahu known for their specialty burgers, fries, and amazing shakes!
They have four North Shore locations, including Lāʻie, Kahuku, Shark’s Cove, and Haleʻiwa.
All that to say, I personally like to visit Seven Brothers in Lāʻie or Haleʻiwa after a long day hike, such as Kōloa Gulch or the Kaunala Trail, but if you’re visiting on a weekend, be aware that Seven Brothers is closed on Sundays.
Yelp: Seven Brothers
100. Kaʻau Crater Trail
Distance: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
The Kaʻau Crater Trail is one of the most uniquely beautiful yet challenging day hikes in Honolulu!
I say this because the full Kaʻau Crater Trail ascends past three different waterfalls, loops around a dormant volcanic crater, and offers beautiful summit views above the Honolulu skyline and much of the island’s east side!
However, of all the trails on this post, Kaʻau Crater is arguably the most challenging and involved day hike near Waikīkī, which is why I recommend reading through my separate article in detail before considering the trail, as it truly is a fairly long, muddy, all-day adventure, even if 5.6 miles (9.0 km) doesn’t sound that bad.
To add to this, all hikers will want to bring good closed-toe shoes, at least 2–3 liters of water, food, and a good headlamp in case of an emergency. I write all this to hopefully help show that while Kaʻau Crater is certainly one of the most stunning hikes on Oʻahu, it is not one to underestimate, as hikers often do!
Read My Separate Post: Kaʻau Crater Trail
101. Private Oʻahu Tour
If you don’t have a rental car or would like to have someone else show you the best spots around Oʻahu, consider booking your own private tour guide for the day!
Touring Oʻahu from a local guide’s perspective is one of the best ways see and learn much more about the island than you ever could on your own—especially if it’s your first time visiting the island!
Related Oʻahu Posts
While most of the information on this list can be very useful when planning a trip to Oʻahu, I recognize the need to dive deeper and summarize some of the information discussed above.
It is for this reason that I wrote and included a number of other related Oʻahu topics, which hopefully will help to make your trip planning that much easier!
1. Best Things to Do on Oʻahu’s North Shore
7. Best Kid-Friendly Trails on Oʻahu
My Thoughts on Touristy Oʻahu Places
Hanauma Bay - I have never been able to figure out why visitors love Hanauma Bay more than the countless other beaches across the island. I say this because Hanauma Bay is now busier than ever, with some people lining up before sunrise to get in because the preserve is limited to 1,400 visitors per day, which is why I recommend booking the tour listed below in order to avoid the hassle.
Waikīkī Beach - Waikīkī Beach is good for learning how to surf, nice accommodations, good dining, and nightlife, but the overcrowded beach filled with imported sand is not one of them. Truly, any other Oʻahu beach is far better and much less crowded.
Mānoa Falls - Many times of the year—especially in the summer—Mānoa Falls isn’t flowing because it’s a rain-fed waterfall. This is why I recommend checking out some of my earlier suggestions for better, more local Oʻahu waterfalls.
Laniākea Beach - I wrote about this one under viewing Hawaiian Sea Turtles, but in short, I believe there are better locations around Oʻahu than the popular Laniākea Beach on the North Shore.
Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) - Just because Diamond Head is close to Waikīkī, doesn’t mean that’s it’s a great hike. I say this bluntly because the Diamond Head Trail is a very busy and congested hike, which is why I highly recommend choosing any other trail that I listed above in order to truly see Oʻahu for what it has to offer!
What NOT to Do When Visiting Hawaiʻi!
Don’t ever leave bags or anything valuable visible in your car.
Treat Oʻahu like you would any city, and you will be fine. I say this because smash-and-grab incidents do occur in Hawaiʻi—especially to vehicles that are obviously rentals.
It’s unfortunate, but some of my favorite beaches and trailheads have glass all over the parking lot because people just don’t understand this.
Do your best to avoid looking like a tourist.
This is a hard one, but hear me out. I’m recommending a number of local things in this blog that will potentially take you to parts of the island where you don’t want to stand out, which ties back to my number one under this section—tourists are easy, vulnerable targets for crime and petty theft.
So, how do you avoid looking like a tourist? Don’t make your rental car look like a rental car. Don’t have your rental full of suitcases, beach toys, and towels that you just got from the ABC store in Waikīkī. In addition, take any rental car stickers/ logos off the side of the car. I’ve seen rentals with stickers over the door seals to show that it has been through enhanced cleaning.
I’m really just trying to come up with things that come to my mind when I can obviously spot a visitor.
Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
Walking away from your belongings on the beach is one of the most common ways that valuables—like phones, wallets, keys, cameras, and even passports—are stolen in Hawaiʻi.
If everyone in your group wants to go swimming, at least one person needs to remain behind at all times to ensure the safety of your belongings.
Do NOT approach or harass Hawaiʻi’s native wildlife.
Common sense goes a long way in Hawaiʻi, but a blatant disregard for right and wrong when it comes to wildlife in the islands—such as touching the endemic and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, Sea Turtles, and Nesting Shorebirds, or destroying native plants—has led and will continue to lead to legal trouble for visitors in Hawaiʻi.
This is all to say: feel free to stop, take photos, and enjoy the wildlife you encounter, but do so from a distance. NOAA and Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) recommend maintaining at least 10 ft. (3 m) of distance from Sea Turtles and 50 ft. (15.2 m) from Monk Seals.
There are strict penalties for ignoring these laws, and visitors have been tracked down and prosecuted because of social media posts in the past.
Native Hawaiian Plants on Oʻahu
I wanted to include this last section on this post because this is a subject that’s personal to me.
The native plant biodiversity in Hawaiʻi is insane, and I say this because 90% of the native plants that you will see around the islands are found nowhere else on Earth, which I mention for two reasons.
The first is that I ask that you please do everything you can to minimize your impact on Hawaiʻi’s trails, as many native plants across the islands at risk of extinction. The second is that if you have a personal interest in the subject or may be curious about something that you found, I wrote a separate post entirely about native Hawaiian plants, which hopefully can help to identify anything that you might be curious about!
For example, this ʻOhe Mauka tree in the photo below can only be found on the Island of Oʻahu and nowhere else on Earth!
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
Visiting Other Islands
If you are heading to another island on your trip, check out some of my personal recommendations for Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in my separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
