Hanauma Bay is Oahu’s most famous snorkel spot. The waters are calm, the fish are friendly, and the facilities are excellent, making it great for beginners and more experienced snorkelers alike. If you want more of a DIY experience, rent gear for the day (or week!) from Snorkel Bob and wade on in at Queen’s Beach, Kuilima Cove, or Sharks Cove.
Learn how to surf in the place that basically invented the concept. With its calm waters in a protected cove, Waikiki Beach is a great place to get your feet wet, and the laid-back Star Beach Boys will get you standing in no time. Want something more structured? We also love Hans Hedemann Surf School.
Backyard parties don’t get much better than a Luau. And get ready to luau at one of Oahu’s best. The Diamond Head Luau at the Waikiki Aquarium is a smaller, more intimate luau with a great show and the best food. To wit, locally-sourced, farm-to-table ingredients make your meal one you’ll be bragging about for years. (bonus: you can visit the excellent aquarium while you’re there.)
Atlantis Adventures wants to help you spot a whale—which you probably will. But if you don’t, good news: they’ll let you go on another trip for free. They also offer sunset cruises and submarine tours if you want to go deeper.
Whether it’s for fun and recreation or just to get across town faster, you can hop on a Biki Bike right downstairs and be on your way. Just unlock it with your credit card, ride it to one of the other Biki Stops (there are about 100 of them around Honolulu) and re-dock it there.
Diamond Head is the classic Oahu hike, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. If you want to try something a little different, Manoa Falls is a jungle hike that rewards you with a waterfall (if you don’t mind getting a little muddy). For slightly more advanced hikers, the Kuliouou Ridge Hike takes you from jungle to forest up to the open air, with sweeping views of both the east and west side of the island.