A Hawaiian vacation isn’t complete without experiencing the full tourist experience.
The following are some of the things I enjoyed doing on Oahu. If you ever get the chance to visit Hawaii, these are the things to do on Oahu that provide the ultimate tourist experience, ranging from hiking to relaxing on the beach to immerse yourself in the rich culture Oahu has to offer.
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Hike at the Diamond Head State Monument
There is a good reason why Diamondhead tops every travel guide on Oahu. The trail takes you to the edge of the 3,000 volcanic craters, where you can admire the stunning views and take pictures of the watch post used by the American military during World War II. In comparison to other hiking trails on Oahu, this hike is relatively easy, and it is one of the most popular. It is best to do it early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Located in a volcanic crater, Hanauma Bay is the best place to snorkel in Hawaii. It is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and sea turtles. It is a nature preserve, so there are strict rules on what can be brought to the beach so as to limit damage or ecological impact.
Experience a luau
The island of Oahu hosts countless luaus every night. Luaus offer a variety of activities, including flower crowns and henna tattoos. There are also a lot of shows to watch, like hula or fire dancing, and demonstrations, like cracking open a coconut. The Paradise Cove Luau at the Ko Olina Resort has my favorite Hawaiian cuisine, including Kalua pork, poi, and Lomi-Lomi salmon.
Visit ‘Iolani Palace
Before being designated a National Landmark, ‘Iolani Palace served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and served as the Capitol building. In the 1800s, when it was occupied, the ‘Iolani Palace was restored to look like it did then. Tours are offered every day, and they provide a good introduction to Hawaiian culture.
Eat at Duke’s Waikiki
In Honolulu, Duke’s Waikiki is a great restaurant located right on Waikiki Beach. Duke’s is named after the legendary surfer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku who grew up surfing in Honolulu. You can also get a Duke’s t-shirt from the gift shop. Duke’s Waikiki offers the famous Hula Pie, which is macadamia nut ice cream on a cookie crust with hot fudge, whipped cream and macadamia nuts on top.
Head up to the North Shore and visit Matsumoto Shave Ice
According to Jeremiah Erasga of Flightradar Online. The North Shore is well-known for its amazing surfing. The Banzai Pipeline is a reef break located on the North Shore that is frequented by many surfers. The largest town on the North Shore is Haleiwa, which also has a lot of tourist attractions, including Matsumoto Shave Ice. Matsumoto Shave Ice is known for its delicious flavors like lychee or lilikoi as well as different toppings like ice cream, mochi, or adzuki beans. It’s an incredibly fun place to visit and there is usually a line out the door!
ATV tours at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre cattle ranch that has been the site of many blockbuster movies, including “Jurassic Park,” “Kong: Skull Island,” “50 First Dates,” “Godzilla,” “Jumanji” (the original and the new one) and “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. “Lost,” as well as “Hawaii Five-0,” have both been filmed there. Tours of the ranch are available, where you can see bones from “Kong: Skull Island,” as well as the footprint of the T-Rex from “Jurassic Park.” You can take a bus tour or a horseback tour, but if you’re over 16, I highly recommend an ATV tour.
Hang out at Lanikai Beach
As the name suggests, Lanikai means “Heavenly Ocean” in Hawaiian. Located near the Mokulua Islands, which are small twin islands off the coast of Kailua, Lanikai Beach is located on the windward side of the island. The beaches of Lanikai are gorgeous and relaxing, and there is also the option of renting kayaks or paddle boards. You can hike the Lanikai Pillbox, which is more challenging than Diamondhead but has a breathtaking view.
Hike up to Manoa Falls
The Manoa Falls trail is a relatively easy hike that leads to a stunning 150-foot waterfall. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike each way, but it can be muddy, so don’t wear your favorite shoes.
Visit the Dole Plantation
The Dole plantation has the largest pineapple maze in the world, and they offer prizes to people who finish in record time. A great tourist destination, it has an expansive pineapple field where you can take the Pineapple Express Train Tour. Dole Plantation also has a great gift shop, as well as the famous Dole Whip!
