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January 30, 2025

14 Oahu Experiences You Won’t Want to Miss

Oahu is one of the stunning islands in Hawaii known for its beautiful beaches, iconic surf spots, and home to the state capital, Honolulu. Whether you’re just passing through or seeking an epic adventure, Oahu has something for every traveler. This guide offers budget-conscious travelers bucket list ideas, recommendations, and tips for exploring Oahu.

14 Things for Your Oahu Bucket List

1. Conquer the Koko Head Hike

  • The best way to kick off your Oahu adventure is with a sunrise hike to the top of Koko Head! The hike leads you up 1,048 stairs to the top of Koko Head Crater rewarding you with stunning views of the island. The views are simply unreal, especially for sunrise or sunset. You’ll forget about the early start once you reach the top!

  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Directions: Plug in “Koko Head Trailhead”  into google maps for directions.
    • Trailhead: Baseball field at Koko Head Park. It’s easy to spot! 
    • Distance: 1.6 miles (round trip)
    • Duration: 45 minutes to an hour 
    • Tip: Use AllTrails.com for a map and more detailed information!

2. Beach Day at Sandy Beach Park

  • If you’re looking to spend the whole day at the beach, Sandy Beach Park is the perfect destination. Located on the southeastern shore, Sandy Beach is spacious making it perfect for camping for the day and soaking up the sun! While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Halona Blowhole Lookout and Lana’i Lookout!

  • Location: Honolulu, HI 96825, USA

3. Spend the Day Exploring Kailua

  • Kailua is a charming neighborhood on the windward coast of Oahu. It’s known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, but you can also find cute shops and cafes! Start the afternoon off by strolling down the main street Kailua Road, browsing the unique shops and enjoying a delicious lunch! After lunch, head to Kailua Beach to relax and watch the wind-surfers! 

  • RECOMMEDATIONS:
    • LUNCH
      • Nalu Health Bar & Cafe
      • Vitality
      • Kono’s
    • COFFEE
      • Ando
      • Nalu Health Bar & Cafe

4. Discover the Hidden Oasis: Manoa Falls

  • Manoa Falls is a true hidden gem near Honolulu. The stunning hike winds its way through the lush, tropical Hawaiian rainforest. The hike is absolutely worth it once you reach the beautiful waterfall!
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Directions: Plug in “Manoa Falls Trailhead” into Google Maps.
    • Distance: 1.8 miles out-and-back
    • Duration: About 1.5 hours to complete depending on how muddy it is!
    • Tip: Head to AllTrails.com for a map and more details! 

5. Enjoy a Smoothie Bowl from the Sunrise Shack

  • The Sunrise Shack is renowned for its delicious smoothie bowls. It’s an absolute must while in Oahu! There are multiple locations including Waikiki, Kailua, Ala Moana, Shark’s Cove, and Sunset Beach. 

6. Cliff Jumping at China Walls

  • Tucked away between residential homes, Koko Kai Beach Mini Park, also known as “China Walls”, is a true hidden gem. It’s essentially a flat cliff offering a secluded spot perfect for cliff jumping and a swim with friends and a few beers. 
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Directions: Type in “Koko Kai Beach Mini Park” in Google Maps and it will lead you to a residential area. Once you’ve found a park, follow the directions until it leads you down a narrow path to the cliffs. 
    • Tip: Go a couple hours before sunset, hang out, and watch the sunset

7. Escape to the North Shore and Explore

  • The North Shore of Oahu is an iconic destination! The best way to experience the North Shore is to spend a whole day beach hopping and exploring. You can easily spend three to five days exploring the North Shore. Take your time, relax, and soak it all in! However, if you’re short on time, cram all of these stops in one day and make the most of it! 

  • Highlights you can’t miss:
    • Shark’s Cove
    • Shopping in the Hale’iwa Town Center
    • Wave jumping Waimea Bay
    • Watch the surfers at Banzai Pipeline
    • Sunset at Sunset Beach

8. Indulge in the Best Tacos on the Island

  • Papi’s Tacos is a must when you’re exploring Oahu! It’s the perfect spot for a delicious and casual lunch or dinner while exploring the North Shore. Papi’s Tacos is one of many food trucks near the Kahuku Sugar Mill. 

  • Location: 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731, United States

9. Hike to Waimano Falls

  • Waimano Falls is the perfect hike for waterfall lovers. This stunning three-tiered waterfall has a deep pool for swimming or cliff jumping. The hike through the lush forest takes about 1-2 hours and is well-marked. This is a beautiful and fun adventure!
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Directions: Type “Waimano Falls Trailhead” into Google Maps. Park on Komo Mai Drive. You’re free to park along the road.
    • Trailhead: Located at the end of Komo Mai Drive.
    • Distance: 2.8 miles
    • Duration: 2-3 hours depending on mud!
    • Tip: Head to AllTrails.com for a map and more details! 

10. Spend a Perfect Day in Waikiki

  • Waikiki is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, malls, and a great surf beach in the heart of Honolulu. Spend the day at the beach, enjoying the sun and surf. Grab an afternoon pick-me-up at Island Vintage Coffee for a coffee and a refreshing acai bowl before heading back to the beach for a surf. There are a few places nearby that rent out boards. Later in the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at Paia Fish Market, indulge in some shopping, and explore the nightlife of Waikiki.
  • RECOMMENDATIONS:
    • LUNCH / DINNER
      • Paia Fish Market
      • Duke’s Waikiki
      • Kono’s Northshore Waikiki
      • Five Star Poke
    • BREAKFAST
      • Sunrise Shack
      • Heavenly Island Lifestyle
      • Island Vintage
    • COFFEE
      • Kai Coffee Hawaii Roasters
      • Honolulu Coffee at Moana Surfrider
      • Kona Coffee Purveyors
      • Ali’i Coffee Co.

11. Go on an Epic Adventure at Kahaluu Rock Beach

  • If you’re looking for a real adventure, look no further. Head to Kahaluu Rock Beach and swim across to the tiny island of Mokoli’i. Alternatively, you can kayak over. Swim over in your best adventure shoes, explore the unique island, swim back, and chill on the beach. It’s an epic adventure!  

12. Hike the Famous Diamond Head Crater

  • Diamond Head is a popular hike in Waikiki. The trail is an easy 1.6-mile roundtrip that leads you to the top of a Crater offering panoramic views of Oahu’s south coast and Honolulu. It’s a perfect way to start the day before heading to the beach! 
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Directions: Entrance to the parking lot is off Diamond Head Road between Makapuu Avenue and 18th Avenue in Honolulu.
    • Hours: The gates open daily from 6 AM to 4 PM closing at 6 PM
    • Admission: $10 per vehicle and $5 per person
    • Trail distance: 1.6 miles round trip
    • Duration: 1 hour
    • Tip: For more information go to: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/. 

13. Find Tropical Paradise at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens

  • The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens has eight tropical gardens and is absolutely breathtaking. You can easily spend two to four hours leisurely exploring the gardens, hiking various trails, or even participating in a cultural class. I highly recommend heading straight to the Visitor Center, grabbing a map, and begin exploring! Did I mention it’s free?!
  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM
    • Admission: Free
    • Parking: They have multiple parking lots for free.

14. Sunset Picnic from Tantalus Lookout at Puu Ualakaa State Park 

  • If you’re looking for a wholesome way to spend a night, grab some poke at Foodland and head to Tantalus Lookout for stunning views of the city while the sun sets. I highly recommend arriving an hour before sunset to relax and soak up the view – you won’t be disappointed!

  • KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
    • Directions: Plug in “Tantalus Lookout” on Google Maps, take the Road Top Drive up the windy roads to the top, and you’ll see a parking lot for the lookout point.
    • Hours: 7 AM to 6:45 PM (Winter) / 7 AM to 7:45 PM (Summer)
    • Admission: Free
    • Parking Fee: $5
    • Tip: Its about a 15 minute drive from Waikiki 

Transportation

CAR RENTAL

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

  • The public transportation is an easy and affordable way to get around the island. To plan your route or get more information head to thebus.org. Keep in mind the bus doesn’t reach every corner of the island.

Where to Stay

BEST AREA TO STAY:

  • Waikiki offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring.

  • For a scenic, authentic, and adventure filled vacation Oahu’s North Shore is unbeatable. While accommodation options are more limited and tend to be pricer, the experience is worth it!

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION:

MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION:

WAIKIKI

NORTH SHORE

Favorite Coffee Shops

  • Kai Coffee Hawaii Roasters
  • Island Vintage Coffee
  • Honolulu Coffee at Moana Surfrider
  • Kona Coffee Purveyors
  • Ali’i Coffee Co.
  • Morning Glass Coffee & Cafe
  • Morning Brew

Food Recommendations

  • Dukes Waikiki
  • Paia Fish Market
  • Beet Box Cafe
  • Koko Head Cafe
  • Maguro Spot

Tips from a Budget Backpacker

  • Stay at a hostel to meet fellow travelers! Making friends can open up opportunities to share a car rental and explore the island together. Don’t overlook the bus system either — it’s easy to navigate and covers a lot of ground.

  • Eating out in Hawai’i can quickly add up. Staying somewhere with a kitchen allows you to cook your own meals, giving more flexibility and control over your spending.

  • Ditch the tourist traps and seek out the authentic experiences in Oahu. Oahu offers so much more than resort life. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path and seek out authentic experiences!

You’re all set for your adventure to Oahu!

Have the best time and make sure you do one thing that makes you say “I love my life” each day! 

– G

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