Best Outdoor Activities in Oahu

"Step out onto the shores of the often Instagrammed Kailua and Lanikai Beaches, before taking the scenic route to the North Shore on Kamehameha Highway. On the way, you’ll pass Kaneohe Bay, Waiahole Poi Factory (stop here for Hawaiian plate lunches), Kualoa Ranch and a natural landmark known as Crouching Lion. You'll see coastal views of beaches and undeveloped valleys before entering Laie, where the Polynesian Cultural Center and Mormon Temple are located. Stop in Kahuku, the next town, for shrimp at any one of its food trucks, before driving to Ehukai Beach Park, also known as the renowned surf spot Banzai Pipeline."

"Instead of Waikiki, head over to the less-crowded Lanikai Beach, which is often ranked one the best beaches in Oahu. The bright white sand beach and endless blue water is definitely a reminder of why many people call Hawaii “paradise.”"

"Kailua Beach Park combines everything you are looking for in best beaches in Oahu into one spot. Located on the eastern or windward side of Oahu, Kailua Beach Park is situated within 35-acres and has a long 2.5-mile stretch of white sand which is dotted with several ironwood and coconut palm trees for shade. Kailua Beach Park is ideal for families and the water is usually calm enough for good swimming."

"Just up the road is another one of the most popular Instagram spots on all of Oahu; Kaiula Beach Park. Drive safely, as the road will take you up a scenic drive with views of the most inviting beach you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not becoming distracted by the siren call of Eden out your window will be one of the most difficult things you will have to do during your time on Oahu!"

"This is a great family beach with plenty of shaded areas that make great places to take a break from the fun. There are also picnic tables, lots of parking space, and even a cafe if you get thirsty or hungry. The sand here is absolutely fantastic in color- a perfect gold- and the deep blue waters compliment it perfectly."

"If you’re feeling extra adventurous on your visit to Waikiki HI, embark on a three-mile journey into the Waimānalo Forest Reserve. Maunawili Falls is a secluded 20-foot waterfall near the genuinely breathtaking Ko’olau Mountains. The trailhead begins in the Maunawili residential area in northern Honolulu, 13 miles from Prince Waikiki."

"A post shared by Dustin Letcher (@dustinletcher) on May 17, 2019 at 9:45pm PDT. One of the most challenging hikes you can possibly try out is definitely the one to Maunawili Falls. Though stipulated as a tough hike, what greets you along the way is as memorable as the challenging hike is."

"Next on my list of the best waterfalls in Oahu is the stunning Maunawili Falls. One of the best waterfall hikes in Oahu, the Maunawili Falls trail receives heavy foot traffic. Located near Kailua, Maunawili is a moderate hike with spectacular views."

"A post shared by CJ Weiss (@coryjweiss) on Jul 31, 2018 at 11:44am PDT. Over at the Ka'au Crater Trail, what most people do not know is that they are are only a comfortable drive of 15 minutes away from Waikiki. If you are looking for something challenging, this feels like a hike you should sign up for because, at the end of the hike, you will be greeted by views of the mountainous regions."

"No, I am not suggesting you take on Diamond Head with your little ones, but there are a lot of wonderful hiking opportunities that don’t cost you a thing!. There are also some that will require the use of a car or TheBus, but by stacking activities together, you will more than make up for any bus fare or gas you may have to spend in the experiences you get to have!"

"Next, stop off in Waimānalo for some fresh local foods, Hawaiʻi delicacies or your staple “plate lunch.” Then visit Bellows Beach where the waves are gentle and the Sherwood Forest is a great respite to picnic, relax, sunbathe and enjoy the last daylight hours of the final moments of your Hawaiian vacation. Don’t forget – special rental car discounts are available for Hawaii.com members. Click here for more information."

"Stop in Kahuku, the next town, for shrimp at any one of its food trucks, before driving to Ehukai Beach Park, also known as the renowned surf spot Banzai Pipeline. Down the road, at Shark’s Cove, you’ll want to walk in its tidepools and snorkel its fairly shallow depths, before stopping at world-famous Waimea Bay. Choose a beach to lounge at for the rest of the day, before exploring Haleiwa Town and getting an early dinner at Haleiwa Beach House. Instead of ending your day on the North Shore here, consider driving back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for its evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring over 100 Polynesian dancers—one of the best shows in Hawaii."

"Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a 400 acre protected area that was originally built up as flood protection. It offers events like camping, drawing or painting classes, and specific catch-and-release fishing days on the weekends!. The garden is about 35 minutes from Waikiki (by car or service only) on the eastern side of the island."

"Let me start by saying we rarely bother photographing man-made nature, such as botanical gardens. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but it feels a bit inauthentic; it’s like building a wildlife photography portfolio by going to a zoo. With that said, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are absolutely worth the trip!"

"55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, Oahu, HI 96762-2113Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair AccessibleAmerican, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Brunch+1 808-293-3287"

"Went there in 7/19/21 to meet people for lunch, and they completely changed the menu. Only one type of pi..."

"It took just days for the latest player on Honolulu’s vibrant ramen scene to draw lines of hungry eaters. Onoya Ramen, already a familiar name among locals from its kiosks at Shirokiya Village Walk at Ala Moana Center and Waikīkī Yokocho, both currently shuttered, opened its first standalone shop on Kapahulu Avenue with bowls of yuzu (a Japanese citrus), cheese curry and shrimp won ton ramen—all made by Oʻahu company Sun Noodle—and notably, a black garlic tonkotsu bowl and a meat-heavy Tonkotsu Special. Izakaya bites include fried karaage chicken and spicy ‘ahi poke atop crispy rice."