Hiker in the mountains of Oahu island, Hawaii.

Day Trips from Oahu

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

There’s a reason Oahu is the most popular of Hawaii’s ‘big four’ islands, drawing in nearly twice the number of annual visitors as its next-nearest competitor. Sure Maui and the Big Island have their own allure – volcanic peaks, crashing waterfalls and pure white sands among them – but for sheer variety, Oahu is tough to beat. Our expert guide to the best day trips from Oahu includes household-name historic sites, awe-inspiring hikes, world-class snorkeling and pineapples so sweet you might never want to leave the plantation. No list of this island’s many attractions can ever be truly exhaustive, but our pick of some of the finest Oahu day trips are as good a place to start as any. Dive in!

Historic Tour of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu

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What better way to understand the culture, heritage and psyche of America’s 50th state than on a day tour of its most historically significant sites. This immersive five-hour guided trip takes in the visitor center at Pearl Harbor and includes a moving film at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater documenting the 1941 attack that killed over 1,000 sailors and marines, thrusting the US into the Second World War. A US Navy shuttle boat will speed you out to the memorial that marks the resting place of the sunken USS Arizona battleship and you’ll also visit the National Cemetery of the Pacific in the extraordinary Punchbowl Crater on top of an extinct volcano. A drive through downtown Honolulu and its historic Chinatown district includes a stop for selfies at the highly popular 18-foot bronze statue of the legendary King Kamehameha.

Makapu'u Lighthouse and Hālona Blowhole

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An island like Oahu practically begs to be hiked, and among its embarrassment of excellent trails Makapu’u Lighthouse is a perennial highlight. The gleaming white lighthouse with its distinctive red cap is an icon of Oahu’s windward coast, and you’ll see it on postcards and souvenirs – Makapu’u Lighthouse fridge magnet anyone? – in stores across the island. Take a stroll along the paved track and climb to the top of this 46-foot landmark, taking in unparalleled views of the Pacific, Koko Head, Koko Crater, Oahu’s entire southern coastline and perhaps even the odd migrating humpback whale or two. And, while you’re in the vicinity, don’t miss the spectacular Hālona Blowhole, a natural geyser that jets seawater up to 20 feet in the air.

Hanauma Bay State Park

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Fine golden sands, balmy turquoise waters and some of the US’s most spectacular sealife make Hanauma Bay on the island’s southeastern tip a must-visit Oahu attraction. There’s a fee to enter the park and you’re advised to book well in advance, but boy is it worth it. Day trippers can expect to spot all manner of critters at this pristine marine ecosystem in the cone of an extinct volcano. Follow colorful yellow tangs and saddle wrasse as they dart among the reef’s many corals and keep your eyes peeled for eagle rays, green sea turtles and flamboyant spinner dolphins. You can rent snorkeling equipment for the day at the beach and in multiple other outlets nearby.

Diamond Head

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Here’s another bucket-list biggie for all you happy hikers out there! Diamond Head is 760 feet of forested volcanic crater. Hike to its remarkable rim where views across its 3,500-foot diameter reveal panoramic vistas across Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and beyond. Named Diamond Head because bungling British sailors mistook sparkling calcite crystals in the lava rocks for something more precious, the volcano is known locally as Lē‘ahi. The name is said to have been bestowed by Hi'iaka, sister of the fire goddess Pele, thanks to the summit’s resemblance to the forehead of the ‘ahi fish. Which sounds like a Moana sequel just waiting to happen. Return shuttle trips to Diamond Head are included with the Oahu Go City attraction pass.

North Shore and Dole Pineapple Plantation

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Think you’ve tasted pineapple? Think again. This tour of Oahu’s popular North Shore takes in photo stops at some of the island’s top beaches, offers another chance to visit our old pal King Kamehameha and gives you the opportunity to sample some of Hawaii’s finest homegrown coffee, shaved ice and macadamia nuts. But the main event on any North Shore day trip is always going to be the world-famous pineapple plantation founded by James Dole back in 1899. You’ll discover how the pineapples are planted and harvested, sample their oh-so-sweet flesh and even get one to take home with you.

Commandeer a Catamaran!

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Boating day trips off Oahu’s Insta-perfect coastline are a great way to see a bit more of the island and maybe even spot the occasional dolphin, humpback whale or flying fish! Options range from short catamaran trips like this one to bells-and-whistles experiences aboard luxury yachts, with stops for snorkeling and lunch on deck. Make like a celeb and don your most dazzlingly white swimwear and massive morning-after sunglasses for holiday snaps that’ll be the talk of all your z-list pals back home.

Waimea Valley

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Do you like flowers? Of course you do! Unless of course you’re allergic. In which case, you can skip this section and – achoo! – move on to the next one. Waimea Valley is a botanist’s technicolor dream come true; a sprawling 1,875-acre oasis comprised of botanical gardens, archaeological sites and a whopping great waterfall. Follow the paved trails through 35 themed gardens, marveling at more than 5,000 different tropical plant species, from delicate yellow hibiscus to towering cacti. Then cool off with a dip beneath the glorious Waimea Falls, the crowning glory of this huge natural park.

More Day Trips from Oahu

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Finally, if you absolutely must leave this beautiful island, there are oodles of options for day trips from Oahu to neighboring Maui, Kauai and Big Island. Hit up Big Island for kayaking and swimming on the peaceful Umauma River and trips to the awesome Volcanoes National Park and towering Rainbow Falls. Maui is the place for sunset dinners accompanied by traditional music and fire dancers. Or brave the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge and go ziplining over the sugar plantations on Kauai.

Save on activities and attractions in Oahu

Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Oahu Memorial Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in May

Early summer is a delightful time of year to spend in Oahu. This Memorial Day Weekend, pack up the whole family and head to the luxurious paradise of Hawaii to make the most of the sun, sand and surf. Of course, there’s more to do than just lounge on the beach. You can enjoy guided tours, kayak the clear waters, go on a snorkeling adventure and much more. If you’re looking for Oahu Memorial Day Weekend ideas and events, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Oahu in May, including... Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Polynesian Cultural Center & Alii Luau Makani Catamaran Sail Snorkeling Hanauma Bay Hiking Excursions Oahu Bike Rentals And more! Save on Admission to Popular Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Oahu pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Oahu attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Oahu attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass. Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Oahu Hidden Gems + Snorkeling with Turtles Polynesian Cultural Center + Ali'i Lū'au Makani Catamaran Sail Hanauma Bay Snorkel Hiking Excursions Oahu Bike Rentals Secret Island Beach Sea Life Park Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony Samoa Festival and World FireKnife Championships The most skilled performers in the world will compete for a chance to win the coveted title of World FireKnife Champion. The heated competition will take place at the Polynesian Cultural Center May 6 - 9. Old Samoan tradition says that warriors would use a lightweight sword for hacking - in modern times this sword is used in a dance to pay homage to ancestors. Getting In: The World FireKnife Championships are separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu pass. Hawaii Memorial Day Parade Honor our fallen heroes at the Hawaii Memorial Day Parade. These festivities begin in Fort DeRussy Park at 5PM, and then head down Kalakaua Avenue towards its conclusion in front of the Kapiolani Park. Marvel at amazingly designed floats, talented marching bands, and other performers, military organizations, and many more. It’s a fun festive atmosphere the kids will love. Be sure to arrive on the parade route early if you’d like a good view – it’s a very popular event with locals. Getting In: The Hawaii Memorial Day Parade is free to watch. Let's Recap There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Oahu in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the Go Oahu pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
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Things to do in Oahu When It's Hot Outside

Hawaii is hot in every sense of the word: its warm climate makes it pleasant to visit year-round, which in turn makes it one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations, pulling in around eight million visitors every year. The majority of Hawaii sunseekers (around five million, give or take) wind up on the island of Oahu, home to some of the state’s biggest attractions – Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and the Diamond Head volcano, to name just a few. It goes without saying then that there’s plenty of fun to be had in the sun here. After all, no-one goes to Hawaii for its skiing opportunities, right? But with summer temperatures that average way up in the high 80s, you’ll likely want to pencil in a few slightly cooler activities (as well as covering yourself top to toe in factor 50, natch). Here, then, are a few ideas for things to do in Oahu and Honolulu when it’s hot outside, including: Beaches! Snorkeling! Catamarans! Pineapples! Shave ice! And more! Keep Your Cool on the Beach You’ll want to pack plenty of beach bag essentials for your day at Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, the North Shore and, well, whichever of Oahu’s stunning tropical beaches tickle your fancy. We’re talking UV sunglasses, great big floppy sun hats and gallons of bottled water as a bare minimum. You may want to add a parasol or tent for use in some of the more exposed bays, though you’ll also find plenty available to rent in the main tourist areas. Beaches like Lanikai and and Kailua on Oahu’s windward side (the east coast) tend to offer more natural shade, in the form of palm trees. Top-tip: before slinging your towel down underneath, check carefully for the very real and present danger of ripe coconuts up above. You’ll be cooling off in A&E if one of those beauties drops on your nut! Waikiki Beach is of course the most popular of Oahu’s beaches, and opportunities to cool off on snorkeling trips here abound. Cruise out onto the beautiful clear blue waters and come face to face with all manner of tropical marine life. You’re all but guaranteed to meet green sea turtles at the aptly named Waikiki Turtle Canyon. Hanauma Bay is where it’s at for some of Oahu's most spectacular sealife selfie opportunities. Vibrant yellow tangs and flamboyant spinner dolphins are just two of the cute critters you might spot on snorkeling excursions to the thriving coral reef that lies in the cone of this long-extinct volcano. Hit up the pristine sands of Lanikai Beach for more of the same (but with added palm cover), and crescent-shaped Kailua Beach (pictured above), where balmy trade winds encourage other watery pursuits including kitesurfing and kayaking. Oahu’s Hottest Tours If you simply can’t bear to spend all day lounging in the shade of a coconut palm, moving only to top up your rum-laced Mai Tai cocktail, there are plenty of island tours you can take around Oahu and Honolulu on hot days instead. Here, after all, is an opportunity to see this beautiful volcanic paradise from the lush cool confines of an air-conditioned coach. Try a trip to the Dole plantation on the North Shore. Sampling the sweet flesh of their world-famous pineapples under the hot Hawaiian sun is one that’s worth disembarking the refrigerated coach for, and no mistake! You could also take a tour of Oahu’s hidden gems, including tranquil temples, shaded Japanese gardens, and the cooling spray of epic blowholes like Halona. Or immerse yourself in rainforests and visit the 150-foot Manoa waterfalls, passing through jungle scenery used in The Hunger Games movie series. You can book tours including all of the above (and more) with an Oahu pass from Go City, which can save you up to 50% on top attractions, tours and activities on Oahu. Find out more and bag your Oahu pass here. Ice Cold in Oahu Hawaii is arguably as famous for its shave ice as its beaches, volcanoes and hula skirts. Find out what all the fuss is about at any one of dozens of purveyors of this frozen treat across the island. Shave ice is exactly what it sounds like: tiny shavings of ice liberally doused in lashings of fruit syrup, and boy is it refreshing on a hot day. Get yours from North Shore shave ice stalwart Matsumoto’s. A fixture on Oahu since the early 1950s, its natural lychee, passion fruit and yuzu flavorings are some of the best in Hawaii. Other local favorites include Ululani’s and Shimazu – for all the ice-cold refreshment but without the half-hour lines. Top tip: it’s ‘shave ice’ not ‘shaved ice’, so be sure to sidestep any vendor that didn’t get the name right on their signage. Life on the Ocean Wave Feel the sea breeze on your skin aboard a catamaran or luxury yacht as you tour the Oahu coastline in style. This is a fine (and crucially effortless) way of seeing a bit more of the island and perhaps even ogling the odd humpback whale, flying fish or green sea turtle on your travels. Don your floppiest sun hat, slather on the sunscreen and sip a glass of prosecco on deck-o as you cruise past jungle-clad mountains and over the coral-rich depths of Oahu’s submerged volcanic cones. Take your pick from straightforward catamaran excursions to decadent day trips that include lunch, snorkeling, and bottomless bubbly. You can access a variety of superb sea-faring options with the Go Oahu pass. Oahu’s Coolest Hikes Ok ok, so hiking may not be the first activity that springs to mind when it’s hot out in Oahu, but bear with us. The botanical gardens at Waimea Valley are a 1,875-acre oasis of lush plantlife and great fronds of greenery. Shady groves and a cooler climate make the gardens ideal for strolling, even when the tropical sun is at its most punishing. Meander gently through some of the park’s 52 themed zones, where towering cacti and fresh-scented hibiscus flourish, and where the picture-perfect Waimea Falls provide ample opportunity for cooling off should the heat get too much. Alternatively, hop across to Big Island, home of Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii. Hikes to the summit commence from the visitor center, 9,200 feet up, where you’re all but guaranteed freezing temperatures and possibly even snow. But be warned that this 12-mile round-hike is not for the faint of heart, with challenging terrain and the threat of altitude sickness the price of evading the Hawaii heat way up here. Save on Oahu and Honolulu Activities, Tours and Attractions Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Couple drinking wine on a beach at sunset
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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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