Things to Do in Oahu for Adults

If you’re curious about the history of Hawaii (and why wouldn’t you be?) then a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is in order. This comprehensive, immersive experience is like a living museum, where locals teach you about their history and culture.

You'll explore territory across six different historic cultures rendered in exquisitely crafted villages — Aotearoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga — and get to see the representatives from each culture showcase their heritage. Stay in the evening for an authentic luau, plus a breathtaking dance and musical performance. Don’t forget about the sumptuous meal that comes along with it!

Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center admission is included on all Go City® Oahu passes. Alii Luau is separately ticketed.

For those of you in search of a special romantic option, a sunset dinner sail aboard the signature Makani Catamaran is your best bet. Enjoy a leisurely two-hour cruise that’s timed to coincide with a gorgeous ocean sunset, accompanied by a delicious island-style dinner.

Throw in a free drink and you’re set for a fun and romantic evening. Of course, there's nothing to say that friends can't relish a sunset cruise, too! Enjoy the cooling sea breezes and savor those tropical beverages.

Getting In: While Makani Catamaran Sail is included on all Go City® Oahu passes, Oahu Dinner Cruise Sunset Dinner Sail is a separately ticketed upgrade. 

Get to know the island with this nuanced and comprehensive tour, topped off with some snorkeling. It can be almost impossible to escort yourself around the entire island in a weekend, let alone one single day, so allow this expert tour company to pick out the highlights for you. This 120-mile bus tour will take you throughout the island, including Honolulu, Haleiwa, and the North Shore. Don’t forget that camera, your bathing suit, and some snacks – the tour is 8 hours long.

Getting In: Grand Tour with Snorkeling is included on the Go City® Explorer pass only.

To embark on a journey that we know will forever change the way you see Hawaii, try out an Oahu circle tour. You’ll see a great combination of some of the major sites (like the Byodo In Temple, Diamond Head, and the Halona Blowhole) and some hidden gems (like the North Shore shrimp trucks). That's one amazing day planned for you and your friends.

Getting In: Oahu Hidden Gems Tour admission is available on all Go City® Oahu passes.

Another great activity idea for you and your partner is a surf lesson. Get personalized attention from your expert instructor during your session, after which you’ll be able to head out into the ocean waters on your own. It’s a great activity for those who have never tried surfing before, as they begin at a very basic level. Fun for honeymoons or bucket lists!

Getting In: Oahu surf lessons are separately ticketed.

You simply can’t leave Oahu without spending a little time on the water. If you’re in the market for a fun excursion that showcases the best in sightseeing alongside some water-borne fun, hop aboard the Makani Catamaran. This two-hour cruise will showcase the best in ocean views and marine life, so you should keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, sea birds, and even whales in particular seasons.

Getting In: Makani Catamaran Sail admission is available on all Go City® Oahu passes.

History buffs will want to make time to visit the famed Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which serve as a memorial to that fateful day, those who lost their lives, and the war’s legacy. The USS Bowfin Submarine, aka, “The Pearl Harbor Avenger” sank 44 enemy ships during her time in the battle.

The Battleship Missouri, or “Mighty Mo,” was the last battleship ever built and served as the site of many historic moments, including the Surrender Deck, where WWII officially ended. Finally, the USS Arizona Memorial is a poignant reminder of those who lost their lives in the December 7 attack.

Getting In: USS Bowfin Submarine admission, Battleship Missouri admission, and USS Arizona admission are available on all Go City® Oahu passes.

Another must-do activity in Oahu is snorkeling. There are many gorgeous places to seek out vibrant ocean life beneath the waves, but one of our favorites is the lush Hanauma Bay. Snorkel there for some truly special experiences. If you’re sticking around Waikiki or the North Shore, rent some snorkel gear and explore some of the island’s most popular waters. You’ll get the keep the gear for a long time, too, so you won’t feel rushed.

Getting In: Hanauma Bay Snorkeling admission is separately ticketed, but Full Day Snorkel rentals are available on all Go City® Oahu passes.

Outdoorsy friends and couples will also relish the chance to hike around this gorgeous island paradise. Two of the most popular options are Diamond Head and Makapu’u Point, both of which provide excellent views and great exercise.

Diamond Head was named by early European explorers who thought the calcite crystals were diamonds. It's especially popular with photographers for that reason. Makapu’u Point features a delightful historic lighthouse, with a unique hyper-radiant lens that’s worth a look at.

Getting In: Diamond Head Hike shuttle and Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike shuttle are both available on all Go City® Oahu passes.

Now that you’ve spent some time inside, spend a little time on the wild side of Oahu nature. Sneak away from the beaches and into the heart of the island, where you’ll see gorgeous waterfalls, lush tropical trees and flowers, and unbelievably beautiful wildlife. Waimea Valley has it all (see the picture above if you don't believe us).

Getting In: Waimea Valley admission is available on all Go City® Oahu passes.

Hawaii isn’t all outdoors! Some of the most amazing things to do in Oahu for adults can be found in the halls of museums. Whether you’re into Hawaii history, global art, or even local artisans, you’ll find a museum to suit your fancy here.

The Honolulu Museum of Art is modest in size, but big on cultural payoff, with expertly curated exhibits and displays that showcase their invaluable treasures. Iolani Palace is especially cool if you want to see the home of the last two Hawaiian monarchs, and the Queen Emma Summer Palace is also good for those interested in the Hawaiian monarchy.

Getting In: Iolani Palace admission and Queen Emma Summer Palace are both included on all Go City® Oahu passes, while the Honolulu Museum of Art is separately ticketed.

What’s a vacation without a little shopping? Grab some Hawaiian shirts, some new shoes to show off in Waikiki or a new bathing suit to lounge in on the beach. Discount shoppers can hop aboard a shuttle to the Waikele Outlet Mall for some top-notch classic vacation fun. The shuttle takes the hassle out of dealing with Oahu traffic, too, so it’s a win-win.