Things to Do in Oahu in Summer 2020 - Attractions, Activities & More

Experience one of the most quintessential Hawaiian vacation activities and set sail on the Pacific Ocean for an island-style dinner with a complimentary drink and an unforgettable view of the Hawaiian sunset. You’ll get to see the sunset over the azure coastal waters with the picturesque landscape of the Hawaiian Islands in the backdrop. This is perfect for those romantic getaways or relaxing summer vacations. Getting In: Sunset Dinner Sail tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu passes.

Snorkel the bright coral reef of Hanauma Bay and have the time of your life this summer. It's one of the most popular things to do on many bucket lists and is also just a fantastic thing to do in the sunshine. Meet turtles, rays, and tropical fish, and observe stunning coral and water plants through pristine waters. This gorgeous nature preserve is the perfect place to snorkel, whether you’re new to the game or an experienced pro. You could also opt for a more in-depth snorkeling adventure, which escorts you along a delightful hidden gems tour of Oahu, before letting you loose to snorkel the North Shore alongside magnificent sea turtles. Getting In: Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass. Oahu Hidden Gems Tour + Snorkeling with Turtles tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu passes.

A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is the perfect Oahu destination for those of you looking to immerse yourselves in Hawaiian culture and heritage. Explore historic and modern Polynesia as you journey through six separate regions, witnessing demonstrations, performances, craftwork, dancing, spear-throwing, and more. Stick around later for an authentic luau, if you'd really like a taste of traditional Hawaiian culture. This particular luau includes a beautiful song and dance performance that you'll never forget, so it's definitely worth waiting for. Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass. Ali`i Luau + Admission to Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu passes.

If you’re looking for paradise, you’ll find it in Waimea Valley (probably one of our favorite places to visit Oahu during the summer season). Nearly 2,000 acres of lush wilderness, parks, hiking trails, waterfalls, botanical gardens, and more await at this popular tropical oasis. You’ll even get the chance to explore several archaeological sites. Go swimming, hiking, or just stroll around to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Getting In: Waimea Valley tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable hike that’s not too challenging but still provides an unmissable payoff, consider a hike to Diamond Head. Choose an option that provides a shuttle to the starting point to avoid the stress of Oahu traffic and parking. This volcanic crater is so named because its glittering façade looked like diamonds to early explorers. Today, it’s one of the most photographed sites in Oahu and is arguably the most famous volcanic crater on earth. Another fun hiking option is the Makapu'u Point Hike, which allows you to trek out to this historic lighthouse with its distinctive hyper-radiant lens. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales from the viewpoint before marveling at the Halona Blowhole that shoots water up to 20 feet in the air. Getting In: Diamond Head Hike tickets and Makapuu Lighthouse & Halona Blowhole Tour tickets are both included with the Go Oahu pass.

If sun and sand are really what you’re after, then you want to hit up Secret Island Beach. Located at Kualoa Ranch on the Kaneohe Bay, this stunning beach is the perfect place to just sit back and enjoy the summer weather. Or, you can choose to be active and do anything from canoeing and kayaking to volleyball and Ping-Pong. It's the perfect way to spend a luxurious beachy afternoon! Keep in mind that because this beach is popular, so visitors are limited to three-hour sessions. Getting In: Secret Island Beach tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.

The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are arguably the most popular collection of attractions in all of Oahu because of their significant historical value. Visit the USS Bowfin Submarine, one of the few surviving combat submarines from WWII. Here you'll find the Waterfront Memorial, Regulus I cruise missile and Japanese Kaiten torpedo. Next take a stroll on the deck of the Battleship Missouri, or "Mighty Mo," where the Surrender Deck marks the official end of WWII. Make sure to check their summer calendar for the annual 'Picnic on the Pier' event, featuring lives music, fun activities, and prizes. Bring a picnic and blanket and chairs, or purchase food and drink on-site! Finally, tour the amazing USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the lives lost on that fateful day in December of 1941. Getting In: USS Bowfin Submarine tickets, Battleship Missouri tickets, and USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour tickets are all included with the Go Oahu pass.

Home to the Hawaiian kingdom’s last two monarchs, Iolani Palace is a beautiful example of ornate “American Florentine” architecture. It’s filled with artifacts, furniture, and décor from the late nineteenth century and showcases the last days of the Hawaiian monarchy in exquisite detail. A great find for history buffs! They also host the Prince Lot Hula Festival in July (see more on that below). Getting In: Iolani Palace tickets are included with the Go Oahu pass.