Oahu Sunset

10+ Romantic Things to Do in Oahu

Hawaii is a dream destination for couples.

There are few more romantic places than Oahu. Swaying palm trees and secluded beaches, activities like surfing and snorkeling, and plenty to keep the culture and art lovers among you happy.

We can hardly think of a better place for a romantic getaway than Oahu. The beaches, the sun, the gorgeous natural paradise, the food, you name it – everything is perfectly calibrated for that ideal vacation. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Oahu, for Valentine's Day or simply for a romantic outing any time of year, check out a few of our suggested activities.

Our list of things to on Oahu for couples includes...

  • A sunset catamaran sail
  • Relax on the beach
  • Hike or bike
  • Watersports (kayaking, SUP, snorkeling)
  • Visit museums
  • Take a surf lesson

Enjoy a sunset sail

white-yacht-sailing-open-sea-sunset

Enjoy a sunset sail

If spending time on the water appeals to you, but you're looking to kick it up a notch for Valentine's Day, then the Makani Sunset Sail is your must-do activity.

Set sail just before sunset, as your captain will ensure you get to enjoy the striking scenes of fading light over the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Once aboard, you can enjoy a delicious, refreshing drink that's sure to get the romantic vibes going. And of course, don't forget to keep an eye out for local ocean life, from whales (season-dependent) to dolphins, turtles, and more.

Swim with the turtles

snorkeling-sea-turtle-girl-swimming-mask

Swim with the turtles

For those of you looking to indulge in something akin to a tropical honeymoon, a chance to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles should be on your must-do list in Oahu.

Discover Hawaii's underwater residents on a Waikiki Turtle Canyon Cruise and Snorkeling adventure. Sail to the south shore of Oahu and dive into the crystal blue waters – a pretty unforgettable Valentine's Day treat!

Relax on the beautiful beaches

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Relax on the beautiful beaches

There’s nothing more romantic than a sunset stroll along the water’s edge – fortunately, Oahu is full of amazing beaches with beautiful views. Whether you want to stick close to home with the beaches in Waikiki or venture out to the North Shore, there are plenty of options to choose from.

If you’re looking for something a little bit wilder, Secret Island Beach offers stunning ocean views and accompanying landscapes. Part of the larger group of attractions at Kualoa Ranch, Secret Island Beach also features some fun activities for the active couples to enjoy, like beach volleyball.

Hike, bike, or stroll along breathtaking trails

sunset-waikiki-beach-honolulu-hawaii

Hike, bike, or stroll along breathtaking trails

Outdoorsy couples will love the wealth of activity to be found in Oahu, especially during the winter months. The weather will be mellower than it typically is during the heart of summer, but you'll still easily enjoy healthy amounts of sunshine.

Jump on a bike and pedal through the streets of Oahu at your leisure, taking in the breathtaking mountain views and coastal scenery. Whether you want to cruise around the streets of Honolulu to visit popular attractions or go off the beaten path and take on more challenging terrain – the choice is yours with a full-day bike rental!

Or, if you don't fancy two wheels, take a hike to a historic lighthouse at Makapu'u Point, or along the famed extinct volcanic crater known as Diamond Head. Both of these trails offer exciting but relatively easy (to moderate) hikes that can be tackled by everyone from hiking newbies to experienced trailblazers.

Want to take a stroll through nature without the exertion of a hike? Try a leisurely walk through the Lyon Arboretum, a beautiful garden in a tropical rainforest.

Try watersports

surfer-riding-wave-hawaii

Try watersports

You name it, you can try it in Oahu when it comes to outdoor adventures. You'll get plenty of time out in the ocean, too, so it's a great chance to try something new, and have a blast!

You’ve always wanted to try that Stand-Up Paddleboarding trend. It's a fun activity, and also great exercise for your core muscles, so you're basically working out while having fun.

Or, perhaps you’re dying to see amazing Hawaiian sea life on a snorkeling adventure – no problem. Be sure to bring an underwater camera, as you won't believe the stunning sights you'll see under the waves. And it doesn't take a professional hand to get some great shots, either!

If all you really want is to kayak around the island to your heart's content, we’ve got that covered, too. Just remember a swimsuit, sunscreen, and perhaps some water shoes.

Another one for the athletic couples, a surf lesson is sure to be a great new adventure. This 2-hour private lesson will be an excellent opportunity for you both to experiment with this exhilarating local sport. And don't worry if you've got zero experience in the surfing game – this opportunity comes with basic training, safety instructions, and personalized attention from your trainers.

Explore Hawaii's museums

Queen Emma Summer Palace

If you’re the kind of couple who likes to explore the cultural side of things wherever you go, there are several small museums and other cultural institutions to explore to help you learn the most about Hawaiian heritage and art.

Those looking specifically for art will love the Honolulu Museum of Art, which is the best fine arts museum in Hawaii. While it's best known for its astonishing collection of Asian art and artifacts, the museum also features an impressive collection of Western art, photography, textiles, and more.

Love architecture and historic furniture? Then perhaps a visit to the nearby Iolani Palace or the Queen Emma Summer Palace might be the right choice. They’re stunning buildings with fascinating historical significance and a visit to either one of these sites is sure to be rewarding for culture buffs.

Learn about the natural world

entrance-bishop-museum-honolulu-hawaii

Learn about the natural world

If your passion for exploring the globe extends to the natural world, then a visit to the Bishop Museum is in order. This fantastic institution is both Hawaii's largest museum and its most comprehensive: featuring everything from art and artifacts of Polynesian culture to millions of plant and animal specimens. One of the finest natural history museums around.

A visit here is a nice complement to the art museums listed above and truly showcases the extent of Oahu's cultural scene. It's also very family-friendly, should you be celebrating Valentine's Day with the kids tagging along.

Bring your love of movies to life

When your favorite shared activity is Netflix and popcorn, you know you have to make a point of enjoying a movie site tour while you’re in Oahu. Some of your favorite movies and shows may have been filmed on location on this lush tropical island, like Lost or the Hunger Games franchise.

Along the way, you can also enjoy the gorgeous rainforest setting, complete with picturesque waterfalls, exotic plant life, and plenty of great photo ops for that perfect Instagram to prove you were there.

Enjoy island cuisine

shave-ice

Enjoy island cuisine

Of course, there are few things as romantic as a nice dinner. When you’re in Oahu, that often means enjoying the delicious options island cuisine has to offer, whether you want to go all out at an amazing luau or are just looking for some classic shaved ice.

If you prefer something more traditional (i.e., in a restaurant), Honolulu offers world-class dining with a Hawaiian twist. Expect a lot of seafood and a lot of Asian-influenced cuisine, and be sure to make reservations in advance if you’re planning on dining on Valentine’s Day itself.

Meditate in nature

byodo-temple-hawaii

Meditate in nature

This is one for the couple that loves Sunday yoga classes together. Head to the peaceful Byodo-In Temple at the very edge of the Ko'olau Mountains. There, you can spend some time with your loved one meditating together, or just serenely watching the koi flit around their pond.

Enjoy your romantic trip to Oahu

So there you have it. Our list of plenty of romantic things to do on Oahu, just in time for Valentine's Day. From sandy beaches to cool museums to vibrant luaus, Oahu has it all. So when you’re thinking of destinations for your romantic vacation, Hawaii has got to be on your list.

Remember, some of these great Oahu attractions are included with an Oahu Pass, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. You could save yourself up to 50% on your romantic must-sees – perfect!  

☀️Compare Oahu passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Honolulu Oahu

Nestled right along the southeastern shore of Oahu, Honolulu has long been one of America’s most beloved tourist hotspots. A town of sun-soaked beaches, captivating scenery, and seaside cocktail shacks, the capital of Hawaii draws in millions of visitors each year – and it’s easy to see why. Still, there’s a lot more to love about the city than its laid-back beach vibes. One of the reasons why Honolulu is such a great place to visit is because it offers so much to explore. Whether you’re looking to see Diamond Head, explore ʻIolani Palace, or just simply kick back at Waikiki Beach, you’re sure to find something to suit you. If you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best places to discover in the area. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! Explore the Area With its beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests, Honolulu is the perfect destination for all nature lovers. To soak up the true beauty of the area, we strongly recommend checking out the Manoa Falls Trail. Offering a paradisial retreat in nature, this stop is one of Honolulu’s most popular tourist attractions, period. Along the route, you’ll no doubt be wowed by the beautiful vegetation which flourishes from all angles. This is also generally considered to be one of the city’s easier hiking trails, taking around an hour to complete. However, it can get pretty slippery along the way, so we suggest wearing appropriate footwear for the occasion. The path culminates at Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall, plummeting into a gleaming rock pool. Though it’s off-limits for visitors to swim in the pool, the breathtaking view and refreshing mists make the journey more than worth it. If you’re looking to spend time in the great outdoors, there’s no better place to be than Honolulu. For a fantastic day trip to remember, you couldn’t do much better than the Diamond Head Trail. Originally constructed in 1908, the route was developed as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system. Today, this U.S. National Natural Monument welcomes thousands of visitors each day as one of the island’s most iconic tourist attractions. At 560 feet high, this trail might sound pretty daunting to some – but at just 0.8 miles long, it's actually a pretty short climb. Along the route, you’ll catch stunning views of the city from way up high. The crown jewel of the Diamond Head Trail is, of course, its famous volcanic tuff cone after which the hike is named. A defining feature of the city and a total sight to behold, this natural wonder is well worth the journey. Don’t forget to bring a camera – you'll definitely want to get some snaps of this! Get Cultured Though Honolulu is perhaps best known for its golden beaches and cascading waterfalls, there’s so much more to be discovered. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to love about the city. Those looking for history and culture in Hawaii’s capital will be more than happy with what the area has to offer. Located just downtown, ʻIolani Palace makes an ideal tourist attraction both for its unique structure and fascinating background. Exhibiting a distinctive blend of Italian Renaissance and Hawaiin architecture, the palace is known for its design, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Visitors should take time to appreciate its beautiful stonework outside. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy its rich interiors, including a breathtaking koi staircase, preserved furniture, and portraits of Hawaiin royalty. You’ll also be led by a tour guide, so you can learn more about the history of the building and the royal and governmental figures who called the palace home. Utterly magnificent and dreamlike, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary. For those interested in learning more about the history of the area, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Originally named for the wealth of pearl oysters found within its protected waters, Pearl Harbor is the state’s largest natural harbor and a popular tourist experience for many. Well-suited to visitors with a thirst for knowledge, this famous lagoon harbor is of course known for its tragic past which changed the course of history. Today, it is one of the top visitor destinations in Oahu, with millions coming from all over the globe to see the site of the surprise attack and its collection of memorials and war museums. Whether you’re a history buff, or just plain curious, you’ll find that there’s plenty to see and do here. Tour the USS Missouri Battleship, which is famous for bringing WWII to its end in 1945. Hear first-hand stories from those who survived the attacks on Battleship Row. Walk through an airplane hangar pierced with bullet holes from the battle. As fascinating as it is moving, this stop is a fantastic educational experience for those of all ages. Relax! Of course, a trip to Honolulu wouldn’t be complete without hitting the beach! Stretching for two full miles along the south Oahu coast, Waikiki Beach has long served as the perfect stop for recreation and relaxation. Going way back to the 1800s, you could even find Hawaiin royalty trying their hand at longboarding here. Today, the beach lives up to its Hawaiin name, meaning ‘’spouting waters’’, with its rolling surf and salt-sprayed shores making it one of the biggest draws of the city. Among the various things to do here, you’ll find that Waikiki beach is a pretty popular destination for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and more. Dotted along the beachfront, there are countless restaurants, stores and bars. Comes nightfall, the fun never stops coming in Waikiki since it's such a big tourist hotspot. Whether you’re looking to catch some rays, try your hand at a new water sport, or just simply grab a drink, this place truly does have it all. Vibrant and bursting with culture, Hawaii’s state capital never fails to impress. The best things to do in Honolulu run the gamut – from seriously beautiful to fantastically educational, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. For sunseekers and anybody looking to take a break, the city’s idyllic beaches are where you’ll want to be. Still, anybody with even a cursory interest in history and culture should make time to see the sites. With fantastic attractions like ʻIolani Palace. Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor, you’ll be glad you did! To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Sporting Activities in Oahu

Oahu is an ideal destination for getting in some athletic activity on your vacation. Whether you love running on the beach or dream of surfing the Banzai Pipeline, you can enjoy all the sporting activities you can conceive of on this amazing Hawaiian island. For sporting enthusiasts looking to snorkel, surf, or swim their way through a tropical vacation, check out this summary of the top sporty things to do in Oahu. Then, scroll down for how to save on admission tickets to these and other popular Oahu attractions. Surfing The first thing many people think of when considering athletic expression in Hawaii is surfing. After all, Oahu is known for several preeminent surfing competitions and the one-and-only Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore. Of course, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy surfing in Oahu. For those looking to try their hand at surfing for the first time, or even folks with a bit of experience but who are still looking to learn more, Oahu surf lessons are a smart bet. You’ll get personalized instruction and hands-on help as you learn the ins and outs of the board, balancing your body, and navigating the waves. It’s a bucket list item for many, so be sure to try it out on your next Hawaiian vacation! Snorkeling Another perennially popular activities in Oahu is snorkeling. Their brilliant blue waters and vast populations of tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs make for perfect snorkeling conditions, so it’s no surprise that people flock to Hawaii to enjoy the sport. There are loads of different options for snorkeling in Oahu, but we’ve outlined a few of our favorites below. First, an exciting immersive snorkeling experience that combines an extensive North Shore tour with an opportunity to snorkel with the sea turtles. Then, check out the protected marine conservation area Hanauma Bay, a gentle place for beginners that still offers loads of beautiful tropical creatures with many indigenous species. Or, rent your snorkel gear and snorkel Waikiki. Paddle-boarding For those looking to truly get in a good workout during their vacation, stand-up paddle-boarding is a must-try. If you’ve never experimented with the sport before, it makes for an excellent core workout. It's also a delightful way to explore the beautiful Hawaiian waters! Fortunately, this fun sporting activity is suitable for beginners, too. Try this three-hour paddle-board rental on the North Shore of Oahu, where all the necessary equipment is included. Discover the sea, teeming with life from vibrant tropical fish to playful dolphins to majestic whales. You have the potential to see all of these and more on your sightseeing paddle-board excursion! Kayaking A more classic water sports activity in Oahu is kayaking. This two-person activity is an excellent way to roam the waters. If you’ve never enjoyed a good kayaking excursion before, now’s your chance. Make the most of the opportunity on your next Hawaiian vacation. We like the waters of the North Shore of Oahu for the best kayaking opportunities. Rent a kayak for three hours with a partner and paddle to your heart’s content. Get the chance to see all the most exotic and exciting wildlife in Hawaii, from sea turtles to dolphins and even tiny little tropical fish. Yoga View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yoga Floats (@yogafloats) on Jul 31, 2019 at 10:38am PDT Finally, practice your breathing and engage your core with a good active yoga practice during your next Hawaiian vacation. There are plenty of options for enjoying this invigorating and meditative activity, all of which provide the chance for you to connect with yourself and with the beautiful natural world around you. Try a morning vinyasa flow in a park in Waikiki for a truly unforgettable experience—after all, how often do you get to see the ocean while in downward dog? Or, if you’re looking for a more invigorating practice, try yoga aboard a Stand-Up Paddleboard. SUP Yoga is a hot new thing and is a great introduction to both sports. Save on Sporting Activities in Oahu Hoping to get in some surfing, paddle-boarding, or snorkeling on your next tropical vacation? Get a Go Oahu pass to save up to 55% on these and other top things to do in Oahu. You can also save on museums, tours, cruises, and more—everything you need for a perfect Hawaiian vacation. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal

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