Visiting Hawaiʻi soon but not sure which island to choose—or what to do once you get there?
Oʻahu is one of Hawaiʻi’s most visited islands for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of breathtaking nature, rich Hawaiian history, modern convenience, amazing food, and endless activities.
Whether you love beaches, hiking, culture, wildlife, or historic landmarks, Oʻahu has something for everyone.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Oʻahu—from wild dolphin encounters to royal palaces and hidden temples.
1. Watch Wild Spinner Dolphins
If encountering dolphins is on your Hawaii bucket list, Oʻahu is one of the best places to do it.
The west side of the island is home to large pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins, known for their playful spins and graceful movements.
Joining a responsible dolphin tour allows you to:
- Watch dolphins in their natural habitat
- Enjoy crystal-clear water and colorful tropical fish
- Learn about Hawaiian culture through the crew’s E Hō Mai ceremony
- Relax with complimentary lunch and ocean views on deck
➡️ Want a safe, respectful, and unforgettable dolphin experience?
Check out the Dolphins & You tour, Oʻahu’s most love-filled wild dolphin experience.
2. Explore Hawaiʻi’s Royal Heritage at ʻIolani Palace
Oʻahu is the only island in Hawaiʻi where a royal family lived in an official palace—and it’s the only royal palace in the entire United States.
Located in Downtown Honolulu, ʻIolani Palace was once home to Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi (monarchy) and remains a powerful symbol of Hawaiian history and identity.
Visitors can explore:
- The beautifully restored throne room
- Lavish European-style architecture
- Exhibits about Queen Liliʻuokalani and King Kalākaua
- Artifacts from Hawaiʻi’s royal era
If you want to dive deeper into Oʻahu’s cultural history, an island tour that shares local stories can help bring this history to life.
➡️ The Island and You Circle Island Tour includes cultural stories, food, historic spots, and scenic viewpoints all around Oʻahu.
3. Hike Oʻahu’s Most Scenic Trails
Oʻahu is paradise for hikers of all levels. Whether you prefer coastal views or challenging ridge climbs, there’s a trail for you.
Top hikes to try:
- Koko Head Crater: Over 1,000 steps straight up a volcanic crater. Tough but unforgettable sunrise views.
- Kaʻena Point: A peaceful coastal hike leading to a sanctuary for monk seals, seabirds, and dramatic cliffs.
- Olomana Trail (Three Peaks): For experienced hikers. Narrow ridges, steep climbs, and insanely rewarding views.
4. Visit Pearl Harbor & the USS Arizona Memorial
Oʻahu is home to one of the most significant historical sites in the United States.
At Pearl Harbor, visitors can:
- Learn about World War II
- Visit the USS Arizona Memorial
- Explore the museums and historical centers
- Take a boat shuttle to the memorial site
The USS Arizona Memorial is free, but reservations are strongly recommended.
This experience is meaningful, educational, and unforgettable.
5. Visit Queen Emma’s Summer Palace
Just five miles from Waikīkī along the scenic Pali Highway is Queen Emma’s Summer Palace, a peaceful retreat once used by Queen Emma and her family to escape the summer heat of Honolulu.
Highlights include:
- Greek Revival architecture (rare in Hawaiʻi!)
- Docent-led tours by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi
- Native Hawaiian plants and gardens spread across 2 acres
- Historical artifacts from Hawaiʻi’s royal family
It’s a charming stop that provides a quieter, more intimate look into royal Hawaiian life.
6. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
The Punchbowl Crater is home to one of the most solemn and meaningful sites in Hawaiʻi.
This National Memorial honors:
- Service members lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor
- U.S. military personnel from various wars
- The sacrifices of the American Armed Forces
Visitors can walk through the memorial while enjoying sweeping panoramic views of Honolulu.
A powerful and reflective stop during your Oʻahu trip.
7. Experience the Beauty of Waimea Valley Waterfall
Waimea Valley, located on Oʻahu’s historic North Shore, is one of the island’s most beautiful and culturally significant areas. It’s not just a waterfall — it’s a living Hawaiian cultural site with over 5,000 botanical species, ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites, and a stunning 45-foot waterfall you can swim in.
Why visit Waimea Valley?
- A family-friendly, paved walking path (easy for all ages)
- Hundreds of tropical flowers & native plants
- Rare birds and wildlife
- Hawaiian cultural demonstrations
- A refreshing swim at Waimea Falls
- North Shore scenery that feels like a natural sanctuary
Waimea was once home to Hawaiian royalty and priests, making it one of the most important ahupuaʻa (land divisions) in ancient Hawaiʻi.
➡️ Want to explore Waimea Valley with transportation, breakfast, lunch, and a guide included?
Check out the Nature and You: Waimea Valley Waterfall Hike Tour
a relaxing North Shore day trip featuring local food, cultural insight, and a refreshing waterfall swim.
It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable nature experiences for Oʻahu visitors.
8. Explore the Byodo-In Temple
Located in the lush Valley of the Temples beneath the towering Koʻolau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple is one of Oʻahu’s most peaceful attractions.
Features include:
- A replica of the 950-year-old Kyoto temple
- A serene pond filled with koi
- Japanese gardens designed by renowned landscaper Kiichi Toemon Sano
- An 18-foot gold-leaf Buddha
It’s a perfect stop for photography, meditation, or a calm escape from Waikīkī’s busy energy.
9. U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi
Located in the heart of Waikīkī, this museum is housed inside a 1911 coastal defense battery.
You’ll find exhibits showcasing:
- Hawaiʻi’s military history
- Weapons, maps, and artifacts
- Stories from the Pacific War and Vietnam War
- Rotating seasonal exhibits
It’s free to visit, making it a great educational stop during a day in Waikīkī.
10. Explore the Whole Island With a Circle Island Tour
Want to see waterfalls, beaches, food spots, temples, lookouts, and local history—all in one day?
A Circle Island Tour is the perfect way to experience Oʻahu efficiently.
The Island and You tour includes:
- Cultural stories from expert guides
- Local-style breakfast and lunch
- Stops at scenic beaches and lookouts
- History-rich locations like Byodo-In, Dole Plantation, and more
If you want to “Eat Local, Feel Local,” this is the tour that brings the best of Oʻahu together.
➡️ Learn more or book here: Island and You – Circle Island Tour
Oʻahu is more than famous beaches—it’s nature, history, culture, tradition, and adventure all in one place.
Whether you’re here for dolphins, hikes, temples, or historic landmarks, the island has endless ways to experience the true spirit of Hawaiʻi.
If you have more time, explore other islands too—but if you can visit only one, Oʻahu offers the perfect Hawaiʻi experience.
Aloha, and enjoy your journey through Oʻahu!
