Best Outdoor Activities in Oahu

"Lanikai Beach offers soft, white sand and fantastic views of the Mokulua Islands State Seabird Sanctuary, a couple of offshore islets full of Hawaiian birdlife. Neighboring Kailua Bay has a long stretch of sand with mountain views and beachside parks with facilities. Just a few miles up the road, the large Kaneohe Bay has a huge sandbar and a triangular islet known as Chinaman’s Hat that you can paddle out to. He’eia State Park and Kualoa Regional Park are both on the bay."

"Instead of Waikiki, head over to the less-crowded Lanikai Beach, which is often ranked one the best beaches in Oahu. The bright white sand beach and endless blue water is definitely a reminder of why many people call Hawaii “paradise.”"

"A wide arc of sand drapes around the jewel-colored waters of Kailua Bay, with formidable volcanic headlands bookending either side and interesting little islands rising offshore. It’s ideal for long, leisurely walks, family outings and all kinds of aquatic activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing. The beach has a gently sloping sandy bottom with usually calm waters; it’s excellent for swimming year-round, especially in the morning. The wind can blow any time but generally kicks up in the afternoon."

"Just up the road is another one of the most popular Instagram spots on all of Oahu; Kaiula Beach Park. Drive safely, as the road will take you up a scenic drive with views of the most inviting beach you’ve ever laid eyes on. Not becoming distracted by the siren call of Eden out your window will be one of the most difficult things you will have to do during your time on Oahu!"

"Take a 12 mile drive northeast to Kailua Beach to find exciting waterfront activities. A crescent-shaped, 2.5 mile stretch of glorious bright-blue ocean and sandy beach, Kailua Beach is the place for all sorts of sports from windsurfing to kayaking. Kayak or paddle board out to the protected seabird sanctuaries of Flat Island and the Mokulua Islands."

"Like many beaches on the North Shore, Sunset Beach has a split personality. In winter big swells arrive, along with pro wave riders and the posse of followers these rock stars of the sea attract. The second leg of the Triple Crown of Surfing takes place here in late November and early December. In summer Sunset is a prime place to log beach time. Waves calm down, there’s a swimming channel before the reef and trees for shade."

"If you’re feeling extra adventurous on your visit to Waikiki HI, embark on a three-mile journey into the Waimānalo Forest Reserve. Maunawili Falls is a secluded 20-foot waterfall near the genuinely breathtaking Ko’olau Mountains. The trailhead begins in the Maunawili residential area in northern Honolulu, 13 miles from Prince Waikiki."

"A post shared by Dustin Letcher (@dustinletcher) on May 17, 2019 at 9:45pm PDT. One of the most challenging hikes you can possibly try out is definitely the one to Maunawili Falls. Though stipulated as a tough hike, what greets you along the way is as memorable as the challenging hike is."

"Next on my list of the best waterfalls in Oahu is the stunning Maunawili Falls. One of the best waterfall hikes in Oahu, the Maunawili Falls trail receives heavy foot traffic. Located near Kailua, Maunawili is a moderate hike with spectacular views."

"Pro tip #1: if you’ll be spending 5 days in Oahu, I recommend starting the fifth day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Museums, followed by either a walking tour of downtown Honolulu (Chinatown, Aloha Tower, Kawaiahao Church, Aliiolani Hale, Iolani Palace, St. Andrew Cathedral and Punchbowl) or a road trip up the more remote west coast of Oahu (Makaha Beach Park and Kaneana [Makua] Cave). Early risers can start with a guided visit to the Honolulu Fish Auction."

"Of the choices you’ll have, our pick for the best Oahu Instagram spot in the park is Sherwood Beach. Here, you will find the softest, silkiest white sand you could hope for, as well as distant mountainscapes and stunning turquoise water. As pretty as Sherwood Beach is, and it is pretty, things only get better as you drive north…"

"The flagship of Iron Chef Morimoto’s Hawaii arm is Morimoto Asia Waikiki, a pan-Asian dim sum, sushi, and large plates restaurant known for its exceptionally good take on a Bronzino (they butterfly the fish like it’s a piece of origami paper). Come for sunset around 5:30 PM and be sure to order the signature sticky ribs as an appetizer; the duck caesar salad is also great. Downstairs, Morimoto’s ramen and sake bar, Momosan, is a lesser-known, cheaper option for a  fairly-priced, casual dinner."

"Known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, Masaharu Morimoto is the man behind this upscale Waikiki restaurant. At Morimoto Waikiki, Japanese and Western ingredients are seamlessly combined to create a masterful fusion of the two cultural cuisines. It has garnered praise from numerous publications, such as being named Honolulu’s top restaurant by the New York Times."

"Pro tip #1: if you’ll be spending 5 days in Oahu, I recommend starting the fifth day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Museums, followed by either a walking tour of downtown Honolulu (Chinatown, Aloha Tower, Kawaiahao Church, Aliiolani Hale, Iolani Palace, St. Andrew Cathedral and Punchbowl) or a road trip up the more remote west coast of Oahu (Makaha Beach Park and Kaneana [Makua] Cave). Early risers can start with a guided visit to the Honolulu Fish Auction."

"9 km from city center 23 out of 58 places to visit in Honolulu. Separated by a distance of 7.4 miles from the city of Honolulu, the Waialae Beach is a favourite of a number of people in Honolulu. If you are planning to spend a day filled with activities, you can definitely include this beach in your bucket list, swimming, sunning, picnics, snorkeling, walking, even running, and the list goes on."

"Waialae Beach Park is a relaxing spot for people who are comfortable under the sunlight. This beach has a rocky shoreline and shallow reef; thus, wearing footwear when you step in waters is highly recommended. There are also windsurfers in this area, given the windy weather and minimal waves."