On this page you’ll find lots of budget-friendly things to do in Oahu. With the exception of a couple of the activities, the vast majority of things to do listed on this page are free.
That’s because almost all of Oahu’s hikes and beaches are FREE!
This list focuses on outdoor travel and culture travel. So if you’re an outdoor enthusiast with an interest in learning about Hawaiian culture, there’s a good chance you’ll find things on this list that you’ll want to do!
Of course, this is not an extensive list in any way! But with so many things to do in Oahu, it can give you a starting point in your research. Use it as a guide for planning the best Hawaii vacation ever!
ALOHA!
I want to hike on Oahu! – Get the free Oahu hikes digital pocket guide
I want to explore Hawaiian culture on Oahu!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
OAHU MAP INDEX
The Oahu map below is an index of planning tips you can find on this website.
You’ll find the following categories on the map:
It’s an interactive map of Oahu. So click on an icon to find out what’s there, and you’ll also find a link to take you to more planning details! Give it a try!
If you’re on mobile, be sure to explore it from a desktop or laptop too! If you’re coming to this page from Pinterest, it doesn’t work well in the Pinterest app, so be sure to open it up in your web browser or Google Maps app.
If you prefer a list index instead of a map index, see this list for Oahu.
EXPLORE OAHU BY REGION
- Waikiki
- East Oahu
- North Shore
- Central Oahu
Waikiki
East Oahu
North Shore
Things to do on the North Shore
Central Oahu
oahu map | oahu hikes | oahu beaches | oahu culture | getting around oahu | hawaii packing
OAHU HIKES
Diamond Head Crater Trail, near Waikiki
Koko Head Hike, East Oahu
Lanikai Pillbox Hike, East Oahu
Puu Maelieli Trail, East Oahu
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, East Oahu
Manoa Falls Trail, near Honolulu
Tips for hiking in Hawaii
Read this before heading out for any hiking trails in Oahu!
Hawaii State Parks
See the official Hawaii State Parks website for more ideas on where to go hiking in Oahu and also for picnic sites. This is a list of state parks and state historic sites.
Hawaii Trail and Access System
If you’re an experienced hiker looking for longer trails, have a look here for more trails with a map and list maintained by the State of Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Diamond Head Crater Trail, near Waikiki | oahu hikes
Nearby: Waikiki snorkeling
Koko Head Hike, East Oahu | oahu hikes
Nearby: Hanauma Bay
Lanikai Pillbox Hike, East Oahu | oahu hikes
Nearby: Lanikai Beach | Mokulua Islands
Puu Maelieli Trail, East Oahu | oahu hikes
Nearby: Byodo-In Temple
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, East Oahu | oahu hikes
Manoa Falls Trail, near Honolulu | oahu hikes
oahu map | oahu hikes | oahu beaches | oahu culture | getting around oahu | hawaii packing
OAHU BEACHES
What to wear snorkeling in Hawaii
Do you need to know how to swim to snorkel?
Queens Beach, Waikiki
Lanikai Beach, East Oahu
Sharks Cove, North Shore
Laniakea Beach | Turtle Beach, North Shore
Hanauma Bay, East Oahu
Kuhio Beach, Waikiki
Queens Beach, Waikiki | oahu beaches
Lanikai Beach, East Oahu | oahu beaches
Nearby: Lanikai Pillbox Hike | Mokulua Islands
Sharks Cove, North Shore | oahu beaches
Nearby: Turtle Beach | Waimea Bay
Laniakea Beach – Turtle Beach, North Shore | oahu beaches
Nearby: Sharks Cove | Waimea Bay
Hanauma Bay, East Oahu | oahu beaches
Nearby: Koko Head Hike
Kuhio Beach, Waikiki | oahu beaches
Nearby: Duke Kahanamoku Statue
oahu map | oahu hikes | oahu beaches | oahu culture | getting around oahu | hawaii packing
HAWAIIAN CULTURE IN OAHU
Polynesian Cultural Center, North Shore
Waikiki Hula Show, Waikiki
Keaiwa Heiau, Central Oahu
Puu O Mahuka Heiau, North Shore
Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikiki
Kauhale Ancient Living Site, North Shore
Kukaniloko Birthstones, Central Oahu
Byodo-In Temple, East Oahu
A heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple
Polynesian Cultural Center, North Shore | hawaiian culture
Waikiki Hula Show, Waikiki | hawaiian culture
Keaiwa Heiau, Central Oahu | hawaiian culture
Nearby: Aiea Loop Trail | Pearl Harbor
Puu O Mahuka Heiau, North Shore | hawaiian culture
Nearby: Turtle Beach | Sharks Cove
Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikiki | hawaiian culture
Kauhale Ancient Living Site, North Shore | hawaiian culture
Nearby: Turtle Beach | Sharks Cove
Kukaniloko Birthstones, Central Oahu | hawaiian culture
Nearby: Dole Plantation
Byodo-In Temple, East Oahu | hawaiian culture
Nearby: Puu Maelieli Trail
oahu map | oahu hikes | oahu beaches | oahu culture | getting around oahu | hawaii packing
GETTING AROUND OAHU
Oahu by bus: How to take the bus to get around Oahu
Oahu circle island driving tour: map + list
oahu map | oahu hikes | oahu beaches | oahu culture | oahu island tour | hawaii packing
HAWAII PACKING LIST
Hawaii Packing List: What to pack for Hawaii
Not your ordinary packing list!
What to wear snorkeling in Hawaii
What to pack when snorkeling with kids
oahu map | oahu hikes | oahu beaches | oahu culture | getting around oahu | hawaii packing
HAPPY OAHU VACATION PLANNING!
What is GOA? Goa is a beach state in India, much like Hawaii is to the United States. And just as Hawaii is seen as a vacation destination, Goa is a popular vacation destination too! There is talk between the Hawaii state government and the Goa state government to become sister states. This means that the two states will work together to promote common goals for purposes of economic and cultural exchanges. You can read more about these efforts from Hawaii’s U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard’s office HERE and HERE. You can read more about what it means to be sister states HERE. ALOHA!
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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