Outdoor Activities To Do in Oahu

Need a few ideas of what to do while on Oahu? Here's a few of my favorites!

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A hiking trail with a hidden gem

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail 

Located on the east side of Oahu heading toward Waimanalo on Kalanianaole Hwy. In my opinion, this trail is one of the easiest hikes due to its paved roads and easy access. It is roughly 2 miles long, round trip with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Once at the top the view out is breathtaking; great for sunrise hikes. 

There is no cost to enter and the parking can be tough depending on the time, usually crowded in the morning and afternoon. Parking is available in the park entrance or on Kalanianaole Hwy. 

At the second lookout point of the trail, you can go down pass the sign and find the tidepools. However, the hike down is very dangerous. The walking area along the side of the mountain is very narrow where there are many loose rocks and tiny arrows painted on rocks showing the routes up and down.

The walk down is a hike itself, so go slow and be careful not to slip. When leaving, follow the arrows and be prepared because it’s a workout going straight up. My advice is to not stop moving, once you stop continuing up is going to be five times harder. 

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Hawaii Water Sports Center

Location: Koko Marina (east side of Oahu)

If you’re looking for something fun to do on a hot day, here there are a bunch of different water sport activities that they offer such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat ride, bumper tube ride, wakeboard, snorkeling, and waterski. There is an age limit for certain activities, so view the website under each activity before booking.

It’s a perfect out of the ordinary activity you can do with friends and family. The location is great because the Hawaii Kai area is beautiful and perfect for water activities.

The cost for each activity is quite expensive but I think for what you’re getting, it’s definitely worth it because you’re doing each activity for a decent amount of time and it’s like a once in a lifetime thing. I have gone only twice but did different activities every time and it was very fun but not a daily activity. 

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Tantalus Lookout

Tantalus is one of my absolute favorite lookouts to go to, day or night. It’s great for sightseeing, stargazing, and/or a place to hangout. You can stop at one of the lookout points (as pictured) on the way or keep going up the mountain to the top where the actual lookout entrance is. 

It is located in lower Punchbowl near Manoa. The drive there is difficult because certain turns before the drive up are side streets and are passible if not familiar with the area or not using directions. Once on the road heading toward the lookout, the turns are very sharp so drive slowly and with caution. Especially at night, the roads are completely dark so be careful when driving up. 

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Two of my favorite beaches

Kaimana Beach

Growing up, every family gathering was usually at this beach. From birthdays, holidays, barbeques, camping or just random gatherings. This beach is located next to Waikiki toward Diamond Head, it’s great if you’re looking for a chill beach to swim, tan, and/or watch the sunset. It is child and dog friendly since the tides are very minimal. 

The only downside is the parking is limited due to it’s small parking area. However, there is meter parking across the street so always remember to bring your loose change.

Sherwood Beach

It’s located on the east side of Oahu in Waimanalo. Sherwoods is a long stretched beach so finding a spot to set up will not be difficult no matter how crowded. The parking is not a big issue either because there are two sides you can park and both areas are fairly large. 

The distance from the sand to the water is pretty long so it’s great for spikeball or volleyball. Due to the strong currents it’s great for bodyboard, boogie board, and fishing but if you’re not a strong swimmer, I suggest not free swimming because the current can pull you out and will be difficult to get back to shore. 

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Surfing

In Hawaii, surfing is a popular sport due to the annual competition on the north side of Oahu that hosts The Billabong Pipeline Masters. Surfers from all around the world compete for a share of the $525,000 money prize.

Many people have taken interest in surfing since The Billabong Pipeline Masters began. However, surfing is a hard sport to learn but with time and patience anyone can catch a wave.

I began learning to surf a few weeks ago and been struggling ever since but the more I practice the easier it becomes. No matter how many times I fall, I still enjoy it. My friend is the one teaching me the basics but if you want to learn as well, there are surf lessons in Waikiki that beginners can take.

Once you get the hang of things, surfing will get easier and more exhilarating as time goes on.