Things We Can Do
Best Trails in Oahu
Link: Best Trails in Oahu
Ready to check out the best trails in Oahu for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 252 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Oahu offers some of the world's most captivating beaches for beach lovers. Pick Oahu for your next destination, whether you desire drama or tranquility, crashing waves or calm waters. As one of the oldest islands in the chain of Hawaiian islands, Oahu harbors over 20 developed beaches. Some Oahu beaches fade away in winter, but others stay lovely and vibing all year round. Use our top ten list of Oahu beaches to create your dream island getaway.
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the “curved bay,” after years of neglect and abuse from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there.
Hanauma Bay has long been one of the island of Oahu’s jewels. Native Hawaiians have been enjoying life on the bay for thousands of years. The beach and surrounding natural park get their name from two Hawaiian words: “hana” which means bay and “uma” which means curved. To the Hawaiians, Hanauma Bay has long been part of their history. In fact, there are many legends about how the curved bay got its name. The bay was historically an excellent area for fishing. Records show that the Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s often stayed at the bay for entertainment and fishing.
TIP: This place is popular so get there as early as possible for parking and finding a desired spot to land.
Hanauma Bay State Park
Link: Hanauma Bay State Park
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Where: North Shore, Oahu
Activities: Bodyboarding, surfing, snorkeling, swimming, fishing
Amenities: Parking, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, lifeguard
Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Waimea Bay
Link: Waimea Bay
Oahu Nightlife
Link: Oahu Nightlife
After the sun melts into the Pacific, the stars come out, and the Oahu nightlife comes to life! It’s really all about the Honolulu nightlife & Waikiki for the most part. Whether you are seeking the Best 2017 Honolulu nightclubs & Honolulu bars, or maybe something a little more special, it’s hard not to find good entertainment somewhere in this island's nightlife!
NOTE - Mayor Caldwell announced that Oahu bars and night club can now reopen now that the island has reached Tier 3. Proof of vaccination card or results of a negative 72 hr COVID test to be required starting Sept 13th for entree. Alcohol will be prohibited beyond 10 PM.
Shopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace will be open:
Wednesday’s from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday’s from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday’s from 6:30am – 3:00pm
Face coverings are recommended in large gatherings and social distancing is encouraged. For more information Box 6 will be open during hours of operation or call 808.486.6704
Just 20 minutes away from Waikiki, discover unique treasures at Hawaii’s largest open air market where the locals shop for the best deals in town.
Located at Hawaii’s largest sports venue, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is a place where families can gather to share their cultural diversity with pride and a feeling of Aloha. Since 1979, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet has become Hawaii’s premier outdoor market, featuring over 400 vendors, crafters, artists from all over the world, a true melting pot of Aloha.
At the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace, you can find discounts on a wide selection of high quality products from clothing, accessories, Hawaiian souvenirs, pre-packaged ethnic foods, fine jewelry and vintage antiques. Beautifully handcrafts products and exclusive art pieces are made and sold by the artist themselves, which truly make great gifts for yourself or that special someone.
This is a great place for inexpensive keepsakes and gifts. Bring good walking shoes and sunscreen and maybe an umbrella (tropical weather can instantly get wet then dry up with a tropical sun). Build up an appetite and you may enjoy some goodies there or refresh yourselves in near by Aiea where you can find dining opportunities such as Aiea Bowl (oxtail soup is fantastic), Shiro’s Saimin, and Jackie’s Diner to name a few.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
If you are craving a shopping mall, then the Ala Moana Shopping Center may just fit the bill. Lots of the usual suspects such as Bloomingdales and Macy’s sprinkled with some other gems. The center of the mall is a stage where you may find your self entertained by musicians, dancers, and more.
Open-Air Shopping Mall in Honolulu, Hawaii
The refreshing Hawaiian wind blows through Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping center. There are more than 350 shops and restaurants to explore, including multiple department stores, first-class boutiques and over 160 dining options. The center's retailers specialize in everything from casual wear to unique Hawaii surf gear and much more. Join us at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, HI for a shopping excursion in paradise, and don't forget to enjoy the hula performances.
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
In the middle of Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, you will find the Royal Hawaiian Shopping center. Tons of shopping, dining, drinking, and entertainment.
Aloha pumehana kākou! At our piko, is hoʻokipa, hospitality. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or culture, we invite you to immerse yourself. Discover a collection of international brands, unique to Hawaiʻi boutiques and exciting culinary destinations. Experience our crafts, our language, our dance, our music in The Royal Grove and Helumoa Hale. He mai!
Kahala Mall
Not too far from Waikiki is the Kahala Mall. It’s a bit more upscale but a great shopping adventure.
Located in the iconic beachfront neighborhood of Kahala, just minutes from Waikiki, Kahala Mall features over 100 charming local shops, premier retailers & restaurants including Whole Foods Market. We welcome you to Oahu’s favorite shopping, dining & entertainment destination for kama`aina families and visitors from around the world!
Dole Plantation
Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
Dole Plantation provides enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Express Train Tour, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze. Also popular are informational displays and presentations, as well as our plantation country store offering a wide variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local favorites, foods and refreshments including the world-famous DoleWhip®. And, before you leave you can purchase fresh pineapple to take home.