The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide (Part 3): Things to Do and See

Written By Randy | The Family Travel Guy

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide: Things to Do and See

Next up in this Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide is things you need to add to your activity list when visiting Oahu .  Now that we've gone over the different parts of the island in Part 1 and you've narrowed down where to stay in Part 2, the next part of the planning would include things you want to do and see while on vacation.


This family travel guide to Oahu is broken up into five different parts that go over the island, the best places to stay, what you need to experience, our favorite places to eat and shop and how to maximize value for your next trip.

You'll find plenty of different options for exploring Oahu's different regions, the island's many activities, its eclectic restaurants and accommodations.

Things to Do & See on Oahu

From trips we have been on, here are my top recommendations on things you need to add to your Oahu itinerary:

  • Kualoa Ranch: 4,000 acres of natural beauty with secret beaches, hidden valleys and majestic mountains offering movie site tours, ziplining, ATV tours and more.
  • Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden: Strolling or driving through these lush 400 acres on the windward side of Oahu, you will truly agree that Hoʻomaluhia is rightfully named "a peaceful refuge."

  • Go on a hike: Some of our favorites include Diamond Head , Koko Crater Railway Trailhead, Makapuu Lookout, and the Lanikai Pillbox hike

  • Attend a Luau: My top two on Oahu are KA WA'A at Disney Aulani and Aha'aina Luau at the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach

  • Waimea Valley & Falls: Walk through scenic botanical gardens to a 45-foot waterfall at the end
  • Dole Plantation: Historic pineapple plantation with family friendly attractions that include train rides, the world's largest maze and Dole whips.

  • Relax on a Beach: Some of our favorites include: Lanikai Beach, Kualoa Regional Park, Waimanalo Beach, the Ko Olina Lagoons, Waikiki Beach, Kahala Beach, Haleiwa Beach and so many more!


  • Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial Hawaii: Learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history - the attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. 

  • Disney Aulani Character Dining: Have breakfast with Mickey and friends at the Disney Aulani Resort 

  • Capture Oahu memories on a Flytographer photoshoot: We've done this a few times when visiting Hawaii and the pictures are always amazing! 

Regardless of where you choose to explore and what you decide to do, you’ll be sure to have a great time exploring the many amazing things to do and see all across Oahu.

What would you add to this list of things to do and see when visiting Oahu?

Randy | The Family Travel Guy
Previous

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide (Part 4): Where to Eat & Shop
Next

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide (Part 2): Where to Stay