Step foot in Hawaii, and it’s possible you’ll join the legions of people who consider the Aloha State one of the most healing and spiritual spots in the world. However, with all the spiritual presence, Hawaii ghost stories are easily born.
With a metropolitan city, dazzling natural wonders, and a myriad of historical sites, it is no wonder that Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island. Whatever your interests, there are countless things to keep you busy on your visit to this buzzy isle. Here are some of the top-rated activities on Oahu, from fiery luaus to thrilling shark diving adventures.
Top 5 Oahu Helicopter Tours
When you think of towering waterfalls, lush mountain ranges, and miles of white-sand beaches, the island of Oahu might not be the first place that comes to mind. While islands like Maui and Kauai are known for their lushness, on Oahu, Waikiki’s cosmopolitan streets garner most of the attention. However, Waikiki only takes up a fraction of space on Oahu. Beyond the city, the island is home to craggy sea cliffs, verdant mountains, miles of beaches, and the occasional 1,000+ foot waterfall (no biggie). Yet, the blend of both manmade and natural beauty are what makes Oahu helicopter tours so appealing. On a single trip, you can peer down into the metropolitan heartbeat of the island, and mere minutes later, find yourself deep within a narrow valley.
There is a good reason why these tours are praised as a must-do. But don’t take it from us, take to the skies yourself, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Here are our top 5 picks for the best helicopter tours on Oahu:
| SCHOOL | WHY | WHERE | |
| The Oahu Experience VIP Tour | Ultimate Oahu Tour | Oahu | BOOK NOW |
| Oahu Pro Photography Flight | Photographer Friendly | Oahu | BOOK NOW |
| The Magnum P.I. Experience | Family Friendly | Oahu | |
| South Shore Experience | Most Affordable | Oahu | |
| Complete Island Oahu | Shared Tour | Oahu |
- The Oahu Experience VIP Private Tour – Ultimate Oahu Tour
- Oahu Pro Photography Flight – Photographer Friendly
- The Magnum P.I. Experience Private Tour – Family Friendly
- South Shore Experience – Most Affordable
- Complete Island Oahu – Shared Tour
Oahu is the crown jewel of the Pacific, home to a bustling urban city, vast swathes of verdant countryside, some of the best waves and beaches on planet earth, as well as endless shopping and dining opportunities.
There are countless Oahu activities to enjoy. From the lively, resort-lined streets of Waikiki to flourishing countryside taro farms, Oahu is firmly planted in the ways of both old and new Hawaii and offers a myriad of experiences for travelers from near and far. Foodies, beach bums, shopaholics, nature lovers, and history buffs will easily find their step on the third largest Hawaiian Island.
Best 5 Oahu Luaus
Home to miles of white sand beaches, warm seas, luxuriant resorts, and beauty at every turn, Oahu alone attracts millions of visitors every year. However, Oahu’s beauty is not its only allure. Many visitors are beckoned by the welcoming culture and the islands’ rich history.
Eager to learn more, visitors rely on luaus for a dose of Polynesian culture. As a result, luaus have become one of the most popular activities on the islands. A quick online search of Oahu luaus will yield hundreds of results. To help narrow down your research, we’ve filed through the luaus on Oahu to determine the top five.
| SCHOOL | WHY | WHERE | |
| Ka Moana Luau | Best Luau | South Side: Honolulu | BOOK NOW |
| Germaine's Luau | Family Friendly | South West Side: Kapolei | BOOK NOW |
| Waikiki Starlight Luau | Best Food | South Side: Waikiki | BOOK NOW |
| ʻAhaʻaina Luau | Most Luxurious | South Side: Waikiki | BOOK NOW |
| Toa Luau | Most Authentic | North Shore: Pupukea |
- Ka Moana Luau – Best Luau
- Germaine’s Luau – Family Friendly
- Waikiki Starlight Luau – Best Food
- ʻAhaʻaina Luau – Most Luxurious
- Toa Luau – Most Authentic
Top 5 Oahu Snorkel Spots
The quintessential Hawaiian vacation includes a day spent under the surface of the water, exploring the rainforest of the sea- coral reefs. Thanks to Hawaii’s unique, isolated position in the Pacific, there are over 1,250 marine species that can only be found on Hawaii’s reefs! Vibrant-colored corals, hundreds of types of fish, eels, sea cucumbers, and turtles are just a few of the marine mammals you might spot while snorkeling.
On Oahu, there are a number of great snorkeling spots. Whether you are a complete beginner or veteran snorkeler, we’ve narrowed down the five best places for snorkeling on Oahu based on accessibility, visibility, and the reef.
Snorkeling PSA: Snorkeling is the #1 cause of visitor death in Hawaii, which is why you should go on a guided snorkel tour. Please exercise caution, only snorkel with a guide/buddy, and assess ocean conditions before entering the ocean. Also, do not step or stand on the reef. Corals are living animals, and stepping on live coral can not only lead to cuts and nasty infections, but it can severely damage and even kill living coral. Mineral-based reef-safe sunscreen only, please!
| SCHOOL | WHY | WHERE |
| Hanauma Bay | Best For Beginners | South East: Hawaii Kai |
| Sharks Cove | Most Unique | North Shore: Pupukea |
| Kuilima Cove | Most Protected | North Shore: Kahuku |
| Kahe Point | Best Visibility | South West: Kapolei |
| Queens Beach | Most Accessible | South: Waikiki |
- Hanauma Bay – Best Beginner Spot
- Sharks Cove – Most Unique
- Kuilima Cove – North Shore
- Kahe Point – Best Visibility
- Queens Beach – Most Accessible
