Top 5 Adventures on Oahu, Hawaii

A curated list of experiences to get the most out of your stay on Oahu.

Photo by author. Diamond Head crater is magical in the evening.

So, you booked your flight to Oahu, Hawaii. But you don’t want to spend all your time roasting on the beach or drinking evening Martinis. Instead, waking up your inner adventurer, you are ready to discover the best experiences Oahu can offer. Good news: while Oahu is the most populated (and less wild) of the islands, it also offers the most diverse set of activities.

Here is a small non exhaustive list of what we enjoyed the most.

1. Swim with Sharks

Photo by author. Magical creature.

Swimming with sharks might sound terrifying. But doing so from the safety of a metallic cage is much less so. Sharks will come pretty close to the cage, allowing you to admire them in all their glory.

• The cage has tons of handles allowing you to move around inside. You can even lock your feet at the bottom of the cage to free your hands for the camera.
• Bring a towel to dry yourself once you get out of the water.

2. Snorkel with Dolphins

Photo by author. Dolphins doing what they do best: having fun.

Watching dolphins from the distance of a boat might be enough for some. But swimming with them is a whole different kind of experience.

• Some earlier snorkeling experience might be handy. It will allow you to spend most of your time in the water enjoying the dolphins. Not fighting the salty water in your mask.
• Try to jump among the first, for a clearer underwater view devoid of small bubbles.
• The catamaran moves a lot in all directions. So definitely not recommended for someone who gets sea sick.
• Once in the water, look down, in the depths of the ocean. That’s where you will see the dolphins.

3. Try parasailing

Photo by author. Nothing can match this view.

No better way to admire the beauties of Waikiki than from high in the sky. Parasailing might seem like an adrenaline rich activity. But in fact, the experience is pretty slow and relaxing.

Attached to a parachute, you gently rise in the air, spend some time admiring the view, then come back to the boat.

The price depends on how high you want to go.

• Avoid taking up there anything that may fall or that you wouldn’t want to lose. Keep your belongings in your bag on the boat.
• Companies usually state the length of the line (ex: 1000ft). Not the actual height you will climb to (which will be less than that).

4. Take a surfing lesson

Photo of the author. Don’t expect huge waives for your first lesson.

Several companies around Waikiki offer surfing lessons for total novices. There is very little theory or practice on land, you will spend most of the time in the water. The instructor will give you a nice push at the right moment, to help you catch the waves. This will ensure that you experience some actual surfing.

• Knowing how to swim is recommended. You will paddle a lot to get your surfboard back into position.
• Most companies will take photos of you, available at the end for an extra price.
• Surfing lessons usually take place in shallow waters full of reefs. Reefs are very sharp and might easily injure your legs. So, make sure that reef shoes are included in your lesson, or bring your own.
• Never jump in the water feet first, as sea urchins can easily pierce your reef shoes. Try to fall on your front or back instead.

5. Kayak to Mokulua islets

Photo by author. Mokulua islets, in all their glory.

Anyone who visited Lanikai beach has noticed two islets not far away from the shore. The most adventurous even wondered: can I get there? The answer is yes. Waters in this area are calm, with almost no waves, ideal for an introduction to ocean kayaking.

• You will have to transport your kayak from the renting place to the water, using a wheeled platform. The kayak is easy to move, and the whole trip doesn’t take more than 10 minutes.
• There’s nothing to protect you from the sun in the middle of the ocean. And you’re going to spend a couple hours kayaking to the island and back. So make sure to wear a hat and put (and bring) a lot of sunscreen.
• Plan your time ahead. Make sure to have enough time to get to the islands, enjoy the beach there, and come back. It took use two hours to get to the islands, and one hour to get back.

That’s it. If you want more inspiration for your next vacation, check out this list of adventurous activities on land, in the air and in the water.