{"id":12649,"date":"2022-05-24T14:56:52","date_gmt":"2022-05-24T21:56:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inspiretraveleat.com\/?p=12649"},"modified":"2023-06-20T15:33:34","modified_gmt":"2023-06-20T22:33:34","slug":"14-must-do-things-in-oahu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inspiretraveleat.com\/14-must-do-things-in-oahu\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Must Do Things In Oahu"},"content":{"rendered":"
Looking for some of the best things to do in Oahu and near Honolulu to check off your bucket list? You have to see these amazing sites in Oahu, best restaurants, amazing beaches, secret Oahu things to see, unreal adventures and more!<\/p>\n
You will find things to do in Oahu with kids, free things to do in Oahu & things to do in Oahu with couples or even stuff to do all by yourself!<\/p>\n
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Below are options for all parts of the island whether you want stuff to do in Honolulu<\/a> or up in the North Shore of Oahu. You of course need the best places to eat when visiting so see this article for great places in eat in Oahu here.<\/a><\/p>\n This article is full of secret things to do in Oahu and unique things to do vs. other articles telling you to visit Waikiki beach, which clearly you know already to do that.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I had heard people say not to go to Oahu as it was so touristy & urban. However, whoever said that must have been doing it wrong. I think it was an amazing mix of a metropolitan area with nature out of Honolulu and then incredible beaches everywhere.<\/p>\n Sure unpopulated destinations are great but it also was just as nice to walk outside your hotel to be in an urban jungle surrounded by shops and restaurants but then just 20-30 minutes from one of my favorite hikes I have ever done!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With all of that said, here are some of the best things you have to do for your Oahu bucket list.<\/p>\n Well… this sounded fine… and then the boat stops and there are countless numbers of large 8-12 feet sharks swimming around the boat and it hits you just how real this is!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our tour also had a tiger shark visit just before we got in the water, adding to the intrigue. It truly was an adrenaline rush and then some when a sharks mouth came out of the water biting, knowing you were going in there shortly.<\/p>\n Once they stop the engine the sharks settle down and go further down in the ocean as you get into the water. Apparently as long as you are above them it is fine…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When you are in the water it is a lot less scary as they are so peaceful swimming down below you at a calm pace. Don’t let the frantic swarm of sharks scare you off before you start!<\/p>\n The sharks are harmless, barring something crazy, and it truly is a surreal experience to swim around these giant sharks without a cage. I used One Ocean Diving as they seemed reputable and also had a commitment to presevation.<\/p>\n This is the quintessential thing you dream about when going on a vacation to Hawaii. Finding that perfect beach bar with cute drinks, good food all while overlooking the ocean with a pristine beach & gorgeous water waiting for you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hau Tree, is a little on the nicer side but it is worth splurging $9 a beer and $15 plus per cocktail for what will be your perfect beach day.<\/p>\n Sure the drinks are pricey but you are in Hawaii and maybe a once in a lifetime vacation so live it up and splurge one day for incredible cocktails and the best vibe you have dreamt for since booking your trip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The bartenders are great, the service is amazing and the atmosphere is absolutely perfect. <\/p>\n Do this 10x over going to Duke’s in Waikiki where honestly the food is bad, the beach is crowded and Duke’s itself has lost its lustre.<\/p>\n There are so many incredible hikes in Oahu but this one is incredible from the aspect of it being a great challenge, having unique obstacles and absolutely stunning views and photo ops the entire hike.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This hike is difficult but I would say most average hiker or fit person can make at least the first peak, which offers some amazing views in its own right.<\/p>\n If you do this in the morning, grab some Zippy’s fast food and hit the beach with some drinks… best day ever.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the full info on this hike read the Olomana Trail article here.<\/a><\/p>\n Imagine being on a beach that you can only reach by kayak with just a few other souls as you lay on an island off the mainland of Oahu.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is an experience you have to checkout as surely somewhere in your bucket list is “be on a secret island in Hawaii.” it is almost 5 miles to the island and back if leaving from Kailua beach park, which is where most kayal rental companies are.<\/p>\n If you want an adventure, pack a lunch and a couple drinks and go sit on your own private island in paradise.<\/p>\n You must try authentic Hawaiian food and no other place to do it than Helena’s! It is in a strip mall off the beaten path and the people are as amazing as the food!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The food is… unique but definitely worth trying and diving into authentic Hawaii! We were also told by locals that Hawaii Inn is another great place for local fare.<\/p>\n See here for the full list of must try places to eat in Oahu!<\/a><\/p>\n If you know anything about surfing then you know the North Shore is the #1 place and pretty much the birthplace of surfing.<\/p>\n Don’t just go to watch surfers but of course visit the magical beaches and stroll through Haleiwa shops along the way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The perfect North Shore day trip… is a start at The Sunrise Shack with a healthy breakfast.<\/p>\n Then head to either get surf lessons nearby, visit Kawela Bay Beach and maybe see turtles, or head to stunning and enormous Waimea Bay Beach with a quick stop at Foodland for some drinks to bring to the beach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a day at the beach, head down and walk the shops of Haleiwa and food truck dinner at Honos Shrimp Truck for their spicy shrimp plate (not Giovanni’s, trust me). Then saunter back down the road for some shave ice to cap off an incredible day!<\/p>\n Another perfect day of adventures, eating and relaxation. Call me crazy but to me a perfect day is a little exercise so I feel better about what the rest of the day is going to bring.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nSwim with sharks in Oahu<\/h2>\n
Cocktails & Brunch at Hau Tree Then Chill at Kaimana Beach<\/h2>\n
Hike arguably the best hike in Oahu | Olomana Trail<\/a><\/h2>\n
Kayak to your own secret island & chill on the beach | Moku Nui<\/h2>\n
Eat Authentic Hawaiian Food At Helena’s<\/h2>\n
Visit The North Shore | The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary <\/h2>\n
Hike Lanikai Pillbox, get Konos & go to the beach <\/h2>\n