When you think of Oahu, or any Hawaiian island, for that matter, what comes to mind is likely warm sand, brilliant blue water, beautiful flowers, and an all-around paradise. While you’re certainly not wrong, there’s so much more to do than just go to the beach every day. This month, we’re giving you our picks for 10 exciting things to do in Honolulu: Outdoor Adventure edition. In this list, you’ll find a mix of traditional ideas and some completely unique things that are guaranteed to make your vacation one you’ll remember forever.
Take the stress out of vacation planning and add these top 10 activities to your to-do list!
Don’t forget to secure your vacation rental with Marina Hawaii Vacations so your home base will be in the heart of all the action. Browse our complete inventory and find the ideal spot for your family today.
Top 10 Things to Do in Honolulu for Outdoor Adventurers
1. See the View from Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is a can’t-miss while you’re here. Enjoy a scenic hike to the top for incredible views of Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu. The 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the summit can be strenuous and gains an elevation of 560 feet, so be sure to plan accordingly before heading out.
FAQ: Are reservations required for Diamond Head State Monument?
Yes - Reservations are required for non-residents, and the last entrance to the trail is at 4 PM, with gates locking at 6 PM each day.
2. Shaka Guide Walking Tours
Put a unique spin on your Honolulu vacation when you download the Shaka Guide app. With a customized bundle of Oahu guided tours, you can travel at your own pace and learn all about the island while you’re here.
This is a great option for folks who want to see a lot of the island but are traveling with people who may not be up for miles of walking each day. Of course, there are walking tours included for those who do want to explore on foot.
FAQ: How does the Shaka Guide App work?
All you have to do is download the offline tour, hop in your rental car, and start driving to a destination. The audio tour will play automatically as you approach the stops along the way. You’ll get directions, interesting stories, and best of all – no data is required.
3. Food Tour in Chinatown
What Oahu lacks in certain regional cuisines (no one is coming here for tacos), it more than makes up for with its Chinese food dining options. Take an immersive tour through Chinatown and taste delicious foods as you learn about the island's history and the communities that make it thrive.
4. Glow Paddleboarding and Fireworks
Put your skills to the test with a night yoga class on an LED stand-up paddleboard (SUP) in Waikiki Beach. Perfect for every ability level, this activity combines the peaceful practice of yoga with the stunning beauty of the Hawaiian landscape.
As the sun sets, the water is illuminated with colorful lights from your SUP as you enjoy your class, creating a dreamy scene perfect for this relaxing adventure. For an added layer of magic, book your class on Friday so you can enjoy the weekly firework show over the water!
5. Zipline at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve run by 8th-generation farmers with a mission to enrich people’s lives by sharing and celebrating the history of this land with all who visit.
As the filming site for classics like Jurassic Park, Lost, Jumanji, and more than 200 other movies and TV shows, you’ve likely seen the immaculate grounds of the ranch. But we bet you’ve never seen them from the air!
Change that when you book a zipline tour and get a birds-eye vantage point of this beautiful location. Ziplines range from 200 feet to a quarter of a mile, spanning across seven tandem sections, two suspension bridges, and five short hiking trails.
FAQ: What tours are available at Kualoa Ranch?
The Kualoa Ranch offers tons of tours ranging from movie site location tours and off-roading adventures to e-bike tours and horseback riding.
6. Go Snorkeling
Add a bit of excitement to your beach day when you go snorkeling at Ala Moana Beach Park or Hanauma Bay. Each location offers calm waters, family-friendly amenities, and the chance to see exciting marine life.
If you’re going to Hanauma Bay, remember to book your visit beforehand. As a preserved area, it limits the number of daily visitors to ensure the protection of wildlife and habitat. Other important things to bring are a rash guard for extra UV protection, reef-safe sunscreen, and a change of clothes so you can easily move on to your next activity without having to return to your vacation rental first.
7. Chase Waterfalls
If you want to see beautiful waterfalls on your Honolulu vacation, you can’t beat Manoa Falls or Waimea Falls.
Manoa will be muddy even if it hasn’t rained, so wear good shoes. The hike to the falls is gorgeous, leading you through bamboo forests and towering banyan trees. At the end, you’re greeted by a 150-foot cascade that is absolutely breathtaking.
If your dream is to swim at the base of a waterfall in Hawaii, Waimea Falls is the way to go. Here, they do regular testing of the water to ensure cleanliness and the area is protected by nearby watersheds that help keep out bacteria that can be found in many other waterfall pools. This can keep you from getting a nasty infection during your trip, so even though you have to pay to visit this location, it’s worth it.
In addition to the falls, Waimea Valley is a great spot to spend the day. You can take walks through the gardens, book a cultural tour, or even attend a luau!
8. Parasailing Over the Island
Want to see Diamond Head from a different angle? Booking a parasailing adventure is one of the best things to do in Honolulu! Hawaii Parasail has several options for parasail rides, so you can choose the one that’s best for you and your group.
9. Visit a Botanical Garden
For a romantic or casual outdoor thing to do in Honolulu, Foster Botanical Garden offers a chance to wander through 14 acres of exceptionally manicured grounds as you marvel at native flowers, trees, and wildlife. Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, this tranquil garden is a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the hustle and bustle.
FAQ: When is Foster Botanical Garden open?
They’re open every day from 9 AM to 4 PM, and admission is $5, making it an extremely affordable outdoor activity.
10. Whale Watching
While this activity is dependent on the season, it’s still one of the most popular things to do in Honolulu and throughout Hawaii. Each year, humpback whales migrate from the cold waters near Alaska to the warm Hawaiian shores of the Pacific Ocean, and if you’re lucky enough to visit between November and April, you can book a whale-watching tour and catch a glimpse!
Seeing these gentle giants breach against the island sunset is something that never gets old, and for some, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don’t miss your chance if you’re here in the winter and early spring.
Book Your Outdoor Adventure to Oahu Today!
With this list of the top 10 things to do in Honolulu for outdoor lovers, the only thing standing between you and an epic vacation is finding the perfect vacation rental.
When you book directly with Marina Hawaii Vacations, you’ll find excellent properties in top locations; plus, you’ll get the added bonus of securing your stay at the lowest rate! Skip the third-party fees of Airbnb or Vrbo and book directly with us today! Browse our full inventory of Honolulu vacation rentals and contact our on-island staff to secure your stay. We can’t wait to see you!
Looking for more Oahu fun? Check out our Local’s Guide to the Top Attractions in Honolulu or our list of nearby attractions.