Top 10 Things you need to do in Oahu

I’ve had so many people ask me about what they should do in Oahu while planning their trip. After spending two months in Hawaii and having the best tour guide ever (shout out to Mrs Becca!), I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite spots on the island.

10. Halona beach cove (Eternity beach)

Halona beach cove is a beautiful little beach right off highway 72. It is next to the Halona blow hole look out point, which is also where you will park to get to the beach. It got its more commonly known name, “eternity beach” from the movie, “From Here to Eternity” (parts of Pirates of the Carribean were filmed here too!) This beach is a perfect place to do some sunbathing for the day however, the waves can get rough and there’s lots of rocks so be cautious if you plan on going for a swim!

9. Lanikai Pillbox Hike at Sunrise

Let me start out by saying I’m not a hiking gal, I would much rather do any water activity. However, I actually did enjoy this hike and the view at the top is breathtaking. It was my friends last day and she wanted to do the hike at sunrise, which was a great idea. The earlier you go the better (parking gets tough later in the day). The hike was not bad at all, especially compared to koko head which we did a few days prior. Once you’re at the top you get a beautiful view of the sunrise over Lanikai beach. 

8. Haleiwa

Haleiwa is a cute little surf town on north shore that has something for everyone. If you walk around you can find tons of cute little shops. It also offers a variety of different restaurants. It’s a great place to stop after a day at the beach.

7. Kahana Bay Beach Park

Kahana Bay offers stunning views of green valleys and blue waters. There are rope swings that are a ton of fun, picnic tables and you can also camp here. I recommend taking State  highway 83 along the east coast of the island if you want to see some incredible views along the way.

6. Paddle to the Mokes at Lanikai beach

My friend and I decided to paddle out to the Mokes on Thanksgiving and it for sure was one of my best experiences on Oahu. When you get to the island there is a beach, so access is no problem. You can walk around and explore, there usually are Hawaiian monk seals beached there! I would advise not to go alone if you are not a strong swimmer since the actual beach is pretty far away.

5. Snorkel at Electric Beach

I strongly believe that Electric Beach is the best snorkel spot on the island, yes even better than Hanauma bay. You are guaranteed to see some sea turtles if you come here. There is a power plant that produces warm water at this beach that attracts schools of fish. The earlier you go the better, I went around 730 one morning and was lucky enough to swim with a pod of dolphins passing through.

4. Surf at Waikiki Beach

Now i’m not the biggest fan of Waikiki just because of how touristy it is, but it has the best waves for long boarding. Even if you are a beginner the waves are typically small enough to learn on. I highly suggest that before you hit the water, educate yourself on proper surf educate! Let me also suggest, renting a board from Moku, NOT any place on the beach by the hotels!!!! Your wallet will thank me later! 

3. Kapena Falls

Like I mentioned earlier, not a hike girl. Most of the waterfalls you have to hike to but to get to Kapena falls its about a 3 minute walk after parking. There are rocks you can jump off of, you can swim around and its almost always empty! This waterfall has a very special place in my heart and it feels like you’re in the middle of the jungle when you go there.

2. Pipeline, North Shore 

Pipeline is a must if you are going to Oahu. It is where a ton of pros on the island surf and where the annual pipe masters is hosted. I always had a blast going with my friends for the day. It is also a great place to watch sunsets!

1.China Walls

Coming in at number 1 is china walls. This had to have been my favorite spot on the island. The water is breath taking and theres small cliffs you can jump off of. There is a good mix of locals and tourist that are typically there but it was always a fun time when I went.

Thank you for reading! If plan on island hopping, check out my Top 10 Things to do on Big Island blog post.