We’ve been to Oahu more times than we can count on our fingers, and after a whole lot of trial and error, we’ve figured out what’s truly worth your time—especially if it’s your first visit.
From spending a full day soaking up the culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center to digging into a plate of Zippy’s chili rice (trust us, it’s a must), and catching an epic Hawaiian sunset at some of the best spots on the island, these are the things that should 100% belong on your Oahu bucket list.
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Table of Contents
1. Polynesian Cultural Center
If you only have time for one cultural experience in Oahu, make it the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you can believe it, the luau is just one-third of this full-day experience. Just a third!
PCC is a full-day deep dive into the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands. Along with getting to feast like royalty, you’ll get to visit six different Polynesian ‘villages’, interacting with locals, learning traditional crafts, paddling a canoe, tasting traditional Polynesian staple foods (poi, ‘ulu, coconut bread, etc.), and getting hands-on with dozens of other immersive activities.
At night, you get the chance to watch a spectacular evening show featuring over 100 local performers–and some pretty incredible fire dancing too.
It’s immersive, entertaining, and honestly, one of the most memorable things you can do on the island.
2. Spend A Day On The North Shore
The North Shore is an adventure all its own. I mean, can you even say you did Hawaii if you didn’t actually step foot on Oahu’s North Shore? This is our favorite part of the island!
While you’re there, you can witness world-famous surf breaks, eat your way through the plethora of shrimp trucks, explore hidden beaches, and enjoy some of the best banana bread and poke on the island. This area is packed with things to do!
You can either book a full-day North Shore tour or follow my North Shore itinerary to hit all the must-visit spots on your own, including Waimea Bay, Haleiwa Town, and Shark’s Cove.
However you do it, just don’t rush it—this is one of the best places to experience Oahu’s laid-back side!
3. Try Zippy’s Chili Rice
Every time we leave Hawaii, Papu and I grab Zippy’s chili rice as our airplane meal. And every time, I swear the people around us are jealous.
This stuff is my gold standard when it comes to island comfort food—savory, slightly sweet, and best of all, customizable. If you’re not a fan of beans, order it “no beans” and trust me, it makes all the difference. It’s a must-try!
4. Try a Malasada
Sure, everyone will tell you to go to Leonard’s Bakery for a malasada, but honestly? They’re kinda played out. If you’re open to trying something off the usual tourist path, head to Pipeline Bakeshop in Honolulu or Paalaa Kai Bakery on the North Shore.
These pillowy, sugar-dusted Portuguese donuts are best eaten hot and fresh. If you can, grab a few for the road—you won’t regret it!
If you find that you like it, keep your eyes peeled for the farmer’s markets on the island! They’ll usually have a malasada stand or two at the weekly markets.
5. Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu. The water is the perfect shade of blue, and the two Mokulua islands in the distance make it feel almost unreal.
You can lounge on the powdery white sand, go for a swim, or take a guided kayaking tour out to the islands if you’re feeling adventurous. Just a heads-up—parking is a mess there. Sometimes it’s limited, sometimes it’s completely not allowed.
What we like to do is park somewhere in Kailua and just Uber over to prevent any parking headaches.
6. Go Snorkeling
Most people will tell you to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, but between the steep admission fee and the crowds, we no longer recommend it. Instead, head to Kaiona Beach Park.
A local told me about this spot years ago and since then, it’s the main place we go for snorkeling. It’s right next to Hanauma Bay, so you’ll still get marine diversity similar to what you would have if you were in the bay.
The water is clear, the fish are plentiful, and you won’t have to deal with the tourist rush. Plus, it’s a much more relaxing experience overall.
And if you happen to be staying along the North Shore, Kuilima Cove by Turtle Bay Resort is another lovely spot for snorkeling. Because it’s a cove that’s relatively sheltered from the big swells, snorkeling here in the winter months is possible!
7. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
If you’re planning on bringing souvenirs home, save all your shopping for the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. This is where we like to bring all our first-timer friends/family for souvenir shopping!
You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to aloha shirts at way better prices than anywhere else on the island. Plus, the fresh-cut mango dusted with li hing powder is the perfect snack to enjoy while you browse!
We always stock up on li hing candies and floral hair clips to bring home as gifts.
8. Do A Hike On The Island
Oahu has no shortage of incredible hikes, and which one you pick depends on how much effort you want to put in.
If you’re up for a challenge, Koko Head’s stair climb will test your endurance and build your booty. For an intermediate-level hike with epic sunrise views, Lanikai Pillbox is the way to go. If you happen to be on the North Shore, the ‘Ehukai Pillbox hike isn’t too bad either!
And if you don’t mind paying for entry and taking the time to make advance reservations, Diamond Head is a classic choice with panoramic views at the top.
9. Waimea Bay & Waimea Valley
In the summer, Waimea Bay has some of the best snorkeling on the island. The bay is part of the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District, which means that the amount of fishing is limited, protecting the local aquatic life.
But even if you visit outside of snorkel season, Waimea Valley is right next door and 100% worth a visit.
Waimea Valley is a hidden gem of an area that’s chock-full of authentic Hawaiian history, culture, nature, and tradition. The main highlight at the end of the road? A beautiful and historically sacred waterfall that you can actually swim in!
Because we didn’t do much research before deciding to visit, we didn’t know what to expect at Waimea Valley. We had never really done attractions on Oahu that had admission fees (other than PCC), but we were so pleasantly surprised by what Waimea Valley had in store for us!
On top of having to hike through a beautifully manicured botanical garden to get to the waterfall at the end of the trail, there was so much education and history surrounding us. Along the way, you’ll pass by ancient Hawaiian dwellings scattered throughout the lush landscape, giving you a glimpse into how Native Hawaiians once lived.
👉 Pro Tip: Looking for a luau experience on the North Shore? Check out Toa Luau at Waimea Valley. You’ll experience a kava ceremony, a luau feast, and a dynamic Polynesian show featuring performances from Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa—including an epic fire knife performance to close out the night. Plus, your luau ticket grants you FREE access to Waimea Valley and Waimea Falls!
10. Take One Of Kualoa Ranch’s Immersive Tours
If Kualoa Ranch looks familiar, it’s probably because it’s been the backdrop for a ton of Hollywood movies—including Jurassic Park. This region is hands-down one of the most gorgeous parts of the island.
While you can definitely admire the terrain just by driving past it, we recommend spending a few hours there to better connect with the land. You can choose from several tours here, from a UTV adventure through the ranch (this one is a best-seller!) to a guided movie set tour.
If you’re more into sustainability and local farming, the Kualoa Grown Tour is great for discovering Kualoa Farm. The Malama Sustainability and Local Gardening Tour is also a great way to connect with the land!
No matter which experience you pick, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation and love for this incredibly picturesque place!
👉 Pro Tip: The Kualoa Grown Tour at Kuoloa Ranch is included on the Go City Oahu Pass! Hop aboard a trolley car to see tropical fruit and flower gardens, get a glimpse of the “Secret Island,” and learn all about Kualoa Farm, the local culture, Hawaiian agriculture, and native plants and wildlife.
11. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
It took us nearly eight trips to Oahu before we finally made it to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, and wow—what a regret. This place is jaw-droppingly pretty, with rugged mountain ridges that make you feel like you’re stepping into a postcard.
The best part? The park is entirely free to visit! It’s also massive, so even with other visitors around, it never feels crowded. Plus, you can drive from one scenic spot to another, making it easy to explore and take your time at all its breathtaking viewpoints.
12. Banzai Pipeline
If you’re in Oahu during the winter, carve out some time to visit Banzai Pipeline. We love laying out a beach blanket and watching the pro surfers take on the massive waves—it’s like a real-life surf competition happening right in front of you!
The energy is unreal, with surfers pushing their limits and spectators holding their breath with every ride. Even if you don’t surf yourself, the sheer power of these waves is something to see.
13. Bishop Museum
Just like the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, it took us way too many trips before finally checking out the Bishop Museum.
Papu and I aren’t big on traditional museums, but this one is different—it’s a deep dive into Hawaiian and Polynesian history that actually kept us engaged.
From exhibits on tattoos and traditional clothing to surfing culture and the role of chiefs, the Bishop Museum covers so much more than just artifacts in glass cases.
One of the highlights for us was the Wayfinders exhibit, which showcased the ancient Polynesian art of navigation—using stars, ocean swells, and wind patterns to cross the Pacific.
For a nominal extra fee, you can immerse yourself in a world of stars and catch a 45-minute show inside the J. Watumull Planetarium, where legendary navigator Nainoa Thompson trained to revive this nearly lost tradition.
👉 Pro Tip: The Bishop Museum is included on the Go City Oahu Pass—aka your golden ticket to saving serious cash on Oahu’s top attractions. If you’re planning to hit up multiple spots (think Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch, or a snorkel tour), this pass can slash your sightseeing costs big time. Want to see how much you could save? Click here to read my review of the pass!
14. Eat a Traditional Hawaiian Meal
A traditional Hawaiian meal is a must while you’re on Oahu. Think hefty plate lunches with kalua pork, laulau, or spare ribs paired with poi, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia for dessert.
Waiahole Poi Factory is a very solid choice on the Windward side (east side of the island), but if you want a hidden gem, check out O’ahu Grill in Honolulu—the owner used to be the head chef at Waiahole Poi Factory, so you know it’s good!
15. Catch a Hawaiian sunset
Catching a sunset in Oahu is a must, and there are a few spots that really stand out for this. On the west side, head to Yokohama Bay for an unobstructed view of the sun dipping into the ocean. Over on the North Shore, Sunset Beach is literally named for its epic evening views. If you’re near Waikiki, Magic Island is a great pick for a cityscape sunset.
Just a heads-up: the east side of the island isn’t ideal for sunsets since the sun sets in the opposite direction, but it’s perfect for sunrise lovers!
Experience Oahu + Save Money Doing It
As you might have noticed in a few instances above, I mentioned Go City Oahu. This digital attraction pass makes it easy to dive deep without breaking the bank.
With 45+ included activities, this pass is a practical choice for travelers who want to prioritize meaningful and fun experiences while saving money on the cost of activities. As someone who’s used it firsthand, I can confirm: it delivers serious value on an island where costs add up quickly.
Here are the activities we mentioned above that are included with a Go City Oahu pass:
- 🌺 Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): Immerse yourself in the traditions of six Pacific Island nations through performances, hands-on workshops, and storytelling led by cultural practitioners. (The luau is not included with the pass, but they do offer upgrades if you call in.)
- 🏛️ Bishop Museum: Explore Hawaii’s history through its multitude of Polynesian artifacts, volcanic science exhibits, and a planetarium showcasing the power of Polynesian wayfinding.
- 🌊 Waimea Valley: Learn about ancient Hawaiians, hike through lush botanical gardens to a sacred waterfall, and take a refreshing dip in its waters.
More cultural activities included with the pass:
- Coconut Palm Basket Weaving – create functional art using traditional techniques
- Taro Pounding & Kava Experience – get hands-on with Hawaiian staples and sample earthy kava
- Fire Dance Workshops – master the basics of this mesmerizing Polynesian art form
- Shoreline Fishing – learn local methods for catching fish the sustainable way
- …plus dozens of other activities that connect you to Hawaii’s heritage!
Planning your trip to Oahu? Here are a few other guides that may be of use to you:
- Polynesian Cultural Center: Is It Worth The Money? (+ Essential Tips)
- 10 Authentic Ways to Experience Hawaiian Culture On Oahu
- Oahu For First Timers: 35+ Things You Need To Know
- The Ultimate Oahu 4-Day Itinerary For Budget Travelers
- The North Shore: 15 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip
- 30+ Fun and Totally Free Family Activities On Oahu
- Hawaii Outfit Ideas: Beaches, Luaus, and Beyond
