Did you know this year marks our 35th anniversary here at Prince Waikiki? It’s true, and what a great 35 years it’s been! To celebrate, we outlined 35 of the best things to do in Oʻahu. Whether you’re a beachgoer, a hiker, shopaholic, history buff, or a foodie, there are plenty of ways to fill your days here in paradise.

Soak up Some Sun at Waikiki Beach 

 

 

Located steps from our hotel, Waikiki Beach is one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, and in our opinion, a must-visit for your trip to Oʻahu. In addition to being a fantastic swimming and sunbathing spot, this beach is culturally significant in that it is often regarded as the birthplace of modern surfing. 

 

Learn About Hawaii’s Thriving Marine Ecosystem at Waikiki Aquarium 

 

No matter how old you are, a visit to the Waikiki Aquarium Aquarium will reconnect you with your inner child with its fun, interactive, and educational displays about the abundant marine life found in and around the Pacific. 

 

Spend an Afternoon at Honolulu Zoo

 

 

How can you experience the thrilling wilderness of the African Savannah from an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Through the Honolulu Zoo, of course! In addition to a vast array of wild animals from all corners of the globe, you’ll learn about Hawai‘i’s native and endemic species and efforts to conserve their valuable populations. 

 

Plan a Day Trip to Hanauma Bay State Park 

 

 

One of the reasons Hanauma Bay State Park is such a coveted snorkeling spot is its unique geographic features—it’s protected by reefs and volcanic crater walls, creating glassy calm waters perfect for immersing yourself in Oʻahu’s underwater ecosystem. 

 

Spread Your Wings With a Bird Tour 

 

These birding tours are a bucket-list activity for any amateur birdwatchers or bird enthusiasts out there. With Oahu Nature Tours, you can choose between endemic, coastal, north shore, or pelagic birds on your tour. 

 

Dine at 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar 

 

 

We can’t give you 35 options for what to do in Oʻahu and not include our award-winning on-site restaurant, 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar. Indulge in fresh island-inspired cuisine against a stunning West Coast sunset backdrop. It’s the perfect way to start or end your day.

 

Listen to Live Music at Hinana Bar

 

 

Not every activity in Oahu requires you to travel far… or even leave Prince Waikiki, for that matter! Enjoy casual eats, refreshing drinks, live music with SunSets Live on Friday and Saturday, DJs spinning on Saturday and Sunday during R3mix, and Friday night fireworks at Hinana Bar. 

 

Hike Lē’ahi (Diamond Head) 

 

 

Lē’ahi (Diamond Head), located only five minutes outside of Waikiki, is one of Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a short, steep hike that will reward you with a panoramic view of Honolulu and the surrounding area.

 

Visit Manoa Falls 

 

Find yourself immersed in a lush, tropical rainforest with a hike to Manoa Falls, an under-two-mile hike that’s just a short drive from Waikiki.

 

Explore the Makapu’u Lighthouse 

 

 

This 2.5-mile hike rewards you with a stunning view of the surrounding bay and the iconic Makapu’u Lighthouse. In the summer, you may even glimpse some migrating whale pods out at sea. 

 

Grab Coffee at Honolulu Coffee Company 

 

Located in our lobby, Honolulu Coffee Company offers farm-to-table coffee and delicious pastries as the perfect way to start your day. 

 

Add Some Color to Your Day at the Honolulu Museum of Art 

 

Also known as HoMA,  at the Honolulu Museum of Art you’ll find masterpieces by famous artists, local and indigenous art, guided tours, and art classes. To sweeten the deal even further, guests of Prince Waikiki can enjoy free admission for two during their stay, making it the perfect addition to any Oʻahu vacation.

 

Learn About Hawaiian Culture at the Bishop Museum 

 

The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is the leading institution for Hawai’i’s natural and cultural history. Spend a day exploring this treasure trove of Polynesian heritage. 

 

Immerse Yourself in History at the Pearl Harbor Memorial 

 

 

A day at the Pearl Harbor Memorial is perfect for any history buff, though we think everybody would find educational and historical value in a day spent at this sobering and significant spot in US history.  

 

Shop ‘til You Drop at Ala Moana Center 

 

Did you know that the Ala Moana Shopping Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world? Find all your retail favorites nestles among leafy palm trees and botanical gardens.

 

Enjoy an Authentic Dinner at Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo

 

 

Any of these activities are bound to work up an appetite, and what better place to enjoy a meal than at Katsumnidori Sushi Tokyo? Here, at the only location outside of Japan, you can enjoy fresh and innovative Hawaiian Japanese cuisine.

 

Play a Round at Hawaii Prince Golf Club 

 

 

A quick 40-minute drive from the city will find you at Hawaii Prince Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. With 270 acres of golfable terrain and the stretch of  Waianae Mountains in the background, this beautiful and challenging course should have a spot on every golfer’s bucket list. 

 

Swim, Tan, and Book a Kayak Tour at Lanikai Beach  

 

Kaʻōhao, or Lanikai Beach, has been called one of the best beaches in the world, and for good reason, with its white sand, pristine waters, and views of the Moklua Islands. Book a kayak tour for a chance to view the green sea turtles that like to hang out around the islands. 

 

Sail the Seas with Holokai Catamaran Tours 

 

We can’t think of anything that says “paradise” quite like a sunset cruise around Oʻahu. For our guests who are eager to try out their sea legs, embark on an adventure Holokai Catamaran Tour. 

 

Hang Ten on the North Shore 

 

One of Oʻahu’s top surfing spots, the North Shore offers sun-warmed sand and perfect waves no matter the time of year. 

 

Snorkel Sharks Cove 

 

This charming cove has been rated one of the top shore diving spots in the world. Come see for yourself! And don’t let the name fool you—here, you’re most likely to find small fish, crustaceans, turtles, and eels. 

 

Hike to Waimano Falls 

 

If you’re up for more of a challenging hike, Waimano Falls rewards you with incredible views and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the island. 

 

Visit the Statue of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

 

 

If you want to learn the legacy of some famous native Hawaiians, the life of Duke Kahamaoku, an Olympian regarded as the father of modern-day surfing, is a good place to start. We recommend visiting this statue as part of your trip to Waikiki Beach, where Duke grew up surfing. 

 

Hike ‘Aiea Loop 

 

With all the picturesque views and scenic hiking trails available on Oʻahu, it’s no surprise that ‘Aiea Loop made it into this mix. This gorgeous 4.5-mile trail will yield stunning views of the Halawa Valley. 

 

Visit the Koko Crater Botanical Garden 

 

A botanical garden located in the center of a meteor crater? It may sound too fantastical or good to be true, but we assure you that the Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a great way to spend a day in Oʻahu. 

 

Shop at the International Market Place 

 

This iconic shopping center blends all the modern-day stores you could hope for with authentic Hawaiian charm.   

 

Visit the Kakaako Farmer’s Market 

 

Every Saturday from 8:00 AM  to 12:00 PM, you’ll find the Kakaako Farmer’s Market on Ala Moana Boulevard. It’s the perfect place to go for fresh produce and local Hawaiian goods.

 

Visit the Hawaii Army Museum 

 

Hawaii is a state not only rich in culture and natural beauty, but history as well. Learn about the critical role these islands have played on the stage of U.S. military history at the Hawaii Army Museum.  

 

Visit Iolani Palace 

 

 

Iolani Palace holds the distinction of being the only royal palace in the United States. It’s the perfect place to spend a day learning about Polynesian history and Hawaii’s monarchs. 

 

Swim With Sharks

 

 

Haleiwa Shark Tours is an activity we recommend for our more adventurous vacation-goers. Safely enjoy the majesty of the ultimate marine apex predator from up close with their shark cage diving experience.  

 

Take an ATV Tour 

 

While hiking, driving, and boating are three wonderful ways to experience the island, nothing beats the power of an ATV tour to explore Oʻahu’s wilderness. Try one today through Off Road Eco Tours.

 

Tour Washington Place 

 

Washington Place in downtown Honolulu carries an important distinction: it’s the only official residence of a United States governor that was also once home to a monarch—that is, Queen Lili’ukolani. Nowadays, it’s home to the Department of Accounting and General Services, but tours are still available to those who want to learn more about the history of Hawaii’s last ruling monarch. 

 

Go to a Luau 

 

 

The quintessential Hawaiian experience, a Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center promises delicious food and one-of-a-kind performances. 

 

Explore Honolulu’s Botanical Gardens

 

(photo: Daderot. – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0)

 

If you’re looking for some valuable outdoor time, check out one of the botanical gardens located in Honolulu! Encompassing a total of 650 acres, these gardens contain tropical plants and fauna endemic to Polynesia. With five located across the county, you can find the one that fits best with your itinerary. 

 

Check Skydiving off Your Bucket List 

 

We saved the most daring activity for last. Are you brave enough to explore not only the lands and seas of Oʻahu, but the skies as well? If so, Sky Dive Hawaii has just the thrills you’re looking for.  

 

 

Which activities did you gravitate towards? The best part about all of these is that at the end of the day, you have a comfortable and relaxing base to return to at Prince Waikiki, where you can take advantage of all of our on-site amenities that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next adventure. And, in celebration of our 35th anniversary, we have a special offer for you — Book three nights and receive 35% off your first two nights! And if that’s not enough, you’ll receive your third night at only $35! Learn more about this special offer and start planning your trip today.