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About Hawaii
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Nature, Culture, and Adventure Abound on Oahu
An article about Oahu Island entitled
Nature, Culture, and Adventure Abound on Oahu.
See also more
Article About Oahu
and our
Oahu Travel Guide.
Nature, culture and adventure abound on the energizing island of Oahu with an array of sea, land and air activities, as well as arts and cultural attractions. Oahu offers visitors tropical beauty and contemporary excitement that is within close proximity and suits all levels, ages, interests, and budgets. Following are some of the highlights to give a glimpse of the treasures to be discovered on the island of Oahu: Exploring the Natural BeautyWhether hiking through rainforests, biking along mountain ranges and horseback riding in lush valleys; parasailing, parachuting, gliding over the dramatic and diverse landscape of Oahu; swimming, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing in the blue waters of the Pacific… natural beauty is found in the ocean and on the land.
Oahu Nature Tours provides guided excursions to see Oahu’s unique native bird and plant species with spectacular views, excellent photo opportunities and information about Oahu’s geology, archeology, mythology, and history.
Discover Hidden Hawaii Tours also offers a variety of eco-tours led by expert tour guides who teach local legends, geology, history, flora, and archeology. Popular day trips include Circle Island tours of Oahu and Pearl Harbor tours.
For the casual or independent hiker, Oahu features trails for all levels. One of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmarks, Diamond Head has a trail that climbs to a 763-foot summit with unparalleled views of Honolulu. Other popular hikes include Makapuu, Maunawili Falls Trail, Old Pali Highway, and Manoa Falls. On Sundays, the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club meets at various trails on Oahu, offering guided hikes.
Located on Oahu’s iconic North Shore, the 1,800-acre Waimea Valley features botanical gardens, wandering peafowl and a 60-foot waterfall, giving visitors direct interaction with the natural environment.
After a hike, nothing refreshes like the cool waters of the Pacific. With more than 112 miles of shoreline, Oahu has a beach for every interest from shell collecting, surfing, snorkeling, romantic walks, seclusion, and people watching. The windward side of Oahu boasts beaches that regularly rank in America’s top 10 beaches, including Kailua and Lanikai. On the North Shore, winter brings the famous big waves and professional surfing contests at Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset that help make Oahu the surfing capital of the world. In the other months, the ocean is calm and flat again, creating ideal conditions for couples and families to snorkel and swim. The Leeward coast of Oahu offers miles of uninhabited beaches, the most extensive coral systems in the state and pristine areas far off the beaten path. On the South Shore, Waikiki beaches thrive with high-energy people from all over the world sun bathing, surfing and swimming in gentle turquoise waters.
In Waikiki, Outrigger canoe rides and catamaran cruises are steps away with dramatic views awaiting those who venture out on the water. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ Outrigger Catamaran rides go out three times daily. The Outrigger Catamaran snorkeling and sailing tour offers the opportunity to search for dolphins and Humpback whales and swim with Green Sea Turtles and Hawaiian reef fish in a protected National Marine Sanctuary.
The Star of Honolulu, Hawaii’s largest sightseeing and dinner cruise vessel, sails daily and offers whale-watching, entertainment and sunset dinner cruises. Atlantis offers the Navatek I, “Hawaii’s smoothest cruise,” aboard which guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of Oahu’s famous coastlines and mountains.
On the west side, Wild Side Specialty Tours takes researchers, students, naturalists, families, photographers, and intimate groups of travelers to encounter the coastal marine life. This unique experience includes one of a few known areas in the world that free-roaming dolphins interact with humans in the water.
Discovering the Diversity of CultureArt, history and lifestyle shine through in Oahu’s attractions, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the island. Oahu’s contemporary culture is rooted in ancient Hawaiian tradition.
The Hawai‘i State Art Museum (HiSAM) is known to the locals as the people’s museum. It features works that portray the diversity of Hawaii’s culture and people, created by local artists and those inspired while in Hawaii. Admission is always free, and its signature restaurant Downtown @HiSAM, specializing in sustainable cuisine, is a popular lunch spot among local residents.
Shangri La, Doris Duke’s Oahu home, showcases her extensive collection of Islamic art, resulting from her 60 years of worldwide travel. This was made possible due to a partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art and the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Fast-forward to modern, innovative times at The Contemporary Museum, the former Alice Cooke Spalding residence, in the midst of the beautiful residential community of Makiki Heights. The museum has seven galleries with rotating works of art by celebrated international and local contemporary artists.
The Honolulu Academy of Arts, Hawaii’s oldest and largest art museum, was founded in 1927 and is recognized for its outstanding collections of Asian, European, Pacific, American, and African art showcased in some 30 galleries surrounding six garden courts.
Visitors will find an endless number of roads leading back through Hawaiian history at the Bishop Museum. Established in 1889, Bishop Museum is recognized today as the principal museum of the Pacific and one of the world’s leading scientific institutions. The museum’s impressive Hawaiian Hall showcases ancient Hawaiian artifacts in a modern setting, while the Science Adventure Center teaches children about Hawaii’s unique eco-system. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Bishop Museum.
Built in 1849 and nestled in the cool Nuuanu Valley, Queen Emma Summer Palace was once the country home of King Kamehameha IV and his wife, Queen Emma, and today houses their personal artifacts.
This complex of New England-style saltbox homes at the Mission Houses Museum includes the Frame House, the oldest existing house in Hawai‘i built in 1821. Today, the Frame House is a museum of missionary history with an annex that houses a replica of the Ramage hand press used to print the first Hawaiian laws, newspapers, bibles, schoolbooks, and other material.
Built in 1879, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States and was the official residence of Hawaii’s last monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Painstakingly restored, the Palace is reminiscent of the grandeur of Hawaii’s monarch period.
This collection of 30 original and replica plantation homes and buildings at Hawaii’s Plantation Village offers a glimpse of the time when sugar cane transformed the land, economy and culture of Hawaii. The living museum of a plantation village recreates the lifestyles of the different ethnic groups that helped to shape Hawaii.
The Manoa Heritage Center is a historic site committed to preserving and interpreting the heiau, the Native Hawaiian garden, the historic home and the natural and cultural history of Manoa Valley for future generations. The historic site consists of Kukaoo Heiau, a Native Hawaiian garden and the historic home Kualii. The heiau and historic home are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pearl Harbor serves as a national landmark and is also home base for three historic attractions. The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (USS Arizona Memorial) was constructed above the sunken ship, the USS Arizona, as a memorial to honor those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 in a Japanese sneak attack on the United States naval fleet. The Battleship Missouri Memorial is a living museum that offers guests a glimpse into life on the historic USS Missouri or “Mighty Mo.” Climb aboard the last and most celebrated battleship ever built. It was aboard the battleship’s decks that the documents ending World War II were signed. Located near the world famous USS Arizona Memorial and Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum features a renovated World War II submarine and museum that introduces visitors to some of the sailors during the war.
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center features seven Pacific Island villages on 42 acres with hands-on cultural experiences and interaction. Visitors can also enjoy a canoe pageant, hula show, luau and the island’s most spectacular evening show, “HA: The Breath of Life.”
Another way to soak in and enjoy the culture of Hawaii is through specialized spa treatments that incorporate ancient techniques of massage and healing. Local ingredients such as kukui nuts, sea salt, seaweed, noni, ti leafs, and coconuts are also used in their treatments. Whether it’s through a lomilomi massage, seaweed body mask or ti leaf wrap, the spiritual and healing aspect of the islands come to life. Oahu features the most resorts in Hawaii, which means a wide spectrum of spas feature signature treatments including Na Hoola Spa, Ihilani Spa, Waikiki Plantation Spa, Mandara Spa, SpaHalekulani, SpaSuites at Kahala, Moana Lani Spa, and Abhasa Waikiki Spa to name a few. Satisfying an Appetite for AdventureFor those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Oahu with activity and excitement thrown in, adventure abounds.
Surfing was once exclusive to the kings of Hawaii, where the sport originated. Today, many enjoy surfing and Oahu offers superb surfing conditions for every level. Hans Hedemann Surf School teaches surfing and stand-up paddle boarding at six locations around the island. Hawaiian Fire Surf School, based on the dream of three firefighters, gives surfing lessons on a secluded, sandy beach with soft-top surfboards and protective footwear reflecting their work as safety professionals.
Aloha Beach Services and Waikiki Beach Services offer outrigger canoe rides, surfboard/bodyboard and raft rentals on Waikiki Beach. Experience Waikiki’s waters through the eyes of an original beach boy. Aloha Beach Services is conveniently located at the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort, while Waikiki Beach Services has locations at Outrigger Reef on the Beach and Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.
Dangle from a parachute as you float through the air, above the ocean and over the Waikiki coastline with Aloha Parasail and Jet Ski. Phone: (808) 521-2446
Charter boats are popular with both locals and visitors who want to try their hand at fishing the tropical waters. Hawaii Charter Skippers Association works only with U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels that are skippered by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains. The association takes reservations for half-, three quarter- and full-day excursions.
Take a scenic drive out to Oahu’s famous North Shore and hop aboard a glider plane at Dillingham Airfield. With Original Glider Rides, you’ll soar above the island on a three-seater sailplane with a friendly, knowlegeable and professional pilot, and see stunning views of the northern coastline. After the ride, visit with Glider Rides’ owner, Mr. Bill, and hear his personal experiences.
Sailing offers a great way to enjoy the ocean and to get a different view of Oahu. Honolulu Sailing Company provides brief cruises off Honolulu to full-day charters along the North Shore.
Take a flight on Hawaii’s only seaplane with Island Seaplane Service. This 30-minute or one-hour adventure begins with a departure off the water to offshore Waikiki, Diamond Head, Koko Head, the famous Blowhole, and on to beautiful Kaneohe Bay. The flight continues along the famous North Shore surfing areas, Haleiwa town and through the same valley Japanese Zeros flew for the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, ending with a water landing.
Oahu is home to the best windsurfing conditions in Hawaii. At Kailua Beach, explore the island’s waters by kayaking and windsurfing with instructors at Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, Inc. Learn how to kayak, windsurf and kite surf, or brush up on techniques under the guidance of expert guides. Paddle from Kailua Beach to the Mokulua Islands surrounded by breathtaking views.
Located in lush Kaaawa Valley with sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay, Kualoa Ranch offers horseback riding, ATV tours, an ocean voyage, a gun range, and a Hawaiian Experience tour to Oahu’s nature and adventure-seeking visitors. A boat takes visitors across an 800-year-old ancient Hawaiian fishpond to Secret Island, to enjoy snorkeling or windsurfing. In ancient times, Kualoa was considered one of the most sacred places on Oahu. In 1850, Dr. Gerrit Judd purchased the land from King Kamehameha III. His son started an early Oahu sugar plantation in 1863 and began a cattle ranch at the turn of the century.
Power a high-performance glass bottom boat and dart about Hawaiian reefs on the “Wild Thing Reef Explorer.” Snorkel at Hawaii Kai’s Maunalua Bay, populated with green sea turtles, tropical fish and live coral (equipment will be provided). Hawaiian Ocean Promotions and Fishbowl Tours Hawaii both offer jet skiing, power boat rides, parasailing, and banana boat/bumper tube rides.
To discover the world under water, scuba diving on Oahu offers an array of shore dives and boat dives, night or day. The pristine waters of Hawaii come to life with colorful reef fish, coral beds, starfish, turtles, octopus, lobster, intricately designed shells, and lots of other marine life. Oahu is also the only place in Hawaii for wreck diving. Breeze Hawaii, Aqua Zone and Surf-N-Sea are just a few of the dive shops that provide instruction, rental diving equipment and transportation to some of the major dive spots around the island.
See Oahu’s largest waterfall cascading over 1,000 feet into a steep gorge located at a 2,000-foot elevation up in the lush Koolau Mountains, inaccessible by car or foot. During Makani Kai Helicopters’ popular tour, passengers will fly past famous filming locations, Koko Crater, Hanauma Bay, Kahana Rain Forest Reserve, and big surf beaches including Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline. The tour concludes with a flight over Pearl Harbor’s submarines and historic World War II battle sites. (877) 255-8532 or www.makanikai.com Explore Oahu’s lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and far-reaching coastlines by mountain bike, foot and boat with Bike Hawaii. The “From the Rainforest to the Reef” full-day adventure begins with a stream and waterfall hike through a privately owned tropical rainforest. The day continues with a leisurely downhill, road bike ride and ends with a relaxing catamaran cruise. Other half-day and full-day biking, hiking, sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling adventures are available. (877) 682-7433 or www.bikehawaii.com In Honolulu and Kailua, visitors can now cruise along in style on a Segway while soaking in the Oahu sun. Segway of Hawaii’s electronic personal transportation devices make discovering spots like Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head and Waikiki an exhilarating experience. (800) 979-3370 or www.segwayofhawaii.com ResourceHawaii Tourism Authority / Oahu Visitor's Bureau / July 16, 2010
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