10 Best Nature Tours in Oahu
The island of Oahu is a true paradise that you can't miss. Besides being the place where Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located, it is full of attractions and dreamlike landscapes.
Oahu, Hawaii | ©Peter Thomas
Oahu is one of the favorite destinations for beach and nature lovers, with hundreds of different options to tour and explore, visiting this island in the archipelago of Hawaii will leave you wanting to stay and live.
There are many things to see and do in Oahu, from helicopter tours to dives in its translucent waters, swimming with sharks, cruises or taking surfing lessons, visiting Oahu is an adventure in itself. Here I have selected for you the best experiences you can't miss. Here we go!
1. North Shore and Hanauma Bay Excursion
With this tour departing from Waikiki, you'll get to see some of the most beautiful places on the island. You'll find that there are a surprising amount of activities to do on Oahu's North Shore.
After picking you up from your hotel or Airbnb in a comfortable van or minibus, you'll start your journey north. There you will visit, among other things, the huge volcanic crater of Diamond Head, which is no less than 100,000 years old. An absolutely fascinating place that will leave you speechless.
You will visit the Banzai Pipeline beach, Turtle Town and the Anahulu River, where you will take a kayak ride through its crystal clear waters. Then you will head south to visit Halona Blowhole and Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, two of the most popular places on Oahu. Here you can snorkel in one of the most amazing coral reefs in the world.
One of its biggest attractions is that you can see sea turtles and hundreds of colorful fish swimming alongside you.
Information of interest
- Price: from 116 Euros
- Duration: 8 hours
- Means of transportation: minibus
- In favor: it allows you to see both the north and the south of the island.
- Against: the itinerary is closed
2. Island tour and snorkeling
If you are looking for a full day excursion that will take you to see most of the island's points of interest, this is your best option.
It is a guided tour of no more than 20 people in a comfortable minibus, which will allow you to discover all the beauty of Oahu.
The tour starts in Waikiki, then you can visit the volcanic crater Diamond Head, the monument to Amelia Earhart, who was the first aviator to fly from Hawaii to the United States.
You will also visit the amazing Halona Blowhole, a lava tube that reaches the sea, the amazing cliffs of Waimanalo and see from the coast the Rabbit Island.
Then you will pass by Mokolii, one of the favorite places of Jurassic Park fans, since many of the scenes of the popular film were filmed here.
At lunch time, you can enjoy some of the delicious Hawaiian dishes at one of the local farms. Lunch is not included in the price of the tour, so you should bring some cash.
Finally, you will snorkel at Waimanalo and Sunset Beach, located on the north shore of Oahu.
This is definitely one of the most recommended excursions to do in Oahu in 3 days, since you will be able to see the main attractions of the island.
Information of interest
- Price: from 90 Euros
- Duration: 8 hours
- Means of transportation: minibus
- Pros: it is the most complete of the tours, it allows you to see the whole island in one day.
- Cons: it can be tiring to do with small children.
3. Cage dive to swim with sharks
If you are one of those who need to live the adventure to the fullest and can't do without high doses of adrenaline, this is the excursion for you. Imagine swimming inside a cage while being surrounded by a group of sharks.
One of the most unsettling and incredible experiences you can have on Oahu. The tour also offers the option to see the sharks from the boat, this is ideal especially if you are traveling with children and they are afraid of diving. This tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Oahu with kids.
Needless to say, the observation cage is completely safe, so there is no real danger, although seeing one of the most voracious marine predators at such close range can make you shudder.
Information of interest
- Price: from 99 Euros
- Duration: 2 hours
- Means of transportation: boat
- In favor: you will live an adventure full of adrenaline.
- Against: not recommended for very young children.
4. Catamaran excursion and snorkel with turtles
This is a tour that you will definitely enjoy. Departing from Kewalo Harbor in Waikiki, you will embark on a beautiful 3-hour cruise through Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, where you will see the stars of the island, the green turtles of Oahu.
These large turtles, known as Hono, are extremely calm and photo friendly. You can snorkel in the warm, clear waters of Oahu and find yourself surrounded by hundreds of colorful fish, dolphins and, if you're lucky, maybe even a humpback whale.
The tour includes unlimited soft drinks and the option of a light lunch if booked during the noon hour. This is undoubtedly one of the best boat tours on Oahu.
Interesting information
- Price: from 95 Euros
- Duration: 3 hours
- Means of transportation: catamaran
- Pros: you will be able to enjoy an exceptional spectacle
- Against: with 3 hours you might want more.
5. Tour of the island and excursion to Waimea Waterfall
With this 10-hour tour across the island you will have the chance to explore unique places like Hanauma Bay, the Kaiwi coastal area, the Pali and Makapu'u lookouts, where you will get some of the most breathtaking views you can imagine.
Then you will visit the Valley of the Temples, where you will have the chance to see the picturesque Byodo-In temple, and other famous places of the island, such as Chinaman 's Hat, which owes its shape to the classic Chinese hats used in the plantations for centuries.
Throughout the tour your specialized guide will tell you all about each place, its history, its meaning in the local language, and the secrets of the island. Before stopping for lunch at Shrimp Stand, you will visit Kahana Bay. Lunch on this tour is included and is a great way to sample the flavors of Oahu.
Then the tour continues with iconic sites such as Sunset Beach and the pineapple fields and plantations of Dole, Waimea Valley with its magnificent waterfall and much more.
This is a very complete experience that will be unforgettable, this Waimea waterfall tour is absolutely worth it and is one of the best things to do on Oahu.
Interesting information
- Price: from 128 Euros
- Duration: 10 hours
- Means of transportation: minibus
- Pros: it is a very complete tour and lunch is included.
- Cons: It is a closed itinerary.
6. Oahu helicopter tour 60 minutes
Take one of the best helicopter tours on Oahu, flying over the island for a whole hour, while the pilot tells you about each of the places you see.
You will have unbeatable views of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, the Dole plantations, the monumental volcanic crater of Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, Sacred Falls, Ka'a'awa Valley and the Ko'olau Mountains, among other things.
This type of experience is absolutely worth it, although it is one of the most expensive excursions of all, and one of the least time consuming, taking a walk and being able to enjoy the whole island and its majesty will leave you in awe. From the air, you will also be able to see the best beaches of Oahu, with its white sands and clear waters.
Information of interest
- Price: from 328 Euros
- Duration: 1 hour
- Means of transportation: helicopter
- Pros: no other land tour can compare to this tour.
- Disadvantages: after only 1 hour you are left wanting more.
7. Surf lessons at Waikiki Beaches
Taking a surf lesson on Oahu is one of the experiences you can't miss for anything. With some of the most famous waves in the world, surfing here is almost a must.
Surfers and lovers of this sport come from all over the world to enjoy its beaches and its waves of several meters. But fear not, lessons take place at Waikiki Beach, where the waves are calm, ideal if you're just starting out or just want to have a first encounter with this popular sport.
Your instructor will be patient, and while teaching you how to handle the waves you'll learn a little about Hawaiian culture and the importance of this discipline for the islanders, since it can be considered the national sport.
Information of interest
- Price: from 113 Euros
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Pros: you will learn not only how to surf but also a bit of the national culture.
- Against: could be longer
8. Sunset dinner cruise in Honolulu
Embark on this cruise to experience one of the natural spectacles that will stay with you forever. Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean while enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by the chef on board is unparalleled. The Oahu sunset boat tour is one of the most popular.
You'll also get the island views, with the lights starting to come on as the sun sets, and of course, the millions of stars twinkling in the sky. The starry nights of Oahu are a true wonder, thanks to the fact that there is no light pollution you will be able to appreciate one of the most beautiful skies in the world.
The tour departs from Waikiki Harbor and goes to Lēʻahi, known by tourists as Diamond Head. The Prince Kuhio is a comfortable boat, where you can relax and enjoy. This is one of the ideal plans if you don't know what to do in Oahu at night.
Information of interest
- Price: from 90 Euros
- Duration: 2 hours
- Means of transportation: boat
- Pros: you will see one of the best sunsets you can imagine.
- Against: with only 2 hours you will be left wanting a little more.
9. Paragliding in Oahu
Ideal for adventure lovers, take one of the best paragliding flights in Oahu and enjoy the sensation of soaring through the air in one of the most beautiful natural sceneries that our planet has to offer.
You will be able to see Honolulu and Maunalua Bay, as well as Koko Head and the Ko'olau mountain range. The paragliding is for two people, so it is ideal to go as a couple, you will soar more than 200 meters above the clear waters of Hawaii.
If you wish, you can add a Go-Pro camera to record your experience and have a first hand memory. For this you pay extra, but I must say that it is totally worth it.
Information of interest
- Price: from 75 Euros
- Duration: 1 hour
- Means of transport: paragliding
- In favor: it is an extremely fun experience
- Against: not suitable if you have vertigo problems.
10. Kayak tour in Kailua Bay with lunch
Sign up for one of the best kayak tours in Oahu, where you can discover paradisiacal beaches aboard your small paddle boat.
The tour includes Kailua Bay, the Mokulua Islands or Popoia Island (Flat Island), where you will see a beautiful bird sanctuary, in Lanikai Beach you can dive and enjoy the spectacle of the fauna of the place, such as its beautiful Hono, the world famous green sea turtles.
You can opt for a guided kayak tour, where a specialist will show you all the treasures of the island, or you can choose the self-guided tour, where you are the explorer and decide where to go.
The kayak and snorkeling equipment, as well as lunch are included in this 5-hour tour. Transfers from Waikiki are also part of this incredible excursion.
Information of interest
- Price: from 112 Euros
- Duration: 5 hours
- Means of transportation: minibus or van and then kayak.
- Pros: you will be able to enjoy the best natural surroundings paddling by yourself.
- Disadvantages: not recommended for small children.
Why is it advisable to take a guided tour in Oahu?
A guided tour is always the best option, because you will get to know much more in detail every corner of the island. Whether you opt for an island tour, a helicopter ride, swimming with sharks or a kayak excursion, it is always a good idea to have the advice and guidance of a local specialist. If you choose to go on your own, you may miss some things and not get the most out of your trip.