5 Great Things to Do in Oahu [#1 and #2 Are 5-Star Rated]
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Watch what people talk about when they come back from Oahu. It’s rarely ten different things—it’s usually “that one spot” they can’t stop mentioning.
You don’t fly 4,000+ miles across the Pacific to be the person who gets home and hears, “wait—you didn’t do that?” When people talk about Hawaii, they’re not talking about the lobby or the balcony view. They’re talking about what happens out on the water.
If everyone is talking about that boat or that view, that’s where you want to be.
The Real Magic Is Happening Out on the Water
The ocean here isn’t gray or cold. It’s blue—sometimes electric. On many days, you can see straight through it.
Ask visitors why they came and you’ll hear the same thing over and over: “The water looks unreal.” “It’s so warm.” “You can actually see your feet.”
Whether it’s whale watching during migration season, snorkeling over reef systems, or boarding a sunset cruise as the sky turns orange, most activities here orbit one thing—the Pacific.
That said, the #1 thing people do once they’re out in the ocean… you can probably guess. And if you only have five days in Waikiki, do these things—and preferably in this order.
1. Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Adventure by Living Ocean Tours
The Pacific Ocean is the very lifeblood of Oahu. The ocean is a majestic playground where the water is so clear you can see your feet right through it. The greatest—or the most popular—thing people do first when they arrive in Oahu is snorkel. It’s not something they leave for later. It’s usually the first real activity.
Yes, you could take a sunset cruise. You could go whale watching. But if you look at what most people choose first, it’s the reef. Around 8 out of 10 visitors head straight into the water to spot wildlife that’s native to Oahu.
And that’s exactly why a Turtle Canyon tour is the most popular. You’re not watching from a distance. You’re in the water, looking for turtles in the same space they move through.
Imagine a tour with a “5-star rating.” Impossible, right? Not exactly. In Hawaii, finding one is like finding gold. It’s rare.
But this is Living Ocean’s star rating. “5 stars” from “5,4884” people.
So, what people do first, what they actually want to see, and where they go to see it—it makes sense to experience the ocean with the tour operator rated best by thousands.
2. ʻAuana by Cirque du Soleil
‘Auana has a 4.9 out of 5 rating from thousands of reviews. And it was ranked #4 “Best New Attraction” in the U.S. for 2026 by USA TODAY’s 10Best list.
The Hawaii-based show meets the same production standards as all Cirque shows and reflects Hawaii through music, language, and storytelling.
You’ll see aerial performances where artists move above you, and acrobatics that rely on timing and precision.
Live music carries through the performance, so the energy never drops into silence. Aerial sequences, balance acts, and choreography are tightly controlled, often unfolding just above the audience or across shifting stages.
The music carries local influence. The language, the movement, the rhythm—it all reflects where you are.
As for the stunts: they are absolutely daring. This is Cirque du Soleil—precision is expected.
3. Waikiki Sunset Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
How many people actually do sunset cruises? Six to seven out of every 10 visitors to Waikiki book a sunset cruise.
So you’re looking at millions of people doing sunset cruises annually.
Where do sunset cruises rank in “things to do”?
If you look at what people actually book, it usually sits at the #2 or #3 slots.
You’d call a sunset cruise a great thing to do because from the shoreline, your view is limited. You’re looking out at the ocean… not back at the island.
On a boat that flips. As you move away from Waikiki, the entire coastline opens up. Hotels line the shore, the city sits behind them, and Diamond Head rises clearly in the distance.
There are dozens of sunset cruises in Waikiki. Most sit between 4.5 and 4.8 stars. That’s good—but you want great.
Living Ocean Tours—which has a 5-star rating from 5,000+ guests—offers a 1.5-hour Waikiki sunset cruise.
If you look at the reviews, the high rating mostly comes down to two things: the comfort of the boat and the crew. People mention having enough space to sit or move without feeling cramped, and a crew that’s friendly, attentive, and keeps everything running smoothly from start to finish.
So if you’re looking for “great,” you go with the highest-rated tour—and you can’t get higher than full marks… five out of five.
4. Oahu Doors Off Helicopter Adventure Tour by Magnum Helicopters
When you plan a trip to Hawaii, most of your time ends up in the water. Not a little—a lot.
Still, there’s a limit to what you see from the surface. You experience the water up close, but you only see what’s right in front of you. One beach doesn’t show you the island.
A large number of visitors—tens of thousands every year—book helicopter flights over Oahu and Kauai. And when they land, you hear the same thing: “Now I get it.” From the air, the cliffs, valleys, reefs, and coastline all come together in one view.
That’s why it ranks #4 on a list of great things to do. You spend most of your time in the water… but you need that one moment above it to see the full picture.
The reason is simple: “You see everything at once.” Coastlines stretch out. Waterfalls hidden from the road become visible. The ocean you’ve been swimming in surrounds the entire island.
But staying at sea level only gives you part of the story. You see beautiful spots, but not the full layout of the island. You don’t see how the cliffs rise, how the valleys cut through, or how the reefs sit just offshore.
5. Whale Watching Waikiki Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
Whale watching in Oahu is considered a great thing to do because of how rare the opportunity is.
Every winter, roughly 10,000–12,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters. Not scattered across the ocean… concentrated around the islands, especially Oahu and Maui. So, you’re not hoping to see wildlife—you’re going out during a window when sightings are expected.
That’s also why it’s popular. Hawaii sees around 9–10 million visitors a year, and a large portion travel between January and March. During those months, whale watching becomes one of the most booked ocean activities alongside snorkeling. Tours run daily. Many sell out. And the demand spikes because people know this opportunity is limited to a short window.
Then there’s what you actually see. These whales aren’t just passing through quietly. They’re active—breaching, tail slapping, fin waving. Full-body movements from animals that weigh up to 40 tons.
Of course, the price plays a role too. Tours like Living Ocean’s start at $49 for a 1.5-hour trip. That’s lower than most snorkel tours.
So yes, it belongs on a “great things to do” as a seasonal highlight that, when timed right, becomes one of the most memorable things you’ll see in Hawaii.
What to do in Oahu Island FAQs
What are the top things to do in Honolulu Waikiki for first-time visitors?
For first-timers, the top things to do in Waikiki usually include walking Waikiki Beach, hiking Diamond Head, taking a snorkeling cruise, and exploring local shops and restaurants along Kalakaua Avenue.
Are there free things to do in Honolulu Waikiki?
Yes. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu Waikiki cost nothing at all. You can relax on Waikiki Beach, watch the sunset over the Pacific, hike Diamond Head (small entry fee for non-residents), or explore Kuhio Beach and its evening hula shows.
What are the best evening activities in Waikiki?
Popular evening things to do in Waikiki include sunset catamaran cruises, beachfront dining, live music along the strip, and the Friday night fireworks display.
Do you need a car for things to do in Waikiki?
Not necessarily. Many things to do in Waikiki are within walking distance of major hotels. For activities outside the immediate area—like North Shore tours or Pearl Harbor—shuttles are widely available.
What outdoor activities are popular in Waikiki?
Outdoor things to do in Honolulu Waikiki include surfing lessons, snorkeling tours, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking Diamond Head, and boat cruises along the coastline.
