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
2. ʻAuana by Cirque du Soleil
‘Auana, meaning to wander, drift, or veer off the beaten path, has a 4.9 out of 5 rating from thousands of reviews.
The show was ranked #4 “Best New Attraction” in the U.S. for 2026 by USA TODAY’s 10 Best list.
The music carries local influence. The language, the movement, the rhythm—it all reflects where you are. Ultimately, it reflects Hawaii through music, language, and storytelling. You’ll see aerial performances where artists move above you.
Each act connects to the next, so it keeps your attention. Aerial sequences, balance acts, and choreography are tightly controlled, often unfolding just above the audience or across shifting stages. There’s risk in what they do, but it’s wrapped in elegance.
If you have a free night, this is one of those shows that can entertain the whole family—every age group, from kids to grandparents, stays engaged from start to finish.
3. Luau Dinner with Hawaiian Show by Queens Waikiki Luau
Food is a big part of travel. Not a side note. And in Hawaii, the luau is almost always in the “top 5” things to do when you arrive.
So what is a luau?
It’s a traditional Hawaiian feast paired with live entertainment—think kalua pig cooked in an underground imu, poi, fresh fish, and performances that move from hula to fire knife dancing. It’s food, yes—but also storytelling, music, and culture layered into one night.
But you don’t just want a luau. You want the highest-rated luau. The best food. The one people talk about after they’ve gone home.
That’s where Queens Waikiki Luau stands out.
It’s a Hawaiian feast built around tradition. Slow-cooked meats, local sides, tropical flavors—and alongside it, performances that carry history through music and dance.
You came to Hawaii for the water… yes.
But one night? It should belong to the food.
4. Oahu Doors Off Helicopter Adventure Tour by Magnum Helicopters
Magnum’s helicopter flight runs for about 50 minutes from the coastline. From the moment you lift off, there’s nothing between you and the island. No window. No reflection. Just open air. You feel the wind the entire time, and that alone tells you this isn’t a passive tour where you sit back and watch—it pulls you into it.
You’ll take off over Honolulu, then start covering ground quickly. Waikiki, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, the coastline… all of it comes into view one after the other. You’ll leave the city behind and move into the parts of Oahu most people never reach—valleys, cliffs, and places like Sacred Falls that you can’t just drive to.
From the ground, you see sections of Oahu.
From the air, you see how it all connects.
So who is this for?
Someone who wants to see the entire island in under an hour.
Someone who doesn’t want barriers—no glass, no distance.
Or someone who wants a moment that stands apart from everything else they did in Hawaii.
Because once you’ve seen Oahu from above like this… everything else feels smaller.
5. North Shore by The Surf Bus
The North Shore isn’t just popular. It’s one of the main reasons people go to Oʻahu in the first place.
On a normal day, you’ll have around 12,000+ people in the area at once.
The real driver behind that popularity? The waves.
This coastline is considered one of the top surf destinations in the world. Every winter, it becomes the global center of surfing, pulling in professionals, media, and spectators.
Events like the Triple Crown of Surfing bring in the best surfers on the planet.
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.
