Top Oahu Outdoor Activities

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring from the top of Oahu’s longest ziplines on this guided tour. Start with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahu's famous North Shore from long, high and extra-quiet ziplines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way.

Kayak around the islands of Kailua Bay on a guided or self-guided tour. During this half-day eco-adventure, paddle out to Popoia Island (Flat Island) or the Mokulua Islands to enjoy stunning island views from the water. Snorkel with green sea turtles at Lanikai and visit bird sanctuaries before enjoying a relaxing lunch on the beach. This small-group tour includes round-trip transportation from select Waikiki hotels, all kayaking and snorkeling equipment and lunch.

This tour allows you to see the sights of the North Shore of Oahu, including Hanauma Bay. During this full-day tour, ride in a mini-bus to the Dole Plantation, Turtle Town, Waimea Bay, and the Banzai Pipeline. Snorkel and swim in the famously aqua waters. Pickup and drop-off at Waikiki hotels included.

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this educational, 2-hour, cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of the Big Island’s popular North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by. No scuba experience is necessary. Hotel pickup and drop-off available.

Discover the natural beauty of Kualoa Ranch on a self-drive UTV tour of Ka’a’awa Valley. Following a guide, traverse the lush valley in an open-air 4WD vehicle to check out filming sites from Hollywood movies such as "Jurassic Park." Plunging over streams and through the mud to reach remote areas, this adventure is a great way to see more of Oahu outside the resort and beach areas. UTVs hold two to six people, depending on the number of kids in your party.

Diamond Head is one of the best-known hiking sites in Hawaii. On this guided tour you will not only summit the famed crater, you'll also learn about its volcanic creation and Hawaiian history as you walk. At the top you will be rewarded with a panorama of Waikiki and the turquoise waters stretched out below, and receive an ‘I Climbed Diamond Head’ certificate.

Zipline through the Ka'a'awa Valley rainforest on this tour at Kualoa Ranch. Fly safely down fourteen tandem cables, then cross two suspension bridges that swing over rushing streams. Learn about the native plant and animal life that abounds in this lush valley from your experienced adventure guides, who are there to ensure your comfort and safety. No zipline experience is necessary.

Swim within safe viewing distance to dolphins and green sea turtles on this popular Oahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Sail into waters home to spinner dolphins, and then glide alongside colorful fish, aboard a boat equipped with a 20-foot (6-meter) waterslide. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. For lunch, enjoy a Hawaiian cheeseburger with fruit and lemonade. Hotel transport included.

Spot schools of bright fish and other marine life on a half-day snorkeling adventure at Oahu’s Hanauma Bay. All snorkel gear is provided with your rental, along with the choice of morning departure times and hotel pickup and drop-off. Bring little ones to the inner reef to safely explore the colorful underwater world. For more advanced Hanauma Bay snorkeling, head to the outer reef.

Skip the crowded boat tours and enjoy a comfortable and luxurious snorkeling experience aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht in a group of no more than six people. Spend your day exploring the underwater world around O’ahu and spot marine life such as sea turtles and colorful fish. Includes food and drink.

Set sail on the Mo’o with “the original shark boat crew” and learn skills passed down through generations to interact responsibly and safely with sharks and other marine life. Swim and snorkel with native sharks on Oahu’s North Shore. Look out for White Tipped Reef Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Gray Reef Sharks, and Sandbar Sharks, and learn about the local culture of respect for native animals and the natural environment.

Fly over the sparkling waters of Oahu on 1-hour parasailing adventure in Waikiki. Hop aboard your 12-person boat, soaring up into the skies with one or two other people for 10 minutes. Then, spend the rest of your hour gliding across the ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, tropical fish and sea turtles. This small-group tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for up to 12 travelers, and offers both morning and afternoon departures.

Learn to SCUBA dive with comprehensive training, all necessary equipment, and qualified instructors in Hawaii. You develop your SCUBA skills and start with two boat dives in shallow water before moving on to open water dives. See tropical fish, bright corals and maybe even sea turtles all under the supervision of a trained professional.

Safely explore the waters off the coast of Oahu during a two tank dive with a PADI certified instructor. Board a boat and cruise to two different dive sites, stopping to scuba dive and see tropical fish and maybe sea turtles and octopus. Your small-group scuba diving tour is capped at four divers for a personalized experience. Plus, scuba equipment and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki are included.

The shallow Hanauma Bay is renowned as an excellent place to snorkel among its abundant, colorful fish. Whatever your snorkeling experience, this service makes it accessible and worry-free. In a small group, your guide takes you to the bay and provides all necessary equipment and information on the best snorkel spots. There, you can spend your time as you wish.

Share the warm Hawaiian waters with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more on a 2-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki. No need to wear your flippers and mask on the plane, as all necessary gear is provided. Under the careful guidance of a tour leader, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and - in winter months - humpback whales.

Try something different with a horseback ride on the beach. Explore a beautiful oceanfront trail on horseback at Oahu’s North Shore. Perfect for visitors looking for an off the beaten path Hawaii experience, no prior horseback riding experience is necessary and expert guides are on hand to help. Private or small group rides are available, and sunset rides with incredible views and photos ops are also an option.

Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu's Turtle Canyon on this 2- to 3-hour tour departing from Waikiki. Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. After snorkeling, enjoy lunch (if option selected ) and two provided drinks while you keep your eyes peeled for passing marine life like dolphins and migrating whales. Snorkel equipment and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is included.

Kualoa Ranch is the lush, verdant setting for films like Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor. Visiting this Northeast Shore location by horseback will take you farther into the valley and give you an authentic ranch experience. 1- or 2-hour options give you the flexibility to fit this tour into your busy schedule, and expert horse wranglers will ensure you a safe, fun ride through the Ka'a'awa Valley.

Want to scuba dive while in Hawaii but don’t have time to get certified? Try this guided, 5-hour ocean dive from Waikiki. It’s not a scuba certification course but it is a quick, easy introduction to the underwater world, under the supervision of a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) member. Climb aboard a custom, 37-foot dive boat and experience Hawaii’s fascinating underwater world, complete with colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine wildlife. All the necessary diving equipment plus snacks and fresh water are included.

Nothing is more iconic to Hawaii than surfing at Waikiki Beach. This is arguably the place where surfing was born, and the spot where watermen like Duke Kahanamoku helped introduce surfing to the world. The reason why this south facing coast is so perfect for learning to surf, is the fact that the bottom is soft, sandy, and the water is relatively shallow. During this surf lesson in Waikiki, you'll also notice the way the waves have a steady and gentle roll, which makes them far less intimidating than other waves on Oahu. Add in a long, stable board and a professional local instructor, and before you know it you'll be surfing a wave like ancient Hawaiians of old.

Sail along the Leeward Coast of Oahu on this morning cruise. Snorkel with an expert guide and watch for spinner dolphins on this family-friendly adventure off the scenic southwestern coast of the island. This excursion, complete with spectacular scenery and fun water activities includes breakfast, lunch, and optional round-trip transportation from Oahu hotels

Experience some of the island’s best views on this 1-hour horseback tour of Kualoa Ranch. Ride through a tropical valley, which is both a nature reserve and one of the country’s longest operating cattle ranches. Visit an ancient fishpond, flower and fruit gardens and see if you can recognize filming locations for Hollywood blockbusters Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor.