Top Oahu Outdoor Activities

Ride a personal, self-propelled, electric underwater scooter through Oahu's underwater world. During this 2-hour tour, cruise past Diamond Head Crater through Maunalua Bay on a power catamaran, then dive under the surface on your scooter to see green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish and other native marine life. No experience is necessary for this guided tour; all equipment is provided.

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.

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.

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.

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. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

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 all kayaking and snorkeling equipment and lunch.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go parasaling over Maunalua Bay on this 1-hour adventure from Honolulu. Choose from two flights that take you 500 feet (152 meters) or 700 feet (213 meters) in the air for views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, Koko Head and the Hawaii Kai coastline. GoPro videos and digital photos of your tandem flight and dip in the warm ocean water are available upon return to land. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is available. 

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

Mana Kai Catamaran was built in 1977 by William Brown in Honolulu, Hawaii. Inspired by his father — Waikiki beach boy and surfing, sailing, and soaring legend Woody Brown, who built the very first modern day catamaran (Manu Kai).

Learn to scuba dive or refresh your skills with a small group lesson in Honolulu. Start with a comprehensive safety tutorial and gear fitting, then explore the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. Look out for green sea turtles, octopuses, sea stars, and a variety of colorful marine life. Your instructor accompanies you into the water and provides a Go Pro video of your underwater adventure at the end of the session. Ideal for beginners or moderately experienced divers interested in a low key dive to brush up their practice.

This combination snorkeling and sailing adventure is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. Swim with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life in Turtle Bay near Honolulu. Next, enjoy a cruise around Diamond Head in search of spinner dolphins, and in the winter months, humpback whales. Have some complimentary drinks and snacks as you savor the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend roughly half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.

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.

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.

Safely snorkeling with large marine animals of the coast of the north shore of Oahu. This tour is extremely education and is guided by a marine biologist.

Kayak with a master paddler from beautiful Kailua Beach to the volcanic Mokulua Islands in Kailua Bay. This 5-hour adventure takes you in a sit-on-top kayak through tranquil waters while you receive paddling tips and hear commentary from a trained naturalist. Learn about Hawaii's marine life and natural history, then have lunch on a sandy beach at Moku Nui. Here, you can hike, snorkel with green sea turtles, or play in the surf.

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.