10 Best Nature Tours in Oahu
The island of Oahu is a true paradise that you can't miss. As well as being home to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, it is full of attractions and dreamy landscapes.
Oahu, Hawaii | ©Peter Thomas
Oahu is a favourite destination for beach and nature lovers, with hundreds of different options to explore and explore, visiting this island in the Hawaiian archipelago will leave you wanting to stay and live.
There are so many things to see and do on Oahu, from helicopter tours to diving in the translucent waters, swimming with sharks, cruising or taking surfing lessons, visiting Oahu is an adventure in itself. Here I have selected for you the best experiences not to be missed. Here we go!
1. North Shore and Hanauma Bay Tour
With this tour departing from Waikiki, you'll get to see some of the most beautiful places on the island. You'll find there are a surprising amount of things to do on Oahu's North Shore.
After being picked 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 can visit the Banzai Pipeline beach, Turtle Town and the Anahulu River, where you can kayak in the crystal clear waters. Then head south to Halona Blowhole and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, two of Oahu's most popular spots. Here you can dive 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 colourful fish swimming alongside you.
Interesting information
- Price: from 116 Euros
- Duration: 8 hours
- Means of transport: minibus
- In favour: it allows you to see both the north and the south of the island.
- Cons: The itinerary is closed
2. Island tour and snorkelling
If you're looking for a full day tour that will take you to most of the island's highlights, this is the tour for you.
This 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 Diamond Head volcanic crater, 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 leads to the sea, the amazing cliffs of Waimanalo and see Rabbit Island from the coast.
Then you will pass through Mokolii, one of the favourite 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 transport: minibus
- Pros: the most comprehensive of the tours, allowing you to see the whole island in one day.
- Cons: It can be tiring to do with small children.
3. Shark cage dive to swim with sharks
If you're an adventure-seeker who can't do without a high dose of adrenaline, this is the tour 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 of viewing the sharks from the boat, this is ideal especially if you are travelling 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.
Useful information
- Price: from 99 Euros
- Duration: 2 hours
- Means of transport: boat
- In favour: you will experience an adrenaline-filled adventure.
- Cons: Not recommended for very young children.
4. Catamaran excursion and snorkelling with turtles
This is a tour you are sure to enjoy. Departing from Kewalo Harbour 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 Oahu green turtles.
These large turtles, known as Hono, are extremely calm and photo friendly. You can snorkel in Oahu's warm, clear waters and find yourself surrounded by hundreds of colourful 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 midday hours. This is undoubtedly one of the best boat tours on Oahu.
Useful information
- Price: from 95 Euros
- Duration: 3 hours
- Means of transport: catamaran
- In favour: you will be able to enjoy an exceptional spectacle
- Cons: after 3 hours you might be left wanting more
5. Island tour and Waimea waterfall excursion
With this 10 hour tour across the island you will have the chance to explore unique places such as Hanauma Bay, the Kaiwi coastal area, Pali and Makapu'u lookouts, where you will get some of the most breathtaking views imaginable.
You will then visit the Valley of the Temples, where you will have the chance to see the picturesque Byodo-In Temple, and other famous sites on the island, such as Chinaman 's Hat, which owes its shape to the classic Chinese hats used on the plantations for centuries.
Throughout the tour your expert guide will tell you all about each site, 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 flavours 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.
A 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.
Useful information
- Price: from 128 Euros
- Duration: 10 hours
- Means of transport: minibus
- Pluses: 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 full hour while the pilot tells you about each of the sights you see.
You'll 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 kind of experience is absolutely worth it, and while it's one of the most expensive of all the excursions, and one of the shortest, taking a walk and enjoying the island's majesty will leave you in awe. From the air, you will also be able to see the best beaches of Oahu, with their white sands and clear waters.
Useful information
- Price: from 328 Euros
- Duration: 1 hour
- Means of transport: Helicopter
- Plus: no other land tour is comparable to any other.
- Cons: Only 1 hour and you're left wanting more.
7. Surf lessons at Waikiki Beaches
Taking a surf lesson on Oahu is an experience not to be missed. With some of the most famous waves in the world, surfing here is almost a must.
Surfers and surf enthusiasts come from all over the world to enjoy the beaches and the several-metre waves. 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 your first encounter with this popular sport.
Your instructor will be patient, and while teaching you how to handle the waves you'll learn a bit about Hawaiian culture and the importance of this discipline for the islanders, given that it can be considered the national sport.
Useful information
- 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.
- Cons: 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 sun set over the Pacific Ocean while enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared by the chef on board is like no other. Oahu's 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. Oahu's starry nights are a marvel, and because there's no light pollution you'll be able to see some of the most beautiful skies in the world.
The tour departs from Waikiki Harbour and goes to Lēʻahi, known to tourists as Diamond Head. The Prince Kuhio is a comfortable boat where you can relax and enjoy yourself. This is one of the ideal plans if you don't know what to do in Oahu at night.
Useful information
- Price: from 90 Euros
- Duration: 2 hours
- Means of transport: boat
- Plus: you will see one of the best sunsets you can imagine.
- Cons: After only 2 hours you will be left wanting a little bit more.
9. Paragliding in Oahu
Ideal for adventure lovers, take one of the best paragliding flights on Oahu and enjoy the sensation of soaring through the air in one of the most beautiful natural settings our planet has to offer.
You'll 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 for a couple, you will soar over 200 metres 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 it's totally worth it.
Interesting information
- Price: from 75 Euros
- Duration: 1 hour
- Means of transport: paragliding
- In favour: it is an extremely fun experience
- Disadvantages: not suitable if you have vertigo problems.
10. Kayak tour of Kailua Bay with lunch
Sign up for one of the best kayaking tours on Oahu, where you can explore 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. At Lanikai Beach you can dive and enjoy the spectacle of the local fauna, such as the 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.
Kayak and snorkelling equipment as well as lunch are included in this 5 hour tour. Transfers from Waikiki are also part of this amazing tour.
Useful information
- Price: from 112 Euros
- Duration: 5 hours
- Means of transport: minibus or van and then kayak.
- Plus: you will be able to enjoy the best natural surroundings paddling by yourself.
- Cons: Not recommended for young children.
Why do we recommend a guided tour on Oahu?
A guided tour is always the best option, because you'll get to see every corner of the island in much more detail. Whether you opt for an island tour, a helicopter ride, a shark swim or a kayak tour, it's always a good idea to have the advice and guidance of a local expert. If you choose to explore on your own, you may find that you don't get the most out of your trip.