7 Top Day Trips You Can Take from Oahu

Waikiki’s superb beaches, surfing, and shopping make it easy to stay put in the area. But beyond the infectious buzz of the neighborhood is an island blessed with jaw-dropping natural wonders, fascinating history, and adrenaline-pumping adventures. That’s why we recommend adding a few day tours to your itinerary. Not only will you be able to fill up a free day, you’ll also experience a deeper connection with the Hawaiian islands. Side trips sometimes need a little extra planning, but we’ve got your back. So read on for a selection of the best day trips from Oahu.

 

Awesome Day Trips from Oahu

 

1. Pearl Harbour Tour

  • What: Spend a day at the Pearl Harbour National Memorial learning about one of the most pivotal moments in United States history. Start at the open-air visitor center, then take the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial. Other highlights are the Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum on Ford Island. 

  • Where: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu (a 30-minute drive from the hotel). 

  • When: The national memorial is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. Opening times of individual museums may vary. 

  • How: Take TheBus routes 20 or 42 from Kūhiō Avenue or Ala Moana Boulevard to the visitor center.

 

2. Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

  • What: Oahu’s premier snorkeling spot, Hanauma Bay State Park is a protected marine sanctuary teeming with vibrant coral and aquatic creatures like sea turtles and parrotfish. Formed in a volcanic crater, its calm, clear waters are perfect for snorkelers of all levels. A mandatory video orientation ensures conservation awareness and future preservation.

  • Where: 100 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu (about half an hour by car). 

  • When: Open from 6.45 am to 4 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. 

  • How: For ease, book the Hanauma Bay Transportation Package (Adults: $54.95 / Seniors and kids: $49.95), which includes round-trip hotel transfers and snorkeling equipment

 

3. Kualoa Ranch

  • What: Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private reserve on Oahu’s windward coast. Renowned for its blend of rugged and lush landscapes, it’s a place rich in Hawaiian culture and cinematic history. Explore Jurassic Park filming locations on horseback, e-bike, or ATV. Go on a ziplining adventure, visit a hidden beach, and venture into the jungle.

  • Where: 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe (about a 45-minute drive from the hotel). 

  • When: Open daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm. Individual tour and activity times can vary. 

  • How: Rental car or rideshare is the quickest way to arrive. Otherwise, TheBus lines 8, 19, 20, 23, 42, 60, and 88A all stop nearby. 

 

4. North Shore

  • What: North Shore is Oahu’s blissed-out surf mecca and home of big-wave competitions. Hop between iconic beaches like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. Go snorkeling around the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District and spot sea turtles at Laniakea Beach. Haleiwa has boutiques and food trucks, while the Dole Plantation offers train rides around a historic pineapple plantation. 

  • Where: Oahu’s north coast, less than an hour’s drive from the Waikiki Resort Hotel. 

  • When: Summertime is great for calm waters and snorkeling, while winter is the surf contest season. 

  • How: Renting a car is the best way to get here and around. TheBus routes 52 and 60 connect Waikiki with Haleiwa, otherwise, check out Oahu day tours with The Surf Bus. 

 

5. Wai Kai Waterpark 

  • What: Perfect for the kids and kids at heart, Wai Kai brings the best of Hawaiian watersports and lifestyle to one location. There’s a deep-water standing surf wave and a 52-acre lagoon with swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and an inflatable playground. Four dining options and a weekly farmers market offer ono grinds. And, every Monday, the extravagant Wai Kai Show celebrates Hawaii’s Polynesian ancestors. 

  • Where: 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd, Ewa Beach (about a 40-minute drive from the hotel). 

  • When: Open daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Individual operating hours of activities and restaurants may vary. 

  • How: Driving, taking a taxi, or ridesharing are the most convenient ways to arrive. Free parking is available for visitors. 

 

6. Big Island Volcano Tour

  • What: For a truly adventurous day tour from Oahu, consider booking a round-trip to explore the Big Island and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. From airfares to snacks and guided tours of towns, waterfalls, state parks, and volcanoes, almost everything is taken care of. Tours typically last 10-12 hours, giving enough time to experience craters, lava flows, Hawaiian legends, and more. 

  • Where: Various locations on the Big Island, including but not limited to Hilo, Rainbow Falls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 

  • When: All year round, although flight services can be affected by severe weather conditions and volcanic activity. 

  • How: Tours depart from Honolulu Airport and include hotel pick-up and drop-off.  Check operators such as Hawaii Tours and Aloha Sunshine Tours for ideas and prices. 

 

7. Maui’s Road to Hana Bay

  • What: A day trip to Maui from Oahu is also easier than you might think. One option is to explore the scenic Road to Hana (or Hana Highway). After a short flight to Maui, you’ll drive along the island’s gorgeous coastline. Common stops include the black sand Honokalani Beach in Waianapanapa State Park, rainforests, waterfalls, and lookouts. These tours can last between 8 and 10 hours and include airfares, transport, and snacks.

  • Where: Select locations on Maui, such as Kaumahina State Wayside Park, Puohokamoa Falls, and Ke’anae Peninsula.

  • When: Year-round, but flights can be canceled during extreme weather conditions. 

  • How: Tours depart from Honolulu Airport and include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Hawaii Tours and Road to Hana Tours both offer the service.