Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki

Dear Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,
Our recent Hawaii meteor shower guest post was well received by our blog visitors. We are certain that all of our Oahu visitors who are getting ready for their Oahu vacation and activities will love Jason's guest post 'Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki'.

Jason Rushin lives with his wife, Sarah, in Honolulu's Hawaii Kai neighborhood, and is the founder of HulaCopter, a new iPhone and Android app that helps Hawaii vacationers find great discounts on Hawaii's best activities. Jason spends most of his non-work time either lying on Waimanolo Beach, attempting to surf in Waikiki, enjoying the view of Koko Head from his lanai, or training for the Honolulu Marathon. So let's see what he has to say about:

6 Best Oahu activities Beyond Waikiki

"For most visitors to Oahu, Waikiki is home base. Waikiki luaus, visits to Pearl Harbor and the spectacular North Shore, are on top of the Oahu activity list of visitors spending their Hawaii vacation between Ala Moana and Diamond Head. Given the beauty of the area, the attraction is obvious. However, best Oahu activities beyond Waikiki are just a short car or #22 bus ride away. A world of Hawaiian island beauty and fun activities is awaiting the Oahu visitor on East Oahu. Here are six popular Oahu activities beyond Waikiki which I recommend to friends, family and Oahu visitors on Hawaii vacation:

1. Hanauma Bay - Best Oahu snorkel spot

Surely one of the most beautiful natural areas in Hawaii, Hanauma Bay is a combination educational center, marine preserve, wide beach and premier snorkeling area. With over 250 species of fish accounting for 25% of Hawaii’s marine life, all protected in a calm bay, this is the can’t-miss snorkeling spot on Oahu and in the entire state of Hawaii.

2. Surfing Lessons - Learn how to surf beyond Waikiki

While Waikiki is a great place to learn how to surf, it’s crowded, has a rocky bottom, and feels very touristy. For a more “local” experience, and a boat ride, head out to Hawaii Kai’s Maunalua Bay for a fun, uncrowded, mellow beginners surfing lesson off of Portlock Point. Try Hawaiian Surf Adventure a friendly team whose #1 focus is on you having a great time (and they offer a shuttle from Waikiki)!


3. Fast-action Activities - Oahu ocean activities for speed lovers

If you’re looking for fun that’s faster than Waikiki’s waves and sailboats, try jet skis, wave runners, banana boats, and parasailing in the warm Hawaii Kai marina and calm waters of Maunalua Bay. Hawaii Water Sports Center provides all of these - and more - right from Koko Marina, and offers shuttle pick-ups in Waikiki.


4. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail - Hiking for everybody on Oahu vacation

If you’re like me, a relaxing vacation usually means zero physical activity. If you need to stretch your legs, head out to the south-eastern tip of Oahu and walk the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail It’s a two-mile paved trail with a moderate grade to the top (elevation gain: approx 400 feet - BRING WATER), but the views are spectacular! On most days, you can see Molokai to the east, and even Maui if it’s clear. During the winter, whale spouts are almost guaranteed. Plus, on the drive over, you can stop at Halona Blowhole and Sandy and Makapu’u Beaches for some of the most incredible blue water views you’ll ever see.

5. Waimanolo Beach Park - Beach activities beyond Waikiki Beach

For what I consider the best beach in the world, plan a day at Waimanolo Beach Park. It has beautiful, wide, white sand beaches, a constant breeze, great bodyboarding, and some of the most amazing aqua waters in the world. The best part: even when it’s "crowded," it’s still not crowded!


6. Great Food - Eat and relax with famous Hawaiian Oahu sunsets

If you’re tired of Waikiki’s chains and food that you can get at home anyway, try two Hawaii icons: The original Roy’s restaurant and Kona Brewing Company.Sure, there are six Roy’s locations in Hawaii and dozens more around the country, but only one is the original! (Tip: Come for a spectacular evening view as the sun sets over Diamond Head). Kona Brewing offers a selection of great island-inspired food and amazing Hawaii-brewed beers, with seasonal selections using ingredients ranging from ginger to coconut to Kona coffee.


Bonus: 7. Save Some Money on your Oahu vacation Beyond Waikiki!

Let’s be honest: Hawaii can be expensive, especially the "tourist" areas. Oahu areas beyond Waikiki offer a less-crowded, less-expensive option to have some great fun, see some amazing sites, and enjoy more of the beautiful people of Oahu - all for a little bit less money."

Much mahalo again, Jason, for your fun post about your favorite Oahu activities. Your Oahu activity photos are wonderful and enticing for Oahu visitors to give the activities a try when on Hawaii vacation.

So, dear Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors, what is on the top of your list of 'Best Oahu Activities Beyond Waikiki'? Your favorite Oahu activity is wanted here. We are looking forward to your comments. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Affordable Hawaii Vacations

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Tags: Vacation activities for Oahu, Best Oahu activities