10 Unforgettable Adventures in Honolulu

Wild spinner dolphins leap into the air, rotating their sleek gray bodies in an exhilarating display before splashing back into the water just off the bow of your boat. While cruising around the leeward side of Oahu, learn about these resident dolphins from your expert crew and look for whales from December to April. Then, take a dip in the warm Pacific Ocean and snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles in a calm area that’s perfect for beginners.

Numerous tour companies around Oahu offer this opportunity, so look around for the one that suits you. Tours usually last around 3 hours and sometimes include lunch.

Cows munch on grass and swish their tails as you pass by on horseback during a leisurely ride through the historic Kualoa Ranch. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ko’olau Mountains rising steeply from the emerald valley on a small-group ride. Learn about the area’s film history, which stretches from Elvis in the 1950s to modern blockbusters like Jurassic World.

Calm horses and expert guides make this picturesque horseback ride great for all skill levels. Expect your excursion to last a couple of hours. If you’ve little ones in tow, they might prefer riding a pony so check with your tour operator in advance.

Protected by Oahu’s only barrier reef, Kaneohe Bay ranks as one of the best sailing locations in the world, making it an ideal spot to launch your sailing adventure. Learn the basics of boat rigging and how to steer from your expert instructor. Then, relax and observe the tropical scenery as your 18-metre catamaran skims over cerulean waves or take to the helm and tug the lines to really feel the wind.

You’ll be out around 4 hours, and can top off your day with a delicious Hawaiian barbecue lunch. You’ll see some amazing sights, so be sure to take your camera.

Tropical birds trill in the canopy of flowering hau trees as you hike through luscious rainforest to reach the Manoa Falls, which cascade 30 metres into a small pool. If sections of the trail seem familiar, you’ve probably seen them in Jurassic Park or the TV show, Lost. Your expert guide makes this moderate hike a fascinating journey with tales of the trail’s local legends, film history and resident flora and fauna.

The most common trail is around a 2.5 km round trip. You can park at the Paradise Park lot at the trailhead or catch the bus to the Manoa Road/Kumuone Street stop. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Feel a rush of adrenaline and screaming wind as you leap from a platform high above the forest floor and zoom through a 3-hour, 7-line zipline course at Keana Farms. Parallel lines let you race friends over the treetops or just enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery together. Along the way, test your courage as you climb and rappel through a rope course and learn about Hawaiian plants, animals, history and culture from your engaging guide.

All of your safety gear is included but note that anyone under the age of 7 or under the minimum weight may have to ride in tandem with your guide.

Launch from Kailua Bay and paddle for an hour over the cyan waves in a seaworthy kayak to the remote Mokulua Islands. After you reach the white-sand beach, hike with your naturalist guide around this protected seabird sanctuary. Take a refreshing dip in the Queen’s Bath tidepool, snorkel through a vibrant coral reef and explore rocky coves.

This remarkable 5-hour excursion is recommended for athletic adventurers and experienced kayakers. The trip can be made alone, but a guide is recommended for safety. What’s more, they might know where to find secret tidepools and sea turtles.

Dive 30 metres below the waves off the coast of Waikiki for an underwater adventure on a high-tech, air-conditioned, 64-seat passenger submarine. Through porthole windows, you can snap pictures of a shipwreck and airplane remnants while your knowledgeable captain provides enlightening commentary. Look for yellow tangs, angel fish and moray eels darting around manmade reef structures on this undersea escapade the whole family will love.

You can enjoy this tour guilt-free, as each submarine is battery-powered, and a portion of each ticket sold goes to the research of restoration of Hawaii’s coral reefs.  

Enjoy expansive views of Honolulu as a van takes you up Mount Tantalus to start your downhill bicycle adventure. Once at the top, strap on your helmet, mount your bicycle and follow your guide along the paved road winding down the mountain.

Passing through the Puu Ohia rainforest, catch the scent of tropical flowers and look for the vibrant birds among the banyan and kukui trees. Pause at various vantage points to admire Oahu’s unique geological features on this leisurely family-friendly adventure. A few tour companies provide this excursion, so make sure you book with a reputable company. 

Snorkel off a secluded beach where majestic Hawaiian green sea turtles love to hang out during this all-day island exploration. Start with fresh Kona coffee and macadamia nuts on a tropical farm as your enthusiastic guide takes you around the island to discover Oahu’s major sights and hidden treasures. Scenic viewpoints like Diamond Head Lookout and Hālona Blowhole offer postcard-perfect photo opportunities before and after your turtle beach adventure.

These tours can last around 7 to 9 hours, so be prepared to spend all day outdoors. Many excursions can be personalised to include different stops, snorkelling and dining options so make sure you chat to your tour operator when booking.

For a day of history and high-flying adventure, start by touring Pearl Harbor. Your knowledgeable guide brings World War II history to life at the USS Arizona Memorial and on the deck of the USS Missouri battleship. Next, get a new perspective as your helicopter pilot angles up to the sky. You’ll have plenty of chances to snap photos while soaring above the bright beaches of Waikiki and hovering over the extinct volcano of Diamond Head Crater.

Ensure that your tour includes any relevant admission fees, as some points of interest may require tickets.