Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian Island and while many people love to spend a lot of their time on the beach when they are visiting, this island has so much more to offer. Oahu has been known as the Gathering Place, however there is no known reason behind that particular name or where it came from. When I was a teenager my family trip our first trip to Hawaii and Oahu is where we spent the first week. I remember leaving thinking I would move there when I was older. The surf culture, warm temperatures and amazing food had me hooked! I never ended up moving there, but it is on my list of places to take the kids one day.
Here are 4 fun things for families to do while visiting Oahu:
- Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head is a crater that has been on Oahu for at least 300,00 years and it should be at the top of everyone’s list of things to see. To reach the crater, people need to climb up the almost mile long trail and it can be quite steep in some spots. While it is very safe, it is not recommended that families with very young children do it, unless the parent is okay with carrying the small child up. Once at the top, people can stand for hours looking at the views of the crater and the surrounding scenery.
- Dole Plantation
Everyone loves pineapple, right? Well, even those who don’t will want to visit the Dole Plantation. The entire family can take a guided tour before trying to find their way out of the pineapple maze. There is a train that takes guests around the property as well as a store that sells souvenirs and delicious snacks.
- Hula Show
Every evening, a hula show is performed at Kuhio Beach Park at sunset. While the sun is setting in the background, Hawaiian music will be playing as the performers do the hula with torch lights illuminating them. The show lasts for an hour, but since it is at the beach, even the littlest ones will be able to move around a little while the show is taking place.
- Honolulu Zoo
Children young and old will love seeing the animals at the Honolulu Zoo. The African Savanna alone is twelve acres and visitors will see lions, tigers, hippos, black rhinos, crocodiles, giraffes, and water birds when they are in that area. The chimpanzees at this zoo believe that it is their job to perform and make people laugh and one of the orangutans, Rusti, has a fabulous rescue story that everyone needs to hear. The Keiki Zoo (Children’s Zoo) is a popular spot, because everyone can give a pony a bubble bath, milk a cow, stand in a pond amongst Koi fish, and pet a goat.
Even though there is a lot for families to do when they are in Oahu, they should also take the time to enjoy the water and the sand on the beaches of the island. Nothing says Hawaii more than surf, sun, and sand!
Have you been to Oahu? What did you love most about Hawaii?
I don’t know if you’ve done in Maui post just like this but I wish you would because we’re going there this summer! I love everything you put in here for Oahu! My husband is going to fly over to that island just for the day and I bet you he can do a couple of these things while he is there.
I love Hawaii so much! The atmosphere, scenery and people are all so amazing!
Oahu is one of my favorite Hawaiian islands! We used to live there when I was a kid, and I loved it there more than any of the other islands.
I still want to get to Hawaii, it’s on my short list for places to visit before I turn 40. I really need to go now since I have friends that live on many of the islands.
Ooh, a trip to Oahu could be a lot of fun. I’ve never been to Hawaii before. I need to visit!
We have been to Kauai but not Oahu! I hope we get to go back soon!
I have never visited Hawaii but would love to! All of these activities look like a great way to spend your time – so fun!
Oh my gosh! I’m obsessed with that giant pineapple! I’ve only been to the big island but would love to go to Oahu!
My favourite place in the world, although my favourite island is Maui after visiting them all, I would love to live there, paradise on earth
we are planning a trip later this year and can’t wait. it will by first time on the island.
I have never been to Hawaii but after reading this I really would like to visit. I would enjoy touring the Dole Plantation.
My cousin and I are wanting to do a girls’ getaway to Hawaii. There is so much to see and do there.
Oahu looks like a fantastic place to get away and relax. These photos are amazing.I will have to add it to my travel bucket list.
Hawaii is beyond words. I can’t wait to go there someday.
Thanks for sharing, your photos all look so beautiful. I’ve traveled all around the world and also to 49 U.S. states but have yet to see Hawaii. This is going on my bucket list.
Oooo! I would love to visit Hawaii but first I want to take an RV and travel all the states with the kids.
I would love to go visit Oahu with my family! This sounds like such a fun adventure!
I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii and hope to get there so these articles just reaffirm my want/need/lust to get there and effectively help me save more for the trip! Thanks!!
Mishelle