Daytime Activities

Oahu Activites - Museums, Arts and Culture
Oahu's diversity is reflected in her natural beauty, unique Hawaiian heritage, historical past and the arts. To perpetuate the wealth of Hawaii's cultures, Oahu is home to a multitude of museums, theaters and tours that offer a glimpse of the past and how cultures have shaped the Hawaii of today. Oahu is both refreshing and surprising.

Discover ancient Hawaii through tours and museums. Step back in time and tour Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on US soil. Take a patriotic trip to Pearl Harbor and visit the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. Visit the Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Hawaii State Art Museum and enjoy art collections found nowhere else. Take a ukulele lesson, learn to make Hawaiian feather lei and experience the Aloha of Oahu's people. Oahu is rich with history and culture waiting to be shared.

Arizona Memorial Museum
A non-profit cooperating association with the National Park Service, the Arizona Memorial Museum Association operates a bookstore at the USS Arizona Memorial that provides visitors with interpretive and educational material about the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War 2 in the Pacific. http://www.arizonamemorial.org/

Art on the Zoo Fence
Discover Hawaii through the eyes of a variety of artists who can personally introduce you to their work in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Battleship Missouri Memorial (888) 877-6477
To establish, operate and maintain the USS Missouri (BB 63) as a National Memorial commemorating the end of World War 2

Bishop Museum
State museum of natural and cultural history with daily activities and craft demonstrations.

Cedar Street Galleries
95 contemporary local artists both emerging and those recognized by the local art museums. Mediums include acrylics, bronze, ceramic, glass, oils, stone, watercolors and wood.

Friends of Iolani Palace
Guided tours of the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, 1882 - 1893.

Hawaiian Railway Society, Inc.
Educational operating railway museum. Preserves, restores Oahu Railway and Land Co. right-of way and old railway equipment in Hawaii. A Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

Hawaii's Plantation Village
Outdoor history museum that promotes, preserves, interprets and communicates Hawaii's unique plantation history and heritage.

Honolulu Academy of Arts
Hawaii's only Fine Arts Museum. Café, shop, art center, classes, library, theatre, tours.

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Cultural program, arts and crafts, lectures, gallery, educational outreach. Special tour packages available.

Mission Houses Museum
Mission Houses Museum interprets the cultural interaction of Hawaiians, Missionaries and other foreigners in 19th century Hawaii and offers guided tours, school programs, exhibits, special events, a research library and a museum shop.

Pacific American Gallery & Foundation (888) 533-1630
The Pacific American Gallery and Foundation are non profit organizations. The Gallery specializing in authentic indigenous works of art at reasonable prices.

The Contemporary Museum
Display of Art 1940's to present in historic estate located in 3.5 acre garden setting.

US Army Museum of Hawaii
Coastal defense battery housing military memorabilia from early Hawaiian period through Vietnam War. Gallery of Heroes honoring Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross recipients.

Wyland Gallery (888) 435-6691
Experience the wond

Oahu Animal Adventures
Whether you are a keiki (kid), young at heart or the enthusiastic biologist, Oahu has a variety of attractions and programs that teach the ways of the wild. Swim with dolphins and Hawaiian sea turtles, search for whales out at sea, hear lions roar and laugh with monkeys and watch for Kolea (Golden Plover) - all on the island of O`ahu. Feed the Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a fish and other tropical fishes in the morning then horseback on the beach in the afternoon. The only dilemma that exists is choosing which one to do first. Oahu is animal magnetism!

Diving & Snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling on Oahu is a great way to get close to the many marine life that make the island’s waters their home. Whether snorkeling or diving from the shore or a boat, Oahu has a number of companies that can provide underwater experiences to all levels. Please check the Diving section for more information.

Dolphin Excursions Hawaii
Personalized wild life ocean adventures. Dolphins, whales and snorkeling.

Dolphin Quest, Oahu
Dolphin Quest is located at the beautiful Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel only minutes away from Waikiki. Dolphin Quest offers two adult interactive dolphin programs – Adult Dolphin Encounter and Adult Dolphin Adventure - for guests 13 years or older. They also offer a kids interactive program – Kid’s Quest for Knowledge – for kids aged 5-12. The dolphin lagoon is centrally located in the resort creating a wonderful location for guests to meet and interact with the resident Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Approximate distance from Waikiki: 5 minutes/3 miles

Hanauma Bay
This gorgeous bay lies between two dormant volcanic craters in southeast Oahu and has been a favorite leisure and swimming place for residents and visitors. Its clear and shallow waters teem with a multitude of tropical fish and other marine life, creating a magical underwater environment to experience. The marine sanctuary has undergone substantial renovations in order to preserve the natural environment. With the addition of the Hanauma Bay Marine Educational Center, Hanauma Bay invites you to enjoy, learn and experience. Snorkel set rentals available. Open daily, but closed on Tuesday. Approximate distance from Waikiki:

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
25 acres of wild wet fun including: a megawave pool, tube cruising river, 4 and 7 story waterslide complexes. Separate pools and activities for adults and children complete with Jacuzzi style pools, and animal-themed keiki slides. Also, shops, restaurants and group function space complete with disc jockey and land activities.

Hawaiian Watersports
Your ONE source for lesson, rentals, new & used equipment for surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, bodyboarding, & snorkeling. Outstanding service with lifeguard-certified instructors.

Honolulu Zoo
Located at the entrance of Kapiolani Park in Waikiki and within walking distance of most Waikiki hotels, the Honolulu Zoo is home to animals from around the world. Take the African Safari tour, entire the reptile zone or photograph unique flora and fauna in the Tropical Forest area. There’s a great educational petting zoo for young kids to interact with a variety of farm animals. The 42-acre zoo also has programs for children, such as the Junior Zookeeper program where kids can shadow the zookeeper around the zoo. Admission fees are nominal and ample parking is available.

Sea Life Park
At Sea Life Park, Hawaii's marine life comes alive in a dazzling display that will entertain and delight. Located just 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu's beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point in East Oahu, Sea Life Park is a world-class marine attraction perched between the majestic Koolau Mountain Range and breathtaking Makapuu Beach. Swim with dolphins, feed sea lions, snuba with sharks and tropical fish and get close and personal with stingrays through the wide range of activities offered to both children and adults. Sea Life Park is also a popular wedding location and offers wedding packages.

Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium, located in Kapiolani Park, lies next to a living reef along the Waikiki shoreline. It is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States with exhibits, programs and research that focus on the aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. Over 2,500 organisms representing 420 species of aquatic animals and plants are on exhibit, including the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, the elusive Nautilus and the exotic Leafy Seadragon. The aquarium offers excellent educational programs for both children and adults. Admission fees are minimal.

Whale Watching
Every year, during the months of October through April, humpback whales frequent the waters off Oahu and the other Hawaiian islands to rear their young and enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters. They can be seen from shore or at a closer range on various Oahu cruises that offer whale-watching packages along with or separate from their regular tours. Please check the Cruises section for ships that offer whale watching as a part of their tours and packages.

Wild Side Specialty Tours
Wild Side Specialty Tours features unique sailing trips off the Waianae coast on the leeward side (west side) of Oahu. The 42-ft catamaran takes 4-15 guests on an adventure of a lifetime to see the various marine-life in their natural habitat. Their daily morning wildlife charters are combined to include dolphin, turtle and whale (seasonal) encounters and snorkels to some of the best spots on Oahu. An up-close encounter with Oahu marine wildlife is a unique experience that inspires awareness and commitment to the protection of these animals and the marine environment. Wildlife can also be viewed on their exclusive sunset evening charters.

Nighttime (Evening) Activities

Oahu Activites - Lounge Acts and Shows
As the sun goes down, Oahu’s nightlife sparkles with exciting possibilities. Dance the night away at one of the “happening” nightclubs across the Island. Or laugh your cares away with talented local comedians who perform at a variety of venues. For a different take on the Oahu club scene, check out one of the many sports bars and pubs that boast their own local flair.

Looking for a taste of Hawaii? Experience a luau and get to know the old Hawaiian way of entertaining with great Hawaiian food, Polynesian shows and Hawaiian activities. Or relax at a beachfront locale to the melodies of the ukulele and the graceful sway of hula dancers as they tell stories of old Hawaii.

Lovers of the arts are in for a treat! Whether it is a local production or an international revue, the Historic Hawaii Theatre, the Hawaii Opera Theatre and the Honolulu Symphony offer superb shows. Discover theatrical productions with a “local” twist at one of the many local theaters that present both classic theater productions as well as cultural presentations.
Oahu is at the Heart of Hawaii’s nightlife!

Bay View Lounge (800) 445-8667

Creation - A Polynesian Odyssey (800) 782-9488
Two dinner and cocktail shows nightly in the Ainahau Showroom. Creation - A Polynesian Odyssey is an exciting journey into Polynesia highlighting authentic costumes, live music and spectacular dancing.

Espirit Night Club
The only beachfront nightclub on Waikiki Beach with live entertainment 7 nights a week. Free validated parking.

Hale Koa - Dinner Show (800) 367-6027
Hale Koa Hotel offers Hawaii's best luau, just $31.50 (Mon / Thu). Also spellbinding Tuesday Magic Show or Polynesian Revue (Wed).

Hang Ten Pool Bar (800) 445-8667

Harry's Bar (800) 233-1234
A variety of Hawaiian entertainment live every afternoon and evening, cold beverages, and light snacks. In the morning, enjoy healthy smoothies and mixed drinks at the juice bar.

Hawaii Opera Theater (800) 836-7372
Hawaii Opera Theater produces three grand operas during winter with international conductors, directors, and singers in principal roles.

Hawaii Theater
The historic Hawaii Theatre is a 1400-seat multi purpose performing arts center for music, dance, drama, national / international tours, festivals and meetings.

IMAX Theater Waikiki
IMAX Theater Waikiki is located in the heart of Waikiki.

Kings Guard of King's Village
Kings Guard is a trick rifle drill team dressed in uniforms reproduced from King David Kalakaua's Palace Guards. The guard perform the nightly changing of the guard ceremony at King's Village in Waikiki. "The Changing of the King's Guard" is performed daily at 6:15 p.m. and free to the public.

Laugh Factory Hawaii
The Laugh Factory, a comedy club, straight from Hollywood’s Sunset Strip – allows people to enjoy a fun night with today and tomorrows top comedians.

Lewer's Lounge
Intimate club-like lounge, Live entertainment featuring standard classics Tuesday through Sunday 9pm to 12:30am.

Mahina Lounge (800) 367-6025
Located in the hotel's main lobby. Continental breakfast 6:30am - 11:00am. Entertainment nightly from 5:00pm.

Music Foundation of Hawaii
Sponsor of the Annual Hawaii Music Awards and supporter of music and entertainment.

Ocean Terrace Bar (800) 367-5121
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Waikiki and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific from the Ocean Terrace, just steps away from the Kalakaua pool. Delicious sandwiches, tropical drinks and the best hamburgers in Waikiki are available daily.

Rumours Nightclub (800) 367-6025
Honolulu's most scintillating Night Club. Open nightly except Monday. Main lobby level.

Sand Bar
Located on Waikiki Beach serving delicious pupus and exotic cocktails with live Hawaiian music nightly.

Sea Tide Room (800) 445-8667
North Shore's most elaborate brunch. Overlooking majestic Pacific Ocean.

Tapa Bar (800) 445-8667
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and delicious tropical drinks. Hawaiian entertainment in the evening.

The Elegant Dive (800) 233-1234
Enjoy cool beverages and light fare under the sunny skies or just relax in the Jacuzzis or in the gentle tradewinds with fabulous views of Waikiki Beach.

The Lobby Bar, Waikiki Marriott Resort (800) 367-5121
An open air circular bar offering casual group seating under a majestic wood and bamboo pavilion. A great spot for a cool tropical drink and people watching - right in the hub of the hotel.

Oahu Activites - Luaus

Ali'i Luau (800) 367-7060
Polynesian Cultural Center's exciting authentic Hawaiian luau. Tasty Hawaiian foods, great entertainment, beautiful gardens, waterfalls, imu ceremony and more. http://www.polynesia.com/

Paradise Cove Luau (800) 775-2683
Paradise Cove Luau is on a 12-acre beachfront estate where a Hawaiian-style luau supper and Polynesian entertainment is staged with fun-filled activities throughout the evening. http://www.paradisecovehawaii.com/

Royal Luau
Enjoy traditional dishes of Hawaii with an open standard bar till the entertainment begins. http://www.outrigger.com/

Coutesy of O'ahu Visitors Bureau