Adventure and Excitement Await Oahu Visitors
Gliding and Skydiving
Check out Dillingham Airfield if you want to soar silently through Hawaii’s skies over the beautiful north shore of Oahu. Reputable companies operating from the Airfield include Soar Hawaii Sailplanes (808-637-3147; Dillingham Airfield) and Original Glider (808-677-3404).
Parasailing Over Waikiki
Once you are securely strapped into a harness that is attached to a parachute and also to a boat, you will soar aloft with all of Waikiki in your view. This is a great way to get the thrill of being high up in the air without needing any experience or special skills. Flights usually last about ten minutes. To engage in this adventure contact Hawaiian Parasail at 808-591-1280. They offer free pickup from Waikiki hotels. Another good company is or Sea Breeze Parasailing (396-0100).
Jet Skiing
If you are into engines and speed, then jet skiing is for you. You can zoom over the water so fast you feel like a fish. Jet skis are only allowed to aoperate during the day on weekdays. Some companies offer this in combination with parsailing. Fishbowl Tours (944-3474) offers jet skiing as well as other adventures in Maunalua Bay.
Kayaking On the Windward Shore
Kaneohe Bay is one of the best places on Oahu to go kayaking. The sandbar offshore is a popular destination. Other offshore islets also make for great exploring. Nearby in Kailua is also a great kayaking location. Kayak rentals along the windward coast are available through Bob Twogood Kayaks Hawaii (262-5656) and Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks (808-262-2555)
Guided Hikes
A great way to see some of Oahu’s more remote areas is to go on a guided hike. A guide can make sure you stay safe and don’t get lost, and also provide great narration about the geology, botany, and culture of the area. Regular hikes are offered by the Nature Conservancy (587-6220) and the Sierra Club (538-6616). For more adventurous outings contact the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (647-1459). For a full list of companies that offer guided hikes on Oahu contact the Hawaii Ecotourism Association at 808-235-5431.
Walking Tours
Several good walking tours are offered in the Honolulu area. A Chinatown Tour is led by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (808-533-3181) and also by the Hawaii Heritage Center (808-521-2749).
The Mission Houses Museum (808-531-0481) leads a Capitol District Tour that includes historic Iolani Palace and numerous other monarchy-era buildings. A tour focusing on Honolulu’s architecture is led by the American Institute of Architects (808-545-4242). Tours of the University of Hawaii campus are also offered.
Polo at Waimanalo
This sophisticated sport of the upper class is available to all on Oahu, and provides a great way to spend an afternoon mingling among the equestrians. The Mokuleia Polo Club plays at 411 Farrington Highway in Mokuleia. The Honolulu Polo Club plays their games on the east side at the Waimanalo Polo Grounds across from Bellows Beach. Games are usually held on Sundays at 2 pm.
Attend A Hawaiian Luau Feast With Entertainment
No Hawaiian vacation is complete without attending a luau. Most luau are accompanied by entertainment which can be a thrilling adventure in itself with fire dancing and hula. If you are near the north shore then the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is the best.
Other companies offering a great luau experience include the Royal Luau at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (808-931-7194) in Waikiki, Paradise Cove Luau in Ko Olina (808-842-5911), and Germaine’s Luau at Kalaeloa/Barber’s Point (941-3338).
Shopping
Waikiki is a shopping mecca. Stroll Kalakaua Avenue and you will see everything from the highest end shops to quaint little boutiques tucked into a side street.
For a different shopping experience walk between 9th and 13th streets in Kaimuki or go down the 2700 block of South King Street in Moiliili. These areas provide a whole array of delightful local shops that will provide lots of items you won’t find in Waikiki.