The island of Oahu is beautiful and diverse. Many people are drawn to the excitement of Waikiki Beach with its colorful beach clubs and numerous restaurants.
Island activities range from surfing lessons and canoeing to swimming with dolphins and scuba diving. To help you choose, we've grouped Oahu vacation ideas by interest, including adventure, romance, family and cultural attractions.

Adventure Vacations on Oahu

Thrill and adventure seekers can choose from a wide spectrum of water sports and land activities on Oahu. If you want to spend your vacation in or near the water, try surfing on Waikiki Beach, scuba diving and windsurfing. Land adventures include hiking through rainforests, biking along mountain ranges, parasailing and parachuting.

If you are staying on Waikiki Beach, there are several shops that rent outrigger canoes, surf boards and other gear right on the beach. For tennis, archery and jogging, go to Kapiolani Park on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki Beach.

For the Romantic Couple

Romantic ideas on Oahu range from renewing your wedding vows on Waikiki Beach to luxurious beach service at several hotels. Pink aficionados should stay at the historic Royal Hawaiian hotel which features pink decorative touches everywhere. If you've never tasted pink beer or pink champagne, Mai Tai Bar is the place to go.

At Halekulani Hotel on Waikiki Beach, rooms measure 519 to 720 square feet in size and offer private lanai, many with views of the Pacific Ocean.

If you'd rather stay in a more secluded hotel, Kahala Mandarin Oriental, a 10-minutes drive from Waikiki Beach, offers a long sandy beach, attentive service and swimming with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.

Family Vacation Ideas on Oahu

Oahu is a vacation destination that offers many things to do for the whole family. Choose from children's programs at Waikiki Beach hotels, hands-on programs and a variety of watersports. The Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium and See Life Park Hawaii are just some of the attractions both kids and grown-ups can enjoy.

Waikiki Beach is shallow and the water is calm most of the year, especially in the winter when the surf stays under two feet. Certain parts of the beach have a life guard on duty watching over swimmers and surfers.