If you are looking for a “best of the best” getaway filled with scenic landscapes and adventurous expeditions, we highly recommend the island of Oahu, Hawaii. With hang gliding, surf lessons, beautiful hikes, and more, Oahu truly has it all! Our article will break down some “must know” things for the Hawaii traveler as well as excursion and restaurant recommendations to make your trip to Oahu one of your “best of the best” travel experiences!
Flight:
You will want to fly into Honolulu, which is the capital of Hawaii. Many travelers from the mainland will choose to fly to Los Angeles, California. Then they will book a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu to make the 2,500-mile journey to the islands!
Transportation:
The transportation method you choose will depend on your budget and the kind of trip you plan to have. Some Hawaiian travelers sit back and relax at resorts while others are more adventure-seekers, trying to explore as much as the island and fit in as many quality experiences as they can during their time. Your best mode of transportation depends on what you aim to do. If you plan to stay at a resort most of the time, the most cost-effective solution for you would be to use a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft, or take Oahu’s bus. If you aim to explore most of the island, we highly recommend renting a car. Though the island only takes one hour to get from one side to the other, there is so much to explore and see throughout the island, so you will find yourself driving a lot. You could also rent a moped or motorcycle, which we do not recommend because it is less convenient for the amount of driving you will want to do to fully explore Oahu.
We rented a Jeep Wrangler during our stay. It fit our adventure vibe, but we found that we did not need the 4-wheel drive because most of O’ahu’s land is protected from off-roading trails. While we don’t believe a Jeep is essential for your Hawaii stay, we do recommend renting a car that has good window visibility so that you are able to see the expanse of the lush green mountains while you are driving. It is important to know that most people on the island do not drive “adventure cars” such as Jeeps, so it makes Jeeps an obvious target for thieves. Hawaii is extremely safe in general, but it is wise to make sure you bring all of your valuables with you when you leave your car.
You will want to use Google Maps while you are mapping places on the island. Apple Maps and other digital maps sometimes will have inaccurate results. Google Maps is known to be the most accurate for island destinations such as Hawaii.
Lodging:
If you are paying for a hotel or resort stay, we recommend staying in Honolulu because it is a point with easy accessibility to the rest of the island. Hilton has a variety of stay options including luxurious resorts located in Waikiki near the beach. You can easily find and book Hilton lodging at https://www.hilton.com/en/locations/usa/hawaii/honolulu/.
Good to know:
The regions of Oahu are very diverse. Honolulu and Waikiki are vibrant urban hubs with shopping, dining, iconic beaches like Waikiki Beach, and luxury hotels and resorts, perfect for the resort vacationer. The North Shore is famous for its surf culture and laid-back towns such as Haleiwa. The eastern (windward) coast is home to beautiful beaches like Lanikai and Kailua and also features lush landscapes and attractions such as Kualoa Ranch. The western (leeward) coast is less crowded and offers quieter beaches. Each region highlights a unique side of Oahu, from urban excitement to natural beauty.
It’s helpful to note that the further you venture from Waikiki, the more affordable food, souvenirs, and other travel expenses tend to be. Oahu is filled with fresh and delicious food, but plan to pay about $15-20 per plate at most restaurants. Most food in the grocery store is about two-thirds more expensive than food on the mainland because it has to be imported. We recommend planning to eat out and budgeting generously for your meals in Hawaii, as the local food is part of the authentic cultural experience.
On our first day, we left our schedule open so that we could adjust to the time change as we enjoyed a day of leisure getting acquainted with our adventure paradise. This truly helped us to settle in, adjust to the time change, and set the tone for our trip so we would feel refreshed and recovered from jet lag. We recommend taking a day to adjust before your excursions so that you can enjoy them to the fullest extent and not have travel fatigue.
We started the day by waking up early and enjoying the sunrise at Lanikai beach, the iconic beach of Oahu. We saw a beautiful sunrise, but because the water wasn’t completely illuminated, it was still dark instead of the emerald blue color you see in most photos. The time of day you visit the beach is critical in determining the color of the water. After watching a magical sunrise, we went out and ate a hearty meal at Over Easy, a local cuisine specializing in making refreshing and hearty breakfast and lunch dishes. It was the Christmas holiday and they had festive Hawaiian Christmas music playing in the background. We highly recommend the Fried egg sandwich if you want something that is great value and will fill you up for the day. If you want something a little lighter that gives you a taste of the variety of fresh flavors of Oahu, you can order the brunch bowl which is filled with avocado, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, tomato jam, spinach, candied bacon, microgreens, and sourdough toast.
We visited the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens on our way back. These botanical gardens seemed like one of the most picturesque spots on the island, so we were so excited to visit them. We got there right as they opened and we drove through, but the gardens did not look lush and vibrant like the photos we had seen. We went back and looked at past photos we had seen and noticed that they were all taken on sunny days, but we were visiting on a very cloudy day. So if you plan to visit the gardens, make sure you schedule it for a day with sunny skies! They also have an education center and a short hike leading to an overlook of Honolulu with a view of the Koolau mountains behind.
As we explored the island, we noticed that many chickens were out and about free-ranging! We found this fascinating and learned that it is because they do not have major predators in Hawaii. Hawaii does not have snakes, coyotes, bears, cougars, alligators, predatory birds, etc.
The next morning we set out at 5am to drive to the other side of the island for our hang gliding expedition with Paradise Air. As we were enroute, we got a call from them, letting us know that they had been monitoring the winds since early that morning and that the conditions were unsafe for flying. She happily rescheduled us for the next day. We really appreciated Paradise Air’s priority of safety and that they ensured our flight was a safe and quality experience. Paradise Air recommends scheduling your flight towards the beginning of your trip so that in case there are any unexpected mishaps such as unsafe weather, they can fit you in for another day. We were glad we followed their advice because the hang gliding was a “best of the best” experience we did not want to miss out on because of windy weather.
Since we were almost to the other side of Oahu, we decided to keep going and hike Ka’ena Point State Park. We parked and used AllTrails, our go-to hike app to find a hike that fit our allotted time frame and distance goals. AllTrails is a must-have app for the avid hiker. It shows you hikes in the area, elevation gain, estimated time for the hike, pictures from the hike trail, reviews from hikers, and even chronicles your hikes!
We set out on our hike along the North-western coast just as the sun was rising and met a kind man named Ken along the way. Ken had served in the air force and was coming back to Oahu for vacation. He said he would come to Ka’ena Point State Park every weekend to hike and see the albatross. He was very knowledgeable about the area and guided us on our hike, showing us the best spots along the coastline for finding seashells and excellent locations for seal watching. We soaked in every moment of the hike in awe of the beautiful landscapes. To our left were the Waianae mountains and to our right were the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing against the rocks of the shore. At some points it reminded us of Iceland because of the black volcanic rock and vivid green moss.
About two and a half miles in, there was a tall gate marking the beginning of the albatross sanctuary. Ken explained that the albatross are special to Ka’ena Point because they complete a magnificent migration to Oahu all the way from Asia, without stopping. Once we reached the tip of the island we came across a white rock beach. This hike was so enchanting and had so many key stopping points that it took us five hours to complete. Ka’ena point is the ultimate coastal hike for the traveler looking to see a variety of coastal terrains and breathtaking views.
Afterwards, Ken brought us to a Paalaa Kai bakery and bought us two of their famous “snow puffies”, custard filled pastries with savory chocolate drizzle on the top. They were delicious and a great sweet treat after a long hike.
Knowing we needed a big meal after our five hour long hiking expedition, we ventured to Hale’iwa and ate at Farm to Barn Cafe and Juicery. They served a variety of delicious cuisine and hearty food. We highly recommend the Banzai burger. It is a big island burger that is grass-fed beef stuffed with mozzarella cheese, lettuce, caramelized onions, red onions, cheddar cheese, tomato and basil aioli on an artisan bun with maui onion chips. The burger meat in Hawaii tastes very different from mainland burgers, as most of the cattle on Oahu are grass-fed.
Then we visited North Shore Marketplace which had many exciting shops with tshirts, crafts, and other fun souvenirs. North Shore Marketplace was our favorite shopping area of the entire trip because it had the most authentic Hawaiian feel and the most variety in shopping options. It also had some good food options such as Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and Hale’iwa Bowls. We had heard locals boast about the Hale’iwa bowls, claiming that they are the best acai bowls on the island, so we had to give it a try. We got a Local Bowl which had a base of frozen acai puree, topped with granola, poi, local bananas, local papaya, strawberries, maui bee pollen, local raw honey, & raw coconut flakes. It was just as good as it sounds, very filling, and was the perfect treat to have while walking around!
That evening we discovered our absolute favorite beach on the entire island: Waimānalo beach. Waimānalo beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu and is not well known by tourists. It has sand free of debris and has pristine tropical blue waters. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a beach with solitude and scenic beach vistas without the crowds.
Paradise Air Hang Gliding
Paradise Air is a world-renowned, one-of-a-kind travel experience which we regard as truly the “best of the best”. Tom Sanders, the owner, is one of the most incredible people you’ll meet on your trip. Tom has completed over 8,000 skydives and hundreds of BASE jumps, showcasing his extensive experience. From filming President George H.W. Bush on two skydives to overseeing the free fall camera team during the 1988 Seoul Olympics opening ceremony, where he broadcasted a skydive live to the world, Tom has done it all. You can find out more about Tom and his work here: https://tomsandersaerialfocus.com/portfolio/home/.
When we made our travel wishlist of top-tier experiences we would include, hang gliding was at the top of our list. The long-awaited hang gliding day finally arrived! We set out the next day, this time with the perfect hang gliding weather conditions. Paradise Air is located at the Kawaihapai Airfield near the Northwestern tip of the island. They have clear directions listed on their website here, and will send directions in the flight confirmation email they send to you before the day of your flight.
Paradise Air flies early in the morning with a 1:1 ratio of pilot to guest. So if you are the first person in your group to go, you will get to see the sun rising as you are flying. If you are the second person to go, the water and land are more illuminated at that time, so you will be able to see the true colors shining through. Both flights offer incredible views, just in slightly different ways!
It is important to note that every flight is a lesson, so you will return having learned a lot in addition to experiencing the remarkable landscape of Oahu. Tom will also give you a certificate after, documenting your flight instruction which can be used if you are pursuing a pilot’s license, or just to show to your friends and family!
When you get to the hangar, Heidi and Tom will be waiting for you to get you ready for your flight. Heidi manages most things in the hangar while Tom oversees all things involving preparing the aircraft before your flight and the controls and instruction in the air. Their hangar is very clean and nice. They provide complimentary snacks and water for before or after your flight, or while you are waiting for your travel partner’s flight to finish. During the first 30 minutes at the hangar we filled out waivers and watched a video showcasing Tom’s extensive skydiving and aerial camera work experience. We were shown footage from his skydive with President Bush as well as his camera work at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, along with a multitude of other momentous achievements of Tom’s. Learning more about Tom and his achievements was a great way to start our experience with Paradise Air, as it was comforting and made us feel extra safe knowing the experience of our pilot. He also has many safety backups at hand in the aircraft for in the case of an unexpected emergency. Paradise Air takes every step to make sure your hang gliding experience is the safest experience possible. To ensure utmost safety, they will buy new hang gliders after the ones they are currently using reach 1500 flight hours. It is also helpful to know that Tom has a perfect safety record. When you’re with Paradise Air, you’re in good hands!
I, Sarah, flew first. After watching the video, Heidi helped me put on a warm insulating flight suit over my clothes to keep me warm during the flight. She explained that for every 1,000 feet we gained, the temperature decreases by about 4 degrees Fahrenheit. She made sure I was comfortable and then took some pictures of me in front of the hang glider. After taking photos, Tom helped me to strap in and put on my headset. He explained that we would be getting high-quality video recording from one side of the wing and taking photos from the other, all while recording the audio of our conversation. He even adjusted my headset microphone to make sure the camera could see my smile! He truly went the extra mile in all he did to make sure I had the best experience possible. We highly recommend purchasing photo and video with Paradise Air, as it is the perfect way to commemorate your trip and Tom will help you capture high-quality photos and videos you will forever cherish.
Our flight was absolutely the “best of the best”. It was truly an immersive experience to be able to feel the birdlike feel of the aircraft as I held on to the steering handles of the hang glider. Tom is very engaging and does a great job sharing knowledge about the island, basic flight knowledge, information about the hang gliding aircraft, and will even let you maneuver the aircraft at certain points if you are feeling comfortable and confident. I had expected hang gliding to be the most adrenaline-rush type activity we would do on this trip, but because it was such a smooth flight it was rather peacefully exhilarating. Tom explained many interesting facts about the island. He also was willing to answer any questions I had. Once we were about halfway into our lesson, he showed me how to steer the aircraft and had me practice doing a few turns. Tom’s hang gliders are high-quality, masterfully designed aircrafts that are $75,000 apiece and are imported from Australia, so you truly are getting a valuable and trustworthy experience in this powerful and reliable machine.
As we approached the clouds, we could see the sun’s rays stretching across the sky. Tom prioritized capturing these incredible picturesque moments and masterfully took my photo during scenic moments such as these. These are some of my favorite pictures I have ever had taken while traveling. Tom clearly is a skilled photographer and knew how to position the aircraft to get the best photos and video. He even captured me on video excitedly exclaiming that hang gliding with him was “coolest things I’ve ever done”, as shown above!
My favorite part of the entire ride was when we went above the clouds. It was absolutely surreal to be going 70 mph above a layer of clouds with an open cockpit. It was one of the most iconic moments of our entire trip!
Tom had the smoothest landing of any aircraft I have ever experienced in all my travels! Once stopped, he helped me to unload and then took Carly on her flight. She came back reporting an experience just as incredible as mine. They then gave us our flight certificates along with SD cards containing our photos, video footage with audio, and a movie showing Tom’s incredible feats.
Tom and Heidi want to make sure their travelers see the best of the best in Hawaii. They gave us a list they had created with excursions and places they recommend exploring on Oahu. They encouraged us to go on a skydive with GoJump Hawaii, which is one of the most reputable skydiving companies in the world. Though we did not have room in our schedule this time, GoJump Hawaii is at the top of our list for future trips.
Another special place they recommended was a secret turtle beach. We went later that day to snorkel and saw many sea turtles in the area! This area is exclusive with mostly only locals knowing about it. Getting Tom’s insight on superb and uncrowded places to visit is another added benefit of your exciting experience flying with Paradise Air!
We highly recommend Paradise Air to anyone seeking an extraordinary experience during their trip. Both Carly and I agree that it was our favorite and most exciting experience of the whole trip. Paradise Air earns the “Best of the Best” Award of Excellence for going above and beyond in our criteria of excellent quality, excellent hospitality, and a memorable experience. To book your flight, you can either call Paradise Air at +1 (808) 497-6033 or book through their website. From the focus on safety to the knowledgeable flight lesson with Tom and breathtaking views, Paradise Air ensures that every detail is executed with the utmost care. Their commitment to creating a one-of-a-kind adventure truly sets them apart, making it clear they are among the best in the industry.
After our exquisite excursion with Paradise Air, we drove to Frost Frozen Yogurt, located in Kailua. They had delicious frozen yogurt and toppings. The inside of the shop was colorfully decorated with fun wall art and bright accents, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere that perfectly complemented their refreshing treats. It was the perfect way to complement the fun-filled day we were having!
The next morning we ate breakfast at Ted’s Bakery. Ted’s Bakery sells cream pies, cakes, breads & pastries, plus hot sandwiches & delicious plate lunches at affordable prices. It is a great place to grab a hearty bite to eat as you gear up for an activity filled day.
Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons
Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons offers a great experience for anyone wanting to try surfing for the first time or improve their surfing skills. The lessons take place at Pua’ena Point Beach Park, less than four miles from where several world-class surfing competitions are held. Led by a team of skilled instructors and Uncle Bryan himself, we had an amazing time riding the waves and learning from the best, making it an essential “best of the best” experience on Oahu.
Uncle Bryan is very personable and engaging. Even celebrities from across the world come to consistently train with him. He is a genuine 100% native Hawaiian who has surfed and offered surf lessons in Oahu for most of his life. This sets him apart from other surf companies who come from the mainland and may do a good job but are not as authentic. He does not advertise and maintains a successful surfing business by word of mouth.
Uncle Bryan’s instructors started by providing us with an informative briefing on surf safety and techniques, making sure we felt confident and knew what to do before heading into the water. Once in the water, the instructors helped us to catch our first wave. Because of their simple yet thorough instruction, Carly and I both were able to get up on our first try! As we continued to surf, our instructors helped us to improve by offering helpful advice throughout our surf session. Both instructors were very passionate about teaching others to surf, and one of them consistently surfs in professional competitions worldwide.
One element we appreciated most is the opportunity to have a personalized surfing lesson amidst the gorgeous backdrop of Hawaiian mountain terrain. Scenic surfing makes for the most memorable surfing experience.
Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons stand out amongst all of the others on the island because they are authentic, quality, and overall so much fun! We highly recommend booking a lesson with Uncle Bryan. It will make your trip complete. Find out more about Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons here.
The next morning we went to Cinnamon’s, a mom and pop restaurant located in the heart of Kailua. Cinnamon’s has a menu full of mouth-watering breakfast and lunch dishes and is known to be one of the best restaurants on the island. They serve larger plate portions than most places on the island, so it is a wonderful place to get a filling meal.
Mānoa Chocolate & Wine Bar
Right next door to Cinnamon’s is Mānoa Chocolate & Wine Bar, an absolute must-visit for chocolate lovers and those who appreciate high-quality wine. Mānoa offers chocolate and wine tastings, giving you the perfect opportunity to savor locally crafted chocolates and top-tier wines. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed to the tasting counter. After drinking some chocolate tea to cleanse our palate, we tried a variety of chocolates, all of which were delicious and beautifully crafted. The lady giving the samples shared with us the origins of the chocolates, key accents of each chocolate that made it different from the rest, and pointed out where we could find the chocolates in-store. The indoor ambiance made the experience even more enjoyable and complemented the rich flavors of the chocolates. The combination of knowledgeable staff, exquisite chocolates, and an ambient atmosphere made this stop a truly delightful and memorable part of our trip.
Chief’s Luau
Chief’s Luau is an exciting cultural experience that brings you into a world of past and present Hawaiian traditions such as tribal dances, Hawaiian music, and demonstrations of ancient Hawaiian crafts, like turning palm branches into bowls, showcasing the resourcefulness of the Hawaiian people.
A luau is one of the most authentic excursions you will experience on your trip. For this reason, we recommend scheduling your luau to be towards the beginning of your trip, preferably on the second or third day so that you can get into the “Hawaii spirit”, and immerse yourself in the culture early on, setting the tone for the rest of your adventures and giving you a deeper appreciation of the Hawaiian traditions, music, and food that you’ll encounter throughout your stay.
Chief’s Luau is located in the Wet-n-Wild waterpark in Kapolei and hosted by Chief Sielu and his family. Coming early is essential for this luau, because before the luau starts, his staff features a variety of cultural presentations and activities such as face painting, fresh cut coconut, and handmade craft and jewelry for sale. One detail to note is that unlike most luaus, Chief’s Luau doesn’t offer the traditional lei upon arrival but instead gives out a shell necklace, which might not live up to the expectation of a more traditional welcome. It was a lovely experience, nonetheless!
During the luau they present a roasted pig, serve a buffet of Hawaiian food, and perform many captivating dances such as hula dancing and traditional island slap dancing. Chief and his tribe are incredibly talented and do fire dancing towards the end of the show, where they skillfully toss, spin, and do other thrilling tricks with fire-knives. They also involve the audience by inviting guests onto the stage, presenting them with crafts they make, and offering the chance for anyone to join in on doing the hula dance, guided by the skilled hula dancers.
After the exciting performance by Chief and his family, Chief recognized couples celebrating special occasions such as their honeymoon or anniversary. He gave them flowers and played a romantic Hawaiian song for them to dance to. This was one of the best moments for the couple sitting across from us and made the luau experience especially meaningful.
At the very end of the luau, Chief invited us to take a photo with him and his luau family. This was very exciting, as it allowed us to capture the essence of his luau and take home a commemorative photo to remember our time.
The overall experience was extremely memorable and we highly recommend it!
On a side note, although plentiful, the food was not hot, and we were expecting the dishes to have more robust flavor. Additionally, the location at the Wet-n-Wild waterpark, while fun, is not located on the ideal beachfront setting that some may imagine for a luau.
Overall, if you’re seeking a luau with exceptional talent, a lively and family-friendly atmosphere, and a rich cultural experience, Chief’s Luau is definitely a great choice!
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is one of Oahu’s premier attractions, offering an array of exciting excursions that cater to all types of travelers. Visitors can enjoy UTV tours, horseback riding, zipline tours, e-bike rides, and much more. Set in a stunning valley surrounded by the Koʻolau Mountain Range, the ranch is renowned for its breathtaking views and is a famous filming location for iconic movies like Jurassic Park and Godzilla. With its diverse range of activities, beautiful natural surroundings, and friendly, knowledgeable guides, Kualoa Ranch is truly a must-visit destination for anyone looking to have the best of the best experience of Oahu’s outdoors. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature while exploring the island’s rich history and cinematic legacy.
We explored Kualoa Ranch on a guided e-bike ride. Our tour guide, Tarrin, made sure everyone was comfortable and knew how to drive their bike before we began the journey. He did a fantastic job of sharing his plentiful knowledge about the ranch and guiding us to the most picturesque spots for photos. We made stops along our ride to explore the areas where many famous movies were filmed. Tarrin would gladly offer to take our photo and diligently made sure he got angles capturing the beauty of the majestic mountains behind us.
The e-bikes made it easy to navigate the lush trails while taking in the stunning views of the valley, mountains, and coastline. The tour was an unforgettable experience and provided a unique way to explore one of Oahu’s most iconic locations. One thing to keep in mind if you are considering doing an e-bike tour with Kualoa Ranch is that they offer two options. We did the Novice E-bike Tour, but the Ultra E-bike Tour, while being more challenging, offers the best views of the ranch.
We wholeheartedly consider Kualoa Ranch to be one of the “best of the best” excursion destinations of Oahu. It is perfect for the adventure traveler looking for another scenic vista of Hawaii’s mountains, and also for the resort goer who wants to get a taste of experiencing Oahu’s stunning landscapes. Throughout our trip, we found ourselves longing for that quintessential clear view of the island’s majestic mountains. At Kualoa Ranch, we finally experienced it—up close and truly awe-inspiring!
As one last hurrah before ending our trip, we hiked the infamous Mt. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks) trail to the first peak. This trail is great for those eager to venture on a challenging hike to result in rewarding views. The hike was steep and rugged, and at some points had ropes so hikers could have needed support while they climbed the steep path. Toward the end, we encountered a rock wall that required a vertical climb to reach the peak. Despite the difficulty, the breathtaking views and the unforgettable experience made it all worth it, leaving us with stunning photos as lasting memories. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers who have endurance and a taste for adventure.
Our time on Oahu was filled with unforgettable experiences, and it’s clear that the island offers something extraordinary for every traveler. From the breathtaking aerial views with Paradise Air hang gliding to the thrill of catching our first wave with Uncle Bryan’s Surf Lessons, Oahu proved to be a destination where adventure, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly come together. We were able to immerse ourselves in local traditions at Chief’s Luau, enjoy delicious local treats, and explore the breathtaking landscapes at places like Kualoa Ranch. Whether seeking exciting activities or peaceful moments with nature, Oahu provides the perfect opportunities for creating long-lasting memories. For those seeking the ultimate experience, Oahu is a destination where each day brings something new, exciting, and awe-inspiring. We highly recommend these excursions and experiences to anyone planning a trip to the island—it’s the kind of adventure that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit.