For those seeking a fun, interactive evening activity while traveling in this Hawaiian hot spot, a luau offers the perfect blend of cultural education and cuisine, live entertainment and intrigue for all ages. See our breakdown of the top Oahu luaus to determine which one will be the winner for your next getaway to the epicenter of aloha.

Nestled on Oahu’s striking windward side, Lanikai Beach lives up to its name of “heavenly sea” with its half-mile stretch of spotless white sand, crystalline water, and proximity to “The Mokes”—two islets less than a mile offshore. Lanikai’s reputation as one of the best beaches in the world is evidenced in the huge crowds it draws to its sun-splashed cove, where an offshore reef translates to calm waters perfect for swimming and small children. 

There’s something so splendid about the glittering Pacific that most visitors to Hawaii are keen on experiencing it in every manner they can. Enter the appeal of kayaking, an accessible sport, aboard a small, narrow watercraft, that requires little more than a paddle, an open mind, a sense of caution, and, well, a smile. While kayaking tours are amply offered across Oahu, one of the most enjoyable ways to partake is by paddling out to those aforementioned “Mokes.” Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks, which has been serving adventurers since 1982, can aid in the planning and execution of this excursion, which includes stellar views of golden-sand beaches, snorkeling, and a grounding down on the Twin Islands—islets that serve as a sanctuary for birds that range from the Red-footed Bobby to the Ruddy Turnstone.

There’s something undeniably striking about a birds-eye view perspective. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that helicopter tours are regarded as one of Oahu’s must-do activities. While it’s easy to appreciate the island’s ground-level in-your-face beauty, exploring The Gathering Isle by air pulls back the veil to reveal secluded locales few have laid eyes on. Panoramic views abound- peer down into Oahu’s pulsing heartbeat of Waikiki, watch as 1000′ waterfalls spill over emerald cliffs in remote river valleys, and take in Kaneohe Bay’s kaleidoscopic hues. It’s safe to say that helicopter tours elevate Oahu’s grandeur and take the island’s natural beauty to new heights.

Breathtaking views may be seen around every corner of Oahu but they’re taken to new heights—literally—on the trail to Makapuu Lighthouse. Located roughly a mile past Hawaii Kai golf course, the relatively short trek—as in 1.5 miles roundtrip—pays off long into one’s existence. The lighthouse itself, built in 1909, is enchanting on its own, but it’s the vistas the summit presents that make this hike memorable and magnificent: From the top, you can look out upon the island’s southeastern coast, the interior of Koko Crater, Oahu’s outlying islands, Makapu’u Beach (stretching towards the North Shore), and wave upon wave breaking against the outstanding seaboard.

And speaking of food trucks: If you happen to be on Oahu on the last Friday of the month, be sure to make your way to the district of Kaka’ako to sample “grindz” from more than 40 awesome vendors. Founded in 2011 in a parking lot off of Kapiolani Boulevard, Eat the Street now entices more than 7,000 people to its “food truck rally,” where diners can dig into eats that range from fried musubi and gyozas to Brazilian hot cheese bites and Hawaiian honey cones. Keep an eye on their website: This beloved shindig often hosts holiday parties and themed celebrations—and the unique foods that arrive with them.

Luminous weather, warm water, gentle waves, lofty palms—it’s no wonder Waikiki Beach is one of the most recognizable shorelines on the planet. With Diamond Head glittering in the distance, surfers, stand-up paddlers, and swimmers playing in the Pacific, and nearly two continuous miles of powdery white sand, this slice of heaven is an Oahu must for a reason. Shed your worries while chilling on a beach blanket in the late morning, take a surf lesson at one of the breaks that introduced the world to modern surfing, snap a selfie with the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, or dip a spoon into Hula Pie at the restaurant that was named after him. Meaning, whatever you do in Waikiki will be tops: This place is what Hawaiian dreams are made of.

Established in 1947, this 42-acre exhibit has gone through several iterations since its first Park Director, Ben Hollinger, brought a monkey, bear, and African elephant to Oahu for the “children of Hawaii.” Today, Honolulu Zoo presents three distinct displays to reveal American and Asian tropical rainforests, the African savannah, and the Pacific Islands—an endeavor that results in animals that range from the native pueo and cheetahs to hippos and Nile crocodiles. With open-air enclosures, a petting zoo, and more than 64 reptiles, this cornucopia of wildlife—and the first US zoo to be started under a monarch—deserves every ounce of its reputation as the best family activity on Oahu. 

Shopping in Hawaii isn’t exclusively reserved for buying shell necklace souvenirs for your pals back home. Ala Moana is a testament this fact, presenting an array of stores that stretches from the ultra-luxe—Balenciaga and Hermes, to name just two—to the specialized (‘Auana Quilts and Homeo Health). There’s also everything in between, including Hollister, Armani Exchange, Vans, and the only Nordstrom in Hawaii. The maze of shops—as in 200-plus—is enriched by its open-air structure and views of the Pacific, making a trip here a true shopper’s paradise.
 

Layson Albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and Hawaiian Monk Seals are just a few of the rare species that can be found at this Natural Reserve on Oahu’s westernmost point. Reaching this jewel requires footing it, with two trails—one from the east, the other from the southwest—that take you through hot, sometimes hazardous terrain. But the effort is well worth it: Not only can quietude be found here in spades, but tide pools, extraordinary views, and the pounding Pacific explain why this site was deemed sacred by ancient Hawaiians—so much so, in fact, it served as a jumping off point for souls entering the next realm.

The nearby Manoa Falls may capture the interest of most, but this botanical garden—and part of the University of Hawai‘i—is equally deserving of your time and energy. Established in 1918 as a test site for reforestation, much of its pull comes from the fact that it strives to preserve the Aloha State’s threatened and endangered plant species. More than 5,000 of them grow over 194 lush and lovely acres here, from African herbs and gingers to bromeliads and pink azaleas. With hiking trails and a variety of tours, the arboretum offers a huge dose of tranquility—and the wellness that often arrives with it.

We have some of the most remarkable beaches on Earth.  Why not get married on one?   We’ve put together 8 of our favorite Oahu beach wedding locations with photos and descriptions.

American icon, competitive surfer, and tobacco heiress Doris Duke fell in love with Hawaii in the mid-1930s, ultimately building from the ground-up a seaside mansion minutes away from Diamond Head. She spent six decades filling it with one of the largest and most compelling Islamic art collections in the US. In 2002, the late journalist and wildlife advocate’s Hale Kapu (“Forbidden House”) opened to the public, allowing guests inside the white walls of Duke’s rather modest abode. The objects on display are anything but, ranging from a 12-foot high mihrab (or prayer niche) to Syrian bureaus inlaid with mother-of-pearl and 13^th-century Iranian star tiles. Open four days a week, with tours departing from the Honolulu Museum of Art, Shangri-La lives up to its name—and hammers home Conde Nast’s claim that it is “the Persian palace on the Pacific.”