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Photo: Jeff Sanner | Location: Makapu‘u

Oahu

E komo mai (welcome) to O‘ahu!

We here at 101 Things To Do O‘ahu would like to welcome you to our island and to thank you for choosing to visit our fair shores. For the people of Hawai‘i, hospitality—ho‘okipa—and aloha are a way of life, and to share that with you is a joy.

If you are reading this here in the Aloha State, chances are you know that there are a few extra steps to take when traveling to the Hawaiian Islands. If you are reading this pre-arrival, know that our state is taking all precautions to keep everyone — visitors and residents alike — safe. This means that, as of press time, Hawai‘i now has new travel requirements, such as a negative COVID-19 test taken (via a trusted testing partner) within 72 hours of arrival. Note that different counties — Hawai‘i (Big Island), Kaua‘i and Maui (Maui, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i) might have additional rules in place. Additionally, at press time, a statewide mandate requiring face coverings/facemasks in public settings at all times is in place. Please go to hawaiicovid19.com/travel/ for details on all pre-travel requirements (including a list of trusted testing partners) and information on guidelines once you’ve arrived in Hawai‘i. Also, please note that some businesses or attractions may be temporarily closed, or adhering to adjusted hours/offerings due to pandemic protocols. That being said, there’s still a lot to enjoy here on O‘ahu!

While it’s not the biggest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, O‘ahu is nicknamed “THE GATHERING PLACE,” and it has it all—slowed-down beachside living on the North Shore, luxurious resorts in Ko Olina and the unique combination of first-class shopping and energizing beaches in Waikīkī.

No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, rest assured that you’ll be met with cascading waves, warm sunshine and balmy breezes. The only thing to decide is: what to do first? To save you time and assure you experience the best of O‘ahu, we’ve compiled the isle’s finest activities in this handy guide.

Thrill seekers can delight in all of the unique-to-O‘ahu LAND DIVERSIONS: FIND FLORA AND FAUNA at a botanical garden, RE-CREATE THE SCENE from some of the movie and television productions filmed on O‘ahu, or SEARCH OUT WATERFALLS. See the island from the sky as you ZIP O‘AHU above a working farm nestled on the North Shore or acquaint yourself with the magical Pacific Ocean GO BEACH HOPPING. Or, maybe you’d want to get out there and see ocean giants in action when you CRUISE HUMPBACK WHALE TERRITORY before enjoy an evening of traditional Hawaiian cuisine and Polynesian entertainment when you GO TO A LU‘AU.

Here on O‘ahu, there is plenty to keep the whole crew entertained. HAVE FAMILY˝FRIENDLY FUN when you SPEND A DAY A THE ZOO or VISIT AN AQUARIUM BY A REEF to watch your children squeal in delight as they spot “Nemo” (or “Dory”) and friends. GET A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY and culture during your travels as you ESCAPE TO SHANGRI LA, TOUR A FAMOUS BATTLESHIP and then GO POLYNESIAN.

Landlubbers will get their fix on a HIKE TO A LIGHTHOUSE . SHOP PARADISE for souvenirs at one of the island’s many boutiques and luxury shopping centers or PAMPER YOURSELF HAWAIIAN STYLE with a lomilomi massage in the comfort of your own room.

Whatever your reason for “gathering” here, we’re happy to show you the spirit of aloha and delighted to entertain you with 101 THINGS TO DO!

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