Top Oahu Bird Watching in 2026

Leave your preconceptions about sharks at the door and get up close to these sleek creatures on this unique ocean experience. Head out from Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O’ahu, and spend around half an hour swimming with the sharks living in the area. Don’t worry, though: even if you aren’t swimming in a cage, you’re still in safe hands, with a guide on board and a safety diver swimming with each group.

The lush Manoa Valley Rainforest, home to a 150-foot (45-meter) waterfall, is a star attraction on Oahu, having been featured in movies such as 'Jurassic Park.' Getting there independently can be tricky, so join this guided tour that takes you there along an easy trail while introducing you to interesting Hawaiian cultural facts and history. Includes a healthy lunch made with local, organic products.

View dolphins in their natural habitat and swim within safe viewing distance to turtles and green sea turtles on this popular Oahu snorkel cruise from Honolulu. Sail into waters home to spinner dolphins, and then glide alongside colorful fish. Hawaiian Hula, Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through unspoiled waters in search of dolphins and whales, then snorkel in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus convenient hotel pickup. Choose from three daily departure times.

Enjoy a new perspective on Oahu's coastal beauty—and a more immersive way to explore—on this half-day kayaking tour of Kailua Bay. Choose between small-group or self-guided options when booking this flexible, half-day eco-adventure. Look forward to visiting the top-rated Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands (self-led tour only). This tour includes all kayaking and snorkeling equipment.

Cruise along Oahu’s western coastline in search of dolphins on this exciting snorkel tour from Waianae. Don your snorkel gear and slip into the water to swim with these playful creatures, while maintaining a safe distance. You can also enjoy ocean activities like paddleboarding, or our 21-foot (6.4-meter) water slide built right into our boat during your adventure.

Cruise along west Oahu’s pristine shoreline to see the spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonally), and other marine creatures that frequent the Waianae Coast. Your 32-foot USCG vessel is led by a lifeguard-certified crew of marine biologists and naturalists, maximizing your chances of spotting Hawaii’s underwater wildlife. Plus, with snorkeling gear included, you can choose to swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, too.

The vibrant ocean surrounding Hawaii is filled with an abundance of sea life, from turtles to colorful fish to whales. This guided kayaking tour takes you to prime locations in Kailua Bay, with the Koʻolau Mountain Range and its dormant volcanoes as a backdrop. After lunch, you’ll have access to boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and shower facilities.

Spend the morning in a tropical paradise on this kayak tour of Kailua and Lanikai beaches. See the Twin Island bird sanctuary (locally known as the Mokulua Islands), walk in tide pools and spot marine life, snorkel above live coral reefs and learn how to positively interact with local wildlife. The tour includes a break for a fresh picnic lunch, and your naturalist guide provides context and insights about the surroundings.

Traveling on two wheels lets you go to places big vehicles can't reach and is one of the best ways to explore Hawaii. Honolulu's roads can get congested, though, which means it's all the better to head off the beaten path. This guided bike tour takes you to remote areas, through lush rainforest, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Best of all, riding an electric bike requires little effort.

Go whale-watching off the coast of Oahu on this excursion from Waikiki or Ko Olina. During the months from December to May, pods of humpback whales migrate through Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. In the rare event that you don't see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Snacks are included.

Hawaii is renowned for having some of the best waves in the world, but you don’t have to know how to surf to enjoy them. On this tour, take to the water on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and paddle along the Kailua coast. Lessons are suitable for all abilities and there are paddle-boarding spots to suit all levels from calm waters for beginners to rolling waves for more experienced boarders.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Oahu with this whale-watching cruise from Honolulu that guarantees sightings. Glide past Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach while listening to insightful commentary from the on-board naturalist. Look out for other marine life—such as sea turtles, porpoises, and Hawaii spinner dolphins—while searching for humpback whales. If you don't see whales during the cruise, receive a complimentary return trip.