Outdoor Activities
1. Cruises/Sailing
From small, close-to-the-ocean-action Zodiacs to Navatek’s 140-foot SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull), every manner of sailing and cruising adventure is available in Hawai’i. Excursions depart from all areas of the island; during the winter months most cruises combine whale-watching with other activities.
2. Hiking
With more than 30 major trails covering terrain of every description, it’s no wonder that hiking is as popular an activity with locals as it is with visitors. You can get a free map that will point you to all of O’ahu’s most popular hikes from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (587 0166, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr).
3. Surfing/ Windsurfing
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to surf or you’re already an expert, many feel there’s no better place on Earth to catch a wave than the Island of O’ahu. From the gentle rolling waves at Waikīkī to the monster winter sets of Waimea Bay, instruction at your level is available. There are plenty of places to rent equipment, too. For windsurfing, head to where else? – the Windward side.
4. Snorkeling
Hawai’i’s most famous snorkeling spot – Hanauma Bay – is also the most popular. While this is perfect for beginners, more experienced snorkelers probably won’t enjoy the crowds. There are other good snorkeling locations around the island, most notably Maunalua Bay, east of Diamond Head.
5. Scuba
In addition to a myriad variety of reef fish and other sea creatures, O’ahu is a great location for divers to explore shipwrecks. One of the most notable wrecks is the 150+-foot Mahi which was purposely sunk in 1982 off the leeward side (south of Wai’anae) to create an artificial reef. While the diving off the North Shore is good, it is best left to experienced divers and only in summer months, at that.
6. Air Tours
Sailplanes, seaplanes, and helicopters offer aerial tours of O’ahu. Any of these will provide you with an excellent panorama of the island from a unique perspective and a chance to observe inaccessible natural areas.
7. Fishing
Fishing is good year round in the waters surrounding O’ahu as well as all the neighboring islands. Sportfishing charters can be quite costly but can provide the thrill of a lifetime for anglers who’ve never had a deep-sea fishing experience before. Half and full day charters are available.
8. Walking Tours
Chinatown and downtown are good places to discover on foot. Other walking tours focus on Honolulu’s historical and cultural sites, or the city’s unique architecture. The National Geographic Society offers a walking tour of historic temples and archaeological sites.
9. Tennis
More than 180 public courts on the island cater to tennis enthusiasts. You can get a free listing of all of them from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (768 3003, www.honolulu.gov/parks). The larger resort hotels have tennis courts for use by their guests; some welcome non-guests for a fee.
10. Bicycling
Honolulu is a major metropolitan area and unless you enjoy dodging traffic, city bicycling can be challenging. Mountain bikes can be rented for excursions outside the city and North Shore guided bike tours are available, too.
