Hanauma Bay is a popular snorkeling spot.
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the island of Oahu offers an array of water activities. From canoe paddling and snorkeling to fishing and sight-seeing, there's something for everyone. Mingle with sea life, explore picturesque water falls, charter a relaxing cruise or just dip into the warm, clear, shallow waters at Waikiki Beach.
Surfing
Hawaii is known for its surfing, from the huge breaks on the north shore to the more mellow waters near Waikiki Beach. Surfing lessons and surf board rentals aren't hard to find on Oahu. There are nearly a dozen options at Waikiki Beach alone. The North Shore Surf Girls is a surf school based in Haleiwa that offers lessons on the north shore and at Waikiki. All of the school's instructors are female---former professional surfers, and TV show and movie stunt doubles. Group and private lessons are available, and board rental is included.
North Shore Surf Girls, Inc.
P.O. Box 8
Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712
808-637-2977
northshoresurfgirls.com
Swimming
Oahu is surrounded by warm, clear waters that beckon swimmers. Waikiki Beach has long stretches of shallow waters with sandy floors, perfect for taking a dip. Alternatively, head to the leeward side of the island and check out the four man-made lagoons at Ko Olina Resort. If swimming with your fellow humans isn't enough, check out Sea Life Park Hawaii in Waimanalo, where you can swim with dolphins.
Sea Life Park Hawaii
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway No. 7
Waimanalo, HI 96795
808-259-2500
Snorkeling and Diving
There are many options for snorkeling and diving excursions on Oahu. Charter a boat, join a group tour or just rent gear and head out on your own. Sharks Cove near Pupukea Beach on the north shore is a great spot to view marine life, but the pinnacle of snorkeling on Oahu is Hanauma Bay. With its dense population of marine life, including green sea turtles, and on-site equipment rental, this nature preserve is a can't-miss location.
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, HI 96825
808-396-4229
hanauma-bay-hawaii.com
Fishing, Boating and Paddling
There are many spots around Oahu for shore fishing, but if you want to go after a big marlin, ahi or mahi mahi, join a fishing charter, such as Maggie Joe Sport Fishing on the island's south shore. Fishing gear, tackle and license are generally included in the price. If you want to find other ways to get out on the water, rent a kayak or a small canoe; there are many options, including rentals at Waikiki Beach and Kailua Beach.
Maggie Joe Sport Fishing
1025 Ala Moana Blvd. Slip K
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-591-8888
maggiejoe.com
Sightseeing
If you want to enjoy the waters of Oahu without getting wet, take a short hike to view one of the island's many waterfalls, such as Waimea Falls on the north shore near Waimea Bay, or Manoa Falls near Honolulu. Take a boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is constructed on the waters of Pearl Harbor.
USS Arizona Memorial
1 Arizona Memorial Road
Honolulu, HI 96818-3103
808-422-2771
arizonamemorial.org
Tags: Waikiki Beach, Arizona Memorial, Beach Surfing, Kalanianaole Highway, Life Park, Life Park Hawaii