Top Oahu Nature and Wildlife

With a local guide, hike to Manoa Falls, the tallest accessible waterfall (150 feet) on Oahu. Located in what is known as the Rainbow Valley, the area is lush with vegetation due to near-daily rains, and rainbows after showers are common. Visit Tantalus Lookout for views of the Diamond Head crater and the Waikiki skyline.

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Thanks to your professional, experienced crew, the Oahu shark dive is completely safe as they know the predators’ behavior, and the underwater cage provides proven safety against all different species of sharks. Whether you’re in the cage with sharks right in front of you or watching from up in the boat, Oahu shark diving is a Hawaii activity you’ll definitely never forget.

Snorkel with green sea turtles in Oahu's Turtle Canyon on this 2- to 3-hour tour departing from Waikiki. Board a power catamaran and sail along the shore of Oahu towards the island's best place to spot the resident turtles. Turtle sightings are guaranteed; if a turtle is not sighted, you will be given a free second cruise. After snorkeling, enjoy lunch (if option selected ) and two provided drinks while you keep your eyes peeled for passing marine life like dolphins and migrating whales.

An exciting journey of discovery through the beautiful Amelia Earhart Point on the ocean-facing slopes of Diamond Head Crater (drive-by), the famous Halona Blowhole, “From Here to Eternity” beach, Makapu’u Point (drive-by), visit Valley of the Temples, colorful Byodo-in Temple and scenic Mokoli'i Island. This full day tour includes a delicious lunch at the famous Fumi’s Shrimp Stand on the North Shore where you'll be served your choice of various sautéed shrimp plates. *Chicken and Vegetarian options are also available. After your delicious lunch, you will visit the world famous Waimea Valley, the Arboretum and see an incredible Waterfall, followed by the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Your expert nature guide will provide a fascinating narration about Hawaii's bird and plant species, geology, history and culture. Tour includes a 152-page Gift Book "Guide to Nature on Oahu" as a souvenir to take home!

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this educational, 2-hour, cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of the Big Island’s popular North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by. No scuba experience is necessary. Hotel pickup and drop-off available.

Ride a personal, self-propelled, electric underwater scooter through Oahu's underwater world. During this 2-hour tour, cruise past Diamond Head Crater through Maunalua Bay on a power catamaran, then dive under the surface on your scooter to see green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish and other native marine life. No experience is necessary for this guided tour; all equipment is provided.

Share the warm Hawaiian waters with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more on a 2-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki. No need to wear your flippers and mask on the plane, as all necessary gear is provided. Under the careful guidance of a tour leader, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and - in winter months - humpback whales.

Fly over the sparkling waters of Oahu on 1-hour parasailing adventure in Waikiki. Hop aboard your 12-person boat, soaring up into the skies with one or two other people for 10 minutes. Then, spend the rest of your hour gliding across the ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, tropical fish and sea turtles.

On this thrilling Oahu jet ski rental, you’ll hop on a powerful Yamaha jet ski for 30 minutes of fun. Life jackets are included with this Waikiki jet ski rental, and you can choose from a single or double ski for speeding through the turquoise waters. All the necessary gear is included — as is round-trip transport — so just bring a bathing suit, a sense of adventure, and prepare to smile and get wet!

Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with sunset coastal views at Paradise Cove. Enjoy a welcome Mai Tai and authentic Hawaiian fare, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit during this 5.5-hour experience. Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Three dining packages are available to customize your experience, and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is available.

Fly 500 feet (152 meters) above the scenic coast of Oahu on this 1-hour parasailing adventure from Waikiki. Buckle in to a harness and take off from the boat, soaring over the south shore of the islands for spectacular views. Photo packages available for purchase on the boat. No experience is necessary; this activity is suitable for participants of all experience levels. Parasail 500 feet (152 meters) above the Oahu coast Get fantastic views of the island's southern shore No experience necessary.

Enjoy a traditional lei greeting and experience a luau on Oahu. Hosted by Chief Sielu, Original World Fire Knife Dance Champion, this event provides the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in island culture. Watch a Polynesian show, learn headband weaving before indulging in a Hawaiian feast, including pineapple glazed chicken and kalua pork. Upgrade to include priority access and convenient pickup, for a hassle-free experience.

Watch the Hawaiian sunset while enjoying a delicious dinner and live entertainment during this cruise from Oahu. As the sun sinks towards the horizon, watch its vibrant colors reflected on Diamond Head and enjoy a welcome "champagne" toast plus two additional premium beverages of choice. Dine on seafood and steak, then enjoy live entertainment including jazz and new '60 Years of Aloha' Hawaiian cultural show.

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. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. Hotel transport included.

Discover the beauty of Oahu's coastal scenery—and spot its marine life, including pods of dolphins—on this half-day swimming and snorkeling boat tour. Following pickup from your hotel, head to your catamaran and hop aboard. After you set sail, embark on a swimming or snorkeling session to see fish, octopuses, and more wildlife in its natural habitat.

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 roughly 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.

Feel your adrenaline pumping on this 1-hour off-road tour around Oahu, led by an expert guide. Explore the wild areas of Kualoa Ranch, a cattle ranch running from the Kaneohe Bay to the Ko’olau Mountains. You’ll climb steep jungle trails on the back of a 6-wheel-drive Swiss Pinzgauer and take in fantastic views as you stop at remote lookout points over Oahu. Your driver will return you to your original departure point at the end of your adventure.

Settle in for an afternoon cruise aboard the Haleiwa Queen, a 50-foot power catamaran that departs conveniently from Honolulu’s harbor. Learn about Hawaii past and present from the friendly crew as you venture into the open Pacific Ocean to look for dolphins, sea turtles, and even migrating whales. As a bonus, look beneath the water’s surface at fish and coral reefs through unique magnifying view portals.

While visiting Honolulu, take a half-day tour of Pearl Harbor that details the history of World War II in Hawaii. Visit the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and Battleship Row with a guide who shares informative commentary about Oahu during the war in the Pacific.

Discover all the vibrant marine life that calls Turtle Canyon’s reefs home—and enjoy an accessible way to snorkel and explore—on this family-friendly catamaran trip. Make your own way to the Kewalo Harbor, and hop aboard your well-appointed catamaran: snorkels, fins, masks, and more are all provided on board. Once you make it to the reefs, dive in, spot sea turtles and other marine life, and admire the underwater scenery.

Skip the crowded boat tours and enjoy a comfortable and luxurious snorkeling experience aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht in a group of no more than six people. Spend your day exploring the underwater world around O’ahu and spot marine life such as sea turtles and colorful fish. Includes food and drink.

Explore Oahu's waters on this submarine-style glass-bottom boat ride aboard the Atlantis Submarine. During this family-friendly adventure, learn about the local fish, coral and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary. Please be aware all passengers must be 36" or taller to ride. Descend 100 feet (30 meters) under the surface of the water without getting wet. 

Plan your vacation ahead of time by purchasing tickets for this 2-hour cruise from Oahu. Dine on a crab and steak dinner while watching live Hawaiian entertainment, a show called '60 Years of Aloha' and enjoying vistas over the Oahu coast.

This small-group circle-island tour of Oahu is ideal for those who want to see a lot in a short time. In a cozy vehicle with no more than 14 passengers, you'll see such landmarks as Diamond Head, the Halona Blowhole, Byodo-In Temple and the historic Haleiwa Town. You'll also visit the famed Dole Plantation where you'll get a whole delicious Dole pineapple.