Top 7 Activities to Experience in O‘ahu, From Horseback Riding to Hiking

O‘ahu, the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands, is affectionately dubbed “The Gathering Place”—and rightly so. In addition to its world-renowned beaches, the island boasts numerous hiking trails that offer breathtaking views, from dormant volcanoes to city skylines. At lower elevations, O‘ahu’s diverse neighborhoods feature a vibrant culinary scene along with craft cocktails and local breweries.

From mauka to makai—mountain to ocean—here are the seven top experiences to enjoy on O‘ahu.

1. Explore a crack seed shop

These charming, family-run shops are named after the cracked pit of a beloved preserved sour plum known as li hing mui. They offer an array of their signature salty-sweet-sour snacks alongside pickled mangoes, dried fruits, sour gummies, and cuttlefish jerky. Entering a crack seed shop, you'll find shelves brimming with large glass jars filled with preserved goodies and aisles packed with souvenirs and trinkets.

At Crack Seed Store in the Kaimuki area of Honolulu, you can choose from 12 varieties of preserved sour plums and even enjoy a refreshing li hing mui icee. For shaved ice, halo halo topped with ube ice cream, and classic crack seed, visit Rainbow Crack Seed in Kāneʻohe. In Chinatown, a popular spot is C-Mui Center, where the friendly owner takes pride in her dried lemon slices and pickled mangoes.

2. Explore art and savor craft beer in Kaka‘ako

Once home to fishing villages, fish ponds, and salt flats, the Kaka‘ako area underwent a transformation into an industrial zone during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, many of its large warehouses and buildings are adorned with striking murals and street art created by famous street artists such as Tristan Eaton, Kevin Lyons, and Audrey Kawasaki. Some of these murals can be found at SALT, a vibrant mixed-use area that includes restaurants, shops, and cafes. Throughout the year, SALT hosts craft fairs, yoga sessions, stargazing events, and festivals suitable for families.

The craft brewery scene in Hawai‘i originated in Kaka‘ako, and the evenings buzz with both locals and visitors sharing stories over a flight of beer. The new Hana Koa Brewing Company, housed in a spacious two-story warehouse, focuses on ales, lagers, and IPAs infused with tropical flavors like mango, pineapple, banana, papaya, and passionfruit. Meanwhile, popular Aloha Beer Co. offers a delectable pizza menu to pair with refreshing options like the light and crisp Aloha Blonde and a floral ale infused with red hibiscus. For those who enjoy handcrafted cocktails, Hi Brau is a speakeasy lounge located above the taproom, welcoming guests on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight.

3. Immerse yourself in the historic allure of Honolulu’s Chinatown

Inside the red-brick structure of Maunakea Marketplace, you'll discover stalls overflowing with tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh whole fish displayed on ice, and an international food court offering Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai delicacies. A long-standing favorite in the area for over 50 years, Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery is renowned for its mooncakes, Lunar New Year candies, hearty pork hash, and some of the finest manapua (barbecue pork buns) around.

Recently, a wave of new restaurants has emerged in Chinatown. Trendy spots include Obake Honolulu, which opened in 2023 and features an evening cocktail and handroll bar alongside a daytime matcha bar, and The Lei Stand, a speakeasy offering small plates and creative craft cocktails.

4. Experience horse riding and the paniolo culture on the North Shore

In 1803, King Kamehameha I received a horse from an American trader named Richard Cleveland, sparking a deep-rooted love for these animals among Hawaiians. Women from the royal family donned elegant gowns for horseback riding, while Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolo, used horses to manage cattle.

Several stables and ranches provide horseback riding experiences along trails that meander around the breathtaking North Shore coastline, including North Shore Stables, Gunstock Ranch, and the Stables at Turtle Bay Resort. To celebrate the local paniolo culture, Turtle Bay has launched a weekly Hawaiian cowboy-themed lūʻau, where guests can interact with ponies, enjoy a paniolo music and storytelling show, and indulge in a feast featuring dishes like whole roasted kalua pig and huli huli chicken.

5. Discover Hawaiian Royalty at ‘Iolani Palace

The grand Hawaiian Renaissance-style ‘Iolani Palace is a National Historic Landmark and proudly stands as the only royal residence in the United States. Dive into the rich history of the Hawaiian monarchy, including King Kalākaua, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, and his sister, Queen Liliʻuokalani, the cherished final queen of Hawai‘i, both of whom resided in the palace. Visitors can select from various tours, such as a royal fashion tour or a white-glove tour that showcases private collections not accessible to the public. Every Friday, from noon to 1 p.m., you can enjoy a performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band on the palace grounds.

6. Embark on a hike

The majority of O‘ahu’s hiking trails—which range from easy, paved paths to more strenuous ascents—are situated on the island's eastern side. Consider an early morning hike along the two-mile Makapu‘u Point trail, where stunning views await you, including Koko Crater, the red-and-white Makapu‘u Lighthouse from 1909, and, on clear days, the islands of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. From November to May, you might also catch a glimpse of humpback whales breaching in the ocean.

For spectacular vistas of Hanauma Bay, make your way to the top of Koko Head Crater by tackling the challenging 1.6-mile Koko Crater Trail, which involves climbing 1,048 steps made from old World War II railroad ties. Alternatively, opt for the moderately challenging Diamond Head Summit Trail, which offers sweeping views of the Honolulu skyline. This trail circles the historic volcanic tuff cone, passing WWII bunkers and a 225-foot tunnel (reservations required).

7. Contribute to the land at Kualoa Ranch

Founded in the 19th century in one of O‘ahu’s most revered locations, Kualoa Ranch once served as a royal residence and training ground for Hawaiian nobility. Today, this natural area focuses on sustainable practices while preserving its 4,000 acres of untouched land.

Engage with the land and explore sustainability and watersheds through tours like the ranch’s Mālama Experience. Set against the backdrop of the Hakipu‘u and Ka‘a‘awa valleys, visitors can discover the significance of the kola (taro) plant and assist in conserving the ‘ahupua‘a streams that flow from the valleys to the sea, nourishing the lo‘i (taro patch) along the way.