Our five day trip to the capital Hawaiian island - Oahu (also known as Honolulu) was filled with at least one ‘water’ adventure a day. The warm, crystal blue waters provide abundant ways one can take a dip in the ocean and experience the beauty beneath.
Hawaii is often stereotyped as a honeymoon destination, but this island has many activities to be enjoyed with friends and family. We went in a group of four friends. Majority of our water adventures were impromptu but if you are on a tight schedule, it is best to reserve the activities beforehand.
In this blog, we will cover our exciting and thrilling water adventures in Oahu. Read more about the must-see attractions while visiting the Hawaiian capital city of Oahu here. You can also plan a longer vacation and plan to visit other Hawaiian islands while you are here. You can reference our Maui itinerary here.
What should an aquaphile not miss on the capital island?
1. Scooter Dive:
Are you a non-swimmer but want to explore the marine world filled with colorful fishes, green sea turtles, beautiful corals, and reefs? The submarine scooter is a newly launched underwater adventure that goes up to 10 ft below the sea level (per individual comfort). This guided tour lets a non-swimmer, non-diver experience the underwater marvels at a hand distance.
Touching the corals and fishes is prohibited but one can certainly feed food(provided by the tour) to attract more fishes. This was certainly a great team event as some of us were hesitant to snorkel in deep ocean waters. Everyone could enjoy this activity together and we did an amazing underwater photo shoot as well!
Tour Operator: http://www.islandwatersportshawaii.com
Fees: $99 including scuba gears, scooter rentals, snorkel gears and boat ride. We did send extra $60 dollars collectively to bring home these underwater memories of lifetime.
2. Shark Adventure :
Have you imagined about swimming in a cage while the free ferocious ocean sharks circle around you? If you are the one who loves the adrenaline rush with the thought of this scene, you should book your spot in this Shark tank!
It is a thrilling adventure no matter if you are a good swimmer, enthusiastic water explorer or water phobic. From the northern shore of Oahu, the tour guides took us in the middle of the Pacific, close to near the breeding grounds of the Shark. While we reached this area, all we could see was a cage floating in the ocean (secured to a post). Our boat was then connected to the cage and we were asked to jump into it. As we entered the cage we had our first and the most memorable encounter with the Sharks. The experience was frightening; until when our guides informed that these sharks don’t prey on human flesh and are friendly. This was one of the highlights of the trip.
Tour operator: North Shore Shark Adventures (via Groupon)
Fees: $100 per person for 4 hours including gears and boat ride
3. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay:
The blue-green waters near the volcanic formation of the eastern island are the most famous spot for snorkeling in Oahu. Within 2-3 feet from the beach, you will view beautiful corals and colorful fishes in this bay. However, compared to the other areas that we have snorkeled in, this was very commercialized affecting the quality of the water.
Before you can get to the bay, you will be watching an informational video regarding the formation of this volcanic bay area. To get to the bay there is a small hike down the hill. If you plan to spend some time here, you can get your beach mat and picnic basket too.
The bay is closed every Tuesday so plan your visit accordingly. Typical snorkeling packages are $25 per person including gear rentals and pickup/drop off. If you have your own snorkel gear you can carry that along to save the additional cost. Park entry is $7.50 which is not included in the snorkeling package.
4. Beaches
Waikiki : This is the most famous 2-mile stretch of southern Honolulu; home to the beach facing restaurants and hotels. A stay anywhere on the Waikiki beach is worth the direct access to the beaches. Our stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort was located on this beach.
Lanakai : A splendid warm water beach of Oahu feels like an untouched and sparsely populated attractions, undoubtedly one of our favorites on the trip.
Sunset @ North coast beaches : The beaches on the north coast are well known for sunset hues and high waves making it a lovely spot for watching surfers with dropping sun in the background.
Along with the thrill of water sports, we ensured to spare enough time to relax and enjoy on the beautiful beaches surrounding the island.
Hold onto your swimwear wherever you go!
Download this one pager to take along to your next trip to Oahu
~ Nomadic Traveler ~
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