50 things to do on Oahu without a car!

ALOHA!

Over multiple trips, I’ve spent something like 9 weeks on Oahu.

While I have been to Honolulu 2 times by cruise ship, I’ve flown into Honolulu many more times.

So I’ve had the chance to do a lot of things, and I have a ton of ideas for you!

For now, I’ll give you 50. 😁

 

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You can do the things below on Oahu without a car, and there are some tour options if you don’t want to spend the extra time on a bus or walking too much.

Basically all things in Waikiki you can walk to, although if you’re on one end of Waikiki and you want to get to the other, you can take a bus.

Otherwise, I’ve been to a bunch of places outside of Waikiki too, and I got to those places by bus.

Some of the things involved a lot of walking once off the bus, while other things might be quick things you can do without a lot of walking.

So how many things are available to you to do without a car will depend on how much you’ll willing to walk!

You will never spend more than $8 in one day on the bus or more than $30 in one week… if you use your HOLO card to take the bus.

The HOLO card is the public transportation card on Oahu, and the easiest place to get one is with cash at any ABC Store in Waikiki. (There are tons of ABC Stores in Waikiki.) Then, you can reload online using your credit card.

The HOLO card will never charge you more than $7.50 in one day or more than $30 in 7 days. See current bus fares.

You can use cash to pay the bus fare, but if you take the bus a lot, this can add up. You can’t buy a bus pass with cash.

If you’re coming from the Honolulu cruise port as your first bus ride, it may be easiest to just pay for your first bus ride in cash, and then buy the HOLO card in Waikiki… if you are planning to take the bus a few more times.

Or, you can make your first stop a store that sells HOLO cards. It might be a 20 minute walk from the cruise port. See the store locations.

You want to have dollars bills for exact change. You can go to guest services on the cruise ship to get dollar bills.

Unfortunately you can’t buy HOLO cards at the airport.

All you need is google maps to navigate around Oahu by bus! Look for the public transit icon.

 

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HAWAII CRUISE TIPS > HONOLULU | MAUI | BIG ISLAND

 

 

You don’t need to do any tours to have a worthy time on Oahu, but there are a bunch of tours that you might want to do, as one of them could end up being the highlight of your trip!

 

 

Now here are a ton of things you can do on your own without a car!

 

1. Diamond Head hike

The Diamond Head hike is the famous hike to see classic Waikiki views from above.

Depending on where you’re staying in Waikiki, you may be okay with walking to the trailhead. Otherwise, you can take the bus.

You’ll need to make reservations through the Hawaii state website before you go.

 

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2. Sheraton boardwalk

You can walk most of Waikiki from one end to the other along the water, whether it’s on the beach or a paved path like the Sheraton boardwalk.

 

👆 The Sheraton boardwalk is a public walkway in front of the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort that gives you views of the iconic Diamond Head. Other nearby hotels include the Halepuna Waikiki and Halekulani Hotel.

 

 

3. Koko Head hike

The Koko Head hike has been called nature’s stairmaster.

It’s literally a straight climb up to get to the top!

It’s on an old railway, and you’ll be climbing the Koko Crater Trailway Trail.

You can get to the trailhead by bus. The nearest bus stop is about a 30 minute walk, but you can consider this a part of your hike. It’s the warm up and cool down!

 

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Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling spot on Oahu, and it’s near the Koko Head hike, although it’s on the expensive side at $25 per person.

It’s reasonable to walk from the Koko Head trailhead to Hanauma Bay.

So if you want to make it a hiking and snorkeling kind of day (and you don’t mind hiking with your snorkeling gear!), then you can go to Koko Head and Hanauma Bay on the same day!

You’ll want to make reservations through the Honolulu city website before you go, which can only be done 2 days in advance.

 

If you want to go to Hanauma Bay on a separate day, the safer way to get there is actually to walk to the Koko Head trailhead and then take the small backroad to the Hanauma Bay entrance. (As opposed to walking on the busy highway the whole way to get there.) So it’s a long walk from the bus stop to get to Hanauma Bay. You can also take the Hanauma Bay shuttle.

You can also do a guided Hanauma Bay snorkeling tour that will show you the best chance to see turtles.

 

 

4. Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail

The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved walking trail that gives you amazing ocean views.

There’s a lighthouse you can see at the end of the trail, but you can’t really go near it.

 

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You can go to the trail by bus, but the nearest bus stop does involve walking along a busy road. So it’s not the safest walk.

During whale season, you can use the binoculars along the trail to see if you can spot whales off in the distance.

If you’re on Oahu in the winter, you will want to do a whale watching tour for a better chance to see humpback whales!

For more ocean life, you can go swimming with dolphins or… swimming with sharks. 😱

 

 

5. Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is the famous turtle beach on Oahu. You can see turtles laying on the beach. It’s on the North Shore.

Many people will say it’s unreasonable to take the bus from Waikiki or downtown Honolulu, but you can do it.

I’ve taken the bus to the North Shore. Yes, it took some time, and I did a lot of walking when I got to the North Shore!

 

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If you go to Laniakea Beach, while you’re “in the area” (aka on the North Shore), you may also want to go to Sharks Cove (best for snorkeling in the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District), Waimea Bay (good for snorkeling and maybe you’ll be able to swim with turtles), and Puu O Mahuka Heiau (this was a long walk from the main road).

You can go to Waimea Falls too (popular North Shore waterfalls), but there is an entry fee of $25 per person. See current fees.

Waimea Falls is often a stop on North Shore tours and circle island tours, if you don’t want to spend the possible 2+ hours to get from Waikiki to the North Shore by bus. (That’s one way.)

If you want to go to Waimea Falls on your own, you can also go to the luau at Waimea Valley.

 

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6. Sharks Cove

 

 

7. Waimea Bay

 

 

8. Puu O Mahuka Heiau

 

 

9. Keaiwa Heiau State Park

A quick visit to a heiau is a way to see Hawaiian culture. It’s a sacred area for native Hawaiians.

Keaiwa Heiau State Park is another heiau you can visit on Oahu.

 

 

While you’re there, the Aiea Loop trailhead is nearby.

I went to Keiawa Heiau State Park by bus and did the Aiea Loop Trail.

 

 

10. Aiea Loop Trail

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11. Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation is one of the top attractions on Oahu.

How much it will cost will depend on what you want to do when you get there.

You can do the plantation garden tour ($8), the pineapple garden maze ($10), and/or the pineapple express train tour ($14). See current fees.

And of course, the most classic thing to do at the Dole Plantation is to eat the Dole pineapple whip! ($9 for a Dole whip with pineapple toppings. See the menu.)

You can get to the Dole Plantation by bus, although it will take some time.

It takes some time to get there get here by bus, and it’s something you can do alongside a visit to the Dole Plantation.

It takes some time to go by bus, but you can go there by bus. Otherwise, you can take the Dole Plantation shuttle from Waikiki.

You can also do a Dole Plantation combo tour that includes Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center.

 

 

12. Kukaniloko Birthstones

If you go to the Dole Plantation on your own, you can also walk over across the road for a quick visit to the Kukaniloko Birthstones for another part of Hawaiian history.

 

 

 

13. Kuhio Beach hula show

If you’re staying in Waikiki, you don’t have to go far for a Hawaiian entertainment show.

The Kuhio Beach hula show is free and it takes place 2-3 times a week in the evening depending on the season. Check the official hula show website for how time it starts when you’re there.

 

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Kuhio Beach is in a central part of Waikiki.

There are no beachfront hotels along this part of Waikiki, but hotels around here that are just a few minutes walk to be beach include Alohilani Resort and Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.

If you’re a solo traveler, the Beach Waikiki Hostel is also just a few minutes walk from the beach. I’ve stayed here a couple of times.

 

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For more Hawaiian culture, a luau with a fire show is a fun way to experience it. You can get food and entertainment while also getting a chance to appreciate the Polynesian side of Hawaii.

Take a look at the Mauka Warriors Luau.

If you want to stay in Waikiki for a luau, then take a look at the Waikiki Beach Marriott luau.

 

 

14. Moana Surfrider hotel

The Moana Surfrider hotel is a beachfront resort in Waikiki, but even if you’re not staying there, you can walk by this historic hotel from the road side to see the architecture!

 

 

 

15. Royal Hawaiian hotel

The Royal Hawaiian hotel is another beachfront resort in Waikiki.

Similarly, you can get a good look at Hawaii’s pink palace hotel even if you’re not staying there!

This one you’ll want to see from the beach side to get the best view.

 

 

Walk down the Waikiki surfboard alley in front of the International Market Place to get to the Royal Hawaiian beach!

 

 

16. Waikiki surfboard alley

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17. Hilton Hawaiian Village (Rainbow Tower)

The most TV-famous hotel in Hawaii is the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

If you watch Hawaii TV shows like Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS Hawaii, then you’ve probably seen Rainbow Tower of the Hilton Hawaiian Village!

The best view of this is from the beach side.

 

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The beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village is public, just as all Hawaii beaches are public.

See about things to do near Hilton Hawaiian Village, even if you’re not staying there.

 

As of October 2024, there’s a strike going on at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. You can still stay there, but there are many reports that it’s an unpleasant experience.

 

 

18. King Kamehameha Statue

Another TV-famous spot is the King Kamehameha Statue. You may recall seeing this as Hawaii Five-0’s headquarters.

This is in downtown Honolulu.

 

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19. Iolani Palace

While you’re at the King Kamehameha Statue, you can go to the nearby Iolani Palace.

The Iolani Palace is said to be the only official royal residence in the US. You can see it from the outside for free, or you can make reservations to go inside.

 

 

 

20. Duke Kahanamoku Statue

The Duke Kahanamoku Statue is the iconic statue in Waikiki.

 

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21. Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon boardwalk

There’s a walking path along the beach from the Hilton Hawaiian Village that anyone can walk, even if you’re not staying there.

You can walk in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Fort DeRussy Beach Park.

This can make for a nice morning walk.

 

 

 

22. Friday night fireworks

Every Friday night, there are fireworks that go off from the Hilton Hawaiian Village that can be seen from different parts of Waikiki.

I think one of the best views is from the Fort DeRussy rock jetty.

I’ve seen the fireworks from Fort DeRussy Beach and over near Queens Beach.

In both cases, you see the fireworks reflecting on the water! But Fort DeRussy Beach is closer to Hilton Hawaiian Village so I think it’s better.

 

 

You can also see the fireworks while on a boat by doing the Waikiki fireworks catamaran tour.

 

 

23. Fort DeRussy rock jetty

During the day, the Fort DeRussy rock jetty is also a good spot to look for turtles swimming in the water!

This is in front of the Outrigger Reef hotel.

 

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For an almost guarantee of turtle sightings in Waikiki, you’ll want to go to swimming at Turtle Canyon, though!

 

 

24. Queens Beach

For more swimming to see marine life in Waikiki, you’ll want to try snorkeling at Queens Beach. This is a part of the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District.

 

 

For more snorkeling spots, see my post about snorkeling in Waikiki.

 

 

25. Manoa Falls Trail

Manoa Falls is one of the most well-known waterfall hikes on Oahu, and you can get to it by bus. The trailhead is located in a residential neighborhood so the bus timings a little less.

 

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You can also do a guided Manoa Falls hike.

 

 

26. Lyon Arboretum

Right next to the Manoa Falls trailhead is a botcanical garden at the University of Hawaii Lyon Arbortetum. More beautiful views in Manoa Valley.

You need to make a reservation through the University of Hawaii website before you go.

 

 

 

27. Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

Another botanical garden with mountain views is the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden.

This is a lot of walking if you go by bus, but you can go!

 

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28. Waahila Ridge Trail

The Waahila Ridge Trail is another hike I’ve done by bus. This trailhead is also in a residential neighborhood and bus timings are less.

 

 

 

29. Pearl Harbor

One of the most famous attractions in Hawaii is Pearl Harbor.

The must-do at Pearl Harbor is the USS Arizona Memorial. You get there by ferry. You need to have a ticket to go, and you’ll make a reservation for it at recreation.gov.

 

 

You can go to Pearl Harbor on your own by bus or you can do something like a Pearl Harbor shuttle.

Once there, you can walk around the visitor center grounds, walk through the little museum, and then take the ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Aside from the USS Arizona Memorial there are also more Pearl Harbor museums.

There are also lots of Pearl Harbor tours that you can do to get more out of your experience, including the complete Pearl Harbor passport experience.

 

 

30. Byodo-in Temple

The Byodo-in Temple is an iconic Japanese temple with the backdrop of amazing mountain views.

 

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You’ll go through the Valley of the Temples to get there.

You can go by bus to the Byodo-in Temple, although it will take some time. The entry fee is $5. See current fees.

There are also circle island tours that include Byodo-in Temple.

While you’re in the area, you may want to go hiking on the Puu Maelieli Trail.

 

 

31. Valley of the Temples

 

 

32. Puu Maelieli Trail

 

 

33. Kailua Beach

Kailua Beach is one of the best beaches on the east side of Oahu.

 

 

This is also a spot that is popular for kayaking tours.

You can also walk from Kailua Beach to Lanikai Beach. It’s about a 15 minute walk.

Going up the walking path (and it is UP!) will give you amazing views of Kailua Bay. Even if you don’t want to go all the way to Lanikai, walk it up just for the views!

Lanikai Beach is famous for its views of the iconic Mokulua Islands. You can also see these twin islands when you do the Lanikai pillbox hike!

 

 

34. Lanikai Beach

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35. Lanikai pillbox hike

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36. Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is on the North Shore. This is a wide expansive picture perfect beach. You can go here after you do the Ehukai pillbox hike across the street!

You can go to Sunset Beach and the Ehukai pillbox hike by bus.

 

 

 

37. Ehukai pillbox hike

 

 

38. Biki bikes

Ride a bike sharing bike for 30 minutes for $5! You’ll see bike stations all over Waikiki, and you can pay at the pay station located right next to the bikes. You can ride from point A to point B.

See the bike station map and current fees.

 

 

 

39. Sans Souci State Recreational Area

On google maps, it’s listed as the Sans Souci State Recreational Area. This starts from around Queens Beach, where there is also a sign that says it’s the Kapiolani Beach Park.

Either way, it’s a nice grassy area behind Queens Beach. There’s also a walking path that goes along the ocean.

You can also buy easy grab-and-go food from ABC Store and go for a picnic at the park.

 

 

 

40. Waikiki Wall

 

 

41. Swimming at the beach

The most obvious thing to do in Waikiki! You can buy swim floats and other beach essentials at ABC Store, which you will find all over Waikiki.

 

 

 

42. Surfer and Hawaiian monk seal statue

Go surfer statue hopping in Waikiki! 😆

Your first statue you need to see is the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, and you can also look for the statue of the surfer and Hawaiian monk seal, along with the surfer on a wave!

 

 

 

43. Surfer on a wave statue

 

 

44. Leonards Bakery malasada

You need to try malasadas in Hawaii! $3 for a malasada, described as a Portuguese donut. See the menu.

 

 

 

45. International Market Place banyan tree

 

 

46. Moana banyan tree

👆 There’s a banyan tree at the Moana Surfrider courtyard.

 

 

 

47. Kuhio Beach banyan tree

 

 

48. International Market Place ALOHA sign

 

 

49. Aloha Tower

 

 

50. Waimanalo Beach

You can take the bus to Waimanalo Beach!

 

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Happy planning Oahu on a budget!

 

 

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