How Locals Spend Free Time in Oahu
Curious about what you'll do while living on Oahu? If you like the idea of gliding on turquoise waves, painting by sunset on the beach at Waikiki, or leaping off the rock at Waimea Bay, Oahu is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from rainforest hikes to reef dives, giving you a sunlit sampling of Oahu's natural wonders and cultural heartbeat.
Matt, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Matt was born and raised on Oahu and currently makes the North Shore playground his home. He has lived in four states, half a dozen countries, and more houses across Oahu than he can remember. Each move requires relocating something like 40 surf, foil, and paddle boards and the sobering realization that they all have to fit somewhere. He is an adventure journalist, backcountry snowboarder, rock climber, mountain biker, and relentless swell tracker who loves scouting out obscure waves in far-flung corners of the world. Favorite constants include swell checks, tide charts, and vegan sushi at Tane. At Snappy Scout, Matt edits Hawaii guides with saltwater honesty and local precision.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Oahu?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
KCC farmers market, Diamond Head hike, Waikiki Beach dip.
When the gals come to town for the weekend
Sunset catamaran, lei workshop, Hau Tree brunch, girls' night mai tais.
Bro hangout
Honolulu Beerworks pints, surf check at Bowls, plate lunch grinds.
Dreary, rainy day
Bishop Museum planetarium, box of malasadas from Leonard's, rainbow peeping.
Intellectually stimulating
Iolani Palace audio tour, whispered history of coups trapped in koa wood walls.
Artsy
Kakaako murals marathon, chasing World Wide Walls colors like caffeinated pigeons.
Outdoorsy
Snorkel Hanauma Bay, explore the confetti reef, pick up side-eye from passing honu.
Fitness oriented
Koko Crater stair run, sunrise quad confessional, legs plotting a mutiny.
For the shopaholic
Ala Moana Center, International Market Place, sunscreen not included.
With your dog
Makapuu Lighthouse walk, salty breeze, water bowl visits to Lanikai lanais.
In need of a selfie
Nuuanu Pali Lookout, gale force glam, hair-defying physics.
You have to see this
USS Arizona Memorial, black tears in water, the quiet speaks volumes.
My Favorite Local Spot in Oahu
Tane Sushi in downtown Honolulu is a paradox in restaurant form—a vegan sushi joint with a weeklong reservation list on an island full of carnivores. It sounds simple and blasphemous—but no one has ever eaten there only once. A delicious, intricate, uniquely gourmet take on sushi—and the best I've ever had outside of Japan. Take a group of friends, order all the specialty rolls, and double up on the Wedge—and whatever you do, never pass on the dessert of the day (order it as soon as you get there, as it usually sells out). If you need an extra sugar chaser, Niu Soft Serve Parlor (coconut-based ice cream!) is a five-minute walk away.
— Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert
Ready to See If Oahu Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Oahu guide for the bigger picture.