Top Oahu Nature and Wildlife

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 and swim with spinner dolphins off the west shore of Oahu during this full-day excursion. Sail up the Waianae Coast, then hop in the water to commune with green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish and dolphins. From January to March, you may get an up-close look at the migrating humpback whales. All necessary snorkel gear, lunch after the cruise and round-trip hotel transportation from Waikiki hotels are provided.

Try something different with a horseback ride on the beach. Explore a beautiful oceanfront trail on horseback at Oahu’s North Shore. Perfect for visitors looking for an off the beaten path Hawaii experience, no prior horseback riding experience is necessary and expert guides are on hand to help. Private or small group rides are available, and sunset rides with incredible views and photos ops are also an option.

Kualoa Ranch is the lush, verdant setting for films like Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor. Visiting this Northeast Shore location by horseback will take you farther into the valley and give you an authentic ranch experience. 1- or 2-hour options give you the flexibility to fit this tour into your busy schedule, and expert horse wranglers will ensure you a safe, fun ride through the Ka'a'awa Valley.

Spot the majestic flips and dives of humpbacks on a 2-hour whale-watching cruise from Waikiki. Take photos of these incredible mammals from the vessel’s four viewing decks, along with other sea creatures that may pop up, such as Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles and porpoises. Enjoy cultural activities on board while the Kahala Gold Coast and Diamond Head appear in the distance. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet meal with your cruise and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Go whale-watching off the coast of Oahu on this excursion from Waikiki or Ko Olina. During the months from December to May, pods of humpback whales migrate through Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. In the rare event that you don't see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Snacks and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels are included.

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.

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. Finally, stop at a local bakery to sample malasadas, a Portuguese confection similar to doughnut holes. Note: Manoa Falls is open only on Saturday's & Sunday's Due to temporary construction on Manoa falls trail, we will take you to the different trail to Nature garden walk & AIHUALAMA FALLS. Monday - Friday

Swim within safe viewing distance to dolphins 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, aboard a boat equipped with a 20-foot (6-meter) waterslide. Snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are available onboard to help you get the most of this outing. For lunch, enjoy a Hawaiian cheeseburger with fruit and lemonade. Hotel transport included.

Diamond Head is one of the best-known hiking sites in Hawaii. On this guided tour you will not only summit the famed crater, you'll also learn about its volcanic creation and Hawaiian history as you walk. At the top you will be rewarded with a panorama of Waikiki and the turquoise waters stretched out below, and receive an ‘I Climbed Diamond Head’ certificate.

Experience some of the island’s best views on this 1-hour horseback tour of Kualoa Ranch. Ride through a tropical valley, which is both a nature reserve and one of the country’s longest operating cattle ranches. Visit an ancient fishpond, flower and fruit gardens and see if you can recognize filming locations for Hollywood blockbusters Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor.

Experience the natural beauty of the Oahu’s North Shore countryside during a 1.5-hour horseback ride from a ranch near Laie and Kahuku. Your guide matches you with a suitable horse, then leads you along a scenic mountain trail with ocean views. Stop for photo ops at a lookout point and learn about the life of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) on this family-friendly tour.

On this Oahu volcanic rainforest hiking adventure, explore a lush native rain forest preserve offering sweeping views of O’ahu’s two parallel mountain ranges, where ancient lo’i (taro fields) and lush vegetation make up the terrain. Trek to a 200-foot (60-meter) waterfall that thunders its way down the valley, and listen as your local, knowledgeable guides explain its sacred past. After 1.5-hours of exploring the valley and weaving amidst its streams, you’ll feel like you’ve journeyed back in time to the days of 'old Hawaii.'

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.

Explore Oahu's wildlife-rich waters on a sightseeing cruise that conveniently departs from Honolulu. Get a fresh perspective on Diamond Head and other South Shore landmarks as you stretch out on the spacious decks or under a shade cover. The seasoned crew helps spot dolphins, sea turtles, and occasionally humpback whales—plus, you can peer through magnifying glass portholes for a look underwater.

The lush Manoa Valley Rainforest, home to a 150-foot (45-meter) waterfall, is a star attraction on Oahu, having been featured in movies such as 'Jurassic Park.' Getting there independently can be tricky, so join this guided tour that takes you there along an easy trail while introducing you to interesting Hawaiian cultural facts and history. Includes a healthy lunch made with local, organic products. *Please note: Manoa Falls Trail is closed for maintenance from October through mid-2020. Instead, visitors are rerouted to the nearby Aihualama Falls Trail.*

Safely snorkeling with large marine animals of the coast of the north shore of Oahu. This tour is extremely education and is guided by a marine biologist.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful nature found of Hawaii as you hike 2 miles to Manoa Falls in Oahu on this small-group excursion. Join a local hiking expert, and a group of no more than 12 guests, as you journey via the Manoa Trail on a moderate hike to the tallest accessible waterfall on the island, a location made famous as a film location for Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Lost World.’ This Oahu waterfall excursion also includes a backpack and hiking staff plus round-trip transport from Waikiki hotels.

On this two-hour Oahu eco-tour, explore the shoreline of Oahu’s western coast in search of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. In addition to the pods of playful dolphins that leap and spin in the air, there’s also the chance you’ll find Bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and whales (December-April). Dolphin sightings are guaranteed, and select the lunch option for the chance to build your own burger from the BBQ lunch station aboard the boat. A fun outing for the entire family!

Sail along the Leeward Coast of Oahu on this morning cruise. Snorkel with an expert guide and watch for spinner dolphins on this family-friendly adventure off the scenic southwestern coast of the island. This excursion, complete with spectacular scenery and fun water activities includes breakfast, lunch, and optional round-trip transportation from Oahu hotels

See what the locals know on this hike to Manoa falls. Ideal for relatively fit and adventurous travelers who want to get out into nature and see how truly beautiful this island is. Hike or run with your guide along the 2.5-mile (4 km) off-road trail to Manoa Falls - an impressive 150-foot (46 m) high waterfall. Hike through bamboo forests and stop to admire tropical botanicals and enjoy refreshing snacks along the way.

Escape to the island of Oahu and learn the tips and techniques of professional photography on this guided, full-day, small-group tour from Waikiki. Learn about Oahu’s history while exploring the ancient volcanoes, lush rainforest, surfing beaches and sacred Hawaiian sites. This unique, in-depth photography workshop in motion is suitable for all skill levels — from beginner to advanced — and offers participants an authentic island adventure and rare opportunity to experience Oahu from an insider's perspective. Bottled water, tripods, umbrellas (if needed) and a hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Take the ultimate Circle Island adventure on this guided, full-day, small-group tour from Honolulu. Stop at Diamond Head, the world-famous icon of Hawaii; beautiful Hanauma Bay, a pristine marine ecosystem; Halona Cove Beach, famous for its appearance in the 1953 movie ‘From Here to Eternity’ and much more. Also, check out one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world, the breathtaking Pali Lookout and the historic Waimea Valley, featuring a botanical garden and waterfall. Lunch and a Honolulu hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Sail on a catamaran down Oahu's western coast during this cruise from Ko Olina. Glide through the unspoiled waters on this side of the island in search of dolphins and whales, then dive in for a snorkeling experience in a hidden local spot rich with marine life. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, before heading back to shore. Choose from three daily departure times. Round-trip transportation from select Oahu hotels is included.