If you're looking for a vacation filled with adventure, Oahu provides plenty of opportunities, from gliding over the rolling surf to plunging under the sea to diving out of a plane, even coming eye to eye with sharks. You can make your entire vacation as thrilling and as heart-pounding as you desire, or you can experience just a couple days of spicy escapades. Below is an itinerary that you can pick and choose from, or — as we say in Hawaii — you can "go for broke."
Day 1: Waikiki Beach
At Waikiki Beach, learn to surf, ride in a Hawaiian surfing canoe, or snorkel. Ease into your vacation and go to bed early so you'll be raring to go the next day.
Day 2: Under or on Top of the Water
Take your pick: Sign up for scuba diving, or get out on the water in a boat. Even if you've gotten seasick in the past, Navatek I guarantees a smooth ride.
Day 3: Manoa, Diamond Head & Hanauma Bay
Spend the day hiking, either into the rainforest or up to the top of an old volcano. Serious hikers might check out the Makiki-Manoa series of trails. In the afternoon (except Tues, when the park is closed), get a mask, snorkel, and fins at Snorkel Bob's and go to Hanauma Bay.
Day 4: In the Air
Soar through the air on gossamer-like wings via a glider ride; get a bird's-eye view from a hang glider; or, for the truly adventurous, leap from a plane in a sky-diving venture. Plan to spend the rest of the day at one of Hawaii's beaches along the North Shore.
Day 5: On the Water
Serious fishermen from around the globe dream of catching a "grander" — a Pacific Blue Marlin weighing a thousand pounds or more. You might try your luck by booking a sportfishing boat at Kewalo Basin. Or spend the day in the water with spinner dolphins — with Wild Side Tours, you can get up close and personal with these protected marine mammals.
Day 6: The North Shore & Waikiki Aquarium
The truly adventurous will actually pay money to come face-to-face with a shark. Call One Ocean Diving for this unforgettable experience. If you'd like a little more protection, head over to the Waikiki Aquarium and view some sharks through protective glass.
Day 7: Spas
After a week of adventures, plan a few hours at a spa. Oahu has several world-class spas sprinkled throughout the island.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
