One Week Adventure in Oahu

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.