Are you looking for places to go on Oahu to see the natural beauty? Keep scrolling to see my Oahu bucket list for nature lovers.
This Oahu bucket list for nature lovers was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you looking for the most beautiful places in Hawaii to add to your Oahu bucket list?
Oahu is the perfect place to explore Hawaii’s natural attractions. From hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, Oahu gardens, and scenic lookouts, to kayaking through caves and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful reefs around, there are so many ways to get out into nature on this island.
If you love being outdoors but don’t want your vacation time spent entirely at the beach, here are five must-do adventures for outdoor lovers visiting Oahu!
Whether you’re heading out for your first time or planning your fifth trip to Oahu, you’re bound to find something incredible.
So what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy everything that makes Oahu such an incredible place!
Keep scrolling to find out what to add to your Oahu bucket list!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Beautiful Places in Oahu FAQs
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail offers a great view of the coastline. There’s also the Waimea Valley Trail if you want to hike to a waterfall where you can swim. The Manoa Falls hike is also really pretty, and it’s inside a rainforest. For scenic treks with historical significance, try a Pillbox Hike on the Windward side of the island
My top pick is Kualoa Beach Park because you can get photos at the beach, with Mokoli’i Island, and with the gorgeous Kualoa mountains. We recently did an Oahu photoshoot there and the photos were amazing! There are also the lagoons in Ko Olina that are easy for families staying at Disney Aulani Resort.
While there are several national parks in Hawaii, you won’t find any on Oahu. There’s the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Honouliuli National Historic Site (which is not open to public). These sites offer a meaningful look into World War II history.
7 Oahu Bucket List for Adventure Lovers
Are you hoping to do some outdoor adventures or at least take some epic Oahu photos? You’re in luck! There are tons of cool places to see on Oahu!
Diamond Head
One of the most recognizable places on Oahu is Diamond Head. You can easily see it as the backdrop to Waikiki, and one of the best places to visit in Oahu with your family.
In fact, I’m sure you’ll recognize it right away since it’s featured on tons of Hawaii travel posters and postcards.
Hiking up to see the sunrise over Diamond Head is an experience like no other. But this is one of the best Oahu hikes at any time of day.
The 1.6-mile trail offers a challenging uphill hike with beautiful views of the crater and of Honolulu.
Don’t worry if you’re not too used to hiking. The Diamond Head trail includes paved sections, natural surfaces, and numerous stairs. You can also take advantage of the benches placed along the path.
As of May 12th, 2022, all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument. Make your reservations HERE.
Get all our tips for hiking Diamond Head with kids!
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
The Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to get close and personal with Hawaii’s flora. It’s one of the prettiest botanical gardens in Hawaii.
With 400 acres of lush greenery, you can freely explore this botanical haven, backdropped by the magnificent Koolau mountain range. An idyllic lake branches out into several streams for those looking for not only nature but also adventure!
They have a lot of free activities at these Honolulu botanical gardens throughout the year, but it’s fun to just walk around and explore. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places on Oahu.
Kualoa Ranch
One of the most beautiful places on Oahu is Kualoa Ranch. It’s one of the few undeveloped areas of Oahu, and it has some of the most epic views.
This 4,000-acre property was purchased in the mid-1800s by a doctor who specifically wanted to preserve this stunning part of Oahu.
They actually have a ton of Kualoa Ranch tours for everyone in your family. Our favorite tour is the UTV Raptor Tour that takes you to all three valleys and to some movie filming sites, including those from Jurassic Park.
Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
The beautiful Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the southeastern side of Oahu, just inside the Koko Head volcanic region.
This stunning bay is enveloped by lush green hills, making it a perfect beach and nature destination if you want to explore natural attractions in Hawaii!
Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu for all skill levels. That’s because there are more than 400 species of fish that live here. And you can even spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles!
In 2021, the park limited visitors and even closed two days a week to help preserve this amazing Oahu bay.
Hiking is another prime activity on the bay, with tons of lush plants to look at and gorgeous vistas of the bay acting as a backdrop for a splendid experience.
If you’re a newbie at hiking in Hawaii, Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is great for beginners. Those up for a challenge should head to the Koko Head Crater Trail.
Tantalus Lookout
Mt. Tantalus is a hidden gem in the making! It offers some of Oahu’s best views, both day and night. If you’re looking for an adventure with your significant other or friends that will make memories to last forever, then take them up on Mount Tantalus.
If you’re visiting Tantalus Lookout during the day, plan to spend some time at Puu Ualakaa State Park for a lovely picnic and views.
The short 1/2-mile loop of ‘Ualaka’a Trail is perfect if nature walking interests you, or your children enjoy shorter walks with great opportunities to take photos from various angles.
Once sunset arrives, there are several stops along 9 miles of Round Top Drive, where it will be easy to get up close and personal with Honolulu nature when it is lit up beautifully by Hawaii’s city lights!
This is also the same location as Experience Nutridge Luau, one of the best Oahu luaus.
Ka’ena Point State Park
Located at the westernmost tip of Oahu, Ka’ena Point State Park is yet another incredible location in Hawaii and a must on any nature things to do in Oahu list.
This park features some fantastic views with lots to offer for both hiking trails as well as scenic spots like tide pools, where you can spot fascinating sea creatures!
If your aim this trip was to capture stunning photos and experience some close-up adventures, then we recommend checking out the 5-mile hike.
The Ka’ena Point trail leads along an extinct volcanic coastline while passing through gorgeous scenery, including Pacific Ocean vistas galore (and plenty more wildlife encounters too)! Find out our top tips for families hiking the Ka’ena Point trail HERE.
Waimea Falls Park
Waimea Falls is one of the most accessible hikes on Oahu. It also offers visitors a chance to learn about Hawaiian history and culture.
The nature walk features lush botanical gardens that lead right up next door, where you can find this beautiful 45-foot waterfall cascading down into a stunning pool near its base!
This park also offers educational presentations and workshops about Hawaiian history and culture, which makes it perfect for those who want an authentic experience away from tourist spots or visitor centers.
This is also where you’ll find one of the best luaus in Oahu: Toa Luau. When you book this look, you’ll get free access to the park all day long.
Best Oahu Nature Tours Worth Booking
Island Photo Tours – Sunrise, Sunset, Rainforest & Waterfalls
Receive a deep dive into Hawaii’s nature with this guided photography tour. Experience the island like never before as you navigate Oahu, from its lush forests to bustling towns and beyond!
This photo tour is a great way to capture some of the best Hawaii natural attractions in one day. You’ll get a chance to explore natural landmarks in Hawaii while learning photography tips from your guide.
You’ll have access all day long and, depending on your preference, sunrise/sunset options—there really is something for everyone here. Check the latest rates and availability.
Kualoa Ranch Experience – Movie Set Tour, Jungle Jeep Expedition & Farm Tour
The most popular destination in Hawaii is Kualoa Ranch. And with good reason! The Best of Kualoa Ranch experience includes three tours that are a must-do for any visitor to Oahu: the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, the Aloha ‘Aina Farm tour, and finally, an all-new Jurassic Jungle Expedition.
This is one of the most unique things to do in Hawaii. Visitors often come for the Jurassic Park connection, but they stay for the sweeping views of the north shore, the lush valleys, and the cultural immersion.
But you can also choose just one or two of these offerings when traveling here with friends or family who may not want as much off-roading. This is one of the most unique things to do in Hawaii. Check the latest rates and availability.
Honolulu Volcanic Rainforest Guided Hiking Tour at Mt. Tantalus
Take this 2.5-mile hike through Oahu’s lush rainforest and explore the ancient Hawaiian volcano that lies beneath it all, learning about Hawaii from your guide as well.
This guided hike highlights Honolulu nature at its finest—tropical vegetation, rich biodiversity, and sweeping city-meets-mountain views.
Check out indigenous plant species along the way as you climb up to the 600-foot mountain peak. There, you can see Diamond Head, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and Kailua all from one vantage point. Check the latest rates and availability.
Oahu Bucki List for Nature Lovers Wrap-Up
I hope this list of the best destinations for nature lovers in Oahu provided some inspiration! Although there are many wonderful places to see, these spots really stand out.
They’re worth planning into your itinerary and offer a chance to get more personal with Hawaii’s nature beyond its beaches during your visit.
Whether you’re circling around the island on a guided tour or stopping by scenic gems like Sunset Beach or Waimea Valley, there’s no shortage of nature things to do in Oahu for all ages and energy levels.
Don’t forget to grab some local treats—shave ice and ice cream are always a hit with kids—after a day of adventuring!
And while there’s much less urban density compared to other major cities, Oahu still offers a great balance of nature and convenience, especially for families traveling together.
You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the Hawaiian Islands, and memories that last a lifetime.