What comes to mind when you think about the islands of Hawaii?

Iconic Waikiki beach, swaying palm trees, impressive landscapes, amazing surf, Pearl Harbor and the sweetest most delicious pineapples you have ever tasted. Yes, Oahu, Hawaii's third largest island, has it all. And much more!

My week on Oahu I spent exploring the island extensively while staying in Waikiki, one of the most lively, and also touristy parts of the island. I also got to wander out to the northern parts, famous North Shore and Pipeline and really get into some adventurous activities.

Read on if you want to know about the five best adventures on Oahu!

#1 Kayak To Chinaman's Hat

I am a water lover. Give me the ocean any day and I'm a happy person! Apart from catching the mellow waves of Waikiki, I also got to join a kayak tour on the Eastern side of Oahu, not far from the famous Kualoa Farm.

I met Mike, the owner of Active Oahu Tours mid-morning on the side of the road with his kayaks on his ute. There was another couple joining us, and so we took off with the kayaks towards the stunning basalt islet named Mokoliʻi. The island is also known as Chinaman's because of its shape and looks even more impressive the closer you paddle.

We caught some waves with the kayaks and then landed on the shores to climb up. After all, I wanted to see those views! And they were impressive from the top, you can gave over the whole east side of the island and see Kualoa Farm and famous movie backdrops. We also spotted a seal feeding at the reef-lined shores of Chinaman's Hat, so cool!

kayaking Chinamans Hat Oahu

#2 Climb The Stairway To Heaven

This hike is also known as the Haiku Stairs on Oahu. Hope you're not afraid of heights as you conquer 3,922 stairs leading up a steep mountain ridge. Make sure you keep those hands on the hand-rail to catch you from falling!

Originally, the U.S. Navy built the stairs in 1942 as a top-secret facility for transmitting radio signals to ships cruising in the Pacific Ocean. In 1987, the stairs were then opened to the public and it's been since covered in many global newspapers making the hike a popular attraction for travellers to Oahu.

However, the stairs are now deemed unsafe because of disrepair and security was put in place to prevent people climbing the stairs. So be aware and don't get yourself into trouble.

There is another, legal way though: the back way! Here's a great article that explains more about the back route to the Haiku Stairs.

#3 Doors Off Helicopter Flight

Flying in a helicopter without doors, are you crazy? Totally not. You can experience Oahu and all its famous landmarks like the Waikiki shoreline, Diamond Head, Chinaman's Hart and the famous North Shore from a helicopter.

There are only a handful of operators on Oahu who are licenced to fly doors off. If you are on a stunning island like Oahu with its diverse landscape, craters, ridges and mountains hugging the deep blue ocean, this adventures should be on your Hawaii bucket list.

Helicopter doors off Hawaii

#4 Ziplining At Kualoa Ranch

Fly over the Jurassic Park movie set!

Kualoa Ranch is one of the main attractions for adventurous travellers to Oahu. You can spend a whole day, or days, here with a variety of tours and activities. Horseback riding, ATV and behind-the-scenes tours.

Ziplining is a cool thing to do if you come in a group of friends who love some thrills and makes for some awesome GoPro footage.

#5 Dive With The Sharks

Don't fear to face a shark in the ocean? Get up close and dive with one of the largest sharks on Oahu's North Shore.

You will be in a cage, so encountering the sharks is completely safe. Once underwater, you will hardly believe how graceful sharks are while you watch them circle the cage.

Shark Cage Dive Hawaii

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