Hawaii is truly an adventure traveler’s paradise. The list of exciting outdoor excursions is long on just about every island in the state and Oahu in particular.
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But when it’s time to just chill, there’s plenty of options for that too. Here, five of our favorite picks for relaxing on Oahu …
#1: Lomi Wawae treatment at NÄ HÅ”˜ola Spa
Spa Relaxation Room at Hyatt Regency, Waikiki Beach
Lomi Lomi massage is taken very seriously in Hawaii – it’s a tradition passed down through generations of therapists and practitioners. Just last year, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa began offering Lomi Wawae treatments to travelers looking for the best of the best in traditional Hawaiian massage.
This full body treatment is said to provide the healing qualities of Lomi Lomi with the concentrated healing movements of Lomi Wawae for the feet. The unique mixture offers digestive relief, lymphatic drainage, and improved circulation. Believe me, the foot rub alone is worth the price of admission. (Cost: $215 USD for 80 minutes)
#2: Sail Away with Makani Catamaran
Makani Catamaran, Oahu ©
Add equal parts: sunset, the fresh open waters of the Pacific, breathtaking views of Oahu, and booze. The result: Makani Catamaran’s sunset cruises. Billed as “the finest Hawaii catamaran” Makani cruises are fun, relaxing, tipsy, and guarantee plenty of stunning photo opps of world famous Hawaiian sunsets. Like so:
Dolphins at Sunset from Makani Catamaran, Oahu © Makani Catamaran
Best part? The sailing (among many other things) is included with your purchase of the Go O’ahu Card ($55)!
#3: Experience First Friday
(OK, granted you have to actually be there on a Friday. But you’re not crazy enough to visit Hawaii for less than a week anyway, so that won’t be a problem …)
Like First Fridays throughout the country, Oahu’s monthly event features exhibit openings, artists’ demonstrations and more. Sip on delicious cocktails and peruse Honolulu’s unique art galleries, trendy boutiques, bars, cafés and restaurants. It’s an ideal way to sample plenty of local culture, art, and booze in just a few short hours. (Cost: free)
#4: Explore the KCC Farmers’ Market
KCC Farmer’s Market, Oahu © Anthony Quintano
Foodies will love the opportunity to sample a massive array of snacks, drinks, entrees, seafood, and more at Kapiolani Community College’s weekly Farmer’s Market. It’s the largest of its kind in the state with more than 60 vendors every week.
You’ll find favorites from local restaurants and vendors such as Bale, Hawai”˜i Seafood, North Shore Cattle Company and others, along with students from KCC’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific. (Cost: free)
#5: Jungle Expedition Tour at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is well-known throughout Oahu to both tourists and locals. This sprawling farm/compound offers a variety of activities including horseback riding, ATV’ing, snorkeling and more.
Of particular interest is the ranch’s extensive use as a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. And it’s easy to see why:
Sweeping View Overlooking Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch © Mike Richard
Lost, Jurassic Park, and Hawaii 5-0 were filmed here just to name a few. Which is why movie buffs will appreciate the Movie Sites & Ranch Tour.
Travelers looking for a more broad sense of this vast, otherworldly and breathtakingly beautiful landscape will dig the Jungle Expedition Tour. You’ll board a 6-wheel drive Swiss Pinzgauer for a one-hour tour that rumbles along jungle trails, maneuvers isolated stream beds, and powers up steep hills. (Cost: $26)