Hawaii visitors know they’re going to get epic surf, but what else does Oahu have to offer? In the water, when you’re surfing with us at our Oahu surf school, you can expect North Shore surf lessons that prioritize fun above all else. We teach the fundamentals of surfing while reinforcing the age-old adage, “the best surf is the one having the most fun.” Apart from surfing, there’s plenty to do on Oahu. Oahu is truly an adventure lover’s paradise, complete with beautiful beaches, lush mountains, waterfalls, and more. At the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, we want our students to fall in love with the island just as we have. In addition to our North Shore Surf Lessons, we also offer a variety of other Oahu Activities, like our Turtle Safari and Paddle Board Tours. To learn about our favorite things to do around the island, continue reading below for The Best Oahu Activities in and Out of the Water: What to do on Oahu When You’re Not Surfing.
Take in the best surf in the world
Oahu’s North Shore is home to the best waves on the planet. As a visitor on the North Shore, all you have to do is head to the beach to have a front-row seat to the world’s best surfers. Every winter, professional surfers descend on the North Shore for the Van’s Triple Crown and the winter surfing season. At Pipeline and Backdoor, the waves break so close to the beach you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch the surfers as they get spit out of gargantuan barrels. After Pipeline, head over to Waimea Bay—the birthplace of big wave surfing—to watch surfers take on the heaviest waves on the island. For experienced surfers who want an up-close and personal North Shore tour, check out our North Shore Surf Experience
Take a Turtle Safari
In addition to surf experiences, we offer a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. This Oahu activity isn’t your typical sea turtle tour. Your family or group of friends will pile onto a SUP Squatch (giant stand-up paddleboard) piloted by our guides and head out into the water on an unforgettable adventure. On the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience Turtle Safari, you are guaranteed to encounter sea turtles, as well as a variety of other tropical sea life. Our Turtle Safari packs in as much fun as possible into a wildlife tour and guarantees you and your crew have a great time on the calm waters of Kawela Bay.
Paddle Board
Our North Shore Paddle Board Tours give students one-on-one instruction for paddleboard surfing or we take it easy in the tranquil waters of Kawela Bay. It’s up to you. Book an open, semi-private, or private tour and experience the beauty of the North Shore from the water. Take a leisurely paddle through the bay alongside sea turtles and other marine life, or perfect your wave riding skills.
Hit the trail
Oahu is home to Diamond Head, one of the most iconic volcanic formations in the Hawaii island chain. Diamond Head rises above Waikiki and stands as a dramatic backdrop to the Honolulu skyline. Hiking to the summit of Diamond head is a favorite Oahu activity among visitors to the island. Diamond has played several roles in Hawaii’s storied history, both as a religious site and the site of a military base. Beyond Diamond Head, Oahu is teeming with jungle-bound trails that wind upwards above the surf. On the North Shore, our favorite hikes include Ma’akua Ridge Trail (Papali Trail), Hau’ula Loop Trail, La’ie Falls, and Ehukai Pillboxes (Lilikoi Junction).
Go deep-sea fishing
Hawaii’s position in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes it a prime destination for sports fishing. Every year, schools of large, migratory game fish transverse the Hawaiian waters. If you’re an angler or you just want to try something new and have a day on the water, ask us where to book your North Shore Deep Sea Fishing Charter.
Play a round of golf
Play a round of golf while the kids enjoy a North Shore Surf Lesson, or book a round for the whole family when they’re out of the water. You won’t have to travel far to find a championship-caliber course. Turtle Bay Resort has two of them. Stretched along the stunning North Shore coastline, the Arnold Palmer and George Fazio courses have hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA tour, the Hawaii State Open of Golf, and the Golf Channel’s The Big Break.
For your favorite Oahu activities, like our North Shore Surf Lessons and Turtle Safari, book through the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience. If you’re visiting the Oahu, be sure to book your stay with Turtle Bay Resort to be close to all the action on the North Shore.