Living in Oahu means that we’re blessed with endless summers, gorgeous vistas and plenty of things to do that satisfy the needs of adventure junkies and nature lovers. From mountain views to tropical gardens and clear oceans, the Aloha State’s third-largest island has something for everyone.

Here are five of our favorite outdoor adventures to enjoy throughout Oahu.

 

Foster Botanical Garden

foster
Image via City and County of Honolulu

Those looking for a peaceful garden tour away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki can find it tucked in the middle of downtown Honolulu. Filled with endangered and rare tropical plants and trees, the living museum has one of the nation’s largest collection of tropical plants.

 

Pacific Skydiving Honolulu

Skydiver On Colorful Parachute In Sunny Sunset Sky. Active Hobbies

Check a box off your bucket list and head skyward and see the island from a bird’s-eye view. Tandem jump from the lowest altitude of 8,000 feet or go for the 14,000-foot drop, which is the highest you can free fall without oxygen. Jumps are weather dependent, so come early, even if you have a reservation.

 

Kualoa Ranch

"Kualoa Valley is a part of Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, Hawaii. This place was sacred to ancient Oahuans. Kualoa Ranch is open for tourist activities such as horseback riding and hiking, but is best known as a film location for productions such as Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and Lost."

The 4,000-acre ranch was once a sacred Hawaiian site before becoming a sugar mill plantation. Today, the cattle ranch, which often serves as a backdrop for famous TV shows and movies, is great for exploring. Tour the grounds by bus, horse or ATV, and be prepared to get dusty.

 

Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks

young couple kayaking in hawaii paddling out to sea

Located near beautiful windward beaches, Kailua Beach Adventures offers kayak, surfboard, snorkel and boogie board rentals, surf lessons and guided kayaking tours. More experienced paddlers can rent a one- or two- person kayak or stand-up paddle boards and venture to the uninhabited Moku Nui to explore hidden coves on the tiny island.

 

Bob’s Hawaii Adventure

bobs
Image via Bob’s Hawaii Adventure

If you hate getting your face wet or aren’t scuba certified, but have always wanted to explore the ocean, this “dive” is for you. The Breathing Observation Bubble keeps your head dry as a motorized scooter whisks you alongside turtles and tropical fish. Bring along your motion sickness pills, as the boat ride can get a bit bumpy.

 

Any notable outdoor adventures we missed? Let us know in the comments below.