The island of O’ahu is surrounded by beautiful, clear ocean water that rivals as the best in the world. This makes Honolulu a great spot for any kind of watersport. And we’re not the first to think so, with surfing in Hawaii dating back to 1779! The birthplace of surfboarding, it makes perfect sense that Stand Up Paddleboarding would also thrive in Hawaii. Beautifully calm, flat water is ideal for beginners, but even seasoned pros will love the serenity and unbelievable views. Sparkling sunshine reflecting off the water or stunning sunsets over the mountains, stand up paddleboarding in Honolulu is an amazing experience.
Snorkelling is another watersport that Hawaii is famous for. With abundant wildlife and colourful coral reefs surrounding O’ahu, there is plenty to see. Keep an eye out for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, Triggerfish, Moray Eels along with so much beautiful marine life! Hanauma Bay is one of the most famous snorkelling areas in the world and just a short drive away from Honolulu. Shuttles run regularly, but we recommend booking a tour. These tours will handle your drop off/pick up, provide all required snorkelling equipment and also give information about Hawaii and snorkelling at Hanauma Bay. Wanting to go below the surface? Check out our diving experiences in Honolulu or gift it to someone special who’ll love exploring this idyllic part of the Pacific Ocean.
If you’d prefer to stay dry but still want to get out on the water, you’re in luck! There are boat cruises to suit every need in Honolulu. These cruises are a great way to see wildlife or just bask in a beautiful sunset. If you plan your trip time right, you may get to do both! Leisure cruises will quite often see humpback whales leaping through the air and crashing into the ocean. December to March is the peak whale watching season in Hawaii, so keep this in mind when booking. If whales aren’t your thing, then sit back and relax on one of Honolulu’s many leisure cruises. Sunsets, snacks and cocktails… what more could you want?!
If you had a few too many Mai Thais on the cruise (don’t worry, we’ve been there) then you may need some adrenaline to perk you up a bit. We would highly recommend booking yourself in for a zipline experience. Soar over tropical jungles, waterfalls and vast cliff faces with this awesome and very accessible adventure activity. There’s no strong physical requirement for ziplining, which makes it a great family-friendly experience. And if you’re needing a little extra adventure, Coal Crate Adventure Park, just outside Honolulu, has both ziplining and ATV tours!
Rest assured, Honolulu isn’t all active adventure, there is fascinating history to explore too. Pearl Harbour’s significance in world history makes this a must-do activity. The still-active military base can easily take a whole day to explore. On this tour, you walk the decks of the mighty USS Missouri, visit the museums and learn about the subs and aircraft before taking a solemn moment to reflect at the USS Oklahoma Memorial. This site gives such great insights into a key moment in American and world history. If you’re interested in the history of Hawaii’s native people, Iolani Palace offers a great cultural experience through its exhibitions and storytelling about Hawaii’s monarchy from King Kamehameha III to Queen Liliuokalani.
Speaking of Hawaii’s native culture, there’s no better way to experience the Hawaiian hospitality than through a Luau. A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration, accompanied by food and entertainment. Local delicacies for the meal include Poi, Kalua Pig, Laulau, Haupia, and Poke. The Luau presents a great opportunity to sample these Hawaiian treats, but most modern Luaus will also include western food, such as BBQ’d meats and roast vegetables. Entertainment will be made up of traditional dances, songs and storytelling. There’s truly no better way to be welcomed to Honolulu or say farewell to Hawaii than through a Luau.
We can’t stress how much we love Hawaii at Gifting Owl and Honolulu is the perfect place to start your Hawaiian holiday adventure. If you need a Honolulu experience gift voucher, then look no further. There really is something for everyone in O’ahu.
