Top 6 Water Activities in Oahu

There are so many reasons to love Oahu. One of them is the endless possibility Oahu presents to reconnect with your family on or around the water. Below, we have highlighted six water activities you and your loved ones might enjoy doing together and one of the reasons Hawaii is one of the best destinations for families in 2024.

Surfing

The island offers more than 100 surf spots, so whether you're a beginner or a pro, Oahu has an area right for you and your family. The North Shore Oahu breaks, however, are surf spots where legends are made. When the winter swells set in, monster waves make the island's north shore a mecca for world-class surfers. Oahu’s North Shore is synonymous with epic surfing opportunities, and for good reason. Whether you plan to ride the waves or just watch in awe as others perform death-defying moves, you won’t fall short of opportunities around North Shore. Pros flock to the North Shore to experience its iconic big-wave breaks, like Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach. If you’re just getting started, Waikiki is a more manageable place to learn how to surf safely thanks to its gentle waves, mostly sandy-bottom, ease of access and numerous surf schools. LVH can arrange for lessons for surfing and any other water sport or activity you would like to learn.

Waikiki Beach is the ideal place to teach children to surf.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Located 30 minutes east of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay provides the perfect combination of calm, crystal clear water and abundant sea life. One of the most captivating and beautiful creatures in Hanauma Bay is the Green Sea Turtle, or honu. These creatures are featured in Hawaiian mythology, petroglyphs and as aumakua (personal family gods). Most of the bay is relatively shallow and protected by a line of rocks so even the least experienced swimmers can feel safe jumping in and exploring the beautiful ecosystem below the waves. Just a few meters from the shore, you’ll start spotting breathtaking coral reefs and tropical fish.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is ideal for families.

Oceanfront Magic

When you’ve decided Oahu is the place in the islands you would like to put down vacation roots, one of the most incredible gorgeous Oahu luxury villas is Villa Leticia. This waterfront residence is just swimming in contemporary sophistication. With six stylishly-appointed bedrooms, Villa Leticia can accommodate up to 12 guests who will enjoy features like an outdoor infinity pool, outdoor hot tub, glorious patio and terrace for al fresco dining and a gym. As with all LVH homes, guests will receive full services and support.

Villa Leticia is a palatial beachfront estate in which you and your family will love spending time.

Scuba Diving

Oahu has many opportunities for scuba divers of all skill levels. There are three main areas for dive centers and boat trips:

Honolulu/Waikiki Beach (Kewalo Basin);
Hawaii Kai (Maunalua Bay); and
Haleiwa (North Shore).

Scuba diving in Hawaii’s reefs allows you to spot a variety of wildlife, including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, sharks, octopus, and many others. Hawaiian reefs, even when healthy, are typically dark brown and light beige, with mostly muted colors. Waving sea fans and other soft forms of coral will also be absent, as the strong currents around Hawaii don’t allow it to flourish. Dive trips to sunken ships and turtle cleaning stations are what island dreams are made of. The Honolulu Scuba Co. (Kakaako), Island Divers (Hawaii Kai), and Hawaii Eco Divers (North Shore and Waikiki) are all great places to start.

Scuba diving presents many opportunities for families with older children.

Kayaking

A kayak is a wonderful way to explore the waters of Oahu. There is a great mix of shallow reefs, calm water, playful waves, and offshore islands to experience. A favorite kayaking area is Kailua Beach. You can rent a kayak just across the street from the beach – and there’s something for everyone offshore. The Mokulua Islands are about a mile to paddle from Kailua Beach, and Popoia Island (Flat Island) is even closer. If you’ve never paddled out to an offshore island before and landed on its beach, this is a great opportunity, with the jagged Koolau range looming over Kailua. If you don’t feel comfortable going by yourself, you and your family can jump on a guided tour. Waikiki is also a terrific place to kayak, especially if you want to ride some small waves (just make sure you stay far away from surfers). Out beyond the break, it’s a treat to paddle the calm water and look back at the Honolulu skyline. Another place we recommend is Kualoa Beach Park in the calm waters of Kaneohe Bay. You can paddle out to nearby Mokolii Island or down the coast past Secret Beach.

Going for a paddle in a kayak is a wonderful way to spend time with your children.

Whale Watching

From November to March, more than 10,000 Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to give birth, preferring the warm waters of the South Pacific to the icy waters of the north where they feed. There is nothing more awe-inspiring than seeing these majestic creatures up close. Choosing a small boat tour that holds 10 people or less, will give you the greatest experience. Small boats sit lower in the water, allowing you a less skewed perspective of the whales and their size. These tours also tend to be more intimate, with a strong focus on teaching and a learning respect for the environment. Companies for this small-boat experience include Nani Kai Ocean Adventures in Haleiwa and Pink Sails in Waikiki.

Humpback whale watching is one of the most exciting experiences that can be enjoyed by families.

Shark Cage Diving

Travel offshore three to four miles to a cage moored in beautiful cobalt blue water. The visibility is so good (often 150 feet or more) that you can actually see the sharks coming up from the deep. Tours can accommodate up to 14 people who get 20 minutes in the cage which can hold up to eight people comfortably, allowing small families to experience a shark dive together.

There is nothing more magical and indeed, necessary, than taking time out of your busy schedule to reconnect with your family. Taking them on a vacation to spellbinding Hawaii will definitely create treasured memories you and your family will have forever. We invited you to reach out to an LVH client relations professional who will begin creating your enchanting Hawaii vacation. You will be staying in the most luxurious accommodations imaginable with full services and support and we will create a tailor-made itinerary for you and your loved ones to ensure everyone has the most enjoyable time ever!