Oahu, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a dream destination for travelers of all ages. Still, if you’re planning a trip with teenagers, Oahu stands out as the ultimate Hawaiian island to explore if you could only take them to one island. With its natural beauty, diverse activities, and vibrant culture, Oahu offers an exciting and engaging experience that teenagers will love.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for teens and share 15 of the best activities to do with your teenagers while visiting.
Why Oahu is the Best Hawaiian Island for Teens
- Diverse activities
- Historical and cultural experiences
- Iconic beaches
- Instagram-worthy Scenery
- Vibrant Arts and Entertainment
- Culinary delights
- Waterfalls and Hiking Trails
- Wildlife Encounters
- Family-friendly Fun
If you are still considering which island to visit, you can read my other post about the Best Hawaiian Island for Families with rankings and Pros and Cons for each of the four main islands.

15 of the Best Activities for Teens on Oahu
#1 Surf in Waikiki:
Waikiki Beach is known for its gentle and beginner-friendly waves. It has consistent waves that make it excellent for teenagers to try their hand at surfing. While you can book surfing lessons all over the island, Waikiki is a great beginner spot. They have numerous surf schools that offer lessons to all levels, making it an excellent introduction to this iconic Hawaiian pastime.
If you stay on the North Shore like we did, you can find many other great places to surf, like Sunset Beach and Puena Point.




#2 Snorkel in Hanauma Bay:
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a snorkeler’s paradise since it’s filled with colorful marine life. Teenagers can explore the coral reefs, swim alongside fish, and even encounter sea turtles while snorkeling in this protected Bay.

#3 Hike Diamond Head Crater:
A hike to the summit of Diamond Head Crater is both exhilarating and rewarding. It’s easy to accomplish in a short amount of time as well. The panoramic views of Waikiki and its surrounding coastline are stunning. The hike is perfect for active teenagers and for younger children as well.

#4 Zip-lining on the North Shore:
Head to the North Shore and enjoy some family time zip-lining. While there are numerous places to zip line on the island of Oahu, The North Shore at Keana Farms in Kuhuku offers thrilling zip-lining adventures where you can soar above lush tropical landscapes and enjoy sunny views as you glide along the zip lines.

#5 Polynesian Cultural Center:
A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center provides teenagers with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultures of the Pacific islands. Not only will they learn a lot, but they’ll get to engage in numerous interactive activities and dances throughout the day.
Check out my Polynesian Cultural Center Review for more photos and details.




#6 Attend a Luah:
Top your night off at the Polynesian Cultural Center with an authentic, delicious Polynesian luau. In my opinion, the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center is the best in the islands.
Check out my Polynesian Cultural Center Luau Review for more details.


#7 Pearl Harbor:
Augment your vacation with a little more cultural and historical exploration at Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona memorial and the various museums on-site offer a powerful and educational experience for your teenagers. It helps offer them reflection and is great to visit on the weekend when there’s minimal traffic in the city. Remember you must have a reservation to go to Pearl Harbor; although you can do standby lines, a reservation is preferred to make your visit more efficient.
Check out my other post on How to Visit Pearl Harbor with Kids.

#8 Kualoa Ranch Jurassic Park Adventures:
Kualoa Ranch is on Oahu’s East Coast and offers many activities, including horseback riding, ATV tours, movie site tours, E-bike tours, etc. These tours will take you through locations used in WW II and in famous films and TV shows, which is a highlight for any teen.
Check out my Kualoa Ranch E-Bike Adventure Review for more details.


#9 Food Trucks:
Pick up some delicious lunch or dinner at some food trucks on the North Shore. There are some delectable and flavorful shrimp dishes that any teenager will savor. If your teen is not into seafood, there are tons of burger joints along the way.


#10 Visit North Shore:
Check out the iconic North Shore villages and beaches. Fit in some great boutique shopping while you’re at it.

#11 The Dole Plantation:
The plantation is not only any place to learn about Hawaii’s pineapple history, but it also provides a beautiful setting to enjoy a scenic train ride and get lost in the world’s largest maze. I split my teenagers into groups, and we made it into a competition to see who could finish the maze first, and the kids loved it. No reservations are required.
Check out Dole Plantation Review for more photos and details.



#12 Visit the Laie Temple:
The Laie Hawaii Temple is one of the oldest operating temples of the LDS Church. It was dedicated on November 27, 1919. The temple was built to serve the growing LDS Church membership in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. The temple’s architectural design is influenced by the Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and features a unique and distinctive look. Visitors can stop in and enjoy the beautiful gardens and go into the visitor center for free. Check HERE for visiting hours.

#13 Shave Ice:
Be sure not to miss Oahu’s best shave ice and enjoy a refreshing treat. Your teenagers will love to grab some shave ice almost every day like we did. Hit up world-famous Matsumotos on North Shore or Island Snow in Kailua Bay.



#14 Rent a Beach House:
When I think of Hawaii, I think of Beach. There is no better way to create etched memories than to be able to enjoy the beach and even cook a homemade meal right next to the water. You can check out this eclectic 1970s “Dolphin” House Beach Front on Instagram.
Find out if Renting a Beach House in Hawaii is Really Worth It.


#15 Kayak or Canoe to “The Mokes”:
The Mokulua Islands (commonly called “The Mokes) are located in Kailua Bay off the Eastern coast of Oahu. The two islands named Moku Nui and Moku Iki are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and it is sure to be a hit for your teens.
Grab a kayak or canoe and head to the larger Moku Nui island. You can enjoy hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, and pristine beaches. Keep in mind that these islands are protected bird sanctuaries, so you will need to be respectful of wildlife and follow signs to stay out of certain nesting areas. We took a Canoe through Kailua Ocean Adventures.
Learn more about How to Kayak to the Mokes.

#16 Take Family Photos:
Why not capture the essence of the islands with a family photo shoot? I took mine and used it for Christmas cards months later. These kids grow up so fast that it is really important to capture them each year. I would recommend fitting family photos in if your teens are feeling up to it.



In conclusion, Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for teenagers due to its captivating mix of adventure, culture, history, and natural beauty. From the excitement of surfing Waikiki or North Shore to the significance of visiting Pearl Harbor, Oahu offers a perfect blend of activities for your teenagers. If you’re planning a family vacation with teenagers, Oahu should undoubtedly be at the top of your list.
This vibrant island promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for teenagers and the entire family.
Read more about the Best Hawaiian Island for Families
Read more about the Best Hawaiian Island for Couples
Interested in what else you can do with your family on Oahu?
- How to Visit Pearl Harbor with Kids
- Dole Plantation Review (Video & Photos)
- Polynesian Cultural Center: Review (Video & Pics)
- Polynesian Cultural Center Luau: Review
- How to Kayak to “The Mokes” (Video & Pics)
- Best Shave Ice Oahu
- Is Renting a Beach House in Hawaii Worth It?
- Kualoa Ranch E-Bike Adventure (Review & Video)
- Best Hawaiian Island for Teens: Oahu
- 11 Best Hikes Oahu: Kid & Family Friendly
- Things to Do in Oahu for Free





Pingback:Kualoa Ranch E-Bike Adventure (Review & Video) - Travel Town
Pingback:How to Visit Pearl Harbor with Kids (Video & Photos) - Travel Town
Pingback:Best Cruise for Teens (2024) - Travel Town
Pingback:11 Best Hikes Oahu: Kid & Family Friendly - Travel Town
Pingback:Polynesian Cultural Center: Review (Video & Pics) - Travel Town