If you love the ocean, Oahu is one of the best places in the world to practice all kinds of water sports and activities. In Hawaii, the climate is mild all year round. The ocean water temperature varies between 81 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and up to 76 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. The most popular Oahu water sports and activities are surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and parasailing. Others include fishing, paddle boarding and sailing.
Kayaking
One of the most famous places for kayaking on the island of Oahu is Kailua. The conditions there, created by the protected reef, allow you to row all the way to the Mokulua Islands. That is almost 1 mile from the land.
In addition to the beautiful ocean views, while kayaking in Kailua, you can enjoy the sea creatures. One of the most famous are the green sea turtles. The calm and warm ocean water make Kailua one of the most famous and preferred places for kayaking on Oahu. However, you should know that conditions in the ocean can change quickly and large waves can appear.
Keep in mind that Kayaking is not for everyone. If you are coming to Hawaii for the first time and you are not aware of the ocean conditions, we recommend that you book a kayak tour. This way you will you have an experienced guide and will be provided with all the necessary equipment. This will save you a lot of headaches. But if you decide that you are experienced enough and do not want to do a tour, you can always rent the equipment from one of the local companies.
If you are beginner, be aware that Kayaking can be tiring and dangerous. Therefore, the best option for you would be to try the kayaking in river first. You can join an organized kayak tour for beginners on the Waimea River in northern Oahu, for example.
Tours that include kayaking
- Kayaking Tour of Kailua Bay with Lunch by Kailua Beach Adventures
- Snorkel with Dolphins and Turtles in the Wild by Dolphins and You
- Full Day Kailua Beach Guided Tour To Mokulua Islands by Twogood Kayaks Hawaii, Inc.
Diving and snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are another famous water sports in Hawaii. Oahu is a great place to snorkel and dive all year round because of the warm tropical water. Tourists who want to experience this adventure can enjoy the crystal clear water and can see an abundance of marine life. While diving, you can see many colorful tropical fish, green sea turtles, eels, stingrays, dolphins and sharks. The coral reef is magnificent in some areas and divers can explore many shipwrecks, underwater tunnels and caves.
There are many companies in Oahu that offer diving tours for both beginners and advanced. They will provide you with the necessary equipment and will give you instructions. They can even provide you with a guide.
Some of the best places to dive and snorkel on Oahu are Hanauma Bay, North Shore, Sharks Cove, Kahuna Canyon, near Mokulea and Ala Moana Beach.
Tours that include diving and snorkeling
- Scuba Diving Experience in Honolulu by Manini Dive Company Hawaii
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Half-Day Tour with Equipment by Fun Group Hawaii
- Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise by Hawaii Nautical
- Snorkeling Cruise & Swim with Turtles by Diamond Head Cruises
- Oahu Catamaran Cruise by Ocean Joy Cruises
- Snorkel Cruise with Dolphin and Seasonal Whale Watching by Dolphin Excursions
- Oahu Submarine Scooter Adventure by Island Water Sports Hawaii, Inc.
- Oahu Shark Dive by North Shore Shark Adventures
Parasailing
Parasailing is a fun sport designed for those of you who want to fly high above the ocean. Just imagine the stunning view from such a height. You will rise and have the opportunity to enjoy a bird’s eye view, you will feel your adrenaline rise as you soar over the blue ocean.
There are several licensed parasailing agencies in Oahu that use safety equipment. Some can take you over Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki Beach, while can take you to the area above Coco Marina, near Hanauma Bay.
Surfing
One of the best places to surf is exactly the island of Oahu. Apart from being a traditional sport for Hawaii, surfing is popular all over the world.
If you are an experienced surfer you will know very well exactly where to go to enjoy the waves. Most surfers prefer the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay and other places on the North Shore. But if you are a beginner and you want to take some surf lessons during your vacation, you can do it safely in both Waikiki and Ala Moana beach park.