Thrill-Seeker’s Guide: Adventurous Things to Do on Oʻahu

Oʻahu is famous for its beaches, surf, and laid-back island life, but for thrill-seekers, the island offers a whole different side of paradise. If you’re the type who’d rather feel your heart race than your body relax in a hammock, this is for you. From leaping out of a plane high above the North Shore to staring eye-to-eye with sharks in their natural habitat, here are three unforgettable adventures to add to your itinerary.

Why it’s awesome: On a clear day, you can see all the way from Kaʻena Point to Kāneʻohe Bay, with the ocean and mountains stretched out below you.

The experience: Most skydiving companies on Oʻahu are based near Dillingham Airfield. After a short training session, you’ll board a plane that climbs thousands of feet above the coastline. The real thrill begins when the door opens and you step into the sky. Whether you choose a 10,000- or 14,000-foot jump, the adrenaline rush is matched only by the scenery. You’ll free fall for nearly a minute before your parachute opens and you drift peacefully back to earth.

What to know:

• First-time jumpers always go tandem with a licensed instructor.

• Most companies allow you to purchase video and photo packages. It’s worth it if you want to relive the moment.

• Wear athletic clothes and sneakers; the harness needs to fit snugly.

Weather matters: Flights can be delayed if winds are strong or skies are cloudy.

Why it’s awesome: During the winter months, you have a chance of spotting humpback whales breaching offshore on the way to your shark dive. During months when the water is a little cooler it tends to be incredibly clear.

The experience: Departing from Haleʻiwa Harbor, shark tours take you a few miles offshore where large Galapagos and sandbar sharks naturally congregate. Once anchored, you’ll slip into the water, or a floating cage, if you choose cage diving, and peer into the deep blue as these magnificent creatures glide by. We also recommend Shark Diving with Nick on the North Shore.

What to know:

• No diving certification is required, you’ll simply use a snorkel mask at the surface.

• Tours usually last 2 hours, with about 20 minutes in the cage.

• Seas can be choppier in winter, so take motion-sickness medication if you’re prone to it.

Bring a towel and warm cover-up; the ocean is a bit cooler this time of year.

Why it’s awesome: While ocean conditions can be rough in winter, Oʻahu’s valleys are lush, green and often misty this time of year, thanks to seasonal rains. That makes ATV riding through the island’s backcountry extra dramatic — mud puddles, waterfalls in the distance, and red dirt trails winding through jungle terrain.

The experience: ATV tours on Oʻahu are popular at Kualoa Ranch, where Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Jumanji were filmed. Riding through these iconic landscapes, you’ll rumble past towering cliffs, secret valleys, and ocean overlooks. Some tours are family-friendly, while others let you kick up speed and mud. Coral Crater is another popular location for ATV tours.

What to know:

• Minimum ages and height requirements vary by operator — check before booking.

• You’ll get dirty, so wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes.

• Tours go rain or shine, and winter mud makes for an even more thrilling ride.

Advanced bookings are recommended, especially around the holidays.

• Book ahead: Winter and summer are peak travel seasons in Hawaiʻi, so tours fill quickly.

• Check the weather: While most adventures go year-round, heavy rain or strong winds can cause cancellations.

• Balance adventure with rest: Skydiving one day and shark diving the next may sound epic, but build in beach time to recharge.

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reusable water bottles: Even adrenaline junkies need to protect the islands.