29 Fun Ideas for Your Birthday in Oahu
Birthdays are a special time to celebrate and should be filled with fun and adventure. If you’re looking to make your birthday special, then Oahu is the perfect place to take your celebration to the next level.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or something in between, you’re sure to find the perfect way to celebrate your special day in this stunningly beautiful corner of the world.
From parasailing and bodyboarding to fine dining and shopping, here are 29 fun things to do on your birthday in Oahu.
1. Charter a Fishing Trip
If you’re an explorer at heart, why not charter a fishing trip to take in all the beauty of the island?
Whether it’s trolling for marlin or reef fishing, you can experience the thrill of reeling in your very own catch while celebrating your special day surrounded by magnificent views.
And if that doesn’t suit your tastes, you can always just lounge around on board and make use of the amenities while letting someone else do all the work. With this option, you’ll definitely have enough energy left to party later on!
2. Visit Kualoa Ranch
Step away from the beaches and city life, and venture out to Kualoa Ranch. Located right on the east coast of Oahu, this incredible 4,000-acre ranch is home to lush valleys, majestic mountains and stretches of coastal plains.
Take your pick between an ATV Tour or Movie Tour – you’ll learn Hawaiian history like never before! From exploring the top of Ka‘a‘awa Valley to getting up close and personal with Jurassic Park sites, your trip will be truly unforgettable.
3. Check Out the Waterfalls
Put on some comfy shoes for an adventurous day – you won’t want to miss any of the natural wonders sprinkled across the island.
From tall cascades tucked in lush jungles to thundering gushers soaring near cliff edges, each waterfall is like a story waiting to be discovered. Here are the best waterfall hikes in Oahu you need to check out!
4. Take a Helicopter Tour
For adventurous types, there’s only one real way to celebrate a birthday in Oahu: by taking a helicopter tour!
From the minute you hop on board to admiring the stunning aerial views of Waikiki Beach of Diamond Head crater, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed.
5. Go For Happy Hour
Celebrate turning another year older and gracing happy hour with your presence! Oahu offers a variety of trendy spots that are sure to lift your spirits and keep the festivities going.
Treat yourself to some thirst-quenching cocktails and delicious bites at one of these top happy hour spots.
6. Try Surfing
Hawaii is home to some of the best waves in the world, so it’s no surprise that Oahu has become a hot spot among thrill-seeking surfers.
Wake up early on your special day and take a short stroll to the nearest beach. While beginners are welcomed with open arms, even professional surfers will find plenty of challenges here. There are tons of surf lessons you can book to master the art of riding the waves.
7. Visit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate your big day in Oahu, head to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Whether snorkeling or just laying on a beach towel, you can see all sorts of fish, turtles, and other marine life up close as you take in the stunning views.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is truly an unforgettable experience, making it an ideal way to kick off another year of life.
8. Go to a Luau
Experience the authentic side of Hawaii at one of the best luaus on Oahu, a feast that is full of culture, entertainment, and mouth-watering local dishes.
Not only will you get the chance to sample some unique delicacies like kalua pig and poi, but the true highlight of the night is an impressive performance of fire-dancing Hula dancers that will leave you spellbound.
With music wafting through the balmy evening air and the never-ending hospitability of locals, attending a luau on Oahu is one experience that any birthday boy or girl should not miss!
9. Go Watch Sea Turtles
There’s no more magical way to ring in the special day than by discovering some of nature’s most graceful creatures basking in their natural environment.
From catching a glimpse of them swimming around in the ocean or resting on the sandy shores, make sure you hit up these popular spots to watch sea turtles!
10. Take an Island Tour
Start or end the big day with a self-guided island tour and experience the true beauty and culture of Hawaii. Take a drive through Waimea Valley, visit majestic North Shore beaches, then some favorite historical spots and so much more!
Discover quaint local eateries while you’re out too – what better way to celebrate your special day? If you’d rather leave the planning to the experts, book a circle island tour with a knowledgeable guide.
11. Go on a Hike
How about going on a good old-fashioned hike? Put your sporty shoes on and take the lead as you explore trails of volcanoes and wander through mysterious rainforests.
Kick it up a notch and call yourself a morning person for the day – go for a sunrise hike. The best part? You never know what hidden gems you’ll find along the way.
12. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard
Celebrating a birthday in Oahu is a tropical dream come true, but why not add an extra special activity? Kayaking or paddleboard is the perfect way to make sure your day stands out from just another beach vacation.
Not only can you explore the seaside unlike ever before, but you can even make a game out of it if your friends join in – racing around the islands could bring a whole new level of fun to the entire day. Dust off that Hawaiian shirt and hop on for the adventure of the season!
13. Go Parasailing
What better way to celebrate your big day than to literally take it to new heights with a thrilling parasailing experience over Oahu?
With the pleasure of a bird’s eye view, you are guaranteed to be in awe as you gracefully soar across the sky and witness nature’s wonders and spectacular views like no other.
14. Visit the Museums
Although the beaches are certainly beautiful, learning about the art, history, and culture of the area can be educational as well as entertaining. Feed your inner curiosity and explore some of Oahu’s best museums, such as the Honolulu Museum of Art or Bishop Museum.
15. Go Horseback Riding
It’s time to kick up the dust and gallop your way towards an unforgettable day in Oahu. Saddle up for a horseback riding experience around the island’s unique landscape.
Enjoy breathtakingly spectacular views and interact with some of nature’s most unique creatures while making lasting memories of your big day.
16. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
Celebrate your special day in style – spend the sunset watching the sun go down on one of Oahu’s beautiful cruises! You’re guaranteed to have a blast – with a tropical drink in one hand and your eyes feasting on the magnificent views, how can you go wrong?
17. Spend the Day at the Beach
Feeling a little beachy? If you find yourself yearning for the sand and surf, it may be time to spend the day at the beach! Oahu has a variety of beaches to choose from, so you can pick the perfect spot for your birthday.
Go people-watching at Waikiki Beach or take a dip at one of the best swimmable beaches in Oahu. Whether you’re looking to relax with your toes in the sand or take on some wave-riding action, there’s something for everyone when it comes to a beach day.
18. Have Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
What’s a birthday celebration without an amazing view and delicious drinks? Make your special day unforgettable by raising a toast to life at one of Oahu’s rooftop bars.
From swanky lounges to low-key hideaways, you can find the perfect spot for sipping and celebrating in style!
19. Go Shopping at Ala Moana Center
If you’re looking to truly celebrate your birthday, why not spoil yourself by going shopping at the Ala Moana Center? With over 350 stores and restaurants, you’ll have plenty of options for where to splurge!
Plus, with its central location near Waikiki, you can easily add more sightseeing adventures before or after your shopping spree.
20. Sample All the Food Trucks
Birthdays only come once a year, and if you’re celebrating yours in Oahu why not make the most of it? Sample all the delicious food trucks around the island and find your favorite. With so many amazing options, you can’t go wrong!
Here’s our guide on the best food trucks in Oahu to get you started.
21. Eat at a Fancy Restaurant
If you’re looking for an extra special way to celebrate, treat yourself and make a reservation at one of the many high-end restaurants on the island.
Enjoy the exquisite flavors of Hawaiian cuisine as well as classic international dishes. Dine in style surrounded by stunning views of the ocean or lush landscapes.
22. Hike Diamond Head
Celebrate your special day in the most incredible setting at Diamond Head. Traverse up to the summit to take in the stunning 360-degree views of the island and its crystal blue waters.
Complete with a beautiful sunrise and a picnic lunch, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your birthday. Plus, you can even snap a few Instagram-worthy shots for all of your friends to envy.
23. Treat Your Sweet Tooth
Nothing quite says “birthday” like a big, delicious piece of cake. But why not switch it up this year and treat your sweet tooth to something different?
Enjoy a scoop (or two!) of Matsumoto’s Shave Ice on your special day and get that same sugar rush you know and love, with a little tropical twist.
24. Go Ziplining
Just imagine soaring through the Hawaiian sky with nothing but the wind in your hair. Who needs a cake when you can get that kind of thrill?!
Ziplining is a great way to get some adrenaline-pumping fun on your cake day. Not only will you get to experience the stunning beauty of the island from a unique perspective, but you’ll also have some great stories to tell.
Heck, you can even hang upside down if you’re feeling adventurous. What better way to celebrate getting another year older than by breaking out of your comfort zone!
25. Stay at an Upscale Hotel
Envision being in a place where you can receive all of the luxurious services you deserve!
Book a 5-star stay and take advantage of features such as a well-equipped fitness center, a sumptuous spa with options for massage and relaxation, and top-notch cuisine crafted by expert chefs.
After all, your birthday only comes once a year – why not create unforgettable memories for it? Luxury awaits you.
26. Go Karaoke
Who doesn’t love belting out their favorite tunes? With so many karaoke spots around the island, you can make your special day even more memorable with a night of singing and laughter.
27. Go Bar-Hopping
Put on your favorite outfit because it’s time to paint the town red. From lively tiki bars with fruity cocktails to sophisticated lounges perfect for sipping champagne, we’ve got the insider dibs on the best bars you should visit in Oahu.
So grab your closest friends and hit the bars- you’ve only got one chance each year to mark your special day in style!
28. Explore the North Shore
From watching surfers at the famous Banzai Pipeline, to brunching down some sticky ribs with a mai tai at Haleiwa Joe’s, the North Shore offers fantastic sights and flavors for each and every one of your senses.
For inspiration, check out our guide on the top things to do on Oahu’s North Shore.
29. Go Shark Diving
Why blow out the candles while seated comfortably around the table when you can experience a whole new level of excitement underwater?
Go shark diving in Oahu and get up close and personal with some of nature’s greatest predators for a truly wild and unforgettable celebration.
