Disclaimer: I’m a mom of 4 boys ages 10-15. These are their favorites.
Top 5 Things to Do On Oahu with Teenagers
Listen, when we moved to Oahu with four boys ages 8-13, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. Zero. Zip. Nada. But after living here for a few years we’ve had some trial and error. I’ve got the inside scoop on the best things to do on Oahu with teens that don’t involve them rolling their eyes at you.
And speaking of memories worth capturing – if you’re visiting Oahu and want more than just iPhone photos of your trip, let’s chat about doing a family photo session. Because trust me, getting your teens to actually SMILE in a photo when they’re doing something cool? That’s the golden ticket. Check out my photography here.
Table of Contents
Hi! I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, toddler briber, and parent commiserator. Oh! And Oahu family photographer!
As the ringleader of my own 4-boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
I run my photo session like a party. I give you something TO DO so you don’t feel awkward wondering, “Where do I put my HANDS?!”
Dad is playing with the kids, everyone forgets what’s ACTUALLY happening, and you look amazing bc you’re actually enjoying yourself. #whoknewphotoscouldbefun
Fast. Fun. Done.
Why These Things to Do on Oahu with Teens Actually Work
Here’s the deal: teens aren’t impressed by “pretty beaches” or “nice views.” My boys want adventure, adrenaline, and bragging rights. After trial and error (and plenty of “this is boring, Mom” comments), I’ve found the activities that consistently deliver. These are the top 5 things to do on Oahu with teens that even my pickiest kid asks to do again.
1. Waimea Bay Rock Jumping: The Ultimate Teen Adrenaline Rush
Let me tell you about Waimea Bay. In summer (May-September), this place transforms into a rock-jumping paradise. There’s a massive rock on the left side of the bay that teens (and adults) can jump from – and suddenly your kid who “doesn’t want to do anything” is climbing up for their tenth jump.
What makes this one of the best things to do on Oahu with teens:
- It’s FREE (hello, Hawaii on a budget!)
- They’ll be exhausted afterward (you’re welcome)
- The jump is high enough to feel legit but safe enough that I don’t have a heart attack
- Crystal clear water for swimming between jumps
Pro tips from a mom who’s been there:
- Go early (before 8am) or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Bring water shoes if you’re tender footed – those rocks are slippery and sharp
- Pack snacks because they’ll be STARVING and there is no place to buy food
- Winter waves are massive here, so stick to summer months only
- World Famous North Shore lifeguards are on site!
- If you can’t park at the beach park, pay to park at Waimea Valley around the bend.
2. Haleiwa Bridge Jumping
Okay, this is the insider info you won’t find on every tourist blog. Haleiwa Bridge (officially Anahulu Stream Bridge) is where local kids jump, and my boys are OBSESSED. Our first trip out there a bunch of kids were jumping non stop. My husband and kids joined and the rest is history. When you’re brainstorming things to do on Oahu with teens, this should be at the top of your list.
Why your teens will love it:
- It feels rebellious (but it’s perfectly legal)
- The water is calm – it’s a river, not ocean
- Lower jump than Waimea = confidence builder for nervous jumpers
- You’ll see local kids doing backflips (my boys are still working on that)
Mom intel:
- Park at Haleiwa Beach Park for free and walk to the bridge
- Check the current – if it’s strong, skip it
- After jumping, grab lunch at Haleiwa Joe’s or Matsumoto Shave Ice or the Sunrise Shack
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
3. Paddle Boarding in Haleiwa: Perfect for Teens Who Think They’re Too Cool
My 13-year-old insisted he was “too cool” for paddle boarding. Plot twist: he now asks to go every week. The Haleiwa River is flat, calm, and absolutely gorgeous. This is one of those things to do on Oahu with teens that works for ALL skill levels.
Rental options:
- Blue Planet Adventure Co., under the bridge.
- Surf N Sea
- Rainbow Watersports Adventures
- Expect $50-75 for rentals
Why this activity wins:
- They can go at their own pace (freedom = teen happiness)
- Turtle sightings are common (even teens think that’s cool)
- There’s a rope swing along the river, jump as long as you want!
- Perfect combo activity before bridge jumping
Real talk: Bring a waterproof phone case for the inevitable TikToks.
4. Electric Bikes at Kualoa Ranch: Adventure Without the Sweat
Let’s be honest – getting teens to hike can be like pulling teeth. But electric bikes? Game changer. Kualoa Ranch offers e-bike tours through movie locations (think Jurassic Park, Lost, Hawaii Five-0), and it’s one of those things to do on Oahu with teens where everyone actually has fun. There is a 2 hour and 3 hour tour. The 3 hour is HARD. There’s even a test that people regularly fail. Highly recommend the 2 hour tour with teenagers.
What’s included:
- 2-hour guided tour on pedal-assist bikes
- Gorgeous windward coast views
- Movie site stops with photo ops
- Around $150 per person
Why my boys loved it:
- The bikes do most of the work (key for teens who “don’t feel like it”)
- They recognized filming locations from movies
- Amazing views you can’t get anywhere else
- Guides share cool behind-the-scenes stories
- You cover WAY more ground than hiking
Booking tip: Reserve online at least a week ahead – they sell out fast, especially during school breaks.
5. Judd Trail: The “Easy” Hike That Doesn’t Feel Lame
When searching for things to do on Oahu with teens, hiking usually gets groans. But Judd Trail (Nu’uanu Valley) is different. It’s short (0.8 miles), shaded by massive trees, and the swimming hole called Jackass Ginger Pool as a natural slide and three cliff jumps. Basically, it’s a hike with a reward that teens actually care about.
What makes this hike teen-approved:
- Under an hour round trip (attention spans rejoice!)
- The cliff jumps are EVERYTHING
- Pine forest feels like walking through Narnia
- Natural pool for swimming
Essential mom info:
- Wear shoes with grip – muddy when wet (which is often)
- Bring towels for after swimming, but maybe leave them in the car
- Go morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
- It’s free and easy to find
- Parking is free if you can get a spot on the side of the road
Fun fact: My boys have brought friends here multiple times. When your teens want to show THEIR friends something, you know it’s good.
6. BONUS! Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Instagram-Worthy Sunrise Mission
Yes, I said sunrise. Yes, with teens. Hear me out. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is one of those things to do on Oahu with teens that’s challenging enough to feel accomplished but short enough (1.6 miles roundtrip) that they won’t mutiny. I have a full write up about this particular hike and all the details you’ll need.
Here’s another post about where to eat in Kailua while you’re there. And my favorite boutiques for shopping in Kailua for the girls! And a full list of things to do in Kailua.
Why it’s worth the early wake-up:
- There is zero shade. Even mid morning feels miserable on a sunny day.
- INSANE views of Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands (the Mokes)
- WWII pillboxes to explore (history that doesn’t feel like school)
- Done by 8am = whole day ahead of you
Making it happen:
- Aim for 6am start for sunrise depending on the season
- Parking is easy in the morning – get there early or park in Kailua and Uber
- Moderate difficulty – my 10-year-old did it fine
- Bring headlamps if hiking in the dark
After-hike reward: Hit Kalapawai Market in Kailua for breakfast sandwiches. Your teens earned it.
Planning Your Teen-Friendly Oahu Adventure
Look, finding things to do on Oahu with teens that don’t result in complaints is an art form. But these six activities? They’ve been tested and approved by four picky boys who aren’t easily impressed. Mix and match based on your trip length, and you’ll have teens who might actually admit they had fun.
My best planning advice:
- Don’t over-schedule – teens need downtime
- Build in food stops (seriously, they’re ALWAYS hungry)
- Let them choose
- Combine North Shore activities in one day (Waimea, Haleiwa, paddle boarding)
And hey, while you’re making these incredible memories? Let’s document them properly. The years go by too fast, and getting all your teens in one frame while they’re actually smiling? That’s where I come in. Book a family photo session and we’ll capture your crew doing what they love – whether that’s post-jump celebrations at Waimea or that sunrise glow at Lanikai. Because these things to do on Oahu with teens create memories worth keeping forever.
- Top 5 Things to Do on Oahu with Teens (And MOST are FREE)
- Christmas In Honolulu 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Oahu Holiday Magic
- The Best Boutiques in Kailua: A Guide to Shopping In O’ahu
- Family Friendly Veteran’s Day Events 2025 On Oahu, Hawaii
- Oahu July 4 Fireworks 2025: Where to Watch the Best Shows With Your Family
- Conquering the Lanikai Hike with Kids: A Mom of 4 Boys Tells All
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
Alison's Process
contact Alison
