Beyond the Beach: 7 Unique Things to Do in Hawaii (Oahu) for 2026
Author: XploreRide Editorial Team
Let’s be honest: you didn’t fly all the way to Hawaii just to sit in traffic or fight for a towel spot on a crowded beach.
While Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head are iconic, they are also the most crowded spots on the island. If you are planning your trip for 2026 and looking for unique things to do in Hawaii, you need to dig a little deeper. Whether you are a repeat visitor, a local resident hosting guests, or a traveler craving something different, Oahu has a hidden side full of cutting-edge technology, deep culture, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Here are 7 non-touristy and unique experiences to add to your Oahu bucket list for the new year.
1. Ride the World’s First XR Bus Tour (XploreRide)
If you think you’ve seen Honolulu, think again. XploreRide isn’t just a tour bus; it’s a time machine on wheels.
This is the only experience in the United States that uses Extended Reality (XR) technology to transform your window into a digital canvas. As you cruise through the streets of Waikiki, the “RideVision” technology overlays the real world with historical reenactments, swimming sea turtles, and volcanic eruptions that respond to the movement of the bus.
It solves the biggest problem with sightseeing: boredom. Instead of just looking at buildings, you are submerged in a digital ocean. It is a hit for school-aged kids who love tech, and a relief for parents who want to escape the midday heat in a premium, air-conditioned cabin.
- Why it’s unique: It combines a zero-emission electric vehicle with a “Magic School Bus” style show. You can’t do this anywhere else in America.
- Location: Departs from DFS Waikiki (Ground Floor).
- Insider Tip: Book the late afternoon slot. It’s the perfect “gap activity” to cool down after the beach and before dinner.
2. Glow Paddleboarding at Twilight
If you want a surreal water experience at night, skip the snorkel and grab a paddleboard. Nocturnal Adventures Hawaii offers a unique “Glow Tour” in Haleiwa or Waikiki.
You ride specialized Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) equipped with massive waterproof LED neon lights on the bottom. As you paddle, the lights illuminate the reef below you, attracting turtles and fish that are active at night. It feels like you are gliding on a personal spaceship over the ocean.
- Why it’s unique: It combines the calm of a sunset paddle with the thrill of seeing marine life glow beneath your feet.
- Best For: Couples and families (it’s easier than surfing!).
- Insider Tip: Book the Friday Night slot in Waikiki to watch the Hilton fireworks from the water while sitting on your glowing board.
Image Source: Nocturnal Adventures Hawaii
3. Escape to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Jurassic Park, leave the city and head to the Windward side (Kaneohe). Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a lush, green paradise spanning 400 acres.
The entrance road, flanked by dramatic, jagged Koolau cliffs, is arguably one of the most photogenic spots on the entire island. Unlike the manicured gardens in town, this feels wild and ancient. It is the perfect place to disconnect from the noise of the city.
- Why it’s unique: It offers peace, quiet, and stunning mountain views that feel worlds away from the high-rises of Waikiki.
- Cost: Free admission!
- Insider Tip: Security guards strictly enforce a “No Photography on the Road” rule for safety. Park your car in the designated lots and walk to the photo spots instead.
Image Source: City and County of Honolulu
4. Ring the Bell at Byodo-In Temple
Hidden in the back of the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is a stunning, full-scale replica of a 900-year-old Japanese temple. The Byodo-In Temple was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
It is entirely non-denominational, welcoming people of all faiths to walk the grounds, feed the wild peacocks and black swans, and—most importantly—ring the massive three-ton “Bon-sho” (Sacred Bell). The deep, resonating sound is said to clear the mind of negativity and bring happiness.
- Why it’s unique: It is a slice of Kyoto right in the heart of Hawaii.
- Location: Kaneohe (combine this with your Ho’omaluhia trip!).
- Best For: A quiet morning of reflection and culture.
5. Experience “Bishop Museum After Hours”
The Bishop Museum is the premier museum of natural and cultural history in the Pacific. While it is a fantastic educational stop during the day, the real magic happens during their special monthly events.
Keep an eye out for “Bishop Museum After Hours,” where the museum opens its doors in the evening. You can explore the grand Hawaiian Hall with a drink in hand, listen to live local music on the lawn, and see planetarium shows without the school-trip crowds. It turns history into a social event.
- Why it’s unique: It mixes education with a “pau hana” (after work) vibe, perfect for couples and culture seekers.
- Best For: Date nights and history buffs.
6. Kayak to the “Mokes” (Mukulua Islands)
Instead of just looking at the ocean from the sand, get on top of it. Rent a kayak in Kailua or Lanikai and paddle out to the twin islands known as “The Mokes.”
This isn’t a lazy river ride; it’s an open-ocean workout that takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way. But the reward is worth it: landing on Moku Nui (the larger island) gives you access to a secluded beach and a bird sanctuary. You might even spot a Hawaiian Monk Seal napping on the shore.
- Why it’s unique: It’s a physical challenge with a high reward—a view of Oahu that most tourists never see.
- Important: You must have a landing permit to step onto the island (usually included with kayak rentals, but always check).
- Safety: Only go when the winds and tides are calm.
Image Source: Kailua Beach Adventures
7. Eat Like a Local at a Manapua Shop
Skip the overpriced hotel buffet. For a truly unique taste of Hawaii, you need to find a “Manapua Man” or visit a legendary bakery like Chun Wah Kam or Libby Manapua.
Manapua are massive, fluffy steamed buns filled with savory goodness—a local evolution of the Chinese bao. They are a staple of Hawaii’s plantation history. While Char Siu (BBQ Pork) is the classic filling, modern shops offer unique twists like Shoyu Chicken, Kalua Pig, and even Pizza Manapua.
- Why it’s unique: It’s a delicious, cheap (usually under $3), and authentic culinary history lesson.
- Best For: Foodies looking for the perfect beach snack.
FAQ
- What is the #1 attraction in Oahu for 2026?While Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona) remains the most visited historic site, travelers in 2026 are flocking to “experience-based” attractions like the XploreRide XR Bus and immersive Kualoa Ranch movie tours to avoid the crowds and engage with technology..
- How do I find hidden gems in Oahu? The best way to find hidden gems is to leave Waikiki. Rent a car or take the bus to the Windward side (Kailua/Kaneohe) or the North Shore. Also, look for activities that don’t rely on weather, such as museum after-hours events or tech-based tours.
- What can you do in Hawaii that you can’t do anywhere else? You can visit the only royal palace in the United States (Iolani Palace), snorkel inside a volcanic crater (Hanauma Bay), and ride the world’s first dedicated XR sightseeing bus (XploreRide).
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Unique Trip
Hawaii is so much more than just a tan. Whether you are diving into the history of the islands on an immersive bus tour or paddling out to a remote bird sanctuary, the best memories are made when you try something new.
Ready to start your adventure? Kick off your trip with the most innovative tour in Honolulu.