Beyond the Break
More Hawaiian adventures for when you're ready to trade your board for different thrills
Written by a Local Expert
Jade KawanuiWhen the Waves Rest, Adventure Continues
The waves might be the main event, but Hawaii's spirit of adventure doesn't stop at the shoreline. For the days when the surf is flat, or you're ready to trade your board for a different kind of thrill, here are two essential Oahu experiences that capture the island's dynamic character.
Hawaii offers adventures beyond the surf that connect you with the islands' thrilling landscapes and profound history. From adrenaline-pumping ziplines to sobering historical journeys, these experiences complete your Hawaiian adventure.
Adrenaline on Land: Coral Crater Adventure Park
For a perfect counterpoint to the fluid energy of the ocean, head to the west side of Oahu for some high-octane land-based adventure at Coral Crater Adventure Park. This park offers a unique set of thrills built around a 60-foot-deep crater, originally dug by the Navy in the 1940s. It's the ideal destination for families and groups looking for an adrenaline rush.
🌲 6-Line Zipline Tour
Soar through the jungle and over the crater itself on this signature adventure. Experience Hawaii from above with breathtaking views and pure adrenaline.
🏍️ ATV Adventures
Kick up some dirt on guided tours with side-by-side ATVs or the unique EzRaider Stand-Up ATVs. Perfect for those who prefer to stay on the ground.
🧗 Adventure Tower
Multi-level challenge course featuring a climbing wall and 18 different aerial obstacles, culminating in an optional 50-foot free-fall plunge.
🌙 Night Ziplining
Uniquely, Coral Crater offers night ziplining for a completely different perspective. The park operates sustainably using off-the-grid solar power.
Explore More Hawaiian Adventures
Discover the full spectrum of Hawaii's adventure opportunities beyond the waves
🎢 Adventure Info
- Location: West Oahu
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Age Limit: 5+ years
- Eco-Friendly: Solar powered
✅ What's Included
- Safety equipment
- Professional guides
- Adventure briefing
- Transportation options
A Dive into History: Pearl Harbor
No trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. This is not just a tourist attraction. It is a profound and somber journey into a pivotal moment in world history. It is a place of remembrance that offers a powerful look at the event that propelled the United States into World War II and forever changed Hawaii.
The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience
To fully appreciate the scope of the history here, a comprehensive tour is highly recommended. The Complete Pearl Harbor Tour Experience is an excellent option that includes transportation and covers all the key historic sites.
🚢 USS Arizona Memorial
The centerpiece of any visit is the boat trip to the USS Arizona Memorial, a serene white structure built over the sunken hull of the battleship where 1,177 crewmen still lie entombed.
Standing on the memorial and looking down at the submerged vessel is a deeply moving experience that connects visitors to the human cost of war.
⚓ Battleship Missouri Memorial
The tour typically includes a visit to the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the "Mighty Mo," where the Japanese surrender documents were signed, officially ending WWII.
This massive battleship provides a fascinating contrast to the Arizona, showing both the beginning and end of America's involvement in the Pacific Theater.
🚤 Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
Explore the crucial role submarines played in the Pacific War, with exhibits and the chance to tour an actual WWII submarine.
✈️ Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Discover the aviation history of the attack and its aftermath, with restored aircraft and immersive exhibits in historic hangars.
Together, these sites provide a complete picture of the attack and its aftermath, offering visitors a profound understanding of one of history's most significant events and its lasting impact on Hawaii and the world.