Visit Oahu, the third largest island in the Hawaiian Chain, often called “The Gathering Place.” Oahu is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population and offers a wide variety of popular activities and famous landmarks. The island boasts a vibrant city and beaches known for their stunning beauty, featuring award-winning coastlines and breathtaking jagged mountains.
Attractions
Oahu offers the widest range of popular activities and famous sights in Hawaii. The island is surrounded by stunning beaches where you can enjoy various watersports, watch a romantic sunset, or find family-friendly swimming spots. Oahu is home to the renowned Waikiki Beach and the iconic North Shore, which stretches for seven miles and hosts some of the world’s best surfing competitions during the winter months. At Laniakea Beach on the North Shore, you can often see honu (turtles) lounging on the sand.
Explore popular hikes such as the breathtaking Leahi (Diamond Head) in Honolulu, Hawaii’s famous crater, or trek to Makapuu Point Lighthouse on the east side of the island for a paved hike with stunning ocean views. For a refreshing adventure, hike to the magnificent waterfalls at Manoa Falls and Waimea Valley. Waimea Valley is rich in historical culture, and many sites are still used today by Hawaiians participating in traditional practices. Across the street is Waimea Bay Beach, known for its large winter waves, making it a prime destination for big-wave surfing. In the summer, the waves calm down, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The beach is also famous for its iconic “Jump Rock,” a popular cliff-jumping location.
Visit the popular Dole Plantation, which offers enjoyable activities for the entire family, including the Pineapple Garden Maze, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Express Train Tour. Don’t miss the chance to try the infamous “Dole Whip,” a dairy-free soft-serve frozen dessert.
Immerse yourself in culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center, or visit historical landmarks like Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor. The Polynesian Cultural Center is noted for having one of the best luaus on Oahu and has been recognized as a Travelers’ Choice Top 10 US experience by TripAdvisor.
Head to Kualoa Ranch for a variety of tours, including movie tours, ocean voyages, Secret Island Beach tours, horseback riding, zip-lining, E-bike and UTV Raptor adventures. Kualoa Ranch is a fantastic place to spend a whole day with plenty of exciting activities available.
In the summer months, when the water is calm, snorkel at Shark’s Cove (free) on Oahu’s North Shore, or visit Hanauma Bay State Park (paid) on the southeastern side of the island, where the water is usually tranquil, protected by vertical crater walls and a surrounding reef.
A few miles up the road from Hanauma Bay is the Halona Blowhole, known for its impressive water spray when waves crash against the rocky cliffs. This blowhole, formed by an underwater lava tube, can shoot water up to 30 feet into the air, so be sure to keep your distance! Adjacent to the Blowhole, you’ll find the breathtaking Halona Beach Cove, also known as Eternity Beach.
Other exciting attractions on Oahu include Sea Life Park Hawaii and the Honolulu Zoo. There truly is so much to see and do on Oahu!
Accommodations
Visitors to Oahu can experience a little bit of everything Hawaii has to offer, including a variety of accommodations. Options range from five-star resorts with numerous amenities to smaller hotels that provide a more local atmosphere. Most accommodations are located in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood in Honolulu that boasts excellent shopping and beautiful beaches.
Airport
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) serves as the major gateway to Hawaii, welcoming most visitors to the state. The airport is serviced by all major domestic carriers as well as many international airlines, making it accessible from virtually anywhere. Many airlines also offer non-stop flights to Oahu.
Transportation
To explore Oahu, visitors have several transportation options, including car rentals, shuttles, taxis, and public transportation. Many choose bus tours for a convenient way to see the island, while some opt to rent mopeds or motorcycles. To fully experience all that Oahu has to offer, it’s advisable to reserve a rental car in advance from Honolulu International Airport.
Weather
The average temperature in Oahu ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer lasts from April to November, bringing warmer and drier conditions, while winter, from December to March, is slightly cooler. The island’s western (leeward) side tends to be drier, while the eastern (windward) side is wetter. Fortunately, trade winds help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.