Travel Guide ยท Hawaii
Oahu,
The Gathering Place
Stunning beaches, lush mountains, fascinating history, and endless adventure โ this island delivers it all.
When people dream of a Hawaiian vacation, the debate inevitably begins: which island is best? Oahu is often overlooked as the “easy” choice โ but don’t let that fool you. With stunning beaches, lush mountains, fascinating history, and activities that run from sunrise to sunset, this island has something for every kind of traveler.
Here are some of our favorite things to do on this little piece of paradise.
Famous Surf Coast
North Shore
Haleiwa, Waimea Valley, Shark’s Cove, Kahuku food trucks, turtle beaches, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Calm Coves & Resorts
West Side
Ko Olina, Aulani, turtle habitats at Kahe Point, and the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet โ quieter and worth the drive.
History & City Life
Honolulu & South Shore
Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, ocean adventures, and the best people-watching in Hawaii.
Accommodation
Where to Stay
Waikiki has the most hotels on the island โ but we recommend getting out of the city and truly exploring what Oahu has to offer beyond the crowded streets of Honolulu.
The West Side has gorgeous beaches with calm, swimmable coves. The most famous property out here is Aulani Disney Resort, but we love the Ko’Olina Resort by Marriott as a less expensive and equally beautiful alternative.
The North Shore has our heart, but options are limited โ a Courtyard Marriott in Laie, the Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay, and the occasional Airbnb. The limited lodging is part of what keeps this side of the island so special.
Sightseeing & Adventure
Top Things to Do on Oahu
01 โ History
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Step into history at one of America’s most powerful memorials. Explore exhibits, watch a moving film, and take a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial โ where remnants of the ship remain visible beneath the water. This thoughtfully presented experience honors the brave men and women who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
Plan your visit โ02 โ Culture
Polynesian Cultural Center
An immersive journey through six Pacific island cultures โ interactive experiences, cultural demonstrations, and hands-on activities fill the afternoon. Cap the night with the spectacular Hฤ: Breath of Life show, featuring Polynesian music, dance, and breathtaking fire knife performances.
Book tickets โ03 โ Landmark
Laie Hawaii Temple
Often called the “Taj Mahal of the Pacific,” this stunning white landmark sits between lush green mountains and the deep blue waters of the Pacific. While the interior is open to church members only, the visitors center, grounds, and surrounding scenery are absolutely worth a stop โ especially if you’re already heading to the Polynesian Cultural Center next door.
04 โ Adventure
Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch
Step into some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking โ and recognizable โ scenery. Kualoa Ranch is a working ranch and iconic filming location for more than 200 movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park. Explore the stunning valley through UTV tours, horseback riding, e-bikes, ziplining, or behind-the-scenes movie site experiences.
Explore experiences โ05 โ Ocean Life
Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove
Snorkeling in Hawaii is a must โ and Shark’s Cove is home to over 80 species of fish, green sea turtles, and the occasional eel. (The name comes from the reef’s shape, not its residents.) Free parking, public restrooms, and showers make it easy. In our opinion, it’s a better snorkeling experience than Hanauma Bay โ without the expense, crowds, or 48-hour reservation scramble.
06 โ Classic Stop
Dole Plantation
Ride the Pineapple Express, wander through the world’s largest pineapple maze, and cool off with a famous Dole Whip while learning about Hawaii’s agricultural history. Honestly? We usually just come for the Dole Whip and let others enjoy the rest. The Pineapple Express is fun the first time, but it doesn’t need to be a repeat โ the Whip does.
07 โ On the Water
Kayak to the Twin Islands
Kayaking is even more fun when there’s a destination waiting. The Twin Islands sit about 2.5 miles off the coast of Kailua Beach โ roughly 60 to 90 minutes paddle each way in mild conditions. A $3 permit to land on the island is easy to obtain and usually included with kayak rentals. We’ve loved using Kailua Beach Adventures for this trip every time.
Rent with Kailua Beach Adventures โ08 โ Eat
Kahuku Food Trucks
The North Shore is quiet and beautiful โ but not exactly overflowing with dinner options. The Kahuku Food Trucks more than fill that gap. Seafood, BBQ, Latin food, pizza, smoothies, and more roll into one lively spot that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day of adventure. Come hungry.
09 โ Treasure Hunt
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The perfect place to wander, explore, and hopefully find that one perfect something to remind you of your time in paradise. Held in the Aloha Stadium parking lot on the West Side, it’s still running even while the stadium undergoes renovations. Budget a couple of hours if you want to browse all the booths.
10 โ Wildlife
Discover Turtle Habitats
A trip to Oahu isn’t complete without seeing a Hawaiian green sea turtle basking in the sun or gliding through the waves. Several spots are almost guaranteed to deliver: Laniakea Beach and beaches around Turtle Bay on the North Shore are favorites, as are Ko Olina and Kahe Point on the West Side. You can also spot them while snorkeling at Shark’s Cove or Turtle Canyon.
11 โ North Shore Town
Wander the Shops of Haleiwa
Haleiwa is a charming little surf town we find ourselves returning to every visit โ probably because it’s home to Matsumoto’s Shave Ice, which in our humble opinion is the best on the island. But beyond the shave ice, the shops here offer beach-inspired clothing, unique souvenirs, and some genuinely beautiful local art that brings a piece of the island home with you.
12 โ Waterfall
Escape to Waimea Valley
A lush botanical garden on the North Shore with a beautiful waterfall at the end โ one you can actually swim in. The paved path through the garden makes it accessible for most ages and fitness levels. It’s appeared in enough TV shows and films that it may feel familiar the moment you step inside. The admission price is steep, but for a gentle hike through a paradise garden to a swimmable waterfall, it’s hard to argue.
13 โ Set Sail
Embark on an Ocean Adventure
Exploring Oahu from the water is a must. We’ve done dolphin excursions, snorkeling tours, sunset dinner cruises, cage shark dives, and cageless shark swims โ the last of which my husband and kids call an absolute must-do. Even if you’re prone to seasickness, there are calmer, shore-hugging options where Dramamine isn’t even necessary. (This is coming from someone who regularly turns green at the slightest movement.)
14 โ Hit the Trails
Hike Oahu
Hiking on Oahu is often what dreams are made of. Trek through jungle-green forests, chase waterfalls, walk along dramatic coastlines, explore dormant volcanoes, or climb to WWII-era pillboxes perched above the ocean. Lanikai Pillbox and Koko Head are favorites for the views; Diamond Head is iconic for good reason. There are trails for every age and fitness level โ go early to beat the heat.
15 โ Just Breathe
Become a Beach Bum
With so much to do on Oahu, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the best thing you can do is simply find a stretch of sand and stay there. From the calm, crystal-clear coves of the West Side to the dramatic surf breaks of the North Shore, Oahu’s beaches are as varied as its activities. Most are easily accessible with facilities, and a few hidden gems reward those willing to wander a little further.
Read: Our Favorite Oahu Beaches โBefore You Go
Good to Know
Book Ahead
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona reservations, Polynesian Cultural Center combo deals, and Kualoa Ranch tours all benefit from advance booking โ some sell out days ahead. Reserve online to save money and guarantee your spot.
Rent a Car
You truly need wheels to experience Oahu beyond Waikiki. The North Shore, West Side beaches, Kualoa Ranch, and the Polynesian Cultural Center are all a good drive from Honolulu โ and the journey there is half the fun.
Go Early
Parking at Shark’s Cove fills fast, popular trails get crowded by mid-morning, and the Hawaiian heat peaks in the afternoon. An early start gets you the best of the island before the crowds and the sun catch up with you.
Ready to Find Your Paradise?
Oahu has a way of getting under your skin โ every visit leaves you planning the next one. Start with our guide to the island’s best beaches to find your perfect stretch of sand.
Read: Our Favorite Oahu Beaches โ