Hawaii’s island of Oahu, also known as the “gathering place,” perfectly fits its adored nickname as it has a plethora of things to enjoy. Being born and raised on the island, I have some insight on what to do when visiting Oahu. Places to visit that are worth it, beaches and hikes to explore, and much more! Follow along as I take you on the ultimate Oahu Travel guide!
Quick Facts
- 50th State of the United States
- Official Languages is English, Hawaiian, and Pidgin, which is a slang combining words from many aspects of island life and culture.
- Currency is Dollars
- Hawaii consists of 8 Islands in the Pacific Ocean (Oahu, Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau)
Popular Places
Let’s start with places to visit while being a tourist on Oahu. First on the list is Pearl Harbor, take a tour of the exact site that brought the U.S. into World War II.
Next on the list is to do a Circle Island, what that is exactly is to just drive the outskirts of the island. Stop by Haleiwa in the North Shore and eat at the infamous Shrimp trucks, grab a coconut as a refresher, and for dessert stop by the Dole Plantation for some Dole Whip.
I’ve asked people who have visited the island what is their most memorable experience and hands down their number one experiences were at Polynesian Cultural Center.
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Make a day to go to Kualoa Ranch for an exhilarating ATV ride, zip line through the jungle, or make your way to The Secret Island to kayak and canoe!
Get nutty on the Macadamia Nut Farm! Fall in love with one of the six delicious macadamia nut flavors that are freshly roasted on the farm.
Museums + Historic Places
If you are a museum junkie or a history buff the island has some places for you aside from Pearl Harbor mentioned above!
Iolani Palace – Home to Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs this is one of Oahu’s most revered national historic landmarks, and a must-see attraction located in Downtown Honolulu.
Honolulu Museum of Art – Make your way to the largest Modern and Contemporary art museum also located in Downtown, Honolulu.
Bishop Museum – This is a premier research institution of natural and cultural history in the Pacific which focuses on the Hawaiian people.
Shopping Centers
Ala Moana Shopping Center is the largest outdoor mall in the U.S. it is a great high-end spot to just walk around, explore, eat at some of the restaurants, etc.
For a reasonably priced shopping location drive to the West side of the island to Waikele Premium Outlet. A lot of tourists flock to this open-air shopping center as it is a Simon Premium Outlet.
Of course, there are other shopping centers on the island but these are frequented by tourists and are worth checking out.
Beautiful Beaches
List of my favorite beaches:
- Ko’olina – consisting of four man-made almost identical beaches, this is a great place to take kids for a swim.
- Cockroach Cove – Not often mentioned but one of my personal favorites! A tamed version of the infamous Sandy Beach.
- Waimanalo – Nicknamed ‘Sherwoods‘ by locals, this is a great place to picnic and even have a mini campout, as it is a 3-mile stretch of white soft sand!
- Hanauma Bay – One of the famous spots to snorkel at on the islands.
- Lanikai – One of the most beautiful beaches in the world! So of course, this had to make it on the list.
- Turtle Bay Resort – make this a little family gateway as this is on the complete opposite side of the island. It is a journey to drive there so make it a worth-while experience.
- Sunset Beach – Located in the North Shore. From Pipeline to Waimea Bay, Oahu’s North Shore holds some of the biggest surf competitions in the world.
- Waikiki – if you haven’t been to Waikiki then have you ever been to Oahu? This is a MAJOR tourist hotspot, take a surfing lesson or rent a stand-up paddleboard!
Easy Hikes to Try
While visiting Oahu you have to try some novice hiking spots.
Here is the list of novice hikes:
- Diamond Head – Pictured below, Diamond Head is a crater that people often hike. A pretty easy hike and oddly a popular proposal spot!
- Manoa Falls – Frequently known as a muddy hike, but one that is well worth it. While in the area also take a campus tour of the University of Hawaii at Manoa as it’s also a beautiful Botanical Garden.
- Wa’ahila Ridge Trail – This is one of my favorite hikes as it has scenic views of the Oahu valleys.
- Lanikai Pillbox – One of Oahu’s picturesque spots on the islands as you get a gorgeous sunrise view of Kailua Bay and Ko’olau Mountains.
- Makapu’u Lighthouse – A short 2-mile paved trail that is family-friendly! During the winter season, it is a prime whale-watching spot.
- Koko Head – Your stair master workout of the day. With a little over 1,000 steps to get to the top, this is Oahu’s most popular hiking spots.
Diamond Head Manoa Falls Wa’ahila Ridge Trail Koko Head
Hope you enjoyed this Oahu travel guide by a local!
For similar city guides check out our travel page.
If you are interested in my personal travels check out my Instagram page.
This is awesome! Definitely going to use these tips when I can go back to Hawaii again! I love it there.
I’d love to visit the secret island!! which island in hawaii has volcanoes?
Hawaii Island also known as the Big Island is the one with volcanoes! It’s amazing, stay tuned for a future post of the Big Island!
Great guide! I’m so looking forward to spending time in Hawaii soon, particularly the less touristy places.
Excellent! I am so gonna visit Oshu next! Mahalo!
I want to go to Hawaii so bad! When I do, that Dole Whip is at the very top of my list! Yum.
It looks like a paradise. I’ve heard so great things about Hawaii. If non American, do you need a visa to go on holiday there?
Yes it’s beautiful! For the visa you would need a standard US tourist visa to visit as its part of the US.
Some of my favourite places are on this list! Love hearing about these from a local perspective as well 🙂
Such a complete list! thanks for your job! nice pictures too!
I would love to visit sometime! Thanks for all of the helpful ideas and tips. Definitely a great resource! Thanks for sharing your local expertise.
I’ve been to Oahu twice and I love it! These are great recommendations! The Dole Plantation was one of my favorite places to visit.
Never been anywhere to Hawaii, but would love to visit one day! Thanks for sharing the tips! 🙂