travel guide oahu
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Travel Guide: Visiting Oahu

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This post is about Oahu. I have been to Oahu, but it was only a day trip. There is so much more to see than what I managed to visit during that time. Let’s check out the options!


As the third-largest island in Hawaii, Oahu is often called the ‘gathering place.’ The blend of ancient and modern on this island is both unique and fantastic. Whether you want to spend time in a bustling city or a laid-back surf town, Oahu has an exhilarating combination of East and West cultures. As one of the most popular Hawaiian islands, this tropical paradise sees an estimated 6 million visitors a year. If you’re looking for adventure, Oahu has plenty of amazing activities to offer. Use this guide to Oahu to plan your perfect Hawaiian vacation to this must-visit island.

Getting To Oahu

Getting to Oahu is easy as Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is Hawaii’s major airport. Honolulu International serves as the entry point for most Hawaiian visitors. All major domestic airlines and many international carriers serve Oahu, making getting to the island a breeze.

When To Visit Oahu

If you take the weather, crowds, and prices into consideration, the best time to visit Oahu is early April, September, and early October. Although Oahu has excellent weather year-round, the hotel prices and crowds increase during the peak summer seasons. Another thing to consider is hurricanes and tropical storms, although they rarely affect the Hawaiian Islands. Hurricane season is typically June through November.

Regions Of Oahu

  • Honolulu – State Capital, Largest City
  • Windward Coast – Kualoa
  • North Coast – Big Wave Capital Of Hawaii
  • Leeward Coast – Kaena Point, KoKo Head
  • Central Oahu – Pearl Harbor

Where To Go In Oahu

Honolulu

Honolulu is the largest city in Hawaii and is also the capital of the state. You’ll find the city electric while you enjoy activities ranging from historical landmarks to excellent shopping and dining. Honolulu stretches across the southeastern shore of Oahu and is home to the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Visit the gorgeous Iolani Palace, the ancestral home of the Kalakaua Dynasty. Or hike Diamond Head Monument for stunning views of the city from above.

Windward Coast

The Windward Coast is full of lush green valleys, shimmering turquoise waters, and a slower pace that will have you feeling relaxed in no time. You can find the most stunning natural beauty in all of Hawaii on the Windward Coast. Highlights include Makapuu Point Lighthouse and Nuuanu Pali lookout. From the town of Kailua, you can drive one of two ways to explore this beautiful coast. Drive north to explore sites like the Byodo-In Temple, a stunning Japanese Buddhist Temple. Or drive clockwise along the coast to eventually end up in Waikiki.

North Shore

The North Shore of Oahu is known as the big wave capital of the world. These waves draw the best surfers in the world to the region with over 7 miles of coastline. The beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surf competitors. Beginners should visit during summer for gentler waves. Some of the most popular beaches on the North Shore are Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach, and Sunset Beach. Visit from November to February for the biggest waves. Some even reach an astounding 30 ft. That’s not all. The North Shore is also home to plenty of charming surf towns like Haleiwa Town.

Leeward Coast

The Leeward Coast is known for its amazingly sunny and dry weather. Located at the base of Waianae mountains, you’ll find that this area is less developed and features off-the-beaten path beaches more than other areas of Oahu. The Leeward Coast has several lux beach resorts, including a Disney Resort and Spa. This is a great area for families because it’s also home to the Wet and Wild Hawaii water park and the Paradise Cove Luau. Make sure to visit Kaena Point for the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Central Oahu

Central Oahu is home to one of the most important historical sites in Hawaii, Pearl Harbor. You can visit and pay your respects at 5 different historical sites. While Central Oahu doesn’t have quite as much to offer as the coastal regions, it’s incredibly beautiful. Other attractions in the area include the Leilehua Plateau with its sprawling pineapple fields. Visit the Dole Plantation for a closer look at the pineapple. You can also check out Aloha Stadium, home to the impressive University of Hawaii Warriors.

Things To Do In Oahu

Beaches

Oahu is known for its amazing beaches and coastline. If you are looking for powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and big waves, then you will love the beaches in Oahu. With more than 125 beaches on the island, you have so many beach options, whether you are looking to sunbathe or catch big waves. Oahu’s Windward Coast is known for having the most dazzling blue water in all of Hawaii. With so many options it may seem overwhelming, here are some of the most popular beaches on Oahu:

Waikiki Beach – Honolulu

This iconic beach is a 7 miles stretch of Oahu’s southern coastline. It’s a great beach for families and it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beginner surfers.

Halona Beach Cove – Honolulu

Known as Eternity Beach, this beach has been featured in many movies thanks to its pristine beauty. Keep an eye out for sea turtles as you relax on the sand on this stunning beach.

Kailua Beach – Windward Coast

This gorgeous beach was voted #1 beach in America in 2019 and it’s easy to see why. Kailua Beach has something for everyone with its soft sand, beautiful clear waters, and gentle waves. You can enjoy swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Lanikai Beach – Windward Coast

If you’re looking to relax in a serene setting, then head to Lanikai Beach. Gentle waves make this a great swimming spot with the picturesque backdrop of 2 small islands known as the ‘mokes.’

Banzai Beach – North Coast

Banzai Beach has a reputation for world-class surfing. If that’s what you are looking for, then this beach is perfect for you. The official name of the beach is Ehukai Beach, but surfers refer to it as the ‘Pipeline’ due to the epic barreling waves here.

Waimea Bay – North Coast

This gorgeous moon-shaped beach features sugary white sands and crystalline waters. The waves here become massive during certain seasons. For those with an adventurous spirit, there’s a cliff jump in Waimea Bay.

Sunset Beach – North Coast

You’ve probably heard of Sunset beach in Oahu. This famous surf spot is also great for viewing spectacular technicolor island sunsets!

Ko Olina Lagoons – Leeward Coast

If you’re looking for the perfect setting for a family beach day, head to Ko Olina Lagoons. They provide a fantastic swimming spot for the whole family thanks to the rocks protecting the lagoon from big waves.

Hiking

Oahu is 2 million year old, and the millions of years of erosion have created dramatic peaks and ridges perfect for hiking. Whether you are looking for a difficult challenge or a family-friendly hike, Oahu has a trail for every hiker.

Diamond Head Summit Trail – Honolulu

  • Distance: 1.8 miles
  • Rating: Easy
  • Elevation Gain: 452 ft

Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail is an easy 1.8 miles and provides amazing views of Honolulu. One of Oahu’s most popular sites and hikes means that Diamond Head has nearly 3,000 visitors a year. This dormant volcano is a favorite of families.

KoKo Head Trail – Honolulu

  • Distance: 1.6 miles
  • Rating: Difficult
  • Elevation Gain: 885 ft

Known for its steep elevation the KoKo Head Trail is considered difficult. It is not suitable for beginner hikers.

Manoa Falls – Honolulu

  • Distance: 2 miles
  • Rating: Easy
  • Elevation Gain: 633 ft

This family-friendly waterfall hike is a stunner. As you walk through the jungle to a beautiful 150 ft waterfall, be aware that this hike can become slippery, and sturdy waterproof boots are recommended.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike – Windward Coast

  • Distance: 1.8 miles
  • Rating: Moderate
  • Elevation Gain: 648 ft

The official name of this hike is Kaiwa Ridge, and it provides amazing views of Kailuna and Lanaikai.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail – Windward Coast

  • Distance: 2.5 miles
  • Rating: Easy
  • Elevation Gain: 505 ft

At just over 2 miles, this family-friendly hike provides views of the stunning blue water of Oahu. During the winter months, you may even see humpback whales from this hike.

North Shore Pillbox – North Shore

  • Distance: 2.3 miles
  • Rating: Moderate
  • Elevation Gain: 734 ft

Also known as the Ehukai Pillbox, this 2.3-mile moderate dog-friendly trail offers amazing views of the North Shore of Oahu. Located across from the Banzai Pipeline, you’ll get epic views of the coastline from the summit.

Ka’ena Point Trail – Leeward Coast

  • Distance: 5.6 miles
  • Rating: Moderate
  • Elevation Gain: 442 ft

You’ll find this trail in Ka’ena Point State Park, while hiking, keep an eye out for birds and marine life.

* Have you heard of the famous Haiku Stairs hike, always called Stairway To Heaven? This trail is now illegal to hike. It features 3,922 stairs, but Honolulu has deemed it too much of a liability. Please do not attempt to hike the Stairway To Heaven.

Learn To Surf

Hawaii is hugely famous for its importance in the world of surfing. It only makes sense to learn how to surf while visiting Oahu. There are plenty of places to rent a board on the island and Waikiki has some of the best beginner waves. Some of the best places to rent boards are:

Have Fun At A Luau

Modern luaus started happening as early as 1819 and are incredibly important to Hawaiian culture. They are also so much fun! Each luau is different and varies on how directly they follow Hawaiian traditions. Luau actually means feast, so prepare yourself for delicious poi and kahlua pork. Many of the island’s resorts offer their own luau’s but some of the most popular in Oahu are:

Visit Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor remains an active naval base, but you can visit 5 historical sites to learn more about the tragedy that occurred here. Start at the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center before visiting the other historical sites, including Battleship Missouri, Memorial Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Located in Central Oahu, these sites are worth a visit to pay your respect to the lives lost in Pearl Harbor.

Check Out Waimea Valley

  • Adults – $20
  • Children (4-12) – $12

Waimea Valley is a gorgeous attraction that features botanical gardens and hiking trails. Hike the Waimea Valley Trail for a great family-friendly day out. This easy 1.9-mile hike features a beautiful waterfall and is perfect for all skill levels. Hike through the botanical gardens before reaching the 45 ft waterfall with a pool at the bottom that was made for swimming!

Be Adventurous!

Oahu has amazing activities for those with adventurous spirits! Try your hand at surfing, zip-lining, or skydiving for the ultimate adrenaline rush. If you’re incredibly brave, you can even try cage diving with sharks! For those looking for a little less adventure, try snorkeling, scuba diving, or a whale watching tour.

Where to Stay On Oahu

Honolulu

Windward Coast 

North Shore

Leeward Coast

No matter what you do in Oahu, you’re sure to make amazing memories! The brave can try cage diving with sharks or skydiving. Those wanting to relax can enjoy the amazing beaches that the island has to offer. The beauty of Oahu is sure to take your breath away.





Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

Travel Guide: Visiting Oahu

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