Oahu, often referred to as “The Gathering Place,” is a remarkable island in Hawaii that often divides the room during discussions. With an international city on its coast and a population of about a million, Oahu travel overview is by far the most developed in the Hawaiian chain, even though it still has patches of “old Hawai’i” if you know where to seek it. Some avoid it because of its traffic and congestion, while others value its mix of urban and outdoor living.
In any case, one thing everyone can agree on is that Oahu is the most varied of the islands, offering a large spectrum of people, settings, and ways of life. From the surf-inspired coastlines of Haleiwa to the farm fields of Wahiawa, from the islands off Kailua to the city streets of Honolulu, Oahu allows one to experience a little bit of everything Hawaii has to offer. Good to know: although more days are always preferable, we advise you to stay in Oahu for at least four days.
Travel Destinations on Oahu Travel Overview
Honolulu, Waikiki, and the South Shore
If you want to feel Oahu’s urban energy, head to Honolulu on the southern coast. Its neighborhoods include Kakaako, Chinatown, and Waikiki, Hawaii’s most popular tourist destination. Waikiki is famous for its city-sand mix and beginner-friendly surf culture. Whether you want to learn to longboard or purchase a Rolex, Waikiki has it all.
Further down the coast, where the south shore meets the east coast, you’ll find the village of Hawaii Kai. Surrounded by surfing areas (Sandy’s Beach), natural beauties (Halona Blowhole), volcanic craters (Koko Head), and one of the most picturesque sections of shoreline on the whole island next to Hanauma Bay, this area centers around a residential and commercial marina.
Haleiwa and the North Shore
To understand why surfing is so closely associated with Oahu travel overview, look no further than the North Shore of Oahu, where massive swells produce world-class waves every winter. During the summer, these breaks mellow out and provide lots of opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, free diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Although Haleiwa is the “main hub,” you won’t find many places open late. Giovanni’s Prawn Truck and Ted’s Bakery are two establishments on the island’s north shore. If you’re thinking about spending some time on the North Shore, check out our selection of favorite activities there, which includes a one-day itinerary sample as well as our preferred beaches and shrimp restaurants.
Kailua and the East (Windward) Side
For a more subdued tropical Hawaii experience, head to the east side, or windward side, of the island. Around the town of Kailua, you will find verdant jungles and a first-rate series of beaches, including Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. Though it feels more like a beach town than a metropolis, this area has enough pulse to keep you entertained in the evening with breweries (Lanikai Brewing), beer bars (Grace in Growlers), speakeasies (Gaslamp), and seaside restaurants (Buzz’s).
If you are thinking about spending some time in Kailua, look at our selection of favorite activities there, which includes an example one-day schedule and our preferred restaurants and bars.
Waianae and the West (Leeward) Side
Though this will change at some point, the west side is by far the least visited section of Oahu. Under the arid peaks of the Waianae range, you will find little Hawaiian farming and fishing villages, a world-class surf break (Makaha), and lovely sandy beaches (Nanakuli/Yokohama). Ka’ena Point, a seabird refuge and natural preserve, is accessible from the extreme north on the west side.
If you are thinking about spending some time on the western coast, see our list of favorite activities on the Leeward coast, which includes a sample one-day schedule and our preferred restaurants and beaches.
Central Oahu
Driving through Central Oahu and its agricultural areas, one can see that the island still recalls what it was like decades and centuries ago, even if it is now developed in sections. Today, its fields produce coffee and pineapple, as well as other locally made goods. Explore the island’s pineapple heritage by visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation, sample the local coffee at Green World Coffee Farm, or witness the modern use of sugar cane at Manulele Distillery.
The top five most iconic activities on Oahu Travel Overview
On Oahu, there are hundreds of tourist events that one can enjoy. Here is an overview of the top five activities available on Oahu:
1. Hanauma Bay
Families with small children who want to snorkel in a secure, gorgeous setting will find this state-run nature preserve perfect. With typically quiet conditions and lifeguards to boot, Hanauma Bay, tranquil, shallow, and under state control, boasts some of the best coral and sea life on the island. Get here early to avoid the inevitable throngs, and pack reef-safe sunscreen.
2. Diamond Head
The famous volcanic craters, known as Diamond Head Towers, are visible over Waikiki’s skyline. A paved hiking path allows guests to go to the top for expansive views of Honolulu, and its history reveals the volcanic activity that created the Hawaiian Islands.
3. Pearl Harbor
The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 didn’t even make Hawaii a state; it wouldn’t become one until 1959! Retrace the war history of Hawaii by visiting Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, the U.S.S. Bowfin, and the U.S.S. Missouri to reconstruct Hawaii’s war history. The Pearl Harbor monument itself requires free tickets, which include a boat trip and a video. The film effectively depicts World War II and the events in Hawaii during this historic period. From the tourist center, the other three major attractions—the Arizona Memorial, the Missouri battleship, and the Bowfin submarine—are visible in the distance.
4. The Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace
The Bishop Museum, specializing in Hawaiian history and Pacific wayfaring, provides a comprehensive and robust understanding of Hawaii. Hawaii was a sovereign country with a royal dynasty before it became U.S. territory; today, the Iolani Palace is the sole royal palace in the United States. Visit the Iolani Palace to gain a deeper understanding of daily life during Hawaii’s monarchy era. From rebuilt fishponds (Heʻeia) to maintained temples, or heiaus (Kukaniloko Birth Site), Oahu is bursting with additional cultural monuments.
5. Polynesian Cultural Center
Families might consider the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), where a theme-park-esque environment helps children digest Polynesian culture, while adults and solitary travelers should proceed to the Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum for their history lesson. Broken up into villages reflecting several island nations (Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, etc.), the PCC has vibrant displays, live events, dances, boat excursions, performances, and movies encouraging an interactive experience.