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It's easy to see why Hawaii has become synonymous with paradise. Just look at these sugary beaches, Technicolor coral reefs and volcanoes beckoning adventurous spirits.

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Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is Kauaʻi's postcard-perfect beach, embracing surfers, paddlers, bodyboarders and beach bums alike. It's a perfect crescent of golden sand…

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea volcano lies at the center of activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The unassuming bump on Mauna Loa's southeast flank would be easily…

In the shadow of Diamond Head, the former mansion of billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke is a sight to behold for art-lovers and celebrity hounds…

Stones of Life of Kapaemahu and Kapuni

Near the police substation at Waikiki Beach Center, four ordinary-looking volcanic basalt boulders are actually sacred and legendary Hawaiian symbols…

Spitting Cave

This impressive, little-known viewpoint is at the end of Lumahai St in Portlock, makai (toward the sea) from the traffic lights at the Koko Marina Center…

Piʻilanihale Heiau & Kahanu Garden

The Road to Hana

Probably the most significant stop on the entire Road to Hana, this site combines a 294-acre ethnobotanical garden with the magnificent Piʻilanihale Heiau…

Mauna Kea's Summit Area

At 13,796ft in the air, you are above 40% of the atmosphere and 90% of its water vapor – apparently perfect conditions for growing the giant mushroom-like…

USS Arizona Memorial

Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu

This somber memorial is one of the USA's most significant WWII sites, commemorating the Pearl Harbor attack and its fallen service members with an iconic…

Top picks from our travel experts

9 of the best things to do in hawaii.

Puakea Ranch

North Kohala

Live the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) dream in one of four meticulously restored cottages. Ranging from two to six bedrooms, each cottage enjoys its own…

Kahua Ranch

Looking for a down-home country barbecue on a gorgeous piece of sloping pasture with wide-open views? Busloads of lei-wearing tourists join the Richards…

Koloa Rum Company

Kauaʻi's own rum label is a relatively new brand, which means it doesn't have a fine aged rum yet, but its dark and spiced versions win awards. Learn how…

13 top free things to do in Hawaii: how to see the islands for less

Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve

South Kohala

This collection of petroglyphs carved in lava rock is so easy to access that it merits a stop, although the Puako Petroglyph Preserve further north is…

Island X Hawaii

North Shore & Central O‘ahu

In the rambling warehouse building at the far end of the parking lot of the old Waialua Sugar Mill, Island X has all sorts of good stuff to interest…

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

Touristy, no doubt. But mac nut fans might enjoy glimpses of Mauna Loa's plantation and working factory. From windows above, watch the prized mac nut move…

Mokupapapa Discovery Center

Geared for kids, this center aims to educate the public about pristine Hawaiian ecosystems. Even adults might not know that the Hawaiian archipelago…

Makena State Park

Kihei & South Maui

Makena State Park should be high on every traveler’s itinerary. Its crowning glory, Big Beach, is the scene that people conjure up when they dream of a…

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

The largest contiguous fully protected conservation in the US, this marine reserve is home to over 7000 species and 14 million seabirds. It covers 139,797…

Puako Petroglyph Preserve

With more than 3000 petroglyphs that date back as far as the 16th century, this preserve is among the largest collections of ancient lava carvings in…

Kukaniloko Birthstone State Monument

One of the most important ancient sites on the island, Kukaniloko Birthstone State Monument is located in a 5-acre field just north of Wahiawa township,…

Sheraton Maui

This sleek resort bumps against the striking Puʻu Kekaʻa at the northern end of the Kaʻanapali Beach Walk. Selling points include the sunset cliff dive,…

Lava Tree State Monument

An easy 0.6-mile paved loop takes you past ancient ‘lava trees,’ created in 1790 when pahoehoe (smooth-flowing lava) from Kilauea’s East Rift Zone…

Isaac Hale Beach Park

This rocky beach park was the local surf spot serving all of the greater Puna area, but where once flowed ocean peppered with local talent battling over…

Lapakahi State Historical Park

This park was a remote fishing village 600 years ago. An unshaded, 1-mile loop trail traverses the 262-acre grounds, passing the remains of stone walls,…

Waialua Sugar Mill

The sugar mill that was the heart of the town for over a century until it closed in 1996 has been redeveloped to house a number of shops and businesses…

Kaʻu Coffee Mill

Hawaiʻi the Big Island

This down-to-earth, someday-to-be hydro-powered coffee farm roasts its own award-winning beans – the wonderful aroma floors you – which some connoisseurs…

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Just north of Honokohau Harbor, on the ocean side of Hwy 19, this 1160-acre national park may be the Kona Coast's most underappreciated ancient Hawaiian…

Kauai Coffee Company

Waimea Canyon & the Westside

With more than 4 million trees planted on former sugar fields, Hawaii’s largest coffee estate produces around 60% of the state’s entire crop. In the…

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse

Oʻahu's easternmost point was the landfall for all ships from the American west coast to Honolulu. The lighthouse dates to 1909, when it was finally built…

Little Beach

Those folks with the coolers and umbrellas, walking north from the sandy entrance to Big Beach? They’re heading to Little Beach, which is part of Makena…

Puʻukohola Heiau National Historic Site

By 1790 Kamehameha the Great had conquered Maui, Lanaʻi and Molokaʻi. But power over his home island of Hawaiʻi was a challenge. When told by a prophet…

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Food and Drink

Jun 6, 2024 • 6 min read

Shave ice is a summery treat served with colorful syrupy toppings and sold at shave ice shops across the islands of Hawaii. You won't want to miss it.

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Hawaii - The Big Island   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sean Davey | Aurora Photos

21 Best Things To Do in Hawaii - The Big Island

Hawai'i, also known as the Big Island, is the largest of the eight Hawaiian Islands. You won't have trouble finding a one-of-a-kind Hawai'i activity that will make lasting memories – the island is full of out-of-this-world natural

• All Things To Do

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

There are two active volcanoes in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, but Kilauea is the real "must-see." A 4,000-foot-tall mountain, Kilauea has been active since Jan. 3, 1983. In 2018, it erupted into the Puna District residential area, destroying more than 700 homes. It has erupted as recently as Jan. 5, 2023, but the eruption paused as of March 7, 2023. Check in at the Kilauea Visitor Center for up-to-date information on trails, safety precautions and whether or not there is active lava flow. Kilauea is at the top of the list for many Hawai'i visitors, with some commenting that it was impressive with or without lava flowing.

Mauna Loa – or Long Mountain – is overshadowed by Kilauea's fame, but not its height – this occasionally snow-capped volcano reaches 13,681 feet. Exploring Kilauea will probably eat up much of your time and energy, but don't worry; majestic Mauna Loa is clearly visible and picture-ready in much of the park. Stop to snap a photo from afar even if you don't get up close and personal.

'Akaka Falls State Park 'Akaka Falls State Park

A visit to Hilo's 'Akaka Falls State Park requires a short (0.4-mile), low-intensity hike in northeastern Hawai'i. Its payoff comes in the form of two consecutive waterfalls – cascading Kahuna Falls and the spectacular 'Akaka Falls, which earned the park its name.

Those who've hiked the less than half-mile, flat, paved loop trail say it's more of a "walk" that's easy enough for just about anyone – although there are stairs. Considering 'Akaka Falls' small investment of time and money, travelers say it's worth the trip. Many of the best Hawaii tours also stop here, if you don't want to venture to the area on your own.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area free

Hapuna Beach – Hapuna means "spring of life" in Hawaiian – is one of the most loved Hawai'i beaches, by both visitors and locals. Located on the South Kohala coast, it boasts soft, white sand, aquamarine water and unbelievable sunsets. Keep in mind, Hapuna Beach's famously calm waves are really only calm for part of the year; in the wintertime the tide might be too rough for swimming (though you may spot migrating whales from the shore).

Visitors love this family-friendly beach for boogie boarding, with many calling it their favorite beach on the island. Others lament the temporary lack of formal facilities, such as restrooms and a concession stand, due a water pipe leak. However, there are portable toilets.

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Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is one of Hawai'i's most sacred places. Up until the early 19th century on Hawai'i, Hawaiians who broke sacred laws (kapu) could avoid a punishment of death by fleeing to a region of the west coast known as pu'uhonua, or "place of refuge," where they would be forgiven by an area priest. In present day, this place of refuge is a 180-acre historical landmark. The National Park Service maintains structures within the park, but lineal descendants still use it as a functioning religious site.

It's an extremely popular outing for Hawai'i vacationers, especially those who have an interest in history and ancestral traditions. The site features eye-catching temples, intricate ki'i (a symbolic representation of the  akua , or Hawaiian gods and deities, most commonly carved into wood or stone) and plenty of honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), that live in the ocean surrounding the premises. Two Step, which is located just outside Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, has some of the best snorkeling on Hawai'i (note that this site is not located within the national park).

Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden Hawai'i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Located on the east side of the island, this lush, tropical garden features more than 2,500 species of rare and endangered plants. Visitors can hike the trails to see waterfalls, cross bridges and take in the views of Onomea Bay. There are also picnic areas to stop and enjoy a snack while taking in the views. Wearing insect repellent, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Recent visitors raved about the beauty of the garden and particularly enjoyed the tropical flowers and waterfalls. Others said a visit here pairs well with a stop at ' Akaka Falls State Park , which is located about 10 miles northwest of the garden.

Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach free

Kauna'oa Beach (also referred to as Mauna Kea Beach) is one of Hawai'i's most picturesque white sand beaches. So, most travelers recommend coming early (before 9 a.m.) to Kauna'oa to snag one of the too-few parking spots – and spending most of the day there. This eggshell-colored sand beach on the central Kohala coast has plenty to amuse you. Snorkeling is popular here, especially at either end of the beach, but you can also try bodyboarding or a pickup volleyball game.

The beach is accessible via the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection , which flanks this popular beach. It is about 30-some miles north of Kailua-Kona , off Highway 19 and nearby mile marker 68. Restrooms and showers are available. If your stomach starts to grumble, consider sitting down for a meal at one of the resort's restaurants. There are around 30 free public beach parking spots, but if those are full, you'll have to pay $30 for valet parking if you're dining at the resort for lunch.

'Anaeho'omalu Beach 'Anaeho'omalu Beach free

One of the Kohala Coast's premier beaches, 'Anaeho'omalu Beach is a favorite haunt for frequent Hawai'i visitors. Do as they do and call it "A-Bay" – that way you'll truly be in the know. At this family-friendly beach, you will have lots of opportunities to try some water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, in the calm water. Snorkeling is also popular here, but some recent visitors said you'll have to swim farther out to spot any fish since the water directly off the beach is cloudy.

Situated in front of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa , the beach is equipped with restrooms, dining options and chair rentals. At the Lava Lava Beach Club, a favorite of recent visitors, you can dine right on the beach. There are also historic fishponds and petroglyphs to explore. Many beachgoers say it is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Go on a Mauna Kea stargazing tour Go on a Mauna Kea stargazing tour

If you love stargazing, it doesn't get much better than the summit of Maunakea. In fact, the dormant volcano is one of the top 10 places for stargazing . With little light pollution, the summit's dark skies allow gazers to spot a multitude of stars and constellations. At 13,803 feet, Maunakea is home to the world's largest telescopes, which scientists use to study the universe.

You can visit the summit of Maunakea on your own, but you'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to traverse the gravel road. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider joining an organized tour. Several of the best Hawaii tours offer guided trips to the summit that include round-trip transportation from your hotel.

Big Island Zipline over KoleKole Falls

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Pololu Valley Lookout Pololu Valley Lookout free

If you're looking for an alternative to the Waipi'o Valley Overlook (which tourists are now discouraged from visiting), consider the equally magnificent Pololu Valley Lookout. Located in North Kohala, the Pololu Valley Lookout provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the lush, green Pololu Valley and the island's northeastern coast. The road, Highway 270, literally dead ends at the lookout, where you'll find a small parking lot. For the best chance at finding a parking spot, heed the advice of recent travelers and arrive at the lookout early (before 9 a.m.).

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a (steep) approximately half-mile hike down the Pololu Trail that leads to the ocean and a black sand beach. Though strong currents make the beach unsuitable for swimming, past visitors say it's worth the hike for the views alone. What's more, reviewers say the views afforded from the trail are better than those at the lookout. If you plan to hike, wear suitable shoes and bring plenty of water.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Punalu'u Black Sand Beach free

Some say the waters here are too rough and rocky to enjoy swimming, but that's not the main reason to visit Punalu'u anyway. This beach in southern Hawai'i (specifically Ka'u) is ideal for its picture-taking potential. For one thing, the onyx-tinted sand here owes its unique hue to the ongoing volcanic activity of Kilauea in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park . And for another, this beach is often visited by honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) that like to swim to and sun on the shore. You might also catch a glimpse of a hawksbill sea turtle from time to time.

Past travelers were in awe of Punalu'u and said there was plenty of free parking, though they cautioned that the beach's black sand can get very hot.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park free

About 5 miles south of the Kona International Airport, you'll find the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. This coastal park is a sacred area with temples, petroglyphs and native fishponds. It was here that Native Hawaiians built fishponds to manage the flow of brackish and fresh water and ultimately survived in the park's hot, arid climate. Wildlife, such as honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), monk seals and native birds, can be spotted. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, exploring tide pools, fishing, snorkeling and walking along ancient footpaths. There is also a visitor center with rangers who are happy to provide information and answer questions; you'll also find brochures and a book store.

Travelers who visited the park have commented that seeing the turtles was a highlight and that the rangers were very helpful.

Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument Snorkel at Captain Cook Monument free

The Captain Cook Monument is a 27-foot obelisk that was erected in 1874 to memorialize where Cook died. He was killed in 1779 after a fight broke out between the Hawaiians and Westerners. The monument stands on the shore of Kealakekua Bay .

Today, this is a popular snorkeling site. The site can be reached by boat tour, kayak or by hiking the steep Ka'awaloa Trail. Past visitors said the snorkeling was "spectacular," and compared the variety of fish to an aquarium. However, they cautioned that the 4-mile round-trip hike is strenuous (thanks in part to an approximately 1,400-foot elevation change). If you plan to hike, you'll want to wear sturdy hiking shoes and sunscreen (there is little to no shade along the trail), and bring plenty of water. You'll also want to pack your own snorkeling gear and water shoes.

Kealakekua Bay Kealakekua Bay free

Snorkelers like to visit this remote bay on Hawai'i's west coast for the tropical fish, sea turtles and Hawaiian spinner dolphins that are plainly visible just below the calm, shallow water's surface. History junkies make the trek to Kealakekua for a different reason altogether.

British explorer Capt. James Cook first spotted the bay and stayed here as a guest in January 1779. Weeks later, tensions rose and he was killed on the very same shore. Take time in between snorkel trips and scuba dives to behold the large white Captain Cook Monument that sits across the bay. There's also a traditional religious site, Hikiau Heiau, across the bay.

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Rainbow Falls Rainbow Falls free

Located at Wailuku River State Park, the 80-foot Rainbow Falls is a popular stop for Hawai'i visitors. The waterfall borrows its name from the fact that the mist coming off the falls typically casts a rainbow. Legend has it that the cave behind the waterfall was once the home of Hina , mother of the demigod Maui. The park is also home to Boiling Pots – a series of pools that are connected by underground flow that cause the surface of the water to bubble like boiling water.

Travelers recommend visiting in the morning to spot the rainbow and comment that it is easy to get to. They also say that you don't need to hike to admire the waterfall and say this a is quick, 15-minute stop. Others highlight the intricate banyan trees located at the top of the trail stairs as reasons to visit.

White Sands Beach Park (Magic Sands Beach Park) White Sands Beach Park (Magic Sands Beach Park) free

White Sands Beach Park, also called La'aloa, is nicknamed Magic Sand Beach due to the fact that it disappears and reappears throughout the year, depending on tides and surf. This beach is good for swimming, bodysurfing and boogie boarding, but waves can be strong during the winter months.

Previous visitors warned that the beach is small and that the water can be rough, but say it's beautiful. Others appreciated the beach's proximity to nearby lodging and restaurants.

Explore Kailua-Kona Explore Kailua-Kona free

Located on the west side of Hawai'i, Kailua-Kona is a popular tourist destination, with lots of restaurants, shops and hotels along Ali'I Drive. The town is actually Kailua, and the larger district is Kona. But there is also a Kailua on O'ahu , so to differentiate between the two, the town on Hawai'i is called Kailua-Kona. However, most locals just call it Kona (which also includes the surrounding area).

The town is situated on Kailua Bay with boats docking at Kailua Pier. This is a popular place to do a night dive with manta rays – one of the best Hawaii tours and a "must-do," according to visitors.

Kaumana Caves Kaumana Caves free

About 5 miles from downtown Hilo, on Kaumana Drive, you'll find the Kaumana Caves. Originally formed in 1881 by lava flow from Mauna Loa, the caves are now accessible to visitors via a metal ladder. The caves can be wet, dark and muddy, so proceed with caution and pack a flashlight or headlamp (your cell phone's flashlight won't cut it, according to past travelers). There is free parking, as well as restrooms and picnic tables.

Hulihe'e Palace Hulihe'e Palace

If you're looking for a historic attraction during your visit to Kailua-Kona , consider stopping at Hulihe'e Palace, which sits on bustling Ali'i Drive. Originally built out of lava rock, the palace was home to more members of Hawaiian royalty than any other residence in Hawai'i. This palace has been preserved by the Daughters of Hawai'i, who, in 1924, had the foresight to ensure that the history of Hawai'i and its language were well documented and protected by turning the Hulihe'e Palace into a museum. Today, the museum gives visitors an insight into to life as a royal Hawaiian, with koa wood furniture, artifacts from the King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani era, historic portraits and artwork, such as kapa, feather work and Hawaiian quilts. Along with six rooms, the site also boasts two oceanfront lanais and manicured grounds.

This sneak peek into Hawaiian royals' history was a hit with recent visitors, who called out the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides as highlights. Others said a stop at the palace is a must-do for history and architecture lovers.

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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site free

This sacred site has one of the largest and oldest heiau  (temple) in the state, Pu'ukohola Heiau. The lava rock structure is said to have been built by King Kamehameha I as a place to worship and to make sacrifices to the war god, Ku-ka'ili-moku. Located on the Kohala Coast, it is still used as a place of worship and for traditional Hawaiian ceremonies. Visitors can tour the site on a half-mile paved walking trail, which includes Pu'ukohola Heiau, Mailakini Heiau, Pelekane (a royal courtyard), Hale O Kapune (a submerged heiau) and John Young's Homestead. Young was a British sailor who got stranded on the island in 1790 and later became an advisor to Kamehameha. There is also a visitor center where travelers can watch videos about the site, see exhibits and stroll through the small museum.

This national park is a hit with visitors who want to learn about the history of Hawaii, some of whom commented that they enjoyed learning how the temple was built and appreciated the informative park rangers.

Hilo Farmers Market Hilo Farmers Market free

Local farmers and artisans congregate each day to sell everything from locally grown produce to fresh seafood, handicrafts to clothing in downtown Hilo. The rotating list of vendors sell everything, from the run-of-the-mill (like pineapples and bananas) to more unique items (like wood carvings or jade jewelry). You can also enjoy some poke and shaved ice while you browse.

Though most travelers enjoyed their visit to the market (especially on Wednesdays or Saturdays, when the market welcomes the most vendors), some were disappointed with the selection of wares and crafts, cautioning that some of the goods did not appear to be local. Many said this was a great place to stop for lunch, but may not be a satisfying spot for quality souvenirs.

Lyman Museum and Mission House Lyman Museum and Mission House

At the Lyman Museum and Mission House in historic downtown Hilo, visitors can browse exhibits on volcanoes, view gem and mineral displays, admire Hawaiian artifacts and learn about the history of Hawai'i and its people. Take a self-guided tour of the Lyman Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate built in 1971, to see artifacts, archives, natural history exhibits, special exhibitions and a gift shop. Visitors can also opt for a docent-led tour of the Mission House next door. Built in the late 1830s, it was owned by David and Sarah Lyman, missionaries from New England. Today, it's one of the oldest standing wooden structures in Hawai'i, and is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Inside, visitors will find furniture, tools, household items and artifacts used by the Lymans and other early missionary families.

Past visitors called the museum a "hidden gem," and a great activity for a rainy day. Others were particularly impressed with the volcano exhibit and the knowledgeable docents.

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Best 40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (the list + map you need)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

The island of Oahu in Hawaii is best known for its Waikiki Beach, stunning mountains, and gorgeous beaches. But it can also feel like a crowded, big city. Let us show you the best things to do on Oahu, Hawaii so you can escape from Waikiki to visit the country of this Hawaiian paradise.

Most things to do on Oahu lists take you randomly around the island. Here, I’ll show the best things to do starting in Waikiki, greater Honolulu, and then clockwise around Oahu. 

With maps, directions, and why we love the activity, you can start planning your trip to Oahu easily. 

My wife Erica and I lived on Oahu and now visit Oahu two to three times a year with our kids (sometimes with our dog Hattie ). We are constantly exploring to find the new, best places to eat, things to do, and tours.

Our free Oahu Travel Guide has more to help you plan your trip to Oahu. You also won’t want to miss the best beaches , snorkel spots , and places to stay on Oahu .

Things to Do on Oahu Video

One of our most popular videos is 21 Things to Do Around Oahu. This article contains even more things to do but we’ve found a video is the best way to show you what you can expect with the best things to do on Oahu. 

If this video doesn’t get you excited about your Hawaii vacation , I don’t know what will.

After all these amazing things to do on Oahu, you may be asking yourself how many days do you need on Oahu?

If your a family traveling to Oahu, see our 23 Things to Do on Oahu with Kids !

Best Things to Do on Oahu in Waikiki

Waikiki is a neighborhood in the city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. As the most popular part of Oahu to stay in, Waikiki has a lot to do but also can feel crowded. We always recommend taking a day during your Oahu vacation to relax around Waikiki to walk the main avenue, Kealakakaua Avenue, and sunbathe and swim on Waikiki Beach. 

Here are the best things to do while you enjoy Waikiki.

Check out the map below for a list of all our things to do in Waikiki. Then, see our 7 Best Family Hotels on Oahu for ideas on where to stay and our favorite places to stay in Waikiki .

Do you need a rental car to do all these things on Oahu? Oahu is the only Hawaiian island that we don’t say a rental car is a must-have. See How to Get Around Oahu: Car, Bus, Bike, and More (a full guide) to decide if you need a rental car and what to do if you don’t get one.

Additional Hawaii planning resources:

• What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation
• Oahu vs Maui (from someone who has lived on both)
• Oahu vs Maui for Kids

1. Where to Escape the Crowds on Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is a 2-mile-long, gold sand beach lined with highrise hotels. I love Waikiki Beach for the beautiful, clear water and views of the iconic Diamond Head. 

There is so much that makes Waikiki Beach famous , hence the crowds flock to this beach. Half of all visitors to Hawaii stay near Waikiki, usually for their first visit (see our first time to Hawaii guide for planning tips! )

Here is how to find a secluded section of Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is divided up into multiple sections or beaches. The far sides of the 2-mile stretch of beach have far fewer people than the areas in the middle, like in front of the Royal Hawaiian or Moana Surfrider hotels.

To escape the crowds in Waikiki, go to Kahanamoku Beach ( click for directions ) near the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. Kahanamoku Beach has been rated the best beach in the country by Dr. Beach for its wide, sandy beach and its great spot for swimming. You will also get epic views of Diamond Head. And a good place to see the fireworks, see below!

Our second favorite secluded spot in Waikiki is on the Diamond Head side of the beach. Go to Queen’s Beach ( click for directions ) to find a place for your towel. We like this part of the beach as there is the Waikiki Wall (small jetty), volleyball courts, and shade near the park side of the beach. 

2. Surf Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is well known for its surf break. The long, slow rolling waves are perfect to learn how to surf. You can take surf lessons ( Erica was so much better at surfing than me ) or grab a board for $20 for three hours from dudes on the beach.

The surf breaks, starting on the Diamond Head side, are Publics, Queen’s, Canoes, Populars, Threes, Fours, Kaisers, and Rockpiles. You will easily see where everyone is surfing once you are on Waikiki Beach. 

If you have never surfed before then a surf lesson ( our favorite surf school is at Publics ) is highly recommended to get you started safely.

A good surfboard rental location is between the banyan tree and the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound and the Duke Kahanamoku statue. You will find local vendors renting out surfboards. Bring cash and look for the surf racks. 

Directions: Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI

Grab our favorite reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens before you head into the water for surfing and swimming at the beaches below.

3. Friday Fireworks

The show is back! Every Friday night the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a 4-minute fireworks show. From June to September, the show starts at 8:00 PM. The show switches to a 7:45 PM start in the fall. 

You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to see the show. Find a nice place on the beach near the hotel. The best viewing will be from Fort Derussy Beach Park ( click for directions ) to Kahanamoku Beach.

4. Acai Bowls at Tropical Tribe

Our favorite acai bowls in Waikiki are at Tropical Tribe. The small cafe with counter service has the best Brazilian acai bowls with fresh fruit in Waikiki. Located on the Ewa Side, near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, look for the small cafe at street level. 

Directions: 1778 Ala Moana Blvd #101, Honolulu, HI 96815

5. Fresh Poke at Sato Seafood

There is nothing more authentic than fresh poke when you are in Hawaii. While we love getting poke at local grocery stores like Foodland, Sato Seafood serves up unique and delicious poke bowls right in Waikiki.

Order the Hawaiian Munchies or Spicy Maui Maui. You can’t go wrong with their generous portions and quick service. Eat there or take it a block to the beach.

Directions: 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #215, Honolulu, HI 96815

If Muragame Udon has too long of a line, Sato Seafood is right next door.

6. Japanese Noodle House

Sure the line can be long at Muragame Udon, but it is worth the wait in our opinion. Watch them make the noodles and cook your udon right in front of you. 

Grab a tray, order your udon, and then pick up additional bites like tempura or spam musubi in this cafeteria-style restaurant. 

Directions: 2310 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

7. Hula and Happy Hour

If you don’t have time to attend one of Oahu’s best luaus, then House Without a Key is a good substitute. 

Directions: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Located in the luxury Halekulani hotel, House Without a Key is an open-air patio lounge serving up amazing mai tais, pupus (appetizers), and a light dinner fare. But we come for world-class hula performances and live Hawaiian music. 

With views of Diamond Head and the Hawaiian band playing under a 100-year-old kiawe tree, this happy hour shouldn’t be missed.

If you’re on Oahu now searching for things to do on Oahu or you are just starting your Hawaii vacation planning, then check out our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary . 

Let two professional Hawaii travelers show you the best things to do around Oahu on planned excursion days. No need to write these all down, download our itinerary and you’re off! Learn more below.

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Get the oahu itinerary.

The step-by-step itinerary takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. You’ll get six carefully planned excursion days to help you see the can’t miss stops no matter how limited your time is.

Get all the details on our itinerary and download it for a memorable and easily planned trip to Oahu.

Things to Do on Oahu: Honolulu

Let’s escape from Waikiki to explore things to do in Honolulu. Honolulu is called the Manhattan of the Pacific with its highrise offices and apartment buildings. We love Honolulu for its culture, nightlife, and food. Such amazing food options due to the Pacific island cuisine.

Our favorite neighborhoods are Kapahulu, Kaka’ako, and Chinatown. We have things to do in each. Plus, don’t forget the culture with trips to ‘Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum.  

But our first thing to do is to beat jetlag with a hike. 

See the map below for all these things to do in Honolulu.

Free Oahu Itineraries for more things to do on Oahu!

• Oahu Travel Guide
• The Best 5-Day Oahu Itinerary
• 7-Day Oahu Itinerary Without a Rental Car
• Your 10-Day Oahu and Maui Itinerary

The free itineraries are great but our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary is world-class (not just our biased opinion).

We are going to Oahu, Maui, and Big Island over the course of 21 days, so I have loved your itineraries–seriously they are a must-have lifeline for planning a trip to Hawaii! Kim S.

8. Diamond Head Crater Hike

Diamond Head Crater Hike starts inside a 300,00-year-old volcano, about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. A reservation for the Diamond Head hike is now required. The moderate 0.8-mile hike rises up 560 feet to an observation deck overlooking Waikiki and the east coast of Oahu.

Explore an old military bunker inside the volcano and take amazing photos of Waikiki. Rainbow views are possible with a morning hike. The gates open at 6:00 AM so come on over for those jetlagged travelers.

Directions: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead

Diamond Head Crater Hike made our list of the 7 best easy hikes on Oahu .

9. Leonard’s Bakery for Malasadas

Leonard’s Bakery makes it onto all things to do in Honolulu lists and for good reason. Their large, fluffy malasadas live up to the hype. Malasadas are Portuguese donuts with a fruit or chocolate filling. 

The doughy pastries are light, warm, and delicious in the morning with a coffee. The line does get huge at their original location on Kapahulu Avenue just outside of Waikiki.

Directions: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

See if you can order online to skip the line (they discontinue the online service at times) or plan on arriving early.

Another way to skip the line is to visit one of the many MalasadaMobiles they have conveniently located around Oahu. Bring cash for those and they only serve three types of malasadas at them.

10. Ono Seafood

The colorful red building with an art mural on the side is hard to miss from Kapahulu Avenue. Locals flock to this seafood restaurant for poke and more fresh seafood dishes. The no-frills place is relaxing and delicious. 

There are a lot of great restaurants on Kapahulu Avenue such as Rainbow Drive-In and Kono’s. You won’t go hungry on this avenue on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki.

Directions: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

11. Waiola Shave Ice

Shave ice is a must when you visit Hawaii . The fluffy ice and the flavors are a must when it is hot out and it is always a nice, hot temperature in Hawaii. 

Waiola Shave Ice is a classic. While there are few around Honolulu, the one below is the original and a short drive from Waikiki. 

Directions: 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826

Shave ice made our 5 Unforgettable Hawaii Foods You Have to Try video. 

12. Honolulu Nightlife

Honolulu is the place to go (the only place to go) in Hawaii for nightlife. The Hawaiian Islands can feel sleepy as most bars and lounges hardly make it to midnight on the neighbor islands. But in Honolulu, you can find hip lounges, wine bars, and even some clubs. 

For a little bar hopping in Waikiki, check out Lewers Street for Roy’s, Yard House, and some dive bars.

Our favorite area to go to in Honolulu is the hip and trendy restaurants and lounges in Chinatown. These award-winning restaurants, like Fete who is a 2022 James Beard winner, have great food and even better drinks. 

Head to North Hotel Street in Chinatown to find the likes of Lucky Belly, The Manifest, Little Village Noodle House, O’Kims, The Dragon Upstairs, Bar 35, The Tchin Tchin! Bar, and so many more.

Directions to North Hotel Street: 35 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817

13. Ala Moana Beach

Ala Moana Beach is the place where locals go in Honolulu for the beach. The large beach park has its own L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Magic Island Lagoon, and a well-protected beach for kids (keiki). 

Located in front of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, an upscale shopping center with a great food court, and next to Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach doesn’t have the Waikiki crowds and is a good place to take the kids for a beach day.

Directions to Ala Moana Beach Park

For those families out there exploring Oahu, read our 23 Things to Do on Oahu with Kids for more ideas!

14. Kaka’ako Street Art

Kaka’ako is an old neighborhood of Honolulu that has been re-developed with condo towers, restaurants, and breweries. We like the breweries for dinner and drinks. But, you can make an evening out of this neighborhood by walking the murals.

Kaka’ako has murals everywhere. Start at Mother Waldron Neighborhood Park and just follow the murals. You can’t miss them.

Directions: Cooke St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Watch our Escape from Waikiki video for our day out exploring unique things to do around Honolulu. 

15. ‘Iolani Palace

The ‘Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The palace had electricity and running water before the White House. Come to learn about the royal family, the forced overthrow of the kingdom, and Hawaiian history in this well-preserved, stately palace in the heart of Honolulu.

Directions: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

‘Iolani Palace is located in Historic Downtown Honolulu. Across from the palace, you will find Ali’iolani Hale, home to the state supreme court and the famous King Kamehameha The Great Statue. You can take our favorite Pearl Harbor guided tour that includes a tour of historic Honolulu.

Historic Downtown Honolulu gets bedazzled for Christmas. From parades to Christmas craft festivals, you will love Honolulu in December. See our Things to Do in Hawaii During Christmas . 

If you’re thinking of visiting Hawaii for a Christmas vacation, then you gotta read our 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation .

16. Historic Chinatown and the Arts District

As I mentioned in the Honolulu Nightlife thing to do, Chinatown is a fun part of the city to explore. A Chinatown walking tour is a wonderful way to hear the rich history and taste the food or go out and explore yourself.

The area has unique architecture and great food from Vietnamese to Chinese to Hawaiian and everything in between. There are also a lot of shopping and art galleries. 

The first Friday of the month is home to a lively street festival. The art galleries turn into lounges and street performers fight for your attention. It is the place to be for First Friday . 

Directions to Chinatown Parking Lot: 888 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817

17. Best Honolulu Sunset Spot

Tantalus Look is the place to come for the sunset and amazing views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Located 25 minutes (6 miles) from Waikiki, drive up a windy road to Pu’u Ualakaa State Park. Bring a picnic and a picnic blanket to sit on the lawn overlooking the grandeur of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. 

The sunset view is best during the winter but even during the summer, this is worth visiting.

Directions: Nutridge St, Honolulu, HI 96822

18. Kamehameha Bakery

While everyone is lined up at Leonard’s Bakery just outside of Waikiki, drive over to Kahili Neighborhood for another famous bakery. Get their maladas or one of their many amazing donuts and freshly baked bread.

Directions: 1284 Kalani St Unit D106, Honolulu, HI 96817

19. Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum showcases exhibits on Polynesian culture and natural history. This is our favorite museum in Hawaii. Our kids love the science center where they can go inside a volcano and get hands-on with science. I enjoy the Polynesian voyaging exhibits and then heading to Highway Inn Cafe for a Hawaii plate lunch.

The Hawaii Hall alone is worth checking out with three wood floors featuring Hawaiian history. It reminds me of the great museums in London.

Directions: 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817

20. Honolulu Helicopter Tours

While we don’t always recommend a helicopter tour in Hawaii due to the weather, the team at Honolulu Helicopter Tours has the best safety record on Oahu. They offer tours for different budgets too. From an 18-minute flight over Honolulu and Diamond Head to a 60-minute circle island tour, you should check them out to get above Honolulu for a fresh perspective. 

Save 5% on all their tours with promo code HVG, learn more and book here: Honolulu Helicopter Tours .

21. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Welcome to one of the most popular sites on Oahu ( this is the other one ). Pearl Harbor National Memorial brings thousands of visitors a day to pay their respects, learn about the air raid, and visit the historical sites. 

Pearl Harbor is 25-minutes away from Waikiki so it isn’t in Honolulu but I’ll keep it simple for this list. 

Directions: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818

Hop in an Uber, Taxi, Lyft, or drive yourself to the visitor center. But, before you arrive make sure you make a reservation for t he USS Arizona. Reservations can be tough to get, especially during the busy holiday season and summer.

You can skip the hassle of driving and getting a reservation by booking a guided Pearl Harbor and Historic Honolulu City Tour with our favorite local tour group. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Bags are not allowed in the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Also, make sure to hop on the free shuttle to take you to Ford Island. Home of the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum .

If this is your home base, Honolulu has more… way more to offer! Check out our full list of things to do in Honolulu .

Things to Do on Oahu: Ko Olina and Waianae

We lived in Ko Olina, on the leeward side of Oahu, for a couple of years. Ko Olina is at the start of Waianae, the West Side of Oahu. 

Waianae is a residential area of Oahu. Therefore, it is not a place visitors go often and we support that. But, there are some places of note and tours to explore.

22. Ko Olina Lagoons at Ko Olina Resorts

Ko Olina Resorts are known as the home of Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, but Ko Olina is better known to us for the lagoons. One of the 10 best beaches on Oahu is the Ko Olina lagoons.

We love these lagoons for the calm waters for our kids, proximity to the resort restaurants for lunch and snacks, and the big, empty beaches. 

The lagoons are man-made. Blasted from the volcanic rock as part of the Ko Olina Resorts development, the lagoons are open to the public and ready for your vacation. Arrive before 9:00 AM for a free, public parking spot. See our Oahu itinerary for details.

Stay in Ko Olina (see our Ultimate Ko Olina Guide ) or stay in Waikiki, you can hop over to this dry and sunny side of the island for amazing beaches.

While you are over here, book a tour with our favorite Oahu snorkel tour to see dolphins and sea turtles. Or stay till sunset for their Ko Olina Sunset Sail .

23. Electric Beach for Snorkeling

Electric Beach made our #1 spot for the best snorkeling on Oahu . The beach’s namesake is due to being located in front of a large power plant (Hawaii Electric or HECO). The snorkel spot is abundant in fish as the fish congregate around the hot water discharge from the power plant. 

This snorkel spot is only for advanced swimmers and snorkelers. It is risky because you have to swim out over 100 yards to the snorkel spot, it is in water that is over 30 feet deep, there can be currents or rough surf, and there are no lifeguards on duty. It is not an easy snorkel spot so swim with a buddy and understand the ocean conditions. 

You will be greeted by a lot of fish making for beautiful snorkeling. 

Directions: 92-301 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707

I park at Kahe Point Beach Park. Car break-ins are common in this parking lot so don’t leave valuables or anything in the car.

24. Maili Pillbox (Pink Pillbox) Hike

Pillbox hikes are very popular on Oahu. These are bunkers from the military defenses built to protect the island before and during WWII. We share the history of many of them in this video: All of Oahu’s Pillbox Hikes Explained (plus the history): 5 Honolulu Pillbox Hikes . 

Most of Oahu’s great hikes are located on the windward and east side of Oahu so this one is special. Located on top of Pu’u O Hulu, you can hike the 45-minutes to the pink pillbox, up a steep trail. Beautiful, sweeping views of the Waianae coast will reward you. It is hot and sunny on this part of the island so bring water and sun protection.  

Directions: Pink Pillbox Trail, Waianae, HI 96792

25. Oahu’s Best Whale Watching

The best locations for whale watching on Oahu are on the North Shore and Waianae. Waianae is my favorite as you can expect better weather and calmer seas during whale seasons. The annual humpback whale migration to Hawaii is from December through March, 

While Maui is our favorite island for whale watching , Oahu has some excellent viewing also. 

Our favorite whale-watching tour leaves from Waianae Small Boat Harbor. Head out on a power raft for up-close encounters with majestic humpback whales. We like this tour for the fast rafts increase your chances of seeing them (they don’t chase but cover more ground) and their staff of marine biologists that are full of knowledge. Learn more and book here – Waianae Whale Watching .

Directions: Waianae Small Boat Harbor at 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792

26. Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

If you can’t make it to Oahu during whale season then a dolphin excursion is your best option. Located at Waianae Small Boat Harbor, the team from Dolphin Excursions Hawaii will take you out to see Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, and to epic snorkel spots on the Waianae Coast. 

Click to learn more about their Dolphin Excursion Tour or their Afternoon Snorkel Safari .

Things to Do on Oahu: North Shore

Time to leave Honolulu and the resorts to get out into the countryside of Oahu. Honolulu is considered town and the North Shore is considered country. Hence, Oahu-founded surfboard company called Town & Country. 

Our favorite area to visit on Oahu is North Shore. Make sure you leave one or two days in your itinerary to see everything. We sure do in our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary !

Finally, time to head to North Shore Oahu. The home of Jack Johnson, big wave surfing competitions, waterfall hikes, and the best food trucks on the island. North Shore is also home to 10 Free Things to Do on North Shore Oahu and the Ehukai Pillbox Hike . If you still haven’t had your fill, we have another 21 Amazing Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore .

27. Haleiwa Town

Haleiwa Town is the unofficial home base for the North Shore. We love this town for the food trucks, shave ice, and coffee shops. The art galleries and kayak and SUP in the river are also worth checking out.

Directions: Haleiwa, Oahu

Leave Waikiki in the morning so you can stop in Haleiwa for coffee at Haleiwa Cafe, Coffee Gallery, or Island Vintage Coffee (a chain but they have Kona coffee and good food). Then continue up the coast to do the things below. Come back to Haleiwa for lunch or dinner at a shrimp truck or food truck.

Stop at Kaimana Shave Ice and say, “ The Hawaii Vacation Guide brought you here .” You will save 10% on the freshest shave ice in Haleiwa. See our full list of coupon codes here .

28. North Shore Food Trucks

Did I mention the food on the North Shore? Giovanni’s was the original shrimp truck serving up spicy and buttery shrimp from their signature-covered truck in Kahuku, North Shore.

Check out one of the many shrimp and food truck parks in Haleiwa. You can’t miss them off the main road. Kaimana Shave Ice is located near a large food truck park, so you get two birds with one parking spot.

You will also find more trucks in Pupukea near Waimea Bay (across from Shark’s Cove) and in Kahuku, at the northern tip of Oahu.

29. Waimea Bay for a Beach Day

Waimea Bay is hard to miss as you drive up the North Shore on Kamehameha Highway. The road turns to present the beautiful bay with the bell tower in the background. 

Waimea Bay is probably the best beach on the North Shore. The bay has two drawbacks. Parking is limited in the public parking lot and along the road. Waimea Valley and the church charge for parking which I’ve found very helpful. The other drawback is the bay is calm from May to September but should be avoided during the winter. Big waves and strong currents make it a dangerous place to swim.

Pack a lunch and enjoy a day of swimming and relaxing on the beach at Waimea Bay. You will find lifeguards on duty, showers, and restroom facilities.

Directions: Waimea Bay Beach, North Shore, HI 96712

30. Waterfall Swim

If you’re looking for a waterfall swim on Oahu, this is the place to go. With many waterfalls being on private land, hard to reach, or dangerous, the 40-foot Waimea Valley waterfall is the place to go.

Waimea Valley is a botanical garden and Hawaiian cultural immersion area. You can spend half a day here at the arts and crafts booths, walking the valley’s gardens, exploring the Hawaiian villages, and swimming in the waterfall. This is a perfect spot for strollers and kids. It is also home to one of the best luaus in Hawaii .

Reserve your Full Day General Admission to Waimea Valley ticket here. This is a direct booking with Waimea Valley!

Directions: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

31. Shark’s Cove Snorkeling

Shark’s Cove made our list of the best snorkeling on Oahu . From May to September, the waves settle down for some epic snorkeling in the lava rock-protected lagoon. 

Lifeguards are on duty and there are restroom and shower facilities. A snorkel rental shop is across the street along with food trucks for lunch. 

We like Shark’s Cove for the clear water and the protected lagoon. Make sure the conditions are good for snorkeling before you go out by talking to the lifeguard and checking lifeguard flags. Grab our favorite reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens before you head into the water.

Directions: Shark’s Cove at Pupukea Beach Park, Oahu

32. Romy’s Kahuku Shrimp Hut

As we continue up the North Shore, it may be time to stop for fresh shrimp. Just past Turtle Bay Resort are Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp and Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp Hut. These two serve up fresh shrimp from their shrimp ponds directly behind their huts. 

Romy’s is our favorite as we describe in the video below. Stop for a garlic butter shrimp plate before you move on down the road.

Directions: 56781 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731

North Shore Oahu is full of fruit stands and food trucks. You won’t be hungry as you spend the day up here.

33. Polynesian Cultural Center Lu’au

For many visitors to Oahu, this is the must-see thing to do on Oahu. Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center attract more visitors than any other sites on Oahu.

Located near the northern tip of the Oahu in La’ie, the Polynesian Cultural Center is known for its luau dinner but we like it for the Islands of Polynesia. Walk past the luau area and into six island nations of Polynesia. Learn about the culture, games, songs, and stories of Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Fuji. Check out our full Polynesian Cultural Center review .

We recommend you arrive when they open at 12:30 to spend the afternoon there and then go to the Ali’i Luau or Gateway Buffet . Stay late for the HA: Breath of Life Show. Book below and save up to 20% on their luau packages as it is a direct booking link with the Polynesian Cultural Center.

If you’re on Oahu frantically searching for things to do or you are starting your Hawaii vacation planning, then check out our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary . 

Let two professional Hawaii travelers show you the best things to do around Oahu on planned excursion days. Download our itinerary and you’re off! Learn more below.

Things to Do on Oahu: Windward

As we drive over the northern tip of Oahu, past Kahuku and La’ie, we enter windward Oahu. On the windward side, you will be greeted with lush rainforest and towering cliffs of the Ko’olau Range, the remnants of one of Oahu’s two distinct volcanoes.

After North Shore, windward Oahu is my favorite part of the island to visit. 

34. Kualoa Ranch Tours

When we lived on Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center and Kualoa Ranch felt too touristy to be worth my time. I regret that decision because they offer such great tours. They are both good places to learn the history of the islands. 

Kualoa Ranch is known as the Jurassic Valley as Jurassic Park and Lost World movies were filmed in part here, plus dozens of other movies. The ranch is a working cattle ranch and farm full of wonderful employees who like to share their stories. 

Visitors to Hawaii make the drive to Kualoa Ranch for the popular tours below, but they have so many more to offer.

• Kualoa Ranch ATV tours
• Kualoa Ranch Zipline
• Malama Aina Tour
• Explore all Kuoloa Ranch Tours here

Directions: 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

35. Kaneohe Sandbar

This place has become very popular in the past few years. Kaneohe Sandbar or Ahu O Laka in Hawaiian is a ridge of sand in Kaneohe Bay that becomes a beach island during low tide. 

The water is turquoise, the sand is white, the bay is calm, and sea turtle sightings are common.

Accessing the sandbar is limited. You can kayak by renting a kayak in Kailua or go out on a boat tour. As the sandbar can be tough to reach in a kayak, we recommend going on a boat tour. Boat tours include lunch, snacks, sunscreen, snorkel gear, and other comforts for a day out on the water.

Our favorite Kaneohe Sandbar tour leaves directly from the small boat harbor near the sandbar. Learn more about the best Kaneohe Sandbar boat tour .

Directions: 46-499 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

36. Lanikai Beach

Another one of our top 10 Oahu beaches is Lanikai Beach located in Kailua. Lanikai is known for its long, white sand beach with outrigger canoes parked on it from the local canoe club, and the views of the Mokulua Islands. 

We find ourselves at Lanikai Beach every time we visit Oahu. We recommend arriving early as there are no public parking lots, only street parking. Respect the neighbors by not blocking driveways or making a lot of noise. Spend the day at Lanikai or go on a kayak adventure.

Directions: Lanikai Beach, Kailua, HI 96734 

37. Kayak to the Mokes

Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands or the Mokes was our favorite activity to do with friends who visited us on Oahu.

Rent kayaks from the local shop, wheel them to Kailua Beach (another great beach) and make the short kayak trip out to the islands. 

You can rent kayaks and go yourself or you can go on a guided tour. If you’re not a confident kayaker then we recommend the guided tour. Click below to learn more.

• Self-Guided Kayak Discovery
• 2-Hour Guided Kayak + Beach Time

38. Waimanalo Beach Park

Welcome to the best walking beach on Oahu. At over 3-miles long with gorgeous views of the mountains and ocean, this white sand beach is worth a trip to the East Side of Oahu. 

Waimanalo Beach Park has abundant public parking, showers, restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty. The currents can get strong during the winter months so check with the lifeguard before heading out. 

We show you how to fit Waimanalo Beach and everything worth visiting in East Oahu in our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary .

Directions: 41-741 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimānalo, HI 96795

39. Makapu’u Beach & Lighthouse

Located on the far eastern tip of Oahu, Makapuu Beach and Lighthouse make for a nice morning out with the family. 

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved walking path that takes you up to the top of the point, with views of Makapuu Beach, Manana Island Seabird Sanctuary, and coastal views of Oahu. 

If you have time, head down to Makapuu Beach. It is a tucked-in beach that is nice for relaxing. It is known for bodysurfing so be careful of the surf break.

Directions: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795

40. Koko Head Crater Hike

Let’s finish strong with a hike to the top of a volcanic cinder cone. 

• Length: 1.8 miles
• Parking: Large parking lot at the bottom of the hill
• Avoid hiking for sunrise as no parking is available

This is more of a moderate hike, not because the terrain is challenging (there’s no hill to slide down or rocks to climb over) but because the hike is steep. This hike is a workout as you ascend up over 1,000 steps to reach the top. 

While it is a workout, it’s also a fun trail with some pretty amazing views. The steps that you take up to the top are old railroad tracks, which adds to the fun (you’re not just taking stairs up to the top). 

Oahu is the best Hawaiian Island for hiking in our opinion. Explore all of Oahu’s easiest hikes and moderate to advanced hikes .

More Things to Do with the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Thanks for traveling with me around Oahu with this epic things-to-do list. We find ourselves going back to Oahu multiple times a year because there are so many things to do and places to eat. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t have time to plan a trip to Oahu, then learn more about our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary. The itinerary is structured to grab and go on your mobile device. 

Love this list? Pin it and follow us for more!

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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Visitor Information

By Hawaii.com Team

Aloha! For some, visiting Hawaii is a once in a lifetime dream come true experience. For others, Hawaii is a home away from home destination. Regardless of whether you visit Hawaii for the holidays every year, travel to Hawaii for a special occasion like a wedding or honeymoon, or are planning your dream getaway, we hope you will find the resources you need to make your visit to Hawaii all that you are hoping for.

Below we’ve included visitor information to provide you with a comprehensive overview for getting here and making the most of your time here.

Pick Your Island(s)

With six major islands to explore, you’ll enjoy learning the unique characteristics and personalities of each one to determine which destination you wish to experience. Each Island of Aloha offers distinct travel adventures and discovering which slice of paradise is ideal for you is all part of the fun!

Best Time to Visit Hawaii – Choose Your Travel Dates

When is the best time to visit Hawaii? Well anytime of course, but depending upon your budget and what you would like to experience during your visit, it’s a good idea to be familiar with what each season offers in terms of weather, cost, activities, and water conditions.

Read about what Hawaii is like during the different seasons of the year.

Book Your Air Fare

For most, airfare will be the largest single cost of the trip. For those on a budget, we offer tips for booking cheap flights to Hawaii and other ways to save on travel. Planning ahead and avoiding the peak seasons will pay off.

If comfort is more of a concern than cost, we recommend booking a first class seat. Flight times to Hawaii are about 5 hours at minimum.

Can’t imagine spending 5 hours on a plane? Visiting Hawaii by cruise ship is a great alternative to flying.

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Friday, June 7, 2024 86° Today's Paper

Hawaii visitor count, spending down as summer tourism lull looms

By Allison Schaefers

May 31, 2024

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Hawaii is expected to see a slow summer tourism season, a travel report says. Above, passengers from Chicago wait for their luggage at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

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Visitors to Hawaii and their daily spending fell more sharply in April than they had in any month since the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires — an indication that even the peak summer season could prove soft.

Jeffrey Eslinger, senior director, market insights, for the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, said that overall, “summer is softer than it is typically.”

Eslinger said Oahu and Kauai will perform better this summer than the rest of the state, where dampening is apparent in the TravelClick report for the week ended May 19. The report compares total hotel room nights sold for the year ahead with what was on the books for the same time in 2023.

Eslinger said summer arrivals to Oahu will be bolstered by the 13th annual Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, Thursday through June 16, and the 29th annual Rim of the Pacific military exercise, June 26-Aug. 2.

He said Oahu also will see some gains from the Hawai‘i Convention Center summer business, including the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in Higher Education, Tuesday to Saturday, which has brought roughly 5,000 delegates to Hawaii, as well as several other citywide conferences that will bring another 5,000 delegates later in the summer.

However, Eslinger said West Maui is leading the summer doldrums with a 23.3% drop in bookings for June, a 21.3% drop for July and a 26.9% drop for August with losses widening until January. TravelClick statewide data shows a 1.8% decline in June, a 0.4% decrease in July and a 1.5% decrease in August.

Keith Vieira, principal of KV & Associates, Hospitality Consulting, said the summer malaise is carrying over into fall, which has even steeper drops.

TravelClick data shows statewide hotel bookings sliding 12.2% in September, 9.7% in October, 8.7% in November and 1.5% in December, which generally gets a boost from the festive season.

The softness that has been present in Hawaii’s visitor industry since the Maui wildfires deepened in the spring. On any given day in April, the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism reported, there were 207,827 visitors in the Hawaiian islands, down 12.2% from April 2023.

In April, DBEDT reported, arrivals to the state dropped 8.9% year over year to 753,551 visitors. Visitor arrivals in April were 88.7% of the pre-pandemic April 2019 level.

Visitor arrivals in April fell for Hawaii’s core U.S. West and U.S. East markets, as well as for Canada and the category called “all others,” which includes international markets outside of Japan and Canada. Arrivals rose from cruise ships and from Japan, which was Hawaii’s top international market before the pandemic.

Total visitor spending measured in nominal dollars in April was $1.5 billion, a drop of 12.6% compared with April 2023. However, total visitor spending was 14.3% higher than in April 2019, when nominal spending was about $1.3 billion.

Spending fell for the U.S. West, U.S. East and Canada and for the “all others” category.

Results were mixed across the islands and markets.

DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka said in a statement, “This is the first month that arrivals to Oahu decreased since March 2021.”

“The decrease was partially due to Easter falling on March 31, which pushed spring break travel into March instead of April,” Tokioka said. “Easter 2023 was on April 9, which affected the year-over-year performance.”

He added that the cruise market performed well in April, and visitors who came via out-of-state cruise ships registered the second-highest monthly arrivals on record. However, he added that “this market typically has less impact on the destination than visitors who travel by air as cruise travelers often participate in group tour activities versus exploring the islands individually and renting cars.”

Vieira said while the Easter shift contributed to the April slowdown in tourism, other factors also have contributed to sluggish summer and fall bookings. He said the strength of the U.S. dollar is causing international visitors to view Hawaii as too expensive, and Americans to eye foreign destinations where they have more buying power. Vieira said some travelers also continue to feel unwelcome following the Maui wildfires, which put more strain on the community and intensified pushback against tourism.

“There have been a fair amount of negative stories about Hawaii not wanting more visitors. That clearly isn’t the majority but it’s a vocal minority,” he said. “The only way we can counter that is with positive stories.”

Tom Mullen, HVCB interim president and CEO, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that its newest campaign aimed at U.S. travelers, “The People, the Place, the Hawaiian Islands,” began four weeks ago and will run through June.

“We are targeting the mindful traveler through national banner ads, emails, social and digital media,” he said. “We are seeing a response rate to the ads that we are running that is higher than the industry benchmark, so we know that we are targeting the right customer and getting a response.”

Mullen said he thinks rising Hawaii hotel rates, when combined with other fees and taxes, are dissuading some customers. For instance, Pleasant Holidays’ wholesale package pricing for the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort shows daily room rates of $495, which rise to $715 per night once resort fees, parking fees and taxes are added.

“That’s about a 40% increase,” Mullen said, adding that all-in nightly costs for hotel rooms in Jamaica are $436 and $411 in Mexico.

HVCB, which handles branding for Hawaii’s top U.S. visitor source market, was slated to provide an update on its campaign and other initiatives Thursday at the HTA board’s monthly meeting. However, the HTA board deferred the presentation, along with three other items on its public agenda, after spending about four hours in executive session with state Attorney General Anne Lopez and Deputy Attorney General John Cole.

After the HTA board emerged from its closed-door session, Cole reported publicly that there was a full discussion and the board consulted with its attorney on agenda item No. 8, regarding questions and issues related to the board’s powers and duties.

“No action was taken or required to be taken,” Cole said. “But it probably will lead to some things in the future.”

He said the HTA board had a long discussion on agenda item No. 9, a personnel matter, “with no action taken, including a vote by the board to take no action on the personnel matter that was discussed.”

For agenda item No. 10(b), Cole said the HTA board discussed the status of some issues pending with the state auditor for the HTA audit.

“There will be some action taken under the (Administrative & Audit Standing Committee) later. No action by the board was necessary,” he said.

The board approved a request from HTA board member Mike White, who chairs the Administrative & Audit Standing Committee, to have HTA staff draft a request for proposals to solicit a search firm to assist in its efforts to hire a new president and CEO.

Former HTA President and CEO John De Fries resigned in September. HTA Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Naho‘opi‘i serves as HTA’s interim president and CEO.

Hawaii finds 'insufficient evidence' cruise ship sailed too close to protected coast

• Hawaii state authorities investigated social media posts that appeared to show a Celebrity Cruises ship sailing less than the required 3,000-foot distance from shore.
• The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement said there is insufficient evidence to pursue any criminal or civil action at this time.
• The waters are popular among divers, kayakers, swimmers and more.

Hawaii state authorities failed to find evidence that a Celebrity Cruises ship sailed illegally close to Kauai’s protected Na Pali Coastline.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) investigated last month after social media posts appeared to show the cruise line’s Celebrity Edge ship sailing less than the required 3,000-foot distance from shore.

“DOCARE determined there is insufficient evidence that supports probable cause or that there is clear and convincing evidence to pursue any criminal or civil action at this time,” DLNR said in a news release .

Officers interviewed the ship’s captain upon its return to Honolulu, who said he had total control of the ship and was “always in waters of not less than 30 meters depth,” though he was “unclear” how far the ship was from shore. Witnesses on Kauai could not say with certainty that the ship had sailed too close.

Don't be that tourist: Here's how to respectfully visit Hawaii, have an authentic trip

“Some witnesses did not wish to be involved in the investigation and others only had second-or-third-hand information or repeated what they saw on social media,” the release said.

“While DOCARE’s investigation could not conclude that the cruise ship, carrying more than 50 passengers, was traveling within 3,000 feet of the shoreline, community concerns and photographs appear to show the ship was indeed much closer to shore,” DLNR chair Dawn Chang said in a letter addressed to Celebrity and other cruise lines on Friday. “This incident created a tremendous amount of angst in the community, as this area is highly protected and valued for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

The waters are popular among divers, kayakers, swimmers and more, she said.

Chang acknowledged the cruise industry’s contributions to Hawaii’s economy but urged compliance with the law. “We are putting the industry on notice that the DLNR and the community will be closely monitoring activity not only along the Nāpali Coast, but throughout our state ocean waters.”

Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity's parent company, declined to comment Tuesday. “We have robust policies in place to maintain compliance with local regulations around the world," a spokesperson told USA TODAY last month amid the investigation. "We will continue to assess our policies and take necessary steps to ensure we continue to operate in the most responsible manner possible."

The Hawaii Tourism Authority previously said that a second cruise ship was also under investigation, but did not specify the vessel or line. HTA and DLNR did not answer questions about the status of the second investigation before publishing.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Oahu Beaches Guide

Hanauma Bay, Waikiki, Lanikai, ...

Oahu Sights Guide

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When to Visit Oahu

Learn about the best time to visit Oahu →

Oahu Travel Tips

Our Oahu travel tips & recommendations →

Oahu Top Picks

Explore Oahu's Must See & Do →

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Oahu Travel Guide

Visitor information on where to stay, best oahu things to do, and more....

Oahu Vacation Guide

Visitor info & top things to do on oahu, essential tips for the ultimate oahu vacation experience.

Aloha from Oahu, Hawaii! Home to beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and amazing outdoor activities, Oahu is the perfect place for a vacation. From exploring the bustling city of Honolulu and taking in the attractions at Waikiki to discovering the amazing culture and history of Hawaii nei, there is something for everyone here on the island dubbed " The Gathering Place ." Whether you're looking for a relaxing tropical getaway, an adventure-filled excursion, or simply a place to unwind, Oahu has it all. So come explore the wonders of the island paradise that is Oahu and experience the warm aloha spirit for yourself.

Oahu is Hawaii's most populous island; and many believe it the perfect representation of paradise. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu,  Pearl Harbor , and the world-famous  Waikiki Beach . These areas host thousands of tourists daily.

— article continued below —

FREE Oahu Summary Guidesheet

Updated with a new summary map of  Oahu  with estimated driving times from popular starting points.

Includes the top  must-see & do  Oahu attractions,  best times to visit ,  where to stay  briefing, Oahu  airport detail , a monthly  weather summary , and where to find the most  noteworthy local ono 'grindz'  (best eats) on Oahu.

Download Guidesheet Now

It's also really important to note that Oahu is so much more than just Honolulu or Waikiki - it may well be the most beautiful of all the major islands. You simply have to know where to go to experience the beauty that is Oahu. Plan, book, pack, and go with HawaiiGuide: Oahu!

Everything you need to know about Oahu is here in one convenient place:

• Discover where to stay on Oahu
• Explore all the  best attractions & things to see on Oahu
• Check out our recommended Oahu hotels and accommodations plus some great Oahu tours & activities .
• Read up on our top Oahu travel tips

Summary of Maui topics covered on this page.

• Oahu Blog, Recent News, and current Oahu Events
• Current Weather, Climate, and Forecast
• Best Time to Visit Oahu - which Month is Best?
• Oahu Map Packet
• Where to Stay on Oahu - accommodations guide
• Oahu Regions & Destinations Guide
• Top 15 Oahu Attractions to See & Do
• Oahu Trip Itineraries for Planning 1-7 Day Trips
• Top Oahu Sights
• Top Oahu Beaches
• Top Oahu Hiking Trails
• Oahu Popular Tours & Activities
• Oahu Visitor Information & Articles

When to Visit Oahu?

The best months to visit.

Wondering when to visit Oahu? If you've narrowed down your selection of islands and Oahu is your destination, you've made an excellent choice! Oahu has excellent weather year-round; many believe it has the best weather on all the islands. Maybe that's why almost half of all visitors to the state of Hawaii pick Oahu. Or perhaps it's because Oahu is the most scenic of all the islands, or... well, that list could go on and on. Oahu is an excellent choice for visitors!

The  best time  to visit Oahu, considering the weather, demand for accommodations, and how crowded (or not) the island is - are the months of early April, May, September, and early October.  Some call these Oahu's 'off-season periods' or the 'shoulder months.'

There's more to cover before you make a final decision. This article will cover visitor arrivals, Oahu's weather and climate, accommodations, rates, and what to expect on a visit during each season on Kauai.

Oahu Estimated Visitor Arrivals

When to Stay on Oahu?

Every year, nearly 5 million visitors choose Oahu from other Hawaiian islands. Most visitors flock to the world-famous Waikiki area, where most accommodations are found. Almost half of all the rooms in Hawaii, including 90% + of all rooms on Oahu, are in Waikiki. Honolulu, the state's capital, hosts the island's central tourist hub, Waikiki. Oahu can find it all, from long-term vacation rentals to short-term budget-friendly hotels to the best hostels.

However, consider going beyond Waikiki & Honolulu for other beautiful accommodations. These areas include:

• Leeward Waianae (Including Makaha & Ko Olina)
• North Shore (Haleiwa to Turtle Bay)
• Windward East (Kaneohe / Kailua)
• South Oahu (including Kahala)

This article will review the various areas & regions featuring lodging on the island to help you find the best accommodations on Oahu.

Where to Stay on Oahu

Oahu Accommodation Rates

Oahu Weather 

Weather & climate on oahu.

Oahu weather patterns are some of the most stable in the entire state. Unless you head  mauka  (inland), you're not likely to experience a lot of rain on the island, even on the wetter windward (eastern) side.

The wettest periods on Oahu are almost always in the wintertime when the tradewinds bring additional moisture to the islands. This period runs from mid-November through late March on average, and some of these systems can carry quite a bit of rain. This isn't to say Oahu isn't nice during the winter months; it is- but it's also going to mean the likelihood of wetter weather along portions of the island like the beautiful and lush East Coast. After all, it does take rain to create that beautiful verdant atmosphere.

That all said, this article takes a closer look at what the weather is like on Oahu, as this will help you decide where to stay during your vacation or trip. 

Oahu Weather

*Climate Notes: Weather and Climate numbers are aggregated from trusted weather sources providing the monthly temperature and precipitation figures for Oahu's primary airport in Honolulu. These climate summaries, specific to the airport location, should therefore not be taken as a "whole-island" forecast. Weather conditions can change dramatically on Oahu due to the diverse topography, changes in elevation, the trade winds, and other unique island conditions. Temperatures are provided in Fahrenheit and Precipitation in Inches.

Oahu Average Monthly Temperatures

Oahu Average Precipitation

Oahu Weather Forecast

2024 oahu visitor guides.

Download your copy of one of our Oahu Visitor Guides today  and take advantage of our  destination expert's Oahu insights . We've just updated and released our latest Oahu Highlights & Essentials Guides for 2024.

These updated Oahu packets contain  20 visual pages   (in the Intro/Highlights Guide)   and over  40 visual pages   (in the Essentials Guide)  of pertinent Hawaii travel information  to assist in planning your perfect Hawaii trip. There's lots of good Oahu information + maps, weather charts, hotel pricing graphics, and more - ideal for those who are just getting started planning their trip to Oahu.

There are also  NO advertisements  or paid product placements within these packets.

Oahu Regions

Popular destinations on oahu.

Oahu, also known as ' The Gathering Place ,' is made up of two separate but overlapping volcanoes, known as a volcanic doublet. Its asymmetrical butterfly shape is formed by two mountain ranges: the Waianae Range in the west and the Ko'olau Range in the east. Slicing through the center is the flat Leilehua Plateau. Recent (geologically speaking) volcanic eruptions in the southeastern portion of the island which formed the  Diamond Head , Koko Head, and Punchbowl craters can be blamed for Oahu's uneven shape.

Not sure which area to visit? Wondering which part of the island would be the best fit for you? Then explore Oahu regions from afar here- learn about the many things to do, the sights, and the diverse attractions in each region of the island.

Waikiki & Honolulu Region | East Oahu Region | North Shore Oahu Region | Central Oahu Region | Leeward Waianae Oahu Region

South Oahu Destinations

Waikiki & honolulu region.

Honolulu  is the capital of Hawaii and the most populous city in the state.  The name Honolulu means ‘sheltered bay’ in the Hawaiian language, and with its natural harbor, it has become a significant gateway into the United States, as well as a primary tourist attraction, a hub for international business and military defense. 

The city extends from  Pearl Harbor  in the west to  Makapu’u Point  on Oahu’s southeastern shore, encompassing the world-famous area of  Waikiki .  

Waikiki is best known for its famous white sand beach - it is an international destination and one of the most frequented locations in all of Hawaii.  Over the centuries, Waikiki has been an area where people come to both play and relax.

Windward Oahu Destinations

East (windward) oahu region, including waimanalo, kailua, kane'ohe, and ka'a'awa.

Oahu's East Shore, also known as  Windward Oahu , is located 30 minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu and is well worth touring by car as the coastal drive is scenic and varied.  The region is largely made up of quiet, coastal neighborhoods and towns nestled between stunning 3000ft mountain ranges and the sea.

Bordered by the Ko'olau Range, the East Shore extends from  Makapu'u Point  and Lighthouse on the southeastern point of the island, all the way to  Kahana Bay  which adjoins the area known as the  North Shore .

The windward East Oahu region is perfect for outdoor adventures such as swimming, hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling, with many beautiful beaches such as stunning  Lanikai Beach ,  Waimanalo Beach Park , and  Kalama Beach .

East Windward Oahu Region

North shore destinations, north shore oahu region, including la'ie, kahuku, waimea, and hale'iwa.

The North Shore of Oahu encompasses the 17-mile north-facing coastal area between Ka’ena Point in the west and eastward to Kahuku Point. Famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and of course the fifty-one beaches that stretch for more than 11 miles along this incredible expanse of Oahu coastline.

Gigantic 30-foot waves are prevalent in the winter months but calm down in the summer to allow for glorious diving and snorkeling conditions. The crowds certainly gather in the area's top beaches like  Sunset Beach  (one of the longest surf ride locations in the world),  Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach)  and  Waimea Beach  (one of the original surfing beaches in the 50’s) to soak in the rays and watch daring surfers.

Central & Leeward Oahu Destinations

Central oahu region, including wahiawa, mililani, pearl city, and pearl harbor.

The Central Oahu region encompasses the fertile valley in the heart of Oahu, between the Ko'olau Range on the east side of the island and the Waianae Mountains on the west side. 

This area is not as interesting as Honolulu, Waikiki, Windward East, or the North Shore, as it consists largely of residential areas and pineapple plantations. 

However there are definitely some sights to see and certainly, the most significant landmark in the area is historic  Pearl Harbor  in the south, near  Pearl City .

Waianae (Leeward) Oahu Region

Including 'ewa, kapolei, ko olina, ma'ili, wai'anae, and makaha.

The  Waianae  – often termed  Leeward  -  Coast  of Oahu is largely undiscovered by the majority of visitors to the island and is home to rural towns and one luxury resort area ( Ko’olina ).  The area north of Ko'olina is not well known and some parts of it are quite remote. 

This region is located on the coastal side of the Waianae mountain range and extends from Ko’olina in the south-west corner of Oahu, to the town of  Waianae  in the central coastal area and all the way north to Kaena Point on the north-west tip of the island. 

The Waianae region is everything that Waikiki is not – untamed and largely unknown.

Waianae Leeward Oahu Region

Oahu Travel Map Packet

Updated to include top oahu beaches map.

Updated with a new printable high-resolution map of 'The Gathering Place.' Includes most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times.

PDF packet now additionally includes an Oahu Top Beaches Map.

-File is a print-ready PDF document

Oahu Blog & Travel News

Timely oahu & waikiki headlines, events, and announcements, oahu top attractions, top 15 oahu things to see & do.

Truth be told, nearly all of Oahu is worth a visit. However, some sights and attractions are significantly more popular because they offer an experience that truly captures the essence of Oahu. Breathtaking Sights, Must-See and Do, the Best of Oahu... no matter what you call them, you absolutely must witness these attractions first-hand.

To say Oahu is brimming with amazing things to see and points of interest is a massive understatement. Nearly anywhere you go on Oahu, you're bound to find something fascinating. From the gorgeous  Waimea Valley  on the North Shore to world-famous  Waikiki  to the once battle-scarred  Pearl Harbor , Oahu has something for everyone. Take the kids to the  Honolulu Zoo  at Kapiolani Park, snorkel the breathtaking  Hanauma Bay , and snap some photos for social media at  Mokoli'i Island  at Kualoa Point.

Additionally, since Oahu is one of the older islands in the chain and is well developed, it has a plethora of beaches available to visitors. And no matter what your idea of the perfect Oahu beach experience may be, you'll surely find it here.

Top 15 Attractions on Oahu

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - located east of Waikiki & Honolulu
• Pearl Harbor - Arizona Memorial & USS Bowfin in the central region
• Honolulu - the capital of the Aloha State
• Lanikai Beach - Windward (East) coast
• Diamond Head (Leahi) State Monument & Trail - located east of Waikiki & Honolulu
• Waimea Valley & Falls - located on the famous North Shore
• Nuuanu Pali Lookout - northeast of Waikiki & Honolulu
• Waikiki Beach - one of Hawaii's most famous beaches worldwide
• Mokoli'i Island at Kualoa Regional Park - located on Windward (East) coast
• Valley of the Temples - located in East Oahu
• Kailua Beach Park - located on Windward (East) coast
• Koko Crater Railway Trail - located east of Waikiki & Honolulu
• Waimanalo Beach - located on Windward (East) coast
• Makapu’u Point & Lighthouse Trail - located in East Oahu
• Sunset Beach - located on the North Shore

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

#1 Rated in Sights to See on Oahu

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a gorgeous wineglass-shaped bay situated on the southeastern side of Oahu near Hawaii Kai, tucked into the sheltered side of Koko Head. 

Merely a 30-minute drive from Honolulu (traffic permitting), this stunning bay feels like a world away from the bustle of the city, which cannot even be seen from the beach as the large bay is surrounded by the lush green, gently fluted hills of Koko Head.

The bay is secluded and tranquil in the early morning, but during the day becomes a very popular place for locals and visitors.  Thousands of people flock to the bay each day to experience the excellent snorkeling in the area.

Pearl Harbor

#2 rated in sights to see on oahu.

Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor situated about 10 miles west of Honolulu.  It is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan in 1941, which heralded the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II. 

Pearl Harbor is a solemn reminder of a tragic day.  It is one of the most significant sites in the history of the United States and a National Historic Landmark. 

The area consists of a number of museums and memorials that honor those who served in World War II.

Pearl Harbor on Oahu

#3 Rated in Sights to See on Oahu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the most populous city in the state.  The city extends from  Pearl Harbor  in the west to  Makapu’u Point  on Oahu’s southeastern shore, encompassing the world-famous area of  Waikiki .  Today Honolulu is home to over 390,000 people and has been the capital since 1845, when King Kamehameha III officially moved the capital from Maui to Oahu.

The city is a multicultural epicenter with many historical landmarks and an array of global culinary choices, as well as a buzzing cosmopolitan city with world-class shopping and a lively arts, cultural and entertainment scene.  Honolulu has it all – from the art galleries and international cuisine of the  Chinatown  district to the fine dining, live music and nightlife of Waikiki.

Lanikai Beach

#1 Rated Beach on Oahu

This little treasure has plenty of soft sand and seclusion for a morning of peaceful sun-worshipping or swimming. This beach used to be about a mile long but development has caused erosion, making it about a half-mile. But a great half mile!

The two islands located offshore are called the Na Mokulua (or simply "The Mokes"), and the southern island is a bird sanctuary. Thanks to the stunning backdrop it provides, professional photographers frequent Lanikai, often for photoshoots with well-known models and personalities. The wind is also good here for sailing and windsurfing. There is even some good snorkeling to be had.

Diamond Head (Leahi) Monument & Trail

#1 rated hiking trail & #6 rated sights on oahu.

Diamond Head State Monument, also known as Le'ahi, is located just east of  Waikiki , on the island of Oahu, and is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii. Le’ahi is a place that offers respite from the busy highways of Honolulu. The drive around Diamond Head is quite picturesque, as it winds around the crater by the ocean. Once you enter through the tunnel that bores into the side of the crater, it feels like a world away from the city.

The trail to the summit of Diamond Head (Hawaiian name Le’ahi), near Waikiki, was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system. From the trailhead to the summit of Diamond Head Crater, it is 0.8miles (1.3km) one way, and it is a 560 foot (171m) climb from the crater floor. 

At the top, there are extensive 360-degree views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the surrounding area.  From here you can clearly view the bunkers situated along the crater rim that was built in 1915.  There are also sweeping views of the southeastern Oahu coastline towards Koko Head and the offshore islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Maui.  The elevation at the summit is 761 feet (232m).

Diamond Head (Leahi) Hiking Trail

Waimea Valley & Falls

#4 rated in sights to see on oahu.

The beautiful Waimea Valley on North Shore, Oahu, attracts a couple thousand visitors per day however you wouldn’t know it, as its stunning botanical garden setting provides many spacious areas to relax under huge shady trees. 

It’s easy to find a quiet spot to rest on the grassy areas and unwind from the busy highways of Honolulu.  Most visitors flock to  Waimea Falls , a 45-foot waterfall, located on the property, to swim and sunbathe.

 As well as being a popular tourist attraction, many folks also utilize the beautiful grounds for concerts, parties, weddings, special events, and even a weekly farmers market.

Oahu's Waimea Valley

Nuuanu Pali Lookout

#5 Rated in Sights to See on Oahu

The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most stunning views of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountain Range. Located just a short 5-mile drive from downtown Honolulu, this lookout offers some of the best views on Oahu. From here you can spot Kailua town as well as Kaneohe Bay and, of course, the breathtaking Ko'olau Mountains.

In 1795, Kamehameha the Great's troops drove Oahu's men up the hills only to force them off these cliffs and to their deaths. Following that battle, Kamehameha was able to finish his quest and unite the islands.

Waikiki Beach

#3 Rated Beach on Oahu

Provided Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, what list would be complete without a mention of it? Crowded, you bet - but still one of the iconic attractions in all of Hawaii. The two mile stretch of white sand coast is fronted by hotels and tourist facilities.

The area is excellent for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides. It's likely that if you are staying in Honolulu, you'll be staying near Waikiki.

Even if you are not into crowds (and again, there will be A LOT of tourists here) it's worth a visit just to say you walked on Waikiki Beach.

Mokoli'i Island at Kualoa Point

#7 rated in sights to see on oahu.

This little cone-shaped lump of lava off Kualoa Point is officially called Mokoli'i Island.

In the past, this little chunk of land was part of Oahu, but through years of erosion, it has separated. You can still reach it though. It is possible to walk there from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide. You can also surf or kayak there.

The island supports an interesting array of sea life and a small beach in a secluded cove.

Mokoli'i Island

Valley of the Temples

#8 Rated in Sights to See on Oahu

The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is situated on the windward side of Oahu, in an area called Ahuimanu.  It is a favorite gathering place for people of all faiths to enjoy some peace and tranquility. 

Its gardens honor many faiths including Christianity and Buddhism.  There is also a Japanese WWII cemetery on the grounds.

The Valley of the Temples is well worth a visit, especially if you are seeking some tranquility - away from the bustle of the Honolulu city traffic.

Kailua Beach Park

#2 Rated Beach on Oahu

This 2.5 mile stretch of gorgeous sand is one of Oahu's most beautiful beaches. It boasts excellent swimming and windsurfing as well as kayaking.

It has a very nice, fine sandy beach for strolling and general lounging about. This is a world-class windsurfing destination and there are several shops in Kailua that offer rental gear and can arrange for lessons. Kailua rarely experiences the high surf of the North Shore.

Koko Crater Railway Trail

#2 rated hiking trail on oahu.

The Koko Head Hike railway “stairs” is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. However, if you’re up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit.

Although it is a short hike of 1.4 miles, it is grueling with an extreme incline that will have you doubting you can ever reach the top. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966.

The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout.

Koko Crater Railway Trail​

Waimanalo Beach

#4 rated beach on oahu.

This stunning slice of sand is located about a 45-minute drive from world-famous Waikiki Beach but is a world away in terms of hustle and bustle. But in terms of beauty, it just may be one of the most beautiful you'll see on Oahu. 

This beach is ideal for swimming, bodysurfing, and boogie boarding. If you'd rather stay on land, Waimanalo Beach is the perfect place for a stroll... a very long stroll! At about 3 miles long, Waimanalo features Oahu's longest uninterrupted white-sand beach. A large portion the beach is shaded by ironwood trees, which makes for some welcome respite from the sun.

It can get crowded on the weekends, but is definitely worth a visit if you can squeeze it in.

Waimanalo Beach Park

Makapuu Point & Lighthouse Trail

East 'windward' oahu region, #3 rated hiking trail on oahu.

If you are seeking a great view of Oahu’s southeastern shoreline - with tall sea cliffs and an azure blue ocean - Makapu’u Point is the location for a panoramic view of the coast. 

Situated on Kalanianaole Highway on the southeastern tip of the island, Makapu’u is on the right side of the highway about 12 miles east of Honolulu, past Koko Head, Hanauma Bay, and Sandy Beach Park.  Makapu’u is a remnant of a volcanic ridge that rises over 600 feet from the ocean.  It is the easternmost point on the island of Oahu.

From the lookout, panoramic views of Manana Island and Black Rock Island can be seen as well as the expansive blue ocean.  On clear days you can see the entire eastern shore of the island and sometimes you may be able to spot the islands of Molokai and Lanai.  This is an ideal place to whale watch in the season.  Look for old WW11 bunkers on the cliff edges – some of the many relics from the war that still exist on Oahu.

• Makapu’u Point

Sunset Beach

#5 Rated Beach on Oahu

Sunset Beach is the ideal North Shore paradise with two miles of white sand stretching 200-300 feet wide. Whether you're here to catch one of its famous waves or simply want to watch the sunset over the water, Sunset Beach is an Oahu must-see. 

During the summer months, the ocean is relatively calm, making Sunset ideal for swimming and snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. You can also peer into a few tide pools to observe some of the wonders of nature. Practice good ocean safety and be careful with the Sunset Rip, a notorious rip current offshore. Also, keep a watch out for stinging limu (seaweed) in the summer and early fall months.

During the winter months, Sunset beach is a haven for professional surfers, and waves can reach heights of twenty-five feet. Best leave it to the pros during the winter, but it makes for some good opportunities to observe pro surfing from the shore.

Oahu Itinerary Suggestions

Honolulu, waikiki, and more itineraries.

In Hawaii, Oahu is the third-largest island. It has been dubbed the "gathering place" as it is one of the most inhabited islands and tourists commonly visit it. Oahu has so much to offer to all its visitors. This island's unique blend of various cultures and cuisines makes it an exceptional place to vacation.

Ultimately, we've designed our itineraries around a set number of on-island days: offering  one ,  two ,  three ,  four ,  five ,  six , and  seven-day  itineraries for exploring the island, soaking in the best sights, and ensuring your precious time (and/or money) on is used wisely. We've tried to balance our itineraries between those who seek adventure and those looking to find a good beach and relax. Overall, we want your experience to be exactly what you've dreamed of when planning your Oahu trip.

For each island, including Oahu, we've attempted to split up the itinerary days by sorting attractions according to their geographic proximity; i.e., on Windward East Oahu day, you'd explore the best of east Oahu's attractions, beaches, hiking trails, and activities. Our itineraries are not meant to be followed consecutively necessarily, which would probably be exhausting, but instead as a grab-and-go resource for 'mapping' your trip - think of us as a Wayfinder's guide to Oahu .

For nearly 20 years now, we've been visiting the islands and making detailed notes about what the various highlights are and what visitors like yourself simply must-see based on the limited time you've allocated for each Hawaiian Island.

It isn't easy and can even be overwhelming to start planning a trip to Hawaii. One quick look on our website, and you'll soon discover there are hundreds of possibilities; a variety of sights to see, a plethora of beautiful beaches to choose from, and a diverse set of incredible trails that criss-cross each of the islands. Honestly, you could spend months on the island and not see and do it all. Having a reliable guide, that's key. We'd genuinely love to be your guide to the island of Oahu during your stay, and we hope you find our itineraries resourceful while planning your trip.

View Our Oahu Itineraries

Oahu tours & activities, popular tours & activities on oahu.

For many visitors, an Oahu tour may be the perfect way to experience parts of the island that you'd otherwise never get to see.  We've hand-selected these top-5 Oahu tours  below due to their popularity and high ratings with visitors like yourself! Be sure to view all of our recommended Oahu Tours & Activities .

The Complete Pearl Harbor Experience

Starting at $189.99/person

Visit Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial, and other noteworthy historical sites on this tour of Honolulu.

• Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial
• Explore Honolulu’s most noteworthy historical landmarks
• Honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces
• Spot impressive architecture in downtown Honolulu

Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden

Starting at $109-139/person

Itinerary includes -->

• Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am – 7:30 am)
• Diamond Head- Amelia Earhart Lookout
• Halona Blowhole
• Hawaiian Coffee and Macadamia Nut Tastings
• Chinaman’s Hat and Kualoa Valley Mountain Range
• Famous North Shore Shrimp Lunch on Local Hawaiian Restaurant
• Tropical Fruit Stands
• North Shore Sunset Beach
• Waimea Botanical Garden
• Dole Pineapple plantation
• Waikiki Return (3:30-4:00)  

Guided Popoi'a Kayak Tour

Starting at $159.00/person

The 2.5-hour guided kayak tour  launches directly from the gorgeous, world-famous Kailua Beach. After just a quick 15-minute paddle, you can jump ashore and explore your newfound island.

Our trained and experienced guide is sure to inform and escort you safely around Popoia Island, teaching you about the volcanic history, geology, birdlife, and sea life of the area. Enjoy snorkeling and ask about kayak surfing with our guide! After the tour, you get to relax and enjoy Kailua Beach for 2 hours before our van picks you up for the return to Waikiki.

Our 2.5-hour tour ends at noon, and if you are taking advantage of our transportation from Waikiki, after your tour ends, you’ll be able to continue exploring on your kayak without your guide, or turn your kayak in and enjoy 2 hours of beach time until the shuttle picks you up at the beach at 2:30 for your return to Waikiki.

Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Sunset Cruise

Starting at $51-$60/person

Watch an amazing sunset over the Pacific Ocean and get close to the magnificent marine life of Hawaii on a boat cruise off the south shore of Oahu. Cross Kewalo Basin Harbor and head towards the volcanic cone of Diamond Head.

• Watch an amazing sunset off the south coast of Oahu
• Relax aboard a comfortable catamaran
• Get magnificent views of the city skyline

ATV Off Road Tour Adventure

Starting at $289.99 per couple

Explore Coral Crater by driving an off-road ATV!!! This tour is guided through the jungle behind a professional driver in a lead vehicle. A specially-designed technical course awaits you, where our expert guides teach you some basic off-road techniques. Once you receive some pointers and go over the safety briefing, you’ll be ready to navigate the technical course.

Side-by-side ATVs are especially fun because you share the experience with a friend sitting next to you as you conquer turns, ascend hills, and explore the jungles of Coral Crater. If you’re lucky, there will be some muddy puddles to splash through so don’t wear your best outfit if has been raining! Even if it hasn’t rained, you will get very dirty and dusty so be prepared!

Best Beaches on Oahu

Oahu beach guide.

There's no doubt about it- Oahu beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and we've decided to rate our top ten in our Oahu Beach Guide .

Since Oahu is one of the older islands in the chain and is well developed, it has a plethora of beaches available to visitors. And no matter what your idea of the perfect Oahu beach experience maybe, you'll surely find it.

There are beaches full of drama with crashing waves while others are calm and tranquil. Some Oahu beaches are nice all year round while others fade away in the winter months, leaving nothing but rocks behind.

Oahu Beaches

Best Things to See on Oahu

To say Oahu is brimming with amazing things to see and points of interest is a massive understatement. Nearly anywhere you go on Oahu, you're bound to find something fascinating.

From the gorgeous  Waimea Valley  on the North Shore to world-famous  Waikiki  to the once battle-scarred  Pearl Harbor , Oahu has something for everyone.

Take the kids to the  Honolulu Zoo  at Kapiolani Park, snorkel the breathtaking  Hanauma Bay , or snap some photos at  Mokoli'i Island  at Kualoa Point. Our Oahu Things to See Guide will help you identify the top things to see.

Things to See on Oahu

Best Hikes on Oahu

One of the best ways to explore Oahu's natural wonders is on foot; you can stop and admire whatever catches your eye, take amazing photos at your leisure, and explore at your own pace.

In our Oahu Hiking Guide , we cover some of Oahu's top trails. Luckily, Oahu hiking trails offer something for everyone.

All you need to experience Oahu's best hiking trails are some good shoes and a sense of adventure. See you along the trail!

Oahu Visitor Information

Our top oahu travel tips.

Oahu may not be the largest island in the state, but it is definitely ranked first in population . Nearly 960,000 people share Oahu's 600 square miles of mountains and beaches - that's a full  three-quarter of the state's population. Almost half live in the bustling city of Honolulu and nearby resort town of Waikiki. Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at approximately 4.5 to 4.7 million visitors annually - that's approximately half of all the visitors to the state each year.

Oahu is third in size among its fellow islands in the Hawaiian chain, which consists of  eight major islands  and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu , Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Popular Oahu Travel Articles

Oahu vacation guide, explore oahu by topic, terms of use & disclosures.

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Woman, teen injured in back-to-back shark attacks near popular tourist beach, reports say

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. ( WVUE /Gray News) - A woman and a teenager were injured in back-to-back shark attacks near a popular tourist beach in Florida, according to multiple reports.

Both incidents were near 30A, which is a popular strip of beaches.

The first incident was reported around 1 p.m. near Watersound Way, which is between Panama City Beach and Miramar Beach.

Deputies said the woman was injured and taken to a hospital, WVUE reported.

Her identity and condition have not been released.

A witness posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the attack allegedly happened while he and his children were body surfing in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Lots of blood in the water,” the witness described. “It’s not good.”

The second incident was reported around 3:25 p.m. near Shoreline Drive. Officials say there were multiple reports that a teenager was injured.

The beach was closed to the public in Walton County while the investigations continued.

Copyright 2024 WVUE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Hawaii’s Kilauea erupts again in a remote area. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the world

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, began erupting early Monday in a remote area that last erupted a half-century ago, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

This image provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, seen from the Volcano Golf Course, shows a plume from the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii in the early morning hours on Monday, June 3, 2024. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, began erupting early Monday in an area that last erupted a half-century ago, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. (D.A. Phillips/U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

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This webcam image provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, Monday, June 3, 2024. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, began erupting early Monday in an area that last erupted a half-century ago, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP)

HONOLULU (AP) — Kilauea , one of the most active volcanoes in the world, began erupting early Monday in a remote area and then paused about 12 hours later, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.

The eruption was about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) south of the Kilauea caldera, in an area within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that last erupted in December 1974. The area surrounding the caldera has been closed to the public since 2008 because of other hazards, including ground cracking, instability in the crater wall and rockfalls.

“Glow is visible in webcam imagery, indicating that lava is currently erupting from fissures,” the USGS observatory said. The eruption in 1974 only lasted about six hours.

Later Monday, the observatory said lava flows were sluggish between 11 a.m. and noon and had ceased moving by about 12:30 p.m.

“However, activity in this region remains dynamic and could change quickly,” the observatory said in an update. Partly because of elevated volcanic gas emissions continuing, it’s possible the eruption could resume. Scientists will continue to monitor the volcano.

The eruption took place in a remote location within the national park and didn’t pose an immediate threat to people or critical infrastructure, the observatory said.

Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth said residents are accustomed to eruptions happening within the park.

“People just need to realize this is in one of the safest places it could have happened,” he said. “Absolutely no property in danger.”

Typically the primary hazard during Kilauea eruptions is volcanic gas, which reacts with the atmosphere to create volcanic smog, or “vog.” The vog can present health hazards for residents and visitors, damage plants and affect livestock, the observatory said.

Roth said the communities of Oceanview and Naalehu may experience some air quality issues.

The observatory logged roughly 250 earthquakes beneath the Kilauea summit in the hours before the eruption began. The observatory said it would issue updates on the eruption daily, as well as whenever there are significant changes in volcanic activity.

Earthquake activity decreased greatly in the summit region with the onset of the eruption, the observatory said.

This version of the story deletes reference to Kilauea’s size. Kilauea is not Hawaii’s second-largest volcano.

Kilauea eruption prompts red alert on Hawaii's Big Island

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has begun to erupt again, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Lava began to emerge from the summit of the famed volcano, located at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, around 12:30 a.m. local time, prompting the USGS to raise the alert level to red.

MORE: Kilauea, active Hawaiian volcano, could erupt like a 'stomp-rocket toy,' new study suggests

A red alert signifies that a volcanic eruption is imminent, underway or suspected, with potential hazardous activity on the ground and in the air.

Due to the remote location of this eruption, the primary hazards are airborne hazards related to gas emissions and tephra (rock fragments) being blown down wind of the eruption, the USGS said. Current volcano activity is restricted to the summit region, and no lava is visible from accessible areas in the park.

The eruption occurred about a mile south of the Kīlauea Caldera and north of the Koa'e fault system and Hilina Pali Road, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but in a closed, rugged area, according to the USGS.

The open fissure is more than a mile long, a USGS spokesperson told ABC News. The lava has varied in height and vigor, with some eruptions spewing up to 65 feet, the spokesperson said. Gas was also being emitted from the fissure, the spokesperson noted, and the last time there was an eruption like this was in 1974, which was far more voluminous and covered a much larger area.

Lava flows are thin and have only traveled a few hundred yards from the fissures, the USGS said. Numerous large ground cracks have formed in the vicinity of the eruption.

MORE: This is how heat from a volcano can be used to power an entire town

This eruption could continue for a few hours to a couple of days, the spokesperson said.

Officials have not yet observed a Pele's hair -- volcanic glass formation produced from cooled lava and stretched into thin strands -- at the site.

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Officials are closely monitoring the volcano for signs of increasing or decreasing activity, the USGS said. Researchers are also collecting emissions data from the volcanic gases and steam being emitted from the eruptive fissure and nearby cracks.

MORE: Hawaii's Big Island abuzz over simultaneous eruptions at Mauna Loa and Kilauea

More than 400 earthquakes occurred over the past 24 hours, with most of them occurring between noon Sunday and midnight Monday, just before the eruption began, the USGS said. The largest earthquake, measuring at magnitude 4.1, occurred at 9:12 p.m. Sunday.

Past eruptions at Kilauea have proven to be destructive. Heavy lava flow destroyed more than 600 properties in 2018 as it traveled from the Kilauea summit to the ocean.

A mechanism similar to a "stomp-rocket toy" contributed to the severity of the lava flow that year and could affect future eruptions similarly, according to a paper published last week in Nature Geosciences .

Continual eruptions since 2018 have not been as severe .

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Video from the U.S. Geological Survey shows lava erupting from long fissures on Kīlauea, Hawaii’s second largest volcano. Officials say the activity has so far posed no threats to communities. June 3, 2024

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Nightly News

New video shows moment of scottie scheffler's arrest.

U.N. adds Israel to list of countries that harm children

21 million people under heat alerts amid record-shattering temperatures