travel to oahu hawaii

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide: Essential Details for 2024

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Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and North Shore surfing make Oahu the most visited Hawaiian island.

While many scoff at the crowds and traffic, most cannot resist visiting this island paradise for the nightlife, history, and beaches. Oh, those gold-sand beaches of Oahu.

We called Oahu our home for two years and it was hard to leave. Oahu is full of hidden gems and remote beaches that will leave you daydreaming about your next trip back. Let us show you around our old home with this comprehensive Oahu Travel Guide.

Take a shortcut with these helpful planning links: – Oahu is a great choice, now pick which part of the island to stay on. – Forget nothing with our article on What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation. – Check out the 10 Best Beaches on Oahu because you’ll need to know. – Here are 40 Things to Do on Oahu for when you’re not relaxing on the beach.

Want to hop around? Use our handy table of contents below to find exactly what you’re looking for.

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.

Oahu Travel Guide: Facts

Impress your seatmate on the plane or win trivia night with these facts about Oahu: 

• Honolulu is the largest city in the world, in geographic size. Every island or atoll that hasn’t been designated to another Hawaiian island defaults to the jurisdiction of Honolulu, per the state’s constitution.
• Oahu is home to over one million residents.
• Billboards are illegal in all of Hawaii so they don’t crowd the ocean views.
• The record low temperature in Honolulu is 52 degrees.

• Waikiki attracts 72,000 visitors a day, making up around 40% of all the state’s tourist revenue.
• While the nickname “ the Gathering Place ” makes sense in the present time as Oahu is the most populated island and home to the capital, there is no ancient Hawaiian connection to this nickname.
• Duke Kahanamoku, a Native Hawaiian, was raised in Waikiki. He is a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming, actor, Sheriff of Honolulu for 13 consecutive terms, entrepreneur, and the father of modern surfing. Say hello to his statue when visiting Waikiki.
• The only Royal Palace in the United States, Iolani Palace, is located on Oahu. It had electricity before the White House did, and was the first palace in the world to have flushing toilets.

Oahu Travel Guide: Geography

While Oahu is the most populated island, it’s not the largest . It’s smaller than both the Island of Hawai’i (Big Island) and Maui. 

Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier and the windward side is wetter. 

There are five main areas on Oahu: Honolulu, the North Shore, the Windward Coast, Central Oahu, and Leeward Oahu. 

What about Waikiki? Waikiki is actually a neighborhood in greater Honolulu, so we’ll cover that in the Honolulu section.

This is the cosmopolitan capital of Hawaii. Here you’ll find historical sights, a busy downtown, beautiful beaches, and the world-famous Waikiki. Honolulu is located on the southern leeward coast of the island and stretches from Pearl Harbor in the north to Makapu’u Point in the south. 

Most visitors stay in Waikiki , a bustling neighborhood in Honolulu. Whether you’re looking for great shopping, delicious restaurants, a night scene, or beach activities, you’ll find them all in Honolulu. We have a huge list of things to do in Honolulu !

The North Shore

Welcome to the country. Located one hour north of Honolulu, you’ll find the North Shore, made famous by big wave surfing. During the winter months you can find waves that reach over 30 feet, and the famous Eddie Aikau big wave invitational . In the summer, the waves die down and you’ll often find good swimming conditions at the beautiful beaches. 

On the north shore you’ll enjoy a slower pace, more greenery, fewer accommodation options (so fewer crowds), and a bit more rain. These are the best places to stay on the north shore and our favorite activities !

The Windward Coast

As you exit the tunnel from Honolulu to the windward coast you’ll be met with unbelievable views.

Jagged green mountains surround you with sparkling turquoise waters ahead of you. The windward coast is spectacularly beautiful and worth a day trip. From the beautiful Lanikai Beach to the fun adventures at Kualoa Ranch, there is so much to do and see. 

Central Oahu

Central Oahu stretches from Pearl Harbor through the central valley up to the North Shore. As you drive through the Waianae and Koolau Mountains, you’ll find a fertile valley and fields of pineapples and the popular Dole Plantation.  

Leeward Oahu

The western side — leeward side — of the island is home to the luxurious resort community of Ko’Olina. In Ko’Olina you’ll find Disney’s Aulani Hotel , the Four Seasons Oahu , and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club . This side of the island is sunny and dry and while it is home to large resorts, it’s less crowded and busy than popular Waikiki.

Make sure you don’t miss our full Ko’Olina Guide to help you plan your trip to the leeward side. It includes the need to know information on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.  

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Oahu?

While you may be visiting from a place that has four seasons each year, in Hawaii there are just two: summer (kau) and winter (hooilo). Summer runs from May to October and winter lasts from November to April. 

Luckily, the weather on Oahu is warm and pleasant year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to visit. But our favorite months to visit are April/May and September/October, because there are fewer visitors, the weather is great, and it’s a little less expensive to travel in this off-peak season period.

While the winter months get slightly cooler temperatures and there is a little more rain, staying in Honolulu or Leeward Oahu will increase your chances of sunny days and tank top temperatures. That’s why Oahu is such a great place to visit year-round. 

And if you’re curious about ocean temperatures and conditions, we have good news. The ocean temperature is always between 75 to 80 degrees, year-round. That means you can swim comfortably in January and in June.

But aside from temperature, consider waves. During the summer months, you can usually find calm water in many places around the island. The exception is if there is a storm (or remnants of a storm) passing by or if the island is getting a south swell. 

In the winter, north swells can bring choppy water and large waves to the north, west, and east side of the island, while down in Honolulu (and Waikiki) things usually stay a bit calmer. 

This site from the Hawaii Department of Health gives a great overview of when you typically see swells in what areas of the island. 

Getting to Oahu

There is one commercial airport on Oahu: the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) . This international airport welcomes flights from around the world and flies to all of the neighbor islands. You may even have a layover here if you’re flying to one of the other islands for your vacation. 

The airport is located on the leeward side of the island. It’s approximately 25 minutes from Waikiki, 30 minutes from Ko Olina, and 40 minutes from Haleiwa on the north shore. 

Planning on island hopping while here? Read our full guide on inter-island travel . 

Renting a Car and Getting Around Oahu

Should you rent a car on Oahu? That depends on your vacation style and your budget. Oahu is the only Hawaiian island where it’s actually somewhat easy to get around without a car. There’s a bus system, taxis, car-sharing , a Waikiki Trolley, full island circle tours, and more. 

There are three big reasons we recommend getting a rental car on Oahu:

• If you are staying in Ko’Olina or on the North Shore : When you’re staying in Waikiki , getting around without a car is easier. You have options to catch a trolley, rent a bike, or grab an Uber. But when you’re in Ko’Olina or the North Shore, getting around isn’t quite as easy. You can ride The Bus, but if you don’t want to spend time waiting for public transportation every time you want to go somewhere, a rental car is definitely needed. 
• If you are planning on doing big sightseeing days: There is a lot to see on Oahu and while you can definitely do some of it without a car, if you want to see different parts of the island, a rental car is one of the easiest options to do that. (Another easy option is a guided tour .)
• You just want ease and accessibility: If you don’t mind paying the hotel parking fees and you just want to be able to grab your car and go where you want to whenever you want to, renting a car is the right choice for your trip. We often fall in this third category because we like to maximize our time. 

If you do want to rent a car, we use and love Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They offer great rates with large, national carriers and you aren’t required to pre-pay. We’ve easily saved thousands of dollars using them over the past few years. We have a full rental car guide to help you find the right rental car for your vacation. 

Some awesome resources to help you navigate transportation on your trip:

• How to Get Around Oahu (a full guide) : this is the guide to use whether you’re getting a car or not. We cover all of the transportation options in depth. 
• The Best 7 Day Itinerary without a rental car : not getting a car? We show you how to do it and still have a very full vacation with this seven-day itinerary. 

Where to Stay on Oahu

Ready to book your stay on Oahu? Oahu has plenty of five-star resorts, outstanding vacation rentals, and a range of options in between. But what is right for you? 

Should you stay in a hotel or vacation rental on Oahu?

Go for a hotel if you’re looking for the traditional resort experience with big pools, nearby beaches, and restaurants within walking distance.

Opt for a vacation rental if you want access to a kitchen, are looking for space, or are looking to save money. 

We routinely stay in both. We’ll book a vacation rental for the majority of our stay so we have access to a kitchen and a little more space for the kids. Then we’ll treat ourselves to a great resort for a few days to enjoy the pool and other amenities. This has been a winning combo for us recently. 

If you’re still not sure what you want to do, we break down the difference between choosing a hotel and a vacation rental in Hawaii .  

You may have heard the headlines that Oahu has banned vacation rentals. That’s not quite accurate — they have banned short-term rentals outside of specific hotel districts . You can get all of the information on these short-term rental restrictions and make sure you’re staying at a rental that is legal. 

Should you stay in Waikiki, Ko’Olina, or the North Shore?

There are three main areas where visitors like to stay when they visit Oahu: Waikiki, Ko’Olina, and the North Shore. 

The majority of visitors stay in Waikiki. It’s a central location and you’ll find so many different hotel options — from budget motels to luxury accommodations. And Waikiki is small and walkable, so no matter where you’re staying you’re just a short walk from the beach. 

Newer to the hotel scene is the development of Ko Olina . Here you’ll find a few large resorts, like the Four Seasons Oahu , Disney Aulani , and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club . These resorts are located on man-made lagoons, for easy swimming and there are a number of restaurants located in the central shopping area, Ko Olina station. But it can be quite a drive to the other sights on the island.

Heading to the North Shore, you’ll find two main spots for accommodation: Turtle Bay and the Courtyard Oahu North Shore. The North Shore has a completely different vibe, with more rain, lush landscape, and some of the best big-wave surfing in the world. Check out our favorite places to stay and things to do on the North Shore .

Before you make your decision on what area to stay in, read our full guide on where to stay on Oahu. 

Once you know the area you want to stay in, we have some resources to help make finding a hotel even easier: 

• Where to Stay on Oahu: the Best Locations and Hotels
• Our favorite luxury hotels on Oahu
• Review and tour of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (a favorite of ours!)
• The best value Waikiki hotels to help you stretch your travel budget further
• Where to stay on Oahu with kids: our seven favorite family friendly hotels (they also make the list of our best family resorts in all of Hawaii)

How Many Days Should You Spend on Oahu?

According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority , the average visitor to Hawaii stays for approximately 9 days (from the March 2022 visitor statistics). While you might not be able to get away for that long, we recommend starting with 5-7 days on the island. There is so much to see and that gives you time to balance relaxation with adventure. 

If you are visiting multiple islands, five days on Oahu might be enough. If you’re planning on just visiting Oahu, seven days is a better timeline. 

No matter how long you’re staying, don’t miss our Hawaii packing list as you’re getting ready to go.

Beaches and Snorkeling on Oahu

If you are coming in search of beaches, Oahu has some of our absolute favorite spots. A few of our favorites to add to your vacation list are: 

• Lanikai Beach: This well-known beach is often cited as one of the best beaches in the world. And it deserves that title. The sand, the view of two islands offshore (The Mokes), and the windward Oahu coastal views are staggering. Parking is a challenge and there are no lifeguards here, so arrive early and pay attention to beach safety best practices to keep yourself safe.
• Waimea Bay: Our favorite summer spot, Waimea Bay is a beautiful, calm beach in the summer. Located on the north shore, you’ll find lifeguards, good parking, and bathrooms here. Plus, Waimea Valley waterfall swim is across the street and it’s a nice option to enjoy some of the botanic beauty and learn some history. 
• Waikiki Beaches: Did you know there is more than one beach in Waikiki? You’ll find a number of great beaches here, including Kuhio Beach, Queen Beach, and Waikiki Beach. Enjoy views of Diamond Head (Leahi) while laying on one of the world-famous beaches . 

If you want to see all of our favorites, we’ve got you covered with the 10 best beaches on Oahu , including need-to-know information like parking, lifeguards, and shower/bathroom access. 

Planning on snorkeling while you hit the beach? We have you covered with our five favorite snorkeling spots on Oahu . Or if you’d rather get out on a boat for offshore snorkeling, these are our favorite Oahu snorkel tours .

Remember that while the beaches in Hawaii are beautiful, they are not without risk. Currents, dangerous shore break, and changing ocean conditions make swimming in any ocean dangerous. Practice beach safety by swimming on beaches with lifeguards, obeying lifeguard flags, and when in doubt, don’t go out. This website has more excellent information to help keep you safe. 

Things to Do on Oahu

There is no shortage of fun to be had on Oahu. Below are some of our favorites but see our 40 Things to Do in Oahu and 23 Things to Do in Oahu with Kids for a lot more!

A luau is also a popular thing to do on Oahu. We share the best Oahu luaus per our review here but get out and about on Oahu for the many museums and cultural sites like Waimea Valley .

Here are some highlights you don’t want to miss: 

• Surfing in Waikiki: there’s something truly special about learning to surf in Waikiki, the home of surfing in Hawaii. If you have surfing experience then you can rent a board right on the beach. Or, you can take a lesson and learn how to ride your first wave. This video takes you on our lesson with Ohana Surf Project .
• Visit Pearl Harbor: Pay respects and learn history from the air raid and attack on Pearl Harbor. There are four historic sights to visit: USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Visit it yourself or take a guided tour for the day .
• Explore the North Shore: head into the country and the slower, laid-back style of the North Shore. Home to big wave surfing in the winter, stunning beaches in the summer, the charming town of Haleiwa, and plenty of things to do . This area deserves at least a day (and a North Shore day is included in our itinerary ).

Want help figuring out how to fit in the best sights, restaurants, and beaches into your trip? Our Oahu itinerary was designed just for that.

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

Don’t just take our word for it! See what others have to say:

Best Tours and Activities on Oahu

While we embrace DIY travel, there’s something to be said for a great tour when you’re in Hawaii.

Not only are you supporting a local business, but you’re getting time with a guide who truly knows the island.

Whether you’re taking in the history on a Pearl Harbor tour or they’re educating you on the marine life during a snorkeling trip , a good tour experience can stick with you for years. There are even some amazing private tours if you want something more personalized.

We’ve done the hard work for you by finding the best of the best tours on the island. Here’s a sampling of our favorites to get started, but don’t forget to check out our full list . 

Popular Oahu Videos

Get to know Oahu and see some of our best recommendations with our most popular Oahu videos.

Or, explore our full library of videos on Hawaii .

Full Library of Oahu Articles

Want to binge-read everything we’ve written on visiting Oahu? Pour yourself a Mai Tai and browse all Oahu articles here .

The Oahu Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, we’ve got you covered. Our island itineraries help you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on-island. Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

We hope you have an amazing trip!

~Jordan & Erica

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

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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Oahu Travel Tips: 18 Things to Know Before Visiting Oahu

By: Author Leah Shoup

Posted on Published: January 26, 2024

Oahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is appropriately nicknamed “The Gathering Place.” This island is best known for Honolulu, Waikiki’s beaches and resorts, surfing on the North Shore, and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

However, there’s so much more to see on Oahu than you might imagine. To help you make the most out of your Hawaii vacation, I’ve put together the ultimate Oahu travel guide. Read this vacation guide to avoid making first-time visitor mistakes!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you book an activity or reservation through these links at no extra cost to you.

Oahu feels like visiting another country without leaving the U.S.

The Byodo-In Temple is located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Kaneohe, Hawaii.

Hawaii is a popular destination among U.S. citizens because you can feel like you’re visiting another country without needing a passport! Additionally, American visitors won’t need to exchange money (as the currency is the U.S. dollar).

Another big advantage to visiting Oahu is that your phone service will work like normal! Unlike other vacation spots, you don’t have to pay any extra fees or buy a SIM card to use your phone on the island (if you are a U.S. resident).

Nonetheless, remember that Hawaii runs on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time. With this in mind, you’ll be three hours behind the West Coast and six hours behind friends and family on the East Coast. Additionally, tipping on Oahu is also the same as in the mainland United States: 15-20% is customary.

You will need to reserve a rental car.

Driving through Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden on the Windward Oahu coast.

Although renting a car on Oahu can be pricey, it’s a necessary expense to leave the Waikiki area. Many visitors will opt to go carless during their stay on the famous Waikiki Beach and then hire a vehicle to explore areas like the North Shore or the Windward Coast.

First things first: if you choose to rent a car for the entirety of your stay, be prepared to pay nightly parking fees. Like most things in Hawaii, gas is probably more expensive here than back at home, too. However, we still think a car rental is 100% worth it during your stay on the island.

Oahu–along with other islands like Maui and Kauai–is different from other popular tropical destinations. The island and its accommodations aren’t set up to be all-inclusive; therefore, you can see why a rental car is such an important item on any Hawaii travel checklist !

Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.

Plus, part of the appeal of a vacation to Oahu is the chance to get out and explore on your own. Discovering your favorite beach, local eatery, and shave ice joint are all part of an authentic island experience. Believe me, you won’t want to stick to downtown Honolulu for your whole trip!

One or our top Oahu tips: take traffic and peak travel times into account. Expect “rush hour” driving into Honolulu from 5-8 A.M. and leaving the city from 3-6:30 P.M. Driving from the south shore to Oahu’s west side (like Ko Olina or Kapolei) can be tough in the evenings.

You’ll probably stay in Waikiki for at least part of your vacation.

View of Waikiki Beach from The Sheraton Waikiki Resort.

Approximately 78% of all Oahu hotels are located in the Waikiki/Honolulu area. Some of the most popular properties include the Royal Hawaiian Hotel , Moana Surfrider , and the Sheraton Waikiki . So, most visitors end up staying in Waikiki for at least part of their Oahu vacation.

Waikiki offers more of a “touristy” experience. Therefore, we highly suggest taking day trips to other parts of the island, even if you’re based in Waikiki. Popular spots include the North Shore beaches, Kualoa Ranch, and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.

Turtle Bay Resort is one of the only full-service resorts on the North Shore.

Although most hotels are located along Waikiki Beach, you can find Oahu vacation rentals or Airbnbs in other places. For example, the North Shore, the Leeward Side, and the Windward Side are all options.

The best luxury resort on the North Shore is Turtle Bay (where Forgetting Sarah Marshall was filmed), followed by Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore . For a quieter resort experience, check out the Ko’olina area, where the Four Seasons Oahu and Aulani  are located.

Hotels charge extra daily resort fees that are mandatory.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

If you’re traveling to Oahu, know that most properties charge additional fees. Daily resort fees help to cover certain amenities and activities, which vary depending on the hotel. For example, they may cover wifi, phone calls, surfing lessons, yoga, cultural activities, etc.

The price can range from $10-40 per night, which can easily start to add up if you’re staying for a whole week. While a resort fee is a frustrating extra expense, unfortunately, there’s no way to get out of it. So, make sure to look up each property’s resort fee when preparing the budget for your vacation.

Moana Surfrider Resort on Waikiki Beach.

We also recommend researching exactly what this charge includes so that you can take advantage of the amenities and activities. After all, you technically paid for them! Many visitors assume that they may save some money by renting a vacation rental or Airbnb instead.

Most of the time, renting a home can make your vacation more budget-friendly; however, be aware that you may still notice extra fees. For example, rentals are likely to tack on service fees, property-related vocational rental fees, cleaning fees, or administrative fees.

Look Here: Hawaii Instagram Captions

Don’t spend all your time in Waikiki.

View of Hanauma Bay, one of the best places to go snorkeling on Oahu.

As we mentioned above, the chances are very high that you’ll stay in a hotel in Waikiki at some point during your trip. However, one of our best Oahu travel tips is to also make time to explore outside of the touristy area.

This way, you’ll get to experience quieter beaches, awesome hiking trails, authentic Hawaiian cuisine, and more. With this in mind, we recommend spending approximately five days in Oahu to see both popular attractions and hidden gems.

Sunrise at Lanikai Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the island.

Here are just a few of the top sights on Oahu that you’ll have to leave Waikiki to discover: 

• On the Windward Coast, Lanikai Beach is often voted one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii . The sand is soft and powdery, and it’s a great place to go kayaking or paddleboarding.
• Kualoa Ranch, also on Oahu’s east side, offers some of the most popular guided tours on the island. It was also a filming spot for movies and TV shows like Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, and Lost. 
• On the southeast coast, you have to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay . This nature preserve is a great place for beginner snorkelers to see Green Sea Turtles, Triggerfish, Tang, Surgeonfish, Butterfly Fish, Parrotfish, and more.
• Waimea Bay is one of our favorite North Shore beaches . While you can expect surfers here in the winter, the water is super calm in the summertime, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

All beaches on Oahu are public land. 

View of Chinaman’s Hat from Kualoa Regional Park in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

You read that right; there are no private beaches on Oahu or any of the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ruled that the public has the right to access any beaches throughout the state below the “upper reaches of the wash of the waves” (HRS §§ 115-4, 115-5, Revised 2010 ).

So, both locals and tourists share a common law right to visit all of Oahu’s beaches! Even if there are houses, you’ll always find public rights-of-way running between these private properties. There are only a small number of exceptions for certain federal government areas. 

Read More: The Best Instagram Spots in Oahu

Be respectful of the land at all times.

Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is a great location to observe Green Sea Turtles.

Sadly, some tourists on Oahu behave poorly, especially towards wildlife. At the beach, pay attention to signs that indicate when it isn’t safe to swim or when wildlife is nearby. You may see signs for rip currents, a strong current, dangerous shore break, slippery rocks, or no swimming.

It’s important to note that Green Sea Turtles frequent many of the beaches. Therefore, keep in mind that it’s illegal to touch or harass any of these animals. As a result, Hawaiʻi’s Division of Aquatic Resources recommends keeping a distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all turtles.

Please also respect “kapu” and “no trespassing” signs while exploring the island.

Don’t leave valuables in the car when beach hopping.

Shark’s Cove, a popular snorkeling spot on North Shore Oahu Hawaii.

When it comes to violent crime, Hawaii is safer on average than the mainland U.S. However, property crime is much higher in the Hawaiian Islands. Essentially, what this comes down to is that rental cars and tourists are easy to identify.

To avoid becoming a victim, don’t leave any of your valuables in the car. Even if you’re just stopping to take a quick photo or run in a store, we always recommend carrying your belongings with you. If you have to leave something in your rental car, at the very least, make sure that it’s not visible.

Even when you’re on the beach, we suggest keeping an eye on your personal items. For example, if someone wants to go swimming and you’re in a group, make sure that one person stays with your possessions.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen.

Unfortunately, when your it contains chemicals such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, you can end up hurting the coral reef in the process. So, when purchasing sunblock for your vacation, make sure to buy reef-safe sunscreen.

For example, Sun Bum , Aveeno Positively Mineral , Thinksport , and TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen are all currently approved. If you’re ever in doubt, read the ingredients on the back to double-check that you don’t see oxybenzone or octinoxate.

Hawaii bans sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals. Therefore, all sunscreen available for purchase there is already deemed safe. If you’d like to buy skin protection that’s made in Hawaii, check out Kokua Sun Care , Mama KULEANA , Little Hands Hawaii , or Raw Love Mineral Sunscreen .

Pack water shoes.

We’ve seen so many people slip and fall or even cut their feet in these dangerous areas. Additionally, water shoes offer traction on muddy trails during hikes, sparing your regular shoes from getting dirty.

Have some cash on hand for parking and other small expenses.

We suggest carrying a small amount with you each day–around $50 should be good. The great news is that you don’t have to exchange any money (if you’re American) as Hawaii is part of the United States. Therefore, the currency is the U.S. dollar. 

• Many mom-and-pop type restaurants or establishments will only accept cash. For example, Giovanni’s Food Truck is well-known as a cash-only establishment. 
• If you plan to go on a tour of any type, you may want to tip your guide in cash. If you’re renting a car and plan to valet anywhere, you may want cash to be able to tip your valet.
• Some parking garages or beach parking lots only take cash.
• Many of the most popular farmers’ markets on Oahu only accept cash. So, if you want to purchase fresh produce, flowers, or food, make sure to have cash, especially in small denominations. 

Make reservations for any sit-down restaurants in advance (when possible).

For example, The Pig and the Lady , Mud Hen Water , and Hau Tree are all beloved establishments that also take reservations. Nonetheless, i f the restaurant you have in mind doesn’t take reservations, consider ordering take-out instead of waiting in long lines to dine inside.

You can also order from certain popular restaurants on Uber Eats or GrubHub. However, if you’d still prefer to dine in, we strongly recommend dropping by at an off-peak time. You may have better luck showing up before the restaurant opens or an hour before it closes.

Read More: Best Places to Eat in Oahu

Don’t forget your hiking shoes.

View of Lanikai Beach from the Lanikai Pillbox Trail.

One activity you won’t want to leave off your Oahu itinerary is hiking! Diamond Head Crater is probably the best-known trek due to its proximity to Waikiki Beach. Other Oahu hiking trails include the Lanikai Pillbox Hike , the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail , and Manoa Falls .

Or, for more of a challenge, don’t miss the Koko Crater Tramway Hike , better known as the “Koko Head Stairs”. With this in mind, you’ll want to pack durable pair of hiking shoes in your suitcase! In particular, water-resistant shoes with good traction are going to be your best option. 

When a trail is deemed dangerous, the decision is made to close it permanently. For instance, this is the case for the Stairway to Heaven Hike and the Crouching Lion Hike. Do NOT attempt to hike these trails.

The winter in Oahu marks North Shore surf season. 

While Oahu experiences winter, it’s not actually very cold, making it a great destination to visit year round. For example, the average high temperature during this season is around 80°F (26°C). Nonetheless, swimming or snorkeling can be up in the air due to dangerous winter waves.

On the plus side, these legendary waves on the island’s North Shore attract some of the best surfers in the world. Additionally, many of the big surfing competitions take place during this season, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing .

Fun fact: if you’re not into surfing, winter is also the best time to go whale watching in Oahu. Especially during February and March, you’re very likely to spot Humpback Whales!

An important part of visiting Oahu is learning about traditional Hawaiian culture. 

Hawaii, Aotearoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa are each represented in the six island villages at the center. Here, you can take hula lessons, learn how to fish, and try your hand at playing the ukulele. Moreover, you’ll learn about other important Polynesian cultural traditions, dances, cuisine, and music.

Plus, don’t forget that the center is also a great spot for souvenir shopping! You can bring home items made in Hawaii like clothing, jewelry, ukuleles, macadamia nuts, and decor.

If you want to learn more about Hawaii but need an activity nearby in Honolulu, check out the Bishop Museum or Iolani Palace .

Remember to try authentic Hawaiian food.

If you plan to be on the island’s Windward side, you HAVE to stop by Waiahole Poi Factory . This long-established joint in Kaneohe serves some of the best Squid Lu’au, Kalua Pig, Laulau, and Haupia on the island.

Don’t leave Oahu without trying authentic Hawaiian shave ice! The best spots are Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa and Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu. Try flavors that are traditional to Hawaii, like lilikoi (passion fruit), haupia (coconut cream), and li hing mui (sweet and sour plum).

Make a reservation in advance to visit Pearl Harbor.  

However, you will need a timed ticket to go out to the USS Arizona Memorial. Now, y ou can only make official reservations for Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s USS Arizona Memorial Program via the Recreation.gov website .

While visiting this historical site is free, note that the website will charge you $1 per person to make the reservation (non-refundable). Upon receiving your confirmation email, either print out your QR code or take a screenshot of it on your phone.

Read More: Free Things to Do in Oahu

Buy bathing suits and resort wear from Hawaiian brands on your vacation.

For men, take a look at Honolua Surf Co. They have locations in Ko Olina Center, the International Marketplace, and Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Looking for other Hawaii travel guides?

What to Pack for Hawaii

Complete Guide to the North Shore

The Best Beaches on the North Shore

The Best Quotes and Sayings About Hawaii

Where to Find the Best Sunsets on Oahu

Where to Eat in Oahu, Hawaii

Free Things to do in Oahu

The Prettiest Places in Hawaii

Where to take photos on oahu, did you enjoy these oahu vacation tips pin it for later.

This article was first published in July 2021 and has since been updated.

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Oahu Is Home to a Jaw-dropping Volcanic Crater, Luxury Hotels, and Some of the World's Most Famous Surf Beaches

Discover the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Oahu, Hawaii.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian islands, located southeast of Kauai. The most populous of the islands, Oahu is home to the stabookte capital of Honolulu and its cosmopolitan surroundings. Historic sites like Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum contrast with modern luxury hotels and highrise apartments. The glittering skyline, along with the Diamond Head crater, form a stunning backdrop for Waikiki's popular beaches.

Not far from the shops, restaurants, and hotels of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, the scenery changes to quiet beaches, green valleys, and mountain views. On the windward or east coast of the island, beaches like Kailua, Makapu'u, and Lanikai offer white sand, shade trees, and waves for surfing, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. On the North Shore, visitors find more than seven miles of the famous beaches that attract surfers from around the world, especially during the winter months when the waves are big and challenging. The Leeward, or west coast, is sunny and dry with luxury resorts and its own surfing beach, Makaha.

Oahu's central valley has been home to plantations since the late 19th century, and pineapples are still grown there. To the south, historic Pearl Harbor is an active naval base and the location of historic monuments commemorating its place in World War II history.

Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), which is five hours behind Eastern Standard Time and two hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so add one extra hour to the time difference during this period (March through November).

It's nearly always a good time to go to Oahu. The summer season, mainly April through October, sees higher temperatures and less precipitation. June, July, and August are popular with vacationers when schools are generally out, and the weather is warm and dry. Mid-December through March is a peak time, especially for visitors from colder climates.

Winter, from December through March, is slightly cooler, but still warm and sunny although there's a bit more rain. The climate varies across different areas of the island. The weather is drier on the west side, and the east coast receives more rain. The southern areas of Honolulu and Waikiki are pleasant year-round.

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Oahu is the second oldest of the Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu's two mountain ranges, the Waianae on the west and the Koolau on the east, were once volcanoes. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the volcanoes last erupted more than 70,000 years ago.

Oahu's volcanoes are extinct, and the most famous of the remaining cones are Diamond Head (Leahi), Punchbowl, and Koko Head craters.

The nickname of Oahu is "The Gathering Place," probably based on its central location and its history as a place where people went for marriages, births, and funerals.

The majority of Hawaii's population of 1,411,150 live on the island of Oahu, with a population of 953,207.

Waikiki, home of famous beaches and hotels, is located in Honolulu. The area was created with the construction of the Ala Wai Canal in 1928, changing the swamplands into one of the best-known beaches in the world.

The only royal palace in the United States is located on Oahu. It is Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu.

Hawaii is the only state with two official languages: English and 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, an endangered language, now part of a revival effort.

It is customary to remove one's shoes when entering someone's home.

The "shaka" or "hang loose" gesture (waving the extended thumb and little finger with the three middle fingers curved) is said to have originated among surfers on Oahu's North Shore. Its meanings include "hello," "goodbye," "chill out," "thank you," and the popular greeting, "Howzit?"

The most popular tourist attraction on Oahu is the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

The Bus - On Oahu, The Bus offers frequent bus schedules and numerous routes providing wide island coverage. Bus stops are shown on maps of specific transit centers .

Taxi - Look for taxi stands at most major shopping centers and in the business district or call for a pickup at a hotel or designated place.

From Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) :

The Bus - Routes 19, 20, and 31 leave from terminals approximately every 30 minutes, departing from the second-level roadway along the center median.

Roberts Hawaii Express Shuttle - Provides on-demand, island-wide transfer service from various pickup locations around the airport.

Auto Rental - Five rental car companies — Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and SIXT — are located on the ground level of the Terminal 2 parking garage. Enterprise is located on Aolele Street. Car rental shuttles stop in designated areas along the center median on the ground level outside baggage claim areas.

Taxi - Drivers from all taxi companies may pick up passengers at the airport on the center median fronting the baggage claim areas. See taxi dispatchers for service.Transportation Network Companies - Uber and Lyft have designated pickup areas on the second level.

Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 923-7311 Book Now

Known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," the Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927 and has continued to offer its classic style of luxury. The 528-room resort features a Historic Wing, private beachfront cabanas, award-winning dining, and Waikiki's only oceanfront luau.

Address: 2233 Helumoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 921-7272 Book Now

This new hotel offers stunning guestrooms and suites, as well as amenities that include guaranteed early check-in and late check-out, complimentary breakfast at Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant, vitality infinity pool, hot tub, and access to Halekulani Spa.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort

Address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Phone: (808) 923-1234 Book Now

This centrally located hotel just steps from Waikiki Beach boasts 1,230 rooms, each with a private lanai. Amenities include a pool overlooking the Pacific, open-air dining with ocean views, fitness center, and convenient onsite Hertz car rental.

Prince Waikiki

Address: 100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (855) 622-7558 Book Now

Surrounded by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel offers contemporary accommodations, poolside cabanas, exclusive Club Lounge, and access to the Hawaii Prince Golf Club. Their signature dining spot, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, features island cuisine and stunning sunset views.

Sheraton Waikiki

Address: 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 922-4422 Book Now

Set in the center of Waikiki steps from the beach, the Sheraton offers two outdoor pools, fitness center, spa, and several dining options. Accommodations include 1,636 guestrooms, many with ocean views, and 136 ocean view suites.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Address: 383 Kalaimoku Street, Waikiki Beach, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 922-8111 Book Now

This luxe property features ocean-view rooms and one, two, three, and four-bedroom suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, furnished balconies, and modern decor. The eighth-floor infinity pool is the highest in Waikiki, with dining and private cabanas available. Ritz-Carlton Spa and a 24-hour fitness center are available.

Address: 2452 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 377-2246 Book Now

World-class amenities, butler service, rooftop infinity pool and sun deck, an oceanfront Jacuzzi on every balcony, and expansive ocean view suites have earned Espacio the title of "Jewel of Waikiki." Nine luxury suites each occupy an entire floor, and personalized service begins with luxury airport transportation. Dine at Mugen, their Japanese-French dining concept.

Address: 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 923-2311 Book Now

This elegant beachfront hotel offers unobstructed views of Diamond and Pacific views from all suites and from most guestrooms. Three open-air restaurants boast ocean views and distinct menus created with fresh local ingredients.

Kaimana Beach Hotel

Address: 2863 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 768-3003 Book Now

Set where Diamond Head meets the Pacific, Kaimana Beach Hotel was originally built in 1963, Waikiki's only boutique property located directly on the sand of Kaimana Beach. After unveiling a new look, the hotel maintains its casual style and modern-boho aesthetic.

Hilton Hawaiian Village

Address: 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 949-4321 Book Now

Set on 22 oceanfront acres on Waikiki Beach, the resort offers a variety of accommodations including guestrooms and suites. A variety of pools includes a children's pool, water slides, and an expansive beachfront pool. Dining options range from casual to fine dining.

Address: 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 922-6600

Combining mid-century modern and contemporary style, The Laylow creates a cool, hip vibe and comfortable atmosphere. The 16-floor hotel offers 186 rooms, 65 suites, a secluded saltwater pool, cabanas, live entertainment, and casual dining spot.

Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Address: 400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 954-4000 Book Now

This family-friendly hotel is conveniently located near local attractions like the Honolulu Zoo. The property features two outdoor pools, a nine-hole putting golf course, spa, fitness center, Italian restaurant, and outdoor balconies.

Ewa Hotel Waikiki

Address: 2555 Cartwright Road, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 954-7414 Book Now

This affordable hotel is located just two blocks from Waikiki Beach, across from Kapiolani Park and the Honolulu Zoo. Comfortable rooms, an expansive rooftop deck, and optional studios or kitchenette suites make this hotel an attractive vacation spot.

Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

Address: 1777 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 949-3811 Book Now

You may have seen this striking hotel on the opening credits of Hawaii Five-O, and it's a Waikiki landmark with contemporary accommodations, and luxury amenities. Every suite features full kitchens, spacious baths, premium bedding, and the comforts of home steps from the beach.

Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki

Address: 440 Olohana Street, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 943-0202 Book Now

Located along the Ala Wai canal minutes from Waikiki Beach, Ala Wai Golf Course, and more, this European-style resort features studios and one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes. Some suites offer private lanais and accessible features. There's an outdoor pool, garden, media lounge, bbq area, and fitness center.

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Address: 412 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 923-8882 Book Now

This casual mid-century style hotel offers 112 vintage-inspired rooms featuring handcrafted furnishings and curated art. Accommodations include one, two, and three-bedroom suites as well as a one-bedroom penthouse suite and a one room bungalow penthouse.

Kahala Hotel & Resort (east Honolulu)

Address: 5000 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: (808) 369-9480 Book Now

This luxury beachfront resort is set in the exclusive area of Kahala, ten minutes from Waikiki. Accommodations include beachfront and ocean view guestrooms as well as suites and exclusive spacious signature suites. A variety of dining venues, spa, and pool are available.

North Shore

Turtle Bay Resort

Address: 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI 96731 Phone: (808) 293-6000 Book Now

This 800-acre property is set on an outcropping overlooking the shoreline with accommodations that include guestrooms, suites, villas, and beachside bungalows. The resort features two championship golf courses, a spa and salon, casual all-day dining, pool bar, and upscale dining at Roy's Beach House.

Leeward (west) Side

Ko Olina Resort area is set on 642 acres with ocean and mountain views along a mile and a half of seaside pathways between the Lanikuhonua nature preserve and beach coves to the south. Home to Ko Olina Golf Club and Ko Olina Marina, the compound includes these three hotel properties.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Address: 92-1001 Olani Street, Kapolei, HI 96707 Phone: (808) 679-0079 Book Now

Set on Oahu's rugged western coast, the resort features guestrooms and suites with ocean or mountain views, as well as expansive specialty suites. A variety of dining options includes casual poolside Waterman Bar & Grill, Noe Italian eatery, and Mina's Fish House for beachfront seafood from James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina.

Aulani Disney Resort & Spa

Address: 92-1185 Ali'inui Drive, Kapolei, HI 96707 Phone: (866) 443-4763 Book Now

Designed for families and inspired by the traditions of Hawaii, Aulani is located in a beachfront cove. Featuring guestrooms, suites, and spacious villas, the resort offers a spa, fitness center, activities for kids and teens, pools, waterslides, a lazy river, splash zone, and Rainbow Reef snorkeling lagoon.

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club

Address: 92-161 Waipahe Place, Kapolei, HI 96707 Phone: (808) 679-4700 Book Now

The property offers 550 one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas to accommodate six to eight guests. Private balconies and patios, washer/dryer, and oversized soaking tubs provide luxury and convenience. There's a children's pool, activity center, spa, restaurants, shopping, and three outdoor heated pools with whirlpool spas.

Merriman's

Address: 1108 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 215-0022 Website

Dine indoors or outdoors at this neighborhood bistro-style restaurant to enjoy the Hawaii regional cuisine of Peter Merriman. Open all day, the restaurant serves specialities like chermoula-marinated fresh catch, kalua pig quesadilla, and organic taro hummus. (Reservations suggested)

Scratch Kitchen & Meatery

Address: 1170 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 569-1669 Website

Serving brunch and dinner, this restaurant's varied menu includes creative dishes inspired by Southern cuisine with a dash of Mexican, French, and island favorites like Loco Moco. From fresh seafood to Lilikoi BBQ short ribs, the appealing dinner menu has something for every taste. (Reservations suggested)

Sushi Sasabune Hawaii

Address: 1417 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 947-3800 Website

This premium restaurant offers Omakase-style sushi featuring the freshest fish in 13-15 courses. The sushi bar is omakase only, and a la carte orders are available at tables. The expert chefs provide each course with its unique sauce and topping to be eaten as is. (Reservations required)

Bernini Honolulu

Address: 1218 Waimanu Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 591-8400 Website

This upscale restaurant serves Italian cuisine with a French twist under the guidance of chef Toshihiro who uses local ingredients to create his signature dishes. Fresh vegetables, seafood, Roman-style pizzas, al dente pastas, and luscious desserts are on the lunch and dinner menus.

(Reservations suggested)

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Downtown Honolulu

Address: 500 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 599-3860 Website

Feast on USDA Prime beef cooked to perfection and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate, perfectly broiled and seasoned. Add appetizers like seared ahi, side dishes like creamed spinach, salads, desserts, wines, and handcrafted cocktails for a perfect dinner. (Reservations suggested)

Address: 1009 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 585-0011 Website

Chef Chai is known for his Hawaiian regional cuisine that infuses the best of Hawaii's resources with the cultural diversity of the islands. Dishes like chilled foie gras chawanmushi, kataifi and macadamia nut crusted black tiger prawns, and ahi katsu reflect his style. (Reservations suggested)

Livestock Tavern

Address: 49 North Hotel Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 537-2577 Website

Set in the Chinatown District, this cozy restaurant features a comfortable setting and food to match, with herb-roasted chicken, fish and chips, Maine lobster rolls, New England clam chowder, and buttermilk fried chicken on the menu. They offer an extensive wine and whiskey selection. (Reservations suggested)

Address: 829 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: (808) 254-6369 Website

This speakeasy-style spot offers a wide selection of premium whisky and spirits, wine, unique cocktails, and delicious tapas. Sip and taste their charcuterie board, king crab tempura, A-5 wagyu tartare, and caviar, among others. Finish with bourbon creme brulee, key lime pie, or affogato. (Reservations suggested)

Address: 2334 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96826 Phone: (808) 367-0012 Website

This authentic Japanese hot pot restaurant features their specialty nabe dashi made from oxtail simmered for 24 hours. Choose from six, nine, or 10 courses and combine your choice of meats, vegetables, fish, noodles, and rolls, dipping into the rich broth. (Reservations suggested)

MW Restaurant

Address: 888 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 955-6505 Website

This local favorite is owned by husband and wife chef team Michelle and Wade, specializing in traditional and island-style favorites like mochi-crusted opakapaka, soy-braised pork belly, Kauai shrimp with seafood ravioli, and desserts that include lilikoi sorbet.

12th Avenue Grille and Deli

Address: 1120 12th Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: (808) 732-9469 Website

Described as an American brasserie, the restaurant's menu includes oysters, salads, caponata, scallops crudo, lobster mac and cheese, Maui Cattle Company burger, and a selection of desserts like chocolate haupia pie, sacher torte, and tiramisu.

Address: 2970 E. Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI Phone: (808) 840-0488 Website

Chef Jon Matsubara brings an impressive career to his restaurant, including training at French Culinary Institute in New York and experience at top dining spots. Soups, salads, burgers, and Teishoku of the day, a Japanese-style set menu, are offered.

Goen Dining + Bar by Roy Yamaguchi

Address: 573 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734 Phone: (808) 263-4636 Website

This restaurant from the famed chef features Pan-Asian and American dishes based on Hawaii's flavors and ingredients. Fresh fish and local meats, salads, and sushi are served in an upscale atmosphere. Creative desserts include yuzu lemon bar cheesecake.

Kalapawai Cafe & Deli

Address: 750 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734 Phone: (808) 262-3354 Website

This family business has several locations on the island serving a variety of coffees, beer, wine, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, burgers, dinner entrees, and desserts.

Address: 515 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734 Phone: (808) 263-7980 Website

This casual spot is known for serving fresh local fish and many varieties of poke, including ahi, scallop, crab, oyster, and more. Their offerings include BBQ chicken, grilled salmon, squid, octopus, and a selection of side dishes, salads, and kimchi.

Mahi'ai Table

Address: 91-5431 Kapolei Parkway, Ste 1704 Ka Makana, Kapolei, HI 96707 Phone: (808) 670-2778 Website

This casual eatery set in a Foodland Farms store features a menu that includes cocktails, beer, wine and a selection of dishes based on local ingredients. The menu offers braised short rib loco moco, salads, sandwiches, pizza, fried chicken, fresh fish, and malasadas for dessert.

Longhi's Ko Olina

Address: 92-161 Waipahe Place, Kapolei, HI 96707 Phone: (808) 671-8887 Website

Located in the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club, Longhi's serves prime steaks, fresh island fish, pastas, lobster, and more in an open air setting with ocean views. Their menu includes appetizers, salads, and entrees like macadamia nut-crusted island fish and shrimp Lombardi.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Address: 4450 Kapolei Parkway, Kapolei, HI 96707 Phone: (808) 492-1392 Website

With many locations in Hawaii and the mainland, Gyu-Kaku serves authentic Japanese grilled barbecue where guests share a variety of meats and seafood cooked over a charcoal grill. Side dishes, appetizers, and small plates are available as well as beer, sake, and wine.

Haleiwa Beach House

Address: 62-540 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Phone: (808) 637-3435 Website

Serving lunch and dinner in a historic spot across from Ali'i beach, this restaurant features poke, salads, soups, and entrees that include grilled mahi mahi, Paniolo ribeye, Thai fried chicken, and sandwiches and burgers at lunch. They offer beer, wine, and their signature cocktails.

Banzai Sushi Bar

Address: 66-246 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Phone: (808) 639-4404 Website

This popular spot, located in the North Shore Marketplace, features the finest fresh fish in an outdoor Japanese-style setting. Local fishermen and farmers provide the ingredients, and chef Hide Takahashi's skill creates some of the best sushi on the island, according to his many fans.

Uncle Bo's Haleiwa

Address: 66-111 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712 Phone: (808) 797-9649 Website

Located in the historic Haleiwa Town Center, Uncle Bo's offers a varied menu along with a family-friendly style. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the restaurant's menu includes pupus, soups, salads, pizza, pasta, and fresh seafood and meat dishes.

Oahu beaches will be on the itinerary of most visitors. From famous Waikiki to the North Shore's waves to calm lagoons, you'll find the perfect beach whether you want to surf, swim, snorkel, or just sunbathe on the sand.

Away from the beach, a favorite activity on Oahu is hiking. Every part of the island offers opportunities for hikers of various skill levels. Minutes from Waikiki, Leahi (Diamond Head) is a moderately challenging trail that includes two sets of stairs rewarding hikers with panoramic views at the top.

Take a drive around the island, either heading east out of Honolulu towards Makapu'u Point and then north along the Windward Coast between the ocean and the mountains. Stop at lookout points for photos or just to enjoy the view. Or head west and then north along the Leeward Coast for a look at the waves of Makaha.

Be sure to try island specialties like shave ice (not shaved!) finely shaved and topped with flavored syrup and malasadas — fried donut-like dough covered in sugar. Don't miss a local favorite, Spam musubi which is similar to sushi with rice and seaweed wrap, but meat instead of fish. Loco moco is another favorite, with variations based on white rice topped with a hamburger, fried egg, and gravy. Poke has become popular outside of the islands, but visitors should try the dish where it originated.

Hanauma Bay

Address: 7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96825 Phone: (808) 768-6861 Website

This cove is one of Oahu's finest places to enjoy marine life with tropical fish, octopus, eels, turtles and undersea coral. Visitors are limited each day to preserve the sea creatures and the area, so plan ahead, arrive early, and bring your snorkeling equipment.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial Monument

Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Aeia, HI 96701 Phone: (808) 422-3399 Website

The USS Arizona Memorial is the resting place of more than a thousand sailors and Marines killed on the ship during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The program begins at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater and then guests are taken via shuttle boat to the USS Arizona Memorial. Tickets are free; reservations are recommended.

Honolulu Zoo

Address: 151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Phone: (808) 971-7171 Website

Between Honolulu and Diamond Head, the zoo is home to an assortment of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Saturday morning private tours provide adventures, fun, and education with guided visits before opening hours. Twilight tours on Friday and Saturdays are available.

Dole Plantation

Address: 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786 Phone: (808) 621-8408 Website

A variety of activities acquaints visitors with one of the island's favorite fruits. The Pineapple Express Train Tour is a narrated 20-minute tour, and the Plantation Garden Tour is a self-guided stroll through eight gardens. The Pineapple Garden Maze is a three-acre attraction, with 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants.

The Waikiki Aquarium

Address: 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 923-9741 Website

Exhibits include a living coral reef, tanks of colorful tropical fish, plants, seaweeds, and a Hawaiian monk seal habitat.

Bishop Museum

Address: 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 Phone: (808) 847-3511 Website

The museum offers an extensive collection of cultural artifacts, documents, and historical photographs in addition to the world's finest collection of 19th century Hawaiian art, historic oil paintings, watercolors, rare books, and collectibles.

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Address: 2913 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96817 Phone: (808) 595-3167 Website

This mountain home was the summer retreat of Queen Emma of Hawai'i from 1857 to 1885 and her husband King Kamehameha IV. Now listed on the National Historic Registry, the home is open for tours of the collection of Queen Emma's antiques, furnishings, and royal regalia.

Honolulu Museum of Art

Address: 900 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 532-8700 Website

The museum's permanent collection includes more than 50,000 objects representing visual arts of all the major cultures of Hawaii spanning 5,000 years from ancient times to today. It began with a gift of 4,500 works of art from Mrs. Charles M. Cook in 1927.

Iolani Palace

Address: 364 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 522-0822 Website

The official residence during the late 1890s when Hawaii was a monarchy, Iolani Palace is open for both docent-led and self-guided tours. The furnishings, glassware, tableware, military accessories, clothing, photographs, and more are on display giving a vivid picture of life in the palace.

Kualoa Ranch

Address: 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Phone: (808) 237-7321 Website

Explore the 4,000-acre nature preserve on horseback, boat, ATV, or mountain bike. Take a tour of movie sites where movies like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and others were filmed. Thrill to the Treetop Canopy Jurassic Zipline tour or relax on the Secret Beach. Learn about caring for the land on the eco-adventure.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762 Phone: (808) 367-7060 Website

The center covers the cultures of Polynesia including Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa , Tahiti, and Tonga, with six different villages to explore and learn about through shows and activities. See an entertaining presentation depicting a symbolic story through music, dance, and fire.

Ala Moana Center

Address: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Phone: (808) 955-9517 Website

With more than 300 shops and 160 dining options from casual to fine dining, Ala Moana is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. Stores include Macy's, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom as well as specialty shops of all kinds.

Royal Hawaiian Center

Address: 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 922-2299 Website

Located in the heart of Waikiki near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the indoor-outdoor center features restaurants and more than 100 retailers in fashion, jewelry, gifts, and more. In addition, cultural events and classes like lei making, lauhala weaving, hula, and ukulele playing are presented.

Waikiki Beach Walk

Address: 227 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 931-3591 Website

Shops, dining, entertainment, bars, and live music make this open-air promenade a popular place for gathering and strolling.

Kahala Mall

Address: 4211 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: (808) 732-7736 Website

In the beachfront neighborhood of Kahala, the mall features more than 100 local shops, restaurants, and premier retailers like Macys, Apple Store, and Whole Foods Market. Dining spots include Panda Express, Aloha Salads, and Starbucks as well as snacks and candy shops.

Waikele Premium Outlets

Address: 94-790 Lumiaina Street, Waipahu, HI 96797 Phone: (808) 676-5656 Website

Shoppers looking for brand names at reduced prices can find some of their favorite stores at this central Oahu outlet mall, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. Stores include Armani, Tommy Bahama, Tory Burch, Tumi, and Marc Jacobs plus a food court for resting with a snack.

Windward Mall

Address: 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744 Phone: (808) 235-1143 Website

More than 100 stores including national brands and local retailers, as well as restaurants, movie theater, salons, and entertainment make this popular with shoppers. Wednesday and Sunday Farmers Markets are held at the mall.

Ukulele Puapua

Address: 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815 Phone: (808) 923-0550 Website

Want to take home one of these four-stringed instruments or learn more about them? This is the place to find one that fits your budget and style.

Reyn Spooner

Address: 4211 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 (Kahala Mall) Phone: (808) 737-8313 Website

Known for colorful prints, island scenes, and collectible shirts, this shop carries clothing for men, women, and children. Hats, water bottles, masks are available too, and Snoopy designs for kids make adorable gifts.

Honolulu Area

In the southeast section of Oahu, Honolulu is the main populated area, with several distinctive neighborhoods including:

Waikiki: On the south shore, Waikiki is located on Mamala Bay between the Ala Wai Canal and Diamond Head. Almost entirely man-made, the area is home to hotels, beaches, and Kapiolani Park.

Hawaii Kai: On the southeasternmost tip of Oahu, this is an exclusive mainly residential area.

Downtown: Oahu's business and shopping district is also home to high-rise apartment and condominium buildings.

Windward Coast

On the eastern side of Oahu, the rain provides lush green mountains, forests, and foliage.

Kailua: Beautiful beaches at Lanikai and Kailua, with the cliffs of the Koolau Mountains overlooking Kailua Bay, make this a prime area with restaurants, boutiques, hiking trails, and historic sites.

Kaneohe: The area is home to the Windward mall, Kaneohe Bay, and a Marine Corps Base and a large residential area.

This part of the island attracts surfers, especially in winter when the waves are high and challenging. Exclusive vacation homes and farming communities growing pineapples and coffee primarily are located in the North Shore area.

Leeward Coast

The sunny, dry coast is less developed, with quiet beaches, towns, and rural landscape. The resort development of Ko'olina is on the southern part of the coast, and home to luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping, beaches, and Ko'olina Marina.

Central Oahu

The central valley is mainly an agricultural area, and it's home to the Dole pineapple plantation and Keaiwa State Recreation Area , a historic place with camping and hiking trails. In the south section of Central Oahu, Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial are located.

Oahu's year-round climate is mild, with average temperatures in the 80's and humidity of around 64%. The hottest months are July, August, and September. The coolest months are January and February. Summer is the dry season, and winter is the rainy season, although showers occur year round.

The Leeward side (sheltered from the wind) is dryer, and the Windward side (receives the wind) is rainier.

Honolulu Temperature Average Lows and Highs

January 66 - 80 February 66 - 80 March 68 - 81 April 69 - 83 May 71 - 85 June 73 - 87 July 74 - 88 August 75 - 89 September 74 - 89 October 73 - 87 November 71 - 84 December 68 - 81

Average Annual Precipitation: 17.1 inches, with heaviest rainfall in November, December, and January.

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30 Best Things To Do in Honolulu - Oahu

The island of O'ahu is composed of five distinct regions: Honolulu, the North Shore, the Windward Coast, Central O'ahu and the Leeward Coast. Each area has unique features to offer, from varying geography and activities to attractions and

• All Things To Do

Waikiki Beach Waikiki Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: In between surf sessions, refuel with a Banán bowl at its Waikiki Shack off Kalakaua Avenue. Its soft serve "ice cream" is made from locally grown bananas with toppings like macadamia nut honey butter, fresh papaya and dark chocolate. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Nineteenth-century Hawaiian royalty used to come to the Honolulu neighborhood of Waikiki to relax and surf, just as scores of tourists do today. That's because this area's famous beach (which is a string of several beaches dotting the island's southwest coastline) is the go-to spot for its soft, honey-colored sand and the high waves that lap the shores during the winter months. But you don't have to be a surfer to appreciate Waikiki Beach; just lie back on a beach towel, relax and gaze at the majestic, Le'ahi, or Diamond Head State Monument , in the distance.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial Pearl Harbor National Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Plan for a full day at Pearl Harbor. Even if you don't spend the whole day here, it's a lot to take in and you won't want to rush to another activity or dinner reservation. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Located less than 10 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu in the Central O'ahu region of the island, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the final resting place of more than 900 sailors and marines killed during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. The sunken battleship is still visible from the memorial floating above it. Many visitors say this is a "must-do" attraction, and recommend reserving your free ticket well in advance since availability is so limited due to high demand.

Diamond Head State Monument Diamond Head State Monument

The Hawaiian name for Diamond Head is Le'ahi. It is a tuff cone (consolidated volcanic ash) crater that was created 300,000 years ago during a single volcanic eruption that spewed ash into the air. That ash settled over thousands of years, and today, Diamond Head State Monument's ridgeline is one of the most recognizable features of O'ahu's skyline, not to mention home to one of the island's most scenic hiking trails .

Though the 0.8-mile hike from the trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet, travelers say you'll be rewarded with a surreal view of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean once you reach the top. But keep in mind that this natural wonder is one of Honolulu's most popular attractions, so consider arriving early to beat the heat and the crowds. Also, remember to bring plenty of water, since no water fountains are available on the trail. For a different (less strenuous) perspective, consider opting for a helicopter tour . Many of the island's air tours fly directly over the crater.

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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Located about 10 miles east of Waikiki , the family-friendly Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the best places to snorkel with exotic fish and marine life. It is also a state park and is situated within a volcanic cone, which naturally protects it from the elements, such as wind and waves.

To reach Hanauma Bay, you can take an Uber or drive yourself (it costs $3 to park); tour buses are not allowed to enter the park. Be aware that the parking lot fills up quickly. Entrance to the park costs $25. Children 12 and younger, active military and kama'aina (Hawaiian residents) can enter for free with state ID. Tickets must be reserved online and paid for in advance through the Honolulu Parks & Recreation  website. Since there is a restriction on how many visitors are allowed per day due to conservation efforts, recent travelers complained that it is difficult to get a reservation, and suggest booking well in advance. Once there, reviewers raved about the number and variety of reef fish. Admission includes a tram ride from the top down to the bay and back.

Battleship Missouri Memorial Battleship Missouri Memorial

Launched in 1944, the USS Missouri (or "Mighty Mo") is best known for hosting a meeting between Allied and Axis representatives that led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. After the war, the ship served in the Korean War and the Gulf War before docking in Pearl Harbor and opening as a memorial. It holds the distinction of being the world's last active service battleship.

According to recent visitors, the Battleship Missouri Memorial's war artifacts and exhibits complement the displays at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial . Many past travelers also praised the attraction's knowledgeable tour guides. However, some wished bags/purses could be taken on board and suggested leaving personal items behind to avoid paying a $7 per bag storage fee.

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail free

Less than 6 miles northeast of the Koko Crater Trail lies the 2-mile round-trip Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. Easier to trek than the one at Koko Crater, this free trail overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is a prime spot for spotting seabirds and whales between November and May. The path also leads to the red-roofed Makapu'u Lighthouse, which was built in 1909.

Visitors love that the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is paved and features ample benches, making it easy for travelers of all ages to explore. Many also rave about the trail's "amazing" views, adding that bringing a camera is a must. But remember, this path is mostly exposed to the sun and wind, so dress appropriately, wear sunscreen and pack plenty of water. Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources recommends allotting at least two hours to complete this hike.

Koko Crater Trail Koko Crater Trail free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Arrive to the trailhead by 5 a.m. to beat the heat and allow time for breaks so you can reach the summit by sunrise. You'll also want to bring a headlamp as you'll be traversing uneven steps in the dark. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

The 1.6-mile round-trip hike to the top of Koko Head Crater features more than 1,000 steps made from abandoned railroad ties. At the trail's summit, visitors will find panoramic vistas of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and Diamond Head State Monument .

Lanikai Beach Lanikai Beach free

Travel about 15 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu to the Windward Coast and you'll discover two of the island's most popular beaches – Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai (or Ka'ohao) Beach. Of the two, Lanikai is more tranquil and offers relatively calm waters. This family-friendly beach is also within view of the postcard-perfect Mokulua Islands (or Na Mokulua), which is a popular spot to kayak to.

Beachgoers praise Lanikai Beach's beautiful water, adding that its location in a mostly residential part of Kailua makes it less crowded and more relaxing than Waikiki Beach . But the beach's Kailua address is also its biggest drawback: Several visitors warn that parking in the area is limited. Even with the limited parking, reviewers praise the beach's soft sand and brilliant water.

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National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific free

In ancient Hawaiian times, the Puowaina (Punchbowl) Crater was used for human sacrifices to the Polynesian gods. Now, it's the final resting place for men and women who served in the U.S. military. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific stretches across much of the crater and contains several moving tributes, including the Honolulu Memorial, which is dedicated to armed forces who fought in the Pacific during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Notable veterans buried here include Ernie Pyle (the famous World War II correspondent) and Stanley Armour Dunham (the maternal grandfather of former President Barack Obama).

Previous visitors raved about the cemetery's beautiful and peaceful setting, adding that its memorial markers are very informative. Many compared it to Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial . Others highlighted the spectacular views as reasons to plan a visit.

Bishop Museum Bishop Museum

U.S News Insider Tip: This should be a "must do" when visiting Oahu. Stop here early in your trip for a better appreciation of Hawaiian history and Polynesian culture. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

If you want to find out more about Hawaiian history and culture, then head to the Bishop Museum. It was founded in 1889, in honor of the wife of museum founder Charles Reed Bishop, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop – the last descendant of the Kamehameha royal family. The property houses more than 25 million historical, cultural and natural artifacts about Hawaii and the Pacific. Exhibits include the three-story Hawaiian Hall (where visitors can learn about Hawaiian gods, key events in Hawaiian history and more) and a planetarium. The planetarium features "Wayfinders," a full-dome projection program that puts viewers on the deck of the voyaging canoe,  H o k u le'a, as it travels from Tahiti to Hawaii using traditional Polynesian navigation techniques.

Manoa Falls Manoa Falls free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Manoa Falls is located in Manoa Valley, home to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. The university's football team, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, gets its name from the rainbows often spotted in the valley. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

This approximately 150-foot-tall waterfall, which sits 5 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu, is easily accessible. All you need is proper footwear, insect repellant, drinking water and the stamina to hike about 1½ miles on a well-worn path. The rainforest scenery is otherworldly, with enormous prehistoric ferns and the snaking roots of banyan trees. It's no wonder why Steven Spielberg filmed scenes from "Jurassic Park" here. You probably won't see any dinosaurs but be prepared: The path to the falls can be quite slippery with mud, so wear sturdy hiking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.

'Iolani Palace 'Iolani Palace

Completed in 1882, this 10-room historic house, museum and National Historic Landmark details the reigns of King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's final monarchs. It is the only official state royal residence found in the U.S. Among its opulent features are a grand Hawaiian koa wood staircase, portraits of Hawaiian kings and queens, royal thrones and decorative objects from around the world.

Recent travelers appreciated the unique glimpse into Hawaii's culture that this attraction offers. However, you'll need to keep a few rules in mind when touring the property. Kids younger than 5 must be strapped into a child carrier or palace-provided stroller at all times. Wearing cloth booties to protect the palace's floors is also required.

Kailua Beach Kailua Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Kailua Beach tends to be windy. For a nearby alternative, head over to picturesque Lanikai Beach , which is accessible off Mokulua Drive at Mokumanu Drive. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

If you like to kite surf or windsurf (or watch others participate in the sports), head to Kailua on the Windward Coast and find a perch at Kailua Beach. This 2 1/2-mile stretch of white, shaded sand and warm, turquoise-hued water appeals to both families and adrenaline junkies thanks to its gentle waves and ample facilities, including picnic tables, restrooms and free parking.

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Polynesian Cultural Center Polynesian Cultural Center

This is a must-see attraction to learn about the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti. The 42-acre property features "villages" representing six different islands, with traditional music, art, food, dance, games, architecture and plenty of hands-on activities for the kids.

Admission starts at $89.95 for adults and $71.96 for children ages 4 to 11 – these prices include a self-guided tour of the villages and a digital photo.

O'ahu Diving & Snorkeling O'ahu Diving & Snorkeling

The Hawaiian Islands boast more than 1,200 miles of coral reef, so it's hardly surprising that two of O'ahu's most popular activities are snorkeling and scuba diving. Dive into the island's surrounding turquoise water and you'll likely find an array of colorful fish (think: bright yellow tang, rainbow runners and Hawaii's state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a, or rectangular triggerfish), plus bigger marine creatures like dolphins and sea turtles.

Past travelers loved snorkeling for free at public beaches like Sans Souci Beach Park on the south end of Waikiki and Shark's Cove on the North Shore (don't let the name scare you – it's a great place for spotting sea turtles), citing the ample marine life and clear water as reasons to return. If you don't have your own snorkel equipment, your hotel or resort may provide gear. If not, you can rent some; fees vary by shop and rental period. Popular locations include Snorkel Bob's, Aqua Zone Scuba Diving & Snorkeling and Hawaii Beach Time. If you'd prefer a guided snorkeling tour , try traveler-approved Hanauma Bay Tours, which provides round-trip transportation between Waikiki and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve , as well as snorkel equipment.

Waimea Valley Waimea Valley

U.S. News Insider Tip: The hike to Waimea Falls is about 3 ½ miles of flat, paved road with breathtaking scenery. Pack a picnic, take a swim and enjoy the surroundings. Also leave time to visit Waimea Bay Beach across the highway. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Not only is Waimea Valley a beautiful place to explore, with lush landscaping, 52 themed botanical gardens, native ecosystems, native birds and a waterfall, but it is also, more importantly, a sacred Hawaiian historical and cultural site. Waimea Valley is rooted in Hawaiian history and continues to be a steward for Hawaiian spirituality and traditions. On the property, you'll find six significant cultural sites, including traditional Hawaiian shrines, houses and agricultural terraces. Resident artisans share their knowledge of Hawaiian history, artistry and craftsmanship.

Kap'lolani Regional Park Kap'lolani Regional Park free

On the south end of Waikiki , you'll find Kap'Iolani Regional Park, which includes the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell (a venue for outdoor concerts). It is one of the largest public parks and the second-oldest park on O'ahu. Facilities include tennis courts, soccer fields, an archery range and a 3-mile jogging course. It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Recent visitors say it is a wonderful place to take a stroll and recommend pairing it with a stop at the Honolulu Zoo if you're traveling with kids. Others recommend the park for its views of Diamond Head and its quiet atmosphere.

Metered and free parking are available along the streets bordering the park. Across the street from the park is Kap'Iolani Park Beach and Kaimana Beach, as well as the Waikiki Aquarium and the traveler-approved Barefoot Beach Café.

Kualoa Ranch Kualoa Ranch

If horseback riding, e-bike tours, zip lining or a jungle Jeep excursion are on your vacation to-do list, a visit to Kualoa Ranch is a must. Not only is the lush landscape stunningly beautiful, but it is also an adventure-lovers dream. Movie buffs will also dig it since it was the filming location for the "Jurassic Park" franchise, among other films. The 4,000-acre property on the Windward Coast is a private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, and is located about 20 miles from central Honolulu and 30 miles from the North Shore. The ranch is located just across the highway from the ocean (with picturesque views of Mokoli'i), which means water sports activities like catamaran tours and kayak and paddleboard rentals are also an option. All tours are guided and range in activity level. Tour lengths range from 90 minutes to three hours.

Breathtaking scenery and movie memories are what some recent visitors liked most. Many reviewers recommended the e-bike and all-terrain vehicle tours.

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O'ahu Surfing O'ahu Surfing

It's no secret: O'ahu is home to some of the world's best surfing spots. Every winter (when surfing conditions are at their best), professional surfers from across the globe flock to O'ahu's North Shore to shred some gnarly waves in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Basically, the Super Bowl of surfing, the Triple Crown is held during the winter months when massive swells roll in from the stormy northern Pacific Ocean. But you don't have to be a pro to hang 10 on O'ahu. There are plenty of surf schools that will take you from a grom (local slang for a surfing newbie) to a "Big Kahuna" (or master surfer) in the course of a day. Best of all: No one will laugh if you wipe out (and you will).

Previous first-timers loved surfing Waikiki Beach 's calm waves, while the most experienced surfers tackled the large swells found at Waimea Bay on the North Shore. If you plan on taking surfing lessons, consider traveler-approved surf schools like Ohana Surf Project , Polu Lani Surf Lessons & Adventures and Hans Hedemann Surf School . Most will teach anyone who's willing to learn, no matter their skill level.

Lyon Arboretum Lyon Arboretum free

Managed by the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, the Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre arboretum and botanical garden located at the upper end of Manoa Valley about 5 miles north of Waikiki . In addition to more than 6,000 plants, the arboretum features more than 7 miles of hiking trails.

Past visitors recommend wearing shoes with sturdy soles as many of the paths are very rocky, but many say they enjoyed the beautiful gardens. Despite its close proximity to downtown Honolulu, reviewers said the arboretum felt world's away.

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is spread across 400 verdant acres and features plants from major tropical regions around the world grouped geographically. Regions represented include Malaysia, Polynesia and Africa, among others. Opened in 1982, the garden was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood protection for Kane'ohe.

The scenic view of the cliffs, lush gardens and a lake full of fish were just some of the highlights enjoyed by recent visitors. Reviewers recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes to make use of the many trails. Others said a stop here is a great way to spend a day away from the beach and recommend bringing supplies for a picnic.

Honolulu Museum of Art Honolulu Museum of Art

In 2011, the Honolulu Academy of Arts joined forces with The Contemporary Museum to create the Honolulu Museum of Art. This museum features an art collection that spans across seas, styles and centuries. Along with pieces by Europe's great painters (Picasso, Gauguin and van Gogh, to name a few), the Honolulu Museum of Art showcases one of the world's best Asian art collections. The museum is also home to the Doris Duke Theatre, which screens independent, documentary and international films.

Many visitors praise the property's Asian art, but for a truly unique experience, several recommend checking out the Arts of Hawai'i collection, where you can view Georgia O'Keeffe's Maui landscapes, along with indigenous feather capes. Several reviewers noted that admission to the museum is included with your purchase of a tour of Shangri La , the former home of philanthropist and heiress Doris Duke. 

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park

Like the Battleship Missouri Memorial , the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park sits in Pearl Harbor . This historic vessel, which went on nine patrols during World War II, is one of only 15 U.S. World War II-era submarines that still exist. It now serves as a walk-through exhibit alongside a museum with various war artifacts, including battle flags and a submarine bell. Additional items, such as a cruise missile, a torpedo and a submarine rescue chamber, are on display in the surrounding park.

Some former travelers lamented the limited elbow room offered inside, but overall, many appreciated getting a firsthand look at the tight living quarters sailors had to endure while stationed on this submarine. Others enjoyed the self-guided audio tours covered by museum and submarine admissions.

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Byodo-In Temple Byodo-In Temple

For a scenic and serene alternative to the beach, head to the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, where you'll find the Byodo-In Temple, a Hawaii State Landmark that was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple that welcomes visitors of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply admire its beauty. The lush grounds are located at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains on the Windward Coast, about 15 miles north of downtown Honolulu. Along with the temple, the stunning grounds include a large reflecting pond, meditation niches, small waterfalls, the golden Amida buddha, bon-sho sacred bell and koi ponds. If you visit, you'll want to keep a few things in mind: Be respectful and quiet while in the Valley of the Temples – it is a solemn, religious area. Remember to remove your shoes before entering the Byodo-In Temple.

Ringing the bell is a must-do, according to recent visitors. Many enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful backdrop for snapping pictures. Reviewers recommend arriving early to avoid the tour bus crowds that descend on the grounds by midday.

Fort DeRussy Beach Park Fort DeRussy Beach Park free

Located at the north end of Waikiki , Fort DeRussy Beach Park is 71-acre beachfront military reservation that is almost entirely open to the public. The park is bordered by a section of Waikiki Beach and features a playground, workout stations, picnic tables, barbecue grills, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, volleyball courts and the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii.

Past visitors said this is a great place to go for a relaxing stroll thanks to its beautiful trees and well-groomed lawns. Others said the park and its section of Waikiki beach are ideal for children as the waters are calm and shallow.

Shangri La Shangri La

The philanthropist and American tobacco heiress Doris Duke spent her winters living in this opulent oceanfront home near Diamond Head State Monument . Today, it's a museum of Islamic art, culture and design. Duke began building it in 1937 and then spent nearly 60 years filling its walls and rooms with art and furniture from Egypt, India, Morocco, Spain, Syria and Turkey. By the end of her life, she had amassed approximately 4,500 objects, which are now available for you to see on a tour of her home.

Art lovers should definitely make plans to stop by Shangri La, but you should also consider visiting the home if you're just a teensy bit curious about the enigmatic heiress. Many recent travelers were more than impressed with this museum, describing its collection as "unbelievable" and well worth a visit. Several also pointed out that the property itself – which is often compared to grand estates like Topkapi Palace in Istanbul and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India – can't be missed.

Honolulu Zoo Honolulu Zoo

If you're looking for a kid-friendly outing, plan a visit to the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo (which sits across the street from the southern end of Waikiki ). It is home to a variety of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, including black rhinoceros, Asian elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, primates, zebras and more. The zoo is divided into the following sections: African Savanna, Reptiles, Birds and Primates. There is also a Keiki (Kids) Zoo, a picnic lawn, a playground, several gardens, a snack bar and restrooms.

Families who visited said it was nice to have an alternative to the beach and shopping, and were impressed with the wide variety of animals. However, a few noted that the zoo is small.

Dole Plantation Dole Plantation free

For all things pineapple, visit the Dole Plantation. About 10 miles inland from the North Shore and 20 miles northwest of Honolulu, the plantation offers activities and tours that are fun for the entire family. Hop aboard the narrated Pineapple Express Train, stroll through the Plantation Garden, get lost in the Pineapple Maze Garden, learn how to cut a pineapple, watch a chocolate-making demonstration or feed the fish in the pond. The on-site Plantation Grille serves island favorites, including teriyaki chicken plates, kalua pork plates and loco moco (white rice topped with a hamburger, a fried egg and brown gravy), as well as the must-try Dole soft serve.

Many visitors complained that the Dole Plantation is an overcrowded tourist trap, but most agreed that the Dole Whip was the highlight.

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Ala Moana Center Ala Moana Center free

There are many places in Honolulu to put down some cash and pick up some souvenirs, but none are as extensive as Ala Moana Center. Located northwest of Waikiki Beach and roughly 2 miles southeast of the city center, this behemoth open-air shopping center boasts a collection of high-end stores like Chanel and Gucci, department store staples like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, and tourist-kitsch shops like Jams World. Its 350-plus shops and restaurants can take as little as an hour or as much as a whole day to explore.

Although some visitors warn that items sold at Ala Moana Center can be quite pricey, many enjoy shopping here, especially on rainy days. Others rave about the on-site dining options, especially the poke bowls at Foodland Farms and the Japanese snacks and prepared foods at Nijiya Market. Reviewers also say the free, 20-minute evening hula show cannot be missed.

Halona Blowhole Halona Blowhole free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Hold on to your hat if you make a stop here – it's quite windy on this side of the island. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

For a glimpse of a natural wonder, plan a visit to the Halona Blowhole, considered O'ahu's own Old Faithful. Situated less than 15 miles east of Waikiki , the blowhole was formed by molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. Depending on the size of the ocean waves, water can shoot up to 30 feet in the air. Aside from observing the natural phenomenon, you may also be able to see the islands of Moloka'i and Lanai on a clear day.

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Don't miss out on our inside Oahu knowledge, tips, and recommendations . 

We've included a lot of pertinent information for Oahu that should help you plan the perfect trip! Our two Oahu guides are updated twice a year (or more) to ensure they're entirely up to date with the latest Oahu details and information. Below, we'll review in more detail what our updated Oahu Travel planner includes...

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These new Oahu guides contain nearly  25 visual pages   (in the Introduction guide) and   almost 45 visual pages   (in the Essential 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.

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Where to Stay on Oahu Guide

Oahu is a destination that attracts a unique mix of tourists from all over the world. There are  resorts and hotels  all over the island, but there are also many free-standing hotels and vacation rentals, which allow you to choose from a wide range of accommodations. We provide a  list of these top favorable destinations  according to popularity.

Our  Where to Stay guide  will highlight the  best places to stay on Oahu  and the best parts of Oahu, especially Waikiki. Oahu offers several favorable areas for different types of vacationers.

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Oahu Hawaii Travel Guide / Everything You Need To Know

Oahu Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and if you get to visit this island paradise you’ll quickly see why. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to over 125 beaches, many hikes, natural beauty galore, the bustling city life of Honolulu, and famous world-class surf.

From waterfalls, beaches, and waves, to nightlife, crafty eats, and shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do in Oahu. Treat yourself to the spectacle of a surf competition on the North Shore, go whale watching, skydiving, snorkeling, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply chillax and sip a Mai Tai on one of the many picture-perfect beaches.

In our guide to Oahu Hawaii, we give you the lowdown on everything you need to know for an awesome trip to this stunning island. An overview of the regions, weather, when to go, travel costs, Oahu surf , transportation, where to stay, and more.

Table of Contents

The Areas of Oahu

Oahu Hawaii Travel Basics

Best Time to Visit Oahu

Travel Costs

Surfing in Oahu

Where to Stay

Things to Do in Oahu

Eat & Drink

Transportation

Oahu Travel Resources

Oahu hawaii travel guide, the areas of oahu.

Honolulu  is lined with sandy Hawaiian beaches and turquoise waters but make no mistake, the city is a buzzing urban metropolis. As the largest city in Hawaii and the state capital, Honolulu is a vibrant tropical city with everything from historical landmarks to fine dining to designer shopping.

The city is home to the tourist-dense Waikiki, but there are also some hip neighborhoods where you can escape the tourist hustle and find local crafty food, drinks, and shops. Check out Chinatown and Kakaʻako for a more local vibe. And check out our blog: Honolulu, Hawaii : A Day in The Aloha State’s Big City .

Waikiki is a busy tourist mecca where you’ll find the majority of Oahu’s resorts. Waikiki is to Hawaii as The Strip is to Las Vegas. It’s loud, busy, and very touristy. If you’re looking for large luxury resorts, restaurants galore, shopping, and nightlife, Waikiki has it all.

That being said, if you’re into nature, beaches, and having a lowkey trip, we recommend staying elsewhere on the island where you have easier access to the beautiful beaches, hikes, and chill lifestyle that Oahu has to offer.

The North Shore

The laidback  North Shore attracts surfers from around the globe with its 7-mile stretch of world-class surf breaks and Hawaiian country vibes. Famously known as The Seven Mile Miracle,  the North Shore is legendary in the world of surfing and hosts some of the most impressive  surf competitions in the world.

During the summer months when the surf subsides, the area is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the North Shore’s pristine beaches. Haleiwa is a charming little walkable surf town on the North Shore with local boutiques, surf shops, and restaurants. Check out our g uide to North Shore, Oahu for our recommendations on where to eat, stay, and play.

The Windward Coast

The Windward Coast  on the east side of the island is home to beautiful lush scenery, serene beaches, and Kailua, Hawaii’s biggest beach town. With its many beaches and bays, the scenic 30-mile Windward Coast offers up some of the most stunning natural beauty in Hawaii.

The Leeward Coast

The Leeward Coast on Oahu’s westside is a sunny and dry region without much major tourism past the Ko Olina resort area (which is home to the luxurious Four Seasons Oahu and  Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa ). Just 30 miles from Waikiki, the region has opposite features on offer, with small local towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches and rural landscapes to explore.

OAHU HAWAII TRAVEL BASICS

Oahu has a year-round warm tropical climate that’s pretty darn close to perfection (in our humble opinion). Oahu’s average high temperature ranges from the low to high 80s Fahrenheit (around 27 – 31° C) with an average humidity at around 64%. The coolest months – at a lovely 81 F (27° C) – are January and February. The hottest months are July, August, and September with an average of 88 F (31° C). At nighttime, the temp is usually about 10°F cooler.

Hawaii technically has only two seasons, both of them warm and tropical. The summer (Apr-Oct) is the dry season, and the winter (Nov-Mar) brings the rainy season. It can rain any time of year, but the winter months are considerably wetter and windier.

In some areas of the Hawaiian Islands, it can rain frequently during the winter months, but usually no longer than three days straight in one particular spot. Despite the rain, the high tourist season actually falls during Hawaii’s winter months and the low season during parts of the summer.

Hawaii is full of microclimates which means the climate and temperature can range drastically depending on where you are on the island. Each island in Hawaii has a “leeward side” (the side sheltered from the wind) and a “windward side” (the side that gets the wind’s full force).

The leeward sides (the west and south) are typically dryer and more arid, while the windward sides (east and north) are generally lusher because they get more rain. If it’s raining on the windward side, a good plan is to search for sunshine on the leeward side.

Tipping in the US

If you’re from the US, move right along, but if you’re not from the US you probably have a very different tip system so we’ll break down a few basics for you. Unlike other countries, the minimum wage for “tipped employees” in the US can be incredibly low (as low as $2.13 an hour), so they make the vast majority of their income from tips. Also unlike in most of the rest of the world, the total cost of table service is almost never included in the bill, leaving it up to you to do the right thing and leave a decent tip on your own accord.

There are a couple of situations where gratuity is already added to the bill—typically when you have a table of six or more guests, and some restaurants in highly touristed areas have started to add gratuity to the bill due to being stiffed by (ahem) travelers who might not know the tipping system. Usually, a good server will let you know if the tip is already on the bill, but you can also check yourself, as your bill will say “Gratuity” or “Service Charge” with an amount next to it. If an amount is included as a “Gratuity” or “Service Charge,” additional tipping is not required.

At all sit-down restaurants with table service, the norm is to tip 15 – 25% of the total bill. That being said, if you had good service, tip at least 20%. You’re not expected to tip at fast food restaurants or when you order at a counter (like at a coffee shop), but most coffee shops will have a little tip jar and it’s nice to give a little something.

At bars, depending on the situation, it’s customary to tip $1 per drink, or 15 – 20% of the total bill. For taxis, tip 10-15%. For valet parking, $2 – $5. And for a spa treatment or hairdresser, 10 – 20%. Check out this detailed guide or  this article for more detailed information about tipping.

Staying Connected

Always double check, but pretty much every hotel, vacation rental, and hostel will have free wifi included in your accommodation. Many coffee shops and public places will also have free wifi available. If you have a phone plan with a major carrier in the US, you should be able to use it just like back home.

If you don’t have a US mobile plan, you can pick up a pre-paid SIM card for your trip, as long as your phone is “unlocked,” meaning that it’s not tied to a certain carrier’s network and can work with more than one service provider. T-Mobile offers a tourist plan that includes 3 weeks of talk, text, and data for $30. There are multiple T-Mobile locations in Oahu. If you’re in Waikiki, the closest T-Mobile store is located at the large shopping mall, The Ala Moana Center .

Good To Know

If you’re traveling with a surfboard bag from the United States, Alaska Airlines has one of the absolute best surfboard bag policies. Alaska charges their standard checked baggage fee which is $30 for the first bag, and $40 for the second bag. Check out other top airlines for board bag fees in our Guide to Surfboard Bag Fees .

BEST TIME TO VISIT OAHU

The best time to visit Oahu Hawaii depends on where you’re going and what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking to surf the North Shore, you should go in the fall or winter months (October – April) because in the summer the North Shore is flat as a lake. Below we’ve broken down different tourist seasons, as well as some insights on the best times to visit different areas.

While tourism runs high year-round, even Hawaii has peak seasons when prices increase along with the number of visitors. Like any travel destination, you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices if you travel in the off-season or shoulder season. Ironically, the peak seasons in Oahu don’t actually coincide with the best weather in Oahu. The peak seasons in Oahu are actually when the weather is bad in other places!

Peak Season

The high season in Oahu (when prices are highest and resorts are often booked to capacity) is generally from mid-December through March or mid-April. The last two weeks of December over the holidays are an especially busy (and expensive) time for travel in Hawaii. If you’re planning a trip over the holidays, make your reservations early, expect more crowds, and be prepared to pay top dollar for airfare, car rentals, and accommodation.

Mid-June to late August is also a busy time, as kids are out of school and families are taking summer vacations.

Between the last week of April and early May, Hawaii is especially busy with Japanese tourists off for a series of holidays in Japan called Golden Week. Be sure to book ahead (especially in Waikiki) during this time.

The spring (mid-April to mid-June) and fall (September to mid-December) are the offseasons in Oahu and generally really great times to visit. You’ll find the best rates, fewer crowds, and also some of the best weather of the year.

Best Time to Visit the North Shore

If you want to go to the North Shore to swim, dive, and soak up the sun, summer is the best time for your trip. Summer is also a great time for (non-surfing) families on the North Shore because the water is tame and perfect for beach days along the stunning Pacific.

If you’re going to the North Shore to surf, the fall is a great time (October to November) to visit, especially if you’re an intermediate surfer. For advanced surfers gunning for the biggest surf, the biggest swells will typically roll through between December and February.

Generally speaking, the winter months on the North Shore will be the rainiest and windiest of the year.

Best Time to Visit Waikiki & Honolulu

The south and southwest coasts of Oahu are on the leeward side of the island so they get the most sunshine year round. Anytime is a great time to visit Honolulu and the South Shore, but for the best prices, you’ll want to avoid the peak tourist seasons outlined above.

If you would like to surf on your trip, swells hit the south in the summer months (May – October), but note that if you’re just learning how to surf then anytime is fine.

Best Time to Visit Kailua & the East Side

The best time to visit Kailua and the east side of Oahu (leeward side) is during the spring, fall, or summer months. While the weather is warm year-round like the rest of Oahu, this side of the island gets much more rain and wind during the winter months.

** If whale watching is on your agenda, humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters in the winter and spring months, from December through May. Going out on a whale-watching boat in Hawaii is a really amazing experience and highly recommended! Check out Whale Watching Excursions >>

TRAVEL COSTS IN OAHU

Fun fact: Hawaii is Earth’s most isolated landmass. Add that to being one of the most famous vacation spots in the world and you get a not-so-budget-friendly travel destination. But if you’re working with a lower budget, don’t despair! There are definitely still ways to travel to Hawaii on a budget, and we’ll give some tips and budget recommendations for accommodation.

Below we’ve outlined some rough costs for a trip to Hawaii based on low, mid-range, and luxury budgets. Further along, we’ll go more into depth on costs in our sections on transportation, shelter, and food.

If you’re traveling with a light wallet, you can get by on around $50 – $100 per day. Like always, it just depends on how you travel and how you want to spend your money. The cheapest way to sleep is to camp for around $10 a night, and then the next price point for accommodation is around $30 per night for a hostel. Here’s a general breakdown of costs:

• Accommodation: $15 – $50 per night
• Food: $20 – $30 per person, per day
• Transportation: $5 – $30 per day

If you have a mid-range budget, you can be living well for around $150 – $400 per person, per day. If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll get the most bang for your buck by splitting the cost of a vacation rental.

• Accommodation: $100 – $300 per night
• Food/drinks: $30 – $90 per person, per day
• Transportation: $30 – $60 per day

If money ain’t no thang then you’ll be living large from around $450+ per day. Oahu has lots of stunning beachfront vacation rentals so do yourself a favor and stay at one!

• Accommodation: $400+ per night
• Food/drinks: $60+ per person, per day
• Transportation: $60+ per day

SURFING IN OAHU

Types of Surf Breaks

Reef breaks, sand bottom beach breaks, a few points, and more reef breaks. The island of Oahu is surrounded by quality reefs for surfing. There are occasional gaps in the reef where you can find patches of sand, but for the most part, when surfing Oahu you can count on surfing over varying degrees of shallow coral or slabby rock bottom reefs. For an overview of the most well-known surf breaks on Oahu, check out our guide to Oahu Surf Spots .

Level of Difficulty

Beginner to ‘experts only.’ Oahu, Hawaii offers waves for all levels, from small rolling waves that are perfect for a beginner to double overhead stomach-wrenching barrels that are reserved for high-level experts only.

Season & Swell Info

Oahu has year-round surf and two main surf regions; the North Shore and the South Shore. Depending on where you plan to go you’ll either be looking for predominantly NW swells if headed to the North Shore or SW swells if headed to the South Shore.

The North Shore of Oahu comes to life around September with early season swells through April with late-season swells. The peak season is fall and winter from October through March. The South Shore, on the other hand, works on an opposite schedule. SW swells are typically on offer from May through October.

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North Shore Surf Season

October through April is North Shore Oahu’s main surf season, with the biggest and gnarliest surf rolling through from December through February. The beaches of North Shore, Oahu thrive on mid to long-period NW swells and easterly trade winds. If the winds are onshore here, check the West Side for possible offshores.

South Shore Surf Season

May through October is South Shore Oahu’s main surf season. During the peak season of July through September, commonly known beginner breaks like Waikiki can produce double overhead waves at times.

West Side Surf Season

The surf season on the “Leeward” side mostly coincides with the North Shore. When a big NW swell maxes out the North Shore, the West Side can be significantly smaller, more manageable, and really fun. But it all depends on the swell direction because it can easily be just as big if not bigger. The West Side is home to some famous Big Wave spots like Makaha and also known to come along with some extra heavy localism, so be cool. And finally, if the wind is blowing onshore on the North Shore, the West Side could be offshore.

East Side Surf Season

The surf season on the “Windward” side of the island is mainly winter. If there is some swell with easterly direction to it, then it might be worth a check. Look out for East, NE, or SE swells and big NW swells that have the size and direction to wrap around the point.

Moderate to packed. Surfing is a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture and Oahu is the mecca of surf destinations . Depending on the break, time of year, and surf conditions there could be anywhere from 4 to 84 other surfers in the lineup. It really varies depending on a lot of factors, but the average crowd is typically around 20 – 30.

Water Temperature

Not too hot, not even close to too cold, the ocean temperature in Oahu ranges from a cool 72 degrees to a warm 81 degrees Fahrenheit (22 – 27 °C). Depending on your warmth preference you’ll probably find yourself in boardshorts or bikinis most of the time and will never need more than a 2mm wetsuit top or spring suit.

Good to Know

During the peak season, it’s not always huge and unmanageable for the average surfer. A beginner or intermediate surfer can find plenty of fun shoulder to head high plus days before or after a big swell hits.

However, practice major caution if you’re planning to paddle out on a building swell. There is no shortage of horror stories about the surfer who paddled out thinking it was a manageable overhead day, and then the swell doubles or triples in size in only 30-40 minutes and they think they might die trying to get back into shore.

Surf Lessons

While Oahu is famous for powerful waves, there are plenty of ideal surf spots for beginners with gentle waves, and many good surf instructors on the North Shore and in Honolulu. Here are a few great surfing lessons with top reviews:

• Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu
• Family Surf Lessons in Waikiki
• Private Surf Lessons in Honolulu

For an overview of some of the top surf breaks on Oahu, check out our guide to Oahu Surf Spots .

WHERE TO STAY

Being the popular vacation destination that it is, Oahu has a diverse range of options when it comes to accommodation. Something a bit unique to the island is that there aren’t many hotel and resort options outside of Honolulu.

Smaller towns like the North Shore and Kailua have kept large hotels at bay to keep a tab on mass tourism and protect the areas from towering buildings interrupting the skyline (ahem, like Waikiki). So while there are lots of hotels and resorts in Honolulu (and a couple on the southwest side), on the rest of the island your options are vacation rentals or a few resorts like Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.

There used to be many vacation rental options on Oahu, but due to some recent strict short-term rental laws, many short-term rentals are no longer available so there is high demand. Because many places will book out, we recommend booking your reservation as soon as possible for the best options.

As with most things in Hawaii, the cost of accommodation isn’t very budget-friendly. If you’re traveling on a low budget your best bet is to camp or there are also a couple of hostel options available. In the budget range, you can expect to pay $10 – $50 a night.

For a mid-range budget, you’ll pay around $100 – $400 per night.

In the luxury realm (over $400 per night) there are plenty of super-luxe hotels to choose from on Oahu. As we mentioned, most large resorts are in Honolulu, but there are a few in other parts of the island as well, including on the southwest side of the island (Ko Olina area). One thing to keep in mind is that all of the hotels in Oahu add a hefty tax, plus a nightly resort fee, so keep that in mind when looking at pricing.

If you want to stay in the middle of the action and tourism hub, stay in Honolulu or Waikiki. If you prefer closer access to more secluded beaches and areas of the island, we highly recommend renting a vacation rental on the North Shore (in the winter if you surf), or if you don’t surf, around Lanikai and Kailua is a beautiful area as well.

Oahu Vacation Rentals

Mid-range • $100 – $400 per night.

High-End • $400+ per night

Oahu Hotels

THINGS TO DO IN OAHU

Oahu is full of awesome activities and things to do. Whether you’re looking for family fun or adrenaline-infused adventures, Oahu has all types of activities for all types of travelers. Here are our top picks for things to do in Oahu (besides beach hopping!).

Learn to Surf

While Oahu is known for its powerful waves, there are plenty of spots that are perfect for surfing lessons, and many skilled surf instructors on the island. Here are a few great surf schools with top reviews:

Take a Boat Cruise & Go Snorkeling

• from $169 per person
• from $295 per person
• from $899 per group (up to 6)

Swim With Sharks

• from $135 per person
• from $154 per person

Other Fun Activities

Eat & drink.

Hawaii’s unique cuisine reflects the varied food history of immigration and settlement in the Hawaiian islands. Some dishes from Polynesian and Native Hawaiian culture remain, but modern Hawaiian cuisine incorporates multiple styles of food created by a diverse range of cultures who have settled in Hawaii.

Europeans and Americans arrived to Hawaii and introduced their cuisine in the late 1700s, and as pineapple and sugarcane plantations grew in the 1800s, so did the demand for labor. To meet the demand, many immigrant workers from China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Portugal arrived in Hawaii, introducing their native foods and influencing the region.

Because of the range of influences, Hawaiian food has become a true fusion, including everything from malasadas (Portuguese donuts), to the Japanese-influenced spam musubi (fried spam atop rice wrapped with seaweed, sushi-style), to the famous Kalua pig (a whole pig wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground oven).

There’s also lots of great food from Southeast Asia, so great Thai and Vietnamese food abounds.

If your budget allows, there’s a lot of fantastic restaurants in Oahu, from Hawaiian to uber healthy, to Japanese and everything in between. Honolulu has had an influx of hip restaurants pop up the last several years, and while smaller areas like the North Shore and Kailua have fewer options, there’s always delicious food to be had.

Food trucks are all over the island, and especially on the North Shore where there are multiple food truck parks with 5 – 10 food trucks in one place. Check out our Guide to the North Shore for some of our top recommendations.

A few Hawaiian foods to try:

• Hawaiian Plate Lunch –  A filling and typically cheap plate that can include many different types of Hawaiian dishes, but they are always flanked by mayonnaise-based macaroni salad and two scoops of white rice. Try Kalua pig, loco moco (hamburger patties topped with brown gravy and a fried egg), pork or chicken laulau (wrapped in taro leaves), pipikaula (dried beef), lomi salmon on the side, with a helping of poi (taro, cooked, pounded and thinned with water).
• Poke  – Raw cubes of marinated fish or seafood. Kind of like a ceviche. There’s a ton of different options and they’re all delish.
• Manapua  – Hawaii’s take on traditional Chinese bao. Baked or steamed pillowy buns filled with delicious stuff, in this case, sweet char siu pork.
• Shave Ice  – It’s like a really finely-ground snow cone (but way better), topped   with your choice of delicious tropical-flavored syrup.
• Spam dishes  – Hawaii is really into spam, so don’t knock it till you’ve tried it and give it a whirl.
• Malasadas  – Super fresh fried donuts covered in sugar, and optionally filled with deliciousness. 
• Acai Bowls  – Basically a thick smoothie made from acai berries topped with different toppings like granola, bananas, honey, and more. These are everywhere nowadays, but most likely Hawaii had them before your town did (unless you’re from Brazil).
• Ted’s Bakery Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie  – Haupia is a traditional coconut-based dessert. So this pie is essentially a silky delicious coconut chocolate cream pie. Ted’s Bakery is on Oahu’s North Shore, but the pies are sold in many supermarkets.

Because most food (and items in general) needs to be shipped across the ocean, food in Hawaii is on the expensive side. And by that we mean, we’ve seen $8 for a gallon of milk.

Of course, the sky’s the limit if you have the money to spend, but if you’re on a budget, you can expect to pay at least $10-15 per meal if you’re eating out. Some food trucks have big portions and are reasonably-priced, but if you’re on a super minimal budget, you can always cook store-bought basics like rice, pasta, etc.

While you could go bare bones and survive on less, to be safe, we recommend budgeting at least $30 per day for food.

If you’re a Costco member and you’re staying with several people (and you have access to a kitchen), we recommend stopping by Costco and stocking up on some food there. They have the best food prices around so it will save you from the super inflated prices at most grocery stores, especially on the North Shore. If you’re headed to the North Shore there’s a Costco on the way from the airport so you can stock up on the way to your place if the timing works.

TRANSPORTATION

Your transportation options in Oahu are straightforward. You can rent a car, take the bus, or hire a taxi. That being said, the best way to get around Oahu is by car. Even though Oahu is a relatively small island, if you want to explore on your own terms and/or you’re traveling with surfboards, renting a car is the way to go.

Car Rentals

Unless you plan to stay put in one area, a car is almost a necessity. Honolulu International Airport (HNL) has some of the best car rental rates in Hawaii, so just make a reservation for a car at the airport for when you arrive. If you’re traveling with two or more people it’s well worth it, even if you’re on a budget. There can be some bad traffic (especially in and around Honolulu) at peak hours, so try to drive between 9 am and 3 pm, or after 6 pm to avoid the worst of it.

Rates vary depending on demand and the time of year, but rates (including taxes) for a week start at around:

• $208 ($29.50 per day) for Compact/Economy
• $287 ($41 per day) for a Midsize SUV
• $140 per night for a camper van with Hawaii Surf Campers

While we always recommend that you never leave valuables in your car, this especially goes for Oahu. Unfortunately, there are frequent car break-ins, so always be sure to take everything out of your car. Cars are broken into even in highly populated beach parking areas such as Sunset Beach on the North Shore. And if you think you’re being sly by hiding your purse under your car seat, think again—we’ve seen evidence of thieves looking especially for that.

Also be extra careful about parking your car on the far west side of the island, past Makaha. There are frequent break-ins and whole cars have actually been stolen there. So it kinda goes without saying that you’ll want to make sure you have some good insurance for your rental car. But just in case you need clarification: get insurance for your rental car. And not to alarm you or anything, Oahu is a very friendly place… just, unfortunately, there is some petty crime targeting visitors. As long as you avoid leaving valuables in your car you should be fine.

Public Transportation

Honolulu’s bus transit system, appropriately named TheBus , is the only mass transit system to be honored twice by the American Public Transportation Association, the Oscars of mass transit. So it’s pretty good as far as buses go.

Most Oahu buses arrive at the bus stops every 10 to 30 minutes, but some buses only pass by once an hour on Sundays, holiday, and less traveled areas. A majority of Oahu buses on different island routes travel through Waikiki (on Kuhio Ave), Ala Moana Mall, and/or downtown Honolulu (all which are very close to each other). 

You can get TheBus routes and timetables here .

If you’re planning on mostly staying in one area, like the North Shore, you can definitely get by on taking the bus around town. It will just take some more planning and time to get around.

• Adults – $2.75
• Ask your bus operator for the 1-Day Pass before placing your money in the farebox.
• Valid 12:00 a.m. – 2: 59 a.m. the next day, for up to 27 hours of unlimited rides.
• Kids, 5 years & under – Free  (when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger and not occupying a seat)
• Youth, ages 6 to 17 – $1.25  (1-Day Pass $2.50)
• Seniors over 65 and Handicap Fare- $1.00 with  Bus Senior Card or valid US Medical Card
• $35   – 4 Day island riding pass (available at ABC Stores in Waikiki & Ala Moana Shopping Center)
• Exact change is required (Bus operators do not carry change and are not allowed to feed the fare box for you).
• Included transfers were discontinued in 10/17, so riders who need to transfer may purchase a 1-Day Pass on the bus good for rides all day.
• Baggage that can be stored under a passenger’s seat or on a passenger’s lap, that will not protrude to another seat or otherwise interfere with other passengers, will be admitted at no charge. TheBus website states that a “Soft boogie board without skeg or fin, dried and washed clean of sand and other debris” is acceptable up to a maximum of 48’’ in length, but surfboards are not mentioned. 

Taxis in Oahu are expensive, and you’ll most likely have to call ahead. Rather than hailing a cab, taxi stands and calling taxis are the norm in Hawaii. You can find taxi stands at most major shopping centers, in the business district, and at the airport.

Honolulu also has Uber available. All types of Ubers are allowed to drop off at the airport, but only certain types of cars are allowed to do airport pickups.

Fares are fixed, so regardless of the cab company or the traffic, expect to pay around $30 (not including a 10 to 15 percent tip) to go from the airport to Waikiki or downtown, about $60 to go from the airport to Kailua, and about $80 to go from the airport to the North Shore.

Travel Insurance

While we’d all rather not think about getting injured, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.

That being the case, many hotels and surf properties actually require that you have approved travel insurance in case of a serious inquiry or trip cancellation, especially in the wake of COVID.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. We recommend  battleface  or  World Nomads Insurance . Both companies offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover heaps of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.

Get a battleface Insurance Quote >>

Get a World Nomads Insurance Quote >>

North Shore, Oahu / Where to Surf, Eat, Stay, and Play

Oahu Surf Spots / A Guide to the Top Surf Breaks in Oahu

Banzai Pipeline / The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Most Famous Wave

Honolulu, Hawaii / A Day in The Aloha State’s Big City

Two Months of Surf & The Good Life in North Shore Oahu

Oahu Travel Guide ebook

Any questions, tips, or recommendations about Oahu Hawaii?

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31 thoughts on “Oahu Hawaii Travel Guide / Everything You Need To Know”

Hi Guys, Thank you for your amazing site!! Answered so many questions and clarified things I could not find anywhere else!! Incredibly helpful and insightful. THANK YOU

Hi Brad, thanks for feedback! That’s very encouraging and much appreciated. Cheers

Thanks again. Is it possible to walk from Turtle bay to the surf beaches of Nth shore? Also where is best to hire a car please? Thanks

Hey Brad, no, you can walk around and explore the beaches around Turtle Bay. But Turtle Bay sits on about 1300 acres of land, so there are a lot of nature trails and protected area around to explore. While Turtle Bay is considered the tip of the North Shore, the main beaches of the north shore start around Velzyland, which is about a 6 min drive from Turtle Bay. From Velzyland, you can walk south to Sunset Beach and beyond all the way to Pipeline. The beach is quite slopped in many areas though and the sand very soft and loose, so you’ll be sure to get a good leg burning workout if you do that. For car rental, I’d say get one at the airport, Sixt is our go to, or check out Turo (like Airbnb for car rentals) if you want to blend in more and rent from a local. Also, not sure if you already booked your stay at Turtle Bay, by the way, Lush Palm is a surf travel company and direct booking agency for Turtle Bay and over 100 surf properties around the globe. Would love to work with you to book your trips now and/or in the future. Thanks for the support. Cheers

Where is the most cost effective place to rent a suv for 7

Hi Ellie, you might want to try Turo. You can find some great deals on there sometimes. Cheers

Nice article, it helped us a lot to explore. I am an entrepreneur by profession and a traveler by heart. Your article made our stay exciting. Very attractive information.

Hey Alex, thanks so much, glad the article helped you make the most of your travel time! That’s what we’re trying to do here. Cheers

HELLO IM LOOKING TO VISIT OAHU IN NOVEMBER FOR MY 40th BIRTHDAY AND I WANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES FROM ANY RESORTS OR HOTELS…? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

Hello, what a great way to spend your 40th. We don’t have any all-inclusive packages at this time but it is definitely something that we are considering putting together for the future. Hope you have an awesome trip!

This travel guide is so helpful! Can’t wait to go to Hawaii one day 🙂 Brianna

Nice tips. I would add that all hotels have fees that people should remember to check because it increases the price significantly. It is difficult to stay in Hawaii with a low budget unless you are camping. If you stay for a month or more consider a short term rental but be aware that there are a lot of restrictions of those currently,

Thanks, Dino! And yes, definitely agree with your points. Daily resort fees can be quite high at hotels and resorts in Oahu, so it’s always good to make sure you know all costs when comparing pricing.

Wow, what a thorough write up and great read for anyone traveling to the island. Awesome read Tara, thanks!

My pleasure 🙂 Thanks so much for your feedback! Cheers

Planning a retirement trip to the island early December 2021. 2 couples and looking for any help you can provide. We’re planning on renting a house, and car. We would like to be in a lower tourist area.

Hi Mary – For a lower tourist area, I would recommend the Lanikai area (if you don’t surf) or the North Shore (if you want to have surf nearby). There’s a lot of info in this guide, and we also have more insights on Oahu travel in our Oahu Travel Guide ebook here. Hope you have a wonderful trip! Cheers

This is awesome! I live on Oahu’s North Shore and do many vlogs here.

All of these tips are spot-on and always remember to keep the island clean! Please have respect!

These are really the things that everyone needs to know before travel towards Oahu.

Any recommendation for a personal surf/sherpa/ guide for Oahu?

Hi Marcel- Thanks for reaching out! We don’t know any personal surf guides on Oahu, but many of the breaks are easily accessible and have cams, so if you have some surf experience you should be fine. If you’re looking for a surf coach/lesson, I’d reach out to a surf school or you can also find surf lessons/guides in Airbnb’s experiences.

We also have an Oahu Travel Guide that includes lots of great info on surfing and traveling in Oahu.

Have an awesome trip!

Nice write up and local information! We are staying in Oahu at end of March for 2 weeks and our first trip to Hawaii. Will certainly put this information to use as we stay away from hotels and try to live like the locals on trips. Thanks, ems

Aloha Eddie! Thanks for your feedback! We also have a guide to the North Shore with some local recommendations here: https://lushpalm.com/north-shore-oahu/ Have a wonderful trip to Oahu 🙂 Happy travels!

Hi Eric, I was impressed by the way you actully answered peoples questions. << Pretty rare. I fell onto your sight looking for dates on surf contests, even though my travel dates, do not connect with any contests, I still bring my awesome camera and comb all the North shore hot spots & film, and wait until the surfer gets out of the water, I always ask permission to keep the video, and send them a copy, and upload it on surfline. North shore will always have my heart as I moved there when I was 21 yrs old, and stayed for 8 yrs. I had my hair dressers lincense, planted a table & chair on the beach and cut hair for $ 6.00 bucks a cut, paid $ 200 a month in rent right on backdoors, picked buds for extra holiday money, and have missed it everyday since. So now I bring my daughter and we stay in a local beach house 2 xs a yr. Never moving away from the beach, I live in SO Calif, 2 miles from bch, I don't surf anymore, I lost my balance, nearing 60, I now stick to beach clean up & photography. Anyhows, I love your site, Thanks for the surf info

Mahalo Tuesday Miles PS, this yr vacation lands in mid April beach house Rocky point.

How rude of me HI TARA, great writing on the blog, I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks, Tuesday! Happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing snippets of your life on the North Shore. Sounds pretty awesome 🙂 . Have a great trip!

Hi Tuesday! Aww, thanks so much for the kind words and thoughtful comment. That’s a lovely memory you shared and it’s awesome that you get to share the North Shore of Oahu with your daughter now too. Thanks for chipping in and helping to keep the beaches clean! Glad you love our site and we really appreciate your support! Mahalo. We’re out here right now, but we’ll likely head back to So Calif around the end of March, so we’ll just miss you! I sure do love Rocky Point though. Cheers!

Hey, thanks for the mention of our hostel in your blog post. We have shared it on our social media. It looks like you are providing some great info here. Keep up the good work.

Could we also share our blog as well? Here is the link: https://polynesianhostel.com/blog

It’s great to have blog partners and the chance to support each other. Thanks again!

Aloha! You’re very welcome, yes, you can absolutely share your blog link. Thanks for the support and hopefully we’ll see you around, we just arrived on the North Shore for a couple months yesterday. Cheers!

What a fantastic site. I have a 16 year old who dreams of visiting to see the pro surfers so just in the early stages of trip planning around school times.

Hi Christine,

Thanks for the kind words 🙂 ! It’s really amazing to see a surf competition anywhere in the world, but especially Oahu because the waves are incredible. Any time of year is a great time to visit Oahu, but if you want to be in town for a top surf competition, you’ll want to be there within contest dates sometime between November and January. Here’s our guide to the top surf comps on the North Shore of Oahu: https://lushpalm.com/north-shore-surf-competition/

Let us know if any questions come up and happy planning!

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More About Oahu

Oahu is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the heart of Hawaii. The contrast between traditional Hawaii and modern metropolis makes exploring Oahu such an adventure. Downtown Honolulu brings you to the largest city in Hawaii, a place where high-rise hotels and resorts line city blocks. Creating the stunning backdrop for Waikiki Beach is the majestic Diamond Head Crater.

In the central corridor of Oahu is Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Dedicated monuments and visitor sites offer in-depth World War II historical perspectives and memorials, including the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial. The events that took place at Pearl Harbor left a lasting imprint on American History.

Between two verdant valleys in the heart of Oahu's agricultural land is the famous Dole Plantation. Roam the plantation shrub maze and cool down with a Dole whip while soaking in views of endless pineapple fields. It's a fun stop along the way towards the North Shore.

The North Shore of Hawaii is home to giant waves and daring surfers. Seven miles of coastline play host to surfing competitions including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The ideal time to view these giants is between November and February when waves swell upwards of 30 feet. Remember to leave the surfing to the professionals as these dangerous conditions can be life-threatening.

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers’ tips, public announcements, travel advisories, and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 79° to 78° (Winter)
• March through May: 78° to 81° (Spring)
• June through August: 83° to 85° (Summer)
• September through November: 85° to 81° (Autumn)

Top Experiences

Aloha Stadium : University of Hawaii stadium and venue for other events throughout the year.

Dole Pineapple Plantation : Popular attraction offering activities and entertainment for all ages.

Downtown Honolulu : Largest city in Hawaii.

International Market Place : Open-air shopping venue located in Waikiki.

Leahi (Diamond Head) : 760-foot crater and one of Hawaii's most iconic landmarks.

Makapuu Point : Hiking trails and scenic views overlooking the Molokai Channel.

Pearl Harbor : WWII Site.

Polynesian Cultural Center : Visit six different villages for demonstrations and interactive displays showcasing the heritage of the Pacific Islands.

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• Valid driver's license in own name (required by law). Foreign renters must have a valid license from their home country. An international license alone is not acceptable.
• Major credit card in own name (AMEX, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and Diners Club)
• Alamo vehicles may not be used for off-road use; camping is prohibited.
• A cash deposit is acceptable in lieu of a major credit card, provided customer cash qualified within certain restrictions.
• Renters must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the rental. Renters ages 21 - 24 will be subject to an underage drivers fee.

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• One additional driver is included in the rates.
• Additional drivers must be at least 21 years of age. Drivers ages 21 - 24 are subject to the underage drivers fee.
• Hawaii state law requires that a child under 4 years of age (up to about 40 lbs) is properly restrained in a child safety seat. (Renter responsible for securing child passenger in child safety seat in rental vehicle)
• Child safety seats are available for a daily surcharge and must be requested in advance.

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• For additional drivers beyond the one complimentary, a daily fee will apply and will be charged at the Avis rental location.
• A request for hand controls must be requested directly through Avis' Tour Help Desk.
• Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Budget at the rental location.

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$86 Find cheap flights to Hawaii

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to hawaii departing on 10/22. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to hawaii.

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Best Hawaii Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking hawaii flights, i’m traveling to big island. which airport should i choose when booking flights to hawaii.

The best airport for passengers traveling to Big Island will probably depend on the reason for your trip. If you’re going mainly for the resorts and beaches on the West Kona side, then the best airport is Kona International Airport. If you’re going for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, then the best airport is Hilo International Airport.

I want to hike in Hawaii. Which island should I travel to?

Kauai, Big Island, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui are the best islands in Hawaii for hiking. Big Island, Oahu, and Maui are all served by major international airports with nonstop flights from the continent. Kauai and Molokai also have airports, but travelers from the States will need to travel to Honolulu (in Oahu) first, and then take an inter-island flight to their final destination.

How can I travel from the Honolulu airport to Waikiki beach?

Waikiki Beach is less than 20 min from the Honolulu Airport. You can travel by private shuttle ($18 per person on average), taxi ($30 per ride on average), or you can use a rideshare service ($23-30 per ride on average). If you’re planning on exploring the island beyond Waikiki, you can rent a car at the airport. You’ll find offices for Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Enterprise at the baggage claim area.

Which airports in Hawaii are closer to the beach?

The airports in Hawaii closest to the beach are Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu island (13 min to Ala Moana Beach Park), Kona International Airport on Big Island (7 min to Wawaloli Beach Park), and Kahului Airport on Maui island (6 min to Kanaha Beach Park).

How long is the flight to Hawaii?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Hawaii takes 7h 42m, covering a distance of 3343 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Honolulu with an average flight time of 5h 34m.

What is the cheapest flight to Hawaii?

The cheapest ticket to Hawaii from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $45 one-way, and $147 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Honolulu and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $162.

Which airlines fly to Hawaii?

United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Korean Air fly the most frequently from the United States to Hawaii.

What are the most popular destinations in Hawaii?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Honolulu (56% of total searches to Hawaii). The next most popular destinations are Kahului (18%) and Kailua-Kona (12%). Searches for flights to Lihue (11%), to Hilo (1%) and to Kapalua (0.8%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hawaii

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Hawaii flight deals.
• If you’re looking for beach- and family-friendly destinations when booking your flights to Hawaii, look for flights into the islands of Kauai, Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. They are served by Lihue Airport (LIH), Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO), Kahului Airport (OGG), and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), respectively.
• If you want to take your time exploring the islands, you can fly from the mainland into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Oahu island, and then take domestic flights to the other islands. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest are two of the companies that operate inter-island flights.
• Most first-time travelers to Hawaii choose Maui as their destination, but keep in mind that there are fewer nonstop flights from the continental US landing at Maui’s Kahului Airport. Most flights from the mainland connect via the Honolulu airport on Oahu island.
• If you’re planning to go on whale-watching tours, look for flights to Hawaii on the island of Kauai. Although practically every island is excellent for whale-watching activities, Kauai has a greater range of possible spotting locations.
• For golfers, Hawaii means golf courses that are as gorgeous as they are high-quality. If you don’t know where to start, consider traveling to the airport of Oahu. With 37 golf clubs, it’s the island with the most golf courses in America’s 50th state.

Top 5 airlines flying to Hawaii

They put me on a chair in between two men, one overweight who was almost falling on top of me, and the other was even uncomfortable because I was half falling because of what the other was pushing me. I stayed with. my feet were swollen from fluid retention and from being unable to accommodate myself. it was very uncomfortable. I asked for help but they told me that the flight was full and they couldn't help me. I got off the plane almost unable to walk due to the inflammation. and then at FLL airport I asked for help because I couldn't go to my next flight, which was a connection.

The walk from baggage claim to the taxi is very difficult for older people I will never fly into JFK again. It is physically challenging

Overall fine but both ways for this trip was delayed.

Flight was delayed by almost 5 hours. Suitcase was not loaded despite the flight being near empty (my colleagues’ suitcases did reach JFK, unlike mine). Had to argue on phone to get JetBlue to deliver the case to my hotel. Never again

The flight was excellent. The crew was welcoming and attentive.

Great! I love Jet Blue. My favorite airline! Very efficient, clean and timely.

Run out of snack choices. Why are the seats not padded for your butt? Are we sitting on blocks of wood or metal for $250-300 a pop? This ain’t spirit. Let’s get it together people

We were told that our flight would be delayed for 90+ minutes because of weather, so we went to get something to eat only to have them randomly start boarding 15 minutes after the announcement, with no warning.

Entertainment... No earphones passed out. Many including me couldn't use the TV. Legroom was good. Crew was indifferent and a bit surly. Free wifi was a nice convenience. Check in desk location was unknown. Gate number on the boarding passes was wrong.

Going through JFK’s security is a mess. The TSA security said no shoes on the bins. So, we place our shoes in the belt and they came out all over the belt. Boarding was delayed and Flight as well.

United Airlines was fantastic, however, UnderPricer was a nightmare. I got to the airport 4 hours before my flight. We are moving to New Zealand so had quite a bit of baggage (16 checked items) and so wanted to have plenty of time to get everything taken care of properly. When I went to check in they (United) could only find a ticket for me. The 5 tickets for my children were never officially ticketed. I called Underpricer and they told me it was United's fault and United told me that Underpricer just needs to reissue the tickets, but they refused to. I asked the Underpricer agent to transfer me to his supervisor as I was not getting the help I needed. He told me the supervisor was busy but that he would call me back in 30 minutes. 30 minutes came and went with no phone call. After an hour I called Underpricer back but they would not let me talk to the person I had talked to before, just told me that he was talking with the supervisor and technical support. I called again an hour later, was told the same thing. I tried again later, with only about 30 minutes until my flight was scheduled to leave (meaning I had been at the airport for more than 3 hours with my 5 children trying to get ticketed and board the flight). Also, my husband had moved to New Zealand 3 months prior, I haven't seen him in 3 months, my children hadn't seen their dad in 3 months, we were all extremely eager to get on that flight and get to New Zealand. The situation with the tickets did not get resolved until after it was too late to check our luggage and board our flight. We were devastated. My 11 year old son was in tears at not being able to be on his way to see his dad. Thankfully we were rebooked for the next evening, but that night it felt devastating. We'd been at the airport for 4 hours waiting. My in-laws waited with me and then helped me reload all our baggage and took us home to stay with them for the night. On the newly booked flights we could not sit together - my children were spread throughout the plane. So, even though I had paid extra to select our seats after buying my seats from Underpricer only two of us were able to sit together (thankful that my 11 year old wasn't all by himself, but not happy that my 14 & 16 year old daughters were seated by strangers). I really feel that Underpricer should refund me what I paid for the seating ($120 USD). It was a very frustrating situation and I plan on never using Kayak or Underpricer ever again.

3.5 hour delay known 12-16 hours before departure $15 meal vouchers which did not even cover cost of sandwich. Unable to reach agent for 1.5 hours, only then to be informed any rerouting to my destination would cost an additional $1000. Finally got rebooked on a 7.5 layover in Denver only to find out my original connecting flight was also delayed so I stood by and got on my original connection arriving only 3 hours late instead of 5 hours late. Overall journey was unnecessarily stressful and lenngthy!

United is today and old, the planes, the staff, the business processes. Yet they expect premium prices for a less than average flight experience. I should have remembered to stay away from them and will remember to stay away from them in the future since I'm traveling a lot again. In a nutshell, they suck eggs.

When I got our tickets, my husband and I were easily able to get seats together (including a window seat). When we checked in at the airport all the seats were reset and we had to pick new ones, so we couldn’t sit together because there were only middle seats! Ugh that’s the worst. We were back so far we had to check our carry ons which was annoying because I bring an expensive camera that I don’t/cant check so I had to reorganize my items. Once we were seated on the plane we had to wait an hour to take off and they said there was some weather/air traffic in Denver but it was unclear. The lady I sat next to complained that our seats didn’t go back and we both got free complimentary snack boxes which were quite good. I wasn’t going to say anything about the seats, they were the typical uncomfortable kind. It would have been fine if the 2 hr flight hadn’t turned into 3 hrs. Not the best flight but also not the worst.

The lady at the check in counter wasn't helpful

Nothing they cancelled my connection and couldn't get me on a flight for 3 more days

Was 4 1/2 hours delayed. No food options, poor entertainment and cramped seats made worse by people in front reclining while we could not as in back row.

The baggage handlers broke the handle on my bag that they put under the plane that I checked on the jetway. They traded it out for a less quality bag in Tulsa. But, they said they would try to fix it. Bologna! There was no fixing that bag handle. Someone didn’t care how they treated the bag.

The entertainment wasn’t playing in the app or online.

It is a modern tragedy that any airline expects you to travel for 14 hours in such discomfort and that the only way to add comfort is exorbitant prices. I was in pain by the time we landed. Shameful.

Abysmal, getting delayed approximately 13 times, having to switch out a crew with another crew that timed out within an hour, and customer service representatives that abandoned the stranded travelers. Terrible service

We have been delayed and postponed 2days and nights…and still do not have our flight until tomorrow..

Terrible experience with baggage claim at CLT. Posted as arriving at belt 4 and screen there showed the flight. Waited for over 1.2hrs before someone randomly came by and said the bags for that flight had been dropped at CD1 an unknown time ago. There was no notification in the app, on the screens or by any airport personnel prior to this time. Waiting 1.2 hrs after a 2 hr flight for a bag you paid $40 extra to check is infuriating and disappointing.

They took away my first class ticket for my plane ride from Ickx to Tucson because they’re plane was late getting there. They offered me nothing in return

Terrible customer service playing as usual was late and the Denver tried to get to a bus, but it already scheduled for service to Fort Collins, but because they could not help me at all at the baggage service desk. I missed the bus by one minute after they kept me arguing about how to handle my bag which have not gotten onto the carousel, Customer Service and Denver at the baggage claim customer service had the nerve to say she did not fly the plane and the responsibility of the bag was all mine. Pathetic.

Plane was delayed an hour causing me to miss my flight to London and now I am not arriving until Sunday instead of Friday. I am stranded at airport and they give me $12 of food vouchers. It's a joke and everyone I talked to was rude

The Airline was not prepared for weather delays. We were held up due to an incoming flight being delayed and so we did not have a flight crew. This caused an extra delay for departure by 2 hours.

When you pay for Premium Economy on an 787 and you’re promised amenities for the extra money, you expect them to work. They didn’t. USB connector wouldn’t charge continuously. 120v outlet wouldn’t hold anything you plugged into it. The adapter would just fall out. The noise canceling headphones stopped noise cancelling in the first 15 minutes for EVERYONE. No one on the plane knew how to fix it so I couldn’t listen to any movies. I just put in my AirPods and went to sleep. Very unhappy with the crappy Panasonic entertainment system. I won’t buy premium again.

Everything went on schedule so I have not much to say. I was a bit disappoint with the breakfast choice - I did not have a choice as there was only one option left by the time the trolly came to my end and I could not enjoy it.

Thankfully no connections off of this one on the day of the flight as it was delayed 90+ minutes.

Cancelled the return flight moments before boarding, horrible customer service in assisting with any rebooking. Never again will I fly Spirit.

Keep your expectations low and you will be pleasantly surprised

This was one of the smoothest flights in 37 years of flying, excellent pilots! Polite and caring staff. Nice clean and new plane 10/10

It was delayed 7 hours!!!!! We had to spend $550 on new flights so we didn’t miss our evening event for family. It was absolutely ridiculous. Our flight was suppose to leave at 9:30 am. Nobody was there to even help until 12:30. Worst experience ever.

Terrible experience, will definitely NEVER fly with Spirit again (this was my first AND last time). They canceled the flight JUST minutes before we were about to board, with no warning, no reason, and no recourse. We managed to get on a different, much more expensive one-way flight home (with United) later that night, and arrived early the next morning, although by that point, the garage with our car had already closed for the day. So we were left having to pay an exorbitant $200 Uber ride to get home. Trying to fly with Spirit is definitely “penny wise and pound foolish,” absolutely NOT worth whatever meager savings they promise (and then still nickel and dime you for everything from water to a carry-on bag).

It was awful. I would have to really contemplate ever flying with spirit again!!

Ridiculous that the plane was so late (3+ hours) and blaming weather even though other flights were coming and going. Also gate agent pulled me aside to measure my personal item. My personal item disassembled and fit in the slot. I was told that was unacceptable and I had to throw away the wheels of my pet carrier even though they fit in the slot. Per the gate agent, it had to be 1 piece. That's the spirit of Spirit- screw the customer to try and milk more money out of them.

You plan your itineraries too closely together. My Albuquerque flight to Las Vegas was delayed by 45 minutes. Upon arriving in Las Vegas I missed my flight to Portland by 5 minutes, doors closed on a group of us!! Then another delay in Las Vegas from 10:11 schedule to 11:35 pm departure. Arrived in Portland @ 2:40 am. Had to take Uber to get to my sister’s house. On the other hand your crew members were friendly and professional. PLEASE IMPROVE YOUR FLIGHT PLANS AND BE RESPONSIVE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS NEEDS!!!!

The flight was minimally delayed and after landing we needed to wait an hour, hungry, thirsty, and with other customers improper behavior. Flight was good and quick, boarding was delayed but quick. Thanks

Every last departure to get to our two destinations was horrible delayed putting us way after midnight to get to home and had to pay extra day for parking due to them getting us back to Myrtle Beach airport after midnight. The attendant on our flight from Newark decided to spray disinfected down the aisles and cause our eyes mouth and throat to burn and thanks to that we have suffered sinusitis. Shame on Kayak for having this airline on your site.

Frontier charges 25 for the service of checking in and another 79 for a carry on. Will not take this janky air carrier again.

The trip was unremarkable which is good. Crew was very professional and courteous.

Crew was excellent. Plane was small cramped Airbus A320. Seats were narrow.

Gate agent for Frontier in Sioux Falls was horrible. Some people shouldn't have jobs where they need to work with people. This person tried to control everything and even argued with a Sheriff's Deputy. He seemed to write the law and think he was immune to everything and could do whatever he wanted. What a miserable experience for a lot of people. He even delayed the flight just for on his own actions. The pilots made up the time lost, but why does this person have this job. Apparently nobody cares at Frontier. We do, My wife said she would never fly on Frontier again.

On both our outgoing flight and our return flight, Frontier split up our seats. We were two adults and two small children, one an infant. Both flights were only about half full with full rows of empty seats. Yet, the airline split us up. No, we did not spend the extra $40 per person each way to purchase seat assignments ahead of time. But should we have to do this? If so, then the advertised ticket price was $40 off. What makes this even more egregious is that the plane was not full. So, there was no reason for Frontier to split up our group other than to extract an extra $320. A stewardess even had the nerve to tell me “if you want your family to sit together, I recommend that you purchase seat assignments next time.” On a half empty flight? Ridiculous. We will not be flying Frontier again.

One gate agent in Sioux Falls ruined it for a few people on the flight. It was the usual, that personal item is too large, you are going to have to pay $100 to get it on the flight. One family with a baby were told that they had to have a passport for the baby to get on the flight. Also a Sheriff's Deputy needed to go on the airplane to return a lost cell phone to a minor on the flight. The gate agent would NOT let him go on without a boarding pass. I don't know who this moron was, but the sooner Frontier moves him where he can't interact with people, the better off they will be. Let's just say the deputy did the job that he needed to do and returned the phone to the minor on the plane, even with argument from a gate agent that thought he had way more power than he actually does. Very IRRITATING individual.

Bad experience… crew are extremely strict with personal bags… they overcharge me coz my bag was one inch H

They never updated the boarding pass on their apps to show their delay

Online check-in was not user-friendly. Too many fees, not cost effective.

They wouldn’t let us on the flight even tho we were an hour early. No refund not even our bags that were prepaid

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I was born and raised in Honolulu. Here are 7 things I wish tourists knew before they visited Hawaii.

• I was born in Hawaii and spent 18 years living in Honolulu. 
• I wish tourists knew more about our history and how  tourism is displacing Native Hawaiians.
• Visitors should be careful to use terms like "Hawaiian" and "aloha" correctly. 

I spent the first 18 years of my life in Honolulu.

When I tell people that I grew up there, they often ask me what life was like there or what they should do when they visit.

However, Hawaii is home to much more than beautiful beaches, and visitors should take it upon themselves to learn more about the rich history and culture that have shaped the state into what it is today.

Here are seven things I wish people knew before they visited Hawaii so they can be educated, more responsible tourists.

Hawaii is the most culturally diverse state in the US

Growing up in Hawaii, you could take a good look around you, and it would be easy to recognize that Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures.

I'm Japanese, Alaska Native, and white, and many of my friends were also multiracial.

In fact, nearly a quarter of people living in the state identify as multiracial, and more than a third identify as Asian alone, according to the 2023 US Census .

Such cultural diversity trickles down into the food we eat, too. Hawaii is home to foods like spam musubi , manapua, and malasadas, which have all been influenced by the rich mix of immigrant communities.

The term 'Hawaiian' is reserved for those who have native Hawaiian ancestry

I've noticed many people use the term "Hawaiian" to refer to anyone from the state of Hawaii. But a lot of people are surprised to learn that Hawaiian is an ethnicity .

Just as you wouldn't call a white person living in Japan "Japanese," the same principle applies to "Hawaiian."

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If you're referring to someone who simply resides in Hawaii without Hawaiian ancestry, it's more accurate to call them a local or resident.

Tourism is displacing Native Hawaiians at a disproportionate rate

According to CBS, every year, around 15,000 Native Hawaiians are left with no choice but to leave Hawaii , in part due to the increasing cost of living.

Growing tourism and expanding luxury housing developments, coupled with a lack of economic opportunities, are making it unfeasible for many to live in the state.

In fact, according to census data obtained in September 2023 , more Native Hawaiians live on the mainland than in the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii used to be its own kingdom until the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown

Before becoming the 50th state, Hawaii was a thriving sovereign nation . Its last queen was Queen Liliuoukalani, who led her kingdom to economic and civic success.

During her reign, Hawaii was recognized by over 80 embassies in the world, and the state enjoyed universal healthcare and a 95% literacy rate.

This all eventually changed when she was arrested and forcefully removed from the throne in 1893 in a US-military-backed coup.

When you litter, it ends up in Hawaii's oceans, threatening marine life and various ecosystems

When you carelessly toss trash on the ground, it'll likely end up polluting the pristine beaches of Hawaii, and there's a good chance you'll encounter it firsthand.

Tragically, it's not uncommon to see marine life like turtles, sea otters, and monk seals trapped in plastic or trying to eat a piece of garbage.

If you have any garbage to dispose of while you're in Hawaii, place it in a trash can.

Your TikTok has the power to ruin a beach

Although it's OK to take plenty of photos and appreciate the beauty of Hawaii , it's important to be mindful about sharing your photos on social media.

Just one viral TikTok or Instagram post promoting a beach or hike can quickly turn a once serene spot into an overcrowded nightmare.

Therefore, it's crucial to consider the potential impact your posts will have and the importance of preserving the beauty of Hawaii for generations to come.

In Hawaii, 'aloha' has a much deeper meaning than 'hello'

You may know that "aloha" is used as a greeting to mean "hello" or "goodbye." But what you may not have realized is that aloha is also a human value that embodies love, peace, compassion, and respect.

The importance of embodying the "aloha spirit" is taught in schools, which I think contributes to the genuinely warm and kindhearted nature of Hawaii's people.

So, if you do plan on visiting Hawaii, it's important to also have aloha for the land and its people.

Watch: Japan vs US Burger King | Food Wars

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Former pro surfer known for riding huge Pipeline waves dies in shark attack while surfing off Oahu

A well-known Hawaii lifeguard who was killed in a shark attack while surfing off Oahu’s North Shore was a former professional surfer with acting credits to his name, including a role in one of the “Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

Tamayo Perry, 49, was killed Sunday near Goat Island, Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department said in a statement.

It's not known if Perry was the first professional surfer to be killed in a shark attack, since the definition of a professional in the sport can be blurry, said Brendan Buckley, the editor of Stab Magazine, a website devoted to surfing.

“But in terms of a high-level surfer that people around the world know and respected, he's the first that I'm aware of,” Buckley told The Associated Press Monday from his office in Portugal.

Perry and his wife, Emilia Perry, operated the Oahu Surfing Experience, offering surfing lessons. According to his biography on the business' website, he surfed professionally for over 15 years, highlighted by winning the Pipeline Master trials in 1999.

The Pipeline off Oahu's North Shore is famous for creating a tube that surfers ride for as long as they can. But it's also the most deadly wave in the world, killing some of the world's best surfers, Buckley said. Surfing it became Perry’s specialty, he said.

Surfers either focus on competitions or what they can do outside of those meets.

Perry “was never like somebody that was going to contend for a world title,” Buckley said. "He was more of the type to just kind of hunt down big, crazy waves and have that documented.”

“For a while, he was one of the top, top, top people out there," Buckley added. ”He got some of the craziest waves of his era. He was insanely respected by obviously everybody there and everybody around the world for what he did.”

Perry said on his website that he took to heart lessons learned from a near-fatal accident while surfing the Pipeline years ago.

“The lessons I’ve taken from that event have inspired me to my goal of instilling proper surf etiquette and safety into those whom I teach,” he wrote.

Emilia competed as a professional bodyboarder in western Australia before moving to Hawaii when she was 18. She and Tamayo met when she was bodyboarding out to a Pipeline wave.

“A few years later, I picked up a surfboard, we got married and there was no turning back,” she wrote. “The vast amounts of ocean knowledge that Tamayo has ingrained in me over the years is priceless.”

Tamayo Perry began his career as a lifeguard on the North Shore for the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety in July 2016, Enright said.

Perry's other passion was acting. He had several small roles credited to him on the film website www.imdb.com, including playing a buccaneer in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” in 2011. That same year, he appeared in an episode of the television series “Hawaii Five-0.” He was also in a couple of national commercials.

"When I’m not acting, I’m still quite a character, so there’s always a ton of fun to be had," he said.

Photographer Brian Bielmann had known and worked with Perry for 25 years, shooting the surfer in both Hawaii and Tahiti. Perry and several friends wound up at a party about five months ago, when Bielmann said they had an incredible bonding experience.

“There’s about five of us there, and we’ve all called each other and just said, ‘We just are so thankful that we had that night with him,’” he said. “Everybody is just shaken to the core. I mean, it’s a gnarly thing to have happen no matter who it is, but to find out it was Tamayo, it’s crazy, man.”

Honolulu Ocean Safety and the city's fire, police and emergency medical services departments responded to Malaekahana Beach on Oahu's North Shore just before 1 p.m. Sunday after a caller reported seeing a man who appeared to have suffered shark bites, Enright said.

Lifeguards brought Perry to shore, where he was pronounced dead, Enright said.

Ocean Safety personnel posted shark warnings in the area following the attack, Enright said.

Honolulu Ocean Safety Acting Chief Kurt Lager said Perry was “a lifeguard loved by all.”

“Tamayo's personality was infectious and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more," Lager said at a news conference.

“Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said, calling Perry’s death “a tragic loss.”

The last fatal shark incident in Hawaii was Dec. 30 when a man surfing off Maui was attacked about 150 yards (137 meters) from shore.

Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.