Ultimate Guide to Oahu: What You Need to Know
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Oahu is paradise on earth in every regard. Incredible cuisine, postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise and crystal-clear waters, world class outdoor recreation, poppin’ nightlife, rich historical and cultural significance, and lush and stunning natural landscapes are all part of what awaits you on this little speck in the middle of the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Written by a six-month-long-can-I-call-myself-local?, here is an all-encompassing Oahu guide of tried-and-true favorites and advice to help you structure your vacation and maximize time on this amazing island.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Oahu is vibrant but quiet, cosmopolitan but remote, urban but tropical. It is both supremely laidback and bustling, depending on the area and season. You will walk down Kalakaua Avenue in downtown Waikiki barefoot in only a swimsuit during daylight hours and, in the evening, find yourself strutting the same street in heels and your nicest vacation outfit. Oahu just has it all.
However, planning a vacation to this exotic location can be overwhelming. Where to stay? What are the activities you have to experience for yourself? What are the spots you can’t miss? What is the best time of year to go?
If this is your first time to Oahu and you need a breakdown to clarify, read on below to get a groundwork for your visit, with local favorites, insider’s tips, and can’t-miss spots and things to do.
What to Know Before You Go
Oahu is the third-largest island of Hawaii, the largest being the island of Hawaii (so called the Big Island) and second-largest being Maui.
Oahu is the most-inhabited and most-visited of all of the eight major Hawaiian islands, mostly due to the state’s capital, Honolulu, being located on Oahu. 70% of the state’s population lives here, and Oahu attracts 50% of all tourists coming to Hawaii.
As expected, 2020 greatly affected tourist numbers in Hawaii. Visitor count had reached an all-time high in 2019, with 10.4 million annual tourists, but 2020 dropped that number to 2.7 million. However, as of June 2021, the visitor count has been creeping slowly and surely back to the pre-Covid average!
Monthly tourist count coming into Oahu averages from 450,000-570,000 people, with 19% hailing from California and 34% internationally.
Native Hawaiians love their island. They are very proud of their heritage, home, and Oahu’s natural wonders, and you should show the same respect to their island. You will be pleasantly surprised again and again by the friendliness of people here; people are open and engaging, and you make friends and acquaintances easily!
Getting to Know the Different Regions of Oahu
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Waianae (also known as the Leeward Coast/West Side)
A quieter and less-frequented region of Oahu, the West Side feels more isolated and local than any other part of the island. Geographically, it is the driest and hottest part of the island, with more desert terrain and less cover from the intensified sun. The Leeward Coast population hovers at the foot of the dramatic Waianae Mountain Range, and is called home by mostly Hawaiian natives, although there are two major tourist resorts to choose from. Waianae boasts beautiful, remote beaches, rural landscapes, and a quiet escape from the bustling Honolulu area.
Can’t-Miss Highlights
Kaena Point: A pristine, meandering trail running flatly alongside the sea, hugged by mountains, to a bird sanctuary and the westernmost point of Oahu
Makua Beach: A pristine, quiet beach known for early morning, freestyle snorkeling with wild dolphin pods
Mermaid Caves: An underground adventure where the water battered the coast enough that it hollowed out hidden caves that still fill with incoming tides. Bring a friend to help each other in and out of the holes in the ground!
Pink Pillbox Hike: An island favorite, this short hike has great summit views
Electric Beach: A popular snorkeling spot in crystal clear waters, with wondrous fish and sometimes sea turtles
Makaha Beach: A popular beaching spot on the West Side
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Honolulu/Waikiki
80% of Oahu’s population lives in Honolulu County. There are two ways to look at this busy area, the beating heart of the island. To many, if you remain in this Southern region of the island, then you feel like you are in a huge city enclosed by the ocean—kind of like San Diego got up and plopped itself down in the middle of the Pacific. It is densely populated with one million people, very urban and cosmopolitan, very pedestrian-friendly, bustling, and exciting with palm trees everywhere and extravagant shops and Asian and Polynesian cuisine outlets on every corner. Be warned, it is not quiet here! It boasts incredible restaurants, fun nightlife, arts and culture, enviable shopping at the largest open-air shopping center in the world, Ala Moana Center, world-famous beaches, historical sites, a striking mountainous backdrop, and a quick drive away from more remote areas. The majority of tourists to Oahu stay central to Honolulu and Waikiki. For a first visit to Oahu, I recommend splitting time equally between Waikiki and another quieter part of the island, so that you are able to experience a little bit of everything.
Can’t-Miss Highlights
Iolani Palace: The only royal palace in the U.S.A.
Bishop Museum: The iconic Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Chinatown: Eclectic, slightly dodgy neighborhood, offering tons of great dining options
Waikiki Beach: World-famous white sand beach that stretches into multiple other beach sections, with popular surfing breaks
Kalakaua Avenue shopping and dining: Extravagant shopping, a hub of activity, dining, drinking, and entertainment
Koko Head Crater: A short but killer hike up to one of the best sunset points on the island
Makapu’u Point and Lighthouse: A family-friendly trail leading to an awesome coastal viewpoint, well-known for whale watching
Hanauma Bay: Famous for snorkeling amongst beautiful fishes and coral. Get there early to secure a limited spot! $8/person
Diamond Head Crater: A paved but steep walk up the crater that towers over Waikiki. A beautiful spot to get a better view of the city. $5/person
Sandy’s Beach: Nicknamed “Breakneck Beach,” locals flock here for body and boogie board surfing
Halona Blowhole Lookout: A pit stop along the winding Kamehameha Highway for breath-taking views of the wild coastline
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Eastern Side/Windward Coast
A 30 minute drive from Honolulu takes you over the exquisite Pali Highway to Kailua, and a different world awaits you on the Eastern Side of Oahu. Here you find expensive homes, turquoise seas, world-famous Waimanalo and Lanikai beaches, wicked coastlines, little islands to kayak out to, some of the island’s most awe-striking natural beauty, and slow and beachy small-town vibes. The lush Ko’olau Mountain Range towers strikingly in the back, offering hiking and waterfall-spotting opportunities. The Kamehameha Highway hugs the entire eastern coast, stretching from Waikiki to the North Shore, offering an amazing two hour tour drive that is worth going out of your way for and gives you a great feel for the island.
Can’t-Miss Highlights
Polynesian Cultural Center: Alive with Aloha spirit, this cultural center offers live entertainment, bonfires, and luaus
Laie Point: A popular cliff-jumping spot for the brave of heart
Crouching Lion: A relatively short and very challenging hike that can be made into a five hour hike (if you choose to finish the entire loop) with unbeatable viewpoints of Oahu’s mountains and coast
Kualoa Ranch: Famous filming site of Jurassic Park and King Kong, the ranch is an exciting hub for activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, ziplining, and more
Chinaman’s Hat Island: A fun day adventure, a 45 minute kayak haul will take you to this little island perched immaculately in turquoise waters
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden: Instagrammers will want a view of this picture-perfect spot
Kailua: A perfect beach town with low-key vibes and access to many famous, beautiful beaches and hikes
Waimanalo Beach: A world famous and extraordinary beautiful beach
Lanikai Pillbox: Short and sweet, this hike offers panoramic views of the eastern side of the island. Awesome sunrise hike
Maunawili Falls: A slippery adventure that leaves you caked in mud and full of love for the tropical wildlands of Oahu, this hike takes you to a great waterfall and pool to swim in and jump into
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout: Stunning summit views for those who don’t want to hike! $3 to park
Lulumahu Falls: A moderately difficult hike that takes you to a neck-craning waterfall
North Shore
Famous for its surf competitions, colossal waves as well as peaceful swimming beaches, and intimate and peaceful atmosphere you can find on the northern coast of Oahu. The North Shore hosts the renowned Pipeline, Haleiwa, quiet, local surf havens, famous surfers call the North Shore home. Surfers propping boards over their heads, bikers slowly making their way around town, food trucks of poke and garlic shrimp. No high rises and few big resorts, cottages and small sea shacks right on the water sit quietly amidst thickets of palm trees, life (and traffic) moves slowly here.
Can’t-Miss Highlights
Banzai Pipeline: Site of world famous surfing competitions and, in January, home of 40 foot waves
Haleiwa: A homey, eclectic beach town and surfing hub with food trucks, little shops, great dining, and lots of Aloha spirit
Shark’s Cove: A unique snorkeling spot with crazily-carved rocks and marine life
Turtle Bay: A beautiful beach resort that can also be accessed by the public
Waimea Bay Beach and Valley Trail: A beach stunningly situated and a popular, paved trail to Waimea Falls. $17 adult entrance fee (only for the trail and falls, not the beach)
Sunset Beach: Famous for its sunset and wonderful natural beauty
Giovanni’s Garlic Shrimp: One out of the many food trucks on the North Shore that are so worth your time and money!
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Central Oahu/Landbound
Fertile and green, the central region of the island does not host as many tourist attractions, but mostly residential neighborhoods, pineapple plantations, rolling hills and wetlands, and rural countryside. Pearl Harbor is Central Oahu’s most significant landmark, on the southern harbor below Pearl City, just west of downtown Honolulu. As you drive from Honolulu to the North Shore, a 45 to 60 minute drive, you will pass the Dole Plantation, a well-known and family-friendly attraction that offers the world’s largest pineapple garden maze and home of the quintessential Dole Whip treat.
Can’t-Miss Highlights
Pearl Harbor: Famous historical landmark of World War, it is stately, solemn, and beautiful. A very educational and memorable visit is guaranteed.
Dole Plantation: A family friendly adventure with different tours of this huge and famous pineapple plantation
Waimano Falls: A moderately difficult hike takes you to a hidden, three-tiered waterfall with different pools for cliff jumping and rope-swinging!
Must-do Activities and Outdoor Recreation on Oahu
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Beaching
There is no such thing as a bad beach on Oahu, but to name a few of the popular and acclaimed ones: Lanikai Beach, Waikiki Beach, Waimanalo Beach, Turtle Bay, Hanauma Bay, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach
Watching surf competitions
Located on the North Shore
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Surfing
Take a lesson if you are a beginner! So worth it and super fun. Here is one surf instructor who does private and group lessons that I personally recommend.
Insider’s tip: My favorite place to rent a board from was Moku Hawaii in downtown Waikiki. During quarantine, it was $5 for two hours, but currently it is $5 for one hour or $10 for two hours, still a great deal and cheaper than other rental places.
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Hiking
Oahu is a hiker’s paradise. From coastal cliff trails with jaw-dropping panoramas of the sea, to calf-killing mountain slopes, there is something for everyone and for every skill level.
Read more: 10 Best Hikes on Oahu
Paddle boarding
On calm water days, rent a paddle board and get out on the miraculous sea water
Cliff-jumping
Any daredevil should try Laie Point, China Walls, and many of the waterfalls, including Maunawili Falls
Driving
A great way to explore the island, try driving the Pali Highway to Kailua or the Kamehameha Highway curving alongside the East Coast
Cage-diving
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Snorkeling
Best spots are Makua Beach for dolphin sightings, Shark’s Cove, Electric Beach, and Hanauma Bay State Park
Sunset boat cruise
A ton of options, but one tried-and-true company is Prince Kuhio Tours, which is conveniently BYOB and also offers a dinner option.
Rent mopeds
Zip around Waikiki and beach residential neighborhoods in order to quickly explore the beautiful streets and beaches!
How to Get Around Oahu
Car Rental
In order to really explore the island, unless you plan to strictly stay in the Waikiki/Honolulu area, you will want to rent a car. Hui Car Share is popular and somewhat affordable, but book ahead of time. Otherwise, Turo is a recommended option to rent a local’s car for the day. If you choose to just Uber or Lyft when in need of transport, be aware that Lyft is consistently cheaper than Uber.
Biking
There are Biki stations scattered all over Waikiki and Honolulu, and several different plans to choose from, so it makes it incredibly convenient, fun, and easy to bike around. You sign up with the app, connect to the bike and unlock it from its port, and later, drop it off at one of the many other Biki stations around. Also very eco-friendly! :)
Walking
If you are planning to remain in the Waikiki area and/or hardly leave the beach, you can plan on being comfortable walking everywhere. Waikiki is a very pedestrian-friendly area, and it is a beautiful area to explore and get to know by foot.
Bus
Locals take the bus. The bus is very cheap, if-ever-so-slightly-unpredictable. But for five bucks, you can get a ride to the East side, Kailua, and back for a fun day trip. Not a bad option! You purchase tickets at a variety of locations, the most common of which at any ABC store (the local grab-and-go chain).
Where to stay on Oahu and expected costs
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Airbnb and VRBO have super cute and personality-filled options and beach shacks that will make you never want to leave, and offer a more personal and immersive experience than a hotel. However, they can have higher costs unless booked far in advance.
Hotels that are right on the beach will obviously cost you more, while options set further back a few blocks will save you a few bucks.
Average costs for lodging on Oahu is $372/night around Valentine's Day, $397/night around Christmas time, and $135/night in September and October. As you can see, price depends on whether your visit falls around any holiday or the peak seasons of June and July.
If you are looking for a little splurge, the Alohalini and the Prince have incredible rooftop infinity pools and rooftop bars with great views of the sea and city, and the Hilton Waikiki Beach is an ideally-situated and landmarked lodging option right on the beach.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, check out one of the few hostels in Waikiki. There are a few centrally located and cheaper by half than most other lodging options.
The average length of stay in Hawaii is seven days, and average daily spending per person falls around $195.
When to Go to Oahu
Image credit: Maura Bielinski
Oahu is best enjoyed when quietest. If you can avoid the holidays and the peak summer months, I recommend the quieter months of April, May, September, October, and November when the weather is perfect and the crowds are a little more dispersed. During the peak season, lines can get very long, rental cars are hard to come by, many of the beaches become packed (especially in Waikiki), and frankly, I feel there are just too many people. However, be assured that you will not be disappointed in whatever point of the year your visit falls!
Be aware that while the summer is driest, the wet months of January through March will bring torrential downpours of rain. It is often cloudy and way wetter than I expected, BUT more water equals better waterfalls to check out. Hiking will be muddy, muddy, muddy, but that adds to the adventure and there will be a roaring waterfall and pool awaiting at the end of any waterfall hikes as opposed to a sad trickle during the dry summer months.
Another thing to note is that many beaches, mostly on the north and east sides of the island, will be sometimes un-swimmable during early months of the year, because the waves are colossal and dangerous. In January, 40 foot waves tower and crash the beaches of the North Shore, so unless you are a world class pro surfer, you won’t be going in the water at those beaches. Watching these awe-striking waves crash and the amazing surfers, specially at the Banzai Pipeline, is a day activity in and of itself. However, the beaches on the south side of the island, near Honolulu, are consistently, year-round swimmable and surf-able.
Whale sightings are more common during winter and spring months.
More helpful resources
I hope this guide will aid in structuring your vacation better and pinpointing where you want to stay and what you want to see and do! Enjoy your upcoming trip to Oahu!
While there is a ton to do and see on the island, remember to make the time to just relax and soak in in this paradise on earth!
An updated list of events on Oahu can be found here: www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/events
This visual breakdown of island is helpful: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions
Current travel restrictions to Hawaii: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/
Image credit: Maura Bielinski