Oahu Travel Guide

Image Gallery ▼

• Introduction to Oahu
• List of Places to Visit in Oahu
  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
  • Natural Attractions of Oahu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
• Hiking/Biking Routes of Oahu
• Best Things to Do in Oahu: Activities and Tours
• Week-Long Itinerary for Oahu
• Food and Drink Scene of Oahu
  • Must-Try Dishes
  • Local Beverages
• Where to Stay in Oahu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
• What to Buy in Oahu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
• Local Culture and Customs of Oahu
• Best Time to Visit Oahu
• Do’s and Don’ts of Oahu
  • Do:
  • Don’t:
• Safety and Health
  • Safety in Oahu
  • Health in Oahu
• Getting to Oahu: Transportation Options and Logistics
  • Airports Near Oahu
  • Bus Stations Near Oahu
  • Other Options
• How to Get Around in Oahu
• Where to Go Next from Oahu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
• Conclusion

Introduction to Oahu

A shining gem amidst the vast Pacific, Oahu is a breathtaking island paradise in Hawaii. Its picturesque shores, world-renowned beaches, and incredible natural beauty make Oahu a must-see destination for adventurers, beachgoers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Oahu is home to several globally recognized landmarks and is steeped in history, tradition, and culture. It’s an ideal location for families, romantics, solo travelers, and everyone in between.

List of Places to Visit in Oahu

You will not have difficulties in finding fun-filled things to do in Oahu. There are abundant exciting places that warrant a visit. Whether you are someone who loves nature and outdoor adventure or someone fond of cultural experiences, Oahu has them all. Below are some of the must-visit places in Oahu:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
2. ‘Iolani Palace
3. Bishop Museum
4. Honolulu Museum of Art
5. The Queen Emma Summer Palace

Natural Attractions of Oahu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Waikiki Beach
2. Diamond Head State Monument
3. Koko Crater Trail
4. The Pali Lookout
5. Manoa Falls

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oahu

Oahu is home to some of the most magnificent hiking and biking trails, presenting the most breathtaking views of nature. Here’s a list of the five most fascinating hikes and bike routes in Oahu:

1. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
2. Lanikai Pillbox Trail
3. Aiea Loop Trail
4. Ehukai Pillboxes Hike
5. North Shore Bike Path

Best Things to Do in Oahu: Activities and Tours

Oahu has so much to offer regarding unique activities and tours. Take a trip with your friends, family, or group to Oahu’s vast array of activities, which include:

1. Surfing lessons
2. Snorkeling with sea turtles in Hanauma Bay
3. Scuba diving tour to Oahu’s reef system
4. Helicopter tour of Oahu’s natural beauty
5. Dolphin or whale-watching tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Oahu

Here is an itinerary for visitors for the perfect seven-day vacation plan in Oahu:

Day	Activities
Day 1	Beach day at Waikiki
Day 2	Visit Pearl Harbor and ‘Iolani Palace
Day 3	Hike to Manoa Falls
Day 4	Visit North Shore Beaches
Day 5	Snorkel in Hanauma Bay
Day 6	Try out a new water activity: surfing, paddleboarding, or parasailing
Day 7	Take a helicopter tour of Oahu’s natural beauty.

Food and Drink Scene of Oahu

Oahu is home to delicious cuisine that offers a mix of local and international flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

1. Poke
2. Loco Moco
3. Spam Musubi
4. Kalua Pork
5. Shaved Ice

Local Beverages

1. Mai Tai
2. Kona Coffee
3. POG Juice
4. Hawaiian Sun
5. Coconut Water

Where to Stay in Oahu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Oahu presents a wide range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay in Oahu:

1. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
2. Halekulani
3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
4. Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
5. Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel

What to Buy in Oahu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring the flavor of Hawaii back home with you by keeping these five items in your shopping list:

1. Kona coffee
2. Hawaiian Shirts
3. Lei
4. Pineapple
5. Local art and crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Oahu

Oahu is known for its unique, colorful, and laidback culture. Here are some of the customs you might encounter in Oahu:

1. Traditional Hawaiian Lei Greetings
2. Plate Lunch
3. Aloha Spirit
4. Polynesian Cultural Center
5. The Hula Dance

Best Time to Visit Oahu

The best time to visit Oahu, Hawaii, is during the shoulder months of April to June, and September to November. During these months, you can avoid the high-priced tourist rush in the months of December to March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oahu

Do:

1. Respect the Local Environment.
2. Wear Sunscreen in Hawaii.
3. Learn a bit of Hawaiian language and culture.
4. Attend a Luau Party.
5. Explore the island to discover its hidden gems.

Don’t:

1. Wear Shoes Inside a House.
2. Forget to Try Traditional Hawaiian Food.
3. Littering and Trashing.
4. Ignore the “Leave No Trace” Rule.
5. Be disrespectful to the Hawaiian Spiritual Beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oahu

Although it is generally safe in Oahu, there are some nuances, such as:

1. Watch out for rogue waves in Oahu beaches.
2. Avoid parking in any secluded area.
3. Don’t venture on hiking trails that extend beyond your physical capabilities.

Health in Oahu

Hawaii, in general, is pretty easy when it comes to a visitor’s health, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Practice Sun Safety
2. Stay Hydrated During Outings
3. Safety Before Pleasure

Getting to Oahu: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are different ways to get to Oahu, and the mode of transportation you choose depends on your location of origin. Here are some ways to reach Oahu:

Airports Near Oahu

1. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
2. Kalaeloa Airport (JRF)

Bus Stations Near Oahu

1. Waianae Transit Center
2. Kailua-Kona Bus Station

Other Options

1. Uber & Lyft
2. Rental Cars
3. Taxis

How to Get Around in Oahu

After getting to Oahu, the following are a few preferred ways for vacationers to get around:

1. Bus
2. Taxis & Rideshare Services
3. Rental cars
4. The Waikiki Trolley

Where to Go Next from Oahu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Oahu is not the only paradise island in Hawaii, and several worth-mentioning destinations are nearby:

1. Maui
2. Kauai
3. Hawaii Island (The Big Island)

Conclusion

This comprehensive travel guide for Oahu aims to provide you an insight into every aspect of vacationing in Hawaii’s paradise island. With scenic views, outdoor adventures, and renowned landmarks, such as Pearl Harbor National Memorial and ‘Iolani Palace, Oahu offers a memorable experience of a lifetime. So take in the Aloha Spirit and enjoy your visit to Oahu!

Oahu Image Gallery

TheBus Waikiki-Oahu-sunset-Janine-Sprout Eternity Beach Oahu-Janine-Sprout

Central Oahu

Honolulu

North Shore

Windward Coast