Oahu, HI

Travel Guide
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus featuring a sunset, wildflowers and a city
Visit the true tropical paradise of Hawaii’s most populated island, which has the state’s sprawling capital in the south and world-class surfing on the long North Shore.

On the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, Honolulu is the center of activity. It’s where you can enjoy white-sand beaches and high-end shopping only blocks apart. Just west of Honolulu, find memorials to those who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor bombing and World War II counterattacks. Continue on to Waipahu to visit a Hawaiian plantation village or enjoy golf and shopping.

An hour’s drive from Honolulu, the North Shore features 8 miles (13 kilometers) of beach, from Hale’iwa to Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Visit in winter to watch international surf competitions. In summer, snorkel or dive at Pūpūkea Beach or simply relax on the North Shore sands, enjoying a picnic or spectacular sunset. 

Stay at the Turtle Beach Resort, which has easy access to North Shore beaches. The resort offers luxury accommodations and extensive outdoor activities from mountain biking to surf school. Learn to dance the hula, make a lei or play the ukulele.

On the eastern shore, find scenic beaches, generally with smaller waves. Beaches near Kailua are great for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some offer beach access for the disabled. Near the area of Kāne’ohe experience peace and tranquility in a botanical garden. Makapu’u Beach has glorious shoreline views. Hike to vistas above the working lighthouse here to spot whales and passing ships.

O’ahu has much more to offer in addition to beaches and surfing. Rent kayaks, outrigger canoes or paddleboards to enjoy gentler waters. Mountain bike, ride a horse or hike on jungle trails to reach lookout points with stunning views. Explore plantations or spy on sea turtles. Play golf on well-kept courses and shop at high-end boutiques or outlet stores. Or, simply relax with a treat of tropical shave ice.

Reach O’ahu by flying into Honolulu International Airport and then get around the island using a rental car, moped or motorcycle, taxis or the public transport system called “TheBus.” O’ahu is a popular vacation and honeymoon destination offering a pleasing mix of city and countryside, relaxation and excitement, modernity and history. Come see why visitors from around the world enjoy “the gathering place” of O’ahu.

Where to stay in Oahu

Waikiki featuring landscape views, a sunset and a city

Waikiki

4.5/5(10,927 area reviews)

Waikiki Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Waikiki. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, island views, and popular shops.

Waikiki
Diamond Head which includes a city, landscape views and a sunset

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

While visiting Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, you might make a stop by sights like Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, a coastal town and tropical scenes

Ala Moana

4/5(233 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
USS Arizona Memorial which includes a memorial

Western Honolulu

3/5(706 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Western Honolulu. Top attractions like Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Harbor are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station or Pouhala / Waipahu Transit Center Station to see more of the city.

Western Honolulu
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve featuring landscape views and general coastal views

Eastern Honolulu

5/5(5 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Eastern Honolulu. A stop by Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Kahala Beach might round out your trip.

Eastern Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu which includes heritage architecture and a city

Downtown Honolulu

3.5/5(43 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Honolulu include the shopping and beaches. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or King Kamehameha Statue while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Honolulu
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥44,563 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥44,563
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, 9 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Waikiki Beach Walk and Ala Moana ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,112 reviews)
"The whole thing was perfect"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥47,544 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥47,544
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,235 reviews)
"Always appreciate staying at the Marriott hotels and staff. The location did not disappoint. Great staff, restaurants, pools and rooms."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥55,920 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥55,920
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 poolside bars, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,750 reviews)
"Beautiful views. Huge balcony, comfortable beds."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kuhio Banyan Club
Kuhio Banyan Club
2 out of 5
2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 140, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 restaurants, daily housekeeping, and a library. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,648 reviews)
Great location
"Old build but greatly situated in the heart of Waikiki,. Accessible to mall, food and beach"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

Kuhio Banyan Club
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,653 reviews)
"Property was clan and safe."

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2024

Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
3 out of 5
201 Ohua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a sauna, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,324 reviews)
"This property was a quick two block walk to the beach. Room was clean and cleaned daily. The front desk were fantastic and helpful. If your seeking an inexpensive, clean, beach proximity and friendly staff, I would recommend."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Oahu