Oahu, HI

Travel Guide

Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus featuring a sunset, wildflowers and a city
Oahu Island which includes a beach and tropical scenes as well as a large group of people
Na Ala Hele Manoa Falls Trailhead showing forest scenes, rainforest and landscape views
Honolulu which includes tropical scenes, a high rise building 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)

Famous for Waikiki Beach, this district boasts six beaches and a skyline filled with high-rises and resort hotels. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy the ideal surf break, while Kalākaua Avenue offers luxury shopping and Kūhiō Avenue features diverse dining and nightlife options.

Waikiki
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, tropical scenes and swimming

Ala Moana

4/5(233 area reviews)

Situated along Oʻahu's southern shores, this district boasts a vast stretch of reef-protected white sandy beaches and the world's largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana Center. Enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Ala Moana
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
USS Arizona Memorial which includes a memorial

Western Honolulu

3/5(706 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or Navy Exchange Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station to get around town.

Western Honolulu
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city

Manoa

4/5(29 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the mountain views and monuments in Manoa. You might want to make time for a stop at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex or Stan Sheriff Center.

Manoa
Downtown Honolulu which includes heritage architecture and a city

Downtown Honolulu

3.5/5(43 area reviews)

This area is a center for local government since 1845, this district boasts diverse architectural styles and historic landmarks, including ʻIolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Downtown Honolulu
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥43,768 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥43,768
¥60,935 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (8,205 reviews)
"Nice hotel accessibility to everything but homeless we’re able to go in by the lagoon gate"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Wayfinder Waikiki
Wayfinder Waikiki
4 out of 5
2375 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥16,321 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥16,321
¥25,195 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,502 reviews)
"I will recommend this place, very friendly and room is very clean and spacious. Close to downtown Honolulu."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Wayfinder Waikiki
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥37,148 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
¥37,148
¥52,620 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,229 reviews)
"We love everything there. People, area, food, pool, hotel amazing."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
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.
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Skyline Island Colony Hotel
3 out of 5
445 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,011 reviews)
"The room is acceptable clean. A/C is somewhat loud but bearable. Kitchen is functional."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,933 reviews)
"Parking was sucked 😖 there was a very rude lady she even want to call the police on us .. She wanted to over charge us for parking 😩 No house keeping x11 days 🙁 Air conditioning was in issue 😨 Evething else was ok 👍"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

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 2 hot tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,591 reviews)
"Other than swimming pool area and deck under reconstruction and upcomg water flushing shut off for Tuesday, everything's ok."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

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.

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