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
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
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)

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 ¥42,210 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥42,210
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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 Royal Hawaiian ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,189 reviews)
"Love the resort feel still with the closeness to the beach. The pool area was kept well by the pool workers making sure the spots weren’t saved by putting time limits on the chairs. Thought that was very fair and a great idea. Staff always kind and friendly."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥48,454 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥48,454
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,054 reviews)
"Walking distance to everything"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥48,303 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥48,303
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,296 reviews)
"Great hotel!"

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott 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.
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 (1,652 reviews)
"Third x to this smaller hotel for my stay in a very desirable location of Wakikee. Easy direct bus rte to/ from airport with small(enjoyable) kitchenette in room. Nothing fancy about hotel but very courteous employees. My only complaint would be the placement of tv. Hard to watch while in bed because ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Kuhio Banyan Club
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Aston Waikiki Sunset
4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,678 reviews)
"The property is located at a very convenient place with walking distance to beach, shops and restaurants. Staff was very helpful and provided excellent customer service. This was our second time stay at this place in April 2023 and March 2024. If we travel to Honolulu we will again stay at Waikiki ..."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 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 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 reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,325 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Wish id stayed longer"

Reviewed on Mar 22, 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.

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