Oahu

Travel Guide

Oahu
Oahu
Oahu Island showing tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Oahu
Honolulu showing modern architecture, tropical scenes and a high rise building
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(1 area review)

Waikiki Beach and Waikiki Beach Walk 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, tropical scenes and swimming

Ala Moana

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

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

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
Downtown Honolulu which includes heritage architecture and a city

Downtown Honolulu

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
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve featuring landscape views and general coastal views

Eastern Honolulu

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

Eastern Honolulu
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is P17,125 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
P17,125
P24,016 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 18 - Feb 19
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,592 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2025

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is P12,504 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
P12,504
P18,113 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 1 - Mar 2
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,855 reviews)
"The resort itself was awesome. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is P23,981 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
P23,981
P31,850 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,025 reviews)
"Need better breakfast options. Would have preferred room cleaned earlier in the day. All but one day it wasn't completed till 2:30- 3:00 PM."

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2025

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.
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! (2,875 reviews)
"LOVED IT"

Reviewed on Feb 5, 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 aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 spa tubs, a sauna, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,521 reviews)
"The room was very dated but clean and large in size. Location is great. Staff very helpful and friendly. Very slow lifts at peak times. Great swimming pool and spa pools. Overall great place to stay and would recommend. helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Aqua Skyline at Island Colony
Aqua Skyline at Island Colony
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! (1,961 reviews)
"Really enjoyed the warm hospitality of Shanel, desk staff. Location is amazing and central. Great vacation!"

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2025

Aqua Skyline at Island Colony
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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