What to do in Oahu?

Oahu is the third most populated island in the state of Hawaii. It is formed from the merging of two volcanoes: Wai'anae and Ko'olau. Covered in mountains and forests that give way to lush plains, this island boasts paradise-like landscapes and attracts several million tourists each year In this article, I will explain what to do in Oahu ️ Between visiting sites like Pearl Harbor, attending Polynesian dinner shows, and enjoying water activities on one of the many fine sandy beaches the island has to offer, believe me, you won't be bored

World-renowned, Pearl Harbor is a shallow bay located west of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Americans established a naval base there at the end of the 19th century ⚓️ On December 7, 1941, soldiers were caught by surprise during a Japanese air attack. Several ships were sunk, and numerous soldiers were killed. Following this incident, the United States entered the war against Japan. Today, visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a must for anyone wondering what to do in Oahu.

The site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual closure dates are Thanksgiving, December 25th, and January 1st. Entry to the memorial is free. Upon arrival, you will need to pass through a security checkpoint; if possible, I suggest not bringing anything with you except for a camera to keep around your neck during the visit. Otherwise, you can leave your belongings in one of the lockers available at the entrance, but this will cost you a few dollars

One of the main attractions of the park is the USS Arizona. While the visit is free, reservations are mandatory! You can also visit the memorials of the USS Oklahoma and the USS Utah, both located on Ford Island, but once again, you will need to make a reservation for the bus tour of the island. This tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. For more information on reservation procedures, I direct you to the official Pearl Harbor Memorial site.

Honestly, I find it not very easy to find information on the official site, so if like me you don't want to stress over the different tour reservations and more within the park, I can suggest three activities from Get Your Guide that will handle this research and reservation work for you

Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii, and it is also the largest city in Oahu with a population of just over 900,000 as of 2023. Located by the sea, you will find beaches for sunbathing, shopping malls for your vacation souvenirs, as well as several museums and historical monuments worth visiting; more information below

The Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. It served as the residence for the last monarchs of Hawaii, King Kalākaua and his sister. Today, it is a museum that traces the political history of Hawaii. The furnishings have been restored, so I recommend visiting the palace because you can see beautiful interiors, such as the Throne Room or the private suites of the King and Queen

To continue your visit to Honolulu, I recommend stopping by the Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honor of his deceased wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the Kamehameha royal family.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the entrance ticket price is $33 for adults and $26 for young people under 18 (yes, traveling to Hawaii is expensive ). Be careful, they do not accept cash, so don't forget your credit card! On-site, you will find well-preserved collections of Hawaiian artifacts as well as a significant collection of insects with over 10 million specimens

If you're wondering what to do in Oahu during your vacation, I invite you to take the time to sample local culinary specialties! Below, I present a staple food in Hawaiian cuisine, three savory dishes, and a dessert

Poi is a staple ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine. It is prepared from taro corms (which are the underground stem of taro). These are softened by being plunged into boiling water, then mashed until a kind of thick liquid paste is obtained. The preparation can be eaten as is or incorporated into various dishes like lomi lomi, for example.

For fish lovers, stop by a restaurant in Honolulu to try Lomi Lomi Salmon. Accompanied by onions and tomatoes, it will remind you of poke (very trendy nowadays) as the fish is served raw. To be quite precise, before being enjoyed, the salmon in lomi lomi is covered in salt for several hours, somewhat like preparing gravlax. Then it is cut into small cubes before being served with fresh vegetables. It's the ideal dish to refresh yourself during your Oahu vacation

If you prefer meat, I encourage you to try Kalua Pork. The term 'kalua' actually refers to a traditional Hawaiian cooking method, literally translated as 'to cook in a pit.' To prepare kalua pork, you need to cook your pig in an oven that has been dug into the ground and whose cavity has been covered with very hot rocks. Traditionally, kalua pork is served on banana leaves. The cooking is done slowly over several hours, resulting in super tender meat that is not dry at all, it literally melts in your mouth, a pure delight! Very popular with both locals and tourists, kalua pork is often served as street food, in bao buns, burgers, or even tacos

Next, let's talk about a dish that combines both meat and fish, Lau Lau. Made with pork and fish accompanied by sweet potato, the Lau Lau preparation is cooked in taro leaves

For dessert, treat yourself to Hawaiian shaved ice. A safe bet, the ice is grated to obtain a sort of snow-like consistency, we strive here for a texture lighter than that of a granita, for example. Once the ice is shaved, it is drizzled with syrup, pineapple, guava, coconut, or sweetened condensed milk. You can also add toppings on top to make the dessert more visually appealing and delicious, for example, fresh fruit pieces fit the bill

Finally, in general, I encourage you to eat fruit during your stay in Oahu. Pineapple, coconut, and other exotic fruits thrive in Hawaii's climate, and here you can consume them ultra-fresh, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a vitamin boost

To complete your visit to Honolulu, you might want to do some shopping at some point during your trip to bring back vacation souvenirs for your loved ones. If that's the case, head to the Ala Moana Shopping Center in downtown. Here, you will find clothing stores, a variety of restaurants, and souvenir shops ️

Honolulu, being a port city and very touristy, you won't be surprised to learn that cruises are popular attractions among vacationers. There are several styles, with varying excursion durations ⏱️

During the day, you can set sail to observe Oahu's marine wildlife. In the evening, treat yourself to a romantic moment with a sunset cruise from the water. Finally, every Friday, a fireworks display is put on by the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The show lasts about ten minutes and starts around 7:45 p.m.

In short, below, you will find three cruise options in Honolulu <-️

When thinking about vacationing in Hawaii, swimming and relaxing on the beach are a must. If you're wondering what to do in Oahu, you won't miss the beaches to explore. To differentiate between public beaches, those frequented by turtles, and those where the waves are perfect for surfing, I invite you to check out the following list:

Laniakea Beach is known for being frequented by giant turtles, which can generally be found at the northern end of the sandbank. While it's nice to be able to observe them, do not approach too closely; 10 meters minimum is a good safety distance

Waimea Bay is popular among surfers for its impressive waves in winter; in summer, the water is calmer and suitable for a tranquil swim. One small downside: the parking is not very large, so you'll need to either arrive early or be patient to find parking ️

Kualoa Park Beach and its peninsula are quite popular with tourists and locals alike. Here, you can engage in various water activities, including kayaking

Kaaawa Beach is calm and offers a beautiful view of Oahu's mountains ⛰️

Lanikai Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii; its turquoise waters and fine sand dotted with some volcanic rocks resemble a postcard landscape. However, it is very difficult to find parking nearby; from experience, the easiest option is to use the parking lot of the neighboring beach - Kailua Beach - and then walk about twenty minutes to Lanikai.

Waimanalo Beach is one of the longest beaches in Oahu, so you shouldn't feel cramped there. Moreover, it is easily accessible by bus via lines 67 and 69! You will also find several services nearby, food stands, picnic areas, kayak rentals, etc.

Makua Beach has no human facilities, perfect for those seeking an escape in an authentic natural corner. It is popular among surfers and is also known for its waters frequented by dolphins

Keawaula Beach is relatively isolated, making it the perfect place for those who want to enjoy swimming away from the crowds of vacationers

The beaches of Honolulu and Waikiki are must-visits for those wondering what to do in Oahu. Being in an urban area, they are certainly very touristy, but easily accessible and offering plenty of facilities for practicing various water activities ‍♂️

Halona Blowhole Beach is a picturesque and relatively secluded spot despite its proximity to Honolulu. It is known for the natural geyser at Halona, just a two-minute walk away, a natural site of interest that is worth a souvenir photo if you choose to swim at Halona.

If you love trying new things, I encourage you to take a surfing lesson for beginners in Waikiki! For 2 hours, learn the basics of this water sport ‍♀️

This activity is done in small groups, with a maximum of 8 participants to ensure that the instructor can provide proper attention to each participant. The introductory training covering safety rules and basic movements lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, after which it's time to hit the water and try to conquer the Hawaiian waves! If you're interested, budget around $107 for this activity.

Already mentioned earlier, Oahu's marine wildlife is rich. To observe the different animals that populate the waters surrounding the island, many diving activities are offered

Below is a small list of the most popular:

(From Waikiki) Cruise and diving at the Turtle Canyon, for $76

(From Waianae) Dolphin watching and snorkeling, for $153

(North Coast) Boat tour and cage diving to observe sharks, for $85

(From Haleiwa) Educational dive with sharks guided by a marine biologist, for $144

Beyond scuba diving, the beaches of Oahu offer many other possibilities for water activities, kayak excursions, catamaran cruises, or even parasailing; you will surely find something to your liking!

Some longer excursions also include lunch. Depending on your desires and the time you have available, you can opt for an outing of a few hours or a full day. The advantage is that it allows access to excursions even if you are traveling to Oahu on a tighter budget. In short, you cannot miss the water activities!

To further enjoy Oahu's stunning landscapes, take a hike in one of the island's many forest reserves and discover natural gems like Koko Head Crater or the Manoa and Waimea Falls

Diamond Head is a large crater on the island of Oahu; a trail runs along the summit of the volcano. The hike is about 2.5 kilometers long, taking about an hour to walk. Caution: since this is a major tourist attraction in Oahu, entry to the trail is paid: $5 (which is just over €4).

While the trail is not a strenuous challenge as it's pretty short with a reasonable elevation gain, the Diamond Head Promenade is still well worth the detour for its stunning panoramic views of the island

From Waikiki, you can take a guided hike at Diamond Head (transport included, of course), for $50 per person. Expect around 3 hours for this activity.

On the West Coast, I recommend the hike of Pu'u O Hulu (or Pink Pillbox). This 2 km trail offers breathtaking views of the West Coast of Oahu. It can be a bit challenging as you will need to climb on the ridge, so make sure to wear good shoes and take your time. At the top, you will find old American army bunkers, one of which stands out as it is painted bright pink! This is where the nickname Pink Pillbox comes from

On the North Coast, go see the Waimea Falls. To reach them, follow the Waimea Valley Trail, a trail that's just over 3 km long but has a slight elevation gain, so you should be able to complete it in about an hour. Be cautious, like the Diamond Head trail, entry is paid. Expect to pay $23 for an adult and $18 for a child (ages 4 to 12).

To discover the North Coast landscapes of Oahu in a fun way, you can also follow this zipline adventure, starting at $176. Some ziplines are up to 732 meters long!

If you're looking for what to do in Oahu on the East Coast of the island, I recommend heading to Koko Head Crater. The Koko Crater Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu. It is 2.3 km long with a significant difficulty level as it is very steep ‍, and will take you at least 2 hours round trip. Its peculiarity? It follows an old railway path once used by the military to transport materials to the summit of Koko Head. Once you reach the top, you will have an unobstructed view from Hanauma Bay to Waikiki!

Finally, in the south of the island, you can see Manoa Falls. The falls trail is nearly 3 km long with an elevation gain of 176 m. Plan a little over 1 hour for the round trip. This is an opportunity to explore Oahu's rainforest; if it has rained recently, the path may be muddy, so good walking shoes are required. For $101, you can follow this Manoa Falls excursion with pickup from Waikiki and lunch included

In the northern part of the island, just 30 minutes by car from Honolulu, you will find the Dole Plantation, one of the largest producers of pineapples in the world! Founded in 1850, part of the plantation is now open to the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of this successful agricultural operation

Tickets are at a flat rate of $25, which is just over €21. However, there are other areas to visit on site; for access to the plantation gardens, expect to pay around $7 per person. In terms of opening hours, the plantation is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information on tours and visits available, I direct you to the official Dole Food Company site.

At the foot of the mountains, on the outskirts of Kaneohe, you will find the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. Covering 160 acres, this garden is open to the public free of charge every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The garden was originally created in 1982 to protect the surrounding areas from flooding risks. It is a tropical garden with local plants, but also species imported from Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia or the Philippines. It's an ideal spot for a quiet stroll, away from the sometimes crowded beaches

Located on the West Coast of Oahu, Kualoa is known for its valley and jungle that served as backdrops in the famous Jurassic Park films. For $54, you can explore the Hapiku'u rainforest aboard an open-air vehicle that allows you to freely observe the surrounding flora and fauna. If you are a photography enthusiast, don't forget your camera

Another tour available in the area is this horseback ride that will take you through the hills and valleys of Kualoa. Explore the wild landscapes of Oahu for 2 hours; the horses walk at a gentle trot, so you can participate even if you're a beginner in horseback riding. Budget $139 for this activity.

Finally, from Kaneohe, you can also take this bus tour of Hollywood filming locations at Kualoa Ranch. For $54, discover in 1 hour and 30 minutes the sites that served as natural backdrops for cult films like Jurassic Park, as well as Jumanji, Godzilla, and King Kong

If you're not sure what to do in Oahu in the evening, know that several establishments on the island offer dinner shows that each highlight Hawaiian culture in their own way. Below, I present my selection of the three best traditional shows to see during your stay in Oahu <-️

For $79, you can attend the famous Rock a Hula show, one of the most popular shows in Oahu! Lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes, you will hear traditional Hawaiian music and enjoy the festive atmosphere while indulging in a buffet with a Mai Tai cocktail as a welcome

An alternative to Rock a Hula is this Ka Moana dinner show starting at $115. Start the evening by trying various typical Hawaiian cultural activities: lei making, hula lessons, etc. Then enjoy the performances with participants in traditional attire, all set in a paradisiacal location by the sea ️

Final option: the Mauka Warriors dinner show. With this show, you can see impressive performances with fire knives as well as traditional Polynesian dances. Simultaneously, taste the culinary specialties from the buffet, such as the famous kalua pork, along with taro rolls, and more. Vegetarian options are available For this activity, expect 4 hours and a budget of $124 per person.

Hawaii is a very popular vacation destination for tourists, so the price of accommodations in Oahu remains high all year round, with a spike in prices during peak seasons

You will find many luxury establishments, 5-star, fully equipped with pools, spas, etc. But all of this comes at a cost So to help you find where to stay in Hawaii without necessarily breaking the bank, I strongly encourage you to book your accommodation as early as possible, and check Booking to compare offers!

If you're short on time, I suggest two hotels below with good value for money

The Romer House Waikiki is a 4-star hotel for adults only with 179 rooms that can accommodate between 2 and 6 people. During the day, enjoy its outdoor pool; in the evening, treat yourself to a drink at the hotel's izakaya that blends Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine. For one night here, expect a minimum budget of €240.

If you're looking where to stay on the East Coast of Oahu, I recommend Paradise Bay Resort, a 4-star establishment located in Kaneohe Bay with an outdoor pool and gym. It offers studios and cottages, perfect for those traveling to Hawaii with family. Free yoga and meditation classes are available; for meals, you can use the barbecues provided by the establishment. Finally, kayak and snorkeling gear are included in the stay price! For a night here, budget a minimum of €201.

When to go to Hawaii to visit the island of Oahu under the best conditions? First of all, you should know that Hawaii generally has only two seasons: winter and summer. In winter, average temperatures hover around 75°F, while in summer it's more around 86°F. In this respect, no matter the month you choose to go, you won't be cold

However, there is a significant difference in precipitation levels between the two seasons. In winter, the sky is more often overcast, and showers are more frequent compared to summer when most days are sunny ☀️

As for tourist traffic, the high season corresponds to the months of June, July, and August. Unless you have a very hefty wallet, I suggest avoiding this period as much as possible. Beyond rising prices, it will also be more challenging to enjoy the tranquility of the beaches, which will be swarmed by tourists. In summer, the cheapest months are May, September, and October. In winter, those would be November, February, and March.

To reach Oahu, you will need to take a flight to Honolulu International Airport. For a flight during the high season, expect a minimum of $1,100 round trip... with two layovers since there are no direct flights For the fastest routes, you'll need to spend around $1,500

For a flight during the low season, plan to pay starting from $800 for flights with two layovers and $1,200 for single layover flights. My tip for finding the best price routes: use Skyscanner ✈️

Once you arrive in Honolulu, what mode of transportation should you prefer to get around Oahu? It all depends on what you want to do; the island is fairly well served by buses that allow you to get around using only public transport

However, some routes, such as crossing from north to south, can be significantly longer by bus than by personal vehicle. For example, to reach the town of Waialua (North Shore) from Honolulu, expect at least 1 hour and 40 minutes of travel, whereas by car the trip would only take 40 minutes. Therefore, to make your life easier during your stay in Oahu, you may want to consider renting a car; you can find offers starting around $60 a day on the DiscoverCars platform

If you don't plan on traveling too much outside of Honolulu and its vicinity, you can also get by with a Waikiki trolley ticket. The 24-hour version costs $53, and the 4-day pass is priced at $63. I don't need to explain, the 4-day pass is much more interesting! With this transport pass, you can hop on and off freely at any stop in Honolulu!

That's it for this article, I hope you now know what to do in Oahu for your vacation Well... you will notice, this destination is not really cheap , but it is still possible to lower the cost of your trip by opting for free activities like hiking or swimming Some hotels also include rental of water sports equipment such as stand-up paddle boards or kayaks, so keep that in mind! If you ever contemplate visiting other islands, I have a more comprehensive article on what to do in Hawaii that might be useful