Oahu may not be the largest island in the Hawaiian chain, but it is by far the most popular. Oahu receives millions of tourists each year who come to see the main attractions; the capital city of Honoluluthe tourist centers of waikikithe beaches of the North Coast and the many mountains, valleys, and hiking trails in between.
Oahu has the best of everything. You can disappear into nature or dine in some of the most elegant restaurants in the world. Grab a surfboard and head to one of the world’s most famous beaches, or head into a museum to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture.
Oahu is often the first place people visit when they come to see the islands of Hawaii. As you can imagine, that means it has so many attractions and things to do. To help narrow down your search, check out my list of the best things to do on the island of Oahu.
1. Hike Diamond Head State Monument
Perhaps the most recognized landmark in the state of Hawaii is the Oahu Diamond Head State Monument. This now dormant volcano sits perched on the tip of the island like a crown overlooking Waikiki and Honolulu and is one of the most popular attractions in the entire archipelago.
The Diamond Head skyline is iconic for the island of Oahu. The state monument spans 475 acres and is most famous for its hiking trail that begins inside the crater and rises to the top. The round trip path has less than two miles and win one 560 foot elevation along the paved path. From the top, visitors have an extraordinary view of the Honolulu skyline, as well as the surrounding beaches.
Visitors need a reservation to access Diamond Head, and reservations must be made in advance. To make a reservation, visit the Diamond Head State Monument website and select a convenient time. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.
2. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor
Oahu has been a strategic military hotspot for centuries, and sadly, not all of that history has been a good one. Honolulu was the site of the famous attack on Pearl Harbor, which caused the United States to enter World War II.
The USS Arizona Memorial has a poetic, almost wing-like design, perched above the wreckage of the USS battleship Arizona sunk, which is the final resting place of the 1,177 crew members who died on December 7, 1941. Today the remains, as well as the memorial, are maintained by the National Park Service.
A visit to the monument and Pearl Harbor includes a boat ride to the monument, as well as a tour. The monument receives more than 1.7 million visitors each year who come to explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center $65 million, as well as the monument.
Because it is such an important site, tickets are only available in advance. Tickets are available eight weeks in advance, so once you know your travel dates, book your reservation as soon as possible.
Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Italian Palace Tour
Right in the heart of downtown Honolulu is a 19th century palace built for the last reigning monarchs of Hawaii. The magnificently designed and ornate Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua and served as the official royal residence of Hawaiian royalty until the end of the monarchy.
Before the palace we see today existed, the land was home to the official residence of King Kamehameha III. That house was where five Hawaiian kings lived and ruled until it was demolished in 1874. Construction of Iolani Palace was completed in 1882.
Today, the first and second floors of the palace have been completely restored and are open for guided tours. On the first floor, visitors will find the Great Hall, the State Dining Room, the Blue Room, and the Throne Room. Upstairs are the private suites, including the room where Queen Liliuokalani was placed under house arrest after the overthrow of her government.
The architecture of the palace and the grounds that surround it are stunning and impressive, especially when you see that the building is surrounded by modern Honolulu office buildings and skyscrapers. It is one of the last remaining remnants of the old world of Hawaii and a must-see for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture.
Address: 364 S King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
4. Pay your respects at the Battleship Missouri Memorial
One of the other sites to see in Pearl Harbor is the Battleship Missouri Memorial. This leviathan of a ship, nicknamed the “Mighty Mo” was the last American battleship to be built and the last to be decommissioned. It was on the deck of the battleship Missouri that the Japanese surrendered, ending World War II.
Visitors can climb aboard the 58,000-ton ship, which measures 900 feet from stem to stern. Wander around the deck for an up-close look at the ship’s firearms, or head downstairs to view the crew’s quarters. Visitors can even drive the bridge and see the view from the captain’s chair.
Two tours are offered daily, but guests can also explore on their own. A general admission ticket to Pearl Harbor will also grant access to the Battleship Missouri.
Address: 63 Cowpens Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Swim at Hanauma Bay State Park
Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s natural gems. A kaleidoscope of tropical colors, this protected bay has a legendary reputation as one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii.
The submerged bay was formed within a volcanic cone and today has one of the best preserved marine ecosystems in the world. It is protected on both sides by vertical crater walls, and the long distance from the bay’s outlet to shore keeps the waves incredibly calm and the water pristine and beautifully colored.
Visitors come for the excellent snorkel and the observation of marine life. Brightly colored coral and tropical fish are found in such high concentrations that this is one of the best places on the island to dive below the surface of the water.
Of course, such a beautiful place has to be protected, which is why today visitors must make reservations to enter Hanauma Bay. Tickets are $25 to enter the park, and the park is closed Monday and Tuesday.
6. Splash on Waikiki Beach
Of all the beaches in the state of Hawaii, none is as famous as Waikiki Beach. What is actually made up of several smaller connected beaches is one of the most famous and iconic seaside destinations in the world, thanks to its beautiful scenery, charming hotels, restaurants and entertainment.
Waikiki is a small, flat area east of downtown Honolulu with one of the highest concentrations of beach resorts, restaurants, and shops. But the beach is what put this area on the map. Once the place where Hawaiian royalty greeted visitors, today the beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing.
Waikiki’s beaches begin in the west, with Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which is located directly across from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. The beach then extends to Sans Souci Beach at Diamond Head. In the middle are Gray’s Beach, Royal Hawaiian Beach, Kuhio Beach and Kapiolani Beach Park.
7. Enjoy Lanikai Beach
About 30 minutes from Waikiki is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands. Lanikai Beach is known for its sugary white sand, turquoise water, and calm surf that is great for swimming and snorkeling. In fact, many people prefer Lanikai Beach to Hanauma Bay because you don’t need tickets to enter and it’s much, much less crowded.
Crowds also stay away because parking can be a challenge. Lanikai Beach is in a residential area, which is part of its appeal. You’ll find a fantastic hike close to the beach called the Lanikai Pillbox, which leads up to the ridges overlooking the beach and the town of Kailua.
8. Snorkel at Kailua Beach Park
Speaking of Kailua, it’s the next town from Lanikai Beach and has a spectacular beach of its own. This soft white sand beach stretches for two miles and is also known for its abundance of sea turtles and its fantastic snorkeling. It’s a quiet stretch of sand, similar to Lanikai, thanks to its residential setting.
Kailua Beach Park is equipped with many facilities, including picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, barbecue grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Since the water is so calm, you will find that most people go stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
9. Hike to Manoa Falls
Oahu is practically full of waterfalls, and many of them are very easy to reach on foot. Manoa Falls is one of the best waterfalls on Oahu and is very easily accessible thanks to a relatively moderate hiking trail through the jungle.
The path to the falls is less than two miles round trip through a lush and beautiful jungle landscape. The walk proceeds with a steady incline so be prepared for a bit of a workout going in. The good news is that the exit is downhill.
The walk takes about an hour to complete. At the end of the trail, you’ll come across the 150-foot Manoa Falls, spilling down a sheer rock face. The intensity of the falls depends on how much rain has fallen, so keep that in mind when you head out. The trail’s mud is equally dependent on rain, so proper footwear is highly recommended.
10. Stroll the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a beautiful coastal walk along the sea cliffs within the Kaiwi State Scenic Coast. The two and a half mile hike it takes about an hour to complete and is packed with epic views of Oahu.
Parking is ample near the trailhead. From here the trail slopes up to the top of the ridge and continues to an observation deck and lighthouse that have stunning panoramic views of the sea. Keep your eyes open to see Whalesand you will definitely get to see Koko Head and Koko Crater as well.
Address: Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, Hawaii
11. Climb the Koko Crater Rail Trail
If you’re ready for an absolute quad workout, you should try the Koko Crater Railway Trail. It’s a humbling experience: many Honolulu locals use this trail as their daily pre-breakfast workout. The hike is completely uphill up a very steep and completely exposed mountain side, consisting of over 1,000 steps.
The steps are made from abandoned railway tiles, which were used by the military during World War II as part of a tram to carry supplies to the top of the ridge. While the hike is absolutely challenging, the top rewards you with spectacular views Honolulu, Hanauma Bay, and parts of the island of Molokai.
It is definitely not for the faint of heart. But it will feel like the most magnificent achievement when you reach the top. Just remember that you have to turn around and go back down afterwards.
Address: 7604 Koko Head Park Rd #7602, Honolulu, Hawaii
12. Venture to Waimea Valley, North Shore
Oahu’s North Shore is replete with spectacular scenery. But perhaps one of the most beautiful places to visit on the north coast of the island is the Waimea Valley. Steeped in both natural beauty and Hawaiian history, Waimea Valley is a must-stop for anyone venturing to the North Shore.
The Valley is an ancient and sacred place nestled between the mountains along the Waimea River, which empties into Waimea Bay. The valley was a gift from Kamehameha the Great to his most trusted advisor. Over the years, the land has changed hands many times, but today it is a protected area preserved for its natural beauty and ties to Oahu’s history.
Inside the park there Botanical Gardensa beautiful waterfall and historic structures that help tell the story of Oahu. Visitors to the Waimea Valley can enjoy walking the grounds or participating in an educational workshop. The Valley is always planning a community event or program to help raise awareness among visitors.
Admission to Waimea Valley is $25 per person.
To be honest, you need to have some serious surfing skills to be able to contest the Banzai pipeline. It has earned a reputation for being one of the most challenging surf breaks in the world. But if you want to see some of the best surfers in the world take on this beautiful barrel wave, head to Ehukai Beach on the north shore.
This beach is the place of Billabong Pipeline Masters annual, which brings together surfers from all over the world to compete for the title. It is one of the best surf contests to watch on the island.
What makes the waves so intense is a shallow reef that helps shape the wave into the perfect barrel. It is a professional surfers dream and an exhilarating experience to watch. You can’t fully say you’ve had an Oahu experience without taking a look at the Banzai pipeline.
14. Visit Kahuku Point, North Shore
While on the North Shore, take it to the extreme and visit the northernmost point of the island of Oahu. Kahuku Point is the last stop on the island before the Pacific Ocean takes over and swirls the vast expanse. It is a beautiful place to visit and an easy hike to undertake.
The trailhead to Kakuku Point begins at Turtle Bay Resort. The easy path has 2.3 miles round trip and it takes less than an hour to complete. Along the trail you will have beautiful coastal views leading into the forest before emerging at the point.
If you’ve been to Diamond Head, which is as far south as you can go on the island, you’ll have to visit Kahuku for the best of all vantage points.