Oahu

Travel Guide

Oahu
Oahu
Oahu Island which includes a sandy beach and tropical scenes as well as a large group of people
Oahu
Honolulu which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views 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

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Waikiki

4.5/5(1,920 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
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Ala Moana

4/5(11 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
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Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

3.5/5(6 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
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Manoa

4.5/5(2 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
USS Arizona Memorial showing a memorial

Western Honolulu

3/5(95 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
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Kahala

5/5(10 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Kahala. A stop by Kahala Beach or Kahala Mall might round out your trip.

Kahala
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is CA $366 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $366
CA $522 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,100 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2025

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
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 CA $336 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
CA $336
CA $472 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (8,340 reviews)
"All staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. We especially enjoyed our quick visits with the valet guys. They were quick and efficient. We enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is CA $314 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
CA $314
CA $455 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
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! (4,361 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 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.
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! (2,610 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable. Staff was great!"

Reviewed on Jul. 17, 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
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! (2,027 reviews)
"Great location, however parking price is too expensive. The ac unit wasn’t that great either."

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 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! (2,953 reviews)
"Excellent front desk staff."

Reviewed on Jul. 22, 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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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