Go Visit Hawaii

About Oahu

Sunny Oahu is known as the “heart and gathering place of Hawaii” where you will find a mixture of cosmopolitan conveniences among beautiful tropical scenery, welcoming shores and the finest Oahu hotels. The world famous Waikiki Beach is marvelously flanked by the equally famous Diamond Head crater. Admiring the strength and beauty of Diamond Head crater never gets old. Waikiki Beach is a popular place to sunbathe, swim, people watch, enjoy a tropical drink, and surf. Waikiki offers a large variety of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

Oahu boasts the capital of Hawaii, which is Honolulu. Using Oahu as your base, you can learn more about Hawaiian history and the state government. See the Iolani Palace which was the home of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch. The Bishop Museum houses in incredible collection of Hawaiian artifacts.

No trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. You will be moved by the artifacts in the Pearl Harbor museum, a 20 minute film depicting the events of the attack, and the solemn Arizona Memorial which hovers above the sunken USS Arizona - the final resting place and tomb of 1,102 of the battleship’s crewmen. A tour of the “Mighty Mo” (USS Missouri Battleship) also in Pearl Harbor offers a fascinating history.

Oahu offers the water enthusiast’s dream just east of Honolulu. Spend some time at Maunalua Bay and enjoy the sheltered waters with a variety of water sports. Hanauma Bay has fantastic snorkeling.

Oahu has many picturesque beaches, charming small towns, and vistas. If you continue traveling along the windward (west) side of the island, you will find green forests and several rural towns that invite you for a stop. Just a bit north of these towns, you will find the fantastic Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Here you will learn of the cultures, arts and crafts of Polynesia. The Alii Luau here is award winning. The evening show, Horizons, is not to be missed.

On the North Shore, you will find Oahu’s famous surfing beaches. Here you’ll also find picturesque beaches for watching sunst. Also, on the North Shore you will find Turtle Bay, a luxury resort right by gorgeous turquoise waters. At Turtle Bay Resort, you can golf on world class courses. After 18 holes in paradise, and perhaps a game of tennis, you can relax and enjoy a massage at the Spa at Turtle Bay Resort.

Between the Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges you will find fields of pineapples and sugar cane. Stop in at the Dole Plantation; walk through the pineapple garden maze, which is the world’s largest maze as recorded by the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records. While you are at the Dole Plantation, don’t forget to sample a delicious DoleWhip®.

Oahu offers a memorable Hawaiian experience with its culture, beautiful scenery, and pristine beaches. Come to Oahu for your honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation and relax, play, and pamper as much as you like.

Oahu Weather:
Oahu’s weather is warm and tropical year round. Oahu doesn’t seem have the climate extremes as much as you find on some of the other islands like the Big Island.

Oahu (Honolulu) year round temperature and rainfall averages by month

Where to stay on Oahu?
There are two distinct areas to stay on Oahu. There’s the popular Waikiki Beach/Honolulu area and everywhere else. Outside of Honolulu, there are only three other large resorts - Turtle Bay Resort (North Shore), the Kahala Resort (Northeast of Diamond Head), and the JW Marriott Ihilani at Ko’Olina (West Shore).

The area of Honolulu/Waikiki is by far the easiest areas to get to and you will find Honolulu to be a great base from which you can explore Oahu. You’ll also find some of the least expensive Hawaii lodging at Waikiki Beach. This area is rich with history, arguable Hawaii’s most famous beaches, fine hotels to match any budget, excellent shopping, gourmet and casual dining, golf, and most any water sport your heart desires. If you are looking for the place to go to in Hawaii that has a thriving nightlife, then look no further than Waikiki Beach.

The three main resorts outside of Waikiki Beach offer more relaxation and room to spread out. Those resorts are ideal for de-stressing.

When is the best time to go to Oahu?
Any time of year is lovely on Oahu. For the best deals, least crowds, and better weather, consider the months of April, May, September, and October.

What are the best sightseeing and activities to do on Oahu?
Oahu has great budget friendly sights and things to do.
- Learn to surf at a Waikiki Beach surfing school.
- Look for filming locations for the TV Show Lost
- Snorkel
- Scuba dive
- Snuba
- Helicopter Tour
- Kayaking
- Golf
- Spa
- Horseback riding
- Hawaiian Luau

Oahu Vacation Planning Advice

Get a free Oahu vacation planning guide from the Oahu Visitors Bureau
Get great ideas on planning your customized Oahu 7-day itinerary
General Oahu Travel News
Oahu Travel Deals
Oahu Restaurant News & Reviews
Oahu Activities News & Reviews
Hawaii Vacation Planning Essentials