Oahu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oahu
Oahu
Oahu Island which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Oahu
Honolulu featuring a city, tropical scenes and a skyscraper
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 centre 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 Harbour 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 kilometres) 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 accommodation 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 holiday 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

Waikiki Beach and Waikiki Beach Walk are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Waikiki. Travellers also love the stunning beaches, island views and popular shops.

Waikiki
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Ala Moana

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
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Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

If you're spending some time in Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
USS Arizona Memorial showing a memorial

Western Honolulu

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. 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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Manoa

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
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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
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹23,961 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹23,961
₹33,926 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,040 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly. We always stay at Alohilani when he travel to Honolulu."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 ₹26,145 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹26,145
₹35,580 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (8,247 reviews)
"a very beautiful resort..had a giant corner room in the rainbow tower..balcony's on both sides...perfect spot for the friday night fireworks right out side our room!! perfect spot"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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 ₹19,700 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹19,700
₹28,524 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,282 reviews)
"Perfect location. The beach was steps away & tons of shopping and restaurant options close by - in walking distance."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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.
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 centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,018 reviews)
"The only thing I don’t like is the smell of weed along the hallway of the floor"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
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 their ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,608 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable. Staff was great!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
Aston Waikiki Sunset

Aston Waikiki Sunset

4 out of 5
229 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy a fitness centre, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,947 reviews)
"Everything was in walking distance"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Oahu