Oahu blends cosmopolitan luxury and breathtaking scenery more than any other Hawaiian island. The state’s capital city, Honolulu, showcases the island’s urban appeal. Nearby you’ll find a host of cultural and historic sites, from the ornate Iolani Palace to the austere USS Arizona Memorial at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. In the nearby Waikiki neighborhood, a skyline of high-rises and resorts contrasts with sprawling white sand beaches. For a taste of rural Hawaii, visit the North Shore. Here, you’ll find the most brilliant blue waters and meandering hikes. But those three spots aren’t Oahu’s only must-see locales. Its top-notch restaurants, vibrant cultural events and wild nightlife further showcase this island as a “Gathering Place” of Hawaiian culture.

Things to Do in Honolulu

What are the can’t-miss things to do in Oahu?

Oahu offers a wealth of unique attractions, from historic sites to world-famous beaches. Whether you’re limited on time or just looking for a shortlist of iconic experiences, these are the can’t-miss things to do in Oahu:

• Pearl Harbor
• Waikiki Beach
• North Shore
• Kualoa Ranch
• Dole Plantation
• Many travelers also consider an overnight stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa to be a can’t-miss experience on the island.

What are some things to do in Oahu when it’s raining?

While Oahu is known for its natural beauty and its outdoor adventures, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy when it rains or if you need a respite from the hot sun:

• Iolani Palace
• Bishop Museum
• Waikiki Aquarium
• You might also consider a massage at one of the island’s resort spas, such as the Nalu Spa at Turtle Bay Resort.

What to Eat in Honolulu – Oahu

Although you’ll find many familiar American chains on Oahu, you should sample Hawaiian favorites while on the island. Must-try specialties include shave ice (a cold treat flavored with tropical ingredients like coconut and passion fruit) and poke (or marinated raw seafood). Local dishes like kalua pork (which is traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground) and loco moco (white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy), plus a few Asian-inspired bites – such as beef teriyaki and kalbi (or Korean barbecue short ribs) – are also available at many restaurants as part of a plate lunch or on their own. Plate lunches often come with one or two proteins, rice and macaroni salad.

Two of the island’s most popular places to grab a plate lunch include the Rainbow Drive-In (by Waikiki) and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (which has multiple locations near the city center). For Hawaiian fare that’s not served as a plate lunch, travelers recommend dining at Kono’s Restaurant, Ono Seafood and Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill. More upscale (and pricier) options include celebrity chef outposts like Roy’s Waikiki, which is helmed by Roy Yamaguchi.

Best Times To Visit Honolulu – Oahu

The best time to visit Oahu is from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December. During these shoulder seasons, attractions are less crowded, festivals are plentiful and airfare and room rates are at their lowest. Average temperatures comfortably sit in the mid-60s to high 80s year-round, but rain showers are less prevalent from mid-June to August (Oahu’s summer season), so tourists flock to the island to take advantage of the sunnier weather. Another popular (and pricey) time to visit is between late December and early April, when surfers head to the North Shore to catch waves or watch professionals compete in various surfing events.

Late December-early April

This peak season attracts surfers in droves thanks to its righteous swells and highly regarded surfing competitions. Can’t-miss winter events include the Volcom Pipe Pro and Da Hui Pipeline Warriors. These months (plus May) are also the the best times to spot humpback whales, and daytime highs rarely stray from the low 80s. But remember to pack an umbrella since rain showers are common. Also, keep in mind that winter’s influx of tourists means accommodations are more expensive and harder to come by, so finalizing hotel bookings months in advance is strongly recommended.

Mid-April-Early June

Between the end of surf season and the start of summer, fewer tourists come to the island, resulting in many hotels and airlines offering reduced rates. Plus, attractions in and around Honolulu are less crowded, and visitors may even catch a glimpse of migrating humpback whales in April and May. Average spring temperatures hover in the high 60s to high 80s, but unlike fall, this shoulder season rarely encounters rain and only hosts a few festivals.

Mid-June-August

Once mid-June rolls around, more and more travelers head to the island to take advantage of its superb weather. Temps generally sit in the mid-70s to high 80s, and rain showers are unlikely. But Oahu’s phenomenal weather comes at a cost: Hotels and airlines charge more in the summer. To ensure availability, visitors will need to book their rooms and flights well in advance.

September-mid-December

As temperatures begin to (slightly) drop, so, too, do room rates. Fewer tourists come during this shoulder season, meaning you’ll have more elbow room at popular attractions like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Monument. Culture hounds will especially love Oahu in fall, when the island hosts events centered around food, fashion, film and Hawaiian heritage. However, the chance for rain increases as autumn progresses, and in November and December, the North Shore swells with surfers competing in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Key Events:

Aloha Festivals (September)
Hawaiian Airlines Moloka’i Hoe (October)
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (October-November)
HIC Pro Sunset Beach (October-November)
Hawaii International Film Festival (November)
HONOLULU Fashion Week (November)
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (November-December)

What things should I avoid in Oahu?

There are a few things to keep in mind ahead of and during your visit:

Island traffic is a problem, mainly in Honolulu.

• Try to avoid traveling in and out of the capital city during the morning and evening rush hours.
  It’s easy to spend most of your vacation in Waikiki, but you should also take time to explore other areas of Oahu, such as the beautiful beaches on the island’s North Shore.
• When booking tickets to a luau, read reviews from fellow travelers – not all luaus are authentic and many are overpriced.
• Tickets to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor sell out fast and should be booked in advance of your trip.

Getting Around Honolulu – Oahu

The best way to get around Oahu is by car. And fortunately, the island has some of Hawaii’s most reasonable rates for car rentals, particularly at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Located on Oahu’s south shore, the airport is conveniently situated about 5 miles away from downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor attractions like the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Walking to some locales (think: Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Center) is another option when staying in Waikiki. You can also take the public bus system or the Waikiki Trolley to get to and from many parts of the island, but these options are slower and may not service some areas. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are available as well, but fares can quickly add up.

Kauai | A slice of paradise on earth

If you’re looking for transportation to or from the airport, check with your hotel; many resorts offer shuttle service at a fraction of the cost of a cab.

Car

Unless you plan to hole up in Waikiki for your whole trip, you’ll find a car rental a practical necessity. The plus side is rental car rates here are some of the most reasonable in the country. However, Oahu’s roads can get congested (especially during the peak seasons and in tourist areas) and parking is often scarce and expensive. To save some money on your car hire, rent a vehicle at the airport. Also, consider avoiding hotels that charge extra for on-site parking, unless you plan on returning your car before the end of the day. Another tip: Try to stay off the roads during rush hour, which is between 5 and 8 a.m. and from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.

On Foot

Most of Oahu’s top attractions are too far from one another to reach on foot, but walking to the Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach is possible when staying in Waikiki. Some sights, such as the Honolulu Museum of Art and Iolani Palace, are also within walking distance of each other. To get to more remote attractions and areas outside of Honolulu, you’ll need to rely on your own set of wheels or public or private transportation services.
Bus

Oahu’s public bus system – TheBus – is easy to use and covers most of the island thanks to its extensive routes. Hours vary by line, but buses generally run every 15 or 30 minutes. Exact route hours are available on the Routes & Timetables page of TheBus website. Attractions accessible by bus include Koko Crater Trail, Kailua Beach Park and Shangri La.

One-way adult fares, payable upon boarding, cost $2.75 per person, while children 6 through 17 can ride for $1.25 each. Discounted rates are also available for travelers ages 65 and older. One-day passes, which are sold by bus drivers, are offered as well for $2 to $5.50 per person.

Trolley

Waikiki Trolley is a fun way to travel around Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, but not necessarily an efficient one. This hop-on, hop-off trolley and double-decker bus system has five lines that stop by the Ala Moana Center, Diamond Head State Monument and other key attractions, plus some hotels. Trolley routes generally take 50 minutes to 2 ½ hours to complete, and drivers point out landmarks along the way.

You can buy one-, four- and seven-day passes (which are valid on all lines) on board any trolley or bus for $45 to $70 per adult; reduced rates are available for seniors and children between 3 and 11. You can also save money by purchasing tickets online. Passes that include admission to must-see sights like Iolani Palace and the Honolulu Museum of Art are sold as well. But remember, discounted tickets must be booked at least five days before the first day of use. Also, keep in mind that multiday passes do not need to be used on consecutive days; four-day passes are valid for any four days within a seven-day period, while seven-day passes can be used on any seven days within a 10-day period.

Taxi

You can eliminate the headache of driving yourself by taking taxis around Honolulu, but be warned: This method is expensive, and you’ll most likely have to call ahead. Fares are locally regulated, so regardless of the cab company, you will pay an initial fee of $3.50, plus $5.88 per mile traveled. (Note: Some companies may also offer hourly rates.) Each piece of luggage costs an additional 50 or 60 cents. For trips from the airport to Waikiki or downtown, expect to pay between $40 and $45. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft also operate on Oahu.

Honolulu – Oahu Neighborhoods

Sitting in the northern part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Oahu is the most visited island of the state. Most vacationers tend to stick to Honolulu and Central Oahu, though active travelers often gravitate toward the sports-focused North Shore and Windward Coast. Meanwhile, families who prefer a quieter atmosphere than Waikiki can head to the Leeward Coast. Take a helicopter tour to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Oahu’s various areas and destinations not reachable by car or boat.

Consider purchasing a map to get around Honolulu, but keep in mind that the city’s layout conforms to local geography rather than an understandable grid. Multiple neighborhoods make up the capital, including popular locales like Kahala, Kaimuki, Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka’ako, the city center and Kalihi. Inland Honolulu is mostly residential.

Honolulu

Kahala

Although the bulk of this neighborhood is taken up by extravagant homes, a country club and the five-star Kahala Hotel & Resort, at it’s southwestern end, visitors will find two must-see attractions – Shangri La and Diamond Head State Monument. What’s more, several beaches are available along the region’s coast, and at the Kahala Mall, travelers can shop at a plethora of name-brand boutiques.

Kaimuki

Just west of Kahala lies the shopping- and dining-centric area of Kaimuki. Most of this residential neighborhood’s top boutiques and eateries are situated along Waialae and Kapahulu avenues, including traveler-approved favorites like Ono Seafood Products and Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill. Foodies will also find the popular KCC Farmers’ Market at Kaimuki’s community college.

Waikiki

Continue traveling west and you’ll reach the popular district of Waikiki. Located just 3 miles southeast of central Honolulu, this tourist hot spot is packed with luxe resorts, many of which overlook Waikiki’s 1 ½-mile stretch of beach. When you’re not learning how to surf, sit for a meal or drinks at Duke’s Waikiki or check out the high-end shops lining Kalakaua Avenue. You’re also less than 5 miles away from Manoa Falls, one of Honolulu’s best hiking spots.

Ala Moana

Honolulu is filled with top-notch shops, but for the ultimate retail therapy, head to Ala Moana. This trendy neighborhood is best known for its open-air shopping center, where you’ll find outposts for trendy designers like Jimmy Choo, Harry Winston and Diane Von Furstenburg, plus various grab-and-go eateries and coffee shops. And across the street from the mall, you’ll find District Nightclub and Ginza Nightclub, two of the city’s hottest nightlife venues.

Kaka’ako

Like other areas in central Honolulu, Kaka’ako – which sits between Ala Moana and downtown – boasts a plethora of shops and restaurants. Most dining venues (including the Nobu Matsuhisa-affilated Nobu Honolulu) are concentrated on Auahi Street, while the majority of Kaka’ako’s boutiques can be found by Ward Avenue. But this industrial neighborhood’s biggest draw is its urban art scene. Many of the region’s buildings feature colorful, contemporary artwork.

Downtown

The famous Iolani Palace – the only official royal residence in the United States – is located in downtown Honolulu on South King Street. The palace housed Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King David Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Lili’uokalani, at the end of the 19th century. Other points of interest nestled within downtown’s boundaries include the Hawai’i Pacific University campus, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu City Hall and Chinatown. And just outside the district’s eastern edge, travelers will find the Honolulu Museum of Art and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Kalihi

Travel northwest of downtown Honolulu or just east of Honolulu International Airport and you’ll uncover Kalihi. This district is mostly residential, but you will find the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in the neighborhood’s northeast section by the Lunalilo Freeway. Remember to exercise caution if you decide to visit Kalihi. This region has one of the highest crime rates in Honolulu.

Central Ohau

If you’re interested in learing more about Oahu’s agricultural history (think: pineapples and sugarcane), then visiting Central Oahu’s Dole Plantation and Hawaii Plantation Village may be worth considering. However, the region’s Pearl Harbor attractions – which are just north of the airport and less than 25 miles northwest of Honolulu – are its biggest draws. Pearl Harbor is home to the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet, as well as several monuments and memorials commemorating the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Leeward Oahu

Oahu’s Leeward Coast sits roughly 20 miles northwest of central Honolulu at the base of the Waianae mountain range. This relatively rural region is where you’ll find desolate beaches and Makaha Beach Park, one of the island’s most popular spots for snorkeling and a haven for big wave surfing. If you plan on frequenting this side of the island, you may want to stay in Kapolei. This growing community features a 43-acre marina, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii and the Ko Olina resort area, which is home to the Leeward Coast’s two largest resorts – the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

North Shore

Travelers looking for pristine beaches and a laid-back ambiance will love checking out Oahu’s North Shore. The towns of Haleiwa, Kahuku and Laie are some of the busiest towns on the North Shore. Haleiwa is especially popular with foodies, artists and shopaholics, while Kahuku features the region’s main resort, Turtle Bay Resort. But most visitors flock to the North Shore to surf or watch annual surfing competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Noteworthy surf spots include Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline, which are all located in Pupukea, a town that’s about 35 miles northwest of downtown Honolulu.

Windward Coast

On the southeastern end of the island (just north and east of Honolulu) sits the Windward Coast, a region that’s famous for its stunning scenery. In fact, the area’s family-owned Kualoa Ranch has appeared in an array of movies and TV shows, including “Jurassic Park” and “Lost.” If you don’t plan on visiting this ranch, you can get your fill of nature while snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or hiking the Koko Crater Trail or the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. Two of the region’s beaches, Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach, are also worth checking out if you want to swim, surf or kayak.

Safety