Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations, with famous spots like Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
Oahu is the third largest island in the USA of Hawaii. The 1,557-square-kilometer island was formed approximately two and a half to three million years ago after a volcanic eruption. Next to Big Island, it is the most popular island.
For those who enjoy bustling activity and don’t mind slightly crowded areas, Oahu is a perfect choice. It has the most well-developed infrastructure of all Hawaiian islands. Excellent beaches and hiking opportunities await visitors.
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Oahu attractions
Honolulu
Hawaii’s capital and therefore the most popular vacation spot. Most tourists arrive here.
Its most famous part is Waikiki Beach, which is world-renowned. The beach section itself is only 500 meters long, so it’s often crowded. The beach is lined with luxury hotels, and along Kalakaua Avenue in front, you’ll find shops and luxury stores.
Magic Island Lagoon is a peninsula extending into the sea with a „pool”. Ala Moana Beach’s sandy shore is a great place to relax with beautiful panoramic views.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is located downtown. It houses nearly 50,000 artifacts, about half of which are connected to Asian culture. Of course, you can find Hawaiian artists’ works from the 1700s, as well as 19th-century European artworks (e.g., Van Gogh, Rodin, Monet).
The Iolani Palace is an impressive classical building built in the 19th century as a royal residence. It’s the only royal palace in the US territory and now functions as a museum.
Pearl Harbor
Located in the outskirts of Honolulu, it’s interesting not just for military enthusiasts. It’s a must-see among Oahu attractions!
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked the military base, destroying two-thirds of the American fleet. This attack resulted in the US entering World War II.
Its biggest attraction is the USS Missouri battleship. The USS Missouri (BB 63) was a legendary battleship of the US Navy, participating in numerous battles during World War II. On September 2, 1945, Japan’s surrender was signed on this ship’s deck. It participated in the Korean War and the 1991 Gulf War. It was retired in 1995 and has been operating as a museum since 1998.
Another main attraction is the USS Arizona National Memorial. Built over the wreckage of the USS Arizona battleship, this memorial commemorates the 1,777 sailors who lost their lives here on December 7, 1941. The massive ship was swallowed by the waves in just nine minutes.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum‘s two hangars display various aircraft, and videos and historical photographs showcase the past.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum can be viewed at the visitor center (before the bridge to the island). It patrolled between Indonesia and Japan during World War II and sank 15 merchant ships and a frigate. It has been a state memorial since 1986.
Diamond Head State Monument
This volcanic crater rises at the southeastern part of Honolulu. It offers the best photos of Honolulu and the long beach area.
Known locally as Leahi, it was formed about 300,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. The crater is nearly 1 kilometer in diameter and 230 meters high. A military base operated here in the 20th century, and its remains are still visible today.
The Diamond Head trail is one of the most popular on Oahu, leading to the crater’s rim. The approximately 1.3 km long route is moderately difficult, so it’s safe to attempt. The views are amazing even during the hike.
Shangri La Museum (Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design)
This small museum is located at the southeastern foot of Diamond Head, on the beach. It’s worth visiting for those interested in Islamic culture.
The collection consists mainly of ceramic art, particularly tile works and medieval Persian creations. Notable are the works created by Moroccan, Indian, and Iranian artists in the 1930s.
Lyon Arboretum and Manoa Falls
Several hiking trails start into the lush forest area a few kilometers from Honolulu. Among these, the Manoa Falls Trail is perhaps the most beautiful.
You can drive to Lyon Arboretum, where you can see many species of plants and animals. It contains more than 5,000 tropical plants from Hawaii and Polynesia.
From here, about a 1 km walk takes you to Manoa Falls. You can swim in the pool at the bottom of the 150-meter waterfall.
Hanauma Bay
On the southeastern part of Oahu, this unique natural bay formed in an ancient volcanic crater.
It’s in a beautiful environment and perfect for snorkeling and diving due to its rich marine life. Besides numerous fish species, it’s an important habitat for green sea turtles, which visitors often see.
Since the bay is heavily protected, visitors must attend a short education session before entering. There are no refreshment stands on the beach; you can only shop in the parking lot.
Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
This is a hiking trail where railway ties serve as steps, with most of the track still in place.
During World War II, a military tram operated here, as there were bunkers at the summit. Supplies were transported on this.
Although it’s only 1.2 km long, you need to climb stairs made of 1,050 railway ties, so some endurance is needed! However, the summit offers beautiful panoramic views.
Lanikai Beach
Located in southern Kailua, many consider this Oahu’s most beautiful beach.
This is the beach people come to Hawaii for: azure water and dazzling fine sand. Plus, the wind is lighter here, so waves are smaller than at other Hawaiian beaches.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Located in the coastal town of Laie below the northern „tip”, this park was founded by the Mormon church.
The experience center spans over 42 hectares and aims to introduce visitors to the traditions, history, and culture of various Polynesian islands (e.g., Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand).
It consists of seven different „villages”, each showcasing a Polynesian archipelago. One of its best performances is Hā Breath of Life, a Polynesian music and dance show.
Valley of the Temples
A memorial park located near the city of Kāneʻohe at the foot of the Koʻolau Mountains.
Its most famous building is the Byodo Temple complex, a replica of an ancient Japanese Buddhist temple. It’s surrounded by lotus flowers, koi ponds, and beautiful Japanese-style gardens. The temple houses a huge golden Buddha statue sitting in meditation position.
Additionally, the grounds contain statues of Catholic saints, crypts, and mausoleums of notable Hawaiian people.
Waimea Valley Park
This beautiful park is located on the border of Pupukea settlement.
It features a very beautiful hiking trail, rich, varied landscape, and tropical vegetation. More than 5,000 plant species can be seen, including rare and native Hawaiian plants.
After about a 1.5 km walk, you can take a dip in a small pond with a small waterfall.
One of the park’s biggest attractions is Waimea Falls, which is about 14 meters high. The path leading here is well-maintained, requiring a pleasant 1.5-kilometer walk. There’s a natural pool at the foot of the waterfall where swimming is allowed.
Waimea Bay
This is one of Oahu’s most popular beaches, especially among surfers.
Known for its huge winter waves, it attracts professional surfers from around the world. Waves can reach 10-15 meters during this time.
In summer, however, its calm, clear water is ideal for swimming and diving.
Ha’ikū Stairs
Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, it’s a legendary high-altitude hiking trail. It runs across Oahu’s Ko’olau mountain range for a total of 3,922 steps.
The „Haiku” in its name doesn’t refer to the Japanese poetry form but to the area it crosses, known as „Haʻikū” after the Kahili flower that blooms here.
It’s an extremely challenging hiking trail in an impressive environment, with a total of 4,000 steps leading up to the 850-meter high Puu Keahi a Kahoe peak and winding back to sea level.
Unfortunately, using the trail is prohibited, with hefty fines for caught hikers.
Kualoa Ranch
Located on Oahu’s eastern shore, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations.
It’s most famous for being a filming location for numerous Hollywood movies and TV series. Episodes of Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Jumanji, and Hawaii Five-0 were filmed here. Ranch visitors often encounter celebrities during filming.
The ranch offers numerous recreational activities: horseback riding, off-road tours, aerial tours, and zip lines.
Weather
The Hawaiian Islands have a pleasant tropical climate. There are two seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the rainy season from October to April.
The Pacific Ocean has a moderating effect on the islands’ annual average temperature. The winter average temperature is around 22-24°C, while the summer average temperature is usually above 28°C.
Rainfall distribution is affected by the location of the islands’ high mountains and the northeastern direction of the Pacific trade winds. The western and southern sides of the islands are wind-sheltered, with annual rainfall of 500-1000mm. Rain can freely reach the northern and eastern sides, where annual rainfall is 3000-4000mm.