Oahu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oahu
Oahu
Oahu Island featuring tropical scenes and a beach as well as a large group of people
Oahu
Honolulu featuring a skyscraper, tropical scenes and a city

Spend a morning on the beach and an afternoon strolling boulevards lined with luxury boutiques on this tropical island, home to Hawaii’s capital and famous beaches.

Stroll along white-sand beaches then shop for luxury goods on O’ahu. The most populated of the Hawaiian Islands is home to the capital, Honolulu, a cosmopolitan city with shopping, fine dining, big business and beaches. Visit memorials to those killed in the World War II bombing of Pearl Harbor just west of Honolulu and then continue to Waipahu. The former plantation town is today known for its golf courses, shopping and outdoor plantation museum.

Find some of the best beaches on the North Shore of O’ahu, an hour’s drive from the capital. Visit Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Hale’iwa along a 13-kilometre (8 mile) stretch. When it’s too cold to swim and the waves too rough in winter, come to watch the big international surf competitions that take place here. In summer, Pūpūkea Beach is a family-friendly beach great for snorkelling, swimming and diving.

Turtle Beach Resort offers luxury accommodation close to the North Shore beaches. Try traditional activities such as lei making, hula dancing and ukulele jams.

The waters on the eastern shore of O’ahu are generally calmer than the rest of the island and some beaches are wheelchair accessible. Go windsurfing and kite surfing around Kailua or hike to the lighthouse above Makapu’u Beach and enjoy views back across the shoreline. Stroll through the botanical gardens near Kāne’ohe to discover some of the native flora and fauna.

Explore further out to sea in kayaks and canoes or learn to paddleboard in shallower waters. Away from the beaches there are jungle trails where you can go horse riding, mountain biking and hiking.

Play golf on world-class courses. Discover bargains in outlet fashion stores or splurge on a designer handbag in the luxury boutiques in many of the island’s resorts.

Fly into Honolulu International Airport and then make your way around O’ahu by moped, motorcycle, hire car or taxi. You can also use “TheBus”, an affordable public transport system. Explore the beautiful natural scenery on marked trails across the island.

Where to stay in Oahu

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Waikiki

4.5/5(1,448 area reviews)

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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Downtown Honolulu

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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
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Ala Moana

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

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

5/5(2 area reviews)

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
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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 Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House.

Manoa
USS Arizona Memorial showing a memorial

Western Honolulu

3/5(72 area reviews)

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
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$934 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$934
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,351 reviews)
"Beautiful Oceanfront view from my room on the 28th floor."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
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 AU$529 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$529
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,398 reviews)
"I love this hotel, the view when checking-in is gorgeous, beach access is also a plus and you have a few pools to choose from. There’s a few restaurants walking distance if you’re not wanting to go to Waikīkī. My only complaint would be the parking fees which is ridiculously too pricey. I believe ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 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 AU$517 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
AU$517
6 Sept - 7 Sept
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! (4,394 reviews)
"All the staff were very nice and the room was nice too."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 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 center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,043 reviews)
"The hotel provided comfortable beds and great services! We enjoyed our stays. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 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! (2,970 reviews)
"Every thing was great"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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! (2,620 reviews)
"Absolutely loved how close it is to the beach"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
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

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Cities near Oahu