What to do in Oahu, HI

Activities, attractions and tours
Oahu

Oahu Tourist Attractions & Activities

Everyone needs a little aloha in their life, and you are no exception. The travel experts at Expedia.com.au know just how to help you reach your daily requirement of fun in the sun, tropical treats, and rich cultural experiences. And the best place to start is on the island of Oahu, home to beloved destinations including Honolulu, Kailua, and Laie, among other charming villages and breathtaking national parks. With beautiful beaches at every turn and kindhearted locals who give this island its nickname, “The Gathering Place”, it’s as easy as an ocean breeze to discover what to do in Oahu. Pack your bathers and a taste for adventure…and piña coladas.

Things to Do in Oahu

Most holidays to this island start and end in Honolulu, which covers most of the south end of Oahu. It’s the biggest city in the Aloha State, and it’s brimming with activities, history, and some awesome waves. Your inner history buff will love a trip to Pearl Harbor, the site of the fateful day in 1941 that drew the United States into WWII. Tour the USS Arizona Memorials and others, where they float in the now-peaceful harbour. On the east side of Honolulu, take a gorgeous bushwalk at Diamond Head—a true tropical paradise at the summit of a volcanic crater. The views from the top are spectacular to say the least!

To take perhaps the most refined of Oahu tours, be sure to visit Honolulu’s Iolani Palace, home to Hawaii’s monarchy beginning in 1882. If these portrait-laden walls could talk, they’d tell stories of intrigue and royal imprisonment, but don’t take our word for it. While you’re getting to know Oahu’s vibrant fusion of cultures, don’t even think about skipping an evening luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie near Kehukuuna Point. Learn traditional dances, listen to local folklore, and sample exquisite cuisine, from ahi poke and fresh fruit juices to roast pig right from the smoke pit. Delicious.

At Expedia.com.au, life’s a beach every day, so we have a special affinity for the quiet currents of Sunset Beach Park on Oahu’s north shore and skyscraper-lined Waikiki on the east side of Honolulu. Lounge on the sand to your heart’s content and chase adventures like local surfers chase half-pipe waves. It all starts with travel deals from Expedia.com.au. Save extra on flights and accommodation when you book them together in our custom holiday packages, then add on your activities for a truly dreamy getaway.


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Discover the most popular places to visit in Oahu

Explore areas of Oahu

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Waikiki

4.5/5(1,448 area reviews)

Waikiki Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach 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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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
Ala Moana Beach Park which includes a coastal town, tropical scenes and surfing

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
USS Arizona Memorial showing a memorial

Western Honolulu

3/5(72 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Western Honolulu. Top attractions like Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Harbor are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Hālawa / Aloha Stadium Station or Pouhala / Waipahu Transit Center Station to see more of the city.

Western Honolulu
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve showing landscape views and general coastal views

Eastern Honolulu

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Eastern Honolulu. A stop by Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve or Kahala Beach might round out your trip.

Eastern Honolulu
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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

Day trip destinations from Oahu