First Trip to Oahu? Where to Stay, What to Do, and Some Essential Travel Tips

Aloha and welcome to ‘the heart of Hawaii,’ Oahu! After my seven adventure-filled Hawaii vacations, I’m sharing all my Oahu travel tips so you can make the most of your first time in this island paradise.

This curated Oahu travel guide covers the best areas to stay, how to get around, all the best things to do and must-visit beaches, the pros and cons of visiting during different months of the year, and other travel tips!

Soon you’ll be snorkeling beside vibrant coral with sea turtles and tropical fish, road tripping along the iconic North Shore, soaking in the Hawaiian sun at Oahu’s most beautiful beaches, immersing in the jungle at the island’s best botanical gardens and trails, and enjoying everything else this special island has to offer.

Oahu Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

In this Oahu travel guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your first trip to this special island! Use the table of contents (above) to navigate to the most helpful sections based on where you are in the trip planning process. You can also browse all my Hawaii travel guides if you’re interested in a deep dive in a certain topic, like what to wear in Hawaii, a comparison of the best Napali Coast boat tours, or my tips for landing free housesits in Hawaii!

Is Oahu the best Hawaiian island for you?

Oahu is Hawaii’s most populated island, and it’s home to the state’s capital city, Honolulu. But you don’t have to be a city person to enjoy a trip to Oahu! Trust me, I prefer exploring off the beaten path, but even after visiting the other main Hawaiian islands, Oahu keeps calling me back. But you should decide for yourself, here are some pros and cons of vacationing in Oahu.

Reasons to travel to Oahu (compared to other Hawaiian islands):

• 🌺 White sandy beaches, rugged green mountains, and a modern city all in one place. You aren’t missing out on anything on Oahu! You have access to some of the most beautiful hikes in the country, postcard-worthy beaches, excellent snorkeling spots, world-famous surf breaks, plus the convenience of the city.
• 🏯 Experience a melting pot of culture. In Honolulu, Hawaiian values, traditions, and flavors meet Japanese design and cuisine, and on Oahu’s North Shore you can immerse in surfer culture. You also have so many opportunities to learn about the Hawaii’s history at museums like Pearl Harbor and my personal favorite, the Bishop Museum.
• 🏄🏽‍♀️ Oahu is the epicenter of surfing. Surfing was invented in Waikiki, and Oahu’s North Shore is home to the #1 surf spot in the world, the Banzai Pipeline. If you visit Oahu in the wintertime, you might see a pro surfing competition here.
• 🤙🏽 Honolulu isn’t like other big cities. It’s a Hawaiian city where skyscrapers and shopping malls meet pristine white sandy beaches. As you walk through the city streets, you’ll pass surfers carrying their boards back to their cars, and Japanese tourists dressed to the nines heading out to dinner.
• 🚙 It’s easy and fast to get anywhere on the island. Oahu has several excellent highways with tunnels right through the island’s towering ridged mountains. You can get from Honolulu to the North Shore in under 40 minutes, and Kailua is only about 20 minutes away from the city. You’ll spend a LOT more time in the car on Kauai, the Big Island, or Maui. (Just don’t get stuck in Honolulu traffic!!)
• ✈️ Oahu’s a great base to explore other islands. You can fly direct to Honolulu, spend a few days on Oahu, then fly over to Kauai, Maui, Big Island, Molokai, or Lanai. When I flew from Honolulu to Kauai last, it was $60 for the 20-minute flight.

A few things to be aware of when visiting Oahu:

• 🅿️ Expect to pay a lot for parking in Honolulu. $50/day is typical for parking a rental car at most Waikiki hotels.
• 🚦Honolulu traffic exists. Yes, I mentioned that it’s quick to get anywhere on the island, but that is when there isn’t traffic. In my experience, Honolulu traffic isn’t anywhere as bad as traffic in other US cities like Seattle, but it’ll still slow you down if you drive during rush hour.
• ⛺️ You will see houseless people. Poverty is a serious issue on Oahu, and you will see folks living on the streets in Honolulu (outside of Waikiki), and in camps in various parts of the islands. It’s just a reminder that ‘paradise’ is far from perfect.
• 🏖️ Popular beaches and trails are crowded. You’re sharing Oahu’s most popular beaches and trails with locals and the 400,000+ monthly visitors. You can easily find an uncrowded beach, but popular spots like Lanikai and Waikiki are always crowded.

The best time to visit Oahu

There is no bad time to visit Oahu! But if you’re trying to avoid rainy days or gigantic waves, here are some things to consider:

❄️ Oahu in Winter: Enjoy temperatures in the high 70s, and have the chance to spot whales mid-February through mid-March. Expect bigger waves on the North Shore (you can even watch pro surfing competitions!), perfect for surfing but not for snorkeling. Thankfully, there are other parts of the island where you can swim this time of year. You might also experience some rain in the winter, but it’s still a lovely time to visit Hawaii and escape the cold on the mainland!

🌺 Oahu in Springtime: Spring is my favorite time to visit Hawaii because it’s the start of the dry season, which means less rain. Plus, since it’s a bit rainy in months leading up spring, you’ll enjoy vibrant green foliage in spring! Springtime temperatures in Oahu are usually in the low 80s, which is perfect for me!

☀️ Oahu in Summer: The biggest perk of visiting Oahu in the summer is that you can enjoy snorkeling on the North Shore (my favorite spot is Shark’s Cove!) with much smaller waves. Summer is the hottest time of year, with temperatures reaching the high 80s and low 90s, but nothing too extreme! It’s also *supposed* to be dry in the summer, but I did experience a bit of rain on my most recent trip to Oahu in June.

🍁 Oahu in Fall: Fall marks the transition from the dry season to the rainy season. Average temperatures remain in the mid-80s through the fall months until November. You can also still enjoy snorkeling on the North Shore with smaller waves for most of the fall, though you can expect bigger surf as you get into November.

Also Read: 4 Day Oahu Itinerary Full of Sunshine, Aloha, and Adventure

Where to Stay on Oahu

The vast majority of Oahu’s hotels are located in Waikiki, but there are plenty of other places to stay in Oahu if you’re looking for something different.

Waikiki

This iconic beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu features high-rise hotels, popular restaurants, shops, and a beautiful white sandy beach. Part of why Waikiki is so popular is that it has some of the driest weather on the island, regardless of the season. Even when other parts of the island are experiencing a downpour, you can enjoy sunshine and clear skies in Waikiki (usually). Just be aware that most Waikiki hotels have lots of added fees for parking (usually $50/day) plus daily resort fees. The best Waikiki resorts and hotels include:

• $$$$ Halekulani: The most luxurious, highly rated hotel in Waikiki, waterfront with gorgeous pool
• $$ Wayfinder Waikiki: Quirky, colorful Waikiki hotel, rated one of the top 10 hotels in Hawaii
• $$ Outrigger Beachcomber: Ocean-inspired rooms with a rooftop pool, Hawaiian-owned brand
• $$$ The Royal Hawaiian: Waikiki’s iconic PINK historic hotel located right on the beach

Greater Honolulu

There are also some lovely hotels in Honolulu outside of the Waikiki neighborhood. If you want to be close to all that the city has to offer, but somewhere a little more secluded and less touristy, these resorts and hotels are worth considering:

• $$$ The Kahala Hotel and Resort: Waterfront luxury resort on a secluded sandy beach with 4 restaurants
• $$$ Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head: Beautifully designed waterfront resort nestled beneath Diamond Head

North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is the quintessential surfer escape and one of my preferred areas to stay whenever I’m on Oahu. It can be a little more tricky to figure out where to stay since there are only a few hotel options. I wrote a full guide on the best North Shore resorts, hotels, and B&Bs, but here is a quick overview:

• $$$$ Turtle Bay Resort by Ritz Carlton: The only resort on Oahu’s North Shore, waterfront and walking distance from 7 difference beaches
• $$$ Mokulē’ia Beach Houses at Owen’s Retreat: Beachfront bungalows on a quieter part of the North Shore, ranging from a studio to a four bedroom house
• $$$ Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore: Clean, modern hotel on the western edge of Oahu’s North Shore, one block from the beach

KO Olina

Ko Olina is a newer resort community on Oahu’s leeward coast (the drier side of the island), just 30 minutes from the airport. There are a few resorts here, situated right on four small lagoons that are perfectly protected and great for snorkeling year round. That said, there isn’t much else to do around the area besides the restaurants, golf course, and other amenities inside the resort. The best Ko Olina resorts include:

• $$$$ Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Sustainable luxury resort with 3 pools, an incredible spa, and onsite restaurants
• $$$ Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club: Expansive beachfront resort with weekly Polynesian dinner show and 3 pools
• $$$ Disney’s Aulani Resort: Family favorite located right on the Kohola lagoon

Kailua & Kaneohe

Kailua and Kaneohe are two sweet towns on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu, only 30 minutes from Honolulu. They’re both situated between towering, lush mountains and beautiful beaches. Although there aren’t any real hotels in this area of Oahu, it’s really worth staying here if you’re okay with a VRBO or other less conventional type of accommodation. It is worth mentioning that this side of the island does get more rain, hence the vibrant greenery! Where to stay on windward Oahu:

• $$$ Paradise Bay Resort: Locally owned property with bungalows overlooking Kaneohe Bay, a beautiful pool, and complimentary yoga and meditation classes
• $$$ Kailua Beachfront B&B: Situated right on Kailua Beach, this 1 bedroom B&B is one of the few legal vacation rentals on Oahu
• $$$ Kaneohe B&B With Saltwater Pool: Cute 2 bedroom B&B with incredible views of Kaneohe Bay, plus a saltwater pool

Getting Around Oahu

With several excellent highways connecting the far ends of the island, plus public transportation options, it is quite easy to get around Oahu.

Regardless of where you’re staying on Oahu, renting a car will give you the flexibility to see as much of Oahu as you want, on your own time. That said, many people don’t realize that most Waikiki hotels charge around $50/day for parking, so you’ll also want to take into account parking fees when renting a car. If you stay somewhere else on the island, you should be able to find free parking.

It’s also worth mentioning that the cost of renting a car can really vary based on the time of year. In October, I only paid $200 for a basic rental car for the entire week, but I paid more than double that from the same rental company in June.

How I find the cheapest car rentals on Oahu

DiscoverCars is my favorite tool for comparing car rental costs. The platform is easy to use (with stellar customer service) and shows you both international and local brands with accurate pricing for the dates you set.

You can also look into renting a car through a travel credit card or a membership like Costco Travel. However, I would be sure to compare the rates to what you can find on DiscoverCars anyhow, sometimes its cheaper! I’ve also rented a car through Booking.com, which is my favorite platform for booking hotels because of the discounts they offer through their rewards program, but most people don’t realize they also do car rentals.

Finally, be sure to check with local car rental companies that might not be listed anywhere else. On Oahu I’ve had a good experience getting low rates from LuckyOwl, a locally owned rental company. However, their location is about 15 minutes away from the airport, and you usually have to wait a bit for their shuttle to show up. I love supporting a local business rather than an international chain, so I definitely recommend LuckyOwl if you’re okay with starting your vacay on ✨island time✨.

Public transportation on Oahu

Oahu has the most extensive bus system in Hawaii, and you can actually get to a lot of the island’s most beautiful beaches and cute towns very easily if you don’t mind the drive taking a little longer!

Their bus system is literally called ‘TheBus’ and you can check all their routes on the official website. For instance, you can take the bus from Honolulu to Lanikai Beach, the North Shore, and plenty of other lovely areas of Oahu.

Uber and taxis on Oahu

Uber is easy to use on Oahu, whether you just want to take an Uber from the airport to your hotel, or you want to hire an Uber to take you to another part of the island. However, it is worth mentioning that Uber can get expensive if you’re going a long distance.

Guided tours

If you don’t rent a car, guided tours are an excellent way to see more of the island with round-trip transport from Honolulu. For instance, circle island tours are very popular and allow you to see the North Shore and other island highlights on one long adventure-packed day trip. I think this tour is an excellent option, especially if you’re only visiting Oahu for a few days and want to make the most of limited time.

15 Best Things to do on Oahu

Now onto the most fun part of planning an Oahu vacation, choosing all the fun activities!

Snorkeling at Electric Beach, enjoying a latte at one of Oahu’s most scenic cafes, and hiking Mt. Olomana

1. Relax at Oahu’s Best Beaches

Out of all of Oahu’s beaches, these are my favorites for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks.

• 🏝️ Lanikai Beach (Kailua): Postcard-worthy beach with soft golden sand, shallow turquoise water, and views of the ‘twin islands’. No official parking lot, and street parking can be very difficult to find. Arrive early and park legally.
• 🏄🏽‍♀️ Waikiki Beach (Honolulu): Calm, shallow, clear water and white sand right in the heart of Honolulu! Not my favorite beach because of the crowds, but it’s so continent since it’s right in the city.
• 🌊 Waimea Beach (North Shore): Large sandy beach in the center of Oahu’s North Shore. Family friendly environment with a parking lot and lifeguard. It’s a great swim spot in the summer, but the waves are too big in the winter.
• 🌿 Waimanalo Beach (East Oahu): Quiet long sandy beach with rows of picturesque ironwood trees, mountain views, and a large parking lot. Rarely crowded and mostly visited by local families.
• 🤿 Hanauma Bay (Southeast Oahu): Picturesque bay that is perfect for beginner snorkeling. It’s a protected beach and you need a reservation to visit. Also, it’s always crowded.
• ⛰️ Mokulē‘ia Army Beach (North Shore): My favorite North Shore beach with very few people, and breathtaking mountain views, turquoise water, and golden sand. It’s not the best place for swimming but so beautiful!
• 🌇 Ala Moana Beach (Honolulu): An alternative to Waikiki Beach if you’re looking for a slightly less crowded beach in Honolulu. There’s plenty of free parking!

By the way, I’ll share the best snorkel spots later in this article!

2. Take a Day Trip to the North Shore

In my mind, spending a day on the North Shore is a must for any Oahu trip!

This 23 mile stretch of coastline features the island’s best snorkeling spots, fun tropical smoothie stands and food trucks, cute boutique shops, and endless golden sand beaches. Oh, and of course the North Shore is home to the world-famous Banzai Pipeline, which attracts surfers from around the globe each winter!

I wrote an entire article about how to spend a perfect day on the North Shore. If you don’t have time to read it all, here are a few suggestions:

• 🍓 Taste Oahu’s best acai bowl at Haleiwa Bowls
• 🤿 Go snorkeling at Shark’s Cove (in the summertime)
• 🌊 Watch surfers ride the world famous barrel wave at ʻEhukai Beach (the Banzai Pipeline, or ‘Pipe’)
• 🏄🏽‍♀️ Take surfing lessons at Punaena Point or Chun’s Reef
• 🦈 Go freediving with sharks in Haleiwa
• 🥾 Hike along the coast at Ka‘ena Point (you can spot sea lions here!)
• 🛍️ Explore, shop, and dine in Haleiwa town
• ☀️ Get a smoothie or other tropical treat at the Sunrise Shack

3. Go on a Hike (or Two… or Three!)

Watch the sunset over the Pacific after climbing 1000+ steps up an abandoned railway. Or hike along a rugged mountain ridge that looks like it’s straight out of Jurassic Park. Or maybe traverse through the jungle to a hidden waterfall and take a dip in the pools below. Oahu has so many beautiful hikes for every experience level, whether you’re looking for a easy long walk along a flat pathway or a challenging adventure.

When I’m on vacation, I’m always looking to get the most out of my town, so shorter hikes are my preference. Thankfully, Oahu does not disappoint with its short trails! I have a guide to the best short hikes on Oahu under 2 miles. Here’s a quick overview of some of those hikes:

• 🏝️ Lanikai Pillboxes: 1.6-mile round trip hike up and along the Kaʻiwa Ridge, which overlooks the picturesque Mokolua Islands (twin islands) and Lanikai Beach, with views in every direction. Read my Lanikai Pillbox trail guide.
• 🛤️ Koko Head: Challenging and rewarding 0.8 mile hike straight up the Koko Crater Tramway’s 1000+ steps. At the top you get 360-views overlooking Hanauma Bay and Hawaii Kai, with the skyscrapers of Honolulu in the distance.
• 🦭 Kaʻena Point Trail: Easy trail between rolling green hills and a coastline filled with little beaches and tide pools. Spot sea lions here and hike to the northwest most point on the island if you’d like!
• 🌄 Mt. Olomana (First Peak only): One of Oahu’s most breathtaking trails takes you along a steep ridge. This is a dangerous hike, and I only recommend hiking to the first peak.
• 💦 Mānoa Falls Trail: One of the best waterfall hikes on Oahu, and it’s very close to Honolulu! I under two miles round trip you’ll get to traverse through bamboo forests and dense tropical foliage, and see a 150-foot waterfall.

4. Take a Mini Day Trip to Japan at Byodo-In Temple

On Oahu’s windward (eastern) side, you’ll find a stunning replica of a Buddhist temple from Kyoto, Japan. Oahu’s Byodo-In Temple is just as charming and peaceful as the original, and is almost more picturesque, nestled beneath the vibrant green Ko’olau mountains.

I share more about the significance of the site in my Byodo In Temple visitor’s guide, but in short, it was built to celebrate Oahu’s large population of Japanese immigrants.

It costs $5 to enter the temple grounds ($2 for kids) and although you can easily see the entire property in 15 minutes; I recommend dedicating 45 minutes to an hour to slowly walk around the tranquil gardens. You ring a giant bell, walk through the inside of the temple, feed the koi, and more.

5. Snorkel with Sea Turtles, Tropical Fish, and Vibrant Coral

Snorkeling is by far one of the best things to do in Hawaii! However, it is worth mentioning that not all Oahu beaches are great for snorkeling. And some small, unattractive beaches are actually the best spots to snorkel on the island.

Here are a few of my favorite Oahu snorkel spots:

• 🦈 Shark’s Cove & Three Tables (North Shore): My favorite place to snorkel on Oahu, and it’s perfect for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers. Shark’s Cove has a large shallow area where you snorkel through maze-like rock formations, as well as a deeper section where you’ll find little caves and tunnels that you can swim through. Nearby Three Tables is also great. Since it’s on the North Shore, you usually can’t snorkel here in the wintertime due to big swells.
• 🏝️ Lanikai Beach (Kailua): Oahu’s most beautiful beach is actually quite a great snorkel spot with a reef just steps from the shore! Arrive early because the water can get a little murky after a full day of people snorkeling (and parking is easier in the morning).
• 🐠 Electric Beach (Western Oahu): This unassuming (and unmarked) beach is located right next to a power plant that pumps hot water into the ocean, attracting lots of fish! Electric Beach is best for more experienced snorkelers as you have to swim several hundred feet out into the open ocean and navigate larger waves to get in and out of the water. It’s also best in the summertime when the waves are smaller.
• 🤿 Hanauma Bay (Southwest Oahu): This protected bay is quite beautiful, and the perfect beginner snorkeling spot with a diversity of marine life, lifeguards, and snorkel rentals. However, reservations are required and you have to watch a 30 minute presentation before heading down to the beach. It feels more like Disneyland than a typical beach!
• 🌆 Waikiki Beach (Honolulu): If you can’t get out of the city, Waikiki is actually a decent spot for snorkeling, especially along the southern end! However, I definitely recommend heading to another part of the island for the best snorkeling.
• 🐢 Turtle Canyon (Boat Tour Required): 2.5 miles from shore, Turtle Canyon is a popular snorkel spot teeming with Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and ea (Hawksbill turtle). Several local tour operators offer snorkeling tours from Waikiki to here. My recommendation is this budget-friendly catamaran snorkel tour.
• 🐬 Dolphins on the West Line (Boat Tour Required): If you want to see (and potentially snorkel with) dolphins in the wild, your best bet is to go on this dolphin catamaran snorkel tour. Keep in mind that there are strict regulations and laws about swimming with wild dolphins in Hawaii, and this tour operator knows exactly which species you CAN and CAN’T jump in the water with.

If it’s your first time snorkeling in Hawaii, or you’re set on seeing sea turtles, consider booking this guided catamaran snorkel tour.

PS I mention some bonus snorkeling spots on my free Oahu map if you prefer less touristy places that have excellent snorkeling.

6. Go on a Helicopter Ride Over Sacred Falls (and beyond)

Sacred Falls is an 800-foot tall waterfall that can only be seen via helicopter! It is truly one of the most breathtaking places on the island, and although helicopter tours can be a bit pricey, the views make it so worth it!

Plus, seeing Oahu from above gives you a whole different perspective of this tropical paradise. I always recommend the Royal Crowns of Oahu helicopter tour, which flies over Sacred Falls, Lanikai Beach and the Mokes, Hanauma Bay, Mokoli’i, Ka’a’awa Valley, the North Shore, and more.

7. Go on a Shark Diving Expedition

One of the most thrilling and adventurous things I’ve done on Oahu is free diving with sharks! My husband and I booked this tour on a whim and a few days later we were face-to-face with the ocean’s apex predator.

I’ve written all about our experience free diving with sharks in Oahu, but here’s the quick version: We loved it and would absolutely do it again! And we actually felt quite at peace in the water with the sharks, partly because our awesome local guides went above and beyond to make our whole group feel safe (and get great photos!)

You can also do shark cage diving on the North Shore, but swimming with these majestic creatures in the open ocean is a great way to fully face your fears.

8. Watch the Sunset on a Catamaran Cruise

Going on a sunset cruise is one of the most special (and romantic) things to do in Honolulu! There are a handful of sunset cruises to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for.

My personal recommendations is this small group sunset cruise on a 46-foot luxury yacht. Only six people are allowed, so you could get the place to yourself, or enjoy the 2.5-hour cruise with an intimate group of vacationers. Unlimited champagne, beer, wine, and other beverage are included, as is a chef’s tasting menu.

The yacht leaves from the Ko Olina Marina on Oahu’s leeward side—just eight minutes away from Electric Beach. Click here to learn more and book this sunset cruise. The same charter company also offers a completely private sunset cruise, which you can book here.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly sunset cruise that leaves from Honolulu, check out this Waikiki sunset sail on a catamaran. Alcoholic beverages are included and can expect to sail with up to 46 other passengers. This catamaran ride is one of the most highly-rated sunset cruises in Oahu and is perfect for folks who want to save money and mingle with other vacationers.

9. Learn About Hawaii’s History at the Bishop Museum

It’s tempting to skip anything historic and just immerse in Oahu’s natural beauty, but I highly recommend carving out a few hours from your Hawaii vacation to learn about the island’s rich history!

There are a handful of museums on Oahu, but my top recommendation is the Bishop Museum. Here you’ll learn about how the Polynesians famously journeyed to the Hawaiian islands (like the real life Moana!!) and see intricate models of the boats they used.

You’ll also learn all about the Hawaiian kingdom pre-colonization, which is essential to know about if you want to understand Hawaii today. And you’ll also get learn some heartbreaking details about how Hawaii came to be a US territory, and then state (which will make you question some things!)

It wasn’t until my third trip to Oahu that I visited this museum, and I wish I would have gone sooner. If you can, be sure to add it to your Oahu itinerary!

10. Visit Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor National Memorial is another essential site to visit if you want to understand the island’s history. On my most recent trip to Oahu I visited both the Pearl Harbor museum and the Bishop museum, and it was very interesting to compare and contrast how history was represented at these two very different museums.

Most people visiting Pearl Harbor also want to see the USS Arizona Memorial, which is a short boat ride away from the main Pearl Harbor museum. Although it is free to visit, I HIGHLY recommend making a reservation in advance because if you try to get a ticket in person, you can end up waiting several hours.

If you have a knack for military history, consider this full day historic tour which includes a guided tour of the Pearl Harbor museums, USS Arizona, US Missouri, and USS Oklahoma, plus a historic sightseeing tour of downtown Honolulu.

11. Explore Oahu’s Lush Botanical Gardens

Oahu is home to several gorgeous botanical gardens where you can get lost in tropical foliage—without actually getting lost since you’re inside a park!

One of my favorites is Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, which is a 400-acre garden nestled beneath towering mountains with gorgeous flora and fauna from Hawaii and several other tropical regions. As you drive through you’ll probably recognize the views from viral travel videos – the lush mountains and foliage are so picturesque they practically beg to be photographed! Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is free to visit.

I also love Wahiawā Botanical Garden, which is located in the middle of the island on the drive between Honolulu and the North Shore. Here you don’t get any mountain views, but the dense tropical foliage that encapsulates you makes up for that. It’s also free to visit!

Byodo In Temple and Halona Beach Cove, two typical stops on a circle tour!

12. Go on a Circle Island Tour (if you’re not renting a car!)

Circle island tours that take you around Oahu in a day are very popular amongst visitors who don’t rent a car. You can experience a lot of the island in one day, and get to see even more than you would be able to on your own when you go with a local guide who knows all the secret spots!

Each tour includes different stops, but most generally drive the same route along the eastern side of the island all the way up to the North Shore, and then back to Honolulu. Here are a few different options:

🏯 Byodo-In Temple and Waimea Waterfall Circle Island Day Tour: See some of my favorite spots on the island, including Byodo-In Temple, Halona Beach Cove, and the Makapuʻu lookout. You also get an hour and 45 minutes to hike and swim at Waimea Waterfall, plus a stop at the Dole Plantation. Tour details.

🏝️ Secret Oahu Full Circle Island Tour With A Local Guide: This small group tour has a maximum of 9 travelers and is a great alternative to the more touristy day trips. Tour details.

🌺 Private Customizable Grand Circle Island Tour of Oahu: Create your perfect Oahu adventure with a local guide who knows all the best spots! This one is a private fully customizable tour in an air conditioned Mercedes van. Tour details.

13. Visit Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch

Nestled beneath Oahu’s Kanehoalani mountains, Ka’a’awa Valley is nicknamed Jurassic Valley because it’s the site where that iconic Jurassic Park scene was filmed. You know, the one where Alan, Ellie, and Ian see the dinosaurs for the first time?

This valley is located within Kualoa Ranch, a privately owned 4000-acre property that offers a variety of adventurous tours daily. You can only see Jurassic Valley by going on one of their tours, like their classic Jurassic Adventure tour or zip lining through Ka’a’awa Valley.

If you want to go on any of their tours (especially the popular ones), be sure to book at least a few days in advance, if not more, because they do sell out quickly!

14. Experience a Hawaiian Luau

A luau is a party done right — Hawaiian-style! You’ll enjoy an all you can eat buffet of delicious Hawaiian and Polynesian food, plus Hawaiian stories, dancing, and entertainment in a beautiful setting.

There are a lot of luaus on Oahu, but not all of them are equal! If you can get a ticket, my top recommendation is the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley. A few highlights that make this luau unique include:

💦 Access to Waimea Valley and Waimea Waterfall (one of the best waterfalls on the island!!) Toa Luau is located in Waimea Valley, which is home to one of the island’s most popular waterfalls, Waimea Waterfall. It normally costs $25 per person to enter the park and visit the waterfall, so getting to swim beneath the falls is quite a perk!

☕️ Kava ceremony. Learn about kava, a calming traditional drink from the Pacific islands!

🌺 Polynesian show featuring songs and dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand. Plus a fire knife show at the end!

🍛 Island feast. Taste the flavors of the Pacific islands!

15. Explore Oahu Off the Beaten Path

Oahu is so much more than the top luaus, most popular beaches, and Waikiki itself. If you want to see more of the island, check out my guide to the best Oahu hidden gems for lesser known spots!

Oahu Travel Tips

I did my best to infuse some of my top Oahu tips throughout this article, but here’s an overview:

1. Take advantage of your jet lag and wake up early! (If you’re visiting from the US mainland)
2. Don’t overestimate your abilities on the trail or in the ocean. The ocean is powerful here and the trails are often more challenging than you’d expect. Respect nature and use caution when swimming and hiking!
3. Always stay 10 feet away from sea turtles. It’s the law in Hawaii!
4. Bring your own snorkel gear! You won’t be able to rent it at most beaches, and it’s better to have your own gear that fits perfectly. I recommend trying out Cressi’s snorkel equipment.
5. Try all the Japanese food! Oahu is kind of like a little Japan and you’ll find lots of delicious Japanese restaurants here.
6. Understand that traveling to a tropical environmental means there is always a chance of rain, even in the dry season!
7. Consider island hopping! You can fly to another island for a few days (or even just a day).
8. Avoid any illegal hikes or activities. Yes, there are viral hikes with out-of-this-world views but if it requires you to trespass, do not do it. Oahu has plenty of gorgeous, legal hikes to explore instead.
9. Respect locals. This means cleaning up after yourself, and also listening to local guidance, especially when it comes to ocean safety and respecting cultural sites.
10. Support local businesses as much as you can, and consider donating to local charities at the end of your trip. Think about how you can bless Oahu and the people who live here!

Thanks for reading!

• Browse my favorite Oahu tours and experiences.
• See the best hotels on Oahu.
• Check out my other Hawaii travel guides.

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