Oahu, HI

Travel Guide

Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus featuring a sunset, wildflowers and a city
Oahu Island which includes a beach and tropical scenes as well as a large group of people
Na Ala Hele Manoa Falls Trailhead showing forest scenes, rainforest and landscape views
Honolulu which includes tropical scenes, a high rise building and a city
Visit the true tropical paradise of Hawaii’s most populated island, which has the state’s sprawling capital in the south and world-class surfing on the long North Shore.

On the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, Honolulu is the center of activity. It’s where you can enjoy white-sand beaches and high-end shopping only blocks apart. Just west of Honolulu, find memorials to those who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor bombing and World War II counterattacks. Continue on to Waipahu to visit a Hawaiian plantation village or enjoy golf and shopping.

An hour’s drive from Honolulu, the North Shore features 8 miles (13 kilometers) of beach, from Hale’iwa to Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Visit in winter to watch international surf competitions. In summer, snorkel or dive at Pūpūkea Beach or simply relax on the North Shore sands, enjoying a picnic or spectacular sunset.

Stay at the Turtle Beach Resort, which has easy access to North Shore beaches. The resort offers luxury accommodations and extensive outdoor activities from mountain biking to surf school. Learn to dance the hula, make a lei or play the ukulele.

On the eastern shore, find scenic beaches, generally with smaller waves. Beaches near Kailua are great for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some offer beach access for the disabled. Near the area of Kāne’ohe experience peace and tranquility in a botanical garden. Makapu’u Beach has glorious shoreline views. Hike to vistas above the working lighthouse here to spot whales and passing ships.

O’ahu has much more to offer in addition to beaches and surfing. Rent kayaks, outrigger canoes or paddleboards to enjoy gentler waters. Mountain bike, ride a horse or hike on jungle trails to reach lookout points with stunning views. Explore plantations or spy on sea turtles. Play golf on well-kept courses and shop at high-end boutiques or outlet stores. Or, simply relax with a treat of tropical shave ice.

Reach O’ahu by flying into Honolulu International Airport and then get around the island using a rental car, moped or motorcycle, taxis or the public transport system called “TheBus.” O’ahu is a popular vacation and honeymoon destination offering a pleasing mix of city and countryside, relaxation and excitement, modernity and history. Come see why visitors from around the world enjoy “the gathering place” of O’ahu.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our thngs to do in Oahu page.

Where to stay in Oahu

Waikiki featuring landscape views, a sunset and a city

Waikiki

4.5/5(10,927 area reviews)

Famous for Waikiki Beach, this district boasts six beaches and a skyline filled with high-rises and resort hotels. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy the ideal surf break, while Kalākaua Avenue offers luxury shopping and Kūhiō Avenue features diverse dining and nightlife options.

Waikiki
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, tropical scenes and swimming

Ala Moana

4/5(233 area reviews)

Situated along Oʻahu's southern shores, this district boasts a vast stretch of reef-protected white sandy beaches and the world's largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana Center. Enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Ala Moana
Diamond Head which includes a city, landscape views and a sunset

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

While visiting Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, you might make a stop by sights like Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
Downtown Honolulu which includes heritage architecture and a city

Downtown Honolulu

3.5/5(43 area reviews)

This area is a center for local government since 1845, this district boasts diverse architectural styles and historic landmarks, including ʻIolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, and St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Downtown Honolulu
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalus showing landscape views, a sunset and a city

Manoa

4/5(29 area reviews)

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 Stan Sheriff Center.

Manoa
USS Arizona Memorial which includes a memorial

Western Honolulu

3/5(706 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. 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
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
$374 nightly
The price is $441 total per night from Jun 24 to Jun 25
$441 total
Jun 24 - Jun 25
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (8,156 reviews)
"Great place to stay Our group(aged 12, 19, 20, 36 and 72) all were pleased with the hotel staff cleanliness and amenities something for everyone Only complaint is five days wasn’t long enough!"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
$477 nightly
The price is $563 total per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
$563 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,175 reviews)
"Amazing hotel!"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Wayfinder Waikiki
Wayfinder Waikiki
4 out of 5
2375 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, HI
$193 nightly
The price is $228 total per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
$228 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,481 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Wayfinder Waikiki
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.
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! (2,926 reviews)
"Check-in was super fast. Room was very spacious for my little ones. I will recommend and will surely be back in the near future."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Aston Waikiki Sunset
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! (2,008 reviews)
"Amazing hotel and area. Will def come back."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
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! (2,589 reviews)
"Other than swimming pool area and deck under reconstruction and upcomg water flushing shut off for Tuesday, everything's ok."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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.

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