Oahu

Travel Guide

Oahu
Oahu
Oahu Island showing tropical scenes and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Oahu
Honolulu showing modern architecture, tropical scenes and a high rise building
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.

Where to stay in Oahu

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Waikiki

4/5(1 area review)

Waikiki Beach and Waikiki Beach Walk are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Waikiki. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, island views, and popular shops.

Waikiki
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Ala Moana

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

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
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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 Stan Sheriff Center.

Manoa
USS Arizona Memorial featuring a memorial

Western Honolulu

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
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Kahala

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

Kahala
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is P24,371 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P24,371
P32,316 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & 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! (2,320 reviews)
"Only stayed one night. Room was comfortable yet the beds are really soft…"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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 P13,924 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P13,924
P19,625 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (8,318 reviews)
"The property is perfect for families. They are very accommodating and have many activities . My family of 4 have been coming to this resort for the last 10 years and it’s always great! It’s a budget friendly, activity packed and beautiful property. I highly recommend it!!"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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 P12,505 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P12,505
P18,319 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (4,361 reviews)
"Wife loved the view the bed was very comfortable and staff were very polite and helpful anything that we wanted to try that wasn't there either transportation was arranged or they would get you a taxi but most dining options are within walkable distances and I have a bad leg"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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.
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! (2,614 reviews)
Great location but outdated room
"Great location, walking distance to the beach. I really liked the layout of the room but the beds were not as comfortable and seemed a bit out dated. It was unfortunate that the pool was being renovated but parking was very easy and made it easy to unload our luggage from our car to the lobby. Although, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan
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! (2,958 reviews)
"The ocean view"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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! (2,034 reviews)
Comfort
"My family loved staying here. The rooms were nice and clean, the beds really comfortable, the balcony with table and chairs overlooking the canal and if high enough you can even see the ocean. We loved the pool and hot tub and enjoyed laying in the cabana to just relax. Definitely would stay ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Skyline Island Colony Hotel
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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