Oahu may not be the biggest of the Hawaiian islands (that’d be the aptly nicknamed Big Island), but it sure packs a heck of a punch for its relatively diminutive size. We’re talking world-class snorkeling, awesome mountain hikes, historic monuments and over 200 miles of beautiful coastline to explore. And that’s just for starters. No wonder then, that the Gathering Place (as it’s known) pulls in as many annual visitors as the other big three islands (Kauai, Maui and Hawaii) combined. You could spend a lifetime here and still not have time to experience all of the pleasures this Pacific gem has to offer. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Oahu attractions that should be top of your vacation hit list, including:
- Pearl Harbor
- Waikiki Beach
- The Polynesian Cultural Center
- Waimea Falls
- Hanauma Bay State Park
- Shave ice
- …and more!
Waikiki Beach
Golden sands, rolling surf, high-end tiki bars, and some of the best shopping on the island: Waikiki pretty much has it all. But it’s the two-mile stretch of beach that pops up most frequently on Honolulu bucket lists. Sink your toes into the warm sand, sip a rum-laced Mai Tai, and take endless #humblebrag selfies against the gorgeous backdrop of the Diamond Head volcano. Waikiki Beach is also a fine spot for surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving – join a boat trip out Waikiki Turtle Canyon for close encounters with the region’s native green sea turtles, plus all manner of other tropical marine life.
Pearl Harbor
The best way to get a comprehensive overview of this collection of moving historic sites is on a guided tour. You’ll learn how the Japanese air attack here in 1941 catapulted the US into World War Two and take a boat trip out to the memorial marking the sunken USS Arizona battleship. You can access many of Pearl Harbor’s attractions and museums, including Battleship Missouri and the Aviation Museum, with an Oahu attraction pass from Go City. The pass also includes the option of a full Pearl Harbor and Honolulu tour, plus entry to many more top Oahu attractions, tours and activities. Find out more and get yours here.
Polynesian Cultural Center
No top 10 of Oahu’s most popular attractions would be complete without a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Sure, its six themed ‘villages’ are touristy, but as a one-stop-shop for experiencing the cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands, it’s second-to-none. Sample aromatic Tahitian coconut bread or try Hawaiian staple poi, made from taro. Take a hula class or learn how to make lei, the traditional Hawaiian flower garland. You can also learn the Samoan art of fire-knife-twirling, watch powerful New Zealand Haka performances, and learn to dance sitting down, Tonga style.
Top tip: entry to the Polynesian Cultural Center is also included with the Go City Oahu attraction pass.
Honolulu Zoo
Honolulu Zoo is home to some 1,200+ critters, running the gamut from ferociously cute fennec foxes to crocodile monitor lizards (the longest lizards in the world, no less), indigenous Hawaiian hawks and pompous, preening golden lion tamarins. It’s all a far cry from the zoo’s 19th-century origins as – effectively – an aviary for King David Kalakaua’s increasingly unmanageable bird collection. Pop by with the fam to say aloha to the park’s many residents and picnic in the lush tropical gardens.
Diamond Head
It’s practically illegal not to hike Hawaii’s iconic Diamond Head when in Oahu. Good news: it’s a relatively unchallenging walk and the rewards of reaching the summit – epic, sweeping views across the crater’s 3,500-foot diameter to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and beyond – more than justify the effort required to get there! Overtourism in recent years means you now need to book a slot to guarantee entry – we recommend a sunrise hike for minimal crowds and more comfortable temperatures. Shuttle trips to/from the trail from any Waikiki hotel are included with the Go City Oahu attraction pass.
Makapuu Lighthouse
Another standout trail in this hikers’ paradise is the paved path that winds up to Makapuu Lighthouse, a gleaming white icon of Oahu’s windward coast, topped with an eye-catching red cap. Spot native tropical plants along the way and keep your peepers peeled for migrating humpback whales between December and April. En route to the lighthouse you’ll pass the natural wonder that is Hālona Blowhole, capable of blasting plumes of seawater up to 20 feet in the air under the right conditions. Cap your climb by ascending the century-old lighthouse for extraordinary views of Koko Head, Koko Crater, and Oahu’s stunning southern coastline.
Hanauma Bay State Park
As with Diamond Head, daily visitors to Hanauma Bay are limited. This gorgeous wineglass-shaped cove, tucked into Koko Head’s sheltered side, is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to book your slot well in advance if you want to experience its soft golden sands, lush green hills, and gin-clear waters. Don’t forget your snorkel – the bay is home to over 400 different species of fish, including ornately patterned butterflyfish, colorful tangs and the tinselly Christmas wrasse.
Waimea Valley
Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and Honolulu with a day trip to Waimea Valley. This vast expanse of North Shore parkland (all 1,875 acres of it) encompasses verdant grassy meadows, archaeological sites, and a botanical garden that’s home to more than 5,000 plant species and offers many peaceful shaded groves for lunching on the lawn. Suitably fortified by your picnic of poke and poi, hike the trail to the mighty Waimea Falls, a 45-foot wonder that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Mokoli'i Island
Centuries of erosion have separated this cone-shaped lava formation from Oahu proper, but you can still reach Mokoli’i Island’s secluded coves either by walking from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide, or by kayak at all other times. Once there, dip your toes in the clear, balmy waters and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colorful marine life (including green sea turtles, natch) just beneath the surface.
Shave Ice!
Shave ice is as essential a part of the Oahu experience as hula skirts, tiki bars and Mai Tais. No wonder then that North Shore icon Matsumoto’s is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist attractions. Brave the queues for your refreshing fix of ice topped with tastebud-tingling fruit syrup. Choose from lychee, passion fruit, peach, guava and more. Heck, why not just try them all?
Save on Oahu's Top Activities, Tours and Attractions
Save on admission to Oahu attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.
