Oahu Regions Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

By Katie Sagal

Planning a trip to Oahu? We’ve put together a go-to Oahu regions guide to making the most of your time in Honolulu, Waikiki, and beyond by highlighting the must-see sights and activities each of the major regions Oahu has to offer.

Honolulu

Urban metropolis Honolulu is the heart of culture in Oahu. Filled with shops, restaurants, museums, and historical sites, there’s so much packed into this one city that you’ll almost forget you’re in the land of tropical beaches.

Top Things to Do in Honolulu

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  • Explore museums: From the historic Iolani Palace to the Honolulu Museum of Art, there are so many cultural things to see and do in this urban center that you could spend your entire vacation without leaving the city.
  • Head out on a hike: Honolulu is the pickup point for many hikes and tours, including the comprehensive Rainforest, Waterfalls, and Movie Sites tour.
  • Set sail: Hop about the Makani Catamaran and glide through the beautiful tropical waters of the Pacific on a super chic vessel.
  • Beach it up: Be active on fun equipment like Stand-Up Paddle Boards, or just enjoy the waves and sun.
Honolulu is packed full of fun activities - check out our post on other popular things to do in Honolulu while in Oahu. Tip: many of the popular attractions and things to do in Honolulu mentioned in the list above are included with the Go Oahu Card which saves you up to 55% off combined admission - be sure to check it out!

Central Oahu

A mostly suburban area, Central Oahu is also where you’ll find all the pineapple fields – perfect for touring, exploring, and tasting.

Things to Do in Central Oahu

  • Scope out historical sites; The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites like the USS Arizona Memorial or the Bowfin Museum are technically located in Central Oahu.
  • Get your shop on: Pick up a shuttle to the Waikele Outlets and shop ‘til you drop.
  • Visit a pineapple plantation: Explore the Dole Pineapple Plantation, where you can enjoy a train ride and a maze, and purchase plenty of pineapples for snacks or souvenirs.

Windward Coast

Encompassing the east coast of Oahu, the Windward Coast area is filled with beautiful beaches, rich rainforests, and smaller towns.

Things to Do on the Windward Coast

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  • Visit historic structures: Hike to Makapuu Point Light and scope out one of the country’s oldest functioning lighthouses.
  • Explore Japanese culture: Pay a visit to the beautiful Byodo-In Temple and learn about the extensive cultural influence that Japan has had on Hawaiian culture. Don’t forget to visit their peaceful rock garden.
  • Enjoy nature: Visit the popular Kualoa Ranch to see the best that Oahu has to offer in terms of the natural world. Hike, go horseback riding, or go for a sail!
  • Meet local marine life: Spend some time at Sea Life Park to get up close and personal with a wide variety of local and exotic marine life. Be sure to join in scheduled feedings of their sea turtles!

Leeward Coast

Containing the west coast of Oahu, this area is a bit drier than most. It’s filled predominantly with rural residential communities and some developing resort areas. Attractions are mostly nature or theme park related.

Things to Do on the Leeward Coast

  • Make a splash: Wet n’ Wild Hawaii is a great way to enjoy the water without worrying about jellyfish. Enjoy their amazing slides and other cool water rides.
  • Head off on a hike: This area has several beautiful forests, including the Makua Kea’au and Mokuleia Forest Reserves.

North Shore

This beachy region is best known for hosting some of the best waves in the world during the winter months – hence the reason so many surfing competitions are hosted here each year! You’ll find plenty of great outdoor activities to enjoy. Below we list a few, but check out our complete blog for more fun things to do on the North Shore of Oahu.

Things to Do on the North Shore

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  • Explore the beauties of nature: Waimea Valley is filled with natural wonders, from botanical gardens and wild growth to archaeological sites and even a massive waterfall. You’ll never tire of exploring this impressive park.
  • Adventure underwater: Add snorkeling to your list of must-dos and explore the North Shore’s bountiful variety of sea life big and small.
  • Educate yourself about Hawaiian heritage: You won’t want to miss the chance to visit the famous Polynesian Cultural Center, renowned for its many interactive educational exhibits and activities, plus their exciting dance performances and authentic food.
  • Try your hand at surfing: Although the North Shore is best known for professional-grade surfing, there’s no reason an amateur can’t venture into the waves (offseason, perhaps?).

Save on Attraction Admission in Oahu Neighborhoods

If you’re exploring this many different parts of Oahu, you’re bound to want to visit a few of the attractions mentioned in this post. Consider picking up a Go Oahu Card All-Inclusive Pass to suit your traveling needs. Whether you’re in town for only a day or two, or even a whole week, you’ll find the perfect pass for you. Save up to 55% versus paying at the gate!

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Everything You Need to Know About Whale Watching in Oahu & Hawaii

Nature lovers already know that Hawaii is a tropical paradise filled with all sorts of flora and fauna. However, you may not know that one of the most popular things to do in Hawaii is to embark on a whale-watching cruise. If you’re traveling to Oahu during the winter and early spring, you’ll be able to hop on a cruise to seek out the elusive giants of the sea – humpback whales. These majestic creatures roam the waters around the Hawaiian Islands between December and May of each year, bringing joy and delight to locals and tourists alike. Oahu is one of the best Hawaiian islands for whale watching. Save on Admission to Oahu Ocean Activities If you’re headed to Oahu to pursue whale sightings, you may want to enjoy other Hawaii attractions as well. Consider picking up an all-inclusive Go Oahu pass, which can save you up to 55% on combined admission to top attractions like tours, cruises, bike rentals, museums, and more. See all available attractions, passes, and prices. More About Humpback Whales & Things to Do in Oahu Humpback whales are among the most endangered of the whale species, having been hunted nearly to extinction by the commercial whaling industry in the last century. Conservation efforts have boosted their numbers, but there still aren’t many of these fascinating creatures in the world’s oceans. Humpback whales are found primarily in cold water during the summer. However, they do migrate to tropical climates in the winter to give birth to their young in more pleasant conditions. So, as an added bonus, you may see a baby whale or two, depending on when you’re traveling. Humpback whales are typically between 40 and 50 feet long, occasionally weighing in at an astonishing 80,000 pounds – these are some seriously big creatures! However, they’re also baleen whales, which means that they aren’t predators like some larger ocean mammals. They eat primarily by filtering ocean water through their baleen plates, which pull small ocean creatures like krill out of the water for consumption. Fortunately, humpbacks are also easy to spot and identify. They have unique black and white markings on their flukes that marine scientists record and track. If you go on a cruise that looks for whales, they often have a reference book with tail patterns that could help you identify the whales you see.you’re in search of an appropriate cruise, the two-hour Makani Catamaran Sail could be a good option. They often report seeing whales during their daytime cruise, as well as dolphins, seabirds, and other sea life. Other options include whale-watching specific cruises that stay out on the water longer. If you prefer to keep an eye out for whales from dry land, excellent vantage points from which to see whales include Makapu'u Lighthouse and Diamond Head. Or, some of the best whale watching in Hawaii takes place right on the beaches, including the beach by Hanauma Bay. For those who enjoy sea life of all sizes, a snorkeling adventure is another fun activity. You'll see tropical fish, rays, octopuses, sea turtles, and more. You won’t see any whales quite that close, but you can enjoy the wealth of ocean life around Oahu! Tips for Hawaii Whale Watching Remember to dress warmly! Whale season dates in Hawaii span December to May, so you're mostly sailing in very cold weather. You should also wear sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes, as the boat can become slippery. A video camera is the best way to capture a record of the whales you see because you can often become distracted taking still photos. Binoculars are also a must! Keep in mind that regulations prohibit vessels from getting within 100 yards of a whale, so you'll need something that helps you see long distances. Remember to Save on Admission When planning your Oahu whale-watching vacation, don’t forget to save money on admission to cruises and other top attractions. Consider using a Go Oahu pass to save up to 55% on combined admission to top Oahu attractions. We know you’ll never forget your whale-watching experience!
Go City Expert
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Oahu Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Vacation

Oahu is truly a paradise throughout the year, so its no surprise that this oasis is a popular family vacation destination. While the first thing you think of when you start planning your ideal Oahu vacation may not be the kid-friendly options (our first thought is always relaxation!), not to worry - there are plenty of things to see and do with the family here. If you’re looking for some ideas for your itinerary, then check out a few of our favorites. Our favorite Oahu summer family vacation ideas include: Polynesian Cultural Center & Luau Sea Life Park & Dolphin Encounter Makani Catamaran Sail Hanauma Bay Snorkel Wet n’ Wild Hawaii Pearl Harbor Attractions Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour Secret Island Beach Save on Family Vacation Attraction Ideas Regular admission to a number of these family friendly attractions are available on the Go Oahu Card. Choose as you go from top visited attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Learn more about our Oahu passes, attractions and prices. Polynesian Cultural Center & Luau One of Oahu’s premier family attractions, the Polynesian Cultural Center, is an educational destination that’s fun for all. Explore several diverse areas of the park that capture the history and culture of the six main Polynesian cultures. Watch demonstrations of fire-dancing, coconut-husking, spear-throwing, and much, much more. If you’re looking for something extra special, stick around in the evening for their luau and dinner show. It’s an exhilarating performance that tells a moving story alongside delicious island-style cuisine. One of the most magnificent parts of the day is watching the Rainbow of Canoes pageant, Hawaii's only water-borne show! Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Alii Luau tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards. Sea Life Park & Dolphin Encounter This is one for the animal lovers in your family. Head to Sea Life Park and enjoy meeting their amazing inhabitants. Check out the 300,000-gallon reef exhibit, where you’ll get to see sharks, vibrant tropic fish, anemones, and various other reef flora and fauna. Then, take an astonishing animal show, where you’ll see dolphins dance, sea lions perform tricks, and more. If you really want to make this trip unforgettable, opt for the Dolphin Encounter. Who doesn't want to swim with the cutest sea creature in the ocean? During the encounter, you'll get to watch tricks firsthand, get pushed across the pool by the dolphin's nose and you'll receive a very affectionate dolphin kiss. Kids will absolutely love the experience! Getting In: Sea Life Park tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Sea Life Park Dolphin Encounter tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards. Makani Catamaran Sail Makani’s afternoon sail is the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the serene waters off the coast from Waikiki. Your luxurious catamaran cruise is equipped with both sunny and shady spaces to relax, so you can tan or soak up sea breezes as you please. They’ve even got a full bar on board for the adults. So sit back and sip a cool drink while the kids keep an eye out for the plentiful marine life that surrounds you. Getting In: Makani Catamaran Sail tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Hanauma Bay Snorkel If you’re looking for that quintessential tropical paradise activity, a snorkeling excursion in Hanauma Bay is it. You don’t need any experience to enjoy this wonderful activity – just pay attention to their helpful lesson before you head to the water and you’re all set. Keep your eyes open for vivid tropic fish, marine plant life, and even bigger creatures. The colorful reef is beautiful and you might even see some octopuses! The water is clear and warm and you’ll get amazing views of life beneath the waves in the gorgeous Hanauma Bay. Swimmers of all strengths and skill levels will be able to participate. Getting In: Hanauma Bay Snorkel tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Wet n’ Wild Hawaii While there are plenty of beaches in Hawaii, Wet N' Wild is the perfect aquatic experience that will keep the kids busy while you soak in the sun poolside! With more than 25 rides, slides, and other attractions to choose from at this aquatic adventure park, you’ll stay cool and have fun all afternoon. See how long you can last on Da'Flowrider, a wave simulator that will test your surf schools. Wade in the Hawaiian Waters wave pool or hop on a tube and enjoy the waves from a floatie. Thrill-seekers will love the waterslides like the Catapult which drops you into a pool from 50 feet in the air. From intense thrill rides to relaxing pools and lazy rivers, there's something for the whole family to enjoy here. Getting In: Wet n’ Wild Hawaii tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Pearl Harbor Attractions Among the most visited attractions in all of Hawaii, the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are a must-see for any family traveling to Oahu. The USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour tells the important story of how the United State entered WWII. The USS Bowfin Submarine and USS Missouri Museum are significant vessels in their own right with impressive legacies and much to explore. Finally, the Pacific Aviation Museum is a spectacular collection of aircraft from all across history. While it may seem packed with history, there are plenty of interactive exhibits at each stop that will allow the kids to learn more about our country while having fun! Getting In: USS Bowfin Submarine tickets, Battleship Missouri tickets, USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour tickets, Pacific Aviation Museum tickets and Pearl Harbor Historic City Tour tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour We’re sure you knew that plenty of popular television shows and movies have been filmed in the tropical paradise of Oahu, the most famous being Jurassic Park. Take this tour through Kualoa Ranch that showcases major filming sites from projects like Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, 50 First Dates, Hawaii Five-0, Lost, Off the Map, Battleship, and Pearl Harbor. This tour is a fun way to explore the island and learn more about the role it plays in the Hollywood imagination! In addition to a tour of the movie sites, there are quite a few other attractions at the ranch. Explore the forests of Kualoa Ranch on a Jungle Tour! Hop in the Jeep and journey up steep trails to breathtaking views of natural springs, lush valleys and gorgeous coastlines. If you want to move the tour off land, try the Voyaging Catamaran Tour. The 49-passenger catamaran tour includes a narrated journey past Kaneohe Bay, Mokolii Island (Chinaman's Hat) and more. You'll be able to identify famous spots from different movies by land and sea! Getting In: Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour tickets, Voyaging Catamaran Tour at Kualoa Ranch tickets and Jungle Tour at Kualoa Ranch tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Secret Island Beach Of course, you can’t leave Oahu without spending some time on the beach! If you’re looking for something a bit away from the crowds of Waikiki, head to the private Secret Island Beach on the North Shore at Kualoa Ranch. Aside from the fact that you'll be visiting a secluded beach, you'll also have access to all of the activities during your three hour stay. From kayaking to beach volleyball to a bus tour of Moli'i Gardens, you can alternate your day between exploration and relaxation! Getting In: Secret Island Beach tickets are included with the Go Oahu Card. Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission There you have it: our favorite attractions to add to the perfect Oahu itinerary. Don't forget, a number of these attractions are included on Go Oahu Card. With Go Oahu Card, you can save up to 55% vs paying at the gate. We hope you add some of these incredible activities to your family vacation bucket list!
Katie Sagal
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Things to Do in Oahu in August 2018

Oahu is considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States, take advantage of the breathtaking landscapes and sights this August. If you’re looking for things to do in Oahu in August 2018, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Semi-Private Surf Lesson Makani Catamaran Sail Polynesian Cultural Center Hanauma Bay Snorkel and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these popular Oahu attractions are included on the Go Oahu® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Oahu Card. If you want a bigger list of seasonal events, then check out our suggested things to do in Oahu in the summer. Semi-Private Surf Lesson Learn how to surf in Hawaii with a 2-hour semi-private lesson. You will learn the basics safely and have a fantastic time creating memories you'll never forget. Getting In: Semi-Private Oahu Surf Lessons are included as an option on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards. Makani Catamaran Sail This is the #1 sailing adventure, so get out on the open water of the Pacific Ocean. This luxurious catamaran is stocked a full bar, surround sound, LCD TVs and much more. While on the cruise, keep an eye out for dolphins, flying fish and sea turtles! Getting In: Makani Catamaran Sail tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card. Polynesian Cultural Center Learn about the culture of 1,000+ Pacific Islands that make up Polynesia at the Polynesian Cultural Center. There is a huge host of attractions and things to do at the Polynesian Cultural Center, you could easily spend the whole day there. Getting In: Polynesian Cultural Center tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card. Hanauma Bay Snorkel Get an up close view of a coral reef while snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. In the clear water you can see the reef teeming with rays, turtles and species of tropical fish. Getting In: Hanauma Bay Snorkel rentals are included on the Go Oahu Card. Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour TV shows and movies such as Jurassic Park, Hawaii-Five-O, Lost and many more have been filmed in scenic Ka'a'awa Valley. On this tour you will see some amazing sights that have been the backdrop for a multitude of big and silver screen productions. Getting In: Kualoa Ranch Movie Site Tour tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card. Hawaiian Style Rentals: Moped and Bike Rentals Getting around on a moped is one of the best ways to get around on Oahu, on a moped you can stop and explore where you want to without a tour guide leading you around. The moped rental is for four hours and the bicycle rental is for 24 hours. Getting In: Hawaiian Style Rentals: Moped and Bike Rental tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card. Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike The Makapu'u Point trail offers outstanding views of Oahu's southeastern coastline, including Koko Head and Koko Crater. The hike is moderately difficult, about 500 feet and 2 miles long round trip. Getting In: Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card. Hike the North Shore of Oahu If you want to try a different hike then there are options on the North Shore, where you'll find incredible wildlife native to the area. There are two trails; one tailored towards beginners along the ocean and one tailored to intermediate hikers which will be under a tree canopy for most of the excursion. Getting In: North Shore Tour Guide Hike tickets are included on the Go Oahu Card. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Oahu in August. Remember, many of these great attraction options are included on the Go Oahu Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Oahu Card. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your August vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan

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