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What to Do

The timeless, natural radiance of the islands meets the modern luxuries of today, on Oahu. Hike down a lush mountainside, just minutes away from a soaring cityscape. Feast at a luau under the stars one night, dine at a five-star restaurant another. Sunbathe all day on the North Shore then dance all night in Waikiki. There’s no shortage of things to do on Oahu.

Also known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is the most diverse of all the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu, the state capital has an eclectic mixture of attractions and activities. Within the city and also just short drives away, the traveler can be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Whether you want to entertain yourself with fine dining, night-life, eclectic Asian cuisines or just chill out on the beach after an afternoon at Ala Moana mall, Oahu offers it all. And if the placid Ala Moana beach is not up your alley, then just down the road is the world famous Waikiki Beach. It’s also a wonderful place to take in the spectacular Hawaiian sunset with your loved one.

And no worry, if you think you’ll be surrounded by only hustle and bustle, just hop in your rental car and a short drive will take you to charming areas with breathtaking mountain ranges within the distance. If you’re feeling a little extra adventurous, engage yourself in several of the beautiful hikes the island has to offer.

If you want to try your hands at windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, or just sunbathing immersed in powdery white sand, then you must take the drive to the Windward side to either Kailua or Lanikai beaches.

Of course, no trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to the North Shore. About an hour’s drive from Waikiki, this surfer’s paradise has something for everyone. If you’re not up to riding the 20 foot waves during the winter months, then spend your time strolling around Haleiwa town shopping for local goodies and interacting with friendly folk.

Depending on which route you take, you can drive pass Pearl Harbor, the pineapple fields and the world’s largest maize.

Depending on which route you take, you can drive pass Pearl Harbor, the pineapple fields and the world’s largest maize.

Oahu is really the cultural island for the traveler that is looking for either a fast paced entertaining experience with the Aloha spirit or the one that wants to be within exotic natural surroundings and touching distance from urbanization. Oahu welcomes you.  Aloha.

Where to Stay

Oahu has a huge variety of accommodations.  From budget hotels to condos to world-class hotels, you can get what you want depending on how much you are willing to spend.  The majority of hotels are located in Waikiki, but for the traveler looking for less commercial surroundings, you can try staying in the North Shore.

Waikiki, once the playground of royalty, is today a residential community and resort area.  Within it’s two-mile stretch, Waikiki offers a vast, updated array of accommodations, dining, shopping, and entertainment options to suit most types of travelers.  With calm waters, and white, sandy shores, Waikiki is a great resort destination.  Choose between fine dining and fast food, between luxury boutiques and convenience stores.  In Waikiki, only a handful of hotels are truly on the beach, but as the area of Waikiki is relatively small, the majority of all properties are no more than two blocks away from the beach.

If you are looking to stay just outside of Waikiki, there are hotels and resorts in the quiet, upscale neighborhood in Kahala, about 10 minutes east of Waikiki.  If you want to get a bit further away, but still want to stay in a hotel or resort, there are also beautiful accommodations in Koolina and the North Shore.  In the North Shore, you can find the Turtle Bay resort.

The windward coast of Oahu and the southeast have some lovely beaches, and a number of vacation homes and bed & breakfast guesthouses in the sprawling suburb of Kailua.