Aerial view of Honolulu's Waikīkī neighborhood and Lēʻahi on Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi

Aloha Oʻahu

Oʻahu Highlights & Travel Tips

Oʻahu delivers world-famous landmarks, stunning beaches and exciting activities. Spend time at Waikīkī Beach, hike up Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), go shopping in Honolulu or snorkel among marine life in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. History enthusiasts can visit Pearl Harbor and ‘Iolani Palace, while experienced surfers head to the North Shore for legendary waves. With seaside resorts, vibrant city life in Honolulu and memorable things to do, Oʻahu is perfect for solo trips, families, couples and adventure seekers.

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Popular Places of Oʻahu

Statue of Duke Kahanamoku on Kūhiō Beach in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

Honolulu

Enjoy Hawaiʻi’s capital city with its famed Waikīkī Beach, Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), snorkeling, surfing, shopping, nightlife, museums and cultural happenings.

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Girl in front of the USS Bowfin at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

Central Oʻahu

Experience history and nature with tours of Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, Dole Plantation and Wahiawā Botanical Garden, in addition to other family-friendly activities like nature walks.

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Visitors admiring Waimea Falls on the North Shore of Oʻahu

North Shore

See legendary surf spots like Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay in person. Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie or seeing native plants and animals at James Campbell Wildlife Refuge are a must.

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Aerial view of mountains and ocean of the Leeward Coast on O’ahu in Hawaiʻi

Leeward Coast

Find resorts and extended stays in Ko Olina, Kapolei and Hoʻopili. Families will love attractions like Wai Kai and Wet ‘n’ Wild waterparks or riding the state’s only historic railroad.

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Visitors at Makapu‘u Lookout on the Windward Coast of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi

Windward Coast

On the eastern side of the island, relax on pristine shorelines. Hike or drive up mountains for panoramic views before heading to towns serving up local flavors.

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North Shore Store Fronts Oahu HI

Ride. Relax. Explore. Experience O‘ahu’s North Shore Huaka‘i shuttle

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Things to Do on Oʻahu

Exterior of ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
View from a lifeguard station on an Oʻahu beach in Hawaiʻi
Family visiting Pearl Harbor National Memorial on O’ahu in Hawai’i
Diving off a boat in Oʻahu
Paraglider over the Windward Coast of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi

Oʻahu Itineries

Start planning your Oʻahu getaway with help from these suggested trips.

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Beaches of Oʻahu

Whether you’d like to ride the waves or find the perfect spot to lounge on the sand, there’s a beach in Oʻahu for you.

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Land Activities of O'ahu

Tour historic and cultural institutions, give back to the land by working in a local loʻi or spend your days indulging at spas.

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Water Activities of O'ahu

Enjoy surfing lessons in Honolulu, snorkeling in tranquil bays, boating along the shore and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

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Air Activities of Oʻahu

Take in Oʻahu from a different perspective with a range of aerial and elevated experiences across the island.

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Greenery on Maui island Hawaii

Special People, Special Offers Plan Your Visit to Hawai‘i Today

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A Waho Makou o Awawamalu

Hear a Hawaiian Chant

Oʻahu, the child of Papa and Lua, is honored here, starting from the Eastern point of Āwawamalu (sheltered valley) known as "Sandy Beach. “Hālona,” the “blow hole” means to peer or to be watchful, a good trait in learning. Hālona’s sea spray represents the knowledge that would be shared at Hālauaola. Mailikukahi, fifth generation ancestor of Kākuhihewa, is credited for establishing the six moku (land divisions) of Oʻahu, which are Koʻolaupoko, Koʻolauloa, Waialua, Waiʻanae, ʻEwa and Kona. This mele (chant) humbly asks for entry into a protected realm of hula, traditional knowledge, sacred practices, creativity, mutual respect and aloha.
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The Hawaiian Islands Weather

Kauaʻi

Poipu, Kauaʻi

Today clear sky 72°F 22°C
30/06 Tue light rain 80°F27°C
1/07 Wed scattered clouds 81°F27°C
2/07 Thu light rain 80°F27°C
3/07 Fri light rain 79°F26°C
4/07 Sat light rain 79°F26°C

Līhuʻe

Today light rain 76°F 24°C
30/06 Tue light rain 78°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 80°F27°C
2/07 Thu light rain 80°F26°C
3/07 Fri light rain 78°F26°C
4/07 Sat light rain 78°F25°C

Kapaʻa

Today light rain 74°F 23°C
30/06 Tue light rain 78°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 78°F26°C
2/07 Thu light rain 78°F26°C
3/07 Fri light rain 77°F25°C
4/07 Sat light rain 76°F25°C

Honolulu, Oʻahu

Today light rain 78°F 25°C
30/06 Tue light rain 80°F27°C
1/07 Wed light rain 82°F28°C
2/07 Thu light rain 81°F27°C
3/07 Fri light rain 80°F27°C
4/07 Sat scattered clouds 80°F27°C

West Side

Today light rain 73°F 23°C
30/06 Tue light rain 79°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 82°F28°C
2/07 Thu light rain 81°F27°C
3/07 Fri light rain 80°F26°C
4/07 Sat broken clouds 80°F27°C

North Shore (Turtle Bay)

Today light rain 75°F 24°C
30/06 Tue light rain 79°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 79°F26°C
2/07 Thu light rain 79°F26°C
3/07 Fri broken clouds 78°F26°C
4/07 Sat light rain 78°F26°C

Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi

Today light rain 76°F 24°C
30/06 Tue light rain 78°F25°C
1/07 Wed light rain 78°F25°C
2/07 Thu light rain 77°F25°C
3/07 Fri scattered clouds 77°F25°C
4/07 Sat scattered clouds 77°F25°C

Molokaʻi Airport

Today light rain 76°F 25°C
30/06 Tue light rain 77°F25°C
1/07 Wed light rain 78°F25°C
2/07 Thu light rain 77°F25°C
3/07 Fri light rain 76°F25°C
4/07 Sat overcast clouds 77°F25°C

Kaunakakai City

Today light rain 77°F 25°C
30/06 Tue light rain 79°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 79°F26°C
2/07 Thu light rain 79°F26°C
3/07 Fri light rain 78°F26°C
4/07 Sat scattered clouds 79°F26°C

Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi

Today clear sky 73°F 23°C
30/06 Tue few clouds 75°F24°C
1/07 Wed few clouds 75°F24°C
2/07 Thu few clouds 76°F24°C
3/07 Fri few clouds 76°F24°C
4/07 Sat scattered clouds 75°F24°C

Manele Bay Beach

Today broken clouds 78°F 26°C
30/06 Tue light rain 81°F27°C
1/07 Wed light rain 82°F28°C
2/07 Thu light rain 83°F28°C
3/07 Fri light rain 83°F28°C
4/07 Sat broken clouds 83°F28°C

Lānaʻi Airport

Today scattered clouds 73°F 23°C
30/06 Tue few clouds 75°F24°C
1/07 Wed few clouds 75°F24°C
2/07 Thu few clouds 76°F24°C
3/07 Fri few clouds 76°F24°C
4/07 Sat scattered clouds 75°F24°C

Kahului Airport, Maui

Today light rain 76°F 24°C
30/06 Tue light rain 79°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 81°F27°C
2/07 Thu light rain 80°F27°C
3/07 Fri light rain 79°F26°C
4/07 Sat few clouds 80°F26°C

Whalers Village in Kaʻanapali

Today light rain 79°F 26°C
30/06 Tue light rain 79°F26°C
1/07 Wed light rain 79°F26°C
2/07 Thu broken clouds 79°F26°C
3/07 Fri light rain 78°F26°C
4/07 Sat broken clouds 78°F26°C

The Shops at Wailea in Wailea

Today light rain 79°F 26°C
30/06 Tue light rain 81°F27°C
1/07 Wed light rain 82°F28°C
2/07 Thu light rain 82°F28°C
3/07 Fri light rain 81°F27°C
4/07 Sat broken clouds 81°F27°C

Hilo, Hawaiʻi

Today moderate rain 74°F 23°C
30/06 Tue light rain 78°F26°C
1/07 Wed few clouds 80°F27°C
2/07 Thu light rain 79°F26°C
3/07 Fri light rain 77°F25°C
4/07 Sat light rain 77°F25°C

Kailua/Kona

Today clear sky 73°F 23°C
30/06 Tue clear sky 78°F26°C
1/07 Wed broken clouds 81°F27°C
2/07 Thu light rain 80°F27°C
3/07 Fri light rain 80°F27°C
4/07 Sat light rain 81°F27°C

Puakō

Today broken clouds 78°F 26°C
30/06 Tue light rain 81°F27°C
1/07 Wed light rain 82°F28°C
2/07 Thu light rain 83°F28°C
3/07 Fri light rain 83°F28°C
4/07 Sat scattered clouds 83°F28°C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oʻahu known for? 

Oʻahu is famous for world-class surfing, iconic beaches, historic landmarks and scenic landscapes. Honolulu offers exciting city experiences, cultural museums and world-class dining. 

What are the best things to do on Oʻahu? 

When visiting Oʻahu, must-do activities include relaxing at Waikīkī Beach, hiking Lēʻahi (Diamond Head State Monument) for scenic views and touring Pearl Harbor National Memorial and ʻIolani Palace. Active travelers can hit the waves, go golfing, snorkeling or paddling. Take boat rides into ocean waters, eat at local restaurants and see wildlife at the Honolulu Zoo. 

Where should I stay on Oʻahu? 

Staying in Downtown Honolulu gives you quick access to the airport, museums, shopping centers and public transit hubs. The Waikīkī Beach neighborhood offers hotels with beach views close to nightlife. The Kāhala resort area offers a quiet escape just outside of Waikīkī. The North Shore offers quieter stays, with Ko ʻOlina being a resort area on the Leeward Coast of the island. 

When is the best time to visit Oʻahu? 

Oʻahu is a year-round vacation destination, but spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures, ideal ocean conditions and easier access to top attractions due to fewer crowds, making it perfect for a relaxed and affordable island getaway. Winter brings big waves to the North Shore, while waters are warmest during the summer. 

How do I get to Oʻahu? 

Most travelers reach Oʻahu by flying into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), the main gateway to Hawaiʻi. Direct flights to Honolulu are available from major U.S. cities and international hubs. Honolulu Harbor is one of the main ports for cruise ships, connecting the capital city to other islands and the US Mainland. 

How to do I get around on Oʻahu? 

Navigating Oʻahu depends entirely on your itinerary: travelers can rely on readily available rideshares and taxis or utilize the newly expanded Skyline rail for quick airport to West Oʻahu transits. Meanwhile, travelers looking to explore beyond Honolulu will find a rental car essential for North Shore day trips, while those sticking close to the urban core can easily opt for affordable public transit, Biki Bikeshare or the scenic Waikīkī Trolley.