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Oahu

A vibrant gathering spot with a unique blend of relaxation and excitement.

Oahu

Oahu is the vibrant heart of the Hawaiian Islands.

Oahu has been called “the gathering place” for hundreds of years, so it’s no surprise that it continues to be a magnet for travelers looking for a classic Hawaiian experience. Many of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks are here Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Ioloni Palace, Pearl Harbor. Grab a Hawaiian shirt (known as “aloha shirts” here) and visit the laid-back North Shore. Grab your camera for an adventure at Kualoa Ranch, recognizable from many popular movies and TV shows. Or just grab a seat at one of Honolulu’s many restaurants, nightclubs or luaus.

After you finish reading up on all of the vacation adventures that Oahu has to offer, learn more about all 6 major islands here - Hawaii.

Staying & getting around

Oahu has everything from luxury resorts to cottages and condos. The majority of the island’s resorts are lined up along Waikiki Beach, but you’ll also find high-end properties like Turtle Bay and the newly opened Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina. There are no all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, but check our Hawaii deals for complimentary breakfast offers.

If you’re staying in the Honolulu area, it’s easy to get around by taxi, bus or the Waikiki Trolley, which lets you sightsee at your own pace.

Staying and getting around
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If you want to explore the island, it’s well worth it to get your own wheels. You can add a car rental to your reservation or just rent a scooter for the day.

Iconic Honolulu

To avoid the crowds and get the most out of this vital piece of history, tour the Pearl Harbor Memorial early in the morning. Afterward, head downtown and further back in history to Iolani Palace: as home to Hawaii’s royal family from 1882 to 1893, it’s the only palace on U.S. soil. Then get perspective on it all with a hike up Diamond Head. It may look intimidating, but you’ll be at the top in less than an hour.

Iconic Honolulu
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You can book day tours that combine visits to all these sites as part of your vacation package.

Waikiki Beach

This world-famous stretch of white sand is really several different beaches. Calm swimming make Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Prince Kuhio Beach popular with families. Less crowded are local favorites Fort DeRussey Beach Park and San Souci Beach (a great snorkeling spot). If you’re looking to catch a catamaran, outrigger canoe, or your first wave, try Royal Hawaiian or Queen Kapiolani Beaches.

Savor stunning ocean views

Save up to 20% at Outrigger Waikiki Reef Beach Resort. Learn more

Surfing and more

As the birthplace of surfing, Oahu has no shortage of ways to get out on the water. Visit the North Shore to watch the pro surfers do their thing. For beginning surfers or paddleboarders, the Honolulu area or along the Windward Coast are good spots. If staying above the water seems too easy, really get the adrenaline going with a shark dive or explore Kualoa Ranch via ATV or on horseback.

Surfing and more
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A trip to the north shore isn’t complete without chowing down on a shrimp plate or shaved ice from a Haleiwa Town food truck.

Golf

With more golf courses than any other island, we can only point out a few of our favorites. Makaha Valley, perched high above the Pacific, is considered the island’s best course. The title of “most stunning,” however, goes to the island’s oldest. Gigantic tropical plants and towering mountains make stepping onto the Pali Golf Course like stepping back to the age of the dinosaur.

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Two more notable courses are located at Turtle Bay Resort and across the street from Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina.

Hikes

Oahu’s most popular trails—including Diamond Head, Makapu'u and Waimea Valley—are paved, but good shoes are still recommended, as is a sweatshirt for windy peaks. Makapu’u, on the dryer southeastern side, offers adventurous hikers the chance to get off the trail and climb down to tide pools and a blowhole. Waimea Valley is an easy walk, with plenty of cultural activities aimed at families.

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To get off the paved trails, try hiking Kaena Point or the Waimano Pool Trail.

Day trips to Molokai

If you’re staying on Oahu, it’s worth it to spend a day exploring Molokai, Hawaii’s most remote island. You can book private flights for amazing views of the island’s natural beauty, as well as guided tours where you’ll learn about the history of the “Friendly Isle” with visits to a coffee plantation, a macadamia nut farm and the historic Kalaupapa colony.

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You can book a day trip to Molokai through Funjet as part of your vacation package.

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