The Basics
Oahu Travel Basics
Oahu is a lot more than Waikiki. Once you get outside the resort strip, the island splits into a handful of totally different areas. There's a laid-back surf town on the North Shore, dramatic ridgeline hikes on the West Side, and quiet beach communities on the East Side. Waikiki is worth visiting, but you'll see more of what makes Oahu special by building your trip around the rest of the island.
Rent a car for at least part of the trip so you can reach the North Shore, West Side, and East Side on your own schedule. Parking is easier and often less expensive outside Waikiki, while staying closer to your favorite region cuts down on long drives and gives you a better feel for the island.
A few things worth packing before you go: bring your own snorkel gear so you're not paying for a tour every time you want to see fish, and bring water shoes. The coral and rocks are sharp both on the beach and in the water. Theft is common across the island, so take a dry bag with you and never leave valuables in your car or sitting on the beach while you swim.
The Highlights
Top Things to Do in Oahu
Start early with Diamond Head. It's one of the most popular hikes on the island for a reason, and getting there before the crowds and the heat build up makes a big difference (just know the trail closes to entry after 4:30pm). Pearl Harbor and the Iolani Palace are both worth a half day if you want some history mixed into your beach time.
On the North Shore, spend an afternoon beach hopping between Waimea Beach Park (check out "the Rock" at the water's entrance) and Shark's Cove, which has some of the best snorkeling on the island in gorgeous blue water. While you're in the area, swing by La'ie Point State Wayside for one of the best free viewpoints on this side of the island. Turtle Bay Resort is another good stop for grabbing a drink, watching surfers, and potentially seeing sea turtles.
Out on the West Side, plan a full day driving through Ko Olina. All the beaches along the resorts are open to the public, and walking the grounds of the Four Seasons is worth it on its own. If you want a proper Hawaiian night out, book a luau in advance. Both Chief's Luau and Paradise Cove are on the West Side and tend to sell out.
Outdoors
Best Hikes in Oahu
Pink Pillbox on the West Side is our favorite hike on the whole island. It's short at 1.6 miles round trip, but the 360 degree views of the mountains and ocean at the top make it worth every step. Diamond Head is the easiest to fit into a trip and still delivers gorgeous views over Honolulu, just expect company.
If you want more of a challenge, Koko Head Railway Trail is no joke. It's a straight climb up a set of old railway ties, but the payoff is a panoramic view of the East Honolulu shoreline and Hanauma Bay. Lanikai Pillbox Trail (also called Kaiwa Ridge) on the East Side is shorter and heavily trafficked, but the ocean views from the top are some of the best on the island.
Base Camp
Where to Stay on Oahu Outside Waikiki
For a quieter Oahu trip, make Ko Olina, the North Shore, or Kailua your base. Ko Olina has resort amenities and calm lagoons, the North Shore puts you near surf beaches and laid-back beach towns, and Kailua gives you easy access to East Side beaches and hikes. You'll want a rental car from the start, but staying near the places you most want to explore means less time crossing the island. Visit Waikiki for an afternoon or evening, then head back to a neighborhood that fits the rest of your trip.
Eat This
Best Food to Eat in Oahu
Don't skip the poke at Foodland. Yes, it's a grocery store, but it's served fresh at the deli counter and it's some of the best value on the island. Egghead Cafe has hands-down some of the best breakfast we've ever had anywhere, so get there early since there's often a wait, and grab a coffee at Kona Coffee Purveyors while you're in the area (also expect a line, also worth it).
On the North Shore, Giovanni's food truck is the move for shrimp. Get the shrimp scampi. And Matsumoto Shave Ice is a North Shore institution worth the stop. Back in Waikiki, Duke's is the iconic pick for a beach bar dinner with music and dancing, and Kona Brewing Pub is worth booking ahead for. The marina setting is beautiful, especially at sunset.
Spend Smarter
Ways to Save Money in Oahu
Bring your own snorkel gear instead of paying for a boat tour. Shark's Cove and Electric Beach both have incredible snorkeling you can walk right into. Grab your poke from Foodland's deli counter instead of a sit-down restaurant. And remember every beach in Hawaii is public, even the ones that sit right next to the fanciest resorts, so you can enjoy the same water and sand without the resort price tag.
Local Tip
Make It To Pink Pillbox
If you only do one hike on the island, make it Pink Pillbox on the West Side. It's short, it's not as crowded as Diamond Head, and the 360-degree view at the top is the kind of thing that makes people fall in love with Oahu in the first place.
