Welcome to the sunny paradise of Hawaii, where each island boasts its own unique charm and appeal. Of all the islands, Oahu stands out as the most populous, vibrant and diverse. As the capital of Hawaii, Oahu is a bustling hub of cultural attractions, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking landscapes. The capital city of Honolulu is a jewel in Oahu’s crown, with its vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan appeal. But perhaps the biggest draw of Oahu is the world-renowned Waikiki Beach, which is a 2-mile stretch of beaches with soft, white sand. Join us on this adventure and experience the true meaning of Aloha!
The best things to do in Oahu?
1. GO TO A LUAU ON OAHU
Trying to picture Hawaii without the sway of a hula skirt, a lei around your neck, or a plate of poi on your plate. Obviously not; Hawaii has trademarked the phrase.
The vibrant palette contributes to a positive vibe. In honour of joyous occasions like weddings and birthdays, people all across the world throw dance parties called luaus. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the beach with live music and dancing performances.
Paradise Cove Luau and Royal Hawaiian Luau are two of the best luau celebrations. The Alia Luau, held annually at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, is another not-to-be-missed event in the area.
2. VISIT PEARL HARBOR NATIONAL MEMORIAL
In a surprise bombing attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7th, 1941, Japanese bombers sank 12 American ships. Over 2,000 Americans were murdered by bombs. The United States officially joined World War II after this disaster.
Visit the Pearl Harbour Aviation Museum, the USS Battleship Missouri, and the USS Bowfin Museum to learn about the submarines employed in the war and the events that led to Japan’s capitulation and the conclusion of World War II.
Two million people a year pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, which is built atop the sunken hull of the battleship of the same name. All of these memorials come together to form the one-of-a-kind Pearl Harbour National Memorial.
3. TOUR A PINEAPPLE PLANTATION
James Dole had no clue his roadside stand selling pineapples would become one of Hawaii’s most recognisable landmarks when he first opened up shop. Dole Plantation, on Oahu’s North Shore, is a famous tourist destination for its pineapple-related educational opportunities.
Ride the Pineapple Express Train around the resort for an informative excursion. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history and pineapple farming as part of the Plantation Garden Tour.
Have a guess and find out: What’s the address of the pineapple maze that claims to be the largest in the world? Island of Oahu in Hawaii is correct. If you’re looking for the largest maze in the world, look no farther than the Pineapple Garden Maze, which made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.
4. GO ON A WHALE WATCHING TOUR ON OAHU
Every winter, Hawaii becomes the ultimate getaway for humpback whales. They leave the icy waters of Alaska behind and swim down to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and give birth to their calves. For those who are fortunate enough to witness this incredible phenomenon, it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The perfect way to see these magnificent creatures up close is to book a boat ride on the southeast side of Oahu’s island, where they frequently make an appearance near the coast. It’s not hard to understand why locals consider this annual event the biggest attraction of the year. So, why not embrace the rare opportunity to witness nature’s magic firsthand and head out to sea for a memorable whale-watching adventure?
5. VISIT THE BEST BEACHES ON OAHU
Can you picture yourself lounging in the sun on a fine white sand beach, taking in the sights of the distant mountains and the placid blue water? Lanikai, which translates to “Heavenly Ocean,” is a stunning beach on the Windward side of Oahu. Lanikai Beach is a fantastic location for water sports including swimming and snorkelling.
Another beautiful beach can be found in close proximity. Kailua Beach is great for water sports like surfing and kayaking since the water temperature is relatively stable year-round.
Surfing is king on the north shore of Oahu. You can see professional surfers taking on the waves at Waimea Bay Beach Park.
6. VISIT DIAMOND HEAD
Honolulu is home to a volcanic crater known as Diamond Head. It is a symbol of Oahu and has been designated as a state park.
Have you ever wondered where the moniker “Diamond Head” came from? Even though the natives refer to it as Le’ahi, British sailors mistook the glistening calcite crystals for diamonds when they first laid eyes on them. Diamond Head got its name because of this phenomenon.
In just two hours, you may go up Hawaii’s most famous volcano via the Diamond Head Trail and take in the breathtaking vista of the Pacific Ocean below.
These hikes are considerably more manageable if you bring along a pair of sturdy, yet lightweight hiking boots.
This walking tour is self-guided, so all you need to do is follow the instructions! We suggest you employ native hiking guides if you want to understand more about Hawaiian culture and the island of Oahu’s natural wonders.
7. TAKE A DINNER CRUISE OR BOAT RIDE
Nothing beats the serenity of the open sea for a leisurely catamaran cruise. You can pick from a dozen different sunset boat packages for a tour of Oahu. Keep in mind that humpback whales can sometimes be seen during sunset cruises between the months of November and March.
Most visitors to Oahu choose to go on a sunset dinner cruise. The area around Honolulu is where you’ll be sailing. Enjoy a great supper and a performance by a traditional Hawaiian luau while watching the fireworks over Waikiki Beach from the comfort of the ship.
Sunset Sailing Tours is the best option if you want to watch the sun go down but don’t feel like cooking. You’ll be sailing around some of the Pacific Ocean’s most breathtaking coastline. Both a Sunset Cocktail Cruise and a Sunset Cruise of Honolulu are available.
8. VISIT THE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER
One of the most visited places in all of Hawaii is the Polynesian Cultural Centre. Several recreated Hawaiian villages make up this theme park in the island’s northern region. Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and other Polynesian cultures are all represented with their unique villages. Luaus are a great place to learn about local traditions and music (like the ukulele).
The “Ha: Breath of Life” concert at the Polynesian Cultural Centre features over a hundred performers, live music, and stunning special effects.