Oahu's reputation as the commercial heart of Hawaii put it at the bottom of our list for a long time. We're glad we gave it a chance. We spent 10 days on the island — adventure activities, relaxed beach time, Waikiki nightlife, museum time — and the one constant was catching sunset from wherever we happened to be each evening.
Where to Stay
🏙 Waikiki / Honolulu
Hub of tourism — most places on the island are within an hour's drive. Plenty of hotels for all budgets. Best base for first-timers.
🌊 North Shore
Laid-back surf town, far from Waikiki's bustle. Quiet after dark. Ideal if you want a slower pace and proximity to the surf scene.
🌴 Leeward Coast
Dry and sunny side of the island. Home to luxury resorts. Best for a relaxed resort-style stay.
Waikiki Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the island with gorgeous sunset views. Crowded, but worth it for sunrise or sunset. Popular for beginner surfing, paddle boarding and canoeing.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Learn about Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into WWII. Visitor center and museum are free. Paid boat tours to the USS Arizona Memorial — book in advance.
Tantalus Lookout
One of the best sunset spots on the island — no hiking required. Drive all the way up for panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head against the ocean.
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
A drive-up lookout with panoramic views of sheer cliffs and lush green valleys. As you approach, the concrete jungle disappears and gives way to raw natural beauty.
Hikes Near Honolulu
Manoa Falls Trail
One of the most rewarding hikes for the effort — a short trail through lush tropical rainforest ending at the base of Manoa Falls. Trail can be muddy; wear enclosed shoes. Trailhead is in a gated residential community with limited permits — arrive early or park curbside and add 0.6mi each way.
Lanipo Trail (Maunawili Falls)
An adventure in itself — narrow muddy path, stream crossings, easy to go off trail. Rewards are two waterfalls within 0.25 miles of each other, the second tall enough for a refreshing shower in the pool. Less crowded than Manoa Falls. Permit required ($2.50).
Koko Crater Trail (Pillbox)
Short but steep — excellent cardio. Sweeping views of residential suburbs and the coast throughout. Two concrete military bunkers ("Pillboxes") serve as rest stops and photo spots. The first stretch is very steep and slippery; ropes assist the climb.
This 10-mile stretch of the south-eastern shoreline — from China Walls to Makapu'u Point — can be covered in 4–5 hours as all stops are roadside or a short walk away.
🌊 Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Easy 2.5-mile paved trail with beautiful coastline views. No shade — do it early morning or late afternoon. In winter, look for humpback whales offshore.
🐠 Hanauma Bay
THE snorkelling spot on Oahu. State park with a $25 entry + $3 parking fee. Calm, shallow water with abundant marine life. Book in advance — numbers are capped.
💦 Halona Blowhole
Watch violent waves crash against rocks and shoot through a lava tube. Best when surf is high. Right below the lookout is Halona Beach Cove — walk down for a closer look at the waves.
🪨 Spitting Cave
Rocks with a distinct layered pattern where waves crash and are "spat out" with great force. A good sunset spot with dramatic water action.
🪨 China Walls
Similar layered rock patterns a few blocks from Spitting Cave. Rock jumping from here is considered safer. Another solid sunset spot.
🏄 Sandy's Beach
The best body surfing beach on the island. Tube waves are more common here than anywhere else on Oahu — come to watch or join in.
Lanikai & Kailua Beaches
Two sprawling white sand beaches a mile apart. Lanikai offers unobstructed views of the twin Mokulua islands — kayak out to them for a swim if conditions allow.
Byodo-In Temple
A Buddhist temple in a valley surrounded by soaring mountains — genuinely feels like a slice of paradise. The windward side keeps the peaks dramatic and cloud-capped.
North Shore
The epicentre of surfing on Oahu — draws the world's best surfers for competitions. Even as a spectator, watching tube waves at Banzai Pipeline or Sunset Beach is unforgettable.
Waimea Valley
A paved, well-maintained trail through botanical gardens ending at a waterfall with a swimmable pool. $20 entry. Multiple points of interest along the way — a good half-day stop.
North Shore Hike
Kaena Point Trail
Rugged coastline views throughout. Numerous little blowholes spouting water on the rocks along the way. Can get very hot mid-day — bring plenty of water and go early. Don't miss this if you're on the North Shore.
Where to Eat & Drink
- Waikiki & Honolulu — most variety for cuisines. World-class restaurants, rooftop bars, and every price point imaginable.
- North Shore — several excellent shave ice spots and casual food trucks along Kamehameha Highway. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is a North Shore institution.
- Post-hike in general — look for poke bowls at local supermarkets for the freshest, cheapest option on the island.
Read our complete Maui travel guide.