Oahu Travelers Recommend

As the most-visited of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu offers plenty of evening activities. From sunset cruises and luaus to bar crawls, here are some of Oahu’s top nightlife options.

Luaus

Experience local culture and cuisine at a luau. Sample dishes, such as Kalua pork, lomi-lomi salmon, and poi (taro root paste) while watching music, hula, and knife-fire dancing. Luaus can be found all over the island, and many places put their own unique twist on the experience.

Sunset and Night Cruises

Soak up views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline at sunset on a cruise. Most cruises include dinner and live entertainment, so you can hit the dance floor as you sail beneath the stars. Those cruising on a Friday night will also be treated to the weekly fireworks display off Waikiki Beach. Plus, there’s still plenty of time to hit the town after a cruise.

Live Music and Bar and Club Hopping

Once the sun goes down, head to Waikiki Beach for the island’s best nightlife options. Enjoy drinks with a view of the ocean or listen to live music that ranges from Hawaiian and jazz to popular hits—you can even sing along at karaoke. Waikiki is also home to swanky nightclubs with popular DJs.

Night Sightseeing

Get a different perspective of top Oahu attractions on an evening tour, which let you escape the heat and crowds. Catch the sunset from Diamond Head; hike down to Waimea Valley in the moonlight; take a twilight tour of Honolulu Zoo; experience ARTafterDARK at the Honolulu Museum of Art; or go on a ghost tour of Waikiki.

The island of Oahu, home to the Hawaiian state capital, has it all—turquoise waters, sandy beaches, traditional culture, historic sites, and a buzzing urban vibe. Adventurous types will find plenty of outdoor activities, both on and off the water, while those looking for a more low-key vacation can explore the island’s rural side or dive into its multicultural heritage. With so much to do on this slice of tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on the island’s best experiences. From the sun-kissed beaches and bustling markets of Waikiki to the crashing waves and spectacular sunsets of the North Shore, add these activities to your Oahu must-do list.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki by exploring Oahu’s Technicolor underwater landscape. Commune with sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish while listening to humpback whales’ songs echo along the reef. Whether you snorkel, dive, paddle, or otherwise get into the water, here are some of Oahu’s best underwater adventures.

Take a Snorkeling Cruise by Catamaran to Turtle Canyon

Soak up the sun while sipping cocktails and cruising aboard a catamaran off Waikiki Beach, then don your snorkel and mask for an adventure at Turtle Canyon. The reef site, within view of the downtown skyscrapers and iconic Diamond Head Crater, teems with green sea turtles.

Try Scuba Diving, Snuba, or Underwater Scooters

Itching for a more immersive underwater experience? Certified divers can take a 2-tank boat ride to sites with sunken WWII-era airplanes and shipwrecks. First-timers can breathe underwater too in a “discover scuba” or snuba adventure (where your air is supplied from the surface)—both allow you to stay down long enough to navigate coral pinnacles and befriend colorful fish. In Maunalua Bay, near Hawaii Kai, leave the strenuous kicking up to machines while taking a tour of the seafloor in a self-propelled underwater scooter.

Stay Dry in a Submarine or Glass-Bottom Boat

Search for dolphins and spouting whales at the surface while monitoring the underwater world below in a 2-hour glass-bottom boat tour from Honolulu’s Kewalo Basin Harbor. To go deeper and still stay dry, take a submarine tour through coral reefs with local naturalist guides. Unlike with snuba or scuba, you’ll be able to hear all the commentary and ask questions as you survey the underwater scene.

Dive with Sharks

Thrill-seekers should head to Haleiwa on the island’s North Shore, where boat charters head for the deep blue. Bold guests slide into protective metal cages and drop into the ocean for eye-to-eye views of cruising grey reef sharks, sandbar sharks, and hammerheads.

Kayak to Remote Beaches to Snorkel with Tropical Fish

On the Windward Coast of Oahu, rent kayaks to explore hidden pockets of white sand and offshore seabird sanctuaries; their remote locations make them prime snorkeling spots. From this vantage point you’re also in a prime spot for whale watching (in season, November through March).

With two full days on Oahu, you can spend one day discovering the natural and cultural attractions of the greater Hawaiian island, and another day taking part in island activities in and around Honolulu and Waikiki. Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable 48-hour itinerary that suits your—and your family’s—interests.

Day 1: Explore the Island

**Morning:**To see as much of Oahu as possible in one day with the least amount of hassle, embark on a full-day circle island tour, which provides an island overview and covers top attractions including the North Shore beaches, Diamond Head, the Dole Plantation, and Hanauma Bay. Alternatively, rise early to dive with sharks off the North Shore. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re not on a circle island tour, opt for a helicopter tour and get the ultimate perspective on Oahu’s beaches, bays, and mountains. Or check out one of the island’s most scenic locations—Kualoa Ranch—where you can ride ATVs, zipline, and see Jurassic Park filming locations.

**Night:**Enjoy a traditional luau and other Polynesian activities with an evening visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu’s northeast coast. The luau package includes dinner and a captivating hula, music, and fire-knives performance.

Day 2: Enjoy Local Experiences

**Morning:**Before the heat sets in, see the sights of Honolulu on a bike tour or head up to Diamond Head State Monument on a guided walking tour of the crater. To visit Pearl Harbor as efficiently as possible, opt for a half-day tour.  

**Afternoon:**For independent sightseeing with convenient transportation, book a ticket on the Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley or check out Honolulu’s culinary scene on a foodie bike tour. If you prefer to be in the water, a snorkeling catamaran cruise can’t be beat.

**Night:**Head out to sea on a dinner cruise to enjoy the evening air, watch the sunset, and look back at Oahu from the boat deck. Music lovers might want to check out the Rock-a-Hula show for a Vegas–style performance.

A full Hawaiian experience can be yours even with just a 3-day trip thanks to our activity-filled itinerary that combines Oahu’s sights, culture, and adventures—and even two Hawaiian islands. Here are some top ways to maximize your 72 hours in Honolulu, Waikiki, and beyond. 

Day 1: In and Around Waikiki

Spend the morning taking part in outdoor activities—you won’t get too hot as you climb up Diamond Head State Monument on a guided walking tour or see the sights of Honolulu on a bike tour. Then, maximize your time at Pearl Harbor by taking a half-day tour that starts at the monument. If you’re a serious history buff, however, you’ll want to opt for a private Pearl Harbor day tour for a longer in-depth experience. In the afternoon, a snorkeling catamaran cruise is an ideal way to cool off and enjoy the water, while a Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley experience offers the opportunity for some independent sightseeing. End the day with a sunset dinner cruise or the Rock-a-Hula show, a Hawaiian take on Las Vegas–style entertainment.

Day 2: Greater Oahu

To see as much of Oahu as you can in one day with the least amount of hassle, take a full-day circle island tour. You’ll get out of the city for an overview of the island with visits to top attractions such as the Dole Plantation, North Shore beaches, and Hanauma Bay. Alternatively, marvel at Oahu from above on a helicopter tour, or check out Kualoa Ranch, one of the island’s most scenic locations, to zipline, ride ATVs, or see filming locations from movies such as Jurassic Park. Then, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center, on Oahu’s northeast coast, for a traditional luau and a captivating music and dance performance.

Day 3: Island-Hopping

Hawaii’s islands are diverse and unique, each boasting its own natural environment, whether lush or covered in lava. Once you’ve explored Waikiki and the rest of Oahu, you can take an easy day trip via a short interisland flight to find out how the isles compare. On the Garden Isle of Kauai, see the stunning Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon by helicopter; on Maui, journey along the Road to Hana and go swimming in tropical waters; on the Big Island, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and hike to thundering waterfalls. No matter which island you choose to explore, end your long but adventurous day with a brief return flight to Oahu.

With one day on Oahu, you might want to spend all your time on the beach and in the water. But if the history, culture, and natural attractions in and around Honolulu also appeal, there are several ways to explore—and still have some time for fun in the Hawaiian sun. Here are our favorite options for one day in Oahu.

Morning: Explore

During the cooler morning hours, head up to the top of Diamond Head crater on a guided tour for prime views of Waikiki and the Pacific from this state monument on Oahu’s southern tip. Alternatively, join a leisurely bike tour of Honolulu that includes stops in Chinatown and at Aloha Tower. Both are morning tours, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day how you wish. If you’re set on visiting Pearl Harbor as quickly as possible during your one day, take a half-day tour that starts at the monument.

Afternoon: Beach Time

After lunch, when you’re ready to relax and cool off, Oahu’s white sands and blue waters beckon. Waikiki and other island beaches offer a variety of water activities that will keep you and the family entertained. Fly high above the ocean on a parasailing ride, try out a submarine scooter, experience a water-powered jetpack, or take a snorkeling catamaran cruise to look for Hawaiian marine life. If you’d rather skip the beach, book a ticket on the Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley to do some sightseeing at your own pace with easy transportation.

Night: Set Sail

Take advantage of the idyllic tropical island setting on a dinner cruise. You’ll have a prime location to watch the sunset, sip a beverage on the boat deck, and enjoy a unique perspective on Oahu: from the water. Alternatively, for something specifically Hawaiian, opt for a luau experience, where you can watch the sunset from the beach; dine on local fare like kalua pig, poi, and pineapple slaw; and enjoy Polynesian-style cultural performances by hula and fire-knife dancers. Convenient pickup and drop-off in Waikiki make it easy to attend a luau.

Imagine coming face-to-face with a wild, Hawaiian green sea turtle, feeling firsthand the awesome power of a breaching humpback whale, snorkeling with dolphins... or is that shark?! Here are some of the best ways to encounter sea life on Oahu.

Snorkeling

Whether it’s swimming in Hanauma Bay amid schools of colorful reef fish or searching for honu, Hawaiian for green sea turtle, on a catamaran cruise off the coast, snorkeling is one of the easiest ways to experience Oahu’s sea life. Choose from guided North Shore snorkel trips to kayaking off Kaneohe, where you can beach your boat and explore the underwater world.

Scuba Diving

Beat the snorkeling crowds by strapping on a tank, jumping in the water, and going deeper than everyone else. If you’re a certified scuba diver, you can explore shipwrecks and underwater caves, and search for nudibranchs, garden eels, and sharks that frequent the tropical deep. If you’ve never gone diving but want to try, sign up for introductory dives, where a professional instructor is right by your side to teach you basic scuba skills.

Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises

It’s possible to encounter dolphins or whales on a sailing or snorkeling trip, but you can far increase your chances by going on a boat tour that focuses on finding these creatures. From December to April, Oahu’s waters are teeming with migrating humpback whales, which swim from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth just offshore. Spinner dolphins, on the other hand, are local Hawaii residents, as are bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin and whale-watching cruises depart from various spots across the island.

Shark Diving

As death-defying and scary as it sounds, shark diving off Oahu’s North Shore is actually one of the island’s most popular and unforgettable activities. From inside a safe, underwater cage, watch as Galapagos, hammerhead, and gray reef sharks emerge from the blue depths and swim curiously around your cage with a powerful sense of grace. You’ll also likely hear whales in the winter months—and because it’s out in the big blue, there’s really no telling what you might see once your cage slips under the surface.

Submarine Adventures

If you want to experience the underwater world without getting your hair wet, consider a submarine ride off Oahu’s southern coast. These adventures are perfect for families with young kids or those who aren’t strong swimmers, as you can view reef fish and corals right from your porthole window. Though a bit counterintuitive, it’s also the perfect water activity when it’s too rainy to go snorkeling or diving.

The warm, shallow waters around Hawaii are perfect for those who crave speed and out-of-your-comfort-zone thrills. Water sport rentals and guided experiences are available to take you to the ocean’s best spots. Here are some of our favorite extreme water sports in Oahu.

• Climb into a submerged cage and swim with sharks off the North Shore.

• Learn to surf on Honolulu’s easy breaks, then head to the North Shore and watch the experts ride giants.

• Zip past the sunbathers on Waikiki Beach atop a personal Jet Ski or grab some friends and get ready to cling for dear life to bumper tubes or a banana boat raft towed behind a speedboat.

• Explore sunken shipwrecks and coral-crusted sites on an scuba diving adventure day trip. Not scuba certified? Relax and ride below the surface in the protective bubble of a self-propelled underwater scooter.

• Embrace technology and get your adrenaline pumping as you soar above the waves east of Honolulu using a water-propelled jetpack.

• Snorkel past octopus, sea turtles, spiny urchins and even reef sharks in the protected preserve at Hanauma Bay.

• Parasail off iconic Waikiki Beach within view of sunbathers and Diamond Head Crater.

There’s really no bad time to visit Oahu, but spring might be the island’s best season. From March through May, the temperature is warm, but not too hot; there are fewer tourists than in summer and winter; and Honolulu springs to life with a bounty of cultural festivals, including the Honolulu Festival and May Day Lei Celebration. Here are our favorite ways to experience Oahu in spring.

• See Honolulu’s top attractions aboard an open-air, hop-on hop-off bus or trolley. 
• Soar over the island’s steep mountains, lush valleys, and shimmering waterfalls on a scenic helicopter tour. 
• Thoroughly explore the island on a circle island tour that takes in all of its must-see landmarks.
• Immerse yourself in nature with a hike to Manoa Falls.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay.
• Explore Kualoa Ranch and see where some of your favorite movies were made.
• Eat your way around Honolulu’s Chinatown. 
• Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau at Paradise Cove.

With warm weather and minimal rainfall all year round, Oahu is beautiful any time you choose to visit. That said, a summertime visit ensures not only the tropical beach days that Hawaiian vacations are made of but also plenty of water sports, outdoor adventures, and cultural events. Here are a few activities for your visit to the island.

• Watch hula dancing and try traditional Hawaiian dishes at a luau.
• Circle the island and see all the highlights on a guided coach tour.
• Get unobstructed views of the island on an open-door helicopter tour.
• Swim with green sea turtles on a snorkeling trip to Turtle Canyon.
• Delve into the past at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
• Honor history on a skip-the-line tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
• Explore Ka’a’awa Valley on a horseback ride or ATV tour.
• Indulge in a buffet of fresh local food while listening to live music on a sunset dinner cruise.
• Enjoy the views and the adrenaline rush of a zipline tour through the Ka’a’awa Valley.
• See sharks up close from the security of a cage on a shark cage–diving adventure.

If you see the great outdoors as a playground, then Oahu has got you covered in spades. From taking part in high-intensity water sports and zooming around the landscape on an ATV or zipline to diving beneath the waves to see the ocean’s top predators, here are the top Oahu experiences for thrill-seekers.

• Follow winding dirt two-tracks on an ATV tour through scenery used in filmingJurassic Park, George of the Jungle, and The Hunger Games at Kualoa Ranch.

• Hike to the top of some of Hawaii’s most iconic volcanic remnants for dizzying panoramic views. Try Diamond Head or Koko Head Crater before attempting the ridiculously steep slopes of the Ko’olau Mountains along the island’s windward coast.

• Slip beneath the water’s surface to get a look at the ocean’s top predators on a shark cage dive departing from Haleiwa on the North Shore.

• Soar 700 feet (213 meters) above the sea buoyed by a parachute on a parasailing adventure off Waikiki, or strap on a jet pack for a flying lesson in the waters east of Honolulu.

• Feel the wind whip your hair while getting a bird’s-eye view of the Hawaii scenery — lush valleys, pounding waterfalls, and shallow coral seas — from an open-door helicopter tour.

• Lock in to the 14 tandem zipline cables that thread through the Ka'a'awa Valley.

• Learn to surf the beginner breaks of Waikiki Beach, or, in winter, head to the North Shore to watch the experts ride giant waves topping 50 feet (15 meters).

• Attempt one of the North Shore cliff jumps.

As summer vacations end and temperatures dip slightly, you’ll find fewer visitors on Oahu, meaning less-crowded attractions and lower room rates. Add in a bounty of cultural activities and festivals, and you’ll see why fall is a great time to visit. Here are our top suggestions if you’re visiting Oahu in autumn.

• Discover top Honolulu and Waikiki attractions aboard an open-air, hop-on hop-off bus or trolley.
• Embark on a hiking tour to Manoa Falls, the island’s tallest accessible waterfall.
• Pedal between historic sites on a bicycle tour.
• Discover why movie directors love filming at Kualoa Ranch on an ATV adventure.
• Head to the North Shore to check out the swells and surf scene.
• Watch a spectacular fireworks display from the deck of a catamaran on a dinner cruise.
• Take a snorkeling tour to explore life under the island’s crystal-clear water.
• Watch Polynesian dancers and indulge in a Hawaiian feast at the Chief’s Luau.
• Get a bird’s-eye view of the island’s beaches, valleys, and mountains on an open-door helicopter ride.

Tropical Oahu is ringed by coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life including butterfly fish, moray eels, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Snorkeling cruises can help you access some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Here’s what to expect on an Oahu snorkel tour.

Highlights

• See coastal Oahu from a catamaran or sailboat, then head below the clear water for a snorkel adventure.

• Learn about the area’s tropical fish and other marine life from naturalist guides on your snorkel tour.

• Most snorkeling cruises run between two and six hours, allowing for plenty of time for underwater exploration and relaxed cruising.

• Spot Hawaiian spinner dolphins and, if visiting between November and March, perhaps some breaching humpback whales en route to snorkeling sites.

• Cruises allow you to go beyond shore-access sites such as Hanauma Bay to explore harder-to-get-to offshore snorkeling spots like calm Kaneohe Bay, Turtle Canyon off Waikiki Beach, sites near the filming location of Gilligan’s Island, hidden coves along the North Shore, and sites beyond the Waianae Mountains along the rugged Leeward Coast.

• Enjoy a Hawaiian lunch or dinner on longer charters.

• Nearly all tours include snorkel gear—wetsuits, masks, and fins.

• Tours often include round-trip hotel transfers to the pier or harbor of departure.

When it comes to flights, accommodation, and meals out, visiting Oahu can be expensive. With careful planning, though, you don’t have to spend a fortune on sightseeing. Here are our tips for saving money on the Hawaiian island.

Book a Combo Tour

If you’re on a budget but still want to do as much as possible, it pays to book a combo tour that combines two best-selling activities—such as a visit to Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city tour—at a discounted rate.

Go on a Circle Island Tour

You can circle the entire island and tick off all Hawaiian highlights in a single day. Booking a Circle Island tour means you can save money on renting a car, without having to sacrifice any of the landmarks that are tricky to get to by public transportation, such as Byodo-In Temple and the Halona Blowhole.

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Some of the most popular attractions in the Honolulu area, such as Pearl Harbor and Makapu’u Point, are spread out. To save on transportation, opt for hop-on hop-off bus tour that transports you all around the city and allows you to customize your own itinerary. 

Choose a Tour that Includes a Meal or Tastings

Instead of booking a regular walking tour, choose one that includes food tastings to save on the cost of meals. Some experiences—such as cooking classes, culture-themed walking tours, and snorkeling and sunset cruises—even include a full lunch or dinner.

Winter is peak season on Oahu, when the island lures visitors who want to celebrate the holidays island-style and avoid the cold temperatures elsewhere in the US. This is also prime surfing season, when the waves get huge and surfers try their luck. Here are our picks for the best ways to experience Oahu in winter.

• Board an open-air, hop-on hop-off bus or trolley to discover Honolulu and Waikiki attractions at your own pace.
• Try to spot migrating humpback whales off the coast on a whale-watching excursion.
• Watch massive waves roll in—and brave surfers tackle them—on the North Shore.
• Commemorate the anniversary of the infamous December 7 attack at Pearl Harbor.
• Go horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch.
• Take a romantic catamaran dinner cruise, and watch a spectacular fireworks display from the deck.
• Soar over beaches, valleys, and waterfalls on an open-door helicopter ride.
• Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Oahu’s heady mixture of palm-fringed white sand beaches, lush waterfall-filled jungle, and local culture make this island an excellent setting to bond with the kids, log some serious beach time, and take a break from life’s rigors. Here are some tips for your spring break trip in Oahu.

• Spring break tends to fall near the end of Oahu’s humpback whale-watching season, so get a marine biology lesson aboard a whale-watching cruise, or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try cage diving with Galapagos and sandbar sharks on boat charters departing the North Shore.

• Zipline through the jungle or take an ATV tour at Kualoa Ranch in the same location where characters from the 2016 film Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates did their epic jumps.

• Find your center atop a paddleboard yoga class or surf lesson in the beginner waves off Waikiki.

• Get lost in the maze at the Dole Plantation before rewarding yourself with a creamy, pineapple Dole Whip.

• Take a tour of the North Shore to see the big waves at Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline, then swim under Wailua Falls before stopping in Haleiwa for some shaved ice or poke.

• Watch the hypnotic rhythms of fire knife dancers at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s theatrical but authentic luau.

Oahu is a popular honeymoon destination, and for good reason: from remote beaches and hidden waterfalls to jaw-dropping-sunsets, Oahu some seriously romantic settings. Here are a few ideas for couples planning a romantic getaway on the island.

Watch the Sunset from the Water

There’s something super romantic about being on the water, especially while admiring a sunset on the Pacific Ocean. Lounge aboard an intimate sailboat or catamaran with a glass of Champagne or wine in hand, or opt for a luxurious mini-yacht experience, complete with dinner and live entertainment. Pick a Friday night departure to be dazzled by the weekly fireworks on Waikiki beach.

Book a Private Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a private sightseeing tour tailored to couples and receive undivided attention from your guide in your choice of vehicle. Circle the whole island, focus just on the North Shore, stop at popular attractions, or go in search of secluded beaches and hidden waterfalls.

Enjoy Fun Activities Together

Enhance your romance by trying new or fun activities together. Learn to surf, go kayaking, or snorkel hand-in-hand. Thrill-seeking couples can enjoy a tandem parasailing tour or go horseback riding.

Take in the Sights on a Helicopter Ride

Take to the skies during a romantic helicopter ride over the island. Depending on the lighting you want, take a scenic flight during the day, at sunset, or at night. Book a private, doors-off tour for the most memorable experience.

Thirty minutes by plane and 80 miles (129 kilometers) is all that separates Oahu from tranquil Maui, where sparkling waterfalls splash down verdant slopes and sugar-white beaches beckon to locals and visitors alike. If you’re based in Honolulu or elsewhere on Oahu, luckily you can get a taste of this Hawaiian beauty on a day trip.

Highlights

• Take a bus tour of the stunning Road to Hana on Maui’s windward side.

• Admire the views from the top of Mt. Haleakala, the highest point on the island.

• Cool off with a swim in the Seven Sacred Pools of Ohe‘o Gulch.

• Catch some rays on the black-sand beaches of Wai‘anapanapa State Park.

• Snap photos from scenic spots like the Keanae Lookout and roadside Wailua Falls.

• Explore charming and historic Hana Town.

• Pay your respects at the grave of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh.

Things to Know

You can choose a Maui day trip focusing on the Road to Hana and East Maui coast or the central highlands and Iao Valley.

Many full-day tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki as well as round-trip airfare.

A 1-day tour can last upwards of 14 hours, so prepare for a long day.

Hawaii’s Big Island, just under 200 miles (322 kilometers) from urban Honolulu, has many things the latter does not: smoldering volcanoes, black-sand beaches, epic waterfalls, coffee and macadamia nut plantations, and world-famous stargazing. Here’s how to experience the best of the Big Island as a day trip from Oahu.

Highlights

• Most Big Island tours visit popular sights inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including Kilauea volcano’s erupting Halemaumau Crater, the Jaggar Museum, steam vents, and Thurston Lava Tube.

• Tours also include some outside-of-the park stops such as Rainbow Falls, the Big Island Candies factory, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory, Hamakua Nut Farm, Punalu‘u black-sand beach, Parker Ranch in Waimea, and additional sites in the towns of Hilo and Kailua-Kona.

• Tours typically include round-trip airfare from Honolulu on Oahu to the Big Island’s Hilo or Kailua-Kona airport.

Things to Know

• Flights are the only way to travel between Oahu and the Big Island. The flight from Honolulu to Hilo or Kona is about 45 minutes.

• Some tours fly into Hilo and stay mainly on that (eastern) side of the island, where the national park is. If you want to see the west side’s Kealakekua Bay or are a fan of Kona coffee, make sure to book a circle island tour.

• As its name suggests, the Big Island is big. Day trips can last upwards of 15 hours—prepare for a long day with lots of scenic driving.

• Because the Big Island has lots of elevation changes amid its five massive volcanoes, weather can vary from one part of the island to the next. Wear layers, and be sure to pack rain gear for your visit to the rain forests around Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

You can’t visit the Hawaiian islands without getting your feet wet in the Pacific Ocean. Pair your beach lounging time with a surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking experience on Oahu—whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here are your options.

Surfing The gentle waves in Hawaii make it a good place for beginners to hop on a surfboard and test their balance. Sign up for a lesson with a local to learn the basics and you'll be riding the waves in no time.

Paddleboarding Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the United States' fastest-growing activities, and it all started here in Hawaii with a couple of visionary surfers. Rent a board or take a lesson and join the stand-up movement.

Kayaking For those who want to get in on the action and enjoy the scenery, kayaking is the best option. Spend an afternoon on a guided excursion for uninterrupted coastal views, close looks at sealife, and opportunities for snorkeling.

There’s much more to the island of Oahu than beaches, surfboards, and palm trees. It’s also the site of the Pearl Harbor attack—“a day that will live in infamy.” You can pay your respects and brush up on history at these notable stops.

Pearl Harbor

Site of the infamous Japanese attack, Pearl Harbor is where America officially became involved in World War II. Thousands of American sailors and pilots lost their lives at the site, an event that’s memorialized at what is now a powerful outdoor museum. Stroll the decks of battleships, see fighter planes that took to the skies to stave off the sudden attack, and know that whatever your itinerary at the museum, you’ll want to stop to pay your respects at the Arizona Memorial.

**How to Visit:**There are numerous private and small-group tours offering daily trips to Pearl Harbor. A guided tour can save you the time of waiting in line at the entrance of the popular attractions.

Punchbowl and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Thousands of American service members have found their final resting place at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (called “Punchbowl” by locals). Massive efforts have been undertaken to identify remains in foreign lands and have them repatriated to Punchbowl. Its unique setting inside of a crater allows for a calm and serene location away from the city bustle.

**How to Visit:**Punchbowl can seen as part of a package tour along with Pearl Harbor, or you can also visit on a Honolulu city tour. Tour guides tell stories behind many of the gravesites.

Oahu appeals to vacationers with its sunny beaches, rich Polynesian culture, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks. The kind of activities you plan to take part in will help you decide where to stay. Whether you’re visiting for the surf breaks or the nightlife, here’s a handy guide to where to stay on Oahu.

Waikiki

You’ll find the widest range of accommodation options—with an emphasis on big, luxe resorts—in Waikiki, Oahu’s hub. As well as easy access to that famous stretch of beach, Waikiki appeals with its swath of restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues.

Kailua

On the windward (eastern) side of the island, Kailua is a scenic area with plenty of natural attractions to explore, including Hanauma Bay and Lanikai Beach. Vacation-home rentals are most common.

North Shore

Home of big-wave surfing and a charming “hang loose” vibe, North Shore offers a breezy, beachy stay best-suited to more casual travelers. There are a few resorts around here, but you’ll generally find more boutique-style lodging and vacation rentals—and a limited choice of restaurants and nightlife.

Koolina

Those interested in water sports may be drawn to Koolina, on the leeward (western) side of Oahu. This area appeals with a wide range of accommodation options, plenty of activities along the coast, and proximity to Pearl Harbor.

Waianae

If you really want to get away from it all, Waianae is a good choice. Here you’ll get to enjoy off-the-beaten-path beaches without the crowds typical of much of the rest of the island, and it’s also the best place to see the sunset. Surfers should make a beeline for Makaha Beach.

Vine-encrusted trees, wild ginger, and huge ferns populate lush rain forest in the mountains just beyond bustling Honolulu. Rain forest tours—on foot or by vehicle—help visitors navigate this natural landscape in search of waterfalls, epic valley views, and even hidden templates. Here are your options for Oahu rain forest excursions.

Waterfall Hiking Tours

Join a group trek departing Waikiki for the ridge trails of Oahu’s Ko’olau Mountains set alongside streams, swimmable natural pools, and ancient Hawaiian rock terraces. You’ll learn about jungle herbs, fruits, and plants important to Hawaiian culture on your guided, round-trip journey. If you’re looking for waterfalls, take a guided trek through Manoa Valley to its impressive 150-foot (46-meter) waterfall, or head to the Waimea Falls’ landscaped gardens and rain forest paths on the North Shore.

Jeep Tours

Set out by jeep or 4x4 to head deep into the rain forest and down rugged roads off limits to most rental cars. Choose a circle island tour to hit a mix of rain forest hikes and sightseeing highlights (such as Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, and the tucked-away Byodo-In Temple), or select a custom itinerary to lesser-visited sites like the North Shore wilds seen in the six-season TV show Lost. On Kualoa Ranch tours, safari-style vehicles traverse jungle landscapes so gnarly that it doesn’t take much imagination to imagine the area as a refuge for dinosaurs; in fact, the setting was a filming location for Jurassic World.

Things to Know

• Though Oahu’s weather is generally sunny and hovers around 80°F (26°C) year-round, it’s best to come prepared for rain with a light jacket or poncho.

• Regular rain (especially during the winter rainy season) can muddy hiking paths and trails, making them slippery. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes (avoid flip-flops!) are a must.

• Some tour guides carry and offer mosquito repellant.

• Rest assured that Hawaii’s tropical rain forests are free of snakes.

• Prolonged, heavy rains can wash out trails and cause dangerous flash flood conditions. Listen to your tour guide to avoid dangerous situations.

Most Hawaii visitors route through Honolulu—and many spend their entire vacation there—but there’s so much more to see and do on the neighboring islands of Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Here are some tips for island-hopping around the Hawaiian Islands from Oahu via interisland tour.

Kauai Day Trips from Oahu

Rural Kauai, with sleepy surf shacks, billowing taro fields, and a profusion of roosters, beckons visitors seeking a quiet Hawaii retreat. Interisland tours take in stops like Waimea Canyon (“the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), the secluded Fern Grotto on the Wailua River, and the dramatic 4,000-foot (1,219-meter) sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

Big Island Day Trips from Oahu

The Big Island is great for adventure travelers who crave wide open spaces. It’s also the only Hawaiian island with active volcanoes; see Kilauea’s glow in the summit lava lake or hike down to where recent flows have formed new land within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Taste Kona coffee at its source on a farm tour, walk through dark lava tubes, loll on a black-sand beach, and see where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii in 1778.

Maui Day Trips from Oahu

Romantic and luxurious Maui—with its mix of upscale resorts, white-sand beaches and farmland—has something for everyone. Watch a spectacular top-of-the-world Haleakala sunrise, shop and explore in the old whaling and sugar port of Lahaina Town, swim beneath a waterfall along the legendary Hana Highway, or sample Maui-made goods such as wine, chocolate, goat cheese, and lavender tea.

Things to Know

• All neighbor island visits from Oahu require air travel; one-way flight times are between 30 and 50 minutes.

• Interisland tours bundle round-trip air from Honolulu with a guide and transportation at your destination.

• A variety of interisland escapes exist, including circle-island tours to hit multiple highlights; helicopter tours that afford spectacular aerial views and go where vehicles can’t; or destination-specific tours to the islands’ most iconic sites.

• All interisland day tours are action packed and usually get an early start. Plan for tours lasting between eight and 15 hours.