Highlights Oahu Hawaii

Here we are: Oahu, Hawaii! The first stop and the first island of our island-hopping adventure in Hawaii. The third-largest island in the chain hosts the majority of the population and tourists. About 1 million residents welcome 83,000 tourists daily.

O'ahu means 'gathering place' in Hawaiian. Rightly so, since over 70% of Hawaii's total population lives on Oahu. Of these, 80% reside in the capital of the 50th US state, Honolulu.

While most tourists gather around Honolulu - especially Asians - we have fallen in love with the North Shore. But still: Honolulu, with its diverse culinary offerings and all the hustle and bustle, is kind of a must-visit. Perfect for settling in.

Do you love Japan? Then you'll love Honolulu and its many Japanese bars and restaurants. Oahu (O'ahu means gathering place) is, by the way, one of the most expensive places in the world. For locals, it is often a hard struggle for survival while we marvel at the stunningly picturesque sunsets.

One of the first questions people ask when they arrive in Oahu is: What should I do while I'm on Oahu? This is a really tough question for any local. The opportunities on Oahu seem endless.

In this article, we tried to summarize the 21 most important places, activities, and sights for one week in Oahu.

Enjoy!

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Oahu is often underestimated and has more to offer than just the attractions of Honolulu. Here you will find a list of sights on Oahu, followed by the 21 most beautiful places and our highlights.

You know those postcard images from Hawaii: sunsets with the most clichéd hues and colors? That's Hawaii! The best places to observe these are at Waikiki Beach in the south and Sunset Beach in the north.

Warning: Alcohol is prohibited on the beach. Drinking a beer at sunset is out of the question. At least not if you get caught.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii is located in Lanikai. However, before you head to the beach, you should hike to the Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise. The views from up here are stunning.

The hike is fairly short and offers a great view of the sea at sunrise.

At Lanikai Beach, the water is very calm. There are hardly any waves and it is only a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Did you know that only 75% of Oahu can be seen from the air? Be sure to take a helicopter flight over the island. We did an hour-long photo tour without doors. The pilot accommodated our wishes and flew over a spot a second time if we asked.

Bonus of the Mauna Loa Helicopter tour: Stairway to Heaven from the air. If you don't want to go for that long and adventurous, you can also book a normal flight with doors. These are cheaper but just as spectacular.

Are you a movie or series junkie? Then you can't miss the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour at Kualoa Ranch. The Kualoa Valley has served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood films and well-known series.

The most famous of these include Jurassic Park, LOST, Hawai'i Five-0, Godzilla, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and Kong.

For adrenaline junkies, it's worth exploring the privately-owned farm via ATV, zip-lining, horseback riding, or E-biking. The nature area is so vast that you can spend a whole day here.

Makapu'u Head and Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Overview Trail is a short and often heavily trafficked path.

From the top, there are great viewpoints. Whale season is from February to March. With luck, you can see whales from up here.

Diamond Head is a crater east of Waikiki. The 2 km long Diamond Head Trail leads you to the 230-meter high crater rim. From up here you have a great view of Waikiki and the sea.

The hike is very easy. Entrance is only $1.

Come as early as possible to avoid the crowds of tourists and tour buses.

Pearl Harbor became famous worldwide when on December 7, 1941, the Japanese Air Force nearly completely destroyed the US naval fleet in a surprise attack.

The USS Arizona sank with 1,102 crew members within minutes. In memory of this, the Arizona Memorial was erected above the wreck. Every year, more than 1.4 million visitors come to visit the memorial and the museum.

You can see the wreck very clearly beneath you in good weather. Oil continues to seep out periodically.

It's no surprise that Pearl Harbor is Hawaii's top attraction. Arrive very early to secure a spot for the shuttle boat to the memorial. These are popular.

The entrance includes all five memorials:

Entry to the actual USS Arizona Memorial museum is free. We recommend booking an audio guide. It's really worth it. Before the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, you will be shown a short film about the attack.

Admission to the Pearl Harbor Museum is free, which also includes the visit to the Arizona Memorial and the boat ride there.

However, the visit to the USS Arizona Memorial is limited to 1,300 per day. First come, first serve.

If you plan to visit all attractions at Pearl Harbor (Bowfin Submarine, Pacific Aviation Museum, and USS Missouri Battleship), you need to purchase the Pearl Harbor Passport. It currently costs $72.

Note: The reservation for the USS Arizona costs $1. This entrance is not included in the Pearl Harbor Passport! You must reserve this ticket in advance. Only 1,300 free tickets are handed out at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center each day.

For submarine fans, the USS Bowfin is also at the harbor. We briefly walked through it. You can also visit the aviation museum. Everything is included in the price.

We think: Pearl Harbor is a must. For us, it was good to see the site from the perspective of the USA, after we visited Hiroshima a year prior. Because Hiroshima and the atomic bomb are somehow glossed over in Pearl Harbor.

Hanauma Bay is dubbed the 'best snorkeling spot'. Idyllic aptly describes the early morning hours just after opening. By 10 AM, at the latest 11 AM, the entrance is closed: Too many people.

Entry is limited to 3,000 visitors per day. Hanauma Bay is located below Koko Crater and formed from an old volcanic crater, whose remnants are still visible above water.

Hanauma Bay is a protected bay and is heavily frequented by visitors as a top attraction of Oahu. Upon entering, you must watch a short film with an introduction. Follow the rules and respect nature!

Insider tip for snorkeling: The corals have almost completely died in the area designated for snorkeling and swimming. Stay very far left. That is where you'll find most colorful fish, sometimes sea lions or even turtles.

Warning: There are hardly any shaded areas in the bay!

In Honolulu, you can find great street art from artists in many streets. Especially the Kakaako District is colorful! Every year, there is a street art festival here that also features well-known artists like Shepard Fairey.

The most beautiful artworks can be found around the corners: Cooke and Auahi Street, Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue, Coral and Pohukaina Street, Koula Street, Lana Lane. Also, check out the little alleys and backyards.

In Waikiki, you can find many markets where you can choose from many different dishes at numerous stalls. So everyone can find something they enjoy.

Our favorites:

Soon, a detailed guide with all tips for food and drink on the island of Oahu will follow!

Swimming with sharks? Of course! I have the certification and know that sharks (no matter which kind) are usually more afraid of us. I've encountered them underwater many times, and as quickly as they came, they were gone.

Who hasn't dreamed of swimming with sharks? In Haleiwa on the North Shore, you can experience just that. Without a cage, but with scientists and biologists. On advice, we booked the first tour in the morning. The sea is calmest then, and you can relax a bit while observing the sharks around you.

First, I was given a longer stick for the action cam. 'Sharks like these action cams, and to keep them at a distance (of course, 20 cm more), you'll get this stick from us,' and I became skeptical with more phrases. Is that really so?

Yes, because if you look at the Instagram account of One Ocean Diving, you'll quickly find out that these sharks love to come very close. Tiger Sharks, Sand Sharks, Galapagos Sharks...

As we approached with the boat, we saw many shark fins above water. Oh, what had we gotten ourselves into?

When it was said: 'In the water' there was no time left for thinking.

Just dive in, enjoy the great view, and watch the sharks. Because they aren't as dangerous as we always think! We like sharks - no kidding!

Oneoceandiving.com is known for advocating for sharks and reducing fear. We only found this out during and after the trip. That's why we find it all the more beautiful that the owner is a real celebrity and has published books and films about and with sharks! So good and important!

On the tour, we saw 20 Sand Sharks, 5 Galapagos Sharks, and 1-2 Tiger Sharks.

On the North Shore of Oahu, there is the so-called 'Turtle Beach', which is actually called Laniakea Beach. The beach got the name 'Turtle Beach' for a reason; you'll usually find turtles here.

The Hawaiian Honu (green sea turtle) is classified as an endangered and protected species. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet and do not startle or touch the animals.

At Laniakea Beach, there are always volunteers who ensure that everyone keeps their distance. Since almost the same turtles come to bask on the beach, there are also signs with their names, ages, genders, and weights.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and the crowds of Waikiki is the Kamehameha Highway (Route 83), the road that runs along the North Shore of Oahu. Always alongside the blue Pacific.

The Kamehameha Highway - named after King Kamehameha the Great, who conquered and unified all Hawaiian islands in the late 18th and early 19th centuries - wraps around the Pacific from the eastern (windward) side of the island to the north and then to the west.

Along the way, you pass numerous small coves and kilometers of white sand beaches, some of which are almost deserted. In the summer, the ocean water is calmer and suitable for swimming.

Along the road, you will find food trucks and street vendors selling local delicacies like fresh pineapples, coconuts, shrimp, or Kahuku corn.

A soon-to-follow article will outline all the highlights along the scenic drive to the North Shore.

The North Shore in the north of Oahu is world-famous for its surfing beaches. The most important surfing competitions take place here every year. There is no surfer who hasn't heard of the Banzai Pipeline.

In the winter, the waves are the most dangerous. They swell up in a 90-degree angle to heights of 20 to 30 feet in seconds. If you are a second late paddling out, it will smash you and swallow you. "Wipe out" is the technical term.

Like in a washing machine, you get thrown around. The danger of the Banzai Pipeline, and what is not visible to visitors on the beach, is the razor-sharp reef that lies just below the water surface.

Parking at Ehukai Beach Park is limited. Plan for long walks to get to the beach.

The highlight of the year is the Billabong Pipeline Masters as the grand finale of the Vans Triple Crown Surfing Contest. It takes place every year between December 5th and 25th. We just missed the contest by a few days.

There's a lot to discover in Honolulu. Besides the street art and Pearl Harbor mentioned in point 9, there's Iolani Palace as well. The former royal palace tells much about the history of Hawaii.

In the immediate surroundings are Kawaiahao Church, built from 14,000 blocks of coral stone and the first Christian church in Oahu. Also nearby is Washington Place, the residence of the Governor of Hawaii.

In Honolulu, you will find numerous large shopping malls.

Most of the tourists in Oahu want to stay at the world-famous Waikiki Beach, a suburb of Honolulu.

In just a few kilometers, there are more than 200 hotels, over 1,000 shops (including in shopping malls), restaurants, and bars. This is where life pulses on Oahu.

Do you want to indulge yourself in a hotel and love shopping? Then you are in the right place. We found it interesting to stroll along the beach. We enjoyed the markets (mainly the Japanese ones) and bought our first souvenirs.

However, we prefer the charm and atmosphere of the North Shore. We especially liked Haleiwa!

On Oahu, there is almost a Farmer's Market happening somewhere almost daily. The largest is the Waikiki Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday. Every Thursday, the Haleiwa Farmers Market takes place.

Here is an overview of the farmers' markets in Oahu: hawaii.com/oahu/shopping/farmers-markets/

The road after the entrance to the botanical garden is known for numerous Instagram-worthy spots. You feel like you're in the jungle, gorgeous! The botanical garden covers 400 acres and offers numerous hiking trails.

And exactly there lies the problem: The most beautiful views can be seen from the road. Thanks to Instagrammers who have exaggerated once again, the road has been closed off for stopping. Everything is monitored and constantly patrolled. Thank you, Instagrammers, for ruining it once more.

Nevertheless, the landscape is beautiful. Go check it out!

Have you been to Kyoto (Japan) before? Then the replica of the Uji Temple may seem familiar. The Byodo-In Temple is located in the Valley of the Temples, which serves as a resting place for many deceased from Hawaii.

The main attraction in the valley is the Japanese Byodo-In Temple (translated approximately to Temple of Equality).

I discovered the temple through the series LOST. As a fan, I had to visit this temple. By the way, the Byodo-In is built without nails. Ring the bell according to Japanese custom upon entering the grounds to wish yourself luck and a long life.

In the pond in front of the temple, there are of course Koi fish, the Japanese symbol of love and friendship.

The island truly offers many beautiful beaches. However, we particularly loved Lanikai Beach and the neighboring Kailua Beach. Both are located on the east side of the island and are thus ideal for swimming in the sea.

A bit further north lies Kailua Beach. Ideal if you want to meet fewer people. We really enjoyed it here.

On the North Shore, there are numerous beautiful beaches. However, the currents are too strong in the winter months. Therefore, these are ideal for surfing, not for swimming and bathing.

Admittedly, this highlight is a bit cliché. Still beautiful. If you are in Waikiki on a Friday night, you must not miss the free spectacle.

In winter, the waves in Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach can reach 30 feet or more - the largest surfable waves in the world. But also among the most dangerous.

Especially in November and December, there are good chances that you can attend a surf contest. Admission is free. The atmosphere is always great. Especially the Pipe Masters is the ultimate event.

Be sure to check the WSL (worldsurfleague.com) website to see if a contest is taking place.

On Oahu is the most famous pineapple brand for us: Dole. You can visit the plantation. The large maze is fun for kids. Alternatively, there is a ride on the Pineapple Express through the plantation.

We did not visit the Dole plantation. I have been to plantations in Cuba and Costa Rica. However, it's fun to see the maze from the helicopter: it looks like a large pineapple.

Before the trip, we were recommended to visit the Polynesian Culture Center. Somehow we thought it would be too touristy, and planned to attend a luau on Big Island instead.

By chance, we stumbled upon a Hawaiian dance performance in a shopping mall in Waikiki. That was enough for us. We preferred going hiking.

Waimea Valley has been a holy place for Hawaiians for centuries. Since 1090, when Hawaiian priests managed the valley, Waimea Valley is often referred to as 'Valley of the Priests'.

Visit the cultural center that brings you closer to the traditions and rituals of former inhabitants. In the huge botanical garden (the drive alone is spectacular), you can see over 5,000 regional plants of the island. In Waimea Valley, you can also undertake many hikes of various lengths.

Waimea Valley is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission costs $20 (included for free in the Oahu Pass). You can find all the information on the official website.

Finding a really good travel guide for all Hawaiian islands is difficult. We found Fodor's Essential Hawaii (Fodor's Travel Guide) and Revealed Oahu Travel Guide to be the best.

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is located on Oahu. If you are arriving directly from Germany, you will most likely arrive here. We recommend a stopover in the beautiful San Francisco. Because a 18-hour flight straight is quite long.

Before the trip, we booked all flights between the Hawaiian islands with Hawaiian Airlines.

Sign up for Hawaiian Airlines' bonus program. As a member, you save money on luggage for flights between the islands. For example, the first piece of luggage on the flight from Honolulu (Oahu) to Kauai costs $15 instead of $25. With at least three flights, everyone saves $35.

View more tips for Hawaii and planning here

Costs of our flights to Oahu:

Are you staying for a week on Oahu like we did? Then consider whether to stay first in the south around Honolulu and then in the north. That's what we did.

Our really recommendable accommodations on O'ahu:

Oahu is the only Hawaiian island that you could explore by public transport. Still, we had a rental car for exploration. This way, we could set off early in the morning and stop wherever we liked.

We have tested the Oahu Pass Sightseeing Pass on Oahu. This is a city pass that you pay for once, and then you can participate for free in numerous activities. The entrance for many attractions in Oahu is included, as is some equipment (snorkeling gear, bicycles, etc.). Here I wrote an article testing & reviewing the Oahu Pass.

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