There are endless things to do and see while on Oahu. Everyone's trip or day-to-day lifestyle is different, but here are a few of my favorite things to see while on island. I highly advise getting out of Waikiki for a couple of days if you are staying in town, there is so much more to the island than that city life. From the beautiful beaches and sunsets on the west side, the seven mile miracle of the north shore, the beautiful, lush coastline of the eastside, or the ever changing land and sea scape of the south shore, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take a road trip and explore!
Oahu Sites
PIT STOPS AND PLACES TO SEE
Starting from the Northwest corner of the island,
here are some of my favorite pit stops
West Side Beaches
"West side is the Best side", this is definitely true for sunsets here. The west side has some of the nicest beaches, and the longest view of the sun before it passes below the ocean surface. The beaches here are long and wide, with lots of room to sunbath and snorkel. There are quite a few great spots to surf for all levels as well, just respect the locals or they will regulate. There are always large birthday celebrations and family gatherings going on, so get to the beach early if you want to score a spot anywhere near Nanakuli Beach Park. Crime is high on this side, so never leave valuables in your car and be aware of your belongings on the beach while you swim. You can drive Farrington (Hwy 93) all the way up to Yokohama Bay. Depending on the time of day, the gate into "Yokes" may be closed, and it closes fairly early in the evening so don't let your car get locked in the lot. You can actually hike to Kaena Point from here, and around to the North Shore if you're feeling frisky. From Ko'Olina resorts to Kaena, there is lots to do and see on the shores of the west side.
Electric Beach
One of my favorite places to free dive at the south-western area of Oahu. There are lots of coral gardens and sea life here. There is a small beach where you access the reef area that is usually packed with people. I would go further north if you're looking for a good beach, but this is a great place to stop for snorkeling. Sometimes the incoming waves can be a little rough because they get bottlenecked into the beach area, but stay flat and paddle out fast and you'll be OK.
Waikiki
Staying in town is a fun way to explore the city without having to deal with the stress of driving in the crazy traffic and trying to find a parking spot. There are so many things to do in Honolulu, so I would recommend staying a couple nights in town just for the views and to take the stress off your transit. There are lots of AirBnB's, condos, and hotels to choose from. The bar scene has been on the decline since Covid, but there are a few new spots on the rise. The zoo isn't too impressive, but few can compare to my home state's Henry Doorly Zoo. Biki bikes are an easy way to get around, as well as the bus, Uber and Lyft. There are ENDLESS food options down here. I can't even narrow it down, you can find anything.
Waikiki Beaches
Waikiki Beaches are usually super crowded, but fun to experience nonetheless. This iconic coastline is what many picture when you say "Hawaii", and I've even heard quite a few people call this island, "Waikiki". This is located in the heart of Honolulu, backed by the mountains to the East, and the ocean to the West. Waikiki has the calm, tropical waters you're looking for on a classic Hawaiian vacation. I usually park at the zoo because it is centrally located and cheaper compared to most spots. There are quite a few parking garages that have affordable parking as well, and the one next to Ross validates for a couple hours if you make a purchase. There are lots of shops and dining
Tantalus Lookout
This lookout is a site to see, day or night. It's a long and winding road to the top, but the views are worth the potential car sickness. You can get a stellar view of Honolulu and the surrounding neighborhoods from here, and at some points you may feel like you're driving through Seattle as the trees and scenery change. There are lots of residences up here so drive slow and carefully, especially at night.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay has been regarded as one of the best places in the world to snorkel, but as of recent years I would not recommend this to any visitors if you are looking for amazing reef life. What was once an oasis of fish and beautiful coral is now a grey and bland reef thanks to chemical sunscreens bleaching the reef and over-touristation. My favorite part of this bay is the view from above on one of the hiking trails you can access from the main highway, near the park entrance. It is beautiful to see at sunrise.
Cockroach Cove
On the other side of the southern cliff of Sandy's sits "Cockroach Cove", an area much prettier than its name suggests. This area has a pretty small beach accessed by a moderate, short hike down from the parking lot above. It is usually pretty calm on days I've driven by, but sometimes the swell kicks up some big waves at the mouth of the cove. Lots of kids like to jump off the rocks here to the left.
Sandy Beach Park
Also known as "Break Neck Beach" for having the highest number of neck fractures on the island, swimming at Sandy's should be avoided unless you are a strong swimmer. The shore break here is fast and strong, and catches many newbies off guard. The beach itself is beautiful and usually packed with high school and college kids for beach days.
Makapu'u Tidepools
These tidepools are one of the most magical spots for me on the island. They can be accessed about 3/4 of the way up on the Makapu'u lighthouse hike. There is a lookout point just above the pools, and many enter to the left of this. Carefully traverse down the winding cliffside to the pools, but only on calm days. This spot is notorious for knocking swimmers off their feet and across the sharp lava rock below during surprising swells. You could easily be swept to sea and drown if you are not careful. On a calm day, however, these tidepools can be a relaxing midpoint to a hot hike up the lighthouse trail. This clamber takes some stamina, so get ready for cardio.
kailua
Tourists love the beaches over here for their flat waves and powdery, white sand and long stretches of beach. The swells are much calmer on this side, so it's a great place to rent a kayak or paddle board. Kailua is a pretty peaceful, quiet town with lots of cute shops to check out. There are lots of restaurants, as well as a Target! The drive on the Eastern side is a beautiful one, the mountain view over here is unmatched.
Byodo In Temple - Kaneohe
The main attraction in the Valley of the Temples is a Japanese temple called Byodo-in, which translates to the “Temple of Equality.” The Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple located on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, a large cemetery on the east side of the island in Kaneohe. There is a beautiful coi pond surrounding the temple, as well as a large Gong on the left-hand side and a gift shop/ informative building on the right. The beautiful mountains of the east side frame the background of this majestic temple. It is a beautiful sight that does not take long to enjoy. You can enter the temple, just be sure to remove your shoes (slippers).
Admission to the Byodo-In Temple grounds is General Admission $5.00 (ages 13-64), $4.00 Seniors (age 65 & up), $2.00 Children (2-12 years). Cash only. One of the most popular yearly events at the Byodo-In Temple is Oban, a Japanese festival similar to America's Thanksgiving. Access the temple by entering the memorial park and driving all the way to the back, there is a small parking lot before the pedestrian access bridge.
Kaneohe Sandbar
This underwater beach is hard to see from land, but from above you can catch a glimpse of the underwater sand patch in the center of the bay. You can access this sandbar by renting a boat, kayak, or SUP from a number of rental places in the area. Taking a boat is nice, you can anchor up in the shallow water and get out to walk around, cool off, or play water volleyball.
kualoa Ranch
This ranch is best known for it's landscape featured on Jurassic Park. This whole area of the island is lush and beautiful, and can be seen from the road or toured on ATVs and buggies up close and personal.
Chinaman's Hat
This little hat-shaped island off the east side of Oahu can be viewed from shore, or be accessed via kayak/paddleboard from the beach nearby. It's pretty shallow in between the beach and the island, but I've heard the area is pretty sharky so I would definitely go on something buoyant. Once on the island, there is a short but endurance-testing hike to the top with a cool view of the eastside coastline.
kahana Bay
This Bay may not have the most beautiful beach, but the landscape is worth the look. From the dock area you get an awesome view of the East side mountains (Crouching Lion in the back). Lots of people love long boarding here on a good swell day. The beach is cute but sometimes a little fishy/stinky.
North Shore Food Trucks - Kahuku to Waialua
Food is an integral part of visiting Hawai'i. The island is a melting pot of many different cuisines from all over the world, but is known for it's plate lunch-style food trucks, many of which can be found on the Northshore. Whether you are looking for garlic shrimp, fresh from the ponds of Kahuku, shave ice, an acai bowl, or a yummy fresh fish taco, the food trucks here are a fast and delicious meal option for any time of the day.
kawela Bay
Kawela Bay is a hidden gem of the north shore. Nestled in between a privately owned beach front neighborhood and Turtle Bay Resorts, this beach is one of the most secluded on the island. The waters here are generally calm and magical. There are more surf schools popping up to take students out to the outer reef break. There is a pretty well-marked trail that leads to the beach from Kam Highway, just before the fruit stands. As you walk the path you will notice a massive Banyan tree as well. This is a relaxing beach to stroll, and you can actually walk all the way to Turtle Bay from here, following the coast and some horse trails through the trees. This spot may look familiar as well, quite a few movies and shows have been filmed back here.
North Shore Beaches
The beaches on the North Shore of Oahu are iconic and everchanging. In the summer months they offer pristine diving conditions and beautiful coastlines to walk and relax. The winter months bring in monster swells and picturesque barrels that surfers from all over the world flock to get a taste of. The beachline swaps from lava rock, to soft sand, to reef to sandstone, offering many different feels as you drive down Kam Highway. Do not miss driving the North Shore, it is a must-see and lifetime experience.
For more shots, click here
Banzai Skate Park
An iconic skate park located on the North shore of Oahu, across the road from the infamous Banzai Pipeline surf break ('Ehukai beach park). Usually packed with groms on the weekend, this park is a popular spot to shred on the north shore. Admission is free, just don't be a kook. It gets VERY hot mid-day, so bring some water. If you're in need of equipment or skate gear, @skatesupplyhi a skate shop on wheels is available everyday 4pm-7pm near the parking lot. The owner, Noah, has a pretty impressive selection of board setups or anything else you may need if you forgot yours at home or just want something fresh. The skate park is not supervised. The city and county of Honolulu will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury to users or spectators. The park can only be used for skates or skate boarding.
Sharks cove
Just past Foodland in Pupukea sits a beautiful cove frequented by divers and snorkelers. There are lots of underwater arches and caves, easily accessed once you know where to find them. Some are trickier than others to get to and get through, so stay within your limits. You can snorkel along the entire rocky area here during calm days. Generally there are lots of fish and sea life to see here.
Sharks cove Tidepools
Just west of Sharks Cove sits the urchin-plenty tidepools. This is a nice spot to take smaller children since most of it can be accessed easily, it's protected from incoming waves with a rock wall, and you can stand the whole time. The snorkeling here is nothing special. If you are confident in your snorkeling ability and don't have babies to hold, head over to sharks cove instead.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is a stunning beach tucked into the massive rocky coastline of the central north shore. This beach can go from 100+ ft visibility and calm pristine waters to 50 ft monster waves. It's amazing to see from above or ground level, and sits just across the road from Waimea Valley. During the rainy season (winter) the runoff from the Waimea Valley River occasionally flood the bay with what we like to call, "doodoo water". This is not a good time to swim unless you are looking for an ear infection. Waimea "jump rock" is also located here on the far west side of the beach. Just make sure it's a calm day before you jump, usually if the rock is covered in kids you should be good to go!
Waimea Valley Botanical Garden
One of the few waterfalls easily accessed, legal, and beautiful can be seen at the end of this botanical garden. It's not free (check current prices on their site) but it is worth the look. The garden grounds are well-maintained and full of beautiful, native plants, flowers, trees and history. There is a gift shop and some food places at the front, and peacocks greet you throughout the grounds as well.
Dole Plantation
A classic pit stop along the central drive up to north shore is the Dole Plantation. This pineapple farm is the largest on the island, and guest can see the process of how pineapples are grown, harvested, and you can even watch a demonstration on how to properly cut this delicious fruit. If you stop you have to try the "Dole Whip". This pineapple soft serve is very popular, and even sold at Disney World. Lines are usually long so get there early. Admission is free here, and there are quite a few free activities to do, but some things to pay for as well (pineapple maze, train ride).