Looking for the best things to do in Oahu? Oahu is Hawaii’s most visited island: Waikiki’s beaches and Honolulu’s city life on one side, the big-wave North Shore and quiet windward bays on the other. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for American travellers.
Best things to do in Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)
1. Waikiki Beach
Gentle surf, lessons and sunset views of Diamond Head. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
2. Diamond Head State Monument
A crater hike with reservations required for non-residents. It is great value for families.
3. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial; reserve tickets. Book tickets online to skip the line.
4. North Shore
Giant winter waves, shrimp trucks and Haleiwa town. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
5. Hanauma Bay
Snorkelling in a protected bay; reservations required. Bring a refillable water bottle.
6. Kailua and Lanikai beaches
Turquoise water on the windward side. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Travel tech we recommend
- Cameras for landscape photography BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
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7. Kualoa Ranch
Film locations and tours. Book tickets online to skip the line.
8. Iolani Palace
The only royal palace in the United States. Bring a refillable water bottle.
9. Surfing lessons
One of the most popular ways to experience Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki); ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
10. Snorkelling
One of the most popular ways to experience Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki); ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
11. Hiking
One of the most popular ways to experience Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki); ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Bring a refillable water bottle.
12. Luau
One of the most popular ways to experience Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki); ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Book tickets online to skip the line.
13. Sunset cruises
One of the most popular ways to experience Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki); ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
14. Take a day trip to Maui
Maui is known for the Road to Hana, the summit of Haleakala and resort beaches in Kaanapali and Wailea. Read our Maui travel guide. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
15. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try poke, plate lunch, shave ice, garlic shrimp and malasadas. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
When to go
The best time to visit is April to May and September to October.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Warm and sunny, with fewer crowds; a sweet spot. |
| Summer | June–August | Hot, dry and busy; calm North Shore seas. |
| Fall | September–November | Warm, quieter and better value. |
| Winter | December–March | Peak season, more rain on north shores, big surf and humpback whales. |
Where to stay
- Waikiki: Beachfront hotels and walkable.
- Ko Olina: Family resorts on the west coast.
- North Shore: Laid-back vacation rentals.
- Kailua: Quiet beach town.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–250 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $260–450 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $500–1,200 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Book Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head reservations in advance.
- Respect warning signs; North Shore winter surf is dangerous.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii bans some chemical sunscreens).
- Hawaii charges a transient accommodations tax; check total prices.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long to book a rental car.
- Ignoring ocean warning signs and currents.
- Trying to see a whole island in one day.
- Forgetting reservations for popular sites.
- Not respecting local communities and sacred places.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $780–$1,350 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,640–$2,764 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- Carry-on travel backpacks we rate BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Airline-safe power banks BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Travel gear picks BuyrSkip
Packing cubes, neck pillows and organisers that make travel days easier.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)?
For most first-time visitors it is Waikiki Beach: gentle surf, lessons and sunset views of Diamond Head.
How many days do you need in Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)?
Plan 5 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)?
April to May and September to October.
Is Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) is popular with families, beach lovers, couples and first-time Hawaii visitors.
What should I eat in Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)?
Try poke, plate lunch, shave ice, garlic shrimp and malasadas.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Oahu Travel Guide: Waikiki, North Shore and Beyond
- Maui Travel Guide: Beaches, Road to Hana and Haleakala