Things to do in Oahu

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All about Oahu

When to visit

Oahu promises sun and warm temperatures all year long. But the best time to visit is outside of the peak winter and summer seasons, between mid-December and late January and from mid-June to August. Visiting during the spring (March to early June) or fall (September to early December) shoulder seasons will mean that attractions are less crowded and rates are lower, but the weather is still pleasant. Expect temps ranging from around 70°F (21°C) to 88°F (31°C).

Getting around

Oahu’s public transportation system, TheBus, is cheap and efficient, but getting around the island entirely by bus can be time-consuming. If you are planning to venture beyond Waikiki and Honolulu, you should rent a vehicle or book a guided tour. Within Waikiki, the trolley is a great way to get to the main attractions. You can purchase a ticket that gives you unlimited rides over a certain number of days.

Traveler tips

Oahu has a packed calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. Attending one of these festivities is among the best cultural things to do in Oahu. Some of the best annual events are the Honolulu Festival in March, which features art, music, and dance from across Hawaii and Asia; the Lei Day Celebration on May Day; the King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade in June; and the Aloha Festival of Hawaiian culture in September.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should you not miss on Oahu?

Most visitors head straight for Waikiki Beach, but once you’ve soaked up the scene there, you should visit the North Shore of Oahu for top-notch beaches and cliff jumping spots, and head to Lanikai on the slower paced west coast. Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is one of the best things to do in Oahu, as is hiking up Diamond Head Crater.

What is there to do in Oahu besides the beach?

You can dive into the cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands by visiting the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, which was home to the Hawaiian monarchy. Keen hikers can follow the trail at Koko Head Stairs, shoppers can visit the Ala Moana Center, and travelers of all stripes can embark on a 30 minute helicopter ride.

Are Honolulu and Oahu the same?

No. While the words are sometimes used interchangeably, Honolulu is the name of the capital of, and largest city in, the US state of Hawaii. Honolulu is located on Oahu, which is one of the eight main islands of Hawaii—the others are Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Ni’ihau, and the Island of Hawaii (“Big Island”).

What do locals do on Oahu?

A favorite thing to do is to grab some snacks from a local Foodland supermarket and spend a day with friends on the beach—though typically not on the crowded beaches such as Waikiki. On the first Friday of the month, the Honolulu Arts District and Chinatown host a street festival filled with art, music, and food and drink specials.

Why is Oahu so popular?

Oahu holds a place in travelers’ imaginations because, for so long, it has been immortalized in travel brochures and movies. For better or worse, Oahu—with its beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees—is the embodiment of the tropical island paradise so many travelers are looking for.

What is the prettiest part of Oahu?

Above the white sands of Lanikai Beach, Kaiwa Ridge, or the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, offers some of the best views on Oahu. From the top of the trail you can take in sweeping views of the Windward Coast, over its deep blue water and offshore islands, to Chinaman’s Hat and Waimanalo.

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