Hawaii is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s impossible not to love. The lush greenery and the crystal blue waters make for a true paradise. Oahu is by far my favorite Hawaiian island. Not only is Oahu home to some of the most amazing beaches in the world but you’ll also find some of the best restaurants, shopping, and great hikes of all levels of difficulty. These are five great things to do on Oahu for your next trip to Hawaii!
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Things to Do on Oahu
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens is where you’ll find the iconic road lined with palm trees which will make you feel like you’re walking right through Jurassic Park. Admission is free and you can either go camping (with a permit) or you can just go for a scenic walk or drive through the 400 acres of beautiful, lush gardens.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a must when visiting Oahu. In 1941, during World War II, Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese in a surprise attack. Today, you can come to see the remains of the USS Arizona (one of the ships that was sunk during the attack), the Battleship Missouri, as well as the Visitor Center which is home to many photos, newspaper articles, and memorabilia from that time.
To book your Pearl Harbor half-day trip, click here.
Waikiki Beach
You just can’t come to Oahu and not stop at Waikiki Beach. Waikiki is by far the most popular area on Oahu for dining, shopping, entertainment, and accommodation. This of course also makes it one of the more expensive areas on the island but it’s definitely worth checking out. Waikiki Beach itself is fairly small but it provides amazing views of Mount Leahi (Diamond Head Crater) and calm, crystal blue waters. It’s the perfect beach to head to for a quick surfing lesson!
Haiku Stairs / Stairway to Heaven
The Haiku Stairs (aka the Stairway to Heaven) is an illegal hike that many people around the world travel to Oahu just to attempt. My suggestion? Hike the legal back way to the top (Moanalua Valley Trail). It’s a much longer hike but so worth it in the end. You get the same views from the top, you still get to see the stairs, and you don’t break any laws or risk getting fined.
Don’t forget to check out my post: Hiking the Stairway to Heaven: The Legal Back Way.
Should you choose to hike the actual stairs (which I don’t recommend) keep in mind that it is completely illegal and you risk being fined $1,000 or more. There are guards at the bottom and from what I’ve heard security continues to increase. There are many sections of the stairs that are damaged or missing due to storm damage. You’ll be hiking at your own risk!
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillbox hike (also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail) is one of the easier hikes on Oahu but with amazing views from the top. You can easily reach the top in about 20 to 30 minutes where you will be rewarded with views over the Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach, and the surrounding areas.
Other Great Spots on Oahu
- Spitting Cave (great for sunset)
- Hukilau Cafe
- Dole Pineapple Plantation
- North Shore
- Diamond Head Crater
- Kailua Beach
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- Manoa Falls
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
- Makapu’u Beach
Where to Stay on Oahu
The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
The Laylow Waikiki just might be my favorite hotel that I’ve ever stayed in. Rooms come complete with a welcome basket, bathrobes, slippers, and even a ukulele!
For more info or to book a room, click here.
Hotel Renew
Affordable and located just a block away from Waikiki Beach. It doesn’t get any better than that! You have your choice of a city or ocean view room but really, you can’t go wrong with either.
For more info or to book a room, click here.
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Love this! Hawaii is also a special place to me. My aunt lives on Oahu and whenever I visit, I have to go up to the North Shore for some garlic shrimp 😍 The Polynesian Cultural Center never disappoints either!
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Oh how fun! I wish I had family there so I could have an excuse to visit way more often 😅 Oahu will forever be one of my favorites. And I definitely agree, I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center!