Oahu Island Travel & Vacation Guide

The Bishop Museum provides excellent exhibits of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, including Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms. The museum was founded in 1889 in honor of the royal Kamehameha family and it is definitely one of the must sees when visiting Honolulu.

Ring the 5-foot and 3-ton brass bell for good luck, feed droves of eager carp, ducks and swans in the garden's pond, or just relax in the ambiance of the Byodo-In Temple. However, make sure to visit the 2-ton carved wooden statue of the Buddha sitting placidly inside the replica Temple, hearkening 11th century Uji, Japan.

The sprawling Cultural Plaza in Chinatown is a shopping square surrounding a courtyard that hosts an incense-enveloped shrine and the Moongate stage for holiday performances. Near the canal, you will meet local community members playing cards and mah-jong.

Hawaii’s most famous landmark, the Diamond Head, is a volcanic crater with a 360-degree view over the island, and its name comes from English sailors who thought its calcite crystals were pure diamonds. The scenic hike up to the summit, taking the so-called stairway to heaven, will not be soon forgotten, and so it happens to the views from atop.

The days of pineapple plantations were pivotal for the economic success of Hawaii, and visitors are now given the chance to explore this rich history. At Dole Plantation, exhibits will tell you more about this far-reaching market, while a gift shop, a snack concession, educational displays and the world's largest maze will serve your entertainment.

For peace and relaxation away from the bustle of tourist areas, head to the Foster Botanical Gardens and walk among a variety of placating bromeliads, orchids and other tropical plants. Many of the trees are still in residence from 1853, when Queen Kalama leased a portion of her land.

On this 7-acre farm, 2,000 arabica trees grow typical coffee beans from all over the Hawaiian islands. Free samples of at least 5 varieties of coffee are always available in the store, and you can also enjoy a fresh cup at the espresso bar. However, do not forget to go on a self-guided tour to learn more about the production on the farm itself.

Hanauma Bay is a marine nature reserve and one of Oahu’s most iconic snorkeling destinations. Glide through its crystal-clear waters to encounter shimmering schools of silver fish, vibrant parrotfish, and even curious sea turtles that might swim right up to you. As a protected marine-life conservation district, the bay is a haven for biodiversity, but its popularity also poses a challenge. The delicate ecosystem faces ongoing threats from the very visitors who come to admire its beauty, making responsible tourism essential for its preservation.

You can't leave Hawaii without enjoying an authentic luau. And this one on Oahu promises to give you and your family an experience to be remembered for years to come. Immerse yourself in island culture as you watch a Polynesian show, learn headband weaving, or take a hula dance lesson. Then, indulge in a Hawaiian feast, including pineapple-glazed chicken and kalua pork.

This lively beachfront bar serves in the memory of Duke Kahanamoku who was the legendary Waikiki surfer, winning Olympic medals in swimming and introducing surfing to Australia and New Zealand. Head here for some drinks and to learn more about this legend.

The intimate and candle-lit ambiance at Genius Lounge is sophisticated but laid-back and, as it is very inviting, regularly attracts locals and tourists alike. Their menu offers a wide selection of cocktails and sake, as well as Japanese-inspired dishes and Hawaiian fare.

Hanks Cafe is a beloved local dive bar where live contemporary Hawaiian music sets the vibe, and friendly service keeps the drinks flowing. Owner Hank Taufaasau originally opened the space as an art gallery to showcase his paintings and prints, but he added the bar to cover the bills — as he puts it, "Artists starve!" At Hanks Cafe, though, no one leaves hungry for good music, great drinks, or a welcoming atmosphere.

Hula's is Hawaii's oldest and best-known gay-friendly nightspot. Enjoy the view of Diamond Head and Waikiki beach during the day and head over to the dance floor during the night for some drag shows, male dancers and songs from past patrons including Elton John, Adam Lambert and Dolly Parton.

If you're looking for a place to start into the night (and maybe stay), stop by this award-winning rooftop bar. When night falls, you get to enjoy island-style live music while sipping cocktails like Cucumber Melon Crush, Mango Mai Tai, and Mandarin Sweet Tea Cooler.

Nextdoor is a funky underground club in the heart of Chinatown, known for its eclectic mix of music — from dance and electro to reggae. With a lineup that showcases both local and international talent, it’s the perfect spot to discover fresh sounds and emerging trends. Whether you’re there to dance or simply soak up the energy, Nextdoor delivers a unique nightlife experience.

The Polynesian Cultural Center hosts an amazing luau and buffet six nights a week, and it also offers a show entitled "Ha: Breath of Life." As this luau and the show are widely considered to be one of the most authentic experiences visitors can have of Hawaiian tradition and culture, make sure you do not miss it.

Ala Moana is an enormous open-air shopping mall, hosting over 240 stores and 60 restaurants in the 50-acre complex and, thus, an impressive blend of international, national, and local boutiques. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Armani are some of the brands located on site but you can also experience many more.

On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the parking lot of the Aloha Stadium becomes a huge marketplace, where vendors push everything from Hawaiian themed clothes, accessories and souvenirs to ethnic food, silk flowers and other decorations. If you're patient and search thoroughly, you'll come across really unique items.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace is a lively waterfront market featuring restaurants, entertainment venues, shops, and kiosks. Stop by to experience a vibrant and colorful shopping experience and take home some souvenirs.

Bookends In Kailua is a proudly independent neighborhood bookstore with a quaint and familiar feel to it. As all the walls are lined with both new and used books, and the large children's section invites families to come and linger for a good while, browsing through the extensive selection is always a great experience here.

Hilo Hattie at the Ala Moana Center is Honolulu's top destination for Hawaiian fashion, gifts, souvenirs, home and beach accessories, beauty products, gourmet foods and stunning island jewelry. In fact, you can get almost everything here, so this is where tourists in the know go to get that Hawaiian shirt that visitors simply have to take back home.

Kahala Mall holds the distinction of being Hawaii’s first mall. Though smaller than other shopping centers, it offers everything you need — from anchor stores and local boutiques to a range of eateries and a movie theater — often at more affordable prices. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or catching a film, Kahala Mall delivers a convenient and enjoyable experience.

The products for sale at Lanikai comprise everything for health, hygiene and beauty: from creams, lotions and soaps to bath salts and scrubs. All products are made in Hawaii, using natural ingredients and extracts from all sorts of natural sources, including fruits, nuts and weeds.

Luxury Row brings the latest high fashion and luxury items to Oahu, offering luxury brands including Chanel, Coach, Tiffany & Co, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Hugo Boss. As the center is located in the heart of the Waikiki beach resort and urban retail district, you probably do not even have to travel far.

Oahu has great weather all year round and is considered to be one of Hawaii's best islands. However, the winter from November until March can be more rainy, especially on the island's east coast, so this season can be considered as a less popular one with visitors. While the winter offers the best chances for whale watching, the period between May and September is the warmest, and thus tourists' favorite. Do consider traveling in off-season periods, as prices will be lower and both sights and streets less crowded.

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip to enter the country.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is located approximately 2 miles (3 km) from Downtown Honolulu. Bus numbers 19 and 20 run from the airport to Downtown Honolulu and then on to Waikiki from 5am to 11:45pm. Roberts Hawaii Tours and Transportation company operates a shuttle bus from the airport to any hotel in Waikiki, and another option is Oahu Airport Shuttle. There are also a number of taxi services waiting outside the terminal.

Waikiki Trolley, the local transport service, has 40 drop off points between Downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, and Hanauma Bay, and they run regularly. You can buy single tickets as well as 1, 4 or 7 day passes, and they will allow you to take every bus and even a ride at Double Deckers.

There are several taxi services operating across the island, and Charley's Taxi is one of the most known. Other options for lower fares are the rideshare companies Uber and Lyft.

All power sockets in the United States provide a standard voltage of 110–120V with a standard frequency of 60Hz. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins.

From Harleys to mountain bikes or whatever suits you best, the Big Kahuna Motorcycle Rentals provides you with all kinds of mobility devices.

Chain pharmacies — Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Longs Drugs (owned by CVS) etc. — as well as smaller neighborhood stores operate on Oahu. While working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most pharmacies sell both prescription and over the counter medicine.