It’s a wonder of nature that craggy, green mountains can seemingly burst from the ground so close to sea level. This is what brings people to Oahu, Hawaii, in droves. The drama of this incredible landscape and deep rooted, diverse culture is a treasure to experience firsthand.
For some days, I lounged in the near-perfect leeward side dripping with luxury resorts. I also hopped in a rental car and drove all over the island, looping twice to make sure I soaked up as much beauty—and food—as possible. Hopefully my guide can save you time in skipping the not-so-great attractions in Oahu and not missing the ones that are unforgettable.
Now, I only visited the island on a trip and am not a full authority on the area, no matter how much research and care went into my experience. When you visit Hawaii, just do your best to be a respectful visitor. If you want to hang out where the “locals” do, be an observer and kind. Tip your staff well. Leave no litter or trace behind. Mahalo!
Jump to section:
- What not to miss in Oahu
- What to skip in Oahu
- Where to stay in Oahu
- How to give back on your Hawaii trip
Things to do in Oahu: Don’t miss these experiences
What to do on the North Shore of Oahu
Just in general, the North Shore of Oahu is simply gorgeous. There’s not as much development and you won’t find five-star resorts along these beaches. But that just might be what keeps the spirit of the island alive, as it feels calm and natural. I wish I had more time to check out the area, but drive along the coast and enjoy the spoils of laid-back shops, restaurants, and public beaches. People have lots of options on the best, but Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay were some of my favorites.
Waimea Valley
This land has been sacred for centuries, stewarded by indigenous Hawaiian people for much of its history. Since 2003, Waimea Valley has been back in the hands of a Native Hawaiian governing entity, and it’s registered as a 501(c) nonprofit. Proceeds go toward maintaining the gardens, ensuring swimmer’s safety, and educating visitors about the Polynesian/Hawaiian culture.
The isolated waterfall atmosphere you look for isn’t quite found here, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. To reach the falls, you’ll take a short stroll under a mile long on a paved path. It’s accessible to most people and highlights lots of beautiful foliage from around the world through the garden path.
Throw on one of the required, provided life jackets and take as much time as you like floating in the cool water. It’s a highlight of a hot day. Make sure you grab some garlic shrimp at the café (and full bar next door) before you leave!
Matsumoto Shave Ice
I drove an hour out of my way to get a taste of this famed Hawaiian dessert. There were a dozen other shave-ice spots along the way, but I held out for one of the best. Hawaiian shave ice is a finer ice blend than a traditional snow cone. The ice pile is then drizzled with toppings such as condensed milk, red bean, or even mochi balls. You can order it with ice cream underneath, too. There was no line the day I went and there’s a shady tree right out front to scope a spot to enjoy your prize. I devoured the class Matsumoto’s blend of blue coconut, lemon, and coconut. So sweet and so wonderful.
A few things to do in Oahu, Honolulu/Waikiki
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Next to the indigenous history of the islands, this is the next important stop you should take on your trip to Oahu. My father and my husband are the history buffs, but I had a humble walk around the memorial grounds to get a feel for what happened during the tragic loss during the attack on Pearl Harbor that kickstarted the U.S.’s involvement in World War II. Entrance is free and you only pay a small fee to park. Pro tip: skip bringing in a bag and avoid some of the lines.
Maui Brewing Company
After a bunch of beverages and wandering around the city, this restaurant and bar was a nice sanctuary of snacks and drinks to end our evening out. This is Hawaii’s largest craft brewing establishment, with its main tasting room and production in Maui.
Stones of Life of Kapaemahu and Kapuni
These plain-looking stones have a history that dates back to AD400. They are said to contain sacred mana, or spiritual entities important to the Hawaiian culture. Settlers disrespected them over the centuries and even built a bowling alley on top of these sacred stones, but recent efforts have protect them to give back their honor and respect.
Waikiki beaches
There’s plenty of surf and sand right near the city. Waikiki Beach itself is lovely, with views of Diamond Head in the background. Other options are Kahanamoku Beach and Kaimana Beach, both part of the main Waikiki beach, but sometimes less crowded.
Must-sees on the Wayward side
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
I wish I had the will to hike more while I was in Oahu. There are so many incredible trails! But this lookout point was a super easy way to take in a sweeping panorama of the mountains ahead and the ocean below. Pay a small parking fee and stay as long as you want while enjoying the view.
Mac Nut Farm
Macadamia nuts: I can’t get enough of them. Due to the cost, it’s a real treat to have them as a snack, though. But I knew I wanted to stock up from the source when I got to Hawaii! This farm is owned by a couple born and raised on the island. It’s been producing tasty nuts for more than three decades. You can have as many samples as you wish while shopping—I went with a bunch of bags of Maui onion and garlic flavor.
Byodo-In Temple
Japan was such a special place to visit, and for a moment, this place transported me back. The Byodo-In temple is part of the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. You can purchase tickets in advance to access the grounds, which are beautifully framed by surrounding mountains. It was the most peaceful place I’d been in Oahu besides the beaches! This is a smaller scale replica of a temple in Uji, Japan that’s more than millennia old.
Add this stop on the Leeward side
Monkeypod Kitchen
Cheap and cheerful, this was a great spot near the major resorts to walk to for a bite and a bevvie. Pizzas were delicious, especially after a few cocktails, and the open-air patio was nice, with a cool breeze at night. A little acoustic music wafted through the air to round out the evening.
These experiences you could skip in Oahu
Polynesian Cultural Center
This pit stop along the North Shore beach route has been awarded several accolades. It’s ranked high among tourist attractions in Oahu. The vibe was… off when I arrived. Most of the stores seemed to have tacky souvenirs and it had a strange colonizer feel to it all.
I didn’t make it to the museum part, because while I enjoyed some malasadas from the nearby food truck, I found out that the entire center was funded by the Church of Jesus Christ for Latter Day Saints: AKA the Mormons. They own all the properties and use the space for the next door BYU campus. Reviews say the shows are didactic and the entire property enjoys tax-free status as it’s connected to the church.
What’s wild is they discourage things like tattoos and jewelry from staff, unless part of the “cultural” performances. None of this sounds particularly good. There’s plenty of other ways to learn about Hawaii, indigenous culture, and art elsewhere, so avoid this place on your Oahu road trip.
I’m working on deep diving best I can, but it seems like the Iolani Palace, home of the Hawaiian Monarchy, is a good place to learn about the island’s history from a local perspective.
Oeno Winemaking
I went in blind to this business, not sure what to expect. A friend had mentioned a few Hawaiian wines, but I think I had expectations of a vineyard or something more geared toward guests. That’s on me, because I was met with a bit of a warehouse with a few small tables for tastings. The grapes are imported and many are blended with tropical flavors, such as coconut and mango.
However, the gentlemen who guided me through the tastings was very sweet and knowledgeable. The space can hold small events, you can bring your own food, and pets are welcome, too. If taking a break on your Oahu road trip, you can stop here for a tipple—or for a coffee at the next door cafe. There’s also a wine club, and wine is sold by the barrel. So if you’re in Oahu for a while, this could be a good option.
Kualoa Ranch
This might be one of the most famous spots in Oahu for visitors to experience. Now, if you’re road tripping like I did, definitely slow down and stop, because these cliff faces and mountains are some of the most dramatic I’ve seen anywhere in the world.
As for the actual ranch attraction? It does seem fun, but it’s very touristy. I was there on a less than busy day, and staff were barking at visitors to herd them into various buses and vehicles for their tours. The ticketed ride around the ranch and valley are scenic, but not much else. There’s nothing wrong with reliving your Jurassic Park fantasies if that’s what you’re into, but I also think you can simply drive around there, check out the beach side, and continue on your way to less crowded spots.
Kula Shave Ice
OK, this really isn’t fair because the shave ice was magical. I devoured a Coco-Nutty special, complete with organic ingredients including coconut condensed milk, macadamia nut ice cream, and coconut water. It was delicious, but the only reason I’d say to skip it is the cost. Most shave ice on the island was a fraction of the price and just as tasty.
But if you want an organic, indulgent option, you should still stop here for a treat. This is the pet project of Turtle Bay Resort and also has a few fruit stands and coffee next door.
Where to stay in Oahu, Hawaii
Four Seasons Ko Olina
Our absolutely beautiful home base for the whole trip in Oahu was the decadent Four Seasons resort in Ko Olina. Situated on one of the four man-made lagoons about 90 minutes from Honolulu, the calming and chic atmosphere is ideal for a relaxing trip to Oahu. There’s pools for both adults and families, dining options, breezy common areas, and all the other indulgent amenities you come to love from the Four Seasons. Our bright room overlooked the gentle ocean and was a delight to wake up to every morning.
Maybe it’s just been a while since daily housekeeping was the norm, but that was the main highlight that blew me away at the Four Seasons. Every day, if not sometimes twice a day, staff organized and tidied our room to perfection. Some people don’t love this, but I embrace the opulence of each little detail. One day my cords were wrapped up with a signature Four Seasons branded rubber cord tie. Another day, they noticed I loved the bath products, and definitely put a few extra in the room, so I could bring them home.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
While I was walking through the main lobby, I saw an installation of Maui’s hook from the movie Moana. My 3-year-old is wild about Maui, so I stopped for a photo. A staff member materialized out of thin air and did a whole bit about Maui, the movie, and how I just HAD to take a photo with the hook and HAD to return with my daughters!
After a full-on photoshoot as a grown woman alone at a Disney resort, she gave me a fistful of stickers to give to my kiddo back home, too. It was a hoot and I love that part of Disney, where the people who live and breathe for it I think really are genuine and happy to be a part of the magic.
I know, Disney. But I have a confession to make: I’ve always loved Disney. It was my safe space growing up, and a blast to embrace in my 20s, too. Now as a mom of two small girls, I’m into it even more and can’t wait someday to take them to the parks.
The Four Seasons was literally a stone’s throw from the Aulani Disney resort, so of course I had to have a poke around. It gives the same vibe as all Disney environments do. Even the artificial rock formations around the pool area and beach were being painted perfectly while I walked through the property. It did have all the Disney charm, from lavishly decorated dining areas to super cute boutiques filled with souvenirs, especially themed with Lilo and Stitch.
There were lots and lots of families with small children. I’m sure the Disney appeal in Hawaii is high! Maybe there’s a return visit in the future with my littles.
The Royal Hawaiian
To acclimate to the time change and enjoy some time in Honolulu, the iconic Royal Hawaiian is a classic choice. I didn’t have the pleasure of staying on the property, but we certainly sampled all their signature drinks at the Mai Tai bar overlooking Diamond Head (although we couldn’t see the view at night!). It was fun to go back in time to the 1920s, when this hotel first opened, to see the lavish common spaces and lovely cocktail bars.
Give back on your Hawaii trip
Part of the program we were participating in with my spouse’s work on this trip had a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, which is doing an incredible work in the community with kids and teens to give them space for playing, learning, and simply hanging out in a thriving environment.
The organization specializes in after school programs, including initiatives to offer nutrition and school supplies to low-income families. At the time, items needed were toys, writing supplies, and toiletries—so we packed up half our suitcase with whatever we could bring. Imported things can get super expensive on the island, so it’s always helpful to bring things over from the continental U.S. to help groups like the Boys & Girls Club.
Feel free to email the organization if you’re planning a trip there to see if there’s anything you can help with. The director also mentioned food is a challenge, so gift cards to the local grocery stores would also probably be helpful. Just make sure you get in touch first, so your efforts are maximized with what’s truly needed.
While volunteering can be an option, sometimes the best way to help is to simply donate funds and supplies. Local communities often have logistics handled on the ground, unless you have special skills in medical or professional education.
