The Ultimate Guide to Oahu

Location and Geography of Oahu

For those of you who have just started considering Oahu for your next trip destination but don't know much about the area, here's all you need to know about the island's location and geographic layout. 

Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and is home to numerous Hawaiian hotspots, including the state's capital, Honolulu, located on the island's southeastern tip. Also referred to as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is home to nearly one million people and nearly two-thirds of Hawaii's overall population. 

In terms of location within Hawaii, Oahu is a significantly sized island with  597 square miles that lies between Kauai and Moloka'i. The island measures roughly 44 miles long and 30 miles across with a 227 mile-long shoreline. Two large shield volcano mountain ranges dominate this island: Waiʻanae in the west and Koʻolau in the east. These locations are perfect for avid hikers and mountaineers while providing one of the island's most profound views. 

In the middle of these ranges is the Oahu Plain, and the highest point of the island is Kaʻala in the Waiʻanae Range. This peak rises to 4,003 feet above sea level and is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes on the island. 

Oahu's most populated regions are found on the northwestern coast, known as the "North Shore," and the southeastern coast near Honolulu. The middle of the island is dominated by vegetation, mountain ranges, and other natural wonders.

What is Oahu Known For?

Apart from its lush natural splendor and bustling cities, Oahu has a reputation for quite a few things that spark recognition at its name and drives over 6,193,000 travelers to visit each year. 

Home to Pearl Harbor

Some might not recognize the name Oahu, but most individuals, particularly Americans, will recognize Pearl Harbor. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service's surprise attack on this U.S. naval base on December 7, 1941, sparked the United States forces joining the conflict of World War II.

This attack astounded United States citizens and government officials, both for its suddenness and its devastating repercussion. In less than two hours, with two attack waves, Japanese forces:

• destroyed or damaged nearly 20 American naval vessels, eight battleships, and over 300 airplanes. 
• More than 2,400 Americans died, including civilians.
• 1,000 people were wounded.

To learn more about this historic event and pay respects to the lives lost, Oahu visitors can travel to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu and take guided tours of this area for a more comprehensive experience.

Waves-a-Plenty at North Shore

Hawaii as a state has quite the reputation for surfing, but you can find some of the best surfing in all the islands on the North Shore of Oahu. 

Although you are free to surf here regardless of your skill level, most of the popular locations in North Shore are suitable to moderate or advanced surfers with significant skill in the sport.

Even if you're brave or skilled enough to test the waves, you might not want to test the locals who surfer here routinely and can border on territorial of their favorite spots. 

Some of the best surfing locations in North Shore, Oahu, include:

• Laniakea
• Chun's Reef
• Leftovers
• Waimea Bay
• Banzai Pipeline
• 'Ehukai
• Sunset Beach

Waikiki's Beaches

If you aren't traveling to Oahu for its surfing or natural splendor, there's a significant chance you're there for the beach scene where you can lay on the pristine sand or wade in the perfect crystalline waters. 

Although there is certainly no shortage of beaches in Oahu, one of the undoubtedly best locations for some shore time is in Waikiki. 

Located on Honolulu's shore, Waikiki beach is the prime location to spend the day in the sun. You can lounge on the sandy beach and wade in the divine waters, or you can explore some of the other beach attractions, such as the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. 

For those of you that love an ocean view every morning, countless hotels and resorts line Waikiki beach, just waiting to accommodate you to the fullest.

Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Oahu

As is true with any location, there are some things you should know before you travel to Oahu. These facts can help ensure you are more prepared to travel the region and know what to expect when you arrive.  

It's Not All Sunshine and Rainbows

As the rainbow state, you're likely to expect lots of sunshine and some light precipitation anywhere in Hawaii. Although Oahu is certainly sunny the majority of the time, travelers should still pack for rain before they arrive. 

On average, Honolulu, Oahu experiences about 22 inches of rainfall annually and 1.8 inches per month. This might not sound like a lot of rain compared to other regions, but this precipitation frequently occurs over the year, where around 197.2 days will experience some degree of precipitation. The amount of rainfall increases exponentially during the rainy season that lasts from October to March.

At one point, this island even held the record for the longest rain shower in history, where it rained for 247 consecutive days in 1993-94. Therefore, you might not need to pack with the expectation of heavy thundershowers throughout your trip, but it would be a good idea to bring a quality rain jacket and water-resistant boots when visiting Oahu. 

Leave the Compass at Home

If you were expecting to have an easy time getting around Oahu with just a map and basic compass directions, you're in for a surprise. 

Navigating on Oahu can be so difficult due to its geographic layout that most locals won't provide directions in terms of those on a compass but in terms of where well-known landmarks are found on the island in relation to the central point of Honolulu. For instance:

• Ewa means towards the western tip of the island
• Diamond Head means towards the eastern tip of the island
• Mauka means inland towards the Koʻolau Mountain range
• Makai means towards the sea
• So, if you are thinking about pulling a local aside for directions, know that you might not receive them in a manner you're used to and will need to adopt some native Hawaiian vocabulary to get around.  

There's Plenty of People in Paradise

Some travelers might assume that since Oahu is an island, there can't possibly be that many people there. If you were expecting to stay somewhere low-key where you can find stretches of beach all to yourself, Oahu might not be the best option, especially if you're staying in Honolulu.

As we stated previously, Honolulu is the state capital of Hawaii and has a pretty significant population of natives alone. Add that to the thousands of tourists that choose this island for their vacation site, and you have one of the most high-traffic cities in the state. 

Honolulu is teeming with tourists, which can easily put a damper on your trip if you don't know how to avoid the crowds. These large numbers, along with the native population, means there's usually a substantial amount of traffic in the cities, hotels, and resorts line the beaches where residence will congest the ocean and shores, and public spaces, such as parking, are highly competitive and difficult to come by. 

Although Honolulu is certainly a sight to see, if you prefer some privacy and tranquility on your trip to Oahu, we suggest you avoid staying within the city if you can. 

Look Before You Leap

With all the beautiful beaches and ocean water surrounding the island, it can be extremely tempting to jump in at any given point, especially if you've just been on a long hike and want to cool off from your efforts. However, a lot of water spots surrounding the island shores can be deceiving.

Locations, such as Makapuu Beach in southeast Oahu, are particularly dangerous and should be left to only the most experienced of swimmers. This beach has a strong shore break with a steep drop-off in the seafloor and swirling offshore currents that could easily cause injury or drown any unprepared swimmer. 

There are countless locations around Oahu that don safety flags and are under the careful supervision of lifeguards. The beaches might be crowded with tourists, but at least they are safe. If you do come across a tempting water spot, try to at least moderately research the area before you dive-in. It could save your life.

Top 5 Oahu Attractions

Now that we've detailed what the island Oahu is like and some important things to keep in mind before you step onto its shores, let's get into the best attractions you can find here. A vacation to any region just isn't complete without visiting some of its most popular and famous locations, so here are our top 5 attractions of Oahu. 

The ʻIolani Palace: 

Believe it or not, at one point, royalty ruled in Hawaii, and in Oahu, you can visit the 'Iolani Palace where the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii resided. This reign began with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty and ended with Queen Liliʻuokalani under the Kalākaua Dynasty in 1893. 

The palace is fully restored and open to the public as a museum located in downtown Honolulu's capital district. Guests can embark on several tours and learn about the palace's architecture and history, along with its fascinating connection to Hawaiian culture and politics. 

Polynesian Cultural Center

Another popular attraction in Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center, was voted the #1 paid attraction in Hawaii. Spanning, 42 acres, the center is split into six different island villages that were created to represent the region's unique cultures:

• Hawaii
• Fiji
• Aotearoa (New Zealand)
• Samoa
• Tahiti
• Tonga

This location is great for a large group or family to explore for the day as there are several events to witness and an astonishing natural environment to take-in. 

You can pass the time with a historic and cultural canoe tour on the location's lagoon or head over to the cinema for an immersive presentation on the "Hawaiian Journey." At the end of the day, witness the center's most popular show, "Ha: Breath of Life," which features over 100 performers and Samoan fire knife dancing.

Waimea Valley

You might be eager to run to the sandy beaches when you land in Oahu, but don't forget to visit the peaceful serenity of Waimea Valley. Not only can you immerse yourself in Hawaiian history and culture through the countless sites scattered around the region, but you'll also witness the natural splendors Oahu has to offer. 

The Waimea Valley hosts an astonishing botanical garden with over 5,000 species along the paved paths. When you aren't staring at the beautiful flora and fauna, you'll probably find yourself staring at the 45-foot waterfall that dominates part of the valley.

In addition to the natural beauty and historic sites, you can also converse and interact with numerous cultural practitioners and artisans sharing various native Hawaiian practices along the way.

Lanikai Beach

Of course, you can't go to Oahu without visiting a beach or two. That'd be like going to Brazil and never setting foot in the Amazon. If you enjoy going to high-traffic beaches filled with screaming kids and tourists from all over, laying in the sand mere feet from each other, then you'll want to stick to Honolulu. If this description doesn't appeal to you, as it probably won't to most who want to take a vacation trip to Oahu, then Lanikai Beach is for you.

Lanikai beach is still a relatively popular location for tourists, but it is much more tranquil and has significantly less traffic than if you were to go to Waikiki beach. 

However, despite being much more private and serene, this beach is still relatively close to Honolulu's hub if you happen to be staying in this region and just want to get away for a quick trip to a quiet beach. 

Diamond Head State Monument

A truly unique location in Oahu, many hikers and everyday travelers will visit the Diamond Head State Monument. This volcanic cone is located in one of Oahu's most popular state parks and is part of the Ko'olau Range. 

These volcanoes began erupting below sea level over 2.6 million years ago, but the tuff cone crater of Diamond Head, which encompasses 350 acres, was formed explosively. 

At an elevation of 762 feet above sea level and 560 feet tall from the crater floor, the Diamond Head Mountain is one of Oahu's most popular and scenic hiking locations. Visitors will also traverse this region for its military history.  

The Diamond Head Crater was purchased by the U.S. government in 1905, where they developed Fort Ruger to strengthen the nation's coast artillery defense. Various forms of defense, including batteries and guns, were installed throughout the 720-acre crater, and the fort was further developed following World War II.

Visitors can still see some of the fort's installments, such as Battery 407 and various bunkers and tunnels that are no longer in use.

Top 5 Things to Do in Oahu

There are plenty of places to go in Oahu, and it is important to see the location's top attractions, but there are also a plethora of experiences Oahu travelers should have during their stay. 

To help dwindle down all the options, especially if you're only in Oahu for a short time, here are the top 5 things you should do on this Hawaiian island. 

Snorkel Hanauma Bay

With a front-row seat to the North Pacific Ocean, you'll want to take the time to either book a snorkeling tour or purchase your own gear to explore the natural wonders underwater. A word of caution, however. 

Snorkeling isn't as easy as it seems and might take some practice. You should also research the area you plan to snorkel in to ensure it is safe. 

Learn to Surf

You'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere better to start your surfing career than in the beautiful blue waters near Oahu. 

Paying for beginner lessons from an instructor is the quickest way to get the basics down, but there are plenty of shops in Oahu where you can buy your own board and teach yourself. Not all of the waves off of every beach are suitable for beginners, so make sure you start somewhere easy like:

• Diamond Head
• Chun's Reef
• White Plains
• Waikiki Beach

Explore from Above with a Helicopter Tour 

The best way to see the beauty of Oahu in all its glory is from above. There are numerous locations where you can book an extravagance or budget-friendly helicopter tour around various regions of Oahu. 

Some of the most proclaimed tours on the island include Novictor Helicopters' "Royal Crown of Oahu" tour, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters' "Blue Skies of Oahu" tour, and Mauna Loa Helicopters' "The Oahu Experience" tour. 

Rejuvenate in one of the Island's Unique Spas 

Relaxing on an island paradise isn't complete without a rejuvenating and healing spa experience. Here, you will be pampered with some of the most unique spa techniques, such as the rhythmic strokes of a lomilomi massage, the hot and muscle-relaxing magic of pohaku (stones), and a beautifying facial with local ingredients like papaya, ti leaf, honey ginger, and poi. 

Explore the Region's Filmography Prowess: 

If you're a film buff and want to see where some of the most influential films and television shows have been set in Oahu, head over to Kualoa Ranch. This private nature reserve & cattle ranch might seem unassuming at first glance.

It is actually the setting of popular films and shows such as Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-O. So, not only is the region naturally gorgeous, but it also holds some pop-culture significance. Visitors can tour the region on ATV, horseback, or zipline.

Best Places to Eat in Oahu

Food is fuel, and you'll need a lot of fuel when traveling the shores, beaches, and valleys of Oahu. In addition to supporting your long, high-energy travels, food is also a fantastic way to learn about this region's culture and the various influences that have affected the island's food.

Here is a list of the top locations to eat in Oahu so you can experience the best the island has to offer before you continue to explore its wonders. 

These locations range from quick bites to fine dining and sell authentic foods to the region or more catered towards its tourists. 

• Helena's Hawaiian Food
• Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha
• Aiea Bowl
• Mud Hen Water
• Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
• Fresh Catch
• Waiahole Poi Factory
• Ethel's Grill
• Maguro Brothers
• The Pig and the Lady

If your goal is to have truly authentic Oahu food, make sure you seek out its signature dishes, such as loco moco, laulau, poke, and poi, when you search the restaurant menus.

Tips to Traveling Oahu on a Budget

Anyone that's planned a trip to Hawaii will know that it can be an extremely pricy endeavor. The cost of plane tickets and lodging alone is enough to break the bank of any ordinary traveler, but once you arrive, you might be shocked to discover how costs of transportation and eating out can add up to shocking numbers as well. 

Although it can certainly be difficult to vacation in Oahu on a budget, it can be done. Here are our top tips to help you save money traveling Oahu without penny-pinching inhibiting your experience. 

Check for Coupons

If you're staying in a high-traffic area, like Honolulu, there are various kiosks located around the city filled with newspapers and magazines. 

Some of these are free, and others you'll have to pay for, but many are packed with coupons you can use around the island. Most of the coupons are tailored towards tourists and will help you cut costs on luaus, eateries, and even some attractions. 

Eat Away from the Ocean

It might be sad to stay in Oahu and not have a culturally authentic meal by the oceanside, but if you're here long enough, we promise you'll see the ocean plenty. A fantastic way to cut costs and still have the luxury of eating out is to eat at restaurants that aren't located by the ocean. Those that are oceanside will often charge more for the view as well as their food. 

Avoid Peak Tourist Season

A lot of tourists will swarm to Oahu during the summer months when the climate and weather conditions are perfect for a beach vacation. 

Unfortunately, travel industries also know this is when people want to travel, and so, hefty costs such as flight tickets and housing will be increased for the most profit. If you're looking to save money on these costs, try to travel to Oahu during the fall or winter months when everything is cheaper. 

However, if you are set on going during the spring and summer, you can save a little on these costs by traveling to Oahu when school is still in session for children. 

Most traveling peaks when families are free from school and their jobs, which means if you can go when schools are still holding classes, you will find your housing and tickets will be cheaper, and there will be far fewer tourists and less foot-traffic in Oahu.

Final Thoughts

Oahu is a beach paradise that has plenty to offer any traveler. There is a myriad of ways you can approach a trip to this island, depending on your aspirations. 

You can be an adventure seeker who hikes inland, dives to the ocean depths, and flies high over the island, you can opt for a more relaxing trip on the sandy beaches with an ice-cold drink and a soothing massage, or you can do a little bit of both.