Visiting Oahu for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

Home to the majority of Oahu’s tourism infrastructure, it’s difficult to avoid Waikiki. And, really, why would you want you? The world-famous stretch of golden sand, Waikiki Beach, is the quintessential image of Oahu and a must-see starting point for your Oahu trip. And you’ll find plenty to do there—shopping, dining, surfing, swimming, and more. This is also the usual departure point for cruises, including whale-watching excursions and sunset dinner cruises.

That picture-perfect view of Waikiki always seems to feature the volcanic backdrop of Diamond Head. One of Hawaii’s most recognizable landmarks, Diamond Head is also the site of one of the best hikes you can take on Oahu. Head to the 760-foot (231-meter) summit for unparalleled views of Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu skyline. Tackle the hike early in the morning to beat the heat, and consider a guided hike for a more in-depth experience of the place that native Hawaiians know as Lē‘ahi.

One of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States, Honolulu’s Chinatown is a vibrant gathering place filled with some of the island’s best places to eat. Trendy restaurants and cocktail bars sit side by side with decades-old hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, dim sum spots, and bakeries where you can get a filling meal even on a tight budget. Take a guided food tour for a deep dive into the local food scene. If you’re visiting on the first Friday of the month, check out the galleries during the First Friday Art Walk.

Related: 6 Must-See Honolulu Neighborhoods and How To Visit

There are many places to learn about the history and culture of Oahu. One of the island’s top attractions is the USS Arizona Memorial, where visitors can learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. A visit to the Bishop Museum offers insights into traditional Hawaiian culture and the archipelago’s relationship to the rest of the Pacific Islands, while Iolani Palace provides a glimpse into Hawaii’s royal history. At the colorful Polynesian Cultural Center, Pacific cultures come to life through vivid performances, exhibitions, and a luau.

Typically departing from Waikiki, full-day Circle Island tours circumnavigate the whole island and are an excellent way to experience many of Oahu’s highlights, such as the Halona Blowhole, Makapuu Point, the North Shore, Hanauma Bay, and the Dole Plantation, all while getting valuable insights into local culture and history. As it can be a long day, opt for a tour that includes lunch (garlic shrimp on the North Shore is a local favorite).

One of the most colorful and entertaining experiences to be had on Oahu is a luau, a Hawaiian-style feast featuring music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and performances from around Hawaii and the islands of Polynesia. Visitors have lots of luau options on Oahu, with regular events held in some of the island’s most scenic locations, from Waimea Valley and Paradise Cove to Makapuu Beach.

Sun-worshippers will be thrilled to know that Oahu has enough stretches of white sand to spend each day of a 2-week vacation on a different beach. But don’t go home without getting off the sand and into the water. Consider a snorkeling excursion or kayaking tour, try your hand at surfing, or learn how to stand-up paddleboard with a lesson on the beach. If you’d rather stay dry, head out onto the ocean on a whale-watching tour, a glass-bottom boat adventure, or a relaxing sunset cruise.

It’s all about the waves on the North Shore, home to the world-famous breaks of Pipeline, Sunset, and Waimea. But you don’t have to be a surfer to love the North Shore. You can snorkel in turtle-filled waters, hike to Waimea Falls, and refuel with a plate of garlic shrimp and a cone of shave ice from the area’s best food trucks. And those world-famous beaches are perfect for swimming in summer and watching surfers ride monster waves in the winter.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Oahu’s most-famous landmarks—such as Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, Ka'a'awa Valley, and Pearl Harbor—on a helicopter tour. Taking to the skies provides a unique perspective that most visitors miss out on and many helicopter tour operators offer the option of a doors-on or door-off experience. Some even time the flights to coincide with sunset for an even more scenic experience.

A testament to Oahu’s strong Japanese heritage, the Byodo-In Temple is a lush sanctuary tucked into the foothills of the Windward coast’s Koʻolau mountain range. A scale replica of a temple in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture, the vermillion red temple was built in 1968 to commemorate the centennial of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. Seemingly a world away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, it’s a quiet and contemplative spot and surrounded by manicured gardens and koi-filled ponds.