Top Oahu Sights & Attractions

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Nicknamed "the Gathering Place," Oahu is home to Honolulu, the capital of the State of Hawaii, and once-capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. As such, downtown Honolulu is filled with historical places and monuments that showcase the history and culture of Hawaii. Pearl Harbor is also located here, the world-famous naval base attracting over a million visitors each year. Waikiki remains one of the top tourist destinations in the world, offering plenty to see and do for travelers and locals alike.

Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay, on Oahu's North Shore across from Waimea Valley, sits at the mouth of the Waimea River. The bay is home to "Jump Rock" which has become a popular destination for cliff diving from its 20-40 foot summit. During the winter months, advisories are put in place for inexperienced swimmers as the enormous winter waves at Waimea Bay signal the start of big-wave surf season.

Waikiki / Honolulu / South Shore

Ko Olina & West Coast

Start your Oahu adventure from Ko Olina, a beautiful resort area known for its stunning lagoons and luxury accommodations. Whether you're looking to embark on a catamaran cruise, snorkel with marine life, or explore the coast, Ko Olina offers a convenient starting point for a variety of activities. Discover experiences that make the most of this serene and picturesque part of Oahu, perfect for those wanting both adventure and relaxation.

North Shore Oahu

Oahu's North Shore is a surfer's paradise, legendary for its gigantic waves & professional surf competitions. In the winter, watch brave surfers tackle the merciless waves of Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay & Sunset Beach for a truly thrilling experience. During the summer, North Shore beaches offer calm waves, plenty of peaceful places to swim & miles of perfect white sand beaches. Be sure to plan a leisurely stroll through Haleiwa to explore its laid-back bistros, galleries & boutiques.

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Dole Plantation on Oahu’s North Shore offers Hawaii’s complete pineapple experience and is one of the island’s most popular family attractions. Ride the Pineapple Express Train through scenic fields, explore tropical gardens, and get lost in the world’s largest pineapple-shaped maze. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, enjoy fresh pineapple treats, and cool off with the famous Dole Whip. It’s a fun and educational stop for all ages on your Oahu adventure.

Haleiwa Town, North Shore

Historic Haleiwa, on Oahu's North Shore, is a cheery social and artistic town serving a string of world-famous surfing beaches. Haleiwa features plantation-era buildings, unique surf shops, eclectic art galleries and cafes, and Matsumoto's Shave Ice, a perfect refreshment after a warm day on the beach. During the winter months the enormous waves of North Shore are best suited for professional surfers while the summer's calmer swells allow for recreational beach activities and surfing lessons.

Byodo-In Temple

Visit the Byodo-In Temple, located deep in the heart of Oahu's Valley of the Temples, and experience the peaceful serenity of this non-denominational Japanese shrine commemorating the first Japanese immigrants who arrived in Hawaii over a century ago. This replica of a 900 year old ancient Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan is tucked at the base of the Koolau Mountains and is set upon beautiful acres of koi ponds and Japanese botanical gardens.

Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali, located northeast of downtown Honolulu, is situated high on the windy cliffs of the Ko'olau Mountain range and offers stunning views of the windward coastline's blue waters. This sweeping, uninterrupted vantage point attracts travelers looking for a bird's-eye perspective on Kaneohe Bay and Chinaman's Hat (Mokolii). Pali Lookout is historically significant, as well, marking the location of a decisive military victory for King Kamehameha I that united the island under his control.

Waimea Valley Falls, Hike & Swim

Waimea Falls in Waimea Valley is a North Shore gem, offering a scenic walk through botanical gardens and cultural sites leading to a swimmable waterfall. Learn about Hawaiian history and nature along the way, then enjoy the award-winning Toa Luau nearby, featuring traditional Hawaiian food, hula, fire dancing, and cultural demos. This unforgettable combo of nature, culture, and entertainment is a top Oahu experience for all ages.

Polynesian Cultural Center Tickets

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu’s top-rated attraction and home to Hawaii’s largest luau and evening show. Located on the North Shore, this immersive experience features interactive village tours, live cultural performances, traditional Hawaiian food, and entertainment from six Polynesian island nations—Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and Aotearoa. Perfect for families, couples, and culture seekers visiting Hawaii.

Top-Rated Activities for North Shore

Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Ticket - Full Day Admission, Dinner & Show

USD 163.45

(429)

North Shore ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure - Oceanfront Trails, Meet Farm Animals & Tree Planting

USD 130.89

(58)

Waimea Valley Toa Luau & Free Admission Entry Ticket to Waimea Falls [5:00 PM]

From USD 141.75

(66)

Alii Luau at Polynesian Cultural Center - Guided Tour, Hawaiian Buffet & HĀ: Breath of Life Show

USD 196.95

Oahu North Shore Beach Horseback Riding Experience - Daytime Tours

From USD 146.60

12% OFF

(228)

Waikiki to North Shore Haleiwa Shuttle - Round Trip Shared Ride Service with Free Time to Explore

From USD 72.00

(71)

North Shore Skydiving Adventure Tour with Oceanview - GoJump Hawaii

From USD 285.00

(1210)

One Ocean Diving Hawaii Shark Dive on Oahu & Snorkel Tour Experience

USD 161.57

(32)

North Shore Beachfront Horseback Ride & Haleiwa Sightseeing Tour with Transportation from Waikiki

USD 275.00

(479)

Hawaii Adventure Diving - Cage Free Open Water Swim with Sharks Tour in Oahu

From USD 161.57

(1)

Discover Oahu’s North Shore from Waikiki with The Surf Bus - Snorkel, Kayak, SUP & Waimea Falls

USD 167.54

(115)

Honolulu Soaring North Shore Scenic Airplane Flights - Piloted Glider Tours in Oahu

From USD 167.54

(33)

HĀ Breath of Life Show Tickets - Award-Winning Polynesian Cultural Center Event

USD 103.50

(6)

North Shore ATV Ride Adventure & Haleiwa Town Sightseeing Tour with Transportation from Waikiki

USD 220.00

(1)

North Shore Clear Bottom Kayak Tour & Turtle Watch from Haleiwa Beach

From USD 99.48

(30)

Shark Diving Hawaii - Cageless Pelagic Snorkel Tour with FREE Photos & Videos

From USD 167.54

(49)

Hawaii Polo Oceanfront Trail Rides - North Shore Horseback Riding Sunset Tour

From USD 178.01

11% OFF

(228)

Oahu Shark Dive & Cage-Free Pelagic Swim Tour - Ocean Outfitters Hawaii

USD 137.22

(5)

Royal Star Express Shuttle to Oahu's North Shore, Haleiwa & Dole Pineapple Plantation with Free Time

From USD 85.00

15% OFF

(19)

North Shore Hiking Tours from Haleiwa with Expert Local Guide & Lunch

From USD 115.18

(20)

Traveler's photos

Latest reviews of Top Oahu Sights & Attractions

Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Ticket - Full Day Admission, Dinner & Show

Deuxième fois sur cette action

2026/03/10 Families Serge

On est vraiment plongé dans l’apprentissage sur l’histoire des îles polynésiennes.

Le souper était à nouveau excellent et le spectacle HA le souffle de la vie est majestueux

Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Ticket - Full Day Admission, Dinner & Show

Kid friendly

2026/02/23 Families with Young Children Kara

All of our kids loved it here, they had smiles on their faces all days thanks to the PCC staff!

Royal Star Express Shuttle to Oahu's North Shore, Haleiwa & Dole Pineapple Plantation with Free Time

Easy!

2026/02/23 Families Kara

If you do not want to drive this tour is perfect for some time to explore the gorgeous Haleiwa!

Polynesian Cultural Center Tour Ticket - Full Day Admission, Dinner & Show

Lots to do

2026/02/23 Families Kara

The day is a very busy one, be prepared for a lot of activities, it is almost hard to hit everything in a day but the ticket does allow you to come back for the day touring!

North Shore ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure - Oceanfront Trails, Meet Farm Animals & Tree Planting

Fun full tour experience!

2026/02/23 Families Kara

On top of the ATV part, I enjoyed learning more about the land and local agriculture.

Waikiki to North Shore Haleiwa Shuttle - Round Trip Shared Ride Service with Free Time to Explore

Great Shuttle to North Shore

2026/02/17 Solo Travelers Katie

I had a great trip to the North Shore with my shuttle driver. He picked me up first and then two couples from neighboring hotels. He did a great job explaining the different areas in Haleiwa to the whole shuttle and then... more