Top Places to Visit in Oahu

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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.

Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tours

Diamond Head Crater is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii, and can be seen as part of the skyline from Waikiki Beach. 19th century sailors dubbed the 760-foot volcanic crater "Diamond Head" after mistaking its sparkling calcite crystals for diamonds. Diamond Head is now a popular hiking destination for both locals and visitors who are looking for an easy hike and breathtaking views from the summit, stretching from Waikiki to Oahu's south shore.

Waikiki / Honolulu / South Shore

Manoa Falls Trail & Hiking Tours

Manoa Falls is one of Oahu’s most popular waterfall hikes, located just minutes from Waikiki. This easy-to-moderate trail winds through a lush rainforest filled with bamboo, banyan trees, and tropical flora, leading to a stunning 150-foot waterfall. Ideal for families and nature lovers, the hike offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty. Guided tours are also available for added insight and convenience.

Downtown Honolulu

The center of human activity in all the Hawaiian islands, downtown Honolulu is a bustling city center filled with historic buildings, culturally-significant statues, and other marks of Hawaii's rich past. See the statue of King Kamehameha, built right across the road from Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in the United States. Nearby are the Hawaii State Capitol, as well as other places of interest such as Kawaihao Church, Mission Houses Museum, and the bustling Chinatown.

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.

Waikiki Beach

Home to the beautiful Waikiki Beach Walk, this area brims with world-class shopping malls, numerous hotels & dining options, daily events, entertainment & a rich history & culture—right in Honolulu! Waikiki was once a place for leisure & surfing for Hawaiian royalty. Today it's a beautiful & lively gathering place shared with visitors from around the world. Enjoy a wide variety of tours & activities such as authentic luaus, cruises, sailing, surfing lessons & much more!

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park, across from Ala Moana Shopping Center near Waikiki, is Oahu's favorite gathering spot, and for good reason. Its calm clear blue waters, protective reef and golden sand beach make it a perfect spot for sunbathing, recreational swimming and family time.

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.

Top-Rated Activities for Waikiki

Na Lei Aloha Waikiki Luau - Authentic Hula Show & Dinner at The Buffet at Hyatt Regency Waikiki

From USD 99.69

20% OFF

(32)

4-Hour Ohana Deluxe Waikiki Private Yacht Charter Experience with Hot Tub

USD 1,675.40

(8)

Hilton Waikiki Starlight Luau with Fire Dancers, Hula Show & Dinner Buffet

From USD 193.72

(335)

Waikiki Snorkel with Turtles Cruise with Beers & Cocktails - Ke Kai Catamaran

USD 67.43

(237)

2.5-Hour Turtle Snorkel Sail Tour from Waikiki Beach - Cold Brew Coffee, Snacks & One Drink Included

USD 83.77

(127)

Auana Cirque du Soleil Honolulu Show Tickets - Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

From USD 78.56

(250)

Oahu Ash Scattering Memorial at Sea – Private Waikiki Boat Charter Aboard Three Tiki Catamaran

From USD 1,727.96

Waikiki Luau with All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Dinner, Fire Dance & Rock-A-Hula Show

From USD 49.50

10% OFF

(963)

Outrigger Canoe Burial at Sea in Waikiki - Ash Scattering with Photo Package

USD 472.20

(1)

Parasailing in Waikiki with Hawaiian Parasail - Diamond Head Views with Triple & Tandem Flights

From USD 79.21

15% OFF

(2275)

Afternoon Whale Watch Sail from Hilton Waikiki Pier - Spirit of Aloha [Dec-Mar]

USD 108.62

(15)

Outrigger Canoe Surfing with Waikiki Beach Boys

From USD 51.26

(116)

Waikiki Semi-Private Polynesian Canoe Sail & Hands-On Cultural Experience Tour

USD 209.42

(2)

Waikiki Bottom Fishing Cruise Tour - Ohana Fun Charters

From USD 86.87

(34)

90-Min Maitai Waikiki Catamaran Sunset Cocktail Sail with Open-Bar

USD 80.00

(1006)

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Sail with Open Bar Included - Holokai Catamaran

USD 84.77

(519)

Roberts Hawaii - Honolulu Airport Shuttle To & From Waikiki Hotels

From USD 26.00

(2060)

Early Morning Diamond Head Hiking Shuttle with Breakfast - Blue Lei Hawaii

From USD 74.00

(13)

Na Hoku Catamaran Sunset Sail from Waikiki Beach - Fun Party Cruise with Open Bar

USD 67.43

(41)

Private Honolulu Sunset Cruise - Oahu Boat Rental by Pau Hana Yacht Charters

From USD 1,210.23

(6)

Traveler's photos

Latest reviews of Top Places to Visit in Oahu

90-Min Aloha Happy Hour Sail with Drinks Included - Waikiki Beach Rainbow Catamaran

Great sailing experience!!!!!

2026/04/03 Families with Young Children Dee

Captain Jenna, Kaiala and Dez were all awesome! Family friendly! Very accommodating to my kids! So nice, and friendly and the Drinks were wonderful! Great views of Diamond Head and Waikiki beach. I want to go again!!!!!!... more Really really great tour!

Waikiki Snorkel with Turtles Cruise with Beers & Cocktails - Ke Kai Catamaran

Best Time Ever

2026/03/31 Families Olivia & Joseph

We had an amazing time. Aiden, Zack ,Caleb and the captain Justine were all so amazing. They made our experience so welcoming and comfortable. MUST TRY

Early Morning Diamond Head Hiking Shuttle with Breakfast - Blue Lei Hawaii

Beautiful morning view

2026/03/19 Couples JW

Because of our schedule, we chose to take the sunrise tour to Diamond Head. There is only one company that offers it that I could tell. It is an expensive ride, but you are the first one there. Note that you arrive 4... more

Waikiki Beach Private Photo Shoot & Photography Session for Couples and Families

Great photo shoot!

2026/03/17 Couples Ros and Nancee

We had a great experience. Joshua communicated well. We needed to make a last minute venue change, due to the weather. Everything worked out perfectly!

Outrigger Canoe Surfing with Waikiki Beach Boys

This was so much fun!

2026/03/14 Friends TP

We really had a good time. As the person in the very front, I got pretty wet, but the water was not cold at all. It was awesome seeing Waikiki from a surfer’s perspective.

Na Lei Aloha Waikiki Luau - Authentic Hula Show & Dinner at The Buffet at Hyatt Regency Waikiki

Excellent tune!

2026/03/11 Families with Young Children Vi Fam

Food was delicious and dancing was amazing. Hostesses so friendly and welcoming
The only disappointment was , they asked if we were celebrating anything and we shared it was the 30tj birthday for our twin daughters (very... more