Best Travel Guide Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, HawaiiGuide was updated: 2025-02-07

Surrounded by the verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes and the roar of the Pacific beating down upon palm-fringed white beaches, the island Oahu is an incredibly idyllic holiday destination. With an abundance of natural beauty and the attractions of the vibrant and buzzing metropolis Honolulu, Oahu is sure to please all visitors: from beach bums to culture vultures.

Do & See

The breathtaking island of Oahu offers an endless array of activities and sights. While relaxing on the beaches or braving the surf will always be Hawaiian specialties, culture and adventure should also be on the bucket-list: celebrate Polynesian culture at a luau, get a dose of modern culture in Honolulu or admire the mesmerizing natural reserve wildlife.

Honolulu

Hawaii's capital, its largest city and the center of commerce, history and entertainment, is a true metropolis with Polynesian flavor. Although visitors might prefer to laze on the beautiful beaches or to explore the natural wonders of the island, a visit to The Big Pineapple, as it is known, should not be passed up, as you do not want to miss the dining options, the student scene, the historical sights or the cultural delights.

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ʻIolani Palace

ʻIolani Palace is the only official royal residence in the United States. The last king of Hawaii was David Kalakaua, who ruled the kingdom in the late nineteenth century. Hawaii became an American territory in 1900 and, almost 60 years later, was declared the 50th American state.

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Waikiki

The two-mile stretch of beach south of central Honolulu is the island's main resort area and, thus, one of the biggest draws for tourists who flock here for laid-back vibes, gentle surf, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping. Lying in the shadow of the Diamond Head makes not only stunning views but also an easy access to one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks.

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World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

The United States naval base at Pearl Harbor was surprised by a Japanese military strike on the morning of December 7, 1941: all eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, more than 2,000 Americans lost their lives, and this very attack led to the American involvement in World War II. Today, a memorial reminds of those who died in the assault, while two museums and outdoor exhibits present the historical happenings and their backgrounds. The visitor centre in general also features exhibits and interpretive programs for other Pacific National Parks: Kalaupapa National Historical Park on the island of Molokai, American Memorial Park in Saipan, and War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam.

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Diamond Head State Monument

Hawaii’s most famous landmark, the Diamond Head, is a volcanic crater with a 360-degree view over the island, and its name comes from English sailors who thought its calcite crystals were pure diamonds. The scenic hike up to the summit, taking the so-called stairway to heaven, will not be soon forgotten, and so it happens to the views from atop.

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Waikiki Aquarium

The Waikiki Aquarium, located right on the shores and run by the nearby university, attempts to recreate diverse tropical Pacific reef habitats to function as home to a number of aquatic species, including some rare fish species from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and the moon jellyfish.

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Population:	Oahu: 953,200 Honolulu: 387,170
Currency:	1 US Dollar = 100 Cents
Emergency Numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Honolulu Star-Advertiser: www.staradvertiser.com The Hawaii Independent (online): www.thehawaiiindependent.com Hawaii Tribune-Herald: www.hawaiitribune-herald.com
Website:	www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu »
Opening Hours:	Most stores are open daily from 10am to 6pm or even longer, while most of the bars and clubs close down at 2am.
Tourist Information:	Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801, Honolulu, HI Open Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm +1 808 923 1811 www.hvcb.org oahu@hvcb.org