O‘ahu
Your getaway to O‘ahu
Start with the icon: Diamond Head at sunrise, an easy climb to the view that defines the island. Spend a morning body-surfing or just floating at Waikiki, then wander Kalakaua Avenue as the shops open. Lunch is a plate lunch or poke bowl from wherever the line of locals is longest — trust the line. Afternoon belongs to a neighborhood wander through Kakaako's murals or Manoa's misty valley. Drive up to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, where wind howls through the cliffs and the whole windward coast opens below. Take one slow beach hour at Lanikai, the sand like powdered sugar between the islands. Dinner at a Kapahulu strip of eateries, then shave ice for dessert because that's simply what you do. Catch free hula by torchlight on the beach as the sky goes orange over the water. One more sunrise swim on your last morning, because it costs nothing and stays with you. You'll leave having tasted the whole island without ever rushing it.
Places to love in O‘ahu
USS Arizona Anchor
An anchor recovered from the sunken USS Arizona, displayed as a memorial to those lost in the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. A poignant stop for visitors interested in World War II history.
attraction
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Protected marine conservation area and popular snorkeling spot formed within a volcanic cone.
park
Waikiki Beach
Iconic beach on Oahu's south shore, birthplace of modern surfing culture.
beach
Pearl Harbor
A historic naval base and site of the 1941 attack that brought the U.S. into WWII, home to memorials including the USS Arizona. It is one of Hawai‘i's most significant historical and commemorative destinations.
attraction
Manoa Falls
150-foot-tall falls accessible via a 1.5-mile round-trip rainforest hike.
waterfall
Lanikai Beach
A calm, powdery white-sand beach on O‘ahu's windward coast known for turquoise water and views of the Mokulua islands. Travelers go for swimming, kayaking, and relaxed shoreline time in one of Hawaii's most photographed settings.
attraction
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Popular paved coastal hiking trail with spectacular views of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline.
trail
Koko Crater Arch Trail
Steep, challenging hike up an abandoned WWII railway with over 1,000 steps and panoramic views.
trail
Laie Hawaii Temple
A prominent Latter-day Saint (Mormon) temple on O‘ahu's North Shore, notable for its striking white architecture and manicured formal gardens. Travelers visit the visitor center and grounds to admire the building and its tranquil landscaped setting, as the temple interior is not open to the general public.
church