15 recommended spots on Oahu. From the classics to the hidden gems, a Hawaii resident will tell you all about them.

*Please check the website of each spot for the latest information.

Hawaii Oahu Tourist Attractions MAP

Oahu is Hawaii's most popular tourist island.

Approximately 1.48 million (※1) Japanese tourists visit Hawaii every year, and Oahu is the island where the most people arrive for sightseeing.
(*1) Hawai'i Tourism 2018 Annual Visitor Research Report

Honolulu, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, is home to popular tourist spots that typify the image of Hawaii, including Diamond Head, which offers a panoramic view of the city, large shopping centers, and Waikiki Beach, where famous resort hotels are lined up.

When sightseeing in the Honolulu area, you can easily get around on foot around Waikiki Beach, but if you want to go to areas a little further away, such as Ala Moana or Diamond Head, it is common to use a trolley bus or city bus.

Recently, the number of people using ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, as well as the bike-sharing service Biki, which operates in downtown Honolulu, is on the rise. Transportation on Oahu is also evolving day by day, with safe, prepaid ride-hailing services and maneuverable bicycles.

There are many scenic spots and power spots where you can experience the great outdoors of Oahu scattered around the suburbs of Honolulu. You can get there by taxi, city bus, rental car, or by joining a sightseeing tour.

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These are the people we asked about the best places to visit on Oahu

This time, we spoke with six people who have been living in Hawaii for an average of 18 years, ranging from a veteran writer who provides information about Hawaii to Japanese people, to a yoga instructor and a professional surfer. (※2) We asked them to comment on popular spots and little-known spots from various perspectives, so please take a look.
(※2) As of the time of article publication in 2020

Shoko (Yoga instructor, resident for 14 years)

As a Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor and the first Japanese SUP yoga instructor, she founded Kapalili Hawaii. She now makes SUP yoga her life's work, focusing on promoting it and training instructors. In 2019, she opened a yoga wear boutique called Kapalili Hawaii.

Hinako (Marketing, resident for 9 years)

Due to family circumstances, she moved to Hawaii when she was in high school. After graduating from the University of Hawaii's business school, she got a job at a local company in Hawaii. Her hobbies are yoga and gourmet tours. She loves Foster Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Chinatown, where she can refresh herself away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mimi (Marketing Director, resident for 20 years)

He was recognized by the US government for his PR marketing skills as a professional surfer. He then earned an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii. He is currently the CEO of SURFLINK.

Mutsumi (Coordinator/Writer/Translator, resident for 26 years)

She currently works as a freelancer, coordinating, writing, and translating on-site for Hawaii-related magazines and guidebooks. Her alma mater, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, has a laid-back and lush atmosphere, and she still enjoys walking around the campus from time to time.

Yoshiko (Writer/Editor, resident for 24 years)

Born in Niigata City, she has lived in Hawaii for 24 years. After graduating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, she worked as a copywriter there. She currently works as a writer and editor for magazines and web media in Hawaii and Japan. Her hobbies are exercising, traveling, reading, visiting cafes, hiking, and swimming.

Rika (Spa Owner/Massage Therapist, resident for 17 years)

After working as a kimono dressing instructor, she moved to Hawaii and became a massage therapist. She currently runs the popular hidden spa "Sirene Hawaii" that offers lomilomi classes and massages. Her hobbies are Zumba, traveling, theater, music, movies, and visiting cafes.

A review of the three most popular tourist spots and how to enjoy them like an expert

The Honolulu area is the most popular tourist destination on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This area is home to three classic spots that are popular with people from all over the world.

The three spots are Waikiki Beach, Hawaii's most famous beach; Diamond Head, the iconic mountain that is an indispensable part of Hawaii's scenery; and Ala Moana Center, one of Hawaii's many shopping centers that is popular with both locals and tourists.

We will explain in an easy-to-understand way for first-time visitors to Hawaii why these three things are so beloved, and we will also have Hawaii residents who are experts on the place share some expert tips on how to enjoy them.

"Waikiki Beach" is a symbol of Hawaii where people from all over the world gather

Waikiki Beach, with its beautiful white sand and clear blue waters, is divided into eight main areas, from Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the Ala Moana side to Outrigger Canoe Club Beach on the Diamond Head side, each with its own unique characteristics.

If you want a relaxing and quiet time, head to Kaimana Beach/Sans Souci Beach on the Diamond Head side.

If you want to experience a lively and glamorous atmosphere, we recommend Royal Hawaiian Beach, located in front of the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel and lined with colorful umbrellas, including pink ones. You can enjoy the majestic view of Diamond Head from any beach.

The sun gets stronger and the beach gets crowded in the afternoon, so it's best to go to the beach in the morning or evening. It's also nice to stop by ABC Store or Lawson Station to buy water and other drinks, lunch, sweets, etc. and enjoy a picnic atmosphere.

Also, a free hula show is held every Saturday around sunset near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. The show unfolds on the beach at dusk and is full of atmosphere.

To avoid theft or baggage theft, do not take valuables to the beach or leave them behind before going swimming. In addition, smoking and drinking in public places, including beach parks, are illegal in Hawaii, and you will be fined, so be careful.

Waikiki Beach

Spectacular view of Hawaii from the summit of Diamond Head

If you come to Hawaii, you should try climbing Diamond Head, the symbol of Oahu. From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the Waikiki cityscape, and the mountains towering behind it.

Diamond Head is called "Le'ahi" in Hawaiian and is a sacred place where many heiau (places for ancient Hawaiian religious ceremonies) were located. Later, it was used as a military facility by the U.S. military during the war. It is now managed as a state park, and many people enjoy hiking there every day.

It takes about 30 minutes from the trailhead to the summit. There are some steep sections along the way, such as 99 steps, but handrails are installed throughout the trail, so even beginners can climb. If you start just before sunrise, you'll be able to see the sun dye the ocean orange at the summit.

The entrance fee to Diamond Head is $5 per person. After the hike, walk down from the base of Diamond Head to Monsarrat Avenue, about 10 minutes away. There are many spots where you can have a delicious breakfast or lunch, such as Bogart's Café, Ars Cafe, and Pioneer Saloon.

Diamond Head State Monument

"Ala Moana Center" is a shopping paradise where you can enjoy sightseeing

Ala Moana Center, which celebrates its 61st anniversary in 2020, is the world's largest open-air shopping center, with over 350 stores, including retail and restaurants.

This is the most visited spot in Hawaii, with about 53 million visitors per year. There are so many stores, including world-famous brand stores such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany, high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus, unique shops from Hawaii, and brands that have not yet arrived in Japan, that you could spend a whole day looking around.

In between shopping, enjoy gourmet food. Ala Moana Center has a wide variety of gourmet spots, from high-end restaurants to casual cafes and food courts, where you can enjoy local Hawaiian cuisine as well as Japanese, American, Chinese, Korean and other international cuisines.

We recommend Mariposa in Neiman Marcus, where you can enjoy the ocean view and Pacific Rim cuisine at Ala Moana. If you want to enjoy a delicious coffee at your leisure, we recommend Island Vintage Coffee and Honolulu Coffee.

Free hula shows are held every day on the Center Stage in the center of the first floor, and regular events are held to entertain visitors.

Ala Moana Center

A must-see tourist spot when visiting Oahu

In addition to the three major spots, there are many other tourist spots scattered throughout Oahu where you can have fun. We will introduce some of the classic spots that you should definitely visit if you are visiting Hawaii for the first time, such as the Farmers Market and Hanauma Bay. If you are a repeat visitor, you may be able to find a different way to enjoy the area by referring to the comments of local residents.

Enjoy Hawaiian gourmet food at the KCC Farmers Market

The KCC Farmers Market, held at Kapiolani Community College (KCC) on the middle slope of Diamond Head, is the largest market in Hawaii, with many stores selling Hawaiian agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits, as well as made-in-Hawaii specialty products, and food booths. It is held every Saturday morning, and the Tuesday evening market is held under a different name.

It's nice to visit after climbing Diamond Head opposite and have fresh juice and fruit for breakfast. It's very popular every week, and famous stores tend to have long lines, so it's recommended to visit right after they open.

KCC Farmers' Market

Hanauma Bay is a beach famous for snorkeling.

Once you pass the Hawaii Kai residential area in the southeast part of Oahu, you will immediately see the entrance to Hanauma Bay on your right. Beautiful coral reefs spread out across the gently sloping bay waters, and snorkeling is popular, allowing you to see the countless tropical fish that live there. The bay is calm with no waves, but be careful as there are some areas with strong currents.

After entering Hanauma Bay, you are required to watch a 10-minute educational video about the bay's natural environment and marine life. Also, because it is an environmental conservation area, it is closed all day every Tuesday. Since it is a popular tourist spot, it is recommended that you leave by rental car to arrive around 8am.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

From the top of Makapuu Point you can see the lighthouse and the coastline.

Makapuu Point, located on the eastern coast of Oahu, is part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline State Park.

There are two hiking trails within the park. If you climb the paved Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, you can get to the observation deck at the top where you can see beautiful views of the lighthouse, the coastlines of Makapuu and Waimanalo, and the uninhabited islands offshore.

The trail takes about 30 minutes one way, and there is an observation deck where you can watch whales along the way. There is no shade and it is hot, so be sure to bring a hat and water. If you are going by car, it is recommended that you arrive before 9:00 a.m. as there are few parking spaces.

Makapuu Point

Kailua is a fashionable beach town on the east side of Oahu.

Kailua is a scenic, refreshing beach town on the east coast, about a 30-minute drive from central Honolulu on Pali Highway.

It is popular with tourists because it is home to large supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market and Target, as well as a variety of stylish and unique shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Don't miss the pancakes smothered in macadamia nut sauce at Boots & Kimo's, or hike to the Lanikai Pillbox, which overlooks the white sand and crystal clear waters of Lanikai Beach.

Kailua

Have fun in the great outdoors at Kualoa Ranch Hawaii

Kualoa Ranch is a historic ranch founded in 1850 and located on the beautiful northeast coast of Oahu.

Today, the vast 4,000-acre site offers a variety of activities, including movie location tours, horseback riding, Raptor (off-road utility vehicle) tours, and zip lines, and the area's untouched natural surroundings are used as a filming location for Hollywood movies, television programs, and commercials.

If you book a package that includes transportation, you can conveniently use the shuttle bus that runs from Waikiki.

Kualoa Ranch Hawaii

Enjoy the beautiful beaches and Haleiwa Town on the North Shore

The North Shore of Oahu is famous for big wave surfing in the winter, especially Waimea Bay, where waves can exceed 30 feet, Ehukai Beach, home to the famous surf break "Pipeline," Shark's Cove for snorkeling, and Laniakea Beach, where you can see sea turtles.

Kahuku, the northernmost town on Oahu, is home to many stores selling North Shore specialty garlic shrimp, including Giovanni's. Haleiwa Town, a town steeped in history, is lined with unique Hawaiian boutiques, surf shops, cafes, restaurants, and shave ice shops.

North Shore

Iolani Palace was built by King Kalakaua as a royal court.

Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu was built in 1882 by King David Kalakaua, the seventh king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, who dedicated himself to reviving Hawaiian culture, including hula.

Later, Queen Liliuokalani, the sister of King Kalakaua and the last queen of the Kingdom of Hawaii, lived here. It is now designated as a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public every day except Sundays. Self-guided tours with audio are available, and guided tours in Japanese are also available.

Across the street in front of the Hawaii State Supreme Court stands the statue of King Kamehameha the Great, founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii, so be sure to visit it as well.

Iolani Palace

Tips for a smooth trip to Oahu

If you are planning to visit Oahu, one of the most popular islands in Hawaii, what should you be careful of to have a wonderful trip? Based on the opinions of local residents, OnTrip JAL editorial team has compiled some tips for sightseeing.

(1) Avoid traffic jams and congestion by going out early in the morning

The key to sightseeing in Oahu is to avoid traffic jams and crowds. If you start early in the morning, the temperature is still low and comfortable, and the roads and parking lots are empty, so it's all good. In the afternoon, return to Waikiki and relax in the hotel pool to enjoy the resort atmosphere.

(2) Make restaurant and activity reservations before you leave

It's generally a good idea to make reservations before visiting popular restaurants and cafes. Many establishments have Japanese-speaking staff, so you can make reservations by phone or through the form on their official website. We also recommend using a reservation site. The same goes for tours and activities: make reservations in advance in Japan to avoid panicking when you get there.

(3) It is important not to over-schedule your schedule

If you try to do too much in a short stay and over-pack your schedule, you'll end up stressed and not be able to see everything to your heart's content. It's best to relax and do what you really want to see and do, since you're in Hawaii.

(4) Don’t make large, repeated movements.

Suburban areas such as Haleiwa are scenic and lovely, but unless you rent a car or take a tour, it can be quite a hassle to get there by bus. It's best to visit the suburbs once per trip and enjoy the beaches, cafes, shops, and parks close to your hotel. If you're staying in Waikiki, everything is within walking distance.

(5) Use Wi-Fi wisely to make your trip more comfortable

In Hawaii, there is free Wi-Fi in large shopping centers and restaurants, so if you use a smartphone, be sure to take advantage of it. If you are traveling in a group, we recommend renting a Wi-Fi router for when you go your separate ways, or purchasing a local SIM card in Japan.

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Hidden tourist spots from locals who know Oahu

We've picked out some of the more tourist-friendly spots from a resident's perspective. Here, we'll introduce some relatively accessible attractions recommended by locals.

"Ala Moana Beach Park" is a park loved by locals

Ala Moana Beach Park, located on the ocean side of the Ala Moana Center, is a vast municipal park used daily by local residents. The beach that stretches from Magic Island to Kakaako is less crowded with tourists, less crowded on weekends than Waikiki, and has free parking, making it a hidden gem.

The shallow, clear waters are popular for swimming, SUP (stand-up paddle boarding), surfing, canoeing, and other water sports. Many people enjoy exercising by jogging or walking on the promenade that runs through the entire beach park, making it a popular place of relaxation for Honolulu residents.

Ala Moana Regional Park

Enjoy freshly picked vegetables and fruits at Kafuku Farms

Kahuku Farms in Kahuku on the North Shore is a farm that grows fruits such as apple bananas and papayas, and vegetables such as eggplant and kale.

The Farm Café on the premises serves light meals such as sandwiches and smoothies made with freshly picked produce, as well as acai bowls made with home-grown acai. You can enjoy healthy and delicious meals while relaxing in the spacious farm setting.

The chocolate made from the cacao grown on the farm is also delicious. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1pm, they hold a "Grand Tour" where you can tour the farm in a wagon and then sample the fruit.

Kahuku Farms

"Pele's Chair" is the most famous power spot on Oahu

A power spot in the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, the same state park as Makapuu Point, is a strange rock formation called "Pele's Chair." If you walk along the Kaiwi Shoreline Trail, which takes about 20 minutes one way, to the sea, you will find Pele's Chair, which looks like a pile of stones on a cliff.

This is the rock where the legend has it that Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, sat down and rested after creating the island of Oahu, and it is known as a place where you can receive power to improve your luck in business and money, and when you are feeling down. However, please note that it is taboo to pray for love. It is a hot place with no shade, so don't forget to bring a hat and water.

Pele's Chair

Visit the beautiful white sand manmade beach at Ko Olina Resort

Ko Olina Resort in the west part of Oahu, developed along a 2.4 km stretch of coastline, has four artificial lagoons, numbered No. 1 through No. 4, spaced at regular intervals, named "Kohola (whale)," "Honu (turtle)," "Nai'a (dolphin)," and "Ulua (fish)."

If you are staying at a resort, the beach is right in front of the hotel grounds, so it is easy to go to and from your room. The lagoon, with its white sand and blue water, has a perfect tropical atmosphere, and the waves are gentle, so you can enjoy swimming.

Ko Olina Resort

Learn about Hawaiian history and culture at the Bishop Museum

If you want to learn more about Hawaii, you should visit the Bishop Museum in the Kapalama district of Honolulu. The museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Bishop, the husband of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a descendant of King Kamehameha, following her will.

Originally housing the heirlooms of Hawaiian royalty and historical items owned by the princess, the museum has since expanded to millions of photographs, objects, documents and other items related to Hawaiian and Pacific island cultures, and regularly hosts cultural, historical and scientific exhibits and events.

Bishop Museum

Other places recommended by locals include He'eia State Park, Foster Botanical Gardens, Waialae Avenue in Kaimuki, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.

Hawaii's Oahu is not only a major tourist destination where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food, but the best part is that you can experience the abundant nature, such as the white sand beaches, green mountains, and the magnificent views of the blue sea. Furthermore, you can enjoy your trip even more by learning about Hawaiian royalty and the culture of Oahu at the palaces and museums. Using the article introduced here as a reference, we hope you will visit Oahu to experience the soothing nature and culture of Hawaii.

Image courtesy of PIXTA

*Some content was updated on August 19, 2022.

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