7 Best Places in Oahu

Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city, the state capital of Hawaii, and it is home to a sizable portion of the Hawaiian people. Honolulu is a must-see since it serves as the gateway to the rest of the islands.

The city is home to the state government, several historical sites, a thriving arts scene, fantastic shopping and nightlife, and, of course, the world-famous Waikiki Beach, where surfing was developed.

Oh, and Halekulani is a fantastic location to stay in (which is stunning). Diamond Head volcano's crater may also be seen in the distance from the city.

At the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark, you may learn about the horrific Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and shop till you drop at the Ala Moana Center and numerous other world-class retail malls. Finish your day with delicious local cuisine, live music, and dancing downtown and Chinatown.

Iolani Palace is a national historic property and the United States' sole formal state palace of royalty. King Kalakaua built the Palace in 1882. Iolani Palace used to be a royal home until the Hawaiian monarchy was toppled in 1893.

Walking through the passageways, it's easy to envisage royal balls with dancing and music in the throne chamber. There are also unique apartments for the royal family, a gorgeous koa staircase, dramatic family pictures, elegant furnishings, and more. The "Imprisonment Room," where the queen was detained under house arrest for five months, is one of the attractions, as is the quilt she created during that time.

You can discover everything about the history of this sacred site – an ancient place of prayer — on a variety of self-guided or docent-led tours.

Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Sign. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial tells you about the December 7, 1941, attack on the American military, precipitating the United States' entrance into World War II.

While visiting is a depressing experience, as you will be standing over a graveyard where 1,177 men sacrificed their lives, it provides a peek into one of the most pivotal events in American history. Visitors board a 150-passenger US Navy boat for a journey out to the monument, erected atop the sunken battleship's remnants.

The Visitor Center is free to attend. It serves as the meeting point for tours, including transportation to the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, where visitors may see WWII aircraft and relics and land an airplane in a flight simulator. Other attractions include the USS Oklahoma, USS Utah, and the Battleship USS Missouri, whose deck tourists can tour.

This beach is one of the most popular in the world and one of the most incredible spots to visit in Oahu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is ideal for snorkeling, surfing, canoe paddling, boogie boarding, sandboarding, sand combing, or simply getting a tan and admiring the setting sun.

The Waikiki Historic Trail contains surfboard-shaped historic markers inspired by Waikiki's own Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer and ardent surfer.

The Waikiki Beach Walk is dotted with cafés and entertainment venues, while Kuhio and Kalakaua Avenues house most of the area's eateries and stores.

Diamond Head State Monument is located at the extremity of a crescent-shaped beach, providing a distinguishing profile on the coast. It was previously a critical vantage point for the island's coastal defense, and an arduous trek to the summit leads to the historical bunkers and artillery control station, as well as panoramic views.

Hanauma Bay is known as the best snorkeling spot on Oahu. The coral reefs of Hanauma Bay provide a home for various colorful fish. This is a sheltered area with soft water that is perfect for even inexperienced snorkelers; snorkel equipment may be rented on-site.

The bay was designated a marine conservation area in 1967 and is home to various marine species, including green sea turtles. To assist conserve this fragile habitat, a reservation system allows for a restricted number of tourists each day. Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen!

You may go to the bay by vehicle, bus, or shuttle and spend the day admiring the perfect underwater wonderland, which is surrounded by beautiful coral and millions of aquatic life. Hike one of the numerous paths or take a short tram ride to the crater rim for a spectacular view of the bay.

Kailua, a lively coastal town on Oahu's windward eastern coast, offers sandy beaches, warm tropical waters, and a seemingly infinite variety of activities.

Kailua Beach, located less than 30 minutes from Honolulu on Oahu's windward coast, has a reputation for being one of the nicest beaches in America. Kailua Beach Park provides tourists with a half-mile of fine white sand, warm tropical seas, and enough wind to keep things cool.

In the quiet, clear seas, you may go diving or snorkeling or try your hand at kayaking, surfing, wind-surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or sailing.

Lanikai Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches in the world. "Lani Kai" means "Heavenly Ocean" in Hawaiian. It's an apt name for such a lovely location.

Lanikai Beach is a sandy palm-fringed beach lapped by the turquoise tropical waves of the Pacific. This hidden pearl is located on Oahu's windward shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu. If you get up extra early, you'll see a beautiful sunrise.