Intro
Having a travel guide is essential to exploring the radiant beauty of Oahu. As the most populated Hawaiian island, Oahu is packed with jaw-dropping beaches, rich Hawaiian culture and mesmerizing hikes that feel straight out of a movie. With so much to see and do, it can feel a little overwhelming to start making travel plans.
I spent 10 days in Oahu and even though every trip never feels like enough time, I explored a lot of the island. My time in Oahu gave me a good sense of the island and what I would consider to be some great places to spend your days at.
This travel guide is meant to show you some of the incredible outdoor and culturally rich activities you can do as well as providing resources to help you plan the most sustainable trip to Oahu possible!
*Note* This post does have affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my affiliate links, I would make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s not required, but it is very much appreciated!
Table of contents
Hotels & Accommodations
Figuring out where to stay on Oahu can be kind of tricky. What I mean by this is that as visitors, we want to be mindful of our impact and try to be as supportive of the local economy and environment as possible. This makes booking accommodations a little challenging because hotel stays are known for wasting water resources and keeping corporations rich whereas airbnb and vrbo properties have been known to contribute to the housing shortage on Oahu.
If you’re curious to read more about this, this article from The Hawaiian Vacation Guide and an article from Adventure.com offer some really good insight into these issues.
Basically there is no easy answer when it comes to picking out a place to stay. However, there are some really great resources to help you get the most environmentally friendly hotel stay possible.
Go Hawaii
GoHawaii.com has an ecotourism page on their website that will show you a variety of accommodations that are aimed at being more eco-friendly and sustainable. In terms of how eco-friendly they are or what these hotels do to be more eco-friendly, I don’t really know. But it’s definitely a good place to start for research when it comes to finding eco-friendly lodging.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: To view the GoHawaii.com ecotourism page, click HERE.
Mālama Hawai’i Voluntourism Program
Did you know Hawaii has a voluntourism program? The Mālama Hawai’i program aims at combining unique experiences with volunteering, giving visitors a special opportunity to see Hawaii in a different light. You can enjoy your time giving back to these beautiful islands by participating in beach clean ups, tree planting and farming. This program is offered on all the main Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu!
I personally did not hear about this program until after my trip to Oahu. I attempted to participate in a volunteer session on a farm on the Big Island, but the woman running the farm sessions wasn’t able to host during my visit. Even though I was super bummed, I am determined to try this program for myself someday!
But anyways, this program not only gives you a great experience by giving back, but some volunteer sessions offer a discount or a free night in a hotel by participating. Again, I wasn’t able to try this out myself, but the next trip I plan to Hawaii I am 100% going this direction. And then hopefully I will have more insight.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: To learn more about the Mālama Hawai’i Voluntourism program, click HERE.
Getting Around Oahu
Airport
The main airport you will be flying into is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. After you leave the plane and you’re walking through the airport, you will have to have your bags go through an agriculture inspection. This is very laid back. All you are doing is putting your luggage on a small conveyer belt just like you’re going through TSA. Your luggage gets scanned to just make sure you are not bringing in any invasive species.
After you leave the airport, then you are either getting a rental car, Lyft/Uber or bus ride to your accommodation!
Bus or Rental Car?
You really don’t want to visit Oahu without a rental car. While you can just stay within the Waikiki/Downtown Honolulu area and get around just fine with shuttles and buses, I would urge you to explore more of the island with a car.
Getting out of the city lets you see more of Oahu and explore areas where you would need a car to visit anyways.
However, if you were truly only planning for staying in the Waikiki/Honolulu area and for whatever reason have no desire to see anywhere else on Oahu then you can get away without a rental car.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: To read more about the bus system on Oahu, click HERE.
Things To Do in Oahu
One of the amazing things I love about Oahu is that there are an endless array of activities to do. And since this is a fantastic outdoor destination, a lot of places are either free or very low cost if you stick to outside recreation.
Beaches
My hope would be that you’re visiting Oahu for the beaches. And not just looking out at the beach from your hotel room but that you’re actually on the beach feeling the sand in your toes and the salt water in your hair.
There are dozens if not hundreds of beaches on Oahu. The kind of beaches you want to visit honestly just depend on what you really want to do and how far you’re willing to drive. You can technically swim and snorkel at almost any beach unless otherwise noted by signage or lifeguards.
Some of the most popular beaches in Oahu are:
Want to learn more about Oahu’s beaches? Then check out my article on A Guide to East Oahu Beaches for your travels!
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a fantastic way to explore Oahu’s beaches and surrounding oceans. It’s great for all ages and fairly easy to learn.
If you’re looking at having the freedom to snorkel wherever, I would recommend bringing your own snorkel gear.
There are cheap ones on Amazon, but you do want to be aware of quality. This snorkel gear I purchased two years ago and it still works great. Nothing has worn out, broken or snapped. It’s super travel friendly and for a decent price, you’re getting something that’s going to last.
Don’t wait to get this travel friendly snorkel gear!
If you’re interested in reading more about the snorkeling on Oahu then make sure to check out my article, A Guide for Snorkeling in Oahu to help with your travels!
Hiking
While bright blue beaches are certainly the main attraction to Oahu, I would argue that visiting for the hiking is also just as beautiful and worthwhile.
There are tons of hikes to choose from and there is something for all ages. When I was there, I was only able to do two. I was just so focused on exploring beaches that I prioritized beach activities over hiking. But I will say the hikes I did were incredible!
My first hike was to Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. It is a great hike with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. It is around 2 miles there and back with little to no shade. So be sure to wear sunscreen.
I also “hiked” to Waimea Falls. It’s really more of a walk. But it’s a beautiful walk that takes you through the Waimea Valley to the falls which you can swim in! It is rich in tropical plants that are a mix of local Hawaiian and from other tropical places around the world. It is a beautiful area that is worth seeing for yourself.
Some other very popular hikes in Oahu are:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you’re wanting to search for more epic hikes on Oahu, then consider getting AllTrails. It’s free to sign up, but if you get a premium subscription you can access offline maps and so much more! Click HERE to sign up!
Excursions & Tours
If you’re looking to take your travels to Oahu up a notch by taking a guided tour or excursion, then buckle up because Oahu has plenty!
When you are picking tours, you want to do extra research to ensure you are picking vendors that are in operation with only the best for the environment in mind.
Because I really wanted to be in and around the ocean, I picked snorkeling excursions and had the best time.
Recommendations
Turtle Canyon
My first snorkel excursion was with Living Ocean Tours to Turtle Canyon. Turtle Canyon is a nature preserve that’s located off the shore of Honolulu. So the only way you can get there is by boat.
When you read the website for Turtle Canyon, they will recommend Living Ocean Tours too and I completely get why. The staff are so incredibly kind, knowledgable and efficient at getting everyone boarded. I didn’t feel like the tour group size was too large. Although just be aware that there are other vendors who do tours to Turtle Canyon so it does get pretty crowded in the water.
Living Ocean Tours offers snacks and beverages after the snorkeling tour. Staff will also get into the water with you to ensure safety of not only you but of the sea turtles. I really appreciated Living Ocean Tours for this and how much they emphasized obeying federal law. You must keep at least 10 feet away from sea turtles. And they take this seriously. They will not tolerate any harassment of the sea turtles.
This tour is great for kids and beginner snorkelers. They will break the tour group up to allow experienced snorkelers in first, then give a demonstration for beginners. Life jackets are required and snorkel gear is provided. It’s a win, win!
BOOK YOUR TOUR: To book your tour to Turtle Canyon with Living Ocean Tours, click HERE.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Book Turtle Canyon now!
Snorkel with Sharks
My second tour was in North Shore where I snorkeled with sharks with Island View Hawaii. I know, that might sound like a dead wish but I promise it wasn’t. It was oddly calming and definitely a very rare and unique opportunity to see galapagos sharks far from shore just doing their thing in the water.
What I loved about Island View Hawaii was their view of sharks and their place in nature. When you book this tour, you are asked to leave behind whatever notions or ideas about sharks you have behind and to be open minded to the experience. The sharks come naturally and Island View Hawaii makes it very clear that there may only be one shark or a dozen. They emphasize to be grateful with whatever Mother Nature gives us and to enjoy the experience.
They also do not allow cameras in the water so that you can fully enjoy the moment. Instead, they take photos for you which are free and come with the booking fee. And I honestly appreciated this because it did let me soak up the moment more.
Snorkel gear is provided as well as the option to use floaties in the water. When the ocean waves get rougher, they will throw a line of rope out for everyone to hang onto. Despite being afraid to see sharks at first, I felt very safe the entire time. The fear faded and I quickly began to enjoy it.
BOOK YOUR TOUR: To book your tour with Island View Hawaii, click HERE.
Remember to book “Swim with Sharks Cage-Free from Oahu” before it sells out!
Cultural & Historical
Additionally, Oahu has a very rich history that is worth learning about. I only had time to visit Pearl Harbor which I would highly recommend but I would also encourage you to prioritize more Native Hawaiian cultural sites. This is something I wish I had spent more of my time doing.
Some great historical and cultural places that I had on my list but didn’t get a chance to visit are:
Some other popular sites to visit are:
It is important that visitors take time to learn and understand how sacred and special the Hawaiian islands are. When tourists take the time to understand these relationships, it is easier to grow appreciation and respect. And respect for Hawaii and its culture is what keeps places like Oahu clean, staying beautiful and allows for a better ecological balance between Hawaii, its people and the ones who come to enjoy it.
Oahu Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Thankfully the water temperatures in Hawaii are warm all year round. So no matter what time of year you visit, you will be able to swim in the ocean. However, due to Oahu’s strong wind currents, some popular snorkeling spots are not recommended in the winter.
I went in the summer and had a great time, but it is definitely busy and some beaches are packed. To avoid this, you can travel during the shoulder season which is from April to mid June and then from September to December.
But I really do feel like Oahu is a great place to visit year round.
Cultural & Environmental Considerations
Despite colonization taking over the Hawaiian islands, Hawaiian culture still thrives on Oahu. There is a strong connection between the land (‘āina) and sea (moana) which we as visitors also want to try and understand. These islands are home for locals and Native Hawaiians and we are guests. When visiting, keep in mind the following:
- Don’t dismiss warning signs near beaches, trails and sacred landmarks
- Arrive with an open heart and an open mind
- Staying on marked trails
- Do not smoke on beaches
- Support local businesses by eating, shopping and purchasing souvenirs locally
Safety Tips
Safety is important both on and off the trail as well as in the ocean. While most of us go on a trip and come unharmed, you never know when something will happen completely unexpected.
To help ensure your safety when hiking, be sure to:
- Pack a first aid kit and your essentials
- Stay on marked trails
- Always check the weather before heading out
- Make sure to let someone know where you’re hiking
And be aware of the flora and fauna where you are hiking. Remember to leave no trace and to take only memories.
To help ensure your safety while in the ocean, be sure to:
- Not turn your back on the ocean
- Follow all lifeguard signage
- Stay hydrated
- Be aware of rip currents
- Swim with others when possible
The same goes when hiking as being in the ocean: leave no trace and take only memories.
Budgeting
The idea that you have to spend thousands in order to vacation on Oahu is ridiculous. When I first arrived, I thought for sure I was going to break my wallet but surprisingly I was wrong. And any other travel guides out there who are telling you the same narrative about Oahu is wrong.
While yes, there are some prices we can’t control, like hotels, which tend to be on the more expensive side. There are other things you can do like watching for cheap flights, shopping at Costco and prioritizing local restaurants that will save you so much money.
If you’re curious to read more about budgeting on your trip to Oahu, then be sure to check out my article for Tips to Visiting Honolulu Oahu On a Budget!
Oahu Itineraries
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with trip planning, I completely understand. Traveling in general can feel very overwhelming. And when there are a million things you could do in what feels like not enough time, it can be stressful and makes trip planning difficult.
If this is you, or you are just curious what a fun filled day in Oahu would look like, then check out my itineraries of Oahu which I’ll include in this travel guide below. I currently have itineraries for one, three and four days!
Packing List For Oahu
If you’re like me and get overwhelmed just by packing for a trip, then this packing list to Oahu is for you. It’s a great way to see and help you keep track of what you need to bring to ensure you have an amazing time exploring Oahu. So don’t forget to check out this Oahu Packing List here.
Conclusion
This travel guide of Oahu should give you a better sense of how to plan your trip. A place like Oahu is perfect for being outdoors and exploring some of the most iconic natural scenery. But it is also a place for learning about Hawaiian culture and understanding how special these connections are with the land and sea. My hope is that you will use this travel guide to prioritize outdoor recreation and cultural exploration of Oahu. Whatever tours you take or where you stay, just keep things local and have fun! And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out my other articles about Oahu to help you with your future planning!
Additional Trip Planning Information
The Best of Oahu’s Most Stunning State Parks
A Guide for Snorkeling in Oahu
