Oahu Attractions
The island of Oahu is the most visited island in the state of Hawaii. Most people who plan a Hawaii vacation stay in or around Waikiki, which is a neighborhood of Honolulu. Oahu attractions range from natural sights like waterfalls, rainforests and beaches, to man-made attractions, such as museums, shows, historic buildings and temples.
Oahu sightseeing is fun for people of all ages and interests since there is something for everyone. Below is a list of some of the best things to do on Oahu.
Ala Wai Canal
It may be hard to believe, but where Waikiki now stands, there used to be swampland, with waterlogged fish, duck ponds and rice paddies. In the mid-1920s, the land was drained and the Ala Wai Canal was built. Read More
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
This is the largest flea market in Hawaii. Tons of goods are being offered, ranging from T-shirts, luggage, antique collectibles, sarongs, jewelry, electronics, fruits and so much more. Enjoy the best treasure hunt you ever had. Read More
Art on the Zoo Fence
For more than 50 years, artists have been displaying their works on the east fence of the Honolulu Zoo. Here, one can freely view amazing art work and meet Hawaii’s artists in person. Read More
Bishop Museum
Here is a destination that’s not only entertaining, but also enlightening. The Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s largest museum with an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, documents and photos about Hawaii and other Pacific cultures. Read More
Byodo-in Temple
Located in the Valley of the Temples and backed by the 2,000-ft (610 m) Koolau Mountain Range, the Byodo-In Temple features a gigantic statue of Buddha. It is the largest wooden Buddha made in the last 900 years. Read More
Chinaman’s Hat
Mokoli'i Island, also known as Chinaman’s Hat because of its shape, is a popular spot for taking pictures on Oahu’s windward coast. The small island is located at the north end of Kaneohe Bay. Read More
Chinatown
Mostly described as one of Oahu's most exciting and mysterious neighborhoods, Honolulu’s Chinatown showcases a unique and colorful part of local history that makes it an interesting stop on anyone’s itinerary. Read More
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is one of the most famous landmarks on Oahu. It has once been an active volcano, but hasn’t spewed any ashes for more than 150,000 years. The extinct crater and lookout point are a popular hiking destination. Read More
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Take a walk in a tropical garden and see how a variety of tropical fruits grow, ride on a train through pineapple fields, find your way out of a huge maze and learn all about Hawaii's pineapple-growing history. Read More
Duke Kahanamoku Statue
A popular statue in Waikiki and one of the most photographed spots is the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. Duke (1890-1968) is perhaps the most remembered and respected Hawaiian surfer – a true Hawaiian hero and waterman. Read More
Foster Botanical Garden
Encompassing almost 14 acres, Foster Botanical Garden is a serene oasis and home to more than 10,000 species of rare tropical plants from all over the world. It is on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. Read More
Goat Island (Mokuauia Island)
Contrary to its name, there are no goats on Goat Island, only nesting seabirds. The island is a seabird sanctuary and is close enough to the beach that it is possible to swim right over during low tide if the ocean is calm. Read More
Hale o Lono Heiau
Built between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D., this heiau is dedicated to Lono, the God of agriculture. Human sacrifices didn’t happen here regularly, but sometimes fish and human offerings were made to ensure a good harvest. Read More
Halona Blowhole
The Halona Blowhole is an underwater lava tube. The water from the ocean enters the tube with each wave and as the tube becomes narrower, the pressure in it increases and the water shoots up into the air. Read More
Hawaii Convention Center
With more than 60% of the building open to the sky, the Hawaii Convention Center gives a similar vibe to Hawaii's culture, free and welcoming. The contrast between high beams and open space is reminiscent of palm trees, waves and Polynesian sailing canoes. Read More
Hawaii State Capitol
The Hawaii State Capitol opened on March 15, 1969. Unlike other state capitols that are modeled after the U.S. Capitol, the Hawaii State Capitol's architectural features symbolize various natural aspects of Hawaii. Read More
Hawaii State Library
The Hawaii State Library serves as the seat of the Hawaii State Public Library System, which is the only statewide library system and one of the largest in the United States. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Read More
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
Situated on lush 400 acres (1.6 sq. km) at the foot of the majestic Koolau Mountain Range, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is a peace peaceful park that is home to hundreds of plant species. Read More
Honolulu Academy of Arts
Founded in 1927, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is an art museum featuring a collection of over 50,000 works. The museum’s major strengths are European and American paintings, graphic and decorative arts and the arts of Asia. Read More
Honolulu Hale
Honolulu Hale is the official seat of government of the city and county site of the chambers of the Mayor of Honolulu and the Honolulu City Council. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Read More
Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. Not only is it the largest zoo within a 2,300-mile (3,700 km) radius, but it is also the only zoo in the U.S. that had its origins in a grant given by a king. Read More
Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace was built as a seat of government by the “Merry Monarch” King David Kalakaua, Hawaii’s final king. Not only is it an architectural masterpiece, but it had electricity and telephones four years before the White House did. Read More
Kapiolani Park
Kapiolani Park was given to the people of Hawaii from King Kalakaua in 1887. He named the 130 acres of land after his beloved wife, Queen Kapiolani. There are picnic sites, 100-year-old trees, tennis courts, soccer fields and a jogger's course. Read More
Kawaiahao Church
Kawaiahao Church was the first Christian church in Hawaii, built between 1836 and1842. It features a New England style architecture. For its construction, about 14,000 slabs of coral rock were digged out by hand from offshore reefs. Read More
King Kamehameha Statue
King Kamehameha the Great was one of the most beloved of Hawaii’s heroes. He conquered the Hawaiian Islands, unified them and established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1810. His statue stands proudly in downtown Honolulu. Read More
Koko Head Crater
Koko Head is one of the most popular landmarks on Oahu's south shore. Even from a distance one can see the steep hiking trail that leads to the peak. The 1,048 stairs make for a good workout. Read More
Kualoa Ranch
At Kualoa Ranch, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, such as horseback rides, ATV & movie tours, a jungle expedition, a Hawaiian fishpond tour, hula lessons and a snorkeling excursion with a picnic on a "secret" island. Read More
Mission Houses Museum
Visit the Mission Houses Museum to get an idea how the missionaries lived during Hawaii's missionary period from 1820 to 1863. The settlement was built in 1831 and three of the original buildings still remain. Read More
Mokulua Islands
The Mokuluas are twin islands located offshore at Lanikai Beach on Oahu’s windward coast. Both islands are seabird sanctuaries protected by the state of Hawaii, but the beach on North Mokulua is open to the public during the day. Read More
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is located on a 1,186-foot (362 m) high mountain pass perched before 3,000-foot (915 m) peaks. From up here you’ll enjoy a nice bird’s eye view of Oahu's windward coast. Read More
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a significant historical location. It was here where the Japanese attacked the U.S. Pacific fleet on December 7, 1941, which led the United States to enter World War II. Today, Pearl Harbor is the most-visited destination on Oahu. Read More
Polynesian Cultural Center
In a nutshell, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a 42-acre (170,000 m²) open-air park, a living museum, which showcases eight Polynesian island nations and cultures in eight traditional villages. Read More
Punchbowl National Cemetery
The Punchbowl National Cemetery was built in 1948 to serve as a resting place for soldiers of the American Armed Forces who lost their lives during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Read More
Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau
Go to this ancient Hawaiian heiau around sundown to feel the "mana" (sacred spirit) and a mysterious energy that will give you goose bumps all over. The Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau isthe largest heiau on Oahu, covering almost two acres. Read More
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Built in 1847, the summer palace and home of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV has been restored and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Hawaiian monarchy. Read More
Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island, also known as Manana Island, is located off the southeast shore of Oahu, just northwest of Makapuu Point. It is a volcanic tuff cone island and used to be the location of a rabbit-raising farm. Read More
Restaurant Row
Located near downtown Honolulu, Restaurant Row is a business as well as a restaurant and entertainment complex. With dozens of restaurants and various shops, Restaurant Row is popular mainly among local residents. Read More
Sea Life Park
Located on Oahu’s southeastern tip by Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park is Hawaii’s premier marine attraction. Here you can enjoy up-close views of dolphins, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, stingrays and many other marine animals. Read More
Stairway of Heaven
The hike up the Stairway of Heaven, also known as Haiku Stairs, is one of the most popular of Oahu's "forbidden" trails. But even though the trail is closed today, some avid hikers still trespass because of the view that awaits from the top. Read More
The Contemporary Museum
Located in the Honolulu neighborhood of Makiki, on a hill overlooking the city and the ocean, The Contemporary Museum is the only museum in Hawaii that’s devoted exclusively to contemporary art featuring displays from 1940 to the present. Read More
Tropical Farms
At Tropical Farms on Oahu’s windward coast you can get many delicious and uniquely Hawaiian goodies that simply aren't available in Waikiki, plus you can tour the farm and learn about Hawaiian culture, fruits and plants. Read More
Ulupo Heiau
The Ulupo Heiau is quite massive and required a large workforce. One stone is recorded to have been brought to the heiau all the way from Kualoa, which is more than 10 miles (16 km) away. Read More
U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is located in Waikiki and features exhibits and educational programs that show the role Hawaii played in military actions from its ancient beginnings and especially during World War II and the Vietnam War. Read More
Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest aquarium in the United States. Enjoy up-close views of reef sharks, colorful jellyfish, eels, living corals and other ocean creatures of Hawaii and the South Pacific. Read More
War Memorial Natatorium
The War Memorial Natatorium was completed in 1927 as a memorial to the 102 soldiers from Hawaii who were killed in World War I. The memorial’s centerpiece is the 20-foot (6 m) tall entrance arch. Read More
Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii
One wouldn’t think Hawaii, with its hundreds of islands scattered over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of water, would ever need a water park. But it’s got one! Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii encompasses 25 acres of water rides. Read More
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