Oahu attractions

Waikiki, where most vacations in Hawaii begin, is everything all at once: white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, high-rise resorts, world-class shopping, top-notch dining, Native Hawaiian culture, and excellent surfing. The center of Hawaiian hospitality and full of aloha spirit, it’s no wonder this one-time retreat for Hawaiian royalty continues to be an oasis for visitors from across the globe.

The USS Arizona Memorial floats above the wreckage of the USS Arizona—a United States battleship that was attacked in Pearl Harbor during World War II. Today, the memorial commemorates the final resting place of those who perished there and features a marble wall etched with the names of those who served onboard. It also has openings looking down through the water to the sunken battleship below.

Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of the islands of Polynesia at the Polynesian Cultural Center, located on the North Shore of Oahu. Here, you can embark on a journey across the Pacific. Paddle a canoe, throw a spear, and marvel at the thrilling talents of a cast of traditional dancers and musicians while savoring island cuisine—all without leaving Hawaii.

Oahu’s Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout offers panoramic views of the Ko‘olau Mountains. The windy perch, more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) above Oahu’s Windward (northeast) coastline, also overlooks Kaneohe, Kaneohe Bay, Kailua, and the island of Mokoli‘i. In the late 1700s, the viewpoint was the scene of a bloody battle won by King Kamehameha I.

Kualoa Ranch is an adventure playground and highlight for Oahu travelers. Stretching from the Koolau Mountains to the sea, the 4,000-acre (1,619-hectare) cattle ranch is one of the largest tracts of accessible nature on Oahu. The property spans several verdant valleys and offers everything from ATV rides and zipline adventures to film-location tours.

Iolani Palace is the United States’ only official royal residence, located in the heart of Honolulu. Restored to its 19th-century grandeur, the palace showcases richly furnished staterooms, private suites, and the room where Queen Liliʻuokalani was once imprisoned. Whether you're interested in Hawaiian history or exploring Oʻahu’s cultural landmarks, it’s one of the most immersive and meaningful sites on the island.

Located on the north shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay is one of the most iconic spots on the island. The birthplace of big wave surfing still draws expert surfers chasing epic surf in the winter. Over the summer, Waimea Bay is a popular and family-friendly beach with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Standing before Ali’iolani Hale (home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court), the King Kamehameha Statue is one of Oahu's most photographed landmarks. This 18-foot (5.4-meter) bronze statue honors Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom who united the islands in 1810 after years of conflict.

The untouched, white-sand beach and crystal clear waters found at Lanikai Beach are renowned for their beauty. Away from the crowds of Waikiki and Hawaii’s North Shore, Lanikai (known locally as Kaʻōhao Beach) sits on Oahu’s eastern shore. Locals frequent this hidden paradise that features striking turquoise waters and picture-perfect views. It consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

In the heart of downtown Honolulu, Kewalo Basin is a small boat harbor that is the launching point for popular water-based adventures. Begin a deep-sea fishing charter, whale-watching expedition, or snorkel excursion from this private harbor. A stroll along the street-side dock displays tour options from parasailing to sunset cruises. Visitors won’t find beach access here, but a popular surf spot draws locals with their boards.

Housed in two World War II-era hangars, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum tells the story of the impact of and response to Imperial Japan’s attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The museum is home to an extensive collection of aircraft from World War II and later conflicts and is a top draw for military history buffs.

The USS Bowfin, a fleet attack submarine, was launched from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. This earned her the nickname of the Pearl Harbor Avenger. Fittingly, the USS Bowfin’s permanent home is at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where she serves as a memorial and National Historic Landmark.

With 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of public beach situated right between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park is a local favorite and top destination for Oahu visitors. There are paths for walking, calm water for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, gentle waves for surfing, and plenty of soft, golden sand for sunbathing.

Located on Oahu’s windward (eastern) side, secluded Waimanalo Beach Park is a slice of paradise. The beach’s three miles (4.8 kilometers) of soft white sand is flanked by the towering Koolau Mountains, ironwood trees, and the azure ocean. Less developed than many Oahu beaches, Waimanalo typically has the feel of a wild, hidden sanctuary.

Part of the Ko’olau Range on the windward coast of Oahu, Mt. Tantalus (Puʻuohiʻa) towers over Honolulu. A scenic drive winds to the summit, where the Tantalus Lookout at Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park offers sweeping views over south Oahu, from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor. It’s considered one of the best sunset views on the island.

Waimea Valley on Oʻahu’s North Shore is a lush, cultural destination where botanical gardens, ancient sites, and a waterfall swim come together in one memorable visit. Walk shaded trails, explore sacred spaces, and stop for a photo in front of a 45-foot (13.7-meter) waterfall. Once a spiritual and political center, the valley offers a peaceful way to experience native flora, traditional practices, and Hawaiian history.

Thanks to its rich history and prime location on one of Hawaii’s most populous islands, Honolulu Harbor bustles with cruise ship passengers, local Hawaiians, and travelers from all around the world. Here, you can experience everything from luaus, boat tours, shopping, and dining to giant cargo ships and the Aloha Tower.

Kane‘ohe Bay, an 8-mile-long (13-kilometer) reef-protected inlet located on Oahu’s Windward Coast, stretches from the Mokapu Peninsula to Mokoli‘i island. It’s home to four other small islands plus the world’s largest saltwater sandbar, and is a breeding ground for hammerhead sharks. The bay’s calm waters are ideal for kayaking and canoeing.

A sandy peninsula extending into Honolulu Harbor, Magic Island—more rarely referred to by its official name, Aina Moana—affords rare right-off-the-beach green space with a protected swimming lagoon across from the Ala Moana shopping center in downtown Honolulu. The park is popular for local family barbecues and picnics, and its open 30 acres (12 acres) are fronted by remarkable banyan trees and feature tall palms, picnic tables, and long grassy lawns.

Located in downtown Honolulu, the Hawaii State Capitol is often overshadowed by the Iolani Palace, which it sits directly behind. It is well worth a visit, however, for anyone interested in architecture, history, or getting a glimpse at the workings of modern-day Hawaii.

So named for its views of neighboring islands Lanai, Molokai, and Maui, Lanai Lookout promises some of the best panoramic ocean views on Oahu. Turn your attention away from the coastline, though, and there’s an equally stunning sight: rocky cliffs covered in volcanic ash.

Spanning 300 acres (121 hectares), Kapiʻolani Regional Park is one of the largest parks on Oahu, and also its second oldest. Located between Waikiki and Diamond Head, the park is home to the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Shell, jogging paths, numerous athletic fields and courts, and a beach, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace is one of Honolulu’s top shopping and dining destinations. Along with housing the main campus of Hawaii Pacific University, the shopping center is a great place to grab coffee, depart on whale-watching tours, or catch a luau. Though the Aloha Tower and observation deck are currently closed, it still remains a defining feature of Honolulu’s skyline.

The father of modern surfing welcomes you with open arms in Waikiki. The 9-foot (2.7-meter) -high bronze cast statue of Duke Kahanamoku is a tribute to the multi-skilled—and two-time Olympic gold medal-winning—Hawaiian surfer and swimmer, and is a prime gathering destination for visitors to Oahu.

Eerie and abandoned, the salt water swimming pool and stone bleachers of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial off San Souci beach was a shimmering seaside tribute when it opened in 1927. Today, some call the crumbling venue haunted and it is often featured in Island-wide nighttime ghost tours. The aging edifice, shuttered since 1979, is still worth a daytime visit, if only to peek through the bars of its towering front gate and imagine what it once was. As one of the country’s few ‘living memorials,’ the space served both as a gathering place to honor the 10,000 Hawaii service men who served during WWI and a public facility where Hawaii residents learned to swim in its 100m length. The Natatorium is credited with creating a swimming culture in the local community, and providing a peaceful practice spot for Olympians including legendary Hawaiian waterman (and five-time Olympic swimming medalist) Duke Kahanamoku. On Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, the chipping lot around the structure still occasionally hosts commemorative ceremonies honoring the structure’s original purpose. Despite its designation as a ‘national treasure’ by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, no one seems to know what to do with the Natatorium. Throughout the years, numerous plans to revive or raze the structure, adding a new stretch of white sand to Waikiki’s crowded beaches, have been passed over. Until then, it just waits.

Oahu visitors looking for a beach escape far from the crowds will find blissful seclusion at Kahana Bay Beach Park. Nestled below the Ko'olau Mountains on the east (windward) side of Oahu, this beach is one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. It offers opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and simply soaking up the sun and scenery.

Known for its big waves, sandy beaches, and sunset views, Sunset Beach is one of Oahu’s most popular beaches. In summer, the beach is a family-friendly spot for swimming and snorkeling. During the winter months, the beach is famous for its huge surf and big wave surf contests that draw the world's best surfers.

The white-sand strand at Oahu’s Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot to watch the sunrise, and early risers are often out running the beach or swimming in the relatively calm waters before dawn. As it gets a good amount of wind, the beach is also a top destination for windsurfers, catamaran sailors, and kite surfers.

Often referred to as the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,” Kawaiaha’o Church forms part of the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site. Established under Kuhina Nui (Queen-Regent) Kaʻahumanu I in the year 1820, it was uniquely built from about 14,000 slabs of coral rock weighing 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) each, sourced from an offshore reef in southern Oahu.

Part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, the USS Oklahoma Memorial pays tribute to the USS Oklahoma and the 429 marines and sailors that perished when the USS Oklahoma sank during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Dedicated on December 7, 2007, the memorial is located on Ford Island, next to its former berth.