Oahu attractions

This historic surf town is the hub of Oahu’s colorful North Shore. Minutes from world-class waves, funky Haleiwa is the go-to spot for surfers to fill up at the food trucks before hitting the water. But it’s not all about the waves. Visitors to Haleiwa find plenty of cool boutiques, galleries, and restaurants among the surf shops.

The tumbling Manoa Falls is a 150-foot (46-meter) waterfall that you discover at the end of a moderate 1-hour hike close to Downtown Honolulu. This 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) route is one of Oahu’s most accessible hikes, thanks to a paid parking lot, gravel path, and its well-marked trail. While it is no longer possible to swim in the pool at its base, views of Manoa Falls are well worth the effort of the hike—just be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

The shriek of the Honolulu Zoo’s population of endangered white-handed gibbons is a familiar morning sound to Waikiki’s regular surfing contingent. The sprawling 42-acre (17-hectare) zoo, located in Kapiʻolani Park near Waikiki Beach, is home to more than 900 species, including many animals (and plants) found only in Hawaii. In addition to seeing the animals, you can check out daily zookeeper talks, a petting zoo, and animal feedings.

At Paradise Cove on Oahu, guests are treated to a variety of Hawaiian experiences, including a tour of a traditional Hawaiian village, arts and crafts, and a luau. From a welcome Mai Tai and flower lei to dinner, fire dancing, and hula performances, guests are immersed in Hawaiian hospitality and culture.

Located near Downtown, Honolulu’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the country. An eclectic mix of old and new, this historic neighborhood is full of bustling markets, noodle factories, lei makers, herbalists, and traditional temples alongside hip boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The white-sand beaches and lagoons of Ko Olina, combined with spas, restaurants, and accommodations, create this leisurely Oahu getaway. Set on the island’s dry and sunny leeward side, this self-contained resort community is separated from the bustle of Honolulu (by about 17 miles, or 27 kilometers), making it ideal for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation filled with sunbathing, snorkeling, and sunsets.

Located in southeast Oahu, Koko Crater is an extinct tuff cone that attracts adventure-seekers the world over to climb. The Koko Crater Trail packs a steep ascent into a short distance: 1,208 feet (368 meters) in less than 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers) on former railroad ties from World War II. Once you reach the top, the payoff is sweeping views of nearby Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and even neighboring islands on a clear day.

Experience some of the dramatic changes brought to Hawaii by missionaries at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives. Visitors can learn how New England missionaries worked with Native Hawaiians to introduce Christianity and develop a written language, public education, western medicine, and representative government.

With more than 350 stores and restaurants, Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center is among the world's largest open-air shopping centers. As well as offering a wide choice of dining and shopping options, the center attracts visitors with its refreshing tropical atmosphere and access to the beach just across the street.

Ali’iolani Hale (House of Heavenly Kings) was built in 1874 as a royal palace but never used as such. Instead, this government office building houses the Supreme Court of Hawaii and is today listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can admire the exterior architecture and explore the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center inside.

A small strip of land tucked behind a residential neighborhood on Oahu’s North Shore, La'ie Point State Wayside Park attracts visitors with its rugged setting and silver screen fame. Immortalized in the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, La’ie Point’s cliffs look most spectacular when the waves crash against them.

Originally designed to hold the heirlooms of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a descendant of King Kamehameha I, the Bishop Museum now houses one of the world’s largest collections of Polynesian artifacts. Visit to see the personal possessions of Hawaiian kings and queens, explore the Hawaiian skies, and see real molten lava.

The Waikiki Aquarium is the second-oldest public aquarium in America and is home to more than 3,500 marine animals, with a special focus on coral reef ecosystems. The aquarium highlights Pacific marine life and conservation and is run by the University of Hawaii, which offers a number of guided aquarium tours and special programs that are open to the public.

Sunsets and water sports draw visitors to Maunalua Bay on Oahu’s south shore. The reef and scenic coastline attract kayakers, paddlers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. If you’re looking for a place to go parasailing, this bay is a popular pick. If you prefer dry land, pack a picnic and plan to coincide your visit with a golden hour at sunset.

If you fancy a little retail therapy while exploring Oahu—or just forgot to pack your bathing suit—head for Waikele Center, west of Honolulu. This sprawling open-air shopping complex houses an enticing selection of brand-name retailers and restaurants.

Located in West Oahu, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is one of the top family-friendly attractions on the island. Spanning 29 acres (12 hectares), the park offers more than 25 rides and attractions for families, kids, and thrill seekers, including various water slides, flume rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, play areas, and a FlowRider surf simulator.

One of the two major mountain ranges on Oahu, the Ko’olau Range dominates the eastern, windward half of the island, stretching for 37 miles (60 kilometers from Makapu’u to Kahuku. Known for its lush vegetation, plus plenty of streams and waterfalls, Ko’olau is also home to some of the best hiking trails on the island.

The official seat of government of the city and county of Honolulu, Honolulu Hale was built in 1928 and is part of the Hawai'i Capital Historic District. While the second-floor Council Chamber is open to the public, most travelers are content to take in the Italianate Spanish Colonial Revival building’s grandeur from the outside.

Nested in a lush valley at the foot of the Ko’olau Range in Kaneohe, the Valley of the Temples is a serene sanctuary on Oahu’s windward coast. Known for its Byodo-In Temple, the Valley of the Temples is a memorial park and multi-denominational place of rest for Hawaiians of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Visitors will find one of Hawaii’s foremost tropical botanical gardens nestled at the back of Manoa Valley, where cliffs rise over 2,000 feet (610 meters) and it rains nearly every day. Managed by the University of Hawaii as a research facility, the Lyon Arboretum spans 193 acres (78 hectares) and has more than 5,000 species of plants.

Waimea Falls are the headline attraction of the Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu. Surrounded by lush botanical gardens, the falls plunge into a large pool below, and there’s a designated swimming area where visitors can cool off (as long as lifeguards give the OK that day). Waimea Falls is a great place to relax, take in the surroundings, and learn a little about Hawaii’s botanical and cultural history.

Built in 1847, Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of Oahu’s last remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture. The summer retreat of Queen Emma and the Hawaiian royal family from 1857 to 1885 is now a historic landmark and museum showcasing many of Queen Emma’s personal belongings, royal antiques, furnishings, and other objects.

Visitors to Honolulu don’t have to journey far to immerse themselves in one of Hawaii’s highlight tropical rainforests. The Nuuanu Valley Rainforest is a place of lush greenery and rich biodiversity. Hiking trails lead up to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout—whose views stretch to the Pacific Ocean—and the rainforest can also be reached by car or bike.

On the windward (east) side of Oahu, He'eia State Park covers an 18-acre (7.3-hectare) peninsula, which offers excellent views of Kaneohe Bay, the Ko'olau Mountains, and Heʻeia Fishpond. It’s a great place for a relaxing picnic or more adventurous water activities.

Located near downtown Honolulu, the Honolulu Museum of Art is Hawaii's largest fine arts museum. Spanning several buildings, it houses one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the US and also hosts an art school, art house theater, and events, such as film screenings, performances, and talks.

Named after Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the locally revered Hawaiian surfer, champion Olympic swimmer, and canoe master, this stretch of white sand lies at the edge of Waikiki and, though popular, provides a less crowded and more laid-back alternative to that bustling beach. Its calm waters provide ideal swimming conditions for families.

Located in the heart of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu was the first Hard Rock to open in Hawaii. Spanning two floors, the café features a shop on the first floor and dining and bar options on the second floor, along with a ceiling of guitars, rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, an interactive Rock Wall, and frequent live music.

The only museum in the country dedicated to Islamic Art, the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design contains nearly 4,500 pieces collected by heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke. The museum, formerly Duke’s opulent waterfront estate, features special exhibitions, lectures, and performances by artists in residency.

Honolulu’s cruise port, Honolulu Harbor, is the gateway to Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands for those arriving by sea. Multiple cruise lines call into port here, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Carnival Cruise Line. The harbor’s convenient location makes it easy to head out on excursions.

Some of Oahu’s most incredible views await on the Ka’au Crater trail. With three waterfalls, a small crater, and a thrilling ridge, this challenging trail has it all for adventurous travelers who can experience the best of Hawaii’s natural features in just one (long and steep) hike.