Oahu attractions

The oldest of five gardens managed by the city of Honolulu and Honolulu County, Foster Botanical Garden is a quiet place to take a break from the city. It was built in 1853 and houses a large variety of plants and trees, some of which are as old as the garden itself.

On the North Shore of Oahu, this working farm grows all sorts of fruits and vegetables, with a big focus on acai berries. Visitors are welcome to take a guided tour of the grounds, or just stop by for lunch or a smoothie at the farm café.

One of Oahu’s most popular hikes, the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail hugs the island's hilly southeastern coast, offering views of the Koko Crater, Makapuu Lighthouse, and—on clear days—the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Roughly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long and entirely paved, this panoramic oceanfront trek is one the whole family can enjoy.

For retail therapy on Oahu, there’s nowhere better, or bigger, than the Royal Hawaiian Center. Taking up three square blocks along Kalakaua Avenue, this epic shopping complex contains more than 100 stores, dozens of restaurants, and even live music and hula dancing. If you’re seeking a little people-watching and a lot of window shopping, there’s nowhere better.

On Oahu’s south shore, the vast and lush Manoa Valley stretches from the emerald peaks of the Koolau Mountains to the ocean. While it's primarily a residential neighborhood, there are plenty of things to do in the Manoa Valley from waterfalls to hiking trails, a world-class arboretum, and some great places to eat.

Since 2003, the KCC Farmers Market is the oldest in Oahu. Located near Diamond Head, more than 70 farmers and vendors sell everything from fresh flowers, fruit, and produce to meat and seafood, baked goods, snack and prepared foods, honey, jams, jellies, specialty seasonings, and other value-added items.

Only offered at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana takes everything you know and love about the well-known act and imbues it with fiery Hawaiian–Polynesian flavor. Hawaii’s first resident Cirque show, ‘Auana showcases acrobats, hula dancers, musicians, singers, and more, all alongside the incredible sets and backdrops associated with the world’s finest re-envisioned circus.

In the heart of Waikiki, Kuhio Beach has long been a favorite among travelers looking for gentle waters and powdery sands. The beach is partially walled off, which keeps some of the swells at bay, so you’re more likely to see families with small kids here than surfers looking to catch a wave.

Also known as Halona Beach Cove, this Oahu locale has a cinematic allure—it’s where the movie From Here to Eternity filmed its famous kissing-in-the-surf scene. The scenic cove carved by ocean waves is a favorite spot for beachgoers to spend the day relaxing, snorkeling, and enjoying the ocean views.

Sun-seekers and surfers head to this spot along Oahu's southeastern coast for the stunning rocky shoreline and massive waves. These rugged cliffs carved by the Pacific Ocean create a wall that takes its name from the Great Wall of China. Sunbathers and picnicking families spread out their towels to enjoy a day by the water.

With three lines that cover the highlights of Waikiki, the hop-on-hop-off Waikiki Trolley is a scenic and convenient way to see Oahu’s southern shore. Each route has a different theme—either nature, culture, and dining and shopping—so you can choose to explore a single route or ride all three for a deep dive into the coastline’s delights.

Located in Waipahu, Hawaii’s Plantation Village provides a glimpse of life on a sugar plantation between 1850 and 1950. A living history museum, there are more than 25 restored and replica plantation structures and homes reflecting its Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Okinawan, Portuguese, and Puerto Rican workers.

Oahu’s Coconut Island, officially known as Moku o Loe, an offshore islet in Kane‘ohe Bay, functions as a marine research facility for the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB). It is usually closed to the public, but occasional tours are offered. Barring that, visitors come for the stellar snorkeling, marine life encounters, and other bay highlights.