Oahu attractions

Located on the east coast of Oahu, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts is set in the shadow of the Koʻolau Range. Having started as a roadside stand, today you’ll find a family-owned shop that sells locally grown macadamia nuts and products. A regular stop along many circle-island tours, and equally popular among locals, a visit here offers a unique and delicious taste of Hawaii.

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.

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.

Perched high above the windward coast of O’ahu, the Nu’unanu Pali Lookout offers one of Hawaii’s most famous viewpoints. Take in sweeping views of Kaneohe Bay, the lush Ko’olau Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. The spot also holds deep historical significance as it’s the site of King Kamehameha I’s decisive 1795 battle that united the Hawaiian Islands.

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.

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.

Situated on Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Bay is one of Hawaii’s most celebrated beaches and the birthplace of big-wave surfing. During winter, its towering swells attract elite surfers and spectators alike. Come summer, the bay transforms into a calm, family-friendly retreat, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the island’s coastal beauty.

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.

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.

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.

Step into one of America’s most pivotal moments at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, where restored aircraft and interactive exhibits reveal the story of aviation during and after the 1941 attack. Set inside original hangars on Ford Island, the museum offers a rare chance to see bullet holes from the battle, climb into cockpit simulators, and connect firsthand with the legacy of World War II aviation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hawaii State Capitol—Hawaii’s seat of government—was designed in a modernist style to reflect the landscape and culture of the Hawaiian Islands; you’ll see two cone-shaped legislative chambers to symbolize volcanoes, columns mimicking palm trees, and a reflective pool representing the Pacific Ocean. The symbolism doesn’t end there, and the building is open to the public for self-guided tours, during which you’ll learn about its architecture and significance

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.

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.

Kaneohe Bay is a large, sheltered cove known for its extensive coral reef system and crystal clear waters. The bay is also an important historic and ecological site and is home to both the Marine Corps Base Hawaii and the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Popular for snorkeling, fishing, boating, and diving, the calm, protected waters are a hub of diverse marine life and dive sites for both beginner and expert divers.

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 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.

Stretching 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) along O’ahu’s windward North Shore at Pupukea, Sunset Beach is famed for its dramatic transformation between seasons. With giant 30-foot (9-meter) swells in winter and calm waters in summer, it offers year-round reasons to visit. Whether you’re watching pro surfers or simply soaking in a Hawaiian sunset, this destination is a Hawaiian favorite.

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.

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.

Set along Honolulu’s southern shore, Magic Island is a man-made peninsula at the eastern edge of Ala Moana Beach Park. Locals and visitors come to swim in the calm lagoon, stroll the shoreline path, or picnic on the grassy lawns. With views stretching from Waikiki to Diamond Head, it’s one of Oahu’s most peaceful spots to watch the sunset.

Kailua Beach Park sits on Oʻahu’s windward coast and delivers a wide stretch of white sand, gentle turquoise water, and views of the offshore Mokulua Islands. It’s ideal for families, kayakers, and anyone looking to swap resort crowds for a more laid-back beach experience. The beach park also offers prime wind conditions, making it a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

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.

Haleiwa is the heart of Oʻahu’s North Shore, an easygoing surf town known for big-wave beaches, art galleries, and shave-ice stands. Stroll through its charming streets lined with boutiques and cafés, then head to nearby Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach to watch world-class surfers take on legendary winter swells.

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.