Oahu attractions

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.

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.

Located near Downtown, Honolulu’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the US. An eclectic mix of old and new, this historic neighborhood is full of bustling markets, noodle factories, lei makers, and herbalists, alongside a botanical garden, boutiques, and galleries. Chinatown’s rich culinary scene offers authentic cuisine from a wide range of cultures, and it is definitely worth planning a meal here while you’re in Honolulu.

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.

On the southern side of Oahu, the Koko Crater is a large volcanic tuff cone featuring sensational panoramic views. The site is most famous for its Koko Crater Stairs––a popular yet extremely strenuous hiking trail––and botanical garden. The steep climb to ascend to the top of the crater features 1,048 steps, but views of the surrounding island keep hikers motivated.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Honolulu’s Bishop Museum focuses on Hawaii’s rich natural and cultural history. It is home to the world's largest collection of Polynesian artifacts, including items from the Hawaiian royal family and religious relics. With exhibits ranging from science to natural history and Polynesian culture, the museum is worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about Hawaii’s ancient roots.

Swap Oahu’s saltwater for slides at Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, the island’s only water park and a favorite escape for both locals and visitors. Set amid lush tropical scenery in Kapolei, the park offers everything from high-speed rides and surf simulators to lazy rivers and wave pools. It’s the perfect way to cool off, unwind, and add a splash of fun to your Hawaiian getaway.

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.

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.

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.

Tucked away at the back of Oahu’s Manoa Valley, the Lyon Arboretum is a lush and expansive natural area that’s managed by the University of Hawaii at Manoa as a research facility, but is open to the public for visits. The grounds are massive, spanning roughly 194 acres (78.5 hectares), and feature around 6,000 plant species, a waterfall, and a Japanese-style garden.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.