The Hawaiian island of Oʻahu is filled with iconic landmarks and unforgettable experiences that deserve a spot on every traveler’s itinerary.
Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi’s most populated and visited island, home to the capital city of Honolulu, holds the lion’s share of the state’s top attractions — and as locals, we’ve experienced them all.
While you could tick off these must-see spots in one trip, we encourage you to take your time — each attraction is best savored at a leisurely pace and a great reason to plan a return visit!
In this post, we share our local recommendations for must-see tourist attractions on Oʻahu.
Table of Contents
1. Waikīkī Beach
Where Hawaiian royalty retreated, surfing was born and Hawaiʻi tourism began.
Your holiday to Oʻahu is not complete without a visit to Waikīkī Beach, one of the most famous beaches on the planet. This popular shoreline is actually made up of eight different beaches.
We recommend heading to Duke Kahanamoku Beach for the broadest stretch of sand, Kūhiō Beach Park for family-friendly ocean pools and Queen’s Surf Beach to watch the sunset.
Book an umbrella and chair set to really soak up this major tourist attraction. As the birthplace of surfing, Waikīkī Beach is the ultimate place to learn to surf and outrigger canoe surf. It also houses an epic snorkel spot, Turtle Canyon.
INSIDE TIP: Download our Free Waikīkī Map — the only map that lets you compare star ratings, resort fees and parking rates for over 80 Waikīkī hotels in one glance.
2. Diamond Head
An iconic crater offering breathtaking panoramic views of Waikīkī and beyond.
Diamond Head, or Lēʻahi in Hawaiian, is the iconic backdrop of Waikīkī Beach and a must-hike crater. Once a military site in the 1900s, it’s now a state monument with a scenic trail.
The 1.6mi (2.5km) roundtrip hike incorporates stairs and tunnels as it ascends 560ft (170m) to an observation deck on the southern slope of this volcanic tuff cone. It offers breathtaking views over Waikīkī and Honolulu.
Entry and parking reservations are required and may be made up to 30-days in advance. The entry fee is $5 (children under three are free) and parking is $10.
INSIDE TIP: If you’re visiting multiple must-see attractions on Oʻahu, consider the Go City: Oʻahu All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. It includes a Diamond Head Shuttle & Hike.
3. Pearl Harbor
A site of remembrance and military significance where WWII history lives.
Head to Pearl Harbor to learn about the Japanese-led attack on this Hawaiʻi military post. In 1941, this event killed 2,403 people and caused the United States to enter into World War II.
Pearl Harbor features four historic sites: Pearl Harbor National Memorial (including the USS Arizona Memorial), Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The memorial grounds and select exhibits are free to explore.
The USS Arizona Memorial Program and the Ford Island Bus Tour are the only Pearl Harbor attractions requiring advance reservations. Limited standby tickets are available, but aren’t guaranteed.
INSIDE TIP: If you’re visiting multiple must-see attractions on Oʻahu, consider the Go City: Oʻahu All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. It includes a Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour.
4. North Shore Beaches
Legendary waves and a carefree spirit make this Hawaiʻi’s surfer’s paradise.
With world-renowned surf breaks at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and ʻEhukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), Oʻahu’s North Shore beaches are the epicenter of Hawaiʻi’s surf culture and are totally worth seeing.
In Winter (Nov-Apr), waves on the North Shore can reach up to 40ft (12m), making it a prime time for major league surfing competitions. In Summer (May-Oct), the ocean is calm and more conducive to swimming and snorkeling.
The North Shore is a 60-minute drive from Waikīkī. To get there, catch TheBus (not ideal due to how long it takes with stops), call Charley’s Taxi or rent a car. Alternatively, book North Shore transportation or a North Shore tour.
5. Hanauma Bay
A pristine marine sanctuary perfect for snorkeling among thriving reef life.
As a dedicated Marine Life Conservation District, Hanauma Bay is one of Hawaiʻi’s top snorkel spots. The surrounding beach landscape was made famous in Blue Hawaiʻi, a movie starring Elvis Presley.
The ocean here provides a great opportunity to swim with living coral, Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish (including the Hawaiʻi state fish, humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa). Always keep a 10ft (3m) distance from marine life!
Entry reservations are required for Hanauma Bay. They’re released daily at 7am (HST) two days in advance, and sell out fast. Walk-in tickets are available from 6:45am, and also sell out quickly. The entry fee is $25 (children 12 and under are free) and limited parking is $3.
6. Kualoa Ranch
Where lush valleys, storied traditions and blockbuster films collide.
Kualoa Ranch is a stunning 4,000-acre property in north-east Oʻahu, where you should spend some vacation time! It’s a favored location for filming movies and an activity hub for outdoor adventure.
The ranch offers a variety of tours starting from 7am with departures until 4pm-ish. Many tours, like the Jurassic Valley Zipline and the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, sell out months in advance. Book Kualoa Ranch tours ASAP.
7. Polynesian Cultural Center
An immersive journey through the rich cultures of the Pacific.
For a cultural deep dive visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Oʻahu’s North Shore. This non-profit organization aims to preserve the traditions, cultural heritage and arts of Polynesia.
On-site villages offer the traditional experiences of Hawaiʻi, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. Enjoy cultural presentations, hands-on activities and a canoe ride, then savor a buffet dinner or lūʻau experience — with the option to add a theater show.
Choose from five packages: Islands of Polynesia, Super Ambassador Lūʻau, Aliʻi Lūʻau, Gateway Buffet, Islands of Polynesia & Hā: Breath of Life.
INSIDE TIP: If you’re visiting multiple must-see attractions on Oʻahu, consider the Go City: Oʻahu All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. It includes Polynesian Cultural Center.
8. Bishop Museum
Hawai‘i’s premier museum preserving the islands’ rich history and cultural heritage.
Bishop Museum is the number one museum in the Hawaiian Islands. Located in Kalihi, 20-minutes drive from Waikīkī, this attraction is operated by the estate of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
Find the world’s largest archive of natural history specimens, plants, cultural artifacts and artworks of Polynesia here. It hosts exhibits on Hawaiian culture, has a large insect collection and a planetarium.
General admission from $33.95 per adult. Regular public programs are held on its grounds, along with cultural festivals and musical performances. We highly recommend checking their events calendar to see what’s on during your visit.
Bishop Museum is a 20-minute drive from Waikīkī. To get to there, catch TheBus, call Charley’s Taxi, take rideshare or rent a car.
INSIDE TIP: If you’re visiting multiple must-see attractions on Oʻahu, consider the Go City: Oʻahu All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. It includes Bishop Museum.
9. ʻIolani Palace
The only royal palace in the U.S., honoring Hawai‘i’s monarchy legacy.
Hawaiʻi was once a monarchy and you can uncover this special history at ʻIolani Palace. This Downtown Honolulu palace was home to Hawaiian royalty from King Kamehameha III to the last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
After the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned in ʻIolani Palace. Later, it became the territorial capitol and the U.S. military headquarters during World War II. It is the only palace on American soil.
The building is accessible via self-led and docent-led tours from $26.95 to $125 per person. The gorgeous grounds are open to the public and host an array of events including free performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band.
10. Ala Moana Center
The largest open-air shopping mall with a blend of local and global brands.
Ala Moana Center is the largest outdoor shopping mall in the world, a maze of over 350 merchants including around 70 dining options. It’s highlighted by a superior collection of luxury retailers, major department stores, Hawaiʻi boutiques, plus free centerstage events.
Ala Moana Center is a 10-minute drive from Waikīkī. To get there, catch TheBus or Waikīkī Trolley, call Charley’s Taxi, take rideshare or rent a car. It’s also possible to walk to Ala Moana Center from Waikīkī.
In summary, from world-class beaches to historic landmarks and cultural treasures, Oʻahu is filled with unforgettable attractions at every turn.
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