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There are so many things to do on Oahu for visitors and residents alike. If you’re the adventurous type you can challenge yourself to explore Honolulu by sea, by land or by air.
Regardless which you prefer, you will definitely find enough to do and explore during your visit.
The Hawaiian islands are mostly known for their natural beauty and there’s plenty to do. The best way to take advantage of everything that Oahu offers is to plan a bit ahead and leave some room for spontaneous activities too. The first thing to consider is the length of your stay. Be realistic about how much you can pack into your stay. Remember that the island is a great place to go slowly and relax, so if you have visions of frantically ticking off a to-do list, you may be missing the point of visiting.
Alright, so let’s get into some of the top spots to visit during your vacation.
Diamond Head State Monument
If you’re an avid hiker you don’t want to miss the Diamond Head State Monument. Something to keep in mind is this is one of the most popular attractions on Oahu so it will be a bit crowded. Your best bet is to get their earlier in the day so you’re not fighting the crowds on the trail. Another advantage of getting there early is that you won’t be there when the sun is at its hottest.
You may also want to take these tips into account. Make sure that you take plenty of water with you. There are no water fountains at the park and it can get very hot. There are not a lot of shady spots along the trail and if you are going when the sun is at its highest you will definitely need your own water to stay hydrated. Definitely put on sunscreen and wear a hat.
Pearl Harbor
For history buffs there’s plenty to see in Honolulu as well. The famous site of the Pearl Harbor attack is a well preserved homage to all who served and perished on that day.
The monument poignantly exhibits the amount of devastation brought to the island on that fateful day in December. You can take a somber walk out to the monument and look over the railing where the USS Arizona still lays.
Tickets are free but are limited to 1300 a day. You can either plan to get there early to grab one or reserve one in advance online. If you prefer to be guided through the experience there are audio tours available as well as in person tours.
Waikiki Beach
The famed Waikiki beach is a must when you visit. This iconic beach has attracted surfers and beach lovers over many years, even attracting Hawaiian royalty in centuries past. What makes this beach a favorite for visitors? Well, for starters, the soft sand and beautiful waves lapping the shore make this beach a perfect place to frolic, surf and relax. In addition to this, Waikiki beach is situated near so many amenities such as shops, restaurants and galleries. It’s no wonder many visitors opt to stay in a hotel right on the beach and spend most of their vacation exploring this area of Honolulu.
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