Oahu

Third-largest Hawaiian island home to Honolulu and featuring diverse attractions from urban culture to dramatic coastal scenery. It combines bustling city life with pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails.

Things to do

• Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial — Visit the solemn WWII memorial site and tour the sunken battleship USS Arizona with its iconic white structure floating above the wreck.
• Diamond Head Trail — Hike the steep 1.6-mile trail to the 760-foot volcanic summit for panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and the coastline.
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — Snorkel in this protected marine sanctuary featuring a crescent bay with vibrant coral reefs and abundant tropical fish.
• Iolani Palace — Tour Hawaii's only royal palace, the former residence of Hawaiian monarchs, featuring opulent architecture and rich historical exhibits.
• Waikiki Beach — Enjoy Oahu's most famous beach for swimming, surfing, and people-watching with a vibrant backdrop of high-rise hotels and restaurants.
• Koko Crater Trail — Climb the steep railway-track steps ascending 1,048 feet for dramatic views of the windward coast and neighboring islands.
• Byodo-In Temple — Explore this serene replica of a 12th-century Japanese temple nestled in the Kailua Valley, accessible via the scenic Pali Highway.

Food to try

• Poke — Cubed raw ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, served over rice as a staple local plate lunch item.
• Kalua Pork — Traditionally slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground imu oven, shredded and served with rice and lomi lomi salmon.
• Shave Ice — Finely shaved ice topped with colorful fruit syrups and condensed milk, a quintessential Hawaiian treat especially popular in Kailua.
• Laulau — Pork and salted butterfish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed, reflecting traditional Hawaiian luau cuisine.
• Malasadas — Portuguese fried donuts coated in cinnamon sugar, commonly found at local bakeries and food trucks throughout the islands.
• Spam Musubi — Grilled Spam and egg wrapped with nori seaweed around sushi rice, a popular grab-and-go snack blending Japanese and American influences.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Hawaiian Culture — Remove shoes when entering homes and temples, ask permission before photographing people or sacred sites, and learn basic Hawaiian phrases like mahalo (thank you).
• Understand Island Time — Oahu operates at a relaxed pace; expect a more laid-back approach to schedules and punctuality than mainland U.S. customs.
• Practice Ocean Safety — Heed warning flags on beaches, be aware of strong currents and riptides, and respect marine life by maintaining distance from sea turtles and monk seals.
• Attend a Luau or Traditional Event — Experience Hawaiian hospitality and cuisine at authentic luau events, especially in windward valleys where traditional practices are celebrated.