Things to do in  Oahu

Most visitors head straight for Waikiki Beach, but once you’ve soaked up the scene there, you should visit the North Shore of Oahu for top-notch beaches and cliff jumping spots, and head to Lanikai on the slower paced west coast. Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is one of the best things to do in Oahu, as is hiking up Diamond Head Crater.

You can dive into the cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands by visiting the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace, which was home to the Hawaiian monarchy. Keen hikers can follow the trail at Koko Head Stairs, shoppers can visit the Ala Moana Center, and travelers of all stripes can embark on a 30 minute helicopter ride.

No. While the words are sometimes used interchangeably, Honolulu is the name of the capital of, and largest city in, the US state of Hawaii. Honolulu is located on Oahu, which is one of the eight main islands of Hawaii—the others are Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Ni’ihau, and the Island of Hawaii (“Big Island”).

A favorite thing to do is to grab some snacks from a local Foodland supermarket and spend a day with friends on the beach—though typically not on the crowded beaches such as Waikiki. On the first Friday of the month, the Honolulu Arts District and Chinatown host a street festival filled with art, music, and food and drink specials.

Oahu holds a place in travelers’ imaginations because, for so long, it has been immortalized in travel brochures and movies. For better or worse, Oahu—with its beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees—is the embodiment of the tropical island paradise so many travelers are looking for.

Above the white sands of Lanikai Beach, Kaiwa Ridge, or the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, offers some of the best views on Oahu. From the top of the trail you can take in sweeping views of the Windward Coast, over its deep blue water and offshore islands, to Chinaman’s Hat and Waimanalo.