Oahu is the third largest of the islands of Hawaii (the Big Island and Maui are both larger), located in the United States of America, and the most popular tourist destination. As the location of Honolulu, the state capital, and as home to over 85% of the state's population, the island is appropriately nicknamed "The Gathering Place."
Nicknamed "the Gathering Place," and home to the only real metropolitan area in the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is truly at the heart of Hawaii. This has been both a blessing and a curse for the island.
On the plus side, visitors to Oahu share in all the amenities and conveniences of Honolulu...bustling nightlife, much more cultural events, and a wide variety of lodging, dining, and shopping options. On the minus side, Honolulu does not embody the vision that most visitors have of Hawaii...peace, serenity, and relaxation. Honolulu is a big city, and has all the problems that go with it, including crime, traffic, high cost of living, traffic, and a lack of affordable housing. Oh, and did we mention traffic?
Indeed, with airlines increasing non-stop service to other islands in the chain from the West Coast, many visitors from the U.S. Mainland choose to enjoy their Hawaiian vacation without even setting foot on Oahu.
However, peace, serenity, and seclusion can be found on Oahu; you just need to know where to look. There are many resorts located outside of Waikiki that offer less crowded surroundings. Natural beauty can be found in the two mountain ranges (the Koolau and Waianae ranges) that make up Oahu...some great hikes are located just a 15-minute drive into the mountains from Waikiki. Secluded white sand beaches, funky beach towns, pounding winter surf on the North Shore...all of this can be found on the other parts of Oahu.
So, enjoy Honolulu and all it has to offer. But if you don't see the North Shore during the winter when monster waves pound the shore, if you don't take a drive through miles of pineapple fields, and if you don't take time to visit some of the white sand beaches outside of Waikiki, you really haven't seen Oahu.
Regions
Two mountain ranges make up the island of Oahu. The Koolau Range runs along the east side of the island and forms the backdrop for Honolulu; the Waianae Range runs parallel to the Koolau range along the west side.
Most visitors to Oahu stay near the capital city of Honolulu and the beaches of Waikiki. The rest of the island is less visibly touched by tourism, with only a few B&Bs among the houses and natural sites on the Windward Coast and the endless beaches and small local towns of the North Shore.
Waikiki is the center of all the action on Oahu; it's where virtually all the hotels, major restaurants, and historic and cultural venues are located.
Central Oahu is a mostly suburban mix of bedroom communities for Honolulu (Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu). Further inland, in the central valley between the two mountain ranges, are two other suburbs (Mililani and Wahiawa) and miles of pineapple fields.
The North Shore is home to some of the largest waves on earth in the winter, and the ocean and surfing are a way of life here. The region is anchored by the town of Haleiwa. Only one major resort, the Turtle Bay Hilton is located at the northern tip of the island near Kahuku.
The Windward Coast has two distinct personalities. Its northern end is home to many secluded beaches, sleepy villages, and one major tourist attraction (the Polynesian Cultural Center). Its southern end is anchored by one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the Pacific, two commercial centers (Kailua and Kaneohe), and a popular white sand beach (Kailua Beach).
The Leeward Coast is home to four rural communities (Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, and Makaha) and two up-and-coming resort areas.
Do not believe everything you read in the airlines brochures. Some areas and locals are not that enthused about you showing up. If you see a sign at a beach that says "Tourists keep out." that means you. There are a lot of areas around Pearl City that you just want to avoid, that includeds many parks. Ask local law enforcement about areas to avoid, they are very helpful to the visitor and will steer you away from potential problems.
Oahu Attractions
Major attractions
Polynesian Cultural Center 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762 (from Honolulu, highway 63 Likelike Highway to 83 Kahekili Highway/Kamehameha Highway, about 20 miles NW of Kaneohe). +1 808 293-3339, +1 800 367-7060 toll free from mainland U.S. Monday-Saturday, 11:00AM - 8:00PM; individual attraction hours vary, see website for details. Hawaii's most popular paid tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers something found nowhere else: the opportunity to experience the culture not just of Hawaii, but also of seven other Polynesian island groups, all in one place. Recreated traditional villages of Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rapa Nui offer educational exhibits by native islanders, some of which can be hands-on. Award-winning Horizons evening show offers Polynesian entertainment. Basic admission $50 adults, $38 children, includes cultural center and evening show. Alii Luau package $80/$56 includes luau and basic admission. Parking $5. Other premium packages available. Discounts for Hawaii residents and U.S. military.
USS Arizona National Memorial
Honolulu Academy of Arts
The Bishop Museum
'Iolani Palace. The only royal palace on US soil and the seat of the Hawaiian government until the 1960s.
Queen Emma's Summer Palace
Beaches
Kailua Beach Park for great Wind-surfing and Kite-surfing
Kualoa Regional Park
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Lanikai Beach, small stretch of beach, good for snorkeling, kayaking
Magic Island, Ala Moana
Sunset Beach--world class surf spot and spectacular sunsets
Ehukai Beach Park, home of every surfers' dream -- the Banzai Pipeline
Waikiki Beach, do not forget to see the 'Duke Kahanamoku' statue
Waimea Bay Beach--famous for big wave surfing
Sandy Beach Park, generally has higher surf levels year round, and is well suited for body boarding.
Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo
Hale'iwa Beach--good surfing, good family area
Ewa Beach
Gardens and views
Diamond Head State Park See Honolulu for more details.
Round-Top Forest Reserve (excellent view of Honolulu and the surrounding area)
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, in Kane'ohe
Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. See Honolulu for more details.
Hale'iwa Historical town.
Pu'u O Mahuka. National historical sight and Hawaiian holy site.
Lyon Arboretum - located in the Manoa Valley. Operated by the University of Hawaii.
Byodo-in 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744 (about 5 minutes from Kaneohe town). 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Situated against the backdrop of steep green cliffs is a recreation of the 900-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Kyoto. The temple grounds include a nine-foot Buddha statue and the three-ton Peace Bell. Byodo-in is located in the back of the Valley of the Temples cemetery. Admission $2.
Waimea Valley Audubon Center, 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712 (across Kamehameha Hwy. from Waimea Bay Beach Park). 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily except Jan. 1 and Dec. 25; 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.) and Dec. 31. Formerly known as Waimea Falls Park, the National Audubon Society received a contract from the City and County of Honolulu to operate the site as a nature preserve. The preserve is home to endangered moorhen and a botanical garden with both endemic Hawaiian plants and other plants from around the world. A 0.75 mile hike on paved trails leads to the centerpiece of the park, Waihi Falls, where visitors can swim in the pool at the base of the falls. Admission $8 adults; $5 seniors, military, and children (4-12); discounts for Hawaii residents.
Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy., Wahiawa, HI 96786 (about 3 miles N of Wahiawa on highway 99, 1 mile N of the jct. with highway 80; H-2 north to its end, then continue on highway 99, approximately 40 minutes from Waikiki). (808) 621-8408. Visitor center and garden open 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily; train and maze to 5:00 PM daily. Once a roadside fruit stand, this tourist attraction has been renovated and billed as "Hawaii's Complete Pineapple Experience." Among the attractions are a pineapple variety garden, a 20-minute miniature train ride into the surrounding pineapple fields, and the Pineapple Garden Maze, recognized in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest maze. Admission free for site; garden tour $3.75 adults $3.00 children; train $7.50 adults $5.50 children; maze $5.00 adults $3.00 children. Discounts available for U.S. military and Hawaii residents.
Oahu Activities
Windsurfing, surfing and body-boarding at Waikiki and (less crowded and more scenic) North Shore and Kailua Beach. - see Oahu Surf Conditions, Radar, and Forecasts
Snorkeling and diving trips leave from Waikiki and most hotels.
Horseback riding on the North Shore and Windward Koolau Range
Hiking all over the island: in particular, Diamond Head State Park (excellent view of Honolulu and the surrounding area). Also visit Lanikai's Pillbox (leftover from WWII sitting above Lanikai). Gives spectacular view of Waimanalo, the Koolau Mountains, Kailua and the Mokulua Islands sitting in the distance.
Kayak on the Windward side to the Mokulua Islands which are a bird sanctuary and also offer encounters with turtles which have made a huge comeback in the Windward bay area. It should be noted that it is against state law to violate the sanctuary area. The beach on the islands is not part of the restricted zone, however.
Driving tour around East-side of island gives spectacular views. Stop several times along the route to see blowhole, swim in secluded cove, hike up to the Lighthouse for amazing views or check out ancient Hawaiian drawings and Heeiaus.
Driving tour over the Pali Highway; be sure to visit the Pali Lookout.
Drive up to the Round-Top Forest Reserve. (excellent view of Honolulu and the surrounding area)
Snorkeling and sun bathing at Hanauma Bay
Viewing Marine Wildlife (the best 1/2 of Oahu is underwater!)- see Wild Side Specialty Tours to sail with whales, dive with dolphins, and snorkel coral reefs with turtles and tropical fish.
If the hot weather is too much for you, go ice skating at the Ice Palace in Honolulu.
Oahu Shopping
Shopping Malls
Shopping malls are mostly everywhere in the major districts. Here are some better-known shopping malls on Oahu that are easily accessible by car or bus.
Ala Moana Center Honolulu
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Honolulu
DFS Galleria (Duty Free Shops) Honolulu
Waikiki Shopping Plaza Honolulu
Aloha Tower Marketplace Honolulu
Kahala Mall Honolulu
Koko Marina Shopping Center Honolulu
Windward and Kane'ohe Shopping Mall
Ward Center
Pearlridge Center on Kamehameha Highway in Aiea, is the main shopping mall in Leeward Oahu. It's actually two malls in one, with two distinct architectural personalities. Uptown Pearlridge, anchored by Macy's, has a plush, wood-toned decor, while Downtown Pearlridge, anchored by Sears, is built around an urban theme. The two building are connected by the SkyTrain, a monorail that runs regularly between the two malls; it is the only monorail in the state.
Waikele Center, one mile west of the H1-H2 interchange, is made up mostly of big-box retailers such as KMart, Borders, Lowe's, and the Sports Authority. Across Lumiaina Street from the mall is the Waikele Premium Outlets, [5]made up of upscale outlet stores from such names as Barneys New York, Coach, Michael Kors, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Polo Ralph Lauren, to name a few.
Oahu Dining
Budget
Zippy's is a local chain of combination drive-in and sit-down restaurants that are found in many areas on Oahu. (More details in Honolulu)
Pah Ke's - located next to the Windward Mall in Kaneohe. Chinese fare.
Mid-range
Duke's: Offers casual, right off the beach eating. Food ranges from burgers to more expensive seafood dishes.
Cheesecake Factory on Diamond Head end of Wakiki
Benihana: Provides great food and entertainment with friendly chefs, 2005 Kalia Road
Tanaka of Tokyo: Similar to Benihana's and fun. 3 different locations through out Waikiki.
Top-end
Sam Choy's Sam Choy's Diamond Head: 449 Kapahulu Ave. 2nd floor (about 2 blocks mauka of Ala Wai Boulevard, just outside of Waikiki), (808) 732-8645. Sam Choy's Breakfast Lunch and Crab & Big Aloha Brewery: 580 N. Nimitz Highway (about one mile Ewa of downtown near Honolulu Harbor), (808) 545-7979. Locals and tourists alike love Sam Choy's. Known for his hearty portions and unique blend of island flavors, this talented chef is a local celebrity, known as much for his friendly demeanor and large girth as his famous cooking. "Never trust a skinny chef."
Roy's Restaurant Main location: 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy. (in East Honolulu about 6 miles east of Waikiki), (808) 396-7697. Also in Kapolei at Ko Olina Resort. Known as the "Wolfgang Puck of the Pacific," Roy Yamaguchi is known as one of the originators of Hawaiian fusion cuisine. This flagship restaurant of the Roy's Restaurant chain (which has since expanded to six Hawaii locations, 22 locations on the U.S. Mainland, and four overseas locations) overlooks Maunalua Bay with a perfect westward view.
John Dominis Perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Posh atmosphere includes an indoor koi pond and beautiful Waikiki ocean views. Friday nights offer a special bonus- the sky over Waikiki is lit by fireworks.
Alan Wong's
Hoku's
Buzz's Original Steakhouse - 2 Locations: in Kailua across from the beach, and in Pearl City.
Oahu Nightlife
There are several places Open till 2a or so. Most of Honolulu's bars and night clubs can be found from Kuhio Ave.
Top40 (attendance fee usually $5 to $15 during weekends)
Moose McGillycuddy's
Wave
Zanzabar
Pipeline (not in Kuhio Ave)
Gay/Bi
Angels
Other (Usually no attendance fee, but support playing local bands by giving tips to 'em)
O'Neals
Oahu Accommodation
Outside of Honolulu there are very few hotels on the island. The Windward Coast has a number of B&Bs as well as Ohana Hale (literally "Family House"), guest houses rented out by local families. There are hundreds of condos and homes available to rent, some of them are managed properties and some are available for rent by owner.
Budget
Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village 59-788 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu 808.638.7838 (Fax 808.638.7515 Email bpacker@maui.net). Dorms, rooms, and cottages. Walking distance from three great beaches (Sandy, Wahamai Beach & Waterfalls, and Shark's cove) $17-$20 per person. http://www.backpackers-hawaii.com/
Mid-range
Manoa Valley Inn, 2001 Vancouver Drive Honolulu, Phone: 808.947.6019 (Fax: 808.946.6168). 8 B&B rooms in a large cottage.
Top-End
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, 100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Phone: (808) 956-1111. A luxury hotel on the island of Oahu that features all oceanfront guest rooms and suites. Other amenities of the hotel include a championship golf course, day spa, tennis courts, and extensive facilities for meetings, weddings, and social events.
Turtle Bay Resort 57-091 Kamehameha Highway Kahuku, Oahu Tel: 800-203-3650, 808-293-8811 (Fax: 808-293-9147). One of the only large resorts on the North Shore, with two 18-hole golf courses. Within a short drive of the Polynesian Cultural Center. $150-$300 doubles. Turtle Bay Vacation Rentals 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Ocean Villa and Kuilima Estates Condo Rentals
Halekulani, one of the nicest (and most expensive) hotels on Oahu. Located right on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.
Ihilani, Ko Olina Resort, Kapolei. (808) 679-0079. Upscale resort on the leeward coast of Hawaii. $250-$450 doubles.
Oahu Transportation
Car rentals are available at the airport and various locations downtown. A car is worth having for visits to the North Shore or if you are staying outside of Honolulu/Waikiki.
The Oahu bus system, officially called TheBus, runs between almost all towns and to most tourist destinations. Fare for TheBus is US$2.00, for adults, exact change is compulsory, which will get you anywhere on the island TheBus goes.
There is a 4 day TheBus 'Tourist' pass available that can be purchased from most ABC Stores (like a 7/11) for US$20.00. Make sure you 'scratch' it correctly before getting on the first TheBus.
Also available from ABC Stores is a very handy guide to TheBus for US$2.95, highly recommended.
Major highways
The following are some of the more important major highways on Oahu. Both the common name and the state route number are given here. Unlike many areas of the U.S., locals refer to state highways by name rather than number.
Interstate H-1 runs from Kahala in East Honolulu west, through downtown Honolulu, past the airport and out to the western suburb of Kapolei where it joins Farrington Highway.
Interstate H-2 runs from the town of Waipahu through Mililani to the town of Wahiawa in Central Oahu.
Interstate H-3 runs from the suburb of Aiea, through the windward communities of Kaneohe and Kailua, to the gate of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Nimitz Highway/Ala Moana Boulevard (state route 92) runs from Pearl Harbor to Waikiki; it is the main route from the airport to Waikiki.
Pali Highway (state route 61) runs from downtown Honolulu to the Windward town of Kailua.
Likelike Highway (state route 63) runs from the Kalihi district of Honolulu to the Windward town of Kaneohe.
Kalanianaole Highway (state route 72) starts from the east end of H-1 and runs through the East Honolulu suburbs around Makapuu Point, and through the rural community of Waimanalo, ending in Kailua.
Kamehameha Highway (state routes 99, 80, and 83) is the main highway on Oahu, starting from Pearl Harbor, going through the leeward communities of Aiea and Pearl City, then through Central Oahu, around the North Shore, and along the Windward coast ending at the town of Kaneohe.
Farrington Highway (state route 93) is two separate roads: the south side starts where H-1 leaves off in Kapolei and leads to the Leeward coast communities of Nanakuli, Waianae, and Makaha, ending at the south end of Kaena Point State Park. The north side starts from Waialua on the North Shore through the community of Mokuleia to the north end of Kaena Point State Park. (The road used to go around the point but the part that actually rounded the point has been closed and replaced with a nature preserve. A trail connects the two portions.)
Fort Weaver Road/Kunia Road (state routes 76, 750) goes from Schofield Barracks near Wahiawa south to Ewa Beach.
Oahu Gateways
Flights from all over the world land at Honolulu International Airport just outside of downtown Honolulu. Free Wiki-Wiki (Hawaiian for 'quick') shuttle buses operate between the Main Terminal and Interisland Terminal every 15 minutes.
TheBus routes #19 and #20 run between the airport and Waikiki. The fare is US$2.00 for adults. Exact change is required and space for baggage is limited.
To get to the other Hawaiian islands, fly Aloha Airlines or Hawaiian Air from Honolulu International Airport
Some or all information on this page has been extracted from http://wikitravel.org/en/Oahu and is based on work by M. Hogue and Tim, Wikitravel user(s) Workerbee, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.
