A Quick Guide to Exploring Oahu

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A quick guide to exploring Oahu

This quick guide to exploring Oahu gives an overview of the best things to do in Oahu, including where to stay, what hikes to do, where to find great waves, and where to eat. 

Ahhh Hawaii. The warm ocean breeze, the sunshine, the salty water, the incredible volcanic mountains…one of my favorite places to be.

Oahu is a great island to visit if it’s your first trip and you’d like to get a variety of activities. I went here with my fiancé, Jason, back in October 2019. We had both been to Hawaii before and decided to split our trip between Oahu and Maui. On Oahu, we were very lucky to stay and visit with our friends!

How to get there:

Oahu has one main airport, Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL). It is pretty centrally located on the island. Most major airlines fly to Honolulu. Depending on the airline and your base location, you may be able to get a direct flight or have a layover in LAX or another west coast airport. HNL is located 20 minutes from Waikiki and is about 30 minutes to Kailua. 

When to visit:

I visited in October and it was absolutely beautiful. All of Hawaii has gorgeous weather year round, with the rainy season in the winter. The tourist season is in the summer so I personally would recommend aiming for spring or fall for your visit to avoid the crowds. Also, if you are looking to see the big waves in action on the North Shore, the winter is your best chance for seeing that.
 

Where to stay:

I’ve stayed in Kailua and Waikiki and would recommend both! Waikiki is right in the downtown area of Honolulu on the south coast of the island. It’s close to a great beach with beginner surf waves. Kailua is a great town on the east coast of the island with a very local vibe. 
 

How to Get Around:

I would highly recommend getting a rental car from the airport if you’d like to explore the island and make an adventure of your trip.

 

Where to Explore

East Coast:

  1. Lanikai Beach: a great beach with a local vibe
  2. Moki Nui and Moku Iki: 2 tiny islands off the shore of Lanikai Beach. If you can rent or have access to paddle boards/kayaks, I recommend paddling out to see these islands. It’s definitely an adventure!
  3. The Pillbox Hike: a relatively quick hike (just under 2 miles) with beautiful views of the 2 islands.
  4. Crouching Lion Hike: a little bit farther north than Lanikai is this short ( 1/2 mile) Hawaiian style hike with incredible views. If you do this, be ready for a steep, muddy climb.
  5. Kailua Farmers’ Market on Thursday afternoons
  6. Lanikai Brewing Company for great beers and friendly folks
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North Shore:

  1. The iconic Banzai Pipeline and other famous waves along this 7 mile beach often referred to as the “7 mile miracle”
  2. Açaí bowls at The Sunrise Shack (this place is seriously incredible with their happy vibes and their foods/drinks!)
  3. Haleiwa Beach House to grab drinks
  4. Haleiwa Joe’s for dinner with a view
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South Coast

  1. Waikiki Beach to get some sun, surf, and snorkel
  2. Diamond Head Hike
  3. Pearl Harbor
  4. Explore downtown

I hope this quick guide to exploring Oahu helps plan your trip! Feel free to reach out on my Contact page if you have any questions!

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