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Plan your trip to beautiful O‘ahu Hawaii

O’ahu Island, nestled within the stunning Hawaiian island chain, captivates visitors with its natural allure and inviting tropical climate. This volcanic island boasts lush greenery and a mild, soothing atmosphere, drawing in travelers from across the globe. Ready to experience the beauty of O’ahu? So why not plan your trip to this enchanting Hawaiian destination today?

Discover the allure of O’ahu, Hawaii’s scenic gem, with lush landscapes and a mild tropical climate.

Visit Hawaii

Best time to visit

Any time of the year is good for traveling to Hawaii.  From April to October is summer in Hawaii. April and May is an excellent time to visit, and the hotel prices are a little bit lower during these months.  But if you love going during a quieter time, September and October are good options.  If you love to attend festivals, October is a great month to visit.

From November to March is winter.  During the winter months, you can obviously expect rain…

You can easily get from  Honolulu Airport to Waikiki in half an hour.  Ask your hotel about their shuttle services.

Visit Oahu Hawaii hidden gem of Hawaii min

The famous Waikiki and Honolulu

Famous for its golden sand and gentle waves, Waikiki Beach offers excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, as well as vibrant nightlife and shopping.

A trip to O’ahu Island will not be complete without a visit to the famous Waikiki beach in Honolulu.

Q:  Is Waikiki and Honolulu the same place?

A:  Waikiki is a district in Honolulu and Honolulu is a city on Oahu Island

Q:  Can you swim at Waikiki Beach?

A:  At Waikiki beach you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, surfing, boogie boarding and enjoy fantastic beach sunsets.

Discover 4 beautiful lagoons :

  • Mohola Lagoon
  • Honu Lagoon
  • Nai’a Lagoon
  • Ulua Lagoon

There is a network of pathways connecting the 4 lagoons, which is perfect for an afternoon or early morning walk.  Furthermore these 4 beautiful lagoons offer white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and paddle-boarding.

Best time to visit Oahu Hawaii min

Things to do and Places to see

Outdoor Activities include whale watching, surfing, paddle boarding, ziplining, hiking, and many more.

Diamond Head

  • Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is also known as “Le’ahi”, which means “brow of the tuna”. You can hike the historic trail to the top for spectacular views.

Hanauma Bay

  • A beautifully preserved bay that is famous for snorkeling due to the abundance of marine life and clear water.  If you love snorkeling, you should definitely stop here.

Pearl Harbor

  • The famous Pearl Harbor World War II (1941 bombing attack) site is a history stop reminder of the war, where you can visit the museums and memorials.

Attend a ‘Luaus in O’ahu’

  • A Luau is a celebration of food, music, and culture, held for special occasions like a wedding, a special birthday, or when welcoming honored guests.  O’ahu welcomes all visitors to luau across Oahu each week and there are many places where you can attend.  Just ask your hotel for the closest one to your accommodation and enjoy the festivities (which include loads of food and hula dancing).

Oh yes, while enjoying this Hawaiian tradition, do try the Laulau dish: Meat wrapped in luau (taro) leaves and steamed, traditionally prepared in an imu.  It is very tasty.

Hanauma Bay

Other O‘ahu Hawaii Attractions

  • The Capital Honolulu – offering exclusive shopping venues, museums and galleries. Here you can enjoy world-class dining and obviously the nightlife as well.
  • Iolani Palace a registered National Historic Landmark and the only official royal palace in the United States.
  • The Chinatown Historic District, a neighborhood of Honolulu, known for its Chinese American community, is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the US.
  • Iconic Beaches such as Waikiki – For Hawaiian Beach Safety visit the O’ahu Beach Safety info website.   
  • North Shore which is known for excellent surfing conditions.
  • Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout: Marvel at breathtaking views of the lush Windward Coast from this scenic overlook, which also holds historical significance as the site of a pivotal battle in Hawaiian history.

Visit a Famous TV / Film Location

The Byodo-In Temple

“The TV series Hawaii Five-O and Magnum, P.I. featured several episodes where the temple is incorporated into the plot. The temple and its gardens also appeared in an episode of the ABC series Lost, “House of the Rising Sun” in season one as the home of Sun’s father.

In 2017 and 2018, the Official Best of America television program awarded the Byodo-In Temple at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the distinction of Official Best Memorial Temple in Hawaii.

In 2019, National Geographic featured the Byodo-In Temple in ’20 of the world’s most beautiful Buddhist temples‘ while noting its architectural details and inspiring surroundings.” – Website

This beautiful venue is located in the Valley of the Temples.  It is the perfect place to spend a peaceful and relaxed afternoon feeding the fish.  Set against the foothills of the mountain it is also a beautiful place to meditate or if you’re a keen photographer to take fantastic photos.
 
Address47-200 Kahekili Hwy., Kaneohe, Oahu, HI
Byodo In Temple United States

Where to stay at O'ahu Hawaii

Accommodation options on O’ahu range from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, catering to various preferences and budgets. You can find beachfront hotels in Waikiki offering stunning ocean views, upscale resorts in Ko Olina with world-class amenities, boutique hotels in Honolulu’s vibrant neighborhoods, and charming vacation rentals along the North Shore.

Ko Olina

This beautiful 12 mile shoreline that stretches from Pearl Harbor to the summit of the Wai’anae Mountains and west to Nanakuli, is a wonderful destination.

Situated about 29 minutes from the airport Ko Olina is central for many activities.  But more than this it is actually the beauty of this area that makes it the ideal place to book you holiday.

You’ll find many fabulous beach villas you can stay at.  The options are great but book well in advance.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort in Oahu Hawaii beautiful sea views

You’ll enjoy beautiful sea views at the Four Seasons Resort.  Ko Olina Marina and Ko Olina Golf Club are just 5 5-minute drive from Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. The Arizona and Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor is 27 minute’s drive away from this resort.

Book your stay well in advance>>

Map of Ko Olina and the 4 lagoons on O'ahu Island in Hawaii

Activities at Ko Olina

  • The multi award-winning Ko Olina Golf Club will definitely keep the golf-lovers happy.
  • Just take a leisurely stroll along the beach or spend the day on the beach.
  • Snorkeling in the warm lagoon water is fantastic
  • Do a sunset dinner cruise
  • Visit the Ko Olina Marina
  • Enjoy the shops and many restaurants
  • Relax at Ko Olina’s spas
  • Go on a diving trip or world class deep sea fishing experience

And if you’re spending Christmas in wonderful Hawaii, learn to say Merry Christmas in a fun way – Follow this link.

Marriott Oahu Hawaii

Resort and Beach Villas

Also including the Marriott Resort, Ko Olina has many beautiful resorts and accommodation options.  Book your trip to beautiful O’ahu, Hawaii.

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Where to stay

When booking a hotel room in Waikiki, you will be staying on or near the beach.  Some of the hotels offer spectacular sea view rooms.

Accommodation options near Waikiki in Honolulu (Links to photos and to book)

Nearest airport

Honolulu International Airport (HNL):  Distance from Honolulu Airport to Ko Olina – 29 min (21,4 mi) via I-H-1 W

Plan or book your holiday activities