Top 6 Things To Do In Oahu

#1 Waikiki Beach

From surfing at sunrise to toasting at sunset, the “world’s most famous resort” is packed with diversions, attractions, entertainment, global fare, and retail from souvenir to sophistication status. One of the world’s most famous urban resort areas, Waikiki takes you from shopping in designer shops to paddling in an outrigger canoe to sipping a mai tai at sunset in a beach bar among patrons sporting board shorts and flip flops. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a finer people-watching place in any Pacific Island destination!

At the “Koko Head” or east end of Waikiki is Diamond Head, a dormant volcano is considered Oahu’s most famous natural landmark. You can hike into this State Monument or simply enjoy the scenery from Kapiolani Park at its ocean side base.

#2 Downtown Honolulu

Covering some 40 square blocks, this south shore hub has served as Hawaii’s capital since 1845. Kamehameha III and his successors transformed the harbor town into a beautiful city by erecting Iolani Palace, Aliiolani Hale and St. Andrew’s Cathedral – historical landmarks that today fringe skyscraper-lined thoroughfares.

Long considered a “must do” as the only royal palace on U.S. soil, Iolani Palace shares opulence, innovation and political intrigue in both guided and self-guided tours. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark celebrates King David Kalakaua and his sibling successor, Queen Liliuokalani, who entertained world leaders and dignitaries in this affluent residence that boasted the marvels of electrical lights and telephones.

#3 Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor serves as a central gathering place for the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument that consists of nine historic locations in Hawaii, California and Alaska. Of these, five are within Pearl Harbor itself – USS Arizona Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial, USS Utah Memorial, and parts of Ford Island and Battleship Row. It’s also home to the USS Missouri Battleship, Pacific Aviation Museum and USS Bowfin Submarine that are designated as the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.

Expert tip: Go to the U.S. National Parks website to reserve space for the free Arizona Memorial Tour, or book onsite tours that include ground transportation, tickets and add-ons for the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. If this isn’t on your “bucket list,” you most definitely need to add it.

#4 Haleiwa Town/North Shore

The quintessential surf town, Haleiwa is popular among surfers, stand up paddlers, anglers and artists. Running through its heart, Kamehameha Highway is flanked by colorful surf shops, cool boutiques and laid back eateries.

Expert tip: Take it low key by packing a picnic lunch to share at Haleiwa Beach Park or add a little “Hawaiian Punch” by grabbing a shave ice from several of Oahu’s most coveted shops that concoct this island sweet treat.

#5 Windward Coast

A treasure trove of roadside stands, shrimp trucks and beautiful beaches, the Windward Coast plugs into a chill “neighbor island” attitude. Enjoy cultural experiences, horseback riding, and both stand up paddling and kayaking on pristine Kaneohe Bay. Especially if you’re staying in Waikiki, always plan on making a full day of it since there’s so much to see and do. Adventure literally runs amok at Kualoa Ranch, where you can giddy-up with horseback rides, ATV adventures, movie set tours and ziplining.

#6 East Oahu

The highway hugs shoreline and works up bluffs along this scenic stretch of Oahu that’s home to primo snorkeling spots, Halona Blow Hole Lookout and easy hiking to the 647-foot summit of Makapuu Point Lighthouse trail. Favorites include hiking the Makapuu Lighthouse trail during whale watching season to spot humpbacks frolicking offshore and watching hang gliders sail with the breeze while soaking in the sun at Sandy Beach.

Expert tip: Bring a fully charged camera (and a spare battery). You would find a plethora of postcard perfect photo ops here