Oahu Travel Guide

One city, a crater with a trail to the rim, a harbor full of World War II history and three coasts that behave like different islands. Start with the shore you want to be on and the days you actually have.

Start Here Where To Go How Long Free Things Where To Stay The Map
Surf by shore: west side running biggest at 4-6 ft on the latest forecast

Which Side Of The Island Today?

Oahu does not have one set of conditions, it has four. The shores face different directions and take different swells, so the surf that closes the North Shore to swimmers in January is often the same week the south side is flat enough to learn on. Checking the shore rather than the island is the single most useful habit a visitor can pick up, and it decides which way you point the car.

Surf height by shore, in feet, from the most recent National Weather Service forecast for Oahu.
ShoreMorningAfternoonWhat that shore does
North shore1-3 ft1-3 ftWinter swells build here from about October to April, which is when the big-wave contests run and when the water is least suited to casual swimming.
West side4-6 ft4-6 ftTakes the same winter swells as the North Shore, with fewer people and longer drives.
South shore4-6 ft4-6 ftThe summer shore. South swells run roughly April to October, which is why Waikiki teaches beginners all summer.
Windward (east)3-5 ft3-5 ftDriven by the trade winds rather than by swell, so it is choppy more often than it is big, and it is the windsurfing side.

On the most recent forecast the west side was running the biggest surf on the island, at 4-6 ft.

Surf heights from the United States National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu, which publishes them as a public-domain product.

How Many Days Do You Need On Oahu?

Five days is the honest answer for a first trip. Three days covers the essentials if you plan around reservation windows, and seven lets you add the North Shore and the windward coast properly. Here is one day done well.

Full one-day itinerary
1Morning
View of the Diamond Head crater rim above Honolulu from inside the crater

Diamond Head

An early start on the crater trail. Gates open at 6 a.m., and out-of-state visitors reserve entry and parking ahead.

Reserve $5
2Midday
The white USS Arizona Memorial structure resting above the water at Pearl Harbor with green mountains behind it

Pearl Harbor

Park entry is free. The Arizona Memorial program is reserved online for a $1 fee, and bags are not allowed.

Free Entry
3Afternoon
Waikīkī Beach at late afternoon with Diamond Head in the distance and calm water along the shore

Waikīkī

A compact, walkable beach strip with the island's densest mix of hotels, food and tour departures.

4Evening
Waikiki beach at dusk with the shoreline lights reflecting on calm water and Diamond Head in the distance

Waikīkī After Dark

A sunset sail, the Friday fireworks, a dinner cruise or a luau, then late plates along Kalakaua Avenue.

Guided half-day Pearl Harbor tour at the memorial
Pearl Harbor In Half A Day 4.7 from 8,911 reviews · from $59
Check availability

Things To Do In Oahu

Eight places that anchor most first visits, from a crater trail and a harbor memorial to the North Shore's valley and beaches.

All things to do in Oahu
View of the Diamond Head crater rim above Honolulu from inside the crater Reserve $5 Diamond HeadA short, steep climb to a crater rim above Waikīkī. The white USS Arizona Memorial structure resting above the water at Pearl Harbor with green mountains behind it Free Entry Pearl HarborThe USS Arizona Memorial, the Missouri and the Bowfin in one harbor. Aerial view of a curved blue bay with reef formations visible through clear water and green hills rising around it Adult $25 Hanauma BayA protected bay for snorkeling, reserved online two days ahead. Thatched-roof village structures and palm trees along a lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center on a bright day Polynesian Cultural CenterA cultural park in Lāʻie with villages and an evening show. Green ridges of the Kualoa valleys rising behind a windward Oahu coastline under scattered clouds Kualoa RanchValleys and film locations, open only through the ranch's own tours. A paved path leading through dense green rainforest toward a waterfall in a volcanic valley on Oahu. Adult $26 Waimea ValleyA rainforest walk to a waterfall on the North Shore. A wide sandy beach on Oahu's North Shore with golden evening light over calm water Free Sunset BeachA North Shore beach that is calm in summer and powerful in winter. A wide sandy beach on Oahu's windward coast with calm turquoise water and the Mokulua Islands on the horizon Kailua Beach ParkA lifeguarded windward beach with kayak routes to offshore islands.
105,808 traveller reviewsacross 50 checked tours
From $22cheapest paid tour today
Prices checkedagainst the booking page, refreshed monthly

Which Oahu Experiences Fit Your Trip?

Fifty tours and tickets cover the island, from a Pearl Harbor half day to a North Shore zipline. Three quick questions sort them into a shortlist that fits your plans.

1. What kind of experience are you after?
2. How much time do you have?
3. What are you happy to spend per person?

A starting shortlist: the four best-reviewed tours on the site. Answer any question and it rebuilds around your picks.

  1. Most-Booked Circle Island Day 6 hours 30 minutes Star of Honolulu Cruises and Events from $100 ★ 5.0 19,401 Check availability
  2. Pearl Harbor In Half A Day 5 hours E Noa Tours from $59 ★ 4.7 8,911 Check availability
  3. Cheapest Parasail Over Waikiki 1 hour from $44 ★ 4.9 8,864 Check availability
  4. Trolley Day Pass From $22 1 hour 50 minutes E Noa Tours from $22 ★ 4.7 5,053 Check availability
  5. Turtle Canyon, Turtles Guaranteed 2 hours from $79 ★ 4.8 4,883 Check availability
  6. Circle Island Via Byodo-In 9 hours Go Tours Hawaii from $159 ★ 4.9 4,210 Check availability
  7. Luau Inside Waimea Valley Toa Luau LLC from $145 ★ 4.9 3,771 Check availability
  8. Eight-Line Zipline, North Shore 2 hours 30 minutes Climb Works - Keana Farms from $204 ★ 5.0 3,768 Check availability
  9. Fire-Knife Luau, Warrior Story 4 hours Mauka Warriors Luau from $146 ★ 4.8 3,765 Check availability
  10. Try Scuba Without Certification 1 hour 30 minutes Try Scuba Diving-Honolulu from $89 ★ 4.9 3,593 Check availability
  11. Close-Up Magic With Dinner Option 2 hours The Magical Mystery Show! from $99 ★ 4.9 3,532 Check availability
  12. Shark Cage Off North Shore 1 hour 30 minutes North Shore Shark Adventures from $99 ★ 4.8 3,148 Check availability
  13. Big-Stage Luau Near Waikiki 3 hours Chief's Luau from $144 ★ 4.7 3,112 Check availability
  14. Arizona And Missouri, One Ticket 6 to 7 hours Karma Tour Hawaii from $149 ★ 4.6 2,752 Check availability
  15. Drive An Underwater Scooter 2 hours from $188 ★ 4.8 2,409 Check availability
  16. Royal Luau Seats At PCC 8 hours from $216 ★ 4.9 2,052 Check availability
  17. Whale Watch From Ala Wai Harbor 2 hours from $42.50 ★ 4.6 2,000 Check availability
  18. Hanauma Bay Without The Queue 5 hours Kaimana Tours from $56 ★ 4.4 1,372 Check availability
  19. Kayak To The Mokulua Islands 5 hours 30 minutes Kailua Beach Adventures from $115 ★ 4.8 1,362 Check availability
  20. Real Submarine, 100 Feet Down 2 hours Atlantis Adventures Hawaii from $168 ★ 4.4 1,338 Check availability
  21. Whale Watch, Sighting Guarantee 2 hours from $53.31 ★ 4.6 1,335 Check availability
  22. Wild Dolphins On The West Side 4 hours Indigo Ocean Hawaii from $187 ★ 4.8 1,191 Check availability
  23. Cheapest Guided Arizona Memorial 4 hours from $51 ★ 4.5 1,168 Check availability
  24. Sunset Dinner Show Afloat 2 hours Star of Honolulu Cruises and Events from $139 ★ 4.6 1,031 Check availability
  25. Seven Lookouts In Half A Day 3 to 4 hours from $77 ★ 4.9 1,028 Check availability
  26. 40-Foot Catamaran, Food And BYOB from $54.99 ★ 4.9 1,003 Check availability
  27. Diamond Head With Ticket Sorted 3 hours Kaimana Tours from $35 ★ 4.8 998 Check availability
  28. Beachfront ATV And Farm Stop 1 hour North Shore Stables from $131 ★ 4.7 975 Check availability
  29. Doors-Off Helicopter, 60 Minutes 1 hour Rainbow Helicopters from $540 ★ 4.8 806 Check availability
  30. Local Food Tour, Off Waikiki 3 hours Hawaii Free Tours from $150 ★ 5.0 797 Check availability
  31. Movie Sites, 90 Minutes Flat from $63 ★ 4.6 771 Check availability
  32. Friday Fireworks From The Water 1 hour 45 minutes Pink Sails Waikiki from $85 ★ 4.6 698 Check availability
  33. Open Group Surf Lesson from $112.31 ★ 4.7 619 Check availability
  34. Jurassic Valley By UTV 2 hours 30 minutes Kualoa Ranch from $157 ★ 4.6 615 Check availability
  35. First-Timer Surf Lesson, Waikiki 2 hours from $126 ★ 4.9 470 Check availability
  36. One Pass, Forty Attractions 2 to 7 days Go City from $219 ★ 4.0 336 Check availability
  37. Sunset Sail On The Hawea from $68 ★ 4.8 319 Check availability
  38. PCC Villages Without The Luau 6 hours Polynesian Cultural Center from $104 ★ 4.5 295 Check availability
  39. Rum Tasting At The Cane Field 45 minutes Ko Hana Distillers from $25 ★ 4.9 278 Check availability
  40. Private Heli, Window Every Seat 1 hour Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours from $415 ★ 4.9 242 Check availability
  41. Rainforest Waterfall, Self-Guided 3 hours 30 minutes Kaimana Tours from $53 ★ 4.6 240 Check availability
  42. Tandem Jet Ski, Maunalua Bay 30 minutes H2O Sports Hawaii from $81 ★ 4.1 216 Check availability
  43. Real Lei Greeting At Baggage Claim 20 minutes from $41 ★ 4.7 204 Check availability
  44. After-Dark Ghost Walk Downtown 1 hour from $27 ★ 4.4 202 Check availability
  45. Sunset Ride On Horseback 1 hour 30 minutes Gunstock Ranch from $160 ★ 4.8 163 Check availability
  46. Cageless Swim With Sharks 2 hours from $138 ★ 4.8 147 Check availability
  47. Downtown Walk, Five Tastings from $107 ★ 4.9 145 Check availability
  48. Paddleboard Yoga On Flat Water 1 hour 15 minutes Yoga Floats, LLC from $57 ★ 4.9 123 Check availability
  49. E-Bike Into The Rainforest 3 hours Bike Hawaii from $128 ★ 4.8 81 Check availability
  50. Free Downtown and Chinatown Walk 2 hours 30 minutes Robbie Free, tip what you like ★ 4.9 16 See this free tour on GuruWalk

Nine Kinds Of Oahu Experiences, Compared

Sort the island by what you want the day to feel like, then open the guide for that kind of day.

The USS Arizona Memorial structure standing above the water at Pearl Harbor with boats moored nearby

Pearl Harbor And History

Yes, Pearl Harbor works as a half or full day trip from anywhere on Oʻahu.

Long tables set for an outdoor Hawaiian feast under palm trees at dusk

Luaus And Polynesian Culture

For most visitors the best luau on Oahu is the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley, because admission to the valley and its waterfall trail is included and the setting is a real ahupuaʻa rather than a hotel ballroom.

A helicopter flying above green Oahu ridgelines with the turquoise ocean in the distance

Helicopters And Adventure

An Oahu helicopter tour runs about 45 to 60 minutes, lifts off from Honolulu or the windward side, and shows you the Koʻolau range, Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor and the North Shore in one loop.

A humpback whale breaching in open water off the south shore of Oahu with Diamond Head in the far distance

Whales, Dolphins And Wildlife

Humpback whales are in Hawaiian waters from November through April.

A catamaran under sail off the Waikiki coastline with Diamond Head in the distance

Sails And Catamaran Cruises

Most Oahu catamaran cruises are 1.5 to 2 hours, launch from Waikīkī Beach or nearby Kewalo Basin, and split into three kinds: plain scenic sails, snorkel runs, and timed trips that chase sunset, Friday fireworks or the winter whale migration.

A calm morning at Waikiki Beach with gentle rolling waves approaching the shore

Surf Lessons And Watersports

Take your first surf lesson in Waikiki, where gentle, consistent summer-style waves break over a sandy bottom all year.

A hiker on a ridge trail above a green valley on the island of Oahu in Hawaii

Hikes And Waterfalls

The best hikes on Oahu are Diamond Head (Lēʻahi), the Mānoa Falls trail, the Koko Crater Railway Trail, the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail and the Lanikai Pillbox hike.

A coastal highway on Oahu winding past green cliffs with blue ocean beyond

Circle Island Tours

The best Oahu day trips are a circle island tour, a Pearl Harbor morning, and a North Shore run, in that order for most first-time visitors.

A plate lunch with rice, macaroni salad and grilled protein served on a cafeteria tray at an Oahu eatery

Food And Drink

The best food on Oahu is local food, not resort food: plate lunch from lunch trucks and counter-service spots, fresh poke, garlic shrimp from North Shore trucks, malasadas, and shave ice.

Oahu With Kids, Sorted By Age And Stamina

A zoo, an aquarium and a real submarine keep younger travelers moving, and several of them sit at the Waikīkī end of the island.

Shaded pathways and animal enclosures inside the Honolulu Zoo on a bright day in WaikīkīHonolulu ZooA walkable zoo at the edge of Waikīkī. A low aquarium building beside palm trees near the Waikīkī shoreline, with the ocean visible behind itWaikīkī AquariumA compact marine aquarium at the east end of the strip. A coastal marine park on a green headland with the ocean and a lighthouse in the backgroundSea Life ParkA small marine park on the southeast coast near Makapuʻu.
Passengers aboard a submarine descending below WaikikiBookable TourReal Submarine, 100 Feet Down4.4 from 1,338 reviews · from $168Check availability

Oahu Travel Guide: Rainy Day Plans For The Wettest Island Days

Rain here is local and usually brief, so one wet morning rarely sinks the day. When it does settle in, the museums and the palace carry it.

The historic stone exterior of the Bishop Museum under a clear Honolulu skyBishop MuseumAbout half a day in Honolulu, away from the beach corridors. The white facade of ʻIolani Palace fronted by a green lawn and palm trees under a clear Honolulu skyʻIolani PalaceThe former royal residence, visited on timed tickets. A grey WWII-era fleet submarine moored at the waterfront beside the Pearl Harbor visitor centerUSS BowfinA restored fleet submarine you can walk through at Pearl Harbor.
Attraction pass bundling indoor and outdoor Oahu sightsBookable TourOne Pass, Forty Attractions4 from 336 reviews · from $219Check availability

Oahu After Dark, From Sunset Sails To Luaus

The sun sets early all year, so evenings run on sunset sails, luaus and Waikīkī's late plates.

Waikiki beach at dusk with the shoreline lights reflecting on calm water and Diamond Head in the distanceWaikīkī At NightSails, fireworks, dinner cruises and a magic show on Kalia Road. Waikiki beachfront lights reflecting on calm water at dusk with palm trees along the shoreOahu NightlifeWaikīkī bars and shows, plus a more local late scene downtown. The sun sinking into the ocean behind a silhouetted palm-lined beach on the leeward coast of OahuSunset SpotsWhere to watch the light go, shore by shore.
Fire-knife dancer performing at a luau after sunsetBookable TourFire-Knife Luau, Warrior Story4.8 from 3,765 reviews · from $146Check availability

Oahu In Big-Wave Season, And Where The Water Stays Calm

The North Shore carries the biggest surf from roughly November through March, humpback whales arrive in November, and Waikīkī's sheltered breaks still suit beginners.

Surfer riding a gentle wave off a Waikiki beach with Diamond Head in the distanceSurfing On OahuWhere the winter and summer breaks are, and where to learn. A humpback whale surfacing in open ocean off the coast of Oahu with distant mountains behindWhale SeasonNovember through April, with a 100 yard legal distance. Wide view of a North Shore beach with turquoise water and distant mountainsNorth ShoreHaleʻiwa, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, winter and summer.
Boat heading out from Waikiki Harbor on a whale watching tripBookable TourWhale Watch From Ala Wai Harbor4.6 from 2,000 reviews · from $42.50Check availability
A wide sandy beach with calm shallow water and the Honolulu skyline behind it A paved coastal trail climbing a dry hillside toward a white lighthouse on a rocky point above blue ocean

Free Things To Do In Oahu

Waikīkī Beach costs nothing, Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free to enter and the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail has no entry fee. Then add a free downtown walking tour led by a local guide.

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail Ala Moana Beach Park Sunset Beach Pearl Harbor Memorial All Free Things
Free walking tour group in historic downtown Honolulu
Free Downtown and Chinatown Walk 4.94 from 16 reviews · free, pay what you want
See this free tour on GuruWalk

Where To Eat On Oahu

Shave ice after a beach morning, poke and plate lunch for the rest of the day, and a North Shore truck on the drive home. This is the island's everyday food, not its resort menus.

The food guide
A cup of colorful shave ice held outdoors on a sunny Oahu day Shave Ice Finely shaved ice soaked in syrup, with the best-known shops in Haleʻiwa, Kailua and Waikīkī. A plate lunch with rice, macaroni salad and grilled protein served on a cafeteria tray at an Oahu eatery Poke And Plate Lunch Fresh poke and the plate lunch that most locals actually eat. A row of colorful food trucks parked under palm trees beside a coastal highway on Oahu Food Trucks Shrimp trucks on the North Shore and lunch wagons around Honolulu.

The Oahu Travel Guide Map: Where Everything Actually Is

Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.

Click the map to zoom with the scroll wheel. Numbers match the list.

  1. Waikiki Neighborhood GuideWaikīkī, where most hotels and tour pickups start
  2. Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona MemorialLandmark · 9.8 mi from Waikīkī
  3. USS Missouri Battleship MuseumLandmark · 9.9 mi from Waikīkī
  4. Diamond Head State MonumentLandmark · 1.8 mi from Waikīkī
  5. Hanauma Bay Nature PreserveLandmark · 8.7 mi from Waikīkī
  6. Polynesian Cultural CenterLandmark · 26 mi from Waikīkī
  7. Iolani PalaceLandmark · 2.7 mi from Waikīkī
  8. Byodo-In TempleLandmark · 10 mi from Waikīkī
  9. Kualoa RanchLandmark · 17 mi from Waikīkī
  10. Waimea Valley & Waimea FallsLandmark · 29 mi from Waikīkī
  11. Nuuanu Pali LookoutLandmark · 6.4 mi from Waikīkī
  12. Manoa Falls TrailLandmark · 4.7 mi from Waikīkī
  13. Koko Head Crater Trail (Koko Head Stairs)Landmark · 8.3 mi from Waikīkī
  14. Lanikai Pillbox HikeLandmark · 10 mi from Waikīkī
  15. Dole PlantationLandmark · 22 mi from Waikīkī
  16. Bishop MuseumLandmark · 4.6 mi from Waikīkī
  17. International Market PlaceLandmark · 0.2 mi from Waikīkī
  18. Ala Moana Beach Park & Ala Moana CenterLandmark · 1.2 mi from Waikīkī
  19. MokoliʻiLandmark · 16 mi from Waikīkī
  20. Sandy Beach ParkLandmark · 10 mi from Waikīkī
  21. Shark's CoveLandmark · 30 mi from Waikīkī
  22. Sunset BeachLandmark · 30 mi from Waikīkī
  23. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)Landmark · 29 mi from Waikīkī
  24. Makapuu Point Lighthouse TrailLandmark · 12 mi from Waikīkī
  25. Lanikai BeachLandmark · 11 mi from Waikīkī
  26. Kailua Beach ParkLandmark · 10 mi from Waikīkī
  27. Waimanalo BeachLandmark · 9.2 mi from Waikīkī
  28. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical GardenLandmark · 7.7 mi from Waikīkī
  29. National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)Landmark · 2.6 mi from Waikīkī
  30. Halona BlowholeLandmark · 9.8 mi from Waikīkī
  31. Aloha TowerLandmark · 3.1 mi from Waikīkī
  32. Foster Botanical GardenLandmark · 3.2 mi from Waikīkī
  33. Waikiki AquariumLandmark · 1 mi from Waikīkī
  34. Honolulu ZooLandmark · 0.8 mi from Waikīkī
  35. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & ParkLandmark · 9.4 mi from Waikīkī
  36. Queen Emma Summer PalaceLandmark · 4 mi from Waikīkī
  37. Tantalus Lookout (Puu Ualakaa State Park)Landmark · 2.4 mi from Waikīkī
  38. Sea Life Park HawaiiLandmark · 11 mi from Waikīkī
  39. Turtle Bay Resort & North Shore PointLandmark · 31 mi from Waikīkī
  40. Kaena Point State ParkLandmark · 36 mi from Waikīkī
  41. North Shore Oahu GuideArea · 27 mi from Waikīkī
  42. Kailua GuideArea · 9.6 mi from Waikīkī
  43. Ko Olina GuideArea · 19 mi from Waikīkī
  44. Haleiwa Town GuideArea · 27 mi from Waikīkī
  45. Hawaii Kai GuideArea · 7.6 mi from Waikīkī
  46. Downtown Honolulu GuideArea · 2.9 mi from Waikīkī
  47. Chinatown Honolulu GuideArea · 3.2 mi from Waikīkī
  48. Kaneohe & Windward Coast GuideArea · 9.7 mi from Waikīkī
  49. Ewa Beach GuideArea · 12 mi from Waikīkī
  50. Kapolei GuideArea · 16 mi from Waikīkī
  51. Manoa Neighborhood GuideArea · 2.3 mi from Waikīkī
  52. Leeward Coast GuideArea · 26 mi from Waikīkī

Day Trips And Island Loops

Oahu's day trips are loops, not destinations: up the windward side, across the top, or out to Pearl Harbor and back. Pick one per day.

Ocean waves breaking along the tree-lined North Shore coastline of Oahu on a clear morningSurf Coast

North Shore

A single loop through Kāneʻohe, Lāʻie and Haleʻiwa, planned as a full day.

5 from 3,768 reviews · from $204Check availability
Green Koʻolau mountain ridges rising above the calm water of Kāneʻohe Bay on OʻahuGreen Side

Windward Coast And Kualoa

Oʻahu's green, rainy side, facing the trade winds, with Kualoa's valleys.

4.6 from 615 reviews · from $157Check availability
The USS Arizona Memorial structure standing above the water at Pearl Harbor with boats moored nearbyWWII

Pearl Harbor

Works as a half or full day from anywhere on the island.

4.6 from 2,752 reviews · from $149Check availability
A coastal highway on Oahu winding past green cliffs with blue ocean beyondFull Day

Circle Island

The loop most first-timers do: windward coast, North Shore and back through the middle.

5 from 19,401 reviews · from $100Check availability

All day trips

When To Go, And Which Side To Be On

Tap a month. Figures are 1991 to 2020 NOAA climate normals for Honolulu International Airport, on the dry leeward side.

Honolulu's airport station is the dry side of the island: the 1991 to 2020 normals put every month between 0.50 inches (June) and 2.36 inches (March), 16.41 inches a year, while a valley five miles inland gets about 151.

January: 1.84 InchesFebruary: 1.94 InchesMarch: 2.36 InchesApril: 0.77 InchesMay: 0.82 InchesJune: 0.5 InchesJuly: 0.52 InchesAugust: 0.84 InchesSeptember: 0.88 InchesOctober: 1.51 InchesNovember: 2.25 InchesDecember: 2.18 InchesJanuary: 73.6°FFebruary: 73.8°FMarch: 74.7°FApril: 76.6°FMay: 78.2°FJune: 80.3°FJuly: 81.6°FAugust: 82.2°FSeptember: 81.6°FOctober: 80.4°FNovember: 78°FDecember: 75.5°F02460°75°90°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Rain in Temp °F
  • Monthly precipitation (inches)
  • Mean temperature (°F)
Honolulu International Airport (USW00022521), 30-year normals: August is warmest at 82.2°F average, January coldest at 73.6°F, March wettest at 2.36 in and June driest at 0.5 in, 16.4 in across the year.
MonthMean TempHigh / LowPrecipitation
January73.6°F80.5° / 66.8°1.84 in
February73.8°F80.5° / 67.1°1.94 in
March74.7°F81.2° / 68.1°2.36 in
April76.6°F83.1° / 70.1°0.77 in
May78.2°F84.8° / 71.5°0.82 in
June80.3°F86.9° / 73.8°0.5 in
July81.6°F88.1° / 75.1°0.52 in
August82.2°F88.8° / 75.6°0.84 in
September81.6°F88.4° / 74.8°0.88 in
October80.4°F86.9° / 73.9°1.51 in
November78°F84.1° / 71.8°2.25 in
December75.5°F81.8° / 69.2°2.18 in

Data: NOAA NCEI, 1991-2020 monthly climate normals.

Oahu By Region, And Which Shore Suits You

Four coasts, one city and a rainforest valley, each with its own weather and pace.

All areas
Waikīkī Beach at late afternoon with Diamond Head in the distance and calm water along the shore

Honolulu And Waikīkī

Waikīkī is a compact, walkable resort strip on Oʻahu's south shore with the island's densest concentration of hotels, food and tour departures.

Wide view of a North Shore beach with turquoise water and distant mountains

North Shore

The North Shore is Oahu's quiet, rural coast, home to Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Laniakea and Haleʻiwa town.

Green Koʻolau mountain ridges rising above the calm water of Kāneʻohe Bay on Oʻahu

Windward Coast

The Windward Coast, anchored by Kāneʻohe and Kailua, is Oʻahu's green, rainy side, facing the trade winds.

A calm turquoise lagoon along the leeward coast of Oʻahu with palm trees and distant ridges

Leeward Coast And Ko Olina

The leeward coast is Oʻahu's dry west side, from ʻEwa and Ko Olina up to Waiʻanae and Mākaha.

High-rise office towers of downtown Honolulu seen from across the harbor, with the Koʻolau mountains behind

Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is Oʻahu's government and business core, holding ʻIolani Palace, the Mission Houses, Aloha Tower and the edge of Chinatown.

A rainforest valley on Oahu with ridged green mountains rising above rooftops under broken cloud

Mānoa Valley

Mānoa is a residential valley on the leeward edge of Honolulu's Koʻolau mountains, best known for the Mānoa Falls trail, the Lyon Arboretum and some of the heaviest rainfall on Oʻahu.

Where To Stay On Oahu

Pick the shore first. Waikīkī puts the beach and the tour pickups at your door, the North Shore trades convenience for a slower pace, and Ko Olina gives you calm resort lagoons on the leeward side.

Waikīkī or North Shore?
Waikīkī Beach at late afternoon with Diamond Head in the distance and calm water along the shore

Waikīkī

Best For A First Visit

A compact, walkable resort strip with the densest concentration of hotels, food and tour departures.

Waikīkī area guide
Wide view of a North Shore beach with turquoise water and distant mountains

North Shore

Best For Surf And Quiet

Oahu's quiet, rural coast, with Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Laniakea and Haleʻiwa town.

  • The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle BayResortCheck rates
  • Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation VillageHostelCheck rates
North Shore area guide
Calm turquoise lagoon water at Ko Olina with palm trees and a rocky shoreline in the background

Ko Olina

Best For Calm Lagoons

A self-contained resort stay with guaranteed-calm swimming water, far from Waikīkī and Pearl Harbor.

Ko Olina area guide

Oahu Travel Guide Essentials: Buses, Fees And Rental Cars

The numbers that decide whether you need a car, and what the famous places cost to enter.

A city bus at a stop along a palm-lined Honolulu street

Getting Around Without A Car

TheBus costs $3.25 cash for a single ride, or $3.00 on a HOLO card with two hours of transfers. Daily riding is capped at $7.50, and Skyline has no station in Waikīkī, so a transfer is needed.

A line of parked cars beneath palm trees along a sunny Honolulu street with a crater in the distance

Park And Reservation Fees

Hanauma Bay is $25 for non-resident adults plus a service fee, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Diamond Head is $5 a person and $10 a vehicle. The Arizona Memorial program is free with a $1 fee.

A rental car parked beside a palm-lined coastal road on Oahu with green mountains in the background

Renting A Car

Staying in Waikīkī and booking a couple of tours, you can skip it. Basing outside Honolulu, or reaching the North Shore, windward and leeward spots on your own schedule, a car earns its keep.

Waikiki Beach with sunbathers and the Diamond Head crater in the distance under a clear sky

Hotel Taxes

The state transient accommodations tax rose to 11.00% on 1 January 2026, and county charges come on top of the room rate.

What Makes Oahu Worth The Trip

1

Pearl Harbor

Entry to the national memorial is free, and the USS Arizona Memorial program carries a $1 reservation fee.

2

Diamond Head

A short, steep trail to a crater rim over Waikīkī. Out-of-state visitors reserve ahead and pay $5 a person plus $10 a vehicle.

3

Surf By The Season

The North Shore carries the biggest surf from roughly November through March. The NWS surf forecast reports each shore separately.

4

Humpback Whales

From November through April, the sanctuary says whales can be seen from shore and at sea. Boats keep 100 yards away by law.

5

Two Climates

Mānoa, a valley five miles inland from Waikīkī, averages about 151 inches of rain a year. Honolulu airport gets about 16 (NOAA, 1991 to 2020).

6

A Busy Island

About 5.7 million visitors reached Oʻahu by air in 2025, by preliminary state tourism figures, so timed entries matter.

Oahu Travel Guide: Questions Visitors Actually Ask

Short answers from this site's own guides, each linking to the fuller version.

Do You Need A Car On Oahu?

No, most visitors do not need a car on Oahu. Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu and Ala Moana are all reachable by TheBus, Skyline or a short shuttle, and the island's two circle-island tours cover the North Shore and windward coast for less than a rental day. A car earns its cost mainly if you are staying outside Waikiki, travelling with small children, or want to chase surf, sunsets and food trucks on your own schedule.

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Do You Need A Reservation For Hanauma Bay?

Hanauma Bay requires an online reservation made two days ahead at 7:00 a.m. HST, costs $25 per non-resident adult plus a service fee, and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Residents enter free with Hawaii ID and do not need a reservation.

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Do You Need A Reservation For Diamond Head?

Out-of-state visitors pay $5 per person plus $10 per vehicle to hike Diamond Head, and a reservation made in advance is mandatory, with no on-site sales. The trail is short but climbs steadily to the summit, steep in sections, and the park is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last entry at 4:30 p.m.

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Is Pearl Harbor Free?

Entry to Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free, and the USS Arizona Memorial boat program costs nothing beyond a $1 per-ticket management fee when you reserve on recreation.gov. Bags of any kind are prohibited, so plan to travel light and arrive early.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Oahu?

The best time to visit Oahu is mid-April to early June or September to mid-December, when airfares and crowds drop, the weather stays dry on the leeward side and the ocean is at its warmest. Whales arrive in November and the biggest north-shore surf shows up in winter.

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Is Oahu Safe?

Oahu is safe for tourists. The serious risks are ocean-related: drownings, currents and flash floods, not violent crime. Follow posted ocean warnings, respect wildlife distance rules and check the surf forecast, and Oahu is one of the safer island destinations in the United States.

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Oahu, Answered

All guides and answers
How Many Days Do You Need On Oahu? Best Time To Visit Oahu What Does A Trip To Oahu Cost? Do You Need A Car On Oahu? Is Oahu Safe? Oahu Weather By Month

What Real Visitors Say

“The Pearl Harbor experience is a must! Our tour guide was awesome. On the drive over, she told us interesting facts about Pearl Harbor and also other places along the way! She was very informative and witty. The Pearl Harbor tour was a lot, just understanding what happened prior to, during and after the attack! So much to take in and process, but it a must!!”

Mary_S, operator-listing review of Pearl Harbor In Half A Day

“It is a fantastic experience that is well coordinated. we enjoyed hands on activities, demonstrations, and a wonderful display of Polynesian culture. The food was delicious as well. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a luau.”

Dallas, operator-listing review of Luau Inside Waimea Valley

“The staff and crew were extremely helpful, professional, and friendly. They knew how to provide a very safe excursion for every member on the boat regardless of their level of experience or inexperience. We saw many turtles while snorkeling or while one member of our group went back to the boat. It was well worth the trip. If you are deciding which group or tour to take, I highly recommend this one.”

Gayle_S, operator-listing review of Turtle Canyon, Turtles Guaranteed

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