O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Break away from crowded Waikiki and discover the true spirit of Oahu! Beyond the high-rise hotels and bustling beaches lies the real Hawaii - untamed coastlines, lush valleys, and small towns filled with local charm. You’ll find enough practical tips and highlights of authentic Oahu below to start planning your own adventure. For deeper guidance, links and pricing, full travel plans, and even more local insights, purchase the complete Travel Guide! (coming soon)
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Kailua & Lanikai
Kailua, on Oʻahu’s windward side, is the perfect town if you’re looking for a more laid-back but still activity-friendly base. It’s got a welcoming, small-town vibe with plenty of shops, cafés, and local eats, plus easy access to some of the island’s best outdoor adventures - kayaking, biking, and snorkeling. If not for anything else, go to visit Lanikai Beach. It’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and feels blissfully uncrowded compared to Waikiki.
Lulumahu Falls
The Lulumahu Falls Trail is one of the best year-round waterfall hikes on Oʻahu. Unlike many other waterfalls on the island, this one isn’t dependent on heavy rainfall, so you’ll always find water flowing even in the drier summer months. It’s not generally crowded, and I actually had it all to myself on the morning I went! The trail itself is fairly straightforward and not too difficult, making it a great option for most hikers. This beautiful waterfall awaits you at the end!
Byodo-In Temple
Tucked away at the base of the Koʻolau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple feels like stepping into another world. This peaceful, (non-practicing) Buddhist temple is a replica of a 950-year-old temple in Japan and offers visitors a calm stroll through its gorgeous surroundings of lush gardens, koi ponds, and sounds of a sacred bell. Wander the grounds, feed the koi, and soak in the serenity here at this stunning Hawaiian temple inspired by Japanese tradition.
Undoubtedly the most recognizable adventure you can do on Oahu is visit the land of movie magic - Kualoa Ranch! You’ve likely already seen the Ranch in your favorite movies - Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Mighty Joe Young, Jumanji, Godzilla, and more! There are many tour options for all budgets to experience Kualoa - by bus, truck, ATV, or even horseback - and you won’t want to miss it!
Kualoa Ranch
One of the most memorable things I did on Oahu was a beachfront horseback ride along the North Shore. The trail runs right by the ocean, making the views as incredible as the experience itself. It doesn’t matter if you’ve ridden before or if it’s your very first time - these gentle creatures (the horses and the guides!) make it easy and fun. The ride lasts about 60–90 minutes depending on the group, and it’s such a unique way to take in the beauty of Oahu’s coastline.
Beach By Horseback
Manoa Honey &
Mead Tasting
Mānoa Mead & Honey Oahu’s only meadery and worth a visit! Their outdoor Mead Garden is the perfect spot to sample meads made from local honey and tropical fruits, and you can mix and match a tasting flight or try their award-winning varieties by the glass. For a deeper dive, the Bees to Mead tour lets you suit up with beekeepers, see the hives in action, and wrap it up with a tasting and snacks. I even purchased a few honey jars to enjoy at home!
Pearl Harbor isn’t just another attraction on Oahu - it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, exploring the Battleship Missouri, or stepping inside a WWII submarine connects you to the history that unfolded here. It’s a powerful and unforgettable stop every traveler should make time for.
Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
Manoa Chocolate Tasting
Visit the Mānoa Chocolate Factory on Oʻahu and get a behind-the-scenes look at the entire bean-to-bar process, where cacao is transformed into rich, small-batch chocolate. You’ll learn how cacao is grown and harvested, see the steps of production, and discover why Hawaiʻi is becoming an exciting hub for craft chocolate! And of course, you’ll get to taste a variety of chocolate bites and cacao teas and even purchase some to enjoy at home!
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation is one of those classic Oʻahu stops that’s fun for all ages. It’s best known for its famous pineapple ice cream (Dole Whip!), but there’s plenty more to explore. You can hop on the Pineapple Express train tour through the plantation fields, wander the massive garden maze, or learn about the history of pineapple in Hawaii at the Plantation Garden. It’s a lighthearted, family-friendly outing and a sweet way to experience a little slice of local history. And again… that dole whip….