Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Oahu
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Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a one-stop adventure playground and a highlight for many travelers to Oahu. Stretching from the verdant folds of the Koolau Mountains to the tropical sea, the 4,000-acre (1,619-hectare) working cattle ranch is one of the largest tracts of accessible nature on Oahu and offers visitors a huge variety of ways to interact with Hawaii’s stunning landscapes, from ATV rides and zipline adventures to film site tours. The property is divided into two areas: the northerly Kaaawa Valley with its many movie locations, and Hakipuu Valley, fronted by an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond and the site’s Secret Island Beach.
The Basics
Guided Kualoa Ranch activities include bouncing along on an ATV tour, exploring the trails on a horseback ride, soaring through the jungle canopy on a zipline tour, cruising by catamaran around Kaneohe Bay, discovering Oahu’s famous film sites on a movie tour, and sunbathing on a white-sand beach. The ranch can be visited for a single activity, on a full-day adventure tour, or on a circle island tour that also visits other top Oahu sites such as Diamond Head, Makapuu Beach, and Kaneohe Bay. Choose from nearly a dozen themed activities, including unique options such as a farm-to-table look at the property’s ranching and a tour of Kualoa’s modern fruit orchards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All onsite experiences are part of fully guided tours, and reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- Kualoa Ranch offers lockers, a gift shop, a visitor center, and a restaurant, Aunty Pat’s Cafe, which serves dishes featuring Kualoa-grown meats and vegetables.
- Insect repellant and rain jackets may be helpful on jungle tours.
- Horseback riding tours are limited to visitors ages 10 and up; ATV tours are limited to those 16 and over.
- Some tours include round-trip transport from Waikiki hotels.
How to Get There
The property is set 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Waikiki Beach and about 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Kaneohe on Oahu’s windward side. It’s possible to take public transit via The Bus from Waikiki (Bus 55 runs past the property), but most visitors drive themselves along the scenic coastal roads or choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation.
When to Get There
The ranch is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm. While each tour departs several times per day, active tours—like ATV riding and ziplining—are best done in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Year-round temperatures on Oahu are almost always between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C), so there is no bad time of year to visit, though rain showers are most common between November and February.
Movie Magic at Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch’s natural beauty is so scenic that its backdrop has been featured in numerous Hollywood films and TV shows. Choose a movie site tour and hop aboard a green bus for an off-road ride into cinematic history. Take photos in one of the Lost bunkers, hide behind the log that shielded Jurassic Park visitors from stampeding dinosaurs, and check out the Hukilau Cafe, where Adam Sandler’s Henry first met Drew Barrymore’s Lucy in 50 First Dates. The ranch offers a 90-minute standard movie tour, a 2.5-hour premier movie site tour, and a special 90-minute Jurassic Park Jungle Expedition, all with multiple daily departures.
Address: 49–560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaaawa 96730, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 48
Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest
A natural escape just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Honolulu, Nuuanu Valley is a lush jungle tucked into the folds of the Koolau Mountains. Beyond a series of houses on Nuuanu Pali Drive, the jungle seems to close in on the road with tall flowering vine-drenched trees towering overhead. Near the stream and water reservoir about a mile in, a series of trails tempt visitors off the road and into the jungle. On one, a bamboo thicket winds to a clearing housing the jumbled lava rock ruins of a mid-19th century Hawaiian summer palace. Others lead down muddy slopes, past wild ginger and forest fruit trees to tucked away waterfalls that spill into swimmable pools.
Nuuanu Pali Drive reconnects with the Pali Highway after a little less than two miles, but don’t miss the historic Nuuanu Pali Lookout a few miles further at the windy crest 1,000 feet atop the valley. Here a bloody battle in 1795 united Oahu under a single ruler, and panoramic views stretch beyond the Windward towns of Kailua and Kaneohe all the way to the offshore Island called Mokolii —also known as Chinaman’s hat—jutting above the tropical sea.
Practical Info
To reach the rain forest from Honolulu, you’ll need a car. A tour guide is recommended if you are not familiar with the hikes in this area, as some trailheads are locally-guarded secrets. Head north on the Pali (Hwy 61) and turn off at Nuuanu Pali Drive. Follow it through a residential neighborhood in the Nuuanu/Punchbowl area to a tree-lined section of road. Pull off the road to park near the trailhead of your choice. Mosquito repellent and lightweight rain gear are recommended for jungle hikes.
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 205
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Otherwise and colloquially known as Punchbowl Cemetery, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is a United States Armed Forces cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery gathers millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Hawaii. It is dedicated to Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard members who lost their lives in their line of duty.
The location of the cemetery wasn’t the fruit of coincidence; it is located on what Hawaiians called “Hill of Sacrifice,” which used to be an altar where they offered human sacrifices to pagan gods and where they installed a battery of two cannons used to salute prominent arrivals and signify noteworthy instances.
Since the site was established in 1949, approximately 53,000 World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans and their dependents have been interred in these grounds – including the sadly infamous USS Arizona victims during the Pearl Harbor attack. In addition to its vast burial grounds, the cemetery contains a number of small memorials, such as that of Honolulu, commemorating soldiers of 20th-century wars. The memorial is often regarded as the highlight of the cemetery’s visit, because of Lady Columbia’s statue erected at the top of the staircase in the Court of Honor; also known as Lady Liberty or Lady Justice, she is said to represent all grieving mothers.
Practical Info
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is located at 2177 Puowaina Drive in central Honolulu and is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm between September 30 and March 1. It is open from 8am to 6:30pm between March 2 and September 29. On Memorial Day, the cemetery is open from 7am until 7pm.
Address: 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Hours: Varies
From $ 51
Magic Island
A sandy peninsula extending into Honolulu Harbor, Magic Island—more rarely referred to by its official name, Aina Moana—affords rare right-off-the-beach green space with a protected swimming lagoon across from the Ala Moana shopping center in downtown Honolulu. The park is popular for local family barbecues and picnics, and its open 30 acres (12 acres) are fronted by remarkable banyan trees and feature tall palms, picnic tables, and long grassy lawns.
The Basics
From Magic Island, you can see the green Koolau Mountains and the high rises of Honolulu in one direction, and great views of the resorts of Waikiki—from the Duke Kahanamoku lagoon all the way to Diamond Head Crater—in the other. The space is great for sunbathing, people-watching, and swimming, especially for kids and their parents, who appreciate the shallow, protected lagoon and the presence of a lifeguard. Many boat and helicopter tours float or fly over the scenic park, and some land-based tours by bike and Segway also visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Magic Island is a must-see for sunbathers and families.
- The area offers a free parking lot, but on weekends its 450 spaces fill up fast.
- There are three restroom and changing-room blocks staggered throughout the park.
- Petty thefts have occured here, so keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave valuables in your car.
How to Get There
Magic Island is located off Ala Moana Boulevard, in the southeast corner of the larger Ala Moana Beach Park. The park is bordered to the east by the Ala Wai Canal and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, a departure point for some ocean-based tours, and to the west by Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Basin. The centrally located park is about halfway between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. Bus lines 20, 23, and 42 stop nearby.
When to Get There
Magic Island is great to visit any time between its opening hours of sunrise and sunset—for a morning jog, afternoon picnic and sunbathing session, or sunset barbecue. Due to the park’s location on the island, expect calmer seas in summer months. Each March, the space is consumed with carnival rides and food booths for the three-day Magic Island Carnival.
Magic Island on Memorial Day
Hawaii has a unique Memorial Day tradition: Each year, thousands gather to remember and memorialize all lost loved ones by floating illuminated lanterns in the sea between Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Address: Magic Island, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA
From $ 40
Kailua Beach Park
Thanks to its ample parking, family-friendly atmosphere, and postcard-worthy shoreline, Kailua Beach Park is often regarded as one of Oahu’s nicest beaches. Like its neighboring cousin, Lanikai Beach, this stretch of white sand is fronted by turquoise waters which stretch out to the Mokulua islands.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Unlike Lanikai, however, Kailua Beach Park is as active a destination as Lanikai is calm. Everything from snorkeling to kayaking and parasailing is available from this windward shore classic, and when the wind picks up in the afternoon the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and catamaran sailors take to the water in full force.
On shore, Kailua Beach Park is a popular spot where locals gather for picnics and barbecues, and the bustling streets of Kailua town are only a short walk from the beach. Trendy cafes and classic delis ring the streets surrounding the park, and this is a part of the island where you could spend an entire day just lounging about the sandy shores and exploring the neighborhood on foot.
While afternoons are a favorite time for watersports enthusiasts, locals agree that mornings at Kailua are the perfect time for a long stroll down the beach to neighboring areas such as Kalama Beach and secluded Lanikai. Whether it’s walking or diving or paddling an outrigger canoe, Kailua Beach Park is always a hub of activity that serves as the epicenter for the windward beach community.
While the beach is admittedly busy (particularly on the weekends), it’s a different sort of energy from the crowds at Waikiki Beach, and a visit to Kailua Beach Park is a refreshing day trip for those who still want to soak up the sun but get out of Waikiki.
Address: Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Hours: Open 5am - 10pm. Restrooms open 6am - 10pm.
From $ 121
Oahu Chinatown
Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. Home to an eclectic assortment of storefronts, spend some time wandering and you’ll find herbalists, temples, antique shops and lei makers.
Folks in Chinatown also know how to eat well. When hunger strikes you’ll have your pick of dishes. Chefs serve everything from Chinese dim sum to Cuban and French Fare. Night owls will be happy to know Chinatown offers a variety of nightlife options from jazz clubs to wine bars and nightclubs.
Practical Info
Chinatown is located on the western edge of Honolulu’s financial district. If you’re in town the “First Friday” of the month, Chinatown is a fun place to be. Artists come together to showcase their work in a fun, festive setting that attracts locals and visitors. The main events occur between 5 and 9 pm, with celebrations afterward in popular bars and night spots.
Address: Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96817, USA
From $ 25
Koko Crater
Koko Crater is where locals head when they’re in need of a really good workout, and it’s also a popular visitor attraction thanks to the stunning views from the top. In order to reach the summit, however, you’ll first need to conquer the 1,048 steps that run in a straight line up the mountain. The steps themselves are actually railroad ties left over from WWII, and while the first half of the steps are moderately steep, it’s the final push to the 1,100-foot summit that make your legs really start to burn.
The reward for reaching the top, however, is unobstructed, 360-degree of the southeastern section of O‘ahu. Gaze down towards Hanauma Bay and the turquoise waters of the crater, and watch as waves break along Sandy Beach and form foamy ribbons of white. Neighboring Diamond Head looms in the west and is backed by Honolulu, and the island of Moloka‘i—and sometimes Lana‘i—float on the eastern horizon. To explore Koko Crater’s dry interior instead of hiking to the top, the Koko Crater Botanical Garden offers self-guided tours of the 60-acre basin and its colorful dryland landscape.
Practical Info
The trailhead for Koko Crater is located on Koko Head Park Rd. off of Kalanianaole Hwy. There is no fee to hike the trail or hours of operation, the cooler hours of morning and evening are the most popular since there isn’t any shade. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the panoramic view, and the Botanical Garden is open during daylight hours on every day except Christmas.
Address: Koko Head Park Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 40
Kewalo Basin
In the heart of downtown Honolulu, just across the street and two blocks west of Hawaii’s largest mall, is the small boat harbor of Kawalo Basin and the starting point for a number of popular Honolulu water-based adventures. Deep sea charter fishing vessels moor alongside snorkel and scuba charters, parasailing vessels, winter whale watch pontoons, underwater submersible tours and even an 83-foot pirate galleon complete with water-firing cannons for daytime family fun or evening debauchery. If you’re looking to get beyond the beaches of Waikiki and out into the big blue, a stroll along its street-side dock will, at the very least, display your varied options.
Though there is no beach access here, a gentle but ridable wave that breaks left of the harbor channel is a popular surf spot with local groms (kids in surf speak). In addition to hosting the Rip Curl GromSearch competition, the break is a training ground for the Kamehameha High School surf team.
On land, the adjacent hipster enclave of Kakaako, and shopping strips in the Ward area, afford plenty of options for hungry (or thirsty) sailors and surfers.
Practical Info
Kawalo Basin is a private harbor where individual tour companies and boat operators dock; it’s about a mile west along the coast from Waikiki and serviced by a number of local buses. Bookings are made with the individual tour operators, though some—particularly whale watch tours in season—have harbor-side information booths and ticket sales for their regularly departing trips. If it’s the surf break you’re interested in, the best way to access it is via a jump off the jetty and a paddle out to the lineup, but you’ll have to bring your board—there are no rental spots here.
Address: Honolulu, HI, USA 96814, USA
From $ 75
Oahu Cruise Port
Hawaii’s most populous island is home to big-name attractions like Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Pineapple Plantation and Diamond Head. Check out these sites on a shore excursion, or get out on the water with a submarine tour or surfing lesson.
If you want to explore Honolulu and the surrounding area on your own, rent a scooter to travel around in style.
How to get to Oahu
Ships dock in Honolulu, the state capital. You’ll pull in the harbor by the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can find cabs, rental car shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley Red Line.
One Day on Oahu
Before it gets too crowded, visit the sites of the Pearl Harbor complex, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine memorial. The Japanese attack, which killed more than 2,000 people on December 7, 1941, is remembered through film, museum exhibits, artifacts, aircraft and personal stories.
Pearl Harbor will take up most of the morning, so head to Waikiki next to relax. Honolulu’s famous stretch of sand is home to high-rise hotels, Diamond Head crater and landmarks like the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of surfing. Visit Diamond Head’s observation deck for views of the coast, and then find the perfect spot on one of the several beaches to people watch and work on your tan – try Fort DeRussy Beach for snorkeling or Kuhio Beach for a calm swimming spot.
If you want to explore Honolulu and the surrounding area on your own, rent a scooter to travel around in style.
How to get to Oahu
Ships dock in Honolulu, the state capital. You’ll pull in the harbor by the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can find cabs, rental car shuttles and the Waikiki Trolley Red Line.
One Day on Oahu
Before it gets too crowded, visit the sites of the Pearl Harbor complex, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin submarine memorial. The Japanese attack, which killed more than 2,000 people on December 7, 1941, is remembered through film, museum exhibits, artifacts, aircraft and personal stories.
Pearl Harbor will take up most of the morning, so head to Waikiki next to relax. Honolulu’s famous stretch of sand is home to high-rise hotels, Diamond Head crater and landmarks like the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, father of surfing. Visit Diamond Head’s observation deck for views of the coast, and then find the perfect spot on one of the several beaches to people watch and work on your tan – try Fort DeRussy Beach for snorkeling or Kuhio Beach for a calm swimming spot.
Port Information
The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar. English is the official language, as is Hawaiian, which many locals speak, as well.
Address: Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu, HI, USA
From $ 36
North Shore
Surfing is king on Oahu’s North Shore, where summer’s placid snorkeling spots are transformed into pounding 40-foot (12-meter) waves come winter. On land you’ll find a peaceful respite from hectic Honolulu, with scenic waterfall hikes, sleepy farms selling tropical fruit, and food trucks doling out garlic shrimp.
The Basics
There are a number of options for exploring the North Shore. Head to the water for a surfing or stand-up paddle board lesson, a sunset catamaran cruise, or a shark cage diving excursion. On land, tour the area’s rich farms, hike to Waimea Valley Falls, explore the fields and jungles of Kualoa Ranch, or see the island from above on a helicopter tour. While many tours leave from nearby Waikiki, it’s also possible to visit the North Shore on a day trip from Honolulu. Some full-day excursions include visits to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay State Park, or the Dole Plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Only expert surfers should attempt to ride the North Shore’s massive winter waves.
- Parking can be difficult to find, especially during the winter surf season.
- Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
Oahu’s North Shore stretches for more than seven miles (11 kilometers) and is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. During winter, the one-way road along the North Shore’s “seven-mile miracle” of popular surf beaches can back up for hours, so it’s best to visit on a tour to avoid the hassle of driving and parking.
When to Get There
The North Shore’s summer and winter seasons each have their benefits. In summer, seas are calm and you can to take beginner surf lessons, go kayaking, or enjoy some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling. Winter is the busiest time to visit, when expert surfers hit the waves and other visitors stick to the safety of land. If you opt for a winter visit, it’s best to arrive early (before 9am) to score a parking spot.
Must-See North Shore Spots
Don’t miss the historic Haleiwa Beach town, with its clapboard shops, surf boutiques, and restaurants. The Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay are some of the most famous North Shore beaches, while Turtle Beach offers a chance to see sunbathing Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Address: Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa 96712, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 65
Makapuu Lighthouse
Within Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on Oahu’s Windward Coast, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is a popular hike ending at the historical red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse, built in 1909. Though the lighthouse is not open to the public, the moderately challenging hike attracts travelers and locals alike for its stunning coastal views.
The Basics
The scenic Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is entirely paved and stretches for 1.2 miles (2 kilometers). The hike affords views of Makapu’u Beach, Koko Head, and, on clear days, the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai. Lucky hikers will also see humpback whales breaching in winter months. There are also several delights along the trail, including military pillboxes and teeming tide pools.
Most travelers hike the trail independently, while many group and private tours of East Oahu and the entire island include stops at the Makapu’u Point Lookout.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Makapu’u Point is ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts and anyone looking for a lovely, low-impact outdoor experience.
- There is no access to the lighthouse.
- Good walking shoes are recommended, as are a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. On cloudy days, tote a rain jacket.
- The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though it does have a moderate grade to the lighthouse. The side trail to the tide pools is not accessible.
How to Get There
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is located on Oahu’s southeastern point, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. If driving, park on the street or in the free Makapu’u Point Lookout parking lot (opens at 7am) at the base of the hike.
When to Get There
The trail is open year-round. Oahu has mild tropical weather but can be wet in winter and quite hot in summer. No matter the time of year, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
Makapu’u Tide Pools
Once you reach the third rest stop along the lighthouse trail, you can climb down a challenging, rocky trail to the Makapu’u tide pools. Made of black volcanic rock, the pools host sea stars, crabs, fish, and intermittent blowholes. Be advised that this portion of the hike is unpaved and best suited to experienced hikers. There have been serious injuries and deaths at the tide pools—visitors are advised to stay far from the area during high tide.
Address: Hawaii, USA
From $ 25
Mission Houses Museum
Two of the oldest wooden houses in Hawaii—the former site of the Sandwich Islands mission, the Island’s first western colony—remain not far from the skyrises of downtown Honolulu’s financial and government district. The Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is comprised of the Frame House, the Chamberlain House and the Printing Office—built between 1821 and 1841, and restored and furnished as they would have been in the early 19th century. Each feature small exhibits and artifacts detailing early missionary’s way of life: a recreation of a medical dispensary, chamber pots in the rooms and quilts on the beds. Short-term exhibitions regularly make an appearance too and have included features on children’s toys, portraits and portrait-making, quilts and reading. The site also includes a library featuring over 12,000 printed works, handwritten missionary journals and a printing press used to create the first written Hawaiian language materials. A block away, you’ll find the old coral Kawaiaha’o mission church and the state’s first Christian cemetery, still in use today. The buildings of the Hawaiian Mission Houses site are listed on the National Register of Historic places, and also serve as a venue for regular public programming including workshops, teas and lectures.
Practical Info
The Mission Houses are located at 553 South King Street in downtown Honolulu. The houses are open Tuesday through Saturday only from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and closed on major holidays. Guided tours start on the hour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and are the only way to gain access to the buildings’ interiors. It’s free to walk the grounds, but tours cost $10 for adults and $6 for children and college students with ID (there are discounts for military and Hawaii residents, also with ID). The excellent Mission Social Hall and Café, run by renowned Hawaii chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, is reason in and of itself to visit. It serves authentic and modern Hawaiian fare for lunch only—it’s open the same days as the Mission Houses and closes by 2 p.m.
Address: 553 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm; Guided tours run on the hour 11am-3pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: $6
From $ 62
Pearl Harbor
Arguably one of the most significant World War II sites on the planet, Hawaii's Pearl Harbor—once a tranquil oyster farming bay—hurtled the United States into World War II combat on the Pacific Ocean. Today, the central Oahu port features several attractions that memorialize the 2,403 lives lost to Japan's devastating bombings of American ships and planes in 1941.
Pearl Harbor Tour Attraction Highlights
Floating solemnly on the harbor, the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument serves as testament to the bravery of those who served in the U.S. Navy and includes many well-known spots, while a number of other Pearl Harbor historic sites can be found in the waters of the harbor.
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial (where most of the casualties took place during the attacks); view the rows of white marble columns honoring the dead aboard the USS Oklahoma on Ford Island (accessible via shuttle); and see the long dock within view of the rusty sunken hull of the USS Utah, currently only accessible to those with a valid military ID. Other official sites include the docked and accessible USS Missouri, the last American battleship ever built; the underwater museum housed in the USS Bowfin submarine; and a vast collection of WWII-era planes at Ford Island’s Pacific Aviation Museum. It should be noted that various attractions may have separate admission fees.
How to Visit with Viator
An array of tours help take the hassle out of navigating this huge area, offering everything from simple shuttle service from Waikiki to ticket bundles packaging multiple see-it-yourself sites and guided tours on land and by boat. Whether you want round-trip transfer service from Waikiki or a comprehensive full-day Pearl Harbor tour, it’s possible to customize your experience. Bypass long lines with a skip-the-line pass; combine a Pearl Harbor tour with sightseeing in Honolulu; or take an inter-island tour from the Big Island that includes a panoramic Oahu boat tour to delve into the island’s history.
Insider Tips
- To make the most of Pearl Harbor’s multitude of historical and maritime attractions, set aside an entire day to explore the site, and be sure to choose a tour that includes all the areas important to you.
- The famous Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is open daily from 7am until 5pm, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
How to Get There
Pearl Harbor is set on Oahu's south coast, about 12 miles (20 km) west of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Most Pearl Harbor tours depart from the aforementioned cities, Maui, and Kauai. For a cost-effective option, take TheBus, which serves many stops between Waikiki hotels and Pearl Harbor. Fares come in at an economical $2.50 each way.
Address: Arizona Memorial Way, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Pacific Aviation Museum
On Ford Island in the heart of infamous Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum’s two massive hangars totaling more than 120,000 square feet house military aircraft from the WWII Vietnam and the Korean War. Given its setting, the highlights here are Pearl Harbor related: Hangar 37 houses Japanese Zero planes, a civilian plane that was shot down during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and a P-40 fighter plane similar to those that took flight on Dec. 7th, 1941. On the door of Hangar 79, it’s still possible to see bullet holes left from that day. But there are plenty of other planes to pique the aviation-enthusiasts interest including an authentic F4F Wildcat, the actual Stearman N2S-3 piloted solo by former President George H.W. Bush and several MiG planes from the Korean conflict. You can even learn about ill-fated aviator Amelia Earhart, who visited the airstrip here on several occasions, including during her Round-the-World Flight—each year, the museum hosts a birthday party in her honor. Additionally, incredibly popular combat flight simulator experiences are available for an additional fee; the experience lasts 30-minutes including a flight briefing.
Practical Info
Because the Pacific Aviation Museum is located on an active military base, you’ll have to park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center (1 Arizona Memorial Place) and take a shuttle bus—with departures every 15 minutes—to the museum; no bags are allowed but storage is available for a fee. The museum is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Tickets for self-guided tours can be purchased on the museum’s website in advance (sometimes for a considerable discount) or at the onsite box office for $25 adults, $12 children. Guided tours led by experienced pilots lend additional insight but cost a little more at $35 adults or $22 kids (4-12).
Address: 319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96818, USA
Hours: Open daily 8am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $25; Children: $12
From $ 25
Polynesian Cultural Center
Although never a recognized country, Polynesia was once considered the largest nation on Earth, with the island nations in the Polynesian Triangle all tracing their roots to the same ancestral homeland and connected by language and lore. You can experience many of these cultures at the famous Polynesian Cultural Center, set on the North Shore of Oahu. Explore some of the eight island village exhibitions; discover Maori facial tattoos, experience the “ha,” or breath of life, and how it helps connect all cultures across the Polynesian chain; enjoy a canoe tour; and stay for an evening luau.
The Basics
The Polynesian Cultural Center features distinct exhibition areas covering the islands of Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Rapa Nui (Easter island). Book full-day admission tickets for full access to the site, a dinner experience with a luau option, and the thrilling “Ha: Breath of Life” night show, or half-day afternoon tickets for access to one island village, dinner, and the night show. Many travelers also visit as part of a circle island tour of Oahu, which may also stop at other notable sites such as Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, or the Dole Plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All major areas are wheelchair accessible, and American Sign Language interpreters are available for most shows. Wheelchairs and scooters can be rented on site for an additional fee.
- A number of gift shops and restaurants are set throughout the park, including the main Hukilau Marketplace.
- A limited number of foreign language tours are offered starting at $25.
- Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and run from $5 to $15.
- While cameras are welcome around the site, photos and video are not allowed during the “Ha: Breath of Life” show.
How to Get There
The Polynesian Cultural Center is set in the North Shore town of Laie, about 38 miles (61 kilometers) or one hour from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu by road. Most travelers drive independently or choose a tour that includes round-trip transportation. Free parking is available on site.
When to Get There
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open Monday to Saturday from 11:45am to 9pm. The island villages are open from 12-5:30pm, and canoe rides are available until 6pm. Dining begins at 5:30pm and the evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” runs from 7:30 to 9pm. Because the center offers so many activities, it’s best to plan what you’d like to see and allot your time accordingly.
Visiting as Part of a Circle Island Tour
Because the Polynesian Cultural Center is open in the afternoon, many full-day circle island tours spend the morning visiting sites on Oahu’s east and north shores such as Waimea Bay and the Halona Blowhole before arriving at the center around noon. If you’d like to experience the nighttime events including dinner and the show, choose an extended circle island tour that includes the evening entertainment.
Address: 55–370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie 96762, USA
Hours: Open Mon - Sat noon - 9pm
Admission: Adults: $84 - $219
From $ 65
Kawaiahao Church
Often referred to as 'the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,' this historic stone church was the first of its kind to be built on the island of Oahu. Prior to its construction in 1843, Christian missionaries held weekly sermons in small, pili grass huts, but the Hawaiian royalty rapidly embraced Christianity and a long lineage of Hawaiian royalty has worshipped here at the church. Not only is King Kamehameha II buried on the grounds, but this is where Kamehameha III uttered the phrase that would eventually become the state motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono"—"the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
When it was completed, Kawaiahao Church was unlike any structure that had previously been built on Oahu. Over 14,000 coral blocks were carved from offshore reefs, and it's estimated that over 1,000 workers took nearly six years to completely finish the church. Today, the structure is an architectural highlight of Honolulu’s historic quarter, where visitors can also find 'Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue, in addition to the current state capital.
Practical Info
Sunday mass is held at 9 a.m. and is partially conducted in Hawaiian. There are also prayer services on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can also stop by to visit the grounds and take photos of the church from outside.
Address: 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
Hours: Sanctuary open daily 8am-4:30pm
From $ 51
Kahana Bay Beach Park
Pre-contact Hawaiians didn’t believe in land ownership, but they did divide the Islands into sectional slivers called ahupua’a. Running from the mountains to the sea, ahupuaa had enough land and water resources to support a whole community, and the 5,300 acre Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park is one of the few statewide divisions that remains intact and managed as a whole. Surrounded on three sides by the verdant Koolau Mountains, and fronting Kahana Bay, the scenic park includes a dusty neighborhood of mostly ethnic Hawaiian residents, two popular jungle hiking trails —Kapa’ele’ele and the Nakoa Loop—leading back into a deep valley, the remnants of an ancient fishpond and a beach park with year-round camping.
Most visitors, drawn by its forested seaside park and calm tropical waters, stop by the here to snap photos enroute to the North Shore. The bay is very shallow and can be murky thanks to the nearby infusion of Kahana Stream, so swimming is not recommended. Instead, the best parts of this park are both scenic and cultural: Visit the rocky, circular remains of the ancient Huila Fishpond on the eastern side of the bay, or head into the park to speak with residents. The 31 families that live here share responsibilities and assist with interpretive programming. The volunteer-staffed orientation center will help guide you toward the hiking trailheads that navigate Kahana Valley, former site of kalo loi (taro terraces), au’wai (channeled irrigation streams), heiau (temples) and later, during WWII, jungle warfare training.
Practical Info
The orientation center with trail-maps, information and restrooms is visible a short drive into the park, but before the neighborhood houses. Makai (seaside) facilities include include picnic tables, restrooms and showers, but, note there are no lifeguards at Kahana Bay. 10 beach campsites are available by advance permitting only ($18 per campsite of up to six per night for non-residents; permits available via camping.ehawaii.gov).
Address: 52-222 Kamehameha Highway, Hauula, Oahu 96717, USA
From $ 79
Ko Olina
Although it is often referred to as a resort, Ko Olina doesn’t describe a property in particular. It is, in fact, a master-planned vacation and residential community containing several upscale resorts, like the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa, the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. The area is famous for its pristine, man-made beach coves (the sand was imported from Lanai!) that are very popular with swimmers. Their creation was more a necessity than a caprice, as the ocean tends to be quite turbulent in these parts; the rock levies encase the lagoons for safer sea ventures.
The destination is famous for its unparalleled golfing opportunities, including the LPGA Lotte Championship (women's professional golf tournament on the LPGA Tour). Ko Olina caters to a luxury and affluent clientele, but visitors should know that it is entirely possible and strongly encouraged to visit the lavish hotel grounds without being a registered guest – the gardens and exotic flora alone are worth the detour. Additionally, the Ko Olina golf course features 72 impeccably maintained courses complemented by cascading waterfalls and rolling hills, as well as a Hawaiian fusion restaurant.
Because of its location on the west side of the island, Ko Olina makes for a perfect spot to enjoy one of Hawaii’s legendary sunsets. Activities in the area are otherwise limited if visitors are not registered guests at one of the three resorts.
Practical Info
Ko Olina is located on the western leeward coast of O’ahu, 17 miles northwest of Honolulu. It can be reached by car via routes H201 and H1 in 40 minutes. It is also possible to get there by bus but the journey is quite lengthy and complex. The beach is fully equipped with visitor facilities, such as showers, restrooms and outdoor restaurants at hotels.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 134
King Kamehameha Statue
Planted firmly on the lawn of Aliiolani Hale, the State Supreme Court building, is the most visited of all the statues honoring King Kamehameha I in Hawaii. The 18-foot bronze icon with golden-colored detailing was erected in 1883 and depicts a spear-wielding and cloak-draped Kamehameha the Great, the first Hawaiian monarch and the ruler credited with uniting the Islands under single rule in 1810.
Each year on a date near the June 11 state holiday commemorating King Kamehameha, community groups build massive flower lei garlands and drape them over the Honolulu statue using the ladder from a fire truck. The popular lei draping ceremony commemorates the King’s significance and kicks off week-long celebrations of colorful parades and festivals throughout the Islands.
The story of the statue’s procurement also undoubtedly adds to its allure: Constructed in Europe, the sculpture took several years to make, and, when finally finished and rounding the horn of South America, (the Panama Canal wasn’t completed until 1914) the ship carrying it wrecked near the Falkland Islands. Using insurance money, a second statue was quickly built and arrived in Honolulu without incident; this is the statue that stands here today. Meanwhile, Falkland fishermen were able to retrieve the sunken original and sold it to back to the then-U.S. territory, where the strikingly similar sculpture still stands not far from the king’s birthplace on Hawaii Island. Another Kamehameha figure, made from molds of the Honolulu version, is one of two statues representing the state of Hawaii in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
Practical Info
Honolulu’s King Kamehameha Statue sits in the center of Aliiolani Hale’s circular front lawn at 417 S. King Street in the downtown government district. Several TheBus public transit routes pass alongside the statue leaving from Waikiki, and visits to the statue are also included in many Honolulu-area tours. If you plan on watching lei draping commemorative ceremonies on or around June 11, be sure to arrive before the usual 5 p.m. start time to get the best vantage.
Address: 447 S King St, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813, USA
From $ 40
Maunalua Bay
Maunalua Bay is a popular bay for water sports activities on Oahu’s south shore. Home to many stand up paddlers and kayakers, snorkelers and divers also come to explore the nearby reef. Hawaiian for “two mountains,” Maunalua Bay is framed by the Ko’olau range and sits by the peaks of Koko Crater and Koko Head.
Famous for its sunsets, the adventure beach is especially popular among Honolulu’s boaters and jet skiers who come to make the most of Maunalua Bay’s launch site. Look out for parasailers while you’re here too, and if you’re coming to Maunalua Bay to snorkel or scuba dive the reef is a mile out to shore, its crystal-clear waters full of colorful reef fish and bright green sea turtles. If you’d rather relax, there are also park benches available on the shore where it’s popular to enjoy a picnic under the setting sun.
Practical Info
Six miles from Honolulu’s beachside Waikiki neighborhood, to get to Maunalua Bay just head to the beach park off Kalanianaole Highway, which is just across from Hawaii Kai Drive. As the ocean bottom is shallow and rocky at Maunalua Bay, this isn’t really a swimmer’s beach.
Address: Manualua Bay, Oahu, USA
From $ 89