Top Things to do in Oahu
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Oahu, Hawaii (HI)
The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a surfer’s paradise, with swelling waves that can reach epic heights. No wonder, then, that it’s the site of one of the world’s premier competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches – particularly famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Art connoisseurs will appreciate the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival, a celebration of local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
Restaurants in Oahu
1. USS Arizona Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,456 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By lindar1961 - Inverloch, Australia
The Pearl Harbour complex is well set out. Even though the entry fee seems expensive you do get value for money. The entry includes a boat tide to the USS Arizona, exploring the Bowfin submarine, a bus ride to Ford Island (active Naval Base), exploring the Missouri (battleship) and entry into the aviation museums. Very moving and memorable.
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,333 reviews
A 184-foot memorial honoring the 2,388 Americans who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed By Y6801YCsusanc
This is a memorial every American visiting Hawaii should not miss. Even though I read complaints posted on TripAdvisor about not being able to visit the memorial itself, it still doesn't take away from the SIGNIFICANCE. They show a movie about what led to the attack on Pearl Harbor which was well presented before going onboard a boat that takes you briefly around the harbor. There is a lot to see here. You can visit a museum detailing the history of the events happening in the Pacific at that time and what led up to the attack. You can also visit both the World War II submarine, USS Bowfin and it's accompanying memorial to lost submariners and the submarine museum; next you can visit the battleship USS Missouri and excellent museum and where the Japanese surrendered. There is also an air museum which we didn't have a chance this time to visit. Kids 12 and up would get more out of this than young children and they should be exposed to this history and never forget it. I was lucky to meet a Pearl Harbor survivor, Sterling Cale. He signed his book for us and I had my picture taken with him (no charge), so don't miss this and thank him for his service to our country.
3. Waimea Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,434 reviews
Experience Hawaiʻiʻs Living Culture in Waimea Valley, deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian History, Culture, Spirituality and Tradition. Waimea Valley is a world apart from Waikiki, be in the quiet of nature, beautiful flowers, rare plants, cultural sites and a beautiful waterfall for swimming.
4. Battleship Missouri Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,097 reviews
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 8-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
Reviewed By 786chloeh - Brisbane Region, Australia
Amazing ship and wonderful to be able to explore alot of the ship, could easily spend a few hours here as so many things to see and defiantly take the 30min guided tour of the top deck as they give you alot of information
5. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
6. Makapu'u Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
A beautiful, scenic spot overlooking Makapuu Peninsula.
Reviewed By MimieW - Spokane, United States
During our visit, it was a cloudy and windy day, but that did not dispel the beauty of this place. The long beach and open water plus the two islands, Rabbit and Kaohikaipu make Makapu'u Point an interesting place. I would imagine on a bright and sunny day, this place would make gorgeous photos fit for a calendar!
7. Iolani Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,478 reviews
Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy, is a marvel of opulence, innovation and political intrigue. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, this National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu tells of a time when their Majesties, King Kalakaua, who built the palace in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, walked its celebrated halls. Today, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular living restorations in all of Polynesia and immerse yourself in Hawaii’s royal heritage. E komo mai! Welcome!
Reviewed By nippys - Newcastle, United Kingdom
An excellant audio tour with lots of facts from the Hawaiian monarchy history, Lots of very interesting artifacts to see You have to wear shoe over covers to protect the palace floors, You buy your tickets from the small building in the grounds.
8. Banzai Pipeline
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
We drove past the southern end and stopped at the Northern end of the pipeline at Sunset Beach. The entire length of the pipeline is residential and the beach looks untouched. On the day we visited it was rainy so the waves were actually smaller because the wind was blowing the out, according to our tour driver. Either way, the beach was untouched and beautiful.
9. North Shore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,247 reviews
The northern region of Oahu is a destination in itself, offering a wide variety of natural wonders and resort activities.
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
We headed to the North Shore by the ocean route 83 and came back overland on 99. This is a great loop trip with lots of things to see along the way. Beautiful beaches and some great surf to watch especially along the north shore beaches like the Banzai Pipeline. So much better to enjoy than the city of Honolulu.
10. Shangri La
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 930 reviews
Shangri La is a museum for learning about the global cultures of Islamic art and design through exhibitions, digital and educational initiatives, public tours and programs, and community partnerships.
Reviewed By reikitraveler3 - South Hadley, United States
I had recently been to Rough Point, Doris Duke's Newport, Rhode Island mansion when Shangri La was mentioned. Knowing I would be visiting family in Honolulu, I planned on visiting Shangri La during my stay. I made a reservation through The Honolulu Art Museum in advance and joined the tour of this marvelous mansion that the museum oversees. Like Rough Point, Duke made it possible for her homes to be open to the public. This mansion contains a large and beautiful collection of Islamic art, culture, and design in every room of this home. The siting is breathtaking...be sure to take in the dining room extension that overlooks the ocean. The tour guide was thorough and unrushed, something that is most appreciated and that seems to be disappearing from many historic home tours. Your fee also gets you a day ticket at the Honolulu Museum of Art ( a fabulous museum itself) back in the center of Honolulu from where your tour group departs via Museum shuttle buses. Parts of the house are handicap accessible. You need to contact the Museum of Art way in advance to schedule this kind of tour of Shangri La. Visit the Art Museum website for more information. It is closed for annual cleaning and maintenance until December 18, 2018.
