Top Things to do in Oahu
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What to do and see in Oahu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. Honolulu Fish Auction
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By ALOHATRAVELBUDDIES - Kailua, United States
My husband brought two of his friends, leaving our house at 4 am. to the pier They got there in time to see fish being unloaded from the fishing vessels by crane. To see the auction, the only one from Maine to Japan, with buyers from local restaurants and as far away as Japan was exciting! Samples of the fish were available for buyers to feel. It wasn't clear what the buyers were looking for but two identical fish could sell for a big difference. The guys wished they could have or buy the cut samples but for hygenic reasons they were tossed out. One of his friends, an avid Alaskan fisherman, thought this was the highlight of his trip! Be sure to dress warmly. One only wore shorts and had to go outside frequently to warm up.
2. Barber's Point Lighthouse
3. 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
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Byodo-In Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,808 reviews
Reviewed By VictoriaAllen - Las Vegas, United States
Byodo-In Temple is located inside the Valley of The Temples Memorial Park and is a replica of an old Buddhist temple from Japan. We went here as part of a city tour and I must say was probably my most favorite stop. The drive to the temple took us through a cemetery that had the most beautiful marble headstones and the grounds are very well-maintained. There's a gravel path that leads to either side of the temple and allows for some picturesque and tranquil views. Beautiful architecture against the backdrop of the Ko'olau Ridge takes your breath away. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful Japanese-style garden complete with a koi pond, statue of Buddha and traditional Japanese tea house. Donations are welcome for the restoration of the Buddha statue and you are asked to remove your shoes before entering (as a sign of respect) and they welcome you to light incense as an offering to Buddha. You can also purchase food to feed the koi -- a lot of fun for kids! Truly one of the best sites to see when visiting Oahu. When not visiting with a tour, there is no time limit on the length of your visit. Definitely a must see when visiting the island.
8. Ko Olina Lagoons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,739 reviews
Reviewed By bonniebO1974MY - Littlestown, United States
These lagoons are so beautiful and create a spot for enjoying the the water in a safe place. Definitely good for families with children! There is a chapel at the first one, right beside the Disney Resort where sometimes you may catch a glimpse of a wedding party!! Akso, as you approach the lagoon ares, you will pass by the golf course and please look for the black swans in the water on the course!! Wonderful and unusual to see!!!
9. Waikiki Beach Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,598 reviews
An upscale hotel, condominium and retail development.
Reviewed By evelinh2014 - Maple, Canada
Great street with booths and vendors twice a week.Has pretty stores and great restaurants.Has a few hotel lobbies and a big ABC store, Hawaii's main tourist to go to store.You find things that are different,Also Starbucks is there and few coffee shops and a great ice cream place.
10. Polynesian Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,024 reviews
The Polynesian Cultural Center, voted the #1 attraction in Hawaii by USA Today, is located along the famous North Shore of Oahu. Explore 42 acres of tropical splendor featuring 6 authentic villages representing the island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. Mingle with Pacific islanders as they share the majesty of their culture through music, dance and traditional hands-on activities. Our most popular dining option is the award-winning Ali’i Luau. This royal feast blends a delicious array of island and mainland dishes with the excitement of authentic island entertainment from across Polynesia. Finish your adventure though the power of “Ha: Breath of Life,” an action-packed evening show. Ignited by fire, song and dance featuring over 100 Polynesian performers, this story of passion will make this day a truly unforgettable experience. The Polynesian Cultural Center: all of Polynesia in one exciting place.
Reviewed By lovemytraveling - North Bergen, United States
One of our best memories of Oahu will always be our wonderful day spent at PCC. Top two things on our list: The Super Ambassador Package that came with an amazing Guide, Eugene Lucerna, the experience without him would not have been the same. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra dollars and buy this package. Eugene took great care to make sure we didn’t miss any of the villages and shows we were interested in. We were always on time for all the events, had front row seats, and most important - shade for the canoe parade! He also made sure we were always comfortable since it was such a hot day. Eugene really went above and beyond in his duties as tour guide, and he made our visit to PCC one of our best days on Oahu!! Last, but not least, the spectacular Ha Breath of Life Show at the end of the night. It was better than some of the Broadway shows that I have seen in NYC. Definitely, I highly recommend the PCC while visiting Oahu!"
