Oahu seriously feels like it’s showing off sometimes. The first time I hiked up to the top of Diamond Head and saw that view of Waikiki Beach stretching out below me, with those insane blue waters fading into about fifty different shades of turquoise, I couldn’t stop staring. And swimming through the crystal clear water at Hanauma Bay, with sea turtles gliding right past me? Pure magic!
After exploring this incredible Hawaiian island, I’ve found some of the most beautiful places in Oahu that look straight out of a movie set. From watching massive waves crash against the cliffs at the North Shore to seeing the sunset paint the sky in crazy colors over Lanikai Beach, this island is just ridiculous (in the best way). Here are 12 spots that’ll make you wonder if you’re dreaming!
Top Must-See Places in Oahu
Visiting Oahu? Spend the day relaxing on Waikiki Beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay, or catch world-famous waves on the North Shore. Stroll through local markets for shopping and dining, embark on a scenic hike up Diamond Head, or enjoy fresh seafood with an ocean view. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or island charm, Oahu has plenty to offer!
1. Waikiki Beach
- 📍 Location: Southern shore of Honolulu, Oahu
- 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄♂️, sunbathers 🏖️, shopping enthusiasts 🛍️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Crystal clear turquoise waters, iconic Diamond Head backdrop, vibrant beach culture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Learning to surf on gentle waves, enjoying beachfront dining, watching spectacular sunsets
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Moana Surfrider – Historic beachfront hotel known as the “First Lady of Waikiki”
Need an Instagram upgrade that will make your friends back home absolutely envious? Waikiki Beach delivers with its perfect combination of urban convenience and tropical paradise. The legendary stretch of golden sand sits against a backdrop of high-rises and the majestic profile of Diamond Head. I’ve never felt more like I was living in a postcard than watching the sunset here with a mai tai in hand.
The gentle waves make it ideal for first-time surfers, while the bustling Kalakaua Avenue offers world-class shopping and dining just steps from your beach towel. Unlike remote beaches, you can easily transition from morning surf lessons to afternoon shopping at Ala Moana Center. Local tip: Head to the beach early in the morning to enjoy calmer waters and plenty of space before the crowds arrive.
2. Hanauma Bay
- 📍 Location: East Oahu, about 10 miles east of Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: Snorkelers 🤿, marine life enthusiasts 🐠, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Protected crescent-shaped bay, vibrant coral reef ecosystem, extraordinarily clear waters
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming among colorful tropical fish, spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles, learning at the Marine Education Center
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Luxury accommodation nearby with private lagoon
Forget expensive snorkeling tours – the most spectacular underwater experience in Hawaii awaits at Hanauma Bay. This natural aquarium formed inside a volcanic crater offers a snorkeling experience that even beginners can enjoy. The calm, shallow waters create perfect conditions for close encounters with Hawaii’s marine residents.
I’ve visited coral reefs worldwide, but none match the accessibility and diversity found in this protected cove. Swim alongside vibrant parrotfish, yellow tangs, and the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish). Koko Head looms dramatically in the background. Reserve your spot online before visiting, as daily visitor numbers are limited. Come early to secure parking and enjoy clearer visibility before the afternoon winds. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own gear to save on rentals.
3. North Shore
- 📍 Location: Northern coast of Oahu, about 45 minutes from Honolulu
- 🏆 Best For: Pro surfers 🏄♀️, food truck enthusiasts 🍤, adventure seekers 🌊
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic winter waves, miles of unspoiled beaches, laid-back surf town vibe
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching pro surfers tackle monster waves at Pipeline, sampling garlic shrimp from food trucks, exploring charming Haleiwa Town
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Turtle Bay Resort – Luxury oceanfront resort with access to five miles of coastline
Craving an escape from email notifications and Slack messages? The North Shore offers the digital detox you didn’t know you needed. This seven-mile stretch transforms seasonally from summer’s gentle swimming beaches to winter’s legendary monster waves that attract the world’s elite surfers.
My adrenaline surged just watching fearless athletes tackle 30-foot waves at Pipeline and Waimea Bay. The area’s unhurried pace provides a perfect contrast to Waikiki’s energy. Haleiwa Town charms visitors with colorful shops housed in plantation-era buildings. Don’t miss the food truck scene along Kamehameha Highway, where Giovanni’s serves the island’s most famous garlic shrimp. Visit in December to witness professional surfing competitions, but expect crowds. Summer offers calmer waters perfect for paddleboarding and snorkeling.
4. Diamond Head
- 📍 Location: Southeast Oahu, overlooking Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, history buffs 🏛️, panoramic view seekers 🏙️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic volcanic crater silhouette, sweeping 360° island views, fascinating military history
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to the summit at sunrise, exploring old military bunkers, photographing Waikiki from above
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Lotus Honolulu – Boutique hotel at the foot of Diamond Head
That workout routine you’ve been following? Time to put it to good use climbing Diamond Head (Le’ahi), Oahu’s most recognizable landmark. This extinct volcanic crater offers a relatively quick hike with an outsized payoff – panoramic views stretching from Waikiki to Koko Head that will dominate your social media feed.
The 0.8-mile trail winds through military history, including a 225-foot tunnel and several stairways built as part of coastal defenses. I couldn’t believe the morning light washing over Honolulu when I reached the summit platform. Arrive at dawn to beat both the heat and the crowds. Bring water, wear proper shoes, and allow about 1.5 hours round-trip. The $5 entrance fee for non-residents is well worth it for what many consider Hawaii’s most rewarding short hike.
5. Lanikai Beach
- 📍 Location: Kailua on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu
- 🏆 Best For: Kayakers 🚣♀️, photographers 📸, tranquility seekers 🧘♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, offshore Mokulua Islands
- 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands, swimming in pristine waters, watching sunrise over the “Mokes”
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Paradise Bay Resort – Boutique waterfront lodging on Kaneohe Bay nearby
Looking for the beach that will make your coworkers actually jealous of your vacation photos? Lanikai Beach consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches for good reason. This half-mile stretch features powder-soft white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise waters that look Photoshopped in real life.
The twin Mokulua Islands (“the Mokes”) rising dramatically offshore, create the perfect backdrop for envy-inducing social media posts. I’ve never seen water so perfectly blue as when kayaking toward these picturesque islets. The beach sits tucked away in an upscale residential neighborhood in Kailua, keeping crowds manageable. Visit on weekdays to avoid local weekend crowds. Come early for sunrise, it’s spectacular as light first touches the Mokes. Limited parking means consider biking from Kailua Town.
6. Pearl Harbor
- 📍 Location: Central Oahu, about 30 minutes from Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, veterans 🎖️, naval architecture buffs ⚓
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Solemn memorial architecture, harbor waters, moving historical preservation
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, exploring the Battleship Missouri, touring the Pacific Aviation Museum
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel – Historic hotel with easy access to Pearl Harbor
Need a meaningful break from beach lounging? Pearl Harbor offers a profound historical experience that will stay with you long after your tan fades. This active naval base shaped world history on December 7, 1941, when the surprise attack propelled the United States into World War II.
The white USS Arizona Memorial floating above the sunken battleship created one of my most moving travel moments. Oil still seeps from the wreckage – often called “the tears of the Arizona.” Nearby, the massive Battleship Missouri stands as a symbol of peace, its decks hosting the Japanese surrender ceremony ending WWII. Reserve tickets online up to two months in advance. The free USS Arizona program requires a timed ticket. Allow at least half a day to properly experience the main sites.
7. Polynesian Cultural Center
- 📍 Location: Laie, Oahu’s North Shore, about 35 minutes from Turtle Bay and an hour from Honolulu
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural immersion seekers 🏝️, dance enthusiasts 💃, food lovers 🍱
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Authentic villages representing six Pacific Island cultures, lush tropical landscape, traditional architecture
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending the award-winning evening show “Hā: Breath of Life,” participating in hands-on cultural activities, enjoying the all-you-can-eat luau
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Turtle Bay Resort – Luxury North Shore accommodations just a short drive away
Skip the tourist traps and discover real Pacific culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This 42-acre living museum lets you experience six island nations without island-hopping. Paddle outrigger canoes, learn fire-making, or master hula basics from native islanders.
The evening show “Hā: Breath of Life” blew me away with its spectacular fire knife dancing and authentic storytelling. Don’t miss the Ali’i Luau for traditional Hawaiian foods and cultural immersion. Villages open at 11:45am, so arrive early to maximize your day. Most visitors consider this their most memorable Hawaiian cultural experience, perfectly balancing entertainment with education about Pacific traditions.
8. Iolani Palace
- 📍 Location: Downtown Honolulu, near the Hawaii State Capitol building
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏰, royal heritage seekers 👑
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Opulent Victorian architecture, meticulously restored royal apartments, the only royal palace on American soil
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a guided tour of the royal quarters, viewing the royal regalia, strolling the palace grounds
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Royal Hawaiian – Historic Waikiki hotel with connections to Hawaiian royalty
Want Instagram gold that 90% of Hawaii visitors miss? Visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, this architectural marvel had electricity before the White House. The guided tour reveals opulently furnished state rooms and Queen Liliuokalani’s imprisonment chamber following Hawaii’s controversial overthrow.
Downstairs houses the royal jewels, including a diamond-studded crown that captivates visitors. The palace grounds feature royal burial sites and exotic trees planted by the monarchs themselves. I recommend spending the extra money for the guided tour rather than the self-led option. It’s located in downtown Honolulu, easily paired with visits to nearby Hawaii State Capitol and Aloha Tower.
9. Kualoa Ranch
- 📍 Location: Windward Oahu, about 24 miles from Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: Movie buffs 🎬, adventure seekers 🚙, photography enthusiasts 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic Jurassic valley landscapes, pristine rainforest, stunning coastal views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking the Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, riding ATVs through the valley, ziplining over tropical forests
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Paradise Bay Resort – Boutique waterfront accommodation near the ranch
Jurassic Park fans, this is your chance to live the movie at Kualoa Ranch. This 4,000-acre private nature reserve has starred in more blockbusters than most actors. The Movie Sites Tour takes you through the iconic valley where dinosaurs once roamed on screen. Adventure seekers can book ATV tours, horseback riding, or electric mountain bike excursions instead.
My favorite experience was the jungle expedition in vintage army vehicles, offering incredible photo opportunities at every turn. Beyond Hollywood appeal, this working cattle ranch has stayed in the same family for six generations. The Secret Island Beach excursion provides exclusive access to a pristine private beach. Located on Windward Oahu, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive from Waikiki.
10. Byodo-In Temple
- 📍 Location: Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Kaneohe, Oahu
- 🏆 Best For: Spiritual seekers 🧘♀️, photographers 📸, peace and quiet lovers 🔕
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple, reflection pond with koi fish, dramatic Ko’olau Mountains backdrop
- 📸 Top Experiences: Ringing the sacred bell for good luck, feeding the colorful koi, meditating in the peaceful gardens
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Paradise Bay Resort – Boutique waterfront accommodation with views of Kaneohe Bay
Need a soul-soothing break from beach crowds? The Byodo-In Temple delivers Japanese serenity without leaving Oahu. This non-denominational Buddhist temple is a smaller replica of a 950-year-old Kyoto temple, constructed traditionally without nails. Ring the sacred bon-sho bell before entering—it brings cleansing and happiness according to tradition.
Inside sits an impressive 18-foot gold leaf Buddha, one of the largest outside Japan. The grounds feature tranquil meditation spaces surrounding a large koi pond. Purchase food to feed these friendly fish that create living patterns in the clear waters. Though exploring takes just 30-60 minutes, the temple’s serene beauty makes it worth the trip to Kaneohe on the island’s eastern side.
11. Manoa Falls
- 📍 Location: Manoa Valley, just 15 minutes from Waikiki
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, waterfall chasers 💦, jungle hikers 🥾
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Lush bamboo forests, tropical vegetation from 150+ plant species, 150-foot waterfall cascading into a natural pool
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the 1.6-mile round-trip trail, spotting native birds, photographing the spectacular waterfall
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Manoa Valley Inn – Historic B&B nestled in the valley near the trailhead
Escape Waikiki’s concrete jungle for a real one at Manoa Falls. This accessible 1.6-mile round-trip hike delivers maximum jungle vibes with minimal effort. The well-maintained path winds through eucalyptus groves and bamboo forests that featured in both Jurassic Park and Lost. Sharp-eyed hikers might spot native Hawaiian birds flitting through the canopy.
Upon reaching the falls, you’ll be rewarded with the impressive sight of water cascading 150 feet down a sheer rock face. The valley receives abundant rainfall, creating a verdant paradise with over 150 plant species. I couldn’t believe this lush microclimate exists just 15 minutes from Waikiki’s high-rises. Wear good shoes—the trail gets muddy after rain.
12. Waimea Valley
- 📍 Location: North Shore of Oahu, adjacent to Waimea Bay
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural explorers 🏞️, botanical garden enthusiasts 🌺, waterfall swimmers 🏊♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Sacred ancient Hawaiian valley, meticulously maintained botanical gardens, swimmable waterfall in a natural setting
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at the lifeguard-protected waterfall, exploring botanical collections, participating in cultural demonstrations
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore – Comfortable accommodations near the valley entrance
Craving that rare swim-under-a-waterfall moment? Head to Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore. This 1,875-acre sacred valley offers one of the island’s few swimmable waterfalls, complete with provided life vests and lifeguards. The paved 0.75-mile path to the falls winds through themed gardens featuring over 5,000 plant species from around the world.
Cultural demonstrations throughout the valley showcase traditional Hawaiian crafts and practices. Ancient archaeological sites dot the landscape, including heiau (temples) that speak to the valley’s spiritual significance. After your swim, don’t miss the twice-daily cliff diving ceremony at adjacent Waimea Bay. This living museum of Hawaiian culture pairs perfectly with a North Shore surf-watching day trip from Honolulu.
