Your In-Depth Travel Guide to OAHU
If I’m being quite honest, I never expected to travel so frequently to Oahu, Hawaii. It’s kind of inevitable, seeing that’s where my parents moved to for their retirement. For the last three years, they’ve taken up residency in Oahu (first Waikiki, then Hawaii Kai), and I’ve been enjoying my yearly trips to one of earth’s most gorgeous natural phenomenons to see my parents.
It’s always a good idea to visit Hawaii. With the exception of a few short rainy weeks in December, the islands boast warm (read: not scorching) temperatures, endless rays of sunshine, and water so crystal you’d think someone is cleaning them on a daily. Now that I’ve been a handful of times, I feel like it’s time to create a thorough travel guide to Oahu — one that includes popular tourist destinations and the less-frequented local spots.
In this Oahu guide, I’ll dive into the best restaurants, best beaches, best hikes, and even best food shacks. I’ve got a place for drinks and a place for poké. So without further ado, here’s everything you can do in Oahu, Hawaii.
Best Restaurants in Oahu
Coming from NYC, the food scene in Oahu may not feel as thrilling. But there are tons of delicious spots (with beautiful ambiances) to check out. Keep in mind that this packed island has tons of mouths to feed, so it wouldn’t hurt to have a reservation in place to ensure you get your seat. With a large Japanese population in Hawaii, there’s no shortage of Japanese restaurants as well. Whatever your heart may desire, these are the best restaurants in Oahu, whether you’re going for brunch or dinner.
Best Hikes in Oahu
There are ocean people, then there are mountain people. Luckily there is plenty of both in Hawaii, so no one person gets left behind. I fall into the latter category, and I have to say, the hikes in Hawaii are on another level. Imagine walking through Jurrasic Park’s move setting… which is exactly what it is because the move was filmed in Hawaii. The nature is grand, luscious, and changes every few miles. I haven’t done all the hikes yet, but below are some of my favorites.
Hau’ula Loop Trail
Crouching Lion
Waimano Falls Trail
Mānana Ridge Trail
Mānoa Falls Trail
‘Aiea Loop Trail
Makiki Valley Loop
Waimea Valley Trail
Best Sights to See & Things to Do
There is plenty to do on this small island beyond just beach hopping! On top of eating at the restaurants, there are plenty of food shacks and trucks to visit as well. Then there is the Polynesian Cultural Center, endless amounts of waterfalls, surfing, and snorkeling! Listing some of the fun adventures below.
Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
Take a surfing class
Visit the Botanical Garden
Tour through the Jurassic Park film set
Pray at the Byodo-In Temple
Shop at Ala Moana Center
Take in a scenic view at Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a State Wayside
Best Beaches of Oahu
Now I know every Oahu tour guide is going to mention Waikiki beach, which you should of course visit. But once you’ve visited that and decided it’s way too crowded for you, then let me direct you to some of the better, quieter beached in Oahu. My suggestion is to keep driving along the east coast and you’ll be met with one turquise beach after another, with far less people than at Waikiki beach. There are options for the surfer, the sun-bather, and the snorkeler — Hawaii has it all!
Best for Surfing: Sandy Beach
Best for Lounging: Waimanālo Bay Beach Park / Bellows Field Beach Park
Most Peaceful: Lanikai Beach
Best for Snorkleing: Kawela Bay
Best Sunset Watching: Ala Moana Beach
