Oahu Visitor Guide

Where to go. What to do.

Don’t let the small size of this island fool you. Pearl Harbor. Hanauma Bay. Manoa Falls. Bishop Museum. Home to some of Hawaii’s most popular attractions and sites, Oahu offers a vast mix of art and history, culture, entertainment and outdoor adventure. The best part is you could probably do it all in one day – but, when each setting is just as beautiful and worthwhile as the last, keeping track of time might be a bit challenging.

Oahu Visitor Guide

Historical Sites
Landmarks
Museums
Waterfalls
Attractions

Historical Sites

Arizona Memorial
Hawaii’s most popular tourist attraction marks the final resting place of the USS Arizona, sunk during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

Battleship Missouri Memorial
No trip to Pearl Harbor is complete without a visit to the “Mighty Mo,” on whose decks World War II officially ended.

Iolani Palace
The only official state residence of royalty in the United States has been painstakingly restored and offers a remarkable glimpse of royal life. Conveniently located in downtown Honolulu.

King Kamehameha Statue
This famed statue stands proudly just across the street from Iolani Palace. It is one of the most photographed and best-loved icons of Hawaii.

Byodo-in Temple
Modeled after a 950-year-old Japanese temple, this striking building sits at the foot of the Koolau Mountains in Kaneohe, on the Windward side of Oahu.

Landmarks

Aloha Tower
Located at Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower was built in 1926 and was the tallest structure on the island for four decades. It remains one of Oahu’s premier landmarks, and the namesake of the adjoining Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Chinaman’s Hat
This tiny, picturesque island is located just off the shore of Kualoa Park, in Kaneohe Bay. It makes a great photo opportunity as you drive Kamehameha Highway along the Windward coast.

Hanauma Bay
By far the most popular snorkeling spot on the island, Hanauma Bay is beautiful both above and below the waves. It is located about 10 miles east of Waikiki.

Laie Point
If you’re driving to or from the North Shore, be sure to stop at this scenic spot in the town of Laie (home to the Polynesian Cultural Center). It offers sweeping views of the Windward coast and parts of the North Shore.

Makapuu Lighthouse
A pleasant 2-mile paved trail leads to one of Hawaii’s most familiar landmarks, a lighthouse commanding a spectacular view.

Pali Lookout
Just off the Pali Highway to Kailua, this viewpoint is windy but well worth the stop. The panoramic views of Kailua, Kaneohe and the Windward coast are unmatched

Museums

Bishop Museum
The biggest and best-known museum in Hawaii houses the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural and scientific artifacts. Its Hawaiian Hall and Polynesian Hall are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Honolulu Academy of Arts
Hawaii’s premier art museum boasts a collection of more than 50,000 works, housed in a charming historic building located near downtown Honolulu.

Contemporary Museum
The only museum in the state dedicated exclusively to contemporary art has two exhibition spaces: in the historic Cooke-Spalding house in Makiki and in the First Hawaiian Center downtown.

Mission Houses Museum
Step back in time as you tour the homes and workplaces of the first Christian missionaries to come to Hawaii.

Waterfalls

Laie Falls
You reach this 15-foot waterfall by hiking from the town of Laie on the northeastern tip of Oahu.

Manoa Falls
One of the most popular hikes on Oahu leads you to Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall in the verdant Manoa Valley.

Maunawili Falls
The 1.5-mile trail to Maunawili Falls features great views of the Kooalau Mountains. You may find young daredevils jumping into the pool at the falls.

Waimea Falls
A highlight of any North Shore excursion, this 45-foot waterfall is reached after a pleasant stroll through Waimea Valley.

Attractions

Polynesian Cultural Center
Embrace the cultures of Polynesia and experience 42-acres featuring island villages from Samoa to Tahiti, an authentic Hawaiian luau and the largest and most exciting evening show in Hawaii.

Wet N Wild Hawaii
Hit the Surf, ride the Shaka or launch down the rushing waters of the Big Kuhuna. Offering 16 fun-filled rides to choose from, Went N Wild is the ultimate water park experience in Hawaii.

Paradise Cove Luau

Enjoy live Hawaiian music, feast in traditional Hawaiian dishes and prepare to be amazed by the unforgettable dances of Hawaii and Polynesia – all amidst the perfect backdrop of a Hawaiian sunset.

Germaine’s Luau
Regarded as Hawaii’s original “too good to miss” luau, Germaine’s is a favorite to both locals and visitors alike. Take in the culture of the Pacific Islands as you enjoy a spectacular show under the stars.