13 Top Places to Visit in Oahu Hawaii for a Perfect Holiday
Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii. The island has beaches, hikes, towns, waterfalls, and many fun spots. It is easy to explore and you can see most places in Oahu by car. Many people say it is the best island for a simple and relaxing trip. If you are coming with family or kids, Oahu is the safest and easiest place to start.
This guide covers the best places to visit in Oahu Hawaii, including scenic spots, hidden gems, family places, kid friendly areas, cool stops, and even a few abandoned places to visit in Oahu. I kept the language simple so anyone can read it without trouble.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Oahu
Oahu is a mix of beaches, nature, history, and city life. You get shopping in Honolulu, calm beaches on the North Shore, and green valley’s on the east side. You can relax or you can explore. The island suits all types of travellers.
Many people look for places to visit in Oahu Honolulu. Others want fun places to visit in Oahu with their kids. Some people want cool and interesting places. This guide covers them all.
1. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is the most famous beach in Oahu. It has soft sand, gentle waves, and warm water. It is great for families and people learning to surf.
Why visit
- Perfect for swimming
- Many shops and easy food options
- Safe for kids
- Close to most hotels
If you want one simple place to stay and relax, Waikiki is a good choice.
2. Diamond Head Crater
Diamond Head is a volcanic cone near Waikiki. You can hike to the top in one hour. The trail is steep but safe for most people.
Why visit
- Best sunrise view in Honolulu
- Great photos
- One of the top places to visit in Oahu by car (parking area available)
3. Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is the most famous snorkelling spot on the island. The water is clear and calm. You can see colourful fish close to the shore.
Why visit
- Clearest water on Oahu
- Safe for kids
- Trained lifeguards
- One of the safest places in Oahu to visit
There is an entry fee and the bay closes on certain days. Check ahead.
4. Lanikai Beach
Many people say Lanikai is the prettiest beach on Oahu. The sand is white and the water is bright blue. The area is quiet and clean.
Why visit
- Perfect for photos
- Soft sand
- Calm water most days
- Great for kayaking
It is easy to visit by car, but parking is limited.
5. Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach is great for families. It has restrooms, showers, and easy parking.
Why visit
- Kid friendly
- Wide beach
- Good for paddle boarding
- One of the best places to visit in Oahu with family
6. Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a large valley on the east side. Many movies were filmed here. You can take tours by bus, horseback, ATV, or jeep.
Why visit
- Beautiful scenery
- Family tours
- One of the most interesting places to visit in Oahu
- Good stop for groups
7. North Shore (Haleiwa and Beaches)
North Shore is famous for big winter waves. In summer, the water gets calm.
Why visit
- Food trucks
- Green mountains
- Turtle Beach
- Snorkelling in summer
Haleiwa town is one of the coolest places to visit in Oahu Hawaii.
8. Waimea Valley and Waterfall
This spot has a short walking path through a botanical garden. At the end, you reach a clean waterfall where swimming is allowed on most days.
Why visit
- Suitable for kids
- Safe walking path
- Cultural sites
- Fresh water swim
9. Byodo In Temple
This is a peaceful temple located in a green valley near the Ko Olau mountains.
Why visit
- Quiet and relaxing
- Great photos
- One of the calmest and safest places in Oahu to visit
10. Makapuu Lookout and Lighthouse Trail
This area has clear ocean views. The lighthouse trail is easy and paved.
Why visit
- Amazing coastal views
- Safe walk
- One of the most scenic parts of Oahu
11. Ko Olina Lagoons
Ko Olina has four man made lagoons with calm water. It is great for young children.
Why visit
- Safe swimming
- Clean sand
- Great sunsets
Celebrities often stay at luxury resorts in this area.
12. Abandoned Places to Visit in Oahu
Oahu has a few abandoned locations, but many are unsafe or closed. These two are well known and still visited by travelers.
Old Waialee Home for Boys (Historic)
A quiet spot with old stone buildings.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Not fully abandoned, but the bunkers are old military structures and feel historic.
Only visit during daylight and take care on trails.
13. Fun and Cool Spots in Oahu
Here are some fun and cool places to visit in Oahu.
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- Chinatown Honolulu
- Royal Hawaiian Center
- Turtle Beach (Laniakea)
- Dole Plantation
- Sunset Beach
- Kakaako murals
These spots are easy to reach and good for photos.
Best Places to Visit in Oahu with Kids
Travelling with kids can be easy on this island. These spots work well:
- Waikiki Beach
- Honolulu Zoo
- Waikiki Aquarium
- Kailua Beach Park
- Ko Olina Lagoons
- Dole Plantation
- Waimea Valley
These places have calm water, safe paths, and family services.
Best Places to Visit in Oahu by Car
Oahu is small, so driving is simple. These are the top places for a car trip:
- North Shore
- Kualoa Ranch
- Makapuu Lookout
- Hanauma Bay
- Ko Olina
- Pali Lookout
- Lanikai Beach
Parking gets tight at some beaches, so arrive early.
Most Scenic Parts of Oahu
Oahu has many scenic views. The best ones are:
- Makapuu Point
- Pali Lookout
- Lanakai Beach
- Kaena Point
- Kualoa Valley
- Tantalus Lookout
These places give you a full view of the coast or mountains.
Top Places to Visit in Oahu Hawaii (Quick List)
Here is a quick list if you want something simple:
- Waikiki
- Diamond Head
- Lanikai Beach
- Kailua Beach
- Kualoa Ranch
- Hanauma Bay
- North Shore
- Waimea Valley
- Makapuu Lookout
- Ko Olina
Conclusion
Oahu is full of places to explore. You can relax on soft beaches, walk through green valleys, or drive along scenic roads. This guide covered the best places to visit in Oahu Hawaii, including spots for families, kids, and couples. You also learned about cool and fun stops, safe areas, and even a few abandoned places.
No matter how long your trip is, you will find something special here. Oahu is simple to explore and easy to enjoy.
What is a must do in Oahu?
You must visit Waikiki, Diamond Head, and at least one east side lookout like Makapuu or Kualoa Ranch. These give you beaches, views, and nature in one trip.
What not to miss in Oahu Hawaii?
Do not miss Lanikai Beach, Hanauma Bay, and Kualoa Valley. These are the prettiest spots on the island.
What is the prettiest beach on Oahu?
Most people say Lanikai Beach is the prettiest beach on Oahu. The water is light blue and the sand is soft.
Where is the clearest water on Oahu?
The clearest water is at Hanauma Bay, Lanikai, and some Ko Olina lagoons.
What is the most beautiful spot on Oahu?
Kualoa Valley is the most beautiful spot. The mountains rise straight up and the views look unreal.
Where do celebrities stay on Oahu?
Celebrities often stay in Ko Olina at luxury resorts. Some stay in private homes on the North Shore.
What is the most scenic part of Oahu?
The east side of Oahu is the most scenic. Areas like Makapuu, Kailua, and Lanikai have clean blue water and tall mountains.
What is the cheapest month to go to Hawaii?
The cheapest months are February, early May, September, and early December.
