All About Oahu

Arizona Memorial

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Visit the secluded summer retreat of Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV and their son, Prince Albert. Royal antiques and furnishings stand in their original places.

Sunset and ‘Ehukai Beach

Stop at these amazing surf spots that host surfers from around the world for both enjoyment and competition. Watch the spectacle of surfers catching the thrill of, at times, 20- to 30-foot waves during the winter months.

Waimea Bay

In the winter, ocean swells rising above the North Shore pound the Bay with 30-foot waves. Summers find Waimea Bay quiet and gentle—perfect for swimming or snorkeling or diving.

‘Iolani Palace

Enjoy a guided tour of one of Honolulu’s most honored landmarks, former residence of Hawaiian monarchs and the only royal palace on U.S. soil.

Bishop Museum

This museum is respected as the preeminent keeper of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Islands. Don’t miss the newly renovated Pacific Hall, featuring expressions of culture from the oceanic “Blue Continent.” (Closed Tuesdays.)

Waimānalo Beach

Perhaps the prettiest stretch of pristine white sand beach on O‘ahu, this shoreline fronts majestic views of the Ko‘olau Range and is ideal for families and perfect for picnics.

Kailua Town

Find a variety of beachwear boutiques, shops and restaurants to satisfy all tastes. Head to Kailua Beach and enjoy a quiet stroll along the soft, white sand or a day of windsurfing, kayaking and swimming in the beautiful waters.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience at one of Hawai‘i’s premier sites. Sheltered in the curved bay of a breached volcanic crater, this marine conservatory is famous for its pristine beach and isolated beauty. (Closed Tuesdays.)

Pearl Harbor

Vividly recounting the events of December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor is poignant, informative and haunting. The visitors’ center and monuments draw over 1.5 million visitors each year. To get the complete experience, explore the multiple attractions dedicated to remembering World War II, including the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Duke Kahanamoku Memorial Statue

Pay tribute to the legendary “Ambassador of Aloha” on Waikīkī Beach. After becoming Hawai‘i’s first Olympian, Duke continued his celebrated Olympic career for 21 years and became a symbol of aloha around the world.

Kapolei

Kapolei is quickly becoming O‘ahu’s new urban center with retail and restaurant developments and the opening of University of Hawai‘i’s West O‘ahu campus. With miles of beautiful shoreline, the city remains the perfect playground, including the Ko Olina Resort with deluxe resorts, golf courses, dining and friendly waters.

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout offers one of O‘ahu’s finest views of the sheer Ko‘olau cliffs. Perched 3,000 feet above the O‘ahu coastline is the site of the Battle of Nu‘uanu, where in 1795 Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united the islands under one rule.

Lē‘ahi

Gain perspective on O‘ahu’s geology and geography, grab your hiking shoes and take an early morning hike to the top of Lē‘ahi, or Diamond Head—a 760-foot extinct volcanic tuff cone and National Landmark. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view that extends along O‘ahu’s south shore.