The Ultimate Free Guide to Oahu
The Ultimate Free Guide to Oahu
Andrew & Brenna
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Aloha and welcome to Oahu! Oahu is Hawaii's most populated island and the most popular among tourists. Oahu definitely offers the most things to do when compared to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. After having visited Oahu a few times, I've put together my favorite things to do, places to eat, and hidden gems around the island. Use the interactive map to see the exact location of activities and restaurants. Enjoy!
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O‘ahu
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Things to do:
China Walls
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China Walls is located through a neighborhood located on the south side of the island. This spot is popular with locals and is one of the best spots for experienced surfers. China Walls is most popular during sunset and is famous for its view of Diamond Head.
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Hanauma Bay
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Hanauma Bay is a popular nature preserve and snorkeling destination. The bay is created by a volcanic crater that has been filled with clear waters. Due to its popularity there are regulations in place and it's important to check Hanauma Bay's website beforehand for details.
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Halona Beach Cove
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Halona Beach Cove is a hidden gem located on the side of Highway 72. The beach cove features a small beach, strong waves, tide pools, and blowholes. This spot is common among locals, so it is important to be respectful.
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Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
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Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is a serene botanical garden located on the east side of the island. The garden at the base of the Koʻolau Mountain Range, and covers an area of approximately 400 acres. Visitors can explore a network of walking trails and enjoy the lush landscapes.
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Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park
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Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park is our personal favorite spot on the island. We spent the night here and woke up to watch the sunrise over Kahana Bay. This park is also home to the famous Pu'upiei Trail, which gives you amazing views of the entire coast.
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Mokoliʻi
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Better known as "Chinaman's Hat", Mokoliʻi is a small island off the coast of Oahu. It is popular for locals to kayak, swim on surfboards or paddle board over to the island. This is the best spot to enjoy a secluded island, and the journey over takes 30-45 minutes.
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Turtle Beach
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Located on the north tip of the island, Turtle Beach is exactly what it sounds like. This beach holds the densest population of sea turtles in Oahu. Turtle Beach is open to the public for snorkeling and swimming.
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Shark’s Cove
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Located on the North Shore, Shark's Cove is another popular location for snorkeling. The cove holds a variety of fish, coral, and other marine life.
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Waimea Bay
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Waimea Bay is the North Shore's premier beach. The bay features a large area for guests to lounge, crystal clear waters, and a large jumping rock. Waimea Falls is also located directly across the street from Waimea Bay.
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Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
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Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aloha Stadium opens for a massive swap meet/flea market. This market holds over 100 vendors, and is the perfect place to grab some souvenirs for a reasonable price.
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Dole Plantation
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Dole Plantation is home to Dole Pineapple's largest farms. These pineapples are some of the best in the world, and the plantation is open to the public year-round. Activities here include tours, a pineapple maze, fresh dole whip, and more.
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Pearl Harbor
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Pearl Harbor is a National Memorial and Monument located in central Oahu. The place is dedicated to the events of Pearl Harbor in 1941, following the invasion of Japan. Admission and tours at Pearl Harbor start at $30/per person.
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Mermaid's cave.
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Mermaid's Cave is a roadside spot on the west side of the island. What appears to be a rocky shoreline is actually a series of caves that you can enter. Visit at your own risk as the cave can be subject to rough water conditions.
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Ko Olina Beach
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Ko Olina Beach is home to some of the best sunsets on Oahu. Although the Ko Olina Beaches are lined with luxury resorts, the beach itself is open to the public.
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Kaneana Cave (Makua Cave)
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Makua Cave is another roadside attraction on the west side of the island. The cave features a gap over 200ft tall, and allows visitors to explore inside.
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Skydive Hawaii®
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Skydive Hawaii was one of my favorite things that we did while on Oahu. Prices start at $199/jump, and you are able to get photos and video from your jump. The scenery that you see on your way down offers a view of the island that isn't available anywhere else.
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Hikes:
Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
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Diamond Head is the infamous peak on the south side of Waikiki. To hike its summit is a short 0.8 round trip with 560ft of elevation gain. This hike is Oahu's most popular, and offers panoramic views of Waikiki and the surrounding island.
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Lanikai Pillbox Trail
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Lanikai Pillbox is the infamous graffiti'd box located atop Oahu's east coast. This spot is famous for its Instagram pictures and the view below of Lanikai and Kailua. The hike is a short and steep 1.6 miles round trip, with 613ft of elevation gain.
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Maunawili Falls
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Maunawili Falls is a popular local spot in central Oahu. This 2.3 mile hike has 547ft of elevation gain. The trail is marked as closed on AllTrails, but is still a popular spot as of 2022.
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Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
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Makapu‘u Point is Oahu's most eastern point. This 2.5 mile trail is paved and takes visitors to a lighthouse that overlooks the ocean. There is also a man-made path about halfway this trail that leads to a series of tidepools that you can swim in. This was one of our favorite finds, but use caution as the hike down is steep and the water contains urchins.
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Mt. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
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Three Peaks was our personal favorite hike while on Oahu. This hike is located outside of Kailua, and is a little strenuous. The trail is 4.5 miles with 1,696ft of elevation gain. To reach the first peak, it is only about 1.5 miles, and it isn't recommended to venture on unless you are experienced. Conduct further research before visiting three peaks, as the trail can be hard to find.
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Waimea Falls
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Waimea Falls is a short 1.9 mile trail to the falls. This trail is relatively flat and is features the most popular waterfall on the island.
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Ka‘ena Point
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Ka'ena Point is a state park located on the western tip of Oahu. The park features many trails throughout, some allowing you to watch the sunset over the ocean from the tip of the mountains.
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Places to eat:
Paradise Cove Luau
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Paradise Cove Luau is one of two world-famous luau's on Oahu. This luau features a show and dinner that lasts about two hours. Prices start at $140/per person.
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Germaine's Luau
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Germaine's Luau is Oahu's other world-famous luau. Although we didn't visit this one, we've heard amazing things (that sound better than Paradise Cove). Prices start at $150/per person.
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Duke's Waikiki
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Duke's is the place to go if you are in Waikiki. The restaurant got its name from the man who popularized modern-day surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. The restaurant can run a bit pricy, but it serves the best Hawaiian food, seafood, and cocktails in the area.
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Matsumoto Shave Ice
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Matsumoto is a must-go. This shaved iced stand is located on the North Shore and serves iconic shaved ice with unique toppings. Prepare to wait in line, but it is well worth it.
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Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
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Giovanni's is a local staple in the North Shore. This food truck has been serving up some of Oahu's best seafood since 1993.
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The Sunrise Shack - Shark's Cove
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The Sunrise Shack is another of Oahu's staples. This place serves the islands best acai bowls, smoothies, and juices. There are multiple locations around the island, but the original is on the North Shore.
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Leonard's Bakery
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Leonard's Bakery is the go-to place for coffee, pastries, and their iconic malasada puffs. Leonard's is located outside of Waikiki, and they also have the "malasada-mobile", which is a food truck located next to Hanauma Bay.
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Kaka'ako Farmers Market
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Kaka'ako Farmers Market is located in Honolulu, and is a local market open on Saturday mornings from 8am-12pm.
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Kailua Farmers' Market
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Kailua Farmers Market is located in downtown Kailua and is open on Thursdays from 4-7pm.
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Haleiwa Farmers Market
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Haleiwa Farmers Market is located in downtown Haleiwa and is open on Thursdays from 2-6pm.
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If you are planning a trip to Oahu or Hawaii in general, feel free to contact us via Instagram. We'd be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have prior to traveling.
Thank you for reading through this guide and happy traveling!
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Andrew & Brenna
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