Where aloha begins.

Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third-largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable. Whether you're hiking atop iconic Leahi (Diamond Head), enjoying some of Hawaii's best shopping, or simply unwinding on the sands of the island's beautiful beaches, you'll find variety at every turn on Oahu.

Oahu’s Water Activities

With endless golden beaches, inviting blue waves, and balmy weather, you can play in the water all year long on Oahu. If you’ve always dreamed of hanging ten on a long board, Waikiki Beach is the spot to learn. Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Beach Boys popularized the art of hee nalu (wave sliding) in the waters of Waikiki Beach during the early 1900s, and it’s still a perfect place to take your first surfing lesson today.

Beyond surfing, you can explore the ocean by taking a group outrigger canoe ride off of Waikiki Beach. If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family to do, try snorkeling and swimming at one of Oahu’s many beautiful beaches. Take a sunset cruise or sailing excursion, and you might spot a humpback breach during whale watching season (December through May). Sports fishermen can also charter a boat and fish for Pacific Blue Marlin, Ahi (yellowfin tuna), Ono (wahoo), or Mahimahi.

Satisfy your sporty side with other water activities in Oahu, including jet skiing, parasailing, wind surfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, and bodyboarding (boogie boarding). Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)—where surfers stand on a larger board using a paddle to maneuver—has also become a popular alternative to surfing in the islands. With so many exciting activities, you'll understand why adventure thrives in the deep blue Pacific surrounding Oahu.

Oahu’s Land Activities

Oahu’s diverse tropical terrain, unmatched ocean views, and wide range of activities will bring out your adventurous side. Hike to the top of the iconic volcanic crater Leahi (Diamond Head) for a panoramic view of Waikiki. Crisscross the picturesque countryside on horseback or on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at Kualoa Ranch. Play golf well into the evening on a long Hawaiian summer day. Stroll or run the popular paths of Ala Moana Beach Park, Kapiolani Park in Waikiki, or the Diamond Head Loop from the Waikiki Bandstand to Leahi via Monsarrat Avenue. Whether you’re hiking, biking, driving, golfing, or riding, you can hit the ground running on your visit to Oahu. And, last, but definitely not least, experience a luau during an evening celebrating Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions along with a feast of traditional foods like Kalua pig and poi (taro).

Where to stay

Most hotels are located in Waikiki with a beautiful beach, lots of shopping, dining, and nightlife, and a glorious view of Diamond Head. The West Shore area is located on the other side of Honolulu and has upscale luxury hotel options in a country club setting. On the North Shore are a handful of hotels. Norwegian Cruise Line has a 7-day Hawaii itinerary that departs and returns to Oahu; you can combine this with a couple of nights pre-cruise in Oahu.

How to get there: Honolulu airport HNL.

*Content courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority