By Sarah Burchard
Waikīkī, Oʻahu.
According to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Oʻahu hosts the largest share of visitors to the state of Hawaiʻi, hence its nickname, "The Gathering Place." The following list is not intended to be exhaustive, instead it is designed to provide travelers with a general sense of where areas of interest are located on the island.
Chinatown Honolulu. Photo by Richie Chan (Shutterstock)
The city and county of Honolulu is Hawaiʻi’s state capitol. On Oʻahu, we call it “Town,” and anyone who lives between Kalihi and Hawaiʻi Kai are called “Townies.”
Waikīkī - Ground zero for Oʻahu tourism. This is where the majority of hotels and resorts on Oʻahu are located. Waikīkī, or “Spouting Waters,” is also the birthplace of surfing and the quintessential image youʻll find on postcards: Waikīkī Beach with Diamond Head in the distance.
Kakaʻako - Originally a fishing village, covered in salt flats, this area went through a period of being an industrial neighborhood before being gentrified into what it is today: a thriving destination for street art; trendy restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques and high-end condominium living.
Downtown - The economic and governmental center of Oʻahu. This is where ʻIolani Palace, Capital Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum), Hawaiʻi State Library, King Kamehameha Statue and all of the government buildings are located.
Chinatown - Established in the 1840s with a rich history involving deadly fires, bubonic plague and quarantining to becoming the islandʻs red light district with opium dens and hidden gambling halls, Chinatown has many stories to tell. Today, it is home to some of Oʻahuʻs best restaurants and bars with a lively nightlife on the weekends, particularly on the First Friday of every month when art galleries celebrate local artists and locals roam the streets barhopping. This is also where youʻll find a host of Asian markets, dim sum, noodle shops and temples.
Kaimukī - A bedroom community centered around Waialae Avenue – a street full of boutique shops, yoga studios, restaurants of all different kinds of cuisines, bars and more.
Ala Moana - This neighborhood is home to the largest outdoor mall in the world: Ala Moana Shopping Center. Locals love spending the day at Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island across the street, where man-made reef protected waters are calm for swimming or just floating around.
Pearl Harbor - The historic harbor that was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy on December 7, 1941 leading the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor has several memorials and museums to tour.
The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. Photo by Christian Mueller (Shutterstock).
World renowned surf breaks, iconic beach towns, food trucks and local farms
Pūpūkea - From Waimea Bay to Sunset Beach Park you'll find some of the North Shore’s best surf breaks and beaches. Some points of interest include, Pipeline at ‘Ehukai Beach Park, Waimea Valley, Shark’s Cove. Banzai Skatepark, Foodland (local grocery store with famous poke counter), The Sunrise Shack, Ted’s Bakery, The Elephant Shack and Banzai Bowls.
Haleʻiwa - Surf shops, boutiques, restaurants, food trucks and more. Hale’iwa is the “town” of North Shore. Some points of interest include, Haleʻiwa Harbor, Aliʻi Beach Park, Matsumoto Shave Ice, ʻĀINA Farm Stand and Kōkua General Store. Waimea Valley is close by and hosts a Thursday farmers market.
Kahuku - Small town known for North Shore shrimp trucks. Some points of interest include, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Kahuku Superette, Kahuku Golf Course.
Mokulēʻia - On the far west side of the North Shore you’ll find a sleepy beach park and hiking trail to Kaʻena Point. The Hawaiʻi Polo Club is located at Dillingham Ranch.
Waialua - Primarily farm land, but also has the Waialua Sugar Mill, The Smoking Bear & the Coconut and the famous Paalaa Kai Bakery.
Lāʻie - This area of the island offers a beautiful, scenic drive along the coast and is the location of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The Byodo-In Temple, located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Photo by Claudine Van Massenhove (Shutterstock).
If you want breathtaking views of the coast, take an afternoon drive along the windward side of Oʻahu. Stop along its many iconic beaches, grab something to eat at a food truck and just cruise.
Kailua - Home to the world-famous Kailua Beach. There are no hotels in the neighborhood, but several vacation home rentals.
Lanikai - Home to Lanikai pillbox hike and Lanikai Beach. This is a residential neighborhood, so if you decide to check it out please be considerate of people’s homes.
Kaneohe - Home to the Valley of the Temples and the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden.
Waimanalo - Visit Waimanalo Beach for swimming and sunbathing. This is also a primarily residential town, so please be on your best behavior when passing through.
Makapu’u - Visit Makapu’u Lighthouse trail and Sea Life Park (nearby).
Hawai’i Kai - Visit Hanama Bay for snorkeling. There are also a handful of fun restaurants in this neighborhood including Kona Brewing Co. and Heavenly.
Ko 'Olina Courtesy of Ko 'Olina Resort.
Waianae Coast - Gorgeous beaches and sunset views.
Ko ʻOlina - A high-end resort town with four lagoons, a harbor and plenty of restaurants. This is the only area of O’ahu that has hotels besides Waikīkī. There is also one hotel Downtown (AC Hotel)
Ewa Beach - Check out Wai Kai for family-fun water activities and dining.
Kapolei - A local town with lots of restaurants and strip-mall shopping.
Wahiawā Botanical Garden. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Kunia - Home to small family farms and Kō Hana Distillers, which produces agricole rum from local sugar cane and hosts daily tours.
Wahiawa - Great town for eating. Try Māluawai for acai with a view, Black Sheep Ice Cream, Kilani Bakery, JRs Jamaican Jerk, Maui Mikeʻs, Rayʻs Kiawe Broiled Chicken, Chicken in a Barrel and Taqueria el Rancho. Also stop by for coffee at Surfer’s Coffee or Bizia surf. Mānoa Meadery hosts tours and has a tasting room where you can try mead and by local honey. Sweet Land Farms is down the street which offers tours and a farm shop with amazing desserts and goats cheese. The Dole Plantation is also located just outside of Wahiawa.
TheBus. Photo by Theodore Trimmer (Shutterstock).
TheBus - The easiest way to get around the island is by bus. Use Google maps or Apple maps to get directions to your destination, select transit, it will show you where to pick up DaBus and which stop to get off at.
Cost: $3 per person
Kids under 5 ride free. There are no transfers available. Be prepared to pay the exact fare. Bus operators do not carry change.
For route and schedule information:
Get DaBus 2 App - Highly recommend for up-to-date pick up times.
Visit www.thebus.org
Call (808) 848-5555
Biki - Biki is Honoluluʻs bike share program.
Waikīkī Trolley - The hop on hop off trolley will take you all over Waikīkī and do many attractions near town including ʻIolani Palace, Diamond Head Crater and Sea LIfe Park.
Cost: Varies according to ticket type. Single line, multi-line, 4-day and 7-day passes are available.
Ride Share or Taxi - You can find Uber and Lyft easily in Honolulu and fairly easy in Kailua and on the North Shore in commercial areas. Most hotels will still call you a taxi if you ask and you can find taxi stands at the airport. Other than that you will have to call one as they donʻt usually drive around looking for fares like they once did.
Hotel Shuttle - Check in with your hotel to find out if they offer free shuttle to and from the airport. Some hotels will also offer shuttle service to nearby locations at set times.
Skyline - The new light rail is still extremely limited, but it does go from Kalihi Transit Center on the edge of town to Pearl Harbor and stops at the airport.
Honolulu Harbor in December. Photo by Theodore Trimmer (Shutterstock).
Oʻahu gets the most visitors out of all the Hawaiian Islands and the winter months are one of the most popular times of year to visit.
Time difference - Hawaiʻi does not participate in daylight savings, which means beginning the second Sunday of March and first Sunday of November Hawaiʻi is three hours behind the rest of the U.S. and during the winter months it is two hours behind. Use a world clock or time zone converter app to navigate the time difference.
For 2025, Daylight Saving Time started on Sunday, March 9, and will end on Sunday, November 2.
Waterproof bag, reef-safe sunscreen*, sunglasses, hat, flip-flops (called slippahs in Hawaiʻi), hiking shoes, bathing suit and mosquito repellent.
*In 2018, Hawai‘i became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching.
Ride share pick up is now located at terminal one downstairs at arrivals (formerly upstairs at departures). These are less expensive than taxis.
TheBus picks up at the airports.
Skyline now picks up at the airport.
Winter is when Oʻahu’s North Shore sees massive swells. This is not the time of year for amateur surfing or swimming on that side of the island. Maintain a safe distance and obey all caution signs. Only swim when there is a lifeguard present. Stick to the South Shore for the calmest waters in the winter.
Surf Conditions: SNN - Surf News Network - Current surf conditions from lifeguards onsite in real time. Surfline also has up-to-date surf conditions.
Cliff jumping is dangerous. Refrain from diving off cliffs at Waimea Bay, even if you see others doing it.
Sandy Beach has dangerous shore breaks that are life-threatening. Avoid bodysurfing or boogie boarding in this area.
According to Hawaiian Airlines December (except for the first week), January and February are the busiest months for travel and when prices for airfare and accommodations are at their highest. Especially, the last two weeks of December and the first week of January. During this time hotels and flights are often booked to capacity.
According to statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Oʻahu tourism is up 1.4% from 2024. In January 2025 Oʻahu received 456,607 visitors, compared to 450,503 visitors in January 2024. Total visitors to Hawaiʻi in January 2025 represent a 96.9 percent recovery rate from pre-pandemic January 2019.
Hotels start promoting holiday promotions on Black Friday. If you want the best deals on hotel rooms during the holidays keep and eye out for those deals!
Hawaiʻi is not like the rest of the U.S. continent, which makes it such a fun and enlightening place to visit. Keep an open mind and be respectful of cultural differences. Take time to learn about Hawaiʻi culture, including Native Hawaiian values and etiquette. Slow down and observe. Do not try to rush others or impose your beliefs on anyone else.
Treat the land and ocean with equal respect. In Hawaiʻi these are considered home and revered as much as any human being. Ask permission before entering spaces not expressly open to the public. Do not go “off the beaten path,” as you could be entering sacred land or private property.
Prevent Theft
Keep valuables in your hotel room or a hotel safe. When out for the day, keep essentials with you.
Keep an eye on your belongings while on the beach.
Do not leave items visible in your car. If you must leave items in the trunk of your vehicle, place them there prior to arriving at your destination.
Carry travelers checks instead of large amounts of cash. Divide your money and credit cards.
Do not leave your sliding glass door or screen open.
Protect against sun exposure
Hawaiʻiʻs tropical climate means we enjoy many days of sunshine, even in the winter. Protect your skin by wearing reef-safe sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher and proper sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt and pants), even when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are hidden behind the clouds. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially after swimming.
Every year, Oʻahu’s lifeguards remind visitors that the ocean is both inviting and unforgiving. Winter (roughly November through March) is when conditions demand the most respect.
North Shore Swells: Winter waves on the North Shore can tower to 30 feet or more. These are not for beginners—or even intermediates. Watch the action from the sand at iconic breaks like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline. It’s an unforgettable spectacle, but do not attempt to paddle out unless you are a seasoned surfer who knows the lineup.
Rip Currents: Powerful rip currents are common during high surf. If you’re caught in one, don’t panic or fight the current. Swim parallel to shore until you escape the pull, then angle back in. The safest bet: always stay near a lifeguard tower.
SUP Awareness: Even in calm bays, winds can shift quickly. SUP paddlers should avoid going too far offshore, especially in winter when tradewinds can push you into open water. Leashes and personal flotation devices are highly recommended.
Color-Coded Flags: Beaches across Oahu use a flag system. Red means high hazard (strong surf or currents), yellow means moderate hazard, and purple indicates dangerous marine life such as jellyfish. If you see a double red flag, it means the ocean is closed—do not enter.
Listen to Lifeguards: The golden rule is simple: if lifeguards advise against going out, don’t. Their local knowledge can save your life.
From Hawaiʻi Travel Authority:
Hawaiʻi's ocean and beach conditions are as unique as the islands themselves. Visit HIOCEANSAFETY.COM which constantly monitors the surf, wind, and reports from public safety officials that directly affect the conditions for safety of Hawaiian beaches. Use the hazard signs to quickly assess conditions and help you find the appropriate beach for your visit.
Hiking Safety
Don't risk your life for a selfie.
Stay on designated trails/paths.
Going out on edges could lead to a collapse.
“Because of the tremendous danger involved, it is illegal to hike on unmaintained trails, such as Stairway to Heaven. Even though you may see them featured on websites, you should avoid illegal hikes for your own safety.”
- Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
Visitor Assistance
If you experience an accident, medical emergency or are a victim of a crime and have a police report, please call the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi at (808) 926-8274.
Tips for Respectful Travel to Hawai‘i
Learn about the history of Hawai‘i – Understanding the islands’ complex past — including colonization by the U.S. and the ongoing Hawaiian sovereignty movement — adds depth to your visit and acknowledges the people.
Respect sacred sites – Cultural and spiritual sites are not tourist attractions — they’re places of deep significance. Avoid disturbing these areas, and never take sand or lava rocks home.
Dress conservatively when necessary – Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing inside cultural sites, and save swimsuits and bikinis for the beach.
Learn a few Hawaiian phrases – Simple greetings like “aloha” (hello/love) or “mahalo” (thank you) go a long way.
Engage with the culture and community – Attend local festivals, hula performances and other cultural events, and take the time to connect with residents — respectful conversations can offer meaningful insight into Hawaiian life and values.
Support local businesses – Shop at markets, eat at family-owned restaurants and choose Hawaiian-led tours to directly support the economy.
Practice responsible tourism – Leave no trace, stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife and be mindful of resource use. Protecting Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems is essential to preserving its beauty and biodiversity.
Be respectful of customs and traditions — Follow local etiquette and approach your visit with humility and a willingness to learn. An interest in their complicated past is a great start!
Hawaiʻi is the “endangered species capital of the world” and home to numerous invasive species that crowd out native and endemic species. Do not bring any form of agriculture with you on your trip.
Mānoa Falls Trail. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Winter temperatures on Oʻahu usually stay in the 70s with some days dipping into the high 60s and others creeping into the low 80s. The rainy season is typically from November to March, with the most rain usually in December. Rains often come in short bursts, alternating between sunny skies, but be prepared for days when it is grey and rains all day (it will still be warm).
What to pack: As most days will be sunny and warm, plan to pack beach clothes and sandals. We also advise packing a light sweater or jacket, an umbrella and light rain jacket.
Watches and Warnings
The National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu sends out watches and warnings in the case of severe weather. Visitors should pay attention to local news and NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the event's progress and instructions from Civil Defense authorities. Hotels will also provide information of what to do during various crisis situations.
In the case of a severe emergency, Civil Defense warnings may advise you to evacuate to higher ground or to an emergency shelter. Shelters are primarily located at schools and parks. These shelters do not supply food, water, clothing, blankets or first aid. For more information visit the Emergency Management Agency Website.
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency has a warning system to alert the public in case of an emergency. If you hear a steady siren tone for three minutes (which may be repeated), turn on the radio – 590 AM or 96.3 FM – or news or ask hotel personnel for instructions.
Note: The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency siren is routinely tested at 11:45 a.m. on the first working day of each month.
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch:
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning:
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Flood Advisory:
Exercise caution. Hazardous driving conditions. Be alert for ponding and debris on roadway, slippery roads and poor visibility.
Flood Watch:
Flooding is possible. Be alert!
Flash Flood Warning:
Flooding is imminent or already occurring. Get to high ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
Tsunami Watch:
Issued by Pacific Tsunami Warning Center after distant earthquakes with potential to create a tsunami in Hawaiʻi. Tsunami waves are possible.
Urgent Local Tsunami Warning:
Issued when a local earthquake has occurred and damaging waves are probable. Wave travel time may be as short as 10–20 minutes.
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