Things To Do on Oʻahu

With the exception of hiking Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), Oʻahu's most famous attractions can take a whole day to experience. If you can only do one, go to Pearl Harbor — just make sure you get reservations for the USS Arizona ahead of time. If you have time for two, do Pearl Harbor one day and Kualoa Ranch on another. Kualoa Ranch has entirely different landscapes, activities and stories on the opposite side of the island. Doing both will give you a more well-rounded introduction to Oʻahu.

One of my favorite things about Oʻahu is how it keeps me moving — both in and out of the water. Oʻahu has some of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic hikes. If it’s your first time here, hiking to the top of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) is a must — don’t forget to make reservations ahead of time. If you are an experienced hiker and want to push yourself, hike Koko Crater Stairs. There are 1,048 stairs going straight to the top with no switchbacks — a brutal, but totally rewarding workout.

Not all Oʻahu beaches are created equal, and the same beach can look and feel entirely different depending on the season. Waikīkī is where you go to learn to surf (it's where I learned!), Ko ʻOlina's sheltered lagoons are ideal for swimming with kids and Hanauma Bay — home to more than 450 species of tropical fish — is the island's premier snorkeling destination.

Hawaiʻi has a complex and layered history, and in my humble opinion, no island tells that story more completely than Oʻahu. From Indigenous Hawaiian culture and the profound impact of Western contact to the enduring contributions of the state's immigrant communities, the island's museums and historic sites offer some of the most important cultural experiences in the Pacific. ʻIolani Palace is the best for Hawaiian royal history. Bishop Museum has an incredibly thorough archive depicting Native Hawaiian history over time. For entertaining cultural immersion with music, dancing, food and fire-knife performances, head to Polynesian Cultural Center for the day.

Hawaiʻi has one of the most diverse food cultures in the United States. Think beyond plate lunch, poke and shave ice when you come to O’ahu. Honolulu is one of the country's most exciting food cities, with a sophisticated craft cocktail scene, farm-to-table restaurants drawing from cuisines around the world and a thriving third-wave coffee culture. For the best Hawaiian food, visit Waiahole Poi Factory or Helena’s Hawaiian Food. For the most diverse food neighborhood, take a stroll through Chinatown. For malasadas, stop at Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue.

The best places to shop on Oʻahu are individually-owned boutiques and gift shops in Kakaʻako, Kailua, Chinatown and Kaimukī — this is where you will find the most locally-made products and apparel. Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī will have high end brands and almost anything else you could want, but keep in mind you'll pay a premium for the convenience.

You may not believe this — I didn't when I first moved here — but Oʻahu does have distinct seasons. Winter brings more rain, but also whale watching and big-wave surf events like the Billabong Pipeline Masters. Summer heat brings warmer, calmer water perfect for snorkeling and swimming on the North Shore. Spring and fall offer the best weather and, often, the best deals on hotels.