Oahu Travel Guide: Waikiki, Honolulu & the North Shore
- Oahu packs the city (Honolulu, Waikiki) and the wild (North Shore surf, windward cliffs) onto one island.
- It's the easiest island to visit without a car — though you'll want one for the full circle-island loop.
- Start with the Oahu travel guide or the city-focused Honolulu guide.
- Short on time? A private Oahu tour covers the highlights in a day.
Oahu is where most Hawaii trips land, literally — Honolulu's airport is the state's main gateway. Waikiki puts a beach at the foot of the high-rises. Twenty minutes east, Diamond Head watches over the coast; an hour north, the North Shore turns into a winter surf arena. Pearl Harbor anchors the west. You can do a lot here on foot and bus, then rent a car for the days you want to roam.
Oahu Travel GuideWaikiki, the North Shore and visitor tips for the whole island.
Hawaii Travel Guide: OahuHonolulu travel tips and how to plan the trip.
Oahu Travel Guide BookThe best Oahu and Honolulu guidebooks compared.
Honolulu Travel GuideCity tips for Waikiki, downtown and beyond.
What each part of Oahu is known for
| Region | Known for |
|---|---|
| Waikiki / Honolulu (South) | Beach, dining, nightlife, Diamond Head |
| North Shore | Big-wave surf, shrimp trucks, laid-back towns |
| Windward (East) | Kailua, Lanikai, green pali cliffs |
| Leeward (West) | Pearl Harbor, Ko Olina lagoons, drier weather |
First trip to Hawaii and torn on islands? The travel tips page helps you match an island to your vibe, and the planning guide handles days and budget. Official info: Go Hawaii — Oahu.