Oahu appropriately means “the gathering place”—not only is the island the seat of the state government and Hawaii’s financial and business center, it is also the home of nearly three quarters of the state’s total population. Over half its residents are concentrated in Honolulu, Hawaii’s state capital and premier city. This bustling metropolis is the nexus of Oahu, with all the glamor of a major urban center and tourist mecca. Waikiki, a magical mile of beachfront hotels, shops, restaurants, and endless entertainment in the southeastern quarter of the city, is one of the most famous destinations in the world.
Oahu’s urban nature makes it a less scenic island than the others, but the commercial tourism does have its benefits. Visitors need not look further than Waikiki to get their fill of tropical kitsch and frenzied nightlife, and downtown Honolulu offers myriad opportunities to explore Hawaii’s historical and cultural past. However, with little effort, visitors can venture beyond the gift shops and guided tours and uncover the island’s subtler treasures. On the Windward Coast, a pleasant drive passes by rickety fruit stands and acres of pineapple fields on the way to the fabled North Shore, home to some of the world’s best surf breaks. Drive 10 mi. up the Leeward Coast and both the scenery and the mood change dramatically; you’re in rural Hawaii, where inhabitants embrace a slower, more traditional way of life. The luxuriant Manoa Valley overflows with fragrant blossoms and tropical fruit, and hikers have their pick of countless trails that lead to pockets of unspoiled Hawaiian rainforest.
On Oahu, visitors can discover the multifaceted appeal of Hawaii. Oahu offers the Big Island’s hippie culture on the sands of the North Shore, Maui’s beauty and opulence in the Windward Coast’s resorts, Kauai’s natural splendor in the lush interior valleys, and Molokai’s rustic charm in the streets of Waimanalo. Consider this your crash course in appreciation of these magnificent islands.
Honolulu International Airport ( HNL; ☎ 808-836-6413; www.honoluluairport.com) is off the Airport exit from H-1, 9 mi. west of Waikiki. The airport is also accessible via Ala Moana Boulevard. Take Ala ...more
By Bus. Oahu’s public transit system, TheBus (☎ 808-848-5555; www.thebus.org) offers service across the island. Many people have expressed frustration that TheBus schedule is meaningless; indeed ...more
Honolulu’s main highway, H-1, runs east-west along the length of the city from Kaimuki to the southwest corner of Oahu, past the airport. Getting onto H-1 can be frustrating, as some streets only provide ...more
Many of Oahu’s services are based in Honolulu, but most tourist services can also be found in Waikiki (see Waikiki, Practical Information).
You’ll probably find the best deals in Waikiki, but options exist in other neighborhoods as well. These places usually cater to locals and businesspeople; in general expect a more homey atmosphere ...more
As a rule, the closer you are to Waikiki, the more populated the sand will be. Ala Moana presents a peaceful, nearby option for avoiding the crowds. Ala Moana Beach Park. (Open daily 4am-10pm. Lifeguards ...more
The Hawaii Maritime Center. The family-friendly Maritime Center chronicles Hawaii’s maritime history, from the outrigger ships of ancient Polynesian explorers to the present. The largest exhibit ...more
THonolulu Academy Of Arts. Over 30 galleries display the permanent collection and visiting exhibits of the Academy’s classic and contemporary artwork from local and international artists amid beautifully ...more
The Kennedy Theatre. On the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, the Kennedy Theatre is known internationally for its English-language presentations of Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian theater ...more
People’S Open Markets. These markets provide the chance to buy inexpensive produce from local farmers and fishermen. There are markets in Waikiki’s Queen Kapiolani Park , Makiki District Park (1527 ...more
Honolulu has all the tried-and-true nightlife formulas: laid-back budget dives, sports bars, swanky lounges, and live music venues. Fickle Honolulu crowds—including surfer boys, socialites, and the ...more
The pedestrian-only trails of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System lead through a variety of climates within a small area, where many unique plants grow. The bugs can get aggravating; pack insect repellent ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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