Oahu

Oahu Has 597 Square Miles and Most Visitors See About Three Miles of Them

Waikiki’s beach strip is real: the surf is consistent, the lessons work, and the sunset light is exactly as advertised. But staying on Waikiki without renting a car for at least one day means missing almost everything that distinguishes Oahu from any other tropical resort destination.

Pearl Harbor

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial encompasses the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the submarine Bowfin. Arrive at the visitor centre before 8:30am. The free boat ride to the Arizona Memorial requires a timed ticket available at recreation.gov or in person on the day (first-come-first-served). The white structure spanning the submerged battleship hull holds around 1,177 crew members still entombed below. The Missouri and Aviation Museum charge separately (approximately USD 27 to 30 each). The entire experience takes a half-day minimum.

The North Shore

The seven-mile stretch from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach contains the most famous surf breaks in the world. In summer (May through October) the water is calm and swimmable. In winter (November through April), swells of 15 to 30 feet arrive from the north Pacific and professional competitions – the Vans Triple Crown, the Eddie Aikau Invitational – run when conditions align.

Haleiwa town has Giovanni’s shrimp truck on the main road: garlic butter shrimp from a graffiti-covered trailer for approximately USD 15 per plate. The shrimp farms nearby supply the trucks.

Hiking

Diamond Head State Monument (USD 5 per person, plus USD 10 parking) is a 40-minute hike to the rim of a volcanic tuff cone with 360-degree views over Waikiki. Open from 6am; arrive early to avoid the queue. Koko Head Regional Park at the southeastern tip involves climbing 1,048 railroad ties used during WWII construction at a relentless gradient – 30 to 45 minutes up, better views than Diamond Head because you face the windward coast.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (USD 25 entry, advance reservation required, closed Tuesdays) is a marine sanctuary in a volcanic bay where snorkelling among hundreds of tropical fish is almost guaranteed. Reservations release 60 days in advance at hanaumabayreservations.com.

Food

Poke (raw fish with soy sauce, sesame oil, and additions) is the food for which Oahu is most credibly famous. Ono Seafood on Kapahulu Avenue charges approximately USD 12 to 14 for a two-scoop bowl. Loco moco (rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, gravy) is correct and served everywhere.

Getting Around

TheBus covers most major sights without a car (USD 3 per ride, USD 7.50 day pass). Rent a car for one day to cover the North Shore and Windward Coast. Avoid H1 during rush hour (7am to 9am, 4pm to 6:30pm).