There is no place like Oahu… and if you’re planning a trip to the island, lucky you! Here are some of my favorite things to do on Oahu.
NORTH SHORE
An hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore is one of my favorite places in the world. I absolutely love it here! Start your day with a stop in Haleiwa and grab breakfast or lunch in this historic town before you head out on your adventure. During the summer months, the Country is flat and perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. In winter, the waves get big… in some places up to 25- 40 feet. There are several surfing competitions during the winter months (November- December) so beaches can get busy and you can expect even more traffic.
FAVORITE BEACHES:
- Haleiwa Alii
- Waialua
- Mokuleia
- Kaena Point
- Waimea Bay
- Sunset Beach
- Velzyland
EAT and DRINK:
- Nuy’s Thai Food – Waialua (Lunch)
- Pupukea Grill – Across from Shark’s Cove (Lunch)
- Haleiwa Joe’s – Haleiwa (Happy Hour)
- Opal Thai – Haleiwa (Dinner)
- Haleiwa Beach House – Haleiwa (Dinner)
- Turtle Bay Resort– Grab a drink at sunset by the pool, Lei Lei’s (Dinner)
- Waialua Sugar Mill – Get your coffee fix and take a tour of how coffee is made.
*Interested in swimming with sharks without a cage? Check out my blog post about my experience here.
WEST SIDE
Pristine, uncrowded and absolutely beautiful… they don’t call this the best side for nothing. Drive to the end of the road for some of the best beaches on the island and enjoy the view of the majestic Waianae Mountain Range. (Check the surf forecast or ask a lifeguard to make sure the water isn’t too rough before you go.) If you are traveling with family, visit Koolina for the Paradise Cove Luau or spend time in the lazy river at the Disney Aulani Resort.
FAVORITE BEACHES:
- Yokohama Bay
- Makua Beach
- Makaha Beach
- Electric Beach
EAST SIDE
Starting from November to May, this is where you want to be if you want to go whale watching. After Hawaii Kai, Kalanianaole Highway is a scenic road with dreamy views and plenty of lookouts where you can stop and enjoy the view. There are also several hikes along this route, including the Makapuu Lighthouse trail and Tom Tom trail. Rent a kayak in Kailua and head to the Mokulua Islands, or go on a full moon hike on the Lanikai Pillbox trail.
FAVORITE BEACHES:
- Haunama Bay
- Makapuu
- Waimanalo
- Kailua
PHOTO BY: DEL BROWN
SOUTH SHORE
Always sunny and rainbow sightings are almost guaranteed… Waikiki is busy, vibrant and your destination for nightlife and high-end shopping. (Chinatown also has a nightlife scene.) Take a surf lesson in Waikiki, or board a sunset catamaran cruise with your best friends. Wake up early, (really early) and walk towards Diamond Head if you want to enjoy the beach without the big crowds… but you can always count on these beaches being very packed.
*The Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks show every Friday night at 7:45pm.
FAVORITE BEACHES:
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- Kaimana Beach Park
EAT and DRINK:
- Ono’s Seafood – Amazing Poke! (Only a 10 minute drive from Waikiki.)
- South Shore Grill– on Kapahulu (Lunch and Dinner)
- Diamond Head Market & Grill (Lunch and Dinner)
- Banan – Acai bowls (Waikiki or Manoa)
- Duke’s Waikiki – (Lunch and Dinner)
- Uncle’s Bo’s – on Kapahulu (Dinner)
- Rum Fire – Sheraton Waikiki (Drinks)
- Yauatcha – (Happy Hour) Read about my experience here.
STAY:
- The Modern Honolulu – One of my favorite hangouts! Stop by for a drink at the pool, and stay for a night out at the Lobby Bar. Read about my experience in the Penthouse here.
- The LayLow, Autograph Collection – a boutique hotel with a friendly staff and great rooftop hangout space.
Have you been to Oahu? What are your favorite spots?
If you found this post helpful, feel free to spread the love and share it!
Want to know more about how to get to a place you saw on my Instagram… let me know and I’ll help guide you.
With Aloha, Alex
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