Activities in Honolulu & Oahu
The island of Oahu is home to the Hawaiian state capital, Honolulu. Oahu welcomes visitors from around the globe with its bountiful outdoor activities, cultural and shopping opportunities, and inviting people. It's little surprise Oahu has been given the apropos nickname "The Gathering Place." Whether you prefer an adventure-filled vacation--or one that's more relaxing--you're bound to find it in Oahu and Honolulu.
Geography and Climate
Located between the islands of Kauai and Maui, Oahu offers nearly 600 square miles of towering mountain ranges, lush valleys and metropolitan cities. The months between April and November are generally warmer and drier, while December through March is cooler. However, with a daily average temperature of 74 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit and trade winds keeping the climate mild, Oahu is a pleasant place to visit year-round.
Getting There... and Getting Around
Located on Oahu, Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is also Hawaii's primary airport and serves as the entering point for the majority of visitors. Naturally this makes it easy to explore not just Honolulu and Oahu, but also the surrounding islands if you wish. Oahu has a variety of options for transportation, including shuttles, taxis and a good public transportation system. However, as it makes exploring both easier and faster, you may wish to rent a vehicle.
Honolulu
If you enjoy the artistic and cultural scene, or feel a vacation is not complete without shopping, relaxing at a spa, or hitting the dance clubs, Honolulu has much to offer. The Aloha Tower is a lighthouse located at Pier 9 of the Honolulu Harbor. Once the tallest building in Hawaii, the Aloha Tower Marketplace boasts beautiful views, and numerous dining and shopping options. The Bishop Museum houses Hawaiian artifacts, and royal heirlooms and offers daily presentations about Hawaiian history and Polynesian culture. Also in Honolulu are the Lyon Arboretum, the Contemporary Museum of Art and the Hawaii Maritime Museum. Don't forget to explore Chinatown and enjoy some dim sum or wander through the marketplace.
Oahu by Land
Nature lovers should be sure to hike Diamond Head, an extinct volcano, to Punchbowl Crater where you'll be rewarded with amazing views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. A hike through the rain forest yields breathtaking views of any number of waterfalls, including Waimea Falls, Manoa Falls and Maunawili Falls. Horseback riding, cycling and golfing are also available. And a visit to Oahu is not complete without a trip to Pearl Harbor where history buffs can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, while learning more about the surprise attack on December 7, 1944 that killed 1,177 people and led to the United States' entry into World War II.
Oahu by Air
Adventure seekers will delight in para sailing, hang gliding and paragliding. Or hop aboard a glider plane as your pilot takes you through some acrobatic flips and rolls for a topsy-turvy panoramic view of Oahu. A helicopter tour provides a more relaxing, but still thrilling birds-eye view of the island. And for a truly exhilarating experience, free-fall from 14,000 feet before pulling your ripcord and floating to the ground as you see Oahu as few have seen it.
Oahu by Sea
Oahu claims some of the best beaches in the world with stunning white sand that tempt even the most discerning sun-worshiper. With sand comes surf, and of course, Oahu is well-known for being one of the surfing capitals of the world. Waikiki, in particular, has warm water and waves appropriate for both novice and experienced surfers. At North Shore, surfers will find the biggest waves, particularly in the winter months. If surfing is not your thing, rent a kayak and explore the coastline, or take an underwater submarine for a glimpse of local marine life. Go windsurfing at Kailua Beach Park, the oft-named "Best Beach in the World", or relax aboard a sailboat while keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales. Fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, wake boarding, kite surfing and SCUBA diving are also available.
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