Enjoy world-famous beaches, tiny surf villages, luxury shopping and cocktail bars on O’ahu, Hawaii’s most populated island. Fly into Honolulu, the state capital and O’ahu’s lively south-shore hub. Highrise hotels and boutique shops don’t detract from the city’s beaches, which are some of the most iconic on the island.
Drive west to find Pearl Harbor and a sobering monument to the American soldiers who lost their lives in the Japanese bombing of the U.S. naval base here in World War II. Brush up on more Hawaiian history in Waipahu, which lies further west and features a historic plantation village.
The North Shore, only a 1-hour drive from Honolulu, is a surfer’s paradise. Wave-heavy beaches like Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach offer plenty for both surfers and surfing enthusiasts. Visit age-old surfing villages like Hale’iwa. High winter waves bring international surf competitions. In summer, calmer waters let you snorkel and dive along the 13 kilometres (8 miles) of beach. Swim with turtles at Pūpūkea Beach.
For easy access to the North Shore, stay at the Turtle Beach Resort. Here, high-class lodgings are combined with fun activities like surf school, hula class and ukulele lessons.
Beaches with calmer waters line O’ahu’s east coast. Windsurf or kitesurf near Kailua. Take in the vistas of Makapu’u Beach from a cliff-side lighthouse. Visit the botanical garden by Kāne’ohe to find some peace among native plants and wildlife.
Explore the full range of O’ahu’s activities away from its world-famous beaches. Hire kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to explore rivers and streams. Seek panoramic lookout points by mountain bike, on horseback or by hiking along jungle paths. Play nine or 18 holes on one of many picturesque golf courses.
Fly into Honolulu International Airport and then traverse the island by hire car, moped or motorcycle. Taxis and public transportation, called “TheBus”, are also available.
Join the many holidaymakers, from backpackers and families to honeymooners, who come to relax and enjoy the many activities that Hawaii’s “gathering place” has to offer.
