Is Oahu Worth Visiting? Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Visit
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With a whole world of opportunities, it’s important to know whether your next vacation will really be worth it. So, is Oahu worth visiting (for you)?
Every person is different, so below I’ll dive into all the reasons I believe Oahu is worth visiting, and some reasons it may not be. After all, no place is perfect. I’ve been visiting Oahu for the last 27 years and think of it as a second home. But even I understand the pros and cons of a vacation in Hawaii.
While the beaches, weather, culture, and food make it worth it for me, the costs, atmosphere, and experience may not be worth it for you.
Overall, yes – Oahu is worth visiting. Below I’ll tell you exactly why you should visit Oahu before diving into a few reasons it may not be for you.
Top 10 Reasons Oahu IS Worth Visiting
Here are just a few of my favorite reasons you’ll want to visit Oahu ASAP.
1. Beaches
Beach enthusiasts will likely love this island the most. The island boasts over 100 miles of shoreline beach for every type of beach goer. From busy popular beaches like Waikiki to quiet and secluded gems on the North Shore, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re a more active traveler than a beach bum, you can still enjoy the beaches. Oahu provides ample beaches for wind, body, or regular surfing, kayaking, boating, and more.
Sunny days with a nice breeze, head to world-famous beaches like Lanikai with its powdery sand or Hanauma Bay for snorkeling.The beach scene here without a doubt, has it all.
2. Culture
Native Hawaiian culture is steeped with traditions any visitor should have, at least, a basic understanding of. Developing alongside their environment over the centuries, Hawaiians have a deep connection with their lands and waters.
Their connection to nature is next-to-none, and very much worth learning about. Understanding the importance of Hawaiian culture is key to visiting the island sustainability and respectfully, as we all should. Spend time learning about their spirituality, laws, and sacred rituals while you’re here.
3. History
From early Asiatic civilization to Pearl Harbor, there’s loads of history within arms reach all over the island. Stroll through Iolani Palace for an in-depth perspective on the islands’ complicated history.
Visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor to explore the events that led the U.S into WWII. Stroll the Waikiki Historical Walking Trail and HVCB Markers for indigenous stories.
There are honestly too many museums to see in one visit, so decide what’s most important to you and add them to the itinerary.
4. Hiking
Any outdoor enthusiast will quickly fall in love with the hiking opportunities not only in Oahu, but all over Hawaii.
Searching for something short? Try the Waikiki Beach Walk. Looking for something challenging? Head to Three Peaks. Something unique? Try Koko Head. These are just a few of my favorites. Scenic views, waterfalls, and forests await!
5. Food
Known for living off the land, you won’t be surprised to find some fresh and delicious delicacies in Oahu.
Poke bowls of fresh fish and Poi made from taro root to fish tacos and the North Shore’s garlic shrimp, foodies will quickly fall in love with Hawaii. My favorite: Jenny’s Shrimp Truck on the North Shore. My boyfriend’s favorite: Loco Moco every morning for breakfast! What will your favorites be?
6. Resorts
When it comes to luxury high rise resorts, Oahu’s Waikiki Beach does it best! Staying in one of these resorts means being close to everything – shopping, restaurants, and some of the best spas on the island.
If you want to be right in the action, this is the place to be. I had the chance to stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach during my last visit – it was like being in a small city!
The staff were incredibly friendly, the sunsets were amazing, and being right on the beach is hard to beat.
7. Shopping
From local artisans to luxury labels, many visitors come to Oahu with a nearly empty suitcase! Most notably, Ala Moana Center is the largest open air mall in the world, and it’s a sight to be seen whether you plan to shop or not.
There are also plenty of farmer’s markets throughout the week on every corner of the island. The Kailua Farmers Market is my favorite place to find some fun new flavors. Hint: Sourdough pizza and Aloha Elote.
8. Surfing
Perhaps the most popular sport in Hawaii – surfing! I took my first surf lesson at the age of 10 and I’ve seen people over 50 out there catching waves. This is the perfect place to take a lesson if you want to fit in with the locals.
Doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? Don’t worry – there are famous spots, like the Banzai Pipeline, where people sit and watch professional surfers all day long.
I’ve done it, it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re mesmerized by the swells these pros can catch. Whether you want to get out there or just watch, make time to add some surfing into your vacation.
9. Weather
Lucky for us, Oahu is blessed with a warm, tropical climate year-round. No matter the time of year, you can enjoy a nice stroll on the beach. In the winter, it likely won’t be warm enough to hang out on the beach in a bathing suit, especially on the Windward side of the island. In the summer, it’s dry, sunny, and simply dreamy for beach lovers.
Winter also brings unpredictable scattered showers throughout the island. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying my days and it shouldn’t stop you either!
10. The People
Last but certainly not least, the people. I have been so fortunate to meet people from all walks of life in Oahu, and they make it worth visiting every time.
Spend time really talking to local artisans, tour guides, and servers. Each one will have a unique story worth listening to. Ask questions, be present, and gain a deeper understanding of what Hawaii means to them, and how lucky we are to be able to experience the island.
Reasons Oahu is NOT Worth Visiting
While these are a few of my favorite things, I also want to be honest about the downsides of visiting Oahu.
Honolulu is expensive
If you’re looking for a budget vacation, this ain’t it! Honolulu is one of the most expensive cities to vacation in, particularly because most accommodation options are higher-end resorts. Is it possible to visit on a budget?
Absolutely. In fact, my boyfriend and I “van-lifed” in Oahu for a month recently, bringing our vacation to under $3000 per week.
However, to give it to you straight, 3k for a week is considered a budget vacation in Oahu. For hotels and resorts, including food, a few activities, and a rental car, plan for $5,000-10,000 per week for two people. Note: this does not include flights.
Crowds
Oahu hosts over 5 million visitors annually. The majority of resorts are located in one central area, Waikiki, and quite frankly, it’s not a large island anyway. The crowds on Waikiki Beach and the traffic on a two-lane road two and from the North Shore can be overwhelming.
You can avoid the worst of the crowds by visiting in the off season, but you’ll be compromising with more frequent showers and cooler weather.
If you know you won’t enjoy the crowds during high-season, I’d recommend choosing a lesser visited island like Maui or Big Island. I have an entire post written by a local on the differences between Oahu and Maui to help you decide.
If you don’t like the beach
Okay, this one isn’t Oahu-specific, but if you don’t like the beach, an island vacation might not be for you! The beach is my favorite part, so I’ll add this to the “not worth it” side.
Realistically, however, Oahu has much more to offer beyond the shoreline. Whether it’s hiking, tasting, or immersing yourself in the history and cultural sites, you can definitely find a way around this one.
Weather
While the weather is a perk of being on a tropical island, Oahu also holds a few biodiverse rainforests and unpredictably windy weather (hint: the windward side). Particularly if you’re visiting during the winter, you can expect a bit of rainfall throughout the day.
For visitors hoping to see sunshine and clear skies, Oahu will not be worth visiting in the winter.
Top Attractions in Oahu
A few “can’t-miss” things to see around the island.
Pearl Harbor
Likely the most popular thing to do in Oahu is visit Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor is composed of five different sites, all holding unique history from the USS Arizona Memorial to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. The monument honors the attack that occurred on December 7, 1941 leading the US into WWII.
Diamond Head
Oahu’s prominent crater sits on the edge of Waikiki’s coastline. At only .8 miles long, this historic trail is visited by over a million visitors each year
Ala Moana Shopping Center
The largest open air shopping mall in the world is, of course, more than worth a trip. I won’t give it all away, but you’ll want to leave some room in your suitcase.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch, located on Oahu, Hawaii, is a popular filming location for movies like “Godzilla” and “Jurassic Park.” This 4,000-acre nature reserve combines cultural history with diverse recreational opportunities.
Byodo-In Temple
This non-practicing Buddhist temple stands as a replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. It was built in 1968 to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii.
Iolani Palace
‘Iolani Palace stands as a symbol of Hawaii’s enduring spirit, providing a deep look into its rich, complex history. Diving deep into Hawaii’s history is something I truly beg all visitors to make an effort to visit the island with an understanding of the culture of the land and its people.
Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation is the go-to for families visiting the island – it’s a giant playground of pineapples! I remember visiting as a child and encourage you to take yours. You can visit on your own or pick a circle island tour that spends a fair amount of time at the plantation. It’s so much fun!
This circle island tour gives you an hour at Dole which is a great amount of time to visit.
Popular Things to Do in Oahu
After you’ve hit all the must-dos, try out some of my favorite activities in Oahu.
Take a Surfing Class on Waikiki Beach
It should come as no surprise that surfing is a big part of a local’s day in Hawaii. I took my first surfing lesson when I was 10 and my problem was just 5 years old. You’ll see travelers from age 5 to age 50.
Circle the Island
Driving around Oahu is an experience in itself. Not just any old drive – the scenic route! There are a few “scenic routes” around the island you can do yourself. The most popular drive is around the eastern side of the island up to the North Shore.
Circle Island tours are also one of the most popular tours visitors take – it’s a great way to see everything in a short amount of time, especially if you’re trying to get around without a car.
Visit Lanikai Beach
Award-winning for a reason. Lanikai Beach is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. In the distance, drop-dead gorgeous views of the Mokulua Islands. If you’re an active traveler, grab a permit and kayak to Moku Nui.
Pro tip: this is best in the summer (June-September) when the water is flat and current is weak.
The Pillbox hike is nearby, also granting you unbeatable views of the Mokulua Islands, which is my favorite spot on the island to watch the sunrise.
Hike Koko Head Stairs
You’ve probably heard of the famed “Stairway to Heaven” – which is now illegal, and being taken down. Don’t worry – the Koko Crater Railway stairs are waiting for you. 800 stairs, 900 feet of elevation gain, and views that will knock your socks off. My boyfriend loves this hike so much he can run it in about 20 minutes (exhausting, wouldn’t recommend).
Spend the Day on the North Shore
The North Shore is the shiny gem of Oahu, in my opinion. Yes, it still gets quite crowded, and traffic can be slow, but it’s still so much quieter and quaint than Waikiki and Honolulu.
You’ll find small shops, miles of beautiful shoreline, Shark’s Cove, the Banzai Pipeline, and my favorite – the North Shore Garlic Shrimp trucks!!
Is Honolulu Worth Visiting?
Honolulu is absolutely worth visiting. Luxury resorts right on the famous Waikiki Beach, cool shops and tasty restaurants a short walk away.
You can head to Ala Moana open-air mall for some casual or luxury shopping. If you’re into hiking, some of Oahu’s best trails are just a short drive away, including the iconic Diamond Head.
And when the sun goes down, the Honolulu has tons of great nightlife. Whether you want to explore or just chill, Honolulu has it all.
FAQ
Is Oahu worth it?
Absolutely! Oahu is a beautiful island and an amazing place to visit. It will be especially worth visiting if you love beaches, history, and culture.
From Pearl Harbor and Lanikai Beach to the Polynesian Cultural Center, there’s something for everyone on Oahu.
Is Oahu or Maui better?
Maui is ideal for a nature-centric getaway with sparser beaches and activities like snorkeling and hiking. In contrast, Oahu offers an urban atmosphere with an exciting nightlife and cultural sites that attract many visitors.
Choosing between Oahu and Maui ultimately depends on your preferences.
What is special about Oahu?
The history and culture make Oahu most special. But, it’s also graced with miles and miles of beautiful shoreline, some delicious cuisine, and an exciting nightlife.
Is Oahu safe for tourists?
Absolutely! Oahhu is the 4th safest large city in the United States. It’s also ranked the safest metropolis to visit in the world.
Final Thoughts: Is Oahu Worth Visiting?
Oahu truly offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every type of traveler.
Head to some of my favorite beaches, mix them with some cultural heritage, try learning to surf, or pick up some delectable cuisine.
While it’s true the costs can be high and the crowds thick, especially in peak seasons, the blend of nature, history, and local life makes it a destination worth visiting.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Waikiki Beach, exploring the historical depths of Pearl Harbor, or enjoying the local flavors at a North Shore food truck, Oahu has something for you.
So, weigh the pros and cons, consider what you value most in a vacation. If you are asking, “why should you visit Hawaii?” hopefully this helps you decide whether it is the right choice for your next getaway. I know it always is for me.
