The Most Amazing Things To See in Oahu, Hawaii

Due to corona virus travel bans, maybe you’ve been putting off a trip to Hawaii for a while now. But once an end to social distancing, self-isolation, and even quarantining is finally here, you’re going to want to get outside and rejoice!

You will want to be ready once traveling is safe again, so now is the perfect time to make visiting Oahu one of your get-outside travel priorities.

Related Article: Tips for Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center

Why Oahu, Hawaii?

With so much to see, experience, taste and do, Oahu is one of the top destinations not only in the United States, but also in the world. Home to Honolulu, Hawaii’s state capital, and the famous Waikiki Beach, Oahu is a great destination where visitors can experience everything that is unique to the islands.

The state’s major airport, Honolulu International Airport (HNL), welcomes major domestic and international carriers from around the world, making it convenient to access. Hotels, AirBnbs, and even hostel options are plentiful, so finding a place to rest between your adventures is easy.

Don’t forget to check out my article 11 Tips to Become a Master Traveler for additional travel planning tips.

Ready for some Hawaii travel inspiration? Here are 14 of my favorite photos that will definitely inspire you to visit Oahu and learn more about the island.

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open year-round every day except for Tuesdays, Christmas and New Year’s Day. This is a great place to snorkel with the fish!

Plan to arrive early as this is a very popular tourist area or wait until the crowd trickles out in the mid-afternoon. During summer, the state park opens at 6 am and closes at 7 pm. It closes at 6 pm in winter.

Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate its beauty.

Diamond Head Crater

Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history.

The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu, on the south shore of Oahu, is the state’s capital and perhaps best of all, is known as the home of the Mai Tai drink and Hawaiian luau.

Dole Plantation

It might be considered a tourist trap but no vacation to Oahu is complete without a visit to Dole Plantation.

Located outside Wahiawa town along the way to Oahu’s North Shore, the plantation offers a number of fun activities, including their world famous Pineapple Garden Maze, the Pineapple Express Train, the Plantation Garden Tour and their extensive Plantation Center and Country Store.

Sunrise at Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is quite popular for photographers because of the two islands in the background called the Na Mokulua or “mokes”. Kayakers frequently paddle out to the larger northern island, but no one is allowed on the southern island as it is a bird sanctuary.

Makapu’u Lighthouse

Hike the two mile round trip Makupu’u Point Trail for a chance to view migrating humpback whales in season (November – May). Binoculars are suggested for viewing the whales and seabirds.

An interpretive sign and viewing scope along the trail help you view and identify the whales seen from this location.

Although the Makapu’u Lighthouse itself is off limits, hikers on trail have two opportunities to view it, including a great side view with a private curving walkway that leads to the structure.

The USS Arizona Memorial

Oahu is the only place in the United States that was physically affected by World War II. On December 7, 1949, Japanese bombers flew over Pearl Harbor and dropped the bombs that would officially bring the United States into the war.

A trip to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is perfect for history buffs and families of all ages looking to add an element of education to their trip. Take the ferry out over harbor waters to view the memorial and learn about the fateful day that changed the country forever.

Pineapple Farm

Hawaii Pineapple Company is the last family owned and operated commercial-scale pineapple farm in Hawaii.

Located in Kunia on the island of Oahu, they are dedicated to growing Hawaiian Crown™ Sweet Gold™ Pineapple for Hawaii and export markets.

Surf’s Up

Typical beach weather means that daytime highs hover in the low 90s in the summer months and dip into the low 60s in the winter.

When planning your trip, remember that November through March tend to be the islands’ rainy period. But no matter when you’re visiting Hawaii, sign up for surf lessons and hang 10!

Green Sea Turtles

High on the list of nearly everyone who visits Hawaii is seeing the elusive and endangered honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle). Lucky scuba divers and snorkelers sometimes spot them in the waters near Turtle Bay, Lanikai Beach, and Hanauma Bay.

If you’re not a diver or snorkeler though, there is one place that almost never disappoints, whether you are swimming in the ocean or watching from land: Laniakea Beach on Oahu’s north shore.

Hanauma Bay and Port Lock Peninsula

View as seen from the Koko Crater Trail. This hike is located on the hot, dry south side of the island with no shade.  Start as early as possible as it will only get hotter as the sun rises.

Oahu Beaches

Life is always a beach on Oahu. With water temperatures ranging between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure to allow time for swimming in the clear, clean, and generally warm Pacific.

Whether you choose to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a nature reserve on Oahu’s south east side, or try your hand at surf lessons on Waikiki Beach, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Hike the Koko Crater Railway Trail

This Oahu hike will test your endurance and strength to continuously take each step up the mountain as you climb over 1,000 steps to reach the top!  As challenging as it sounds, hiking the Koko Head trail is a fun and very popular hike on Oahu.

Give yourself 1 ½ to 3 hrs for this hike, depending how much time you wish to spend at the top.

Ready To Plan Your Trip?

After viewing these 14 spectacular inspirational travel photos, are you ready to start planning your trip to Oahu? I know I am!

If you do plan a trip to Hawaii, what place do you want to see the most? Let us know in a comment below.

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