After spending a few days in Maui and Kauai, we decided to complete our first trip to Hawaii by spending a couple of days in Oahu. The third largest Hawaiian island, Oahu isn’t called “The Gathering Place” for nothing. After enjoying the serenity and natural beauty of Kauai, Oahu was a different, but equally enjoyable experience where bustling city life and laidback beach resorts bring you the best of two worlds.

Oahu is the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu, Oahu’s biggest city and Hawaii’s state capital, stretches from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point on the southeastern shores of the island. Using the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu as a base, we had two days to discover Oahu.

Here are our recommendations for best places to visit in Oahu:

Waikiki is most famous for its sparkling white sand beach. The native Hawaiian people call it “spouting waters”, but the waters of Waikiki is calm enough to make it ideal for learning to surf. In the heart of Waikiki’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, you will also find the Waikiki Beach Walk filled with award-winning restaurants, boutiques, locally made products and nightlife spots. Covering nearly eight acres on Lewers Street, this is a great area to walk and people-watch. You can also learn about the history of Waikiki on the Waikiki Historic Trail where all the interesting facts from the past can be read on surfboard markers along the way.

The only royal palace on U.S. soil, Iolani Palace was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, his sister and successor, who reigned during the late 1800s. You can walk through the corridors, see the throne room, and find out where the queen was held under house arrest for 5 months. The palace is one of the best places to visit in Oahu! It is located in downtown Honolulu on the corner of King St. and Richard St.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Admission fees:mSelf-led audio tours are $6 for children between 5 and 12 and $14,75 for everyone older than 12.

The Waikiki Aquarium next to a living reef on the shoreline of Waikiki Beach has been looking after the local sealife for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904, it is the second oldest aquarium in the United States. It showcases more than 500 marine species and preserves more than 3,000 marine specimens. Check their website for information on special exhibits.

Opening times: Daily from 9am to 4:30pm except on special holidays. 
Admission fees: Children from 4 to 12 pay $5 and everyone older than 12 pays $12.

The Honolulu Zoo covers 42 acres between the slopes of Diamond Head and Waikiki. It is home to almost 1,000 animals, including elephant, Komodo dragons, a tiger, orangutans, and various other reptiles, birds, and amphibians. The zoo also showcases a botanical garden.

If you can, book a twilight tour from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Opening times: Daily from 9am to 4:30pm.
Admission Fees: Children from 3 to 12 pay $11 and everyone older pay $19. (Twilight tours cost extra.)

Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Oahu has some stunning scenery best witnessed from a higher vantage point. One of the best places to visit in Oahu with spectacular views are:

Hālona Point

The main attraction at Hālona Point, the Hālona Blowhole, has also been named one of Hawaii’s natural wonders. Hālona Point overlooks the Pacific Ocean north of Hanauma Bay where a blowhole sends geysers of up to 30 feet into the air. The height of the eruption is greater in winter when strong currents and big waves send strong currents of water into the molten lava tubes which from the blowhole. Also in winter, you may see humpback whales spouting at the surface from Hālona Point. On most clear days, the islands of Moloka’i and Lāna‘i are visible in the distance.

If you would like to see a different side to Oahu than Waikiki, a day trip to the North Shore is worth considering. The northwestern coast is only 90 minutes away and filled with popular local spots. Some of the best places to visit in Oahu are Turtle Beach or Laniakea Beach where Hawaiian sea turtles love to bask in the sun. Take care to listen to the conservationist volunteers who prevent visitors from getting too close to the turtles.

Oahu’s North Shore is also the island’s surfers’ paradise. Sunset Beach, where the well-known Uncle Bryan’s Sunset Suratt Surf Academy is, is a great place to stop to watch surfers in action, especially in winter when the waves are extra big.

A good place to have lunch is in the historic town of Haleiwa with its little shops, street art, and galleries. The nearby Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site is Oahu’s largest religious site and also worth a stop.

Who wouldn’t want to stay on Waikiki Beach? The historic oceanfront resort with its distinctive character and rosy hue features 528 rooms, including 33 suites of which 18 face the ocean. Our room featured koa seating, historic photographs and various items of indigenous art. We love the newly transformed Mailani Tower which was unveiled in 2015. The guest programs offer authentic experiences that highlight the indigenous culture and history of Hawaii. Of course, whether you stay at The Royal Hawaiian or not, drinking a cocktail at the world-famous Mai Tai Bar is a must. Sipping on a Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai while gazing your eyes over Diamond Head and the ocean is one of the most relaxing experiences to be had on Oahu.

Interesting facts about The Royal Hawaiian:

The temperatures in Oahu are warm year-round with the dry season is from April to October and the rainy season from November to March. The latter is better for whale watching and surfing. Avoid traveling in late December and in the U.S. schools’ Spring break in March or April if you like quieter holidays.

Most major U.S. domestic carriers and some international carriers fly to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu. As Hawaii’s major airport, it serves as entry point for most travellers to Hawaii.

Find out more about things to do and travel recommendations for the other Hawaiian islands in my posts Kauai, Hawaii | Dramatic Cliffs, Tropical Rainforests and Pristine Beaches and Driving the Road to Hana – How to Make the Most of a Day Trip.

Have you been to Oahu? Which are your best places to visit in Oahu Hawaii? 
Any recommendations? Comment below!