Stroll along white-sand beaches then shop for luxury goods on O’ahu. The most populated of the Hawaiian Islands is home to the capital, Honolulu, a cosmopolitan city with shopping, fine dining, big business and beaches. Visit memorials to those killed in the World War II bombing of Pearl Harbor just west of Honolulu and then continue to Waipahu. The former plantation town is today known for its golf courses, shopping and outdoor plantation museum.
Find some of the best beaches on the North Shore of O’ahu, an hour’s drive from the capital. Visit Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Hale’iwa along a 13-kilometre (8 mile) stretch. When it’s too cold to swim and the waves too rough in winter, come to watch the big international surf competitions that take place here. In summer, Pūpūkea Beach is a family-friendly beach great for snorkelling, swimming and diving.
Turtle Beach Resort offers luxury accommodation close to the North Shore beaches. Try traditional activities such as lei making, hula dancing and ukulele jams.
The waters on the eastern shore of O’ahu are generally calmer than the rest of the island and some beaches are wheelchair accessible. Go windsurfing and kite surfing around Kailua or hike to the lighthouse above Makapu’u Beach and enjoy views back across the shoreline. Stroll through the botanical gardens near Kāne’ohe to discover some of the native flora and fauna.
Explore further out to sea in kayaks and canoes or learn to paddleboard in shallower waters. Away from the beaches there are jungle trails where you can go horse riding, mountain biking and hiking.
Play golf on world-class courses. Discover bargains in outlet fashion stores or splurge on a designer handbag in the luxury boutiques in many of the island’s resorts.
Fly into Honolulu International Airport and then make your way around O’ahu by moped, motorcycle, hire car or taxi. You can also use “TheBus”, an affordable public transport system. Explore the beautiful natural scenery on marked trails across the island.
