From historic sites and downtown diversions to natural wonders and scenic attractions, the island of Oahu has much more to offer than just sun and sand. To inspire you to get out and explore, we offer a dozen of the island’s most memorable day trips.

Photo: Polynesian Cultural Center
Catch a Sunset and Some Fireworks

On Friday evenings, locals and in-the-know vacationers converge on Waikiki Beach in anticipation of the weekly fireworks show staged by the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel. The pyrotechnics kick off around 7:45 p.m., but for a double treat, come early to catch the sunset over the water. A prime spot for viewing and photographing the fireworks is from the pier in front of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Find Inspiration at the Valley of the Temples

Buddhist, Shinto, Protestant and Catholic traditions coexist in this tranquil and scenic memorial garden, which is nestled into a valley at the foot of the Koolau Mountains on the eastern side of Oahu. A centerpiece of the memorial is the life-size recreation of an 11th-century Byodo-in Buddhist temple found in Uji, Japan. The garden-like grounds also hold a number of statues depicting saints, the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ. The setting provides a quiet, relaxing place for meditation. Photo: Robert S.D. Cross/Flickr
Immerse in The Sights and Scents Chinatown

This 20-block historic district in downtown Honolulu is not only one of the nation’s oldest Chinese-American communities, it is also a vibrant and inclusive community comprised of a mixture of native Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. Here, vendors offering ethnic foods and herbal medicines share space with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants that serve up a wide range of Pan-Pacific and Asian cuisines. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Climb to the Top of Diamond Head

The iconic profile of this long-extinct volcano is one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can enter the crater, and follow a half-mile trail that winds up in the inner walls of the crater, passing through tunnels and hidden stairways to reach an elevated observation post that was once key to the city’s aerial defenses. Today, this watch post has been transformed into a viewing platform that provides sweeping views of Oahu’s southwestern shore. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Snorkel the Reefs at Haunama Bay

It’s Oahu’s most popular snorkeling destination, and for good reason. Set between encircling hillsides that create a pool of calm water, the bay’s seabed is filled with living corals that are home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. Because it is a State Park, Haunama enjoys protected status, and visitors are provided with showers, bathrooms, changing areas and a tram for those who don’t want to make the ten-minute walk to the water. Come early to get a good parking spot, and remember that the park is closed on Tuesdays. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Tour Historic Iolani Palace

Now a National Historic Landmark, this island landmark is the only official royal residence in the United States. Iolani was home to the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, including King Kamehameha III. It later served as prison for overthrown Queen Liliuokalani, and was the capital in territorial times. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously restored building and grounds on their own, or join guided tours hosted by docents who recount the building’s history and lore. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Spend a Day at Kualoa Ranch

Nature preserve, cattle ranch, adventure park, movie set, wedding destination. The 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch is all this and more. Set in a sacred valley on Oahu’s eastern shore, this expansive property has provided the setting for films such as Jurassic Park and Skull Island. With landscapes that range from forested hillsides and lush grasslands to a white sand beach, visitors can enjoy everything from horseback rides and ATV adventures to zip lines and catamaran cruises. Photo: Oahu Visitors Bureau
Hike to Manoa Falls

Once a muddy path known only to locals, the trail to this popular waterfall is now well maintained and covered in a coat of shoe-friendly gravel. These improvements haven’t spoiled the experience, as the route still winds through verdant rainforests and bamboo thickets as it follows a babbling stream to the 150-foot cascade. To find the trailhead, look for the parking area at the top of the Manoa Road. And you might want to bring a light rain jacket, because this is one of the wettest places in Hawaii. Photo: Canaan Barger/Flickr
Pay your Respects at Pearl Harbor

In one visit, history buffs can visit the sites where World War II both began and ended. The USS Arizona Memorial sits over the remains of the battleship, which was sunk by the Japanese raid of December 7, 1941, resulting in the US declaration of war. Also in the harbor is the decommissioned battleship Missouri, on which the Japanese signed terms of surrender on September 2, 1945. It’s an ever-popular tour, so it’s a good idea to reserve in advance. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Go Native at the Cultural Center

Hotel luaus don’t compare to the celebration staged at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Set on 42 acres surrounding a lagoon on Oahu’s North Shore, the center is a collection of authentic villages and exhibits representing the island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Easter Island. Visitors can take canoe tours, and attend the famous Ali’i Luau, which combines traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment with the story of Hawaii’s royal history. Photo: Skylar Nielsen/ Polynesian Cultural Center
Catch a Wave at Waikiki

You don’t have to be a pro to ride the waves at Waikiki. Unlike the challenging and sometimes treacherous surf of the island’s north shore, Waikiki’s gentle rollers are fun and novice friendly. Numerous shops and concessions along the beach offer board rentals and lessons, and vacationers can also grab a paddle and join an outrigger canoe crew for a thrilling ride. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority
Take in Island Views at Tantalus Lookout

Some of the best views on Oahu are from the top of Mount Tantalus, and you don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy them. Four miles north of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, this 2,000-foot-high volcanic formation rises above forest canopies of Puu Ualakaa State Park to provide sweeping views of city and coast. A nine-mile scenic drive leads to the starting point for an easy half-mile loop trail that accesses the overlook. Many visitors come for the sunsets and stay to take in nighttime views of the city lights. Photo: Ge Nielissen/Flickr

12 Memorable Moments on Oahu
Published on: 1/09/18 By Pierce Hoover

More Photo Galleries

Plan

The end of Highway 560 at Kee Beach marks the beginning of the wild and unsettled section of Kauai known as the Napali Coast. To explore this pristine ...

Play

Big animal encounters, Diving with Goliath Grouper

10 Places in the Tropics for Big Animal Encounters

Coral reefs and colorful tropical fish are what many seek when they embark on snorkeling or diving adventures. But there are bigger fish in the sea, and ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: St. Thomas Beaches

Best known for shopping, dining and nightlife, this US Virgin Island sometimes gets passed up as a beach destination. But with 40 stretches of sand, quiet ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Anguilla Beaches

Anguilla is known for two things: luxury resorts and beautiful sand beaches. In all, the island offers 33 gorgeous stretches of powdery white sands formed from crushed coral and washed by clear aquamarine waters. Whether ...

Plan

Hawaii’s Natural Wonders

Hawaii is home to so many spectacular sights it's nearly impossible to picture just one iconic landscape when imagining the state's natural beauty. Sprawling beaches, towering coastal cliffs, tropical rainforests, ...

Play

Common Reef Fish of the Caribbean

What was that fish? More than 500 species of finned creatures live in the waters of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. While you may not see them all on ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Dominican Republic Beaches

The top beaches of the Dominican Republic dazzle with sugary white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Most of these are in the Punta Cana and Bavaro ...

Plan

Great Places to Watch a Florida Sunset

As the sun sinks toward the sea, the western horizon ignites in glowing hues of orange and pink. Yet another magnificent Florida sunset is underway, bringing ...

Stay

Six Caribbean Resorts Where Irresistible Hammocks Await

The word comes to us from the Taino people: amaca. These woven strands evolved from fishing nets into chairs, beds and carry sacks. Sailors slung them in the ...

Plan

Florida Lighthouses

Lighthouses appeal to the romantic in all of us, and Florida has its share of these iconic landmarks lining the coasts. This spider- legged structure, which dates from 1873, sits atop a reef in the Florida Keys named for the ...

Plan

Birds of Costa Rica

Home to more than 800 species of birds, Costa Rica is a favorite destination among bird watchers. But you don't have to be a dedicated ornithologist to ...

Plan

7 Colorful Caribbean Harbors

Caribbean harbors have an energy all their own. In contrast to the busy industrial ports of the world, they offer a more intimate take on nautical customs. ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Barbados Beaches

With more than 80 beaches to choose from, Barbados provides shore side diversions ranging from the relaxing to the inspiring and even the exhilarating. A trip ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: St. John Beaches, USVI

Finding a gorgeous beach on St. John is easy- the island's north shore is lined with one stunning strand after the next. Choosing a favorite beach might ...

Play

Cuba's Classic Rides

With U.S. imports cut off after the 1959 revolution, these vintage vehicles serve as a reminder of times gone by. This fleet of classic American cars from the ...

Play

How to Spot a Monkey in Costa Rica

Bird watching is fine, but for a real treat; search the treetops for monkeys the next time you are in Costa Rica. The country's extensive nature preserves ...

Play

Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations

Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic ...

Plan

The US Virgin Islands, Above and Below

Seen from above, the US Virgin Islands present a tantalizing hint of what lies below. When Caribbean waters transition from deep blues to vibrant ...

Plan

Earth Day Images From the Tropics

On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems ...

Plan

Great Escapes and Serene Spaces

There are private spaces far removed from the crowds and the everyday world. Set against the grand tapestry of nature, these spaces engender admiration ...

Stay

Iconic Pink Beach Resorts

The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th ...

Stay

Dream Sleeps: Resorts with Water View Bedrooms

Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have ...

Plan

Birds of Panama

Panama is a bird watcher's paradise. This Central American country lies at the heart of migratory routes between North and South America, and also harbors ...

Stay

Outdoor Showers: 15 Top Resorts with Amazing Private Open-air Cascades

There's nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might ...

Plan

12 Memorable Moments on Oahu

From historic sites and downtown diversions to natural wonders and scenic attractions, the island of Oahu has much more to offer than just sun and sand. ...

Stay

Superior Soaks: Amazing Resort Bathtubs in Tropical Garden Settings

Whether it's a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on ...

Drink

TropixTraveler's Top Picks: Margarita Recipes

Nothing says fiesta like a frosty margarita. But did you know that this most Mexican of cocktails was actually created by accident when a bartender in ...

Plan

Florida Beaches

Florida is surrounded by some of the most popular beaches in the world. But, it's still possible to find an empty stretch of sand. The key is timing. ...

Plan

10 Beautiful Black Sand Beaches of the World

They are sexy, silky and mysterious. Some are hidden and hard to find while others are well known and favored by beach lovers. Images of dark, dramatic ...

Plan

7 Amazing Caribbean Views to Add to Your Bucket List

7 Incredible Seascapes You’ll Want to Add to Your Bucket List.

Eat & Drink

Dining on the Sand in the Caribbean

We've rounded up seven of the best beach dining experiences in the Caribbean. At these resorts, you can wiggle your toes in the sand, gaze at the sun ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Seychelles Most Spectacular Beaches

The granite islands of the Seychelles showcase a unique combination of ancient rock formations, soft sands

More Photo Galleries

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling