What to see on Oahu attractions. What to do there? The main attractions of the island of Oahu

We invite you to see the main attractions of Oahu. Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Volcano are the hallmark of the island. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the heart of a Pacific paradise. Luxury combined with the most vibrant beaches. Here is the best beach holiday in Hawaii - every traveler's dream. Eden for hearts in love.

Excursions to Oahu and activities for all tastes are designed to introduce you to the beauty and diversity of the island. The most popular places on Oahu include, historical Center city ​​and Waikiki beach. It’s better to order in advance - the show is one of the top 10 best in America. Be sure to visit the world famous Kailua Beach and, if you're lucky, find an empty seat at a table at President Obama's favorite restaurant. The best snorkeling in Hawaii is definitely in the flooded crater of the Hanauma Bay volcano, and if you don’t feel like peeing, you can even see the underwater world of Hawaii from a submersible. The famous surfing capital on the North Shore with 12-meter waves and other best beaches of Oahu, of which there are more than 120, cruises and romantic sunsets in the ocean, helicopter flights in Hawaii (even without doors) and of course walks will make your An unforgettable vacation on Oahu.

Oahu Island attracts more tourists than any other island in Hawaii. About 6 million tourists (mostly from the American mainland and Japan) come here every year to enjoy the quintessential beach holiday. WITH with total area 1,545 km2, Oahu - a bird's eye view, clearly visible two mountain ranges on each side of the island: Waianae on the west coast and Ko'olau on the east.

Mother Nature carved out green valleys and decorated the island with sandy beaches. With colorful sunsets, beautiful pristine nature, a huge variety of golden beaches and weather that fluctuates between ideal and perfect, Oahu has a lot to offer vacationers. The island attracts visitors with its incredible natural beauty and developed tourist infrastructure. The island is home to almost 1 million inhabitants, but the number of visitors increases the island's population by approximately 100,000.

DIAMOND HEAD CRATER

Interesting places in Oahu

Beaches

Oahu- A mecca of sun and sand, revered by fans of beaches and water sports. Oahu has over 125 beaches to suit every taste; the very name of the island is synonymous with the beaches and the ocean. With an average annual water temperature of 25˚C, it is easy to see why millions of visitors from all over the world regularly come here on holiday. Each of the beaches has its own unique features that make it stand out from the rest. Some of them are popular among surfers, others are suitable for sailing, and others are ideal for a comfortable family holiday.

WAIKIKI

Hanauma Bay. Just 10 miles from Waikiki, Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu. The small beach, surrounded by palm trees, is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, destroyed on one side by the ocean. A sheltered bay provides protection from strong currents and big waves- ideal conditions for swimmers and divers. Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has received the status of a nature reserve (Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve). Paid access since 1998 has led to a decline in the number of holidaymakers. In 2002, the Maritime Education Center was opened; visitors are required to first watch a short film and become familiar with the rules of caring for the nature of the bay. Today, Hanauma Bay receives an average of 3,000 visitors per day, or about a million per year.

HANAUMA BAY

Halona Beach Cove. Next to Hanauma Bay is Halona Beach Cove, a small but very beautiful cove. The film From Here to Eternity was filmed here.

BAY OF ETERNITY

Waimanalo Beach with a total length of almost 9 km, it is the longest sandy beach on the island of Oahu. The beach has avoided commercial development (there are no hotels nearby), is notable for its local color and proximity to the Hawaii Sea Life Park.

MAKAPUU BEACH

Lanikai Beach— A one and a half kilometer long beach on the east side of Oahu, rarely visited by tourists. Since the morning, photography enthusiasts have been trying to capture the famous sunrise. The beach looks beautiful with the Koolau Mountains in the background. When the trade wind blows, sailing and windsurfing are practiced on the beach. Calm waves, white sand, beautiful panorama in all directions. There are no toilets, showers, or even parking for cars, but the beautiful beach with white sand and calm turquoise water completely compensates for these shortcomings.

Kailua - Kailua Beach Oahu has more spectacular beaches with better swimming conditions, but none offer as many options as Kailua Beach. Fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, water sports equipment sales and rental. A popular kayaking destination is Popoi'a Island, located approximately 400 m from the shore. Condé Nast magazine named Kailua Beach the best beach in the United States in 1998. On weekends, the beach is visited by many locals; on weekdays there are practically no vacationers.

Laniakea Beach is located about 4 km south of Waimea Bay. Laniakea Beach is most commonly referred to as "Turtle Beach" because endangered green sea turtles have been basking on the beach's warm sand since 2000. The turtles were attracted to the abundance of seaweed in the area. Volunteers are on duty on the beach, they stretch a red rope around the turtles in order to limit them from beach visitors. Bring your snorkel and mask and enjoy swimming with the turtles. Never touch turtles, otherwise you may receive a heavy fine.

LANIAKEA BEACH

Malaekahana Beach If you want to be in Hawaii before the moment when jet planes brought millions of vacationers here, then Malaekahana Beach is your place. Surprisingly, very few visitors visit Malaekahana, one of the best beaches on Oahu.

Kahana - Kahana Bay Beach Park The crescent-shaped beach is set against the backdrop of a lush valley with towering cliffs. Kahana Beach has good fishing and ideal kayaking conditions. Add in picnic areas, camping areas, and forested walking trails and you have some of the best beaches on the island.

Ko'Olina Lagoons. The owner of the huge Ko’Olina Resort complex created four artificial sandy lagoons, turning them into convenient places for a beach holiday at any time of the year. The almost completely round lagoons are surrounded by white sandy beaches bordered by grassy lawns. The generally calm waters are ideal for swimming, and snorkelling can be enjoyed around the boulders at the entrance to the lagoons.

North Shore of Oahu Considered the surfing capital of the world. Every winter, the northern coast of the Hawaiian Islands is hit by swells - long sea waves formed as a result of storms and storms thousands of kilometers to the north in the area Bering Sea. Such waves are much more stable in their direction and periodicity than ordinary waves formed by the wind, and therefore more favorable for surfing. The North Shore, in the context of Oahu's geography, refers to the northern coastal area of ​​the island between Kaʻena Point and Kahuku Point. The largest settlement in the area is Haleiwa. Every December it hosts the Triple Crown of Surfing, a series of three world-famous competitions. The most famous beaches are described below.

SURFING ON NORTH SHORE

Ehukai – Ehukai Beach Park stretches continuously as a continuous strip of sand with only one sign - EHUKAI BEACH PARK. Most people think of it as one beach, but in reality there are three separate beaches following each other. Long, wide, white sand, Ehukai Beach is famous for its winter surfing. Swimming is safe during the spring and summer months, but rip currents offshore and strong waves make swimming unsafe during the winter. Access to Pipeline and Banzai beaches via Ehukai Beach Park.

Pipeline Beach located next to Ehukai Beach Park near the small town of Pupukea on the north coast of Oahu. When the surf reaches the shallow coral coast in winter, the waves are so steep that the crest of the wave, falling forward, forms an almost perfect pipe (“pipeline” in translation). For years, masters struggled to ride these waves, many of them falling, suffering lacerations and broken bones on the shallow reefs.

Pipeline- The most famous spot for huge waves on the north shore of Oahu, it is often called the deadliest wave in the world ( average height waves are almost 4 meters). More surfers have been killed or seriously injured at Pipeline Beach than anywhere else in the world. The most important competitions in the world of professional surfing take place here.

Banzai - Banzai Beach West of Pipeline is a strip of beach that surfers call Banzai. The Japanese word "banzai" means the battle cry of "hurray" or "forward." In the late 1950s, director Bruce Brown was making one of the first surfing films, Surf Safari, and saw a surfer riding a huge wave. Brown shouted, "Banzai!" and from then on the name stuck. In winter, this is a very popular beach among surfers, curious locals and visiting holidaymakers. During the summer months there are not very many people here. Again, access to the beach is through Ehukai Beach Park.

Waimea - Waimea Bay- one of the most beautiful beaches islands of Oahu. From October to April, huge waves roll onto the beach, creating a strong rip current. Even professional surfers are at risk when high waves, up to 5 meters high, crash violently onto the shore. It’s hard to believe that in the summer this same bay is quiet and calm - perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, diving. On the right side of the beach, turtles swim very close to the shore. The most interesting moment of the visit is the jump from the famous lava rock.

WAIMEA BAY

Sunset - Sunset Beach One of the most popular beaches on the island of Oahu. During the season (September-April) swimming is very dangerous due to high waves (5 meters and above) and strong rip currents off the coast. The only safe period for swimming is summer. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays.

The main attractions of the island of Oahu

Polynesian Cultural Center — theme park entertainment under open air at the same time, located on the northern coast of the island of Oahu. The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most visited tourist sites in Hawaii. A competition is held annually on its territory in which participants demonstrate their mastery of fire knives. The park has an IMAX cinema where you will see 15 min. film about Hawaii. There is also a lagoon where visitors can canoe. On the territory of the Polynesian Cultural Center, villages of the peoples of Polynesia were built, including traditional houses of Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (now New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and the Marquesas Islands. In addition to the villages, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a special exhibit on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Each village puts on a show at certain times of the day. We highly recommend visiting the center of Polynesia with an experienced guide. Our guide will carefully plan your time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. this way you can see all the most interesting things and not miss anything. You will be introduced to the characteristics of each Polynesian culture. Visitors are invited to participate in a luau (traditional Hawaiian party).

Sea Life Park Hawaii- one of the main attractions of the island of Oahu. Opened in 1964, the park allows visitors to interact with marine animals, swim with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, and feed turtles. The park also houses a bird sanctuary and an aquarium.

Buddhist Temple Byodo-In Temple located in the Valley of the Temples and is a replica of a 900-year-old temple in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Inside is a 3m gold-plated wooden Buddha figure. With the Ko'olau Mountains as a backdrop, the temple is surrounded by ponds and Japanese gardens. Byodo-In Temple is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. People of all faiths take part in his services. In addition to services, the temple grounds are often used for weddings and official events.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE BIODO-EUN

Sacred Falls State Park located on the north coast of Oahu. The park encompasses the Kaluanui Canyon and the waterfall at its very end, after which it is named. The falls have been closed to the public indefinitely since a fatal rock collapse occurred on May 9, 1999, in the canyon. Eight tourists were killed and many were injured. The only way to see this beautiful natural creation is by helicopter.

Nuʻuanu Pali observation deck offers panoramic views of the Nuʻuanu Valley and the northeast side of Oahu. Nuʻuanu Pali was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hawaiian history, during which Kamehameha captured the island of Oahu in 1795 and united it under his rule.

ISLAND OF OAHU
















Oahu is an island in the Hawaiian Islands, home to the capital of the state of Hawaii, Honolulu, the famous beaches of Waikiki and Lankai, Pearl Harbor and the Diamond Head crater and Haiku Stairs. In addition, there are beaches, mountains, a national park with albatrosses and other interesting places.

I will tell you about all these attractions of Oahu and where they are on the map, about transport around the island, how to get there, where it is better to stay and show our photos.

What to see on the island of Oahu

Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head is a crater of the long-extinct Ko'olau volcano on the eastern outskirts of Honolulu. It is about 200 thousand years old, so it does not look as “volcanic” as, for example, the craters on or. Geologists believe that there will be no new eruptions here.

The native Hawaiians called this place Lē"ahi.

Ticket price: $1 per person or $5 per car with any number of passengers.

The trek up and back takes 1-1.5 hours.

There are a lot of warnings at the entrance. There are many signs along the entire track at the slightest suspicion of a fork. Step left and right - execution!

And this is the "path". Higher up she became more natural.

From the top you can see the city of Honolulu and the eastern shore of Oahu, including Waikiki Beach.

There were many birds in the park.

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii

Honolulu is the largest city and administrative center of the state of Hawaii; 400 thousand people live here.

Honolulu means "sheltered bay" in Hawaiian. The Polynesians discovered this territory back in the 11th century, and the first Europeans (the British) arrived here in 1794. In the early 19th century there was an attempt to establish a Russian protectorate here, but the United States intervened and annexed the territory.

The most famous place in Honolulu is Waikiki beach(Waikīkī Beach). We looked at it from Diamond Head Crater and didn’t understand why we should go there at all, given the crowds.

The sand here is bulk, and due to erosion it is constantly being washed away.

There is a similar one nearby Kuhio beach(Kūhiō Beach).

In addition to a beach holiday, there are several other interesting places.

Sights of Honolulu:

1. Iolani Palace(Iolani Palace, Hawaiian "sky hawk") is the former residence of Hawaiian monarchs and the only royal palace in the United States. Built in 1882.

2. Ali'olani Palace(Aliʻiolani Hale, Hawaiian "house of the heavenly kings") was built in 1874 by the Hawaiian kings. This is now the site of the Hawaiian Supreme Court. Admission is free Mon-Fri from 8 to 16.

3. Aloha Tower(Aloha Tower) is a lighthouse, sentry and observation tower, located at Pier 9 in Honolulu. Built in 1924. Its height is 56 meters, there are 10 floors - for a long time it was the most tall building in Hawaii.

The observation deck on the 10th floor is open daily from 9.30 to 17. It is better to come not during rush hour, because its capacity is only 24 people.

4. Art Museum (Honolulu Museum of Art): Home to one of the largest collections of Asian and Pacific art in the United States, plus works by American and European artists.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10-16.30, closed on national holidays. Ticket price is $20. Free: third Sunday of the month.

5. Bishop Museum(Bishop Museum): a natural history museum and the world's largest collection of Polynesian art.

Opening hours: daily 9-17 except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ticket price is $24.95.

7. Chinatown- an ordinary Chinatown, like in other cities of the world.

8. Also in the city there is zoo And aquarium.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a harbor near Honolulu where the US Navy's Pacific Fleet base is located.

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, which triggered the United States' entry into World War II. The films "Tora! Tora! Tora!" were made about those events. and Pearl Harbor, and now there is a memorial here.

  • Monument (National Monument) - from 7 to 17.
  • Battleship Missouri - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • USS Bowfin Submarine - 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Aviation Museum (Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum) - from 9 to 17.

Ticket price for everything: adults $72, children $35. There are cheaper ticket options if you only want to visit select locations.

Walk along the sea and albatrosses (Ka"ena Point State Park)

Kaena Point(Ka"ena Point State Park) is the westernmost cape of Oahu.

The trail goes along the sea and mountains, starting from the end of road 930. You can get to the same place by walking from the end of road 93, but locals say that it is more dangerous to leave a car there.

Looking ahead, we have never encountered such a parking lot, and we have never seen cars with broken glass on the 4 islands of the state of Hawaii, and we have traveled there a lot.

Saw huge ones albatrosses, which hovered directly above us. There at the end of the road they were expected seals monk seals, but there were none :(

People for scale :)

Then we drove around the island, literally driving around it up and down. There was nothing super exciting there, but the scenery was quite nice :)

Very strong waves in places:

But some people don't care:

Beaches on the island of Oahu

All of these beaches are marked on the map of Hawaii that I have included at the end of the post.

For swimming: Pōka‘ī Bay, Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, Waimanalo Beach, Makapu‘u Beach.

For snorkeling: Hanauma Bay, Kāne‘ohe Bay.

For surfing: Banzai Beach, Sunset Beach, Mākaha Beach. The big wave season is from December to March.

Turtles

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center has a Polynesian village, restaurant, and day and night shows.

Ticket prices start at $90 (show + dinner), so we didn’t attend.

Haiku Stairs

The Haiku Staircase is a steep path on the island of Oahu. It consists of 3922 steps and leads to the top of the Kula ridge. It begins as a simple wooden ladder attached to a rock on the south side of Haʻikū Valley. The steps rise to a height of 850 meters above sea level and offer views of the entire island. Sometimes at this altitude there is dense cloudiness, and the peak is hidden in the clouds. That's why this route is sometimes called "Stairway to Heaven."

"Haiku" is not named after Japanese poetry, but after the flower Haʻikū (Grevillea Banks).

Since 2012, the Haiku Staircase has been officially closed to tourists: (Illegal passage through it is fined for thousands of dollars, but people still continue to climb there and run into fines and arrests.

How to save on entrance tickets

Combos are sold on Oahu. entry tickets Go Oahu City Card: .

There is also an option to compose a card for yourself only from those places where you definitely want to go and in this way.

  • snorkeling, kayaking, rafting, surfing, SUP,
  • hiking, riding horses, jeeps and bicycles and other types of active recreation,
  • zip line, yoga, spa, cooking classes, fire shows and Polynesian dancing, photo shoots and much more for children and adults.

Where to Stay on Oahu

Hotels, inns and apartments

The island is small, but unlike Kauai and Maui, there are many more people and cars. There are traffic jams in Honolulu.

If you are more interested in museums and nightlife, then it will be more convenient to stay in Honolulu. If beach holidays and nature, then in the southeast of the island.

Considering restaurant food prices in the US, look for catered options.

The best hotels according to tourist reviews:

Hotels around the island:

Camping on Oahu

We stopped on Oahu for couchsurfing and never spent the night in campsites, but the rules for staying there are the same as on Kauai, Maui and Big Island. We have about Hawaiian camping.

How to get there

There is one airport on the island - Honolulu (IATA code: HNL). Airplanes fly here from other Hawaiian islands and some cities on the US mainland.

If you are planning to visit all four islands in Hawaii, then .

How to find the cheapest tickets to Honolulu from any country

To find cheap flights, I usually compare prices using several aggregators. They all have the same principle - they search for tickets in the databases of hundreds of airlines, but their databases may differ, so the price will be better in one or the other - check everything at once.

  • - incredibly flexible search, and there is a guarantee of a connection, even if you are flying low-cost airlines and the first flight is delayed!
  • - the best prices for tickets from Russia and Kazakhstan, a convenient calendar of low prices.
  • - there are good prices for tickets from Ukraine.

By the way, KIWI gives 20 euro coupons for air tickets to new users, but they can only be received by email. If anyone needs it, I can send you an invitation.

Get 20€ on kiwi.com ➜

Calendar of low prices for air tickets:

Life hack: how we saved $80 on Hawaiian flights

On most Hawaiian flights, you can carry 2 hand luggage of 8 kg each, plus the so-called personal item, which can be a laptop bag or a small backpack (the size depends on the arrogance of the passenger). Thus, we checked only a large backpack as luggage, and carried everything else in hand luggage. We also took advantage of this rule on other Hawaiian flights and saved a total of $80!

You can rent two-wheeled vehicles from a bike to a Harley.

Rental prices per day:

  • regular bike from $25
  • scooter (moped) from $45
  • electric bike from $50
  • motorcycle Honda, Kawasaki from $70
  • Yamaha motorcycle, Harley-Davidson from $120
  • Harley-Davidson Heritage motorcycle from $180

This is an analogue of car rental sites only for two-wheelers and ATVs. There is the same system: reservation, deposit, payment by card, the appropriate rights are required. The kit includes a helmet (two helmets for motorcycles and mopeds), a lock, and a case for things (if needed).

When renting, you pay 10-15%, the rest is already in place.

Public transport - buses

Oahu is the only island in the state of Hawaii where there is a normal public transport. Large TheBus buses travel around the island.

Schedule and route map: thebus.org/SystemMap/TheBusSystemMap.pdf

Ticket price is $2.75, day pass is $5.50. Payment is made in cash without change; money must be thrown into a special box near the driver.

To stop a passing bus, you need to stand under the stop sign. Inside the bus, the signal to stop is to pull the cord that hangs across the entire bus.

You can transport bicycles if there is space. They are attached to the front of the bus on the outside.

Tours in Honolulu

There are no package tours to Oahu. But you can easily book a flight and hotel and rent a car yourself, using my tips above.

Oahu island on the world map

Oahu is part of the state of Hawaii in the USA and is located in the northern part Pacific Ocean. There is a red dot in the screenshot.

See all the attractions of Oahu and other Hawaiian Islands on an interactive map. You can move it, increase it, decrease it, and also download points to your smartphone.

When to go to Oahu - weather and climate

All Hawaiian Islands are good all year round :)

High season: December-April and June-August. Many people. Housing prices rise by 50-100%, especially between Catholic Christmas and Happy New Year. Winter is wetter, but is the best time to see whales and surf. Summer is hotter.

Transition season: from May to September. The air and sea temperatures are pleasant, mostly sunny. Crowds and prices decrease except during school holidays.

Low season: October and November. There are the fewest people, flights and hotels are the cheapest. The weather is dry and hot - it's bad to go hiking.

Oahu attracts more tourists than any other island in Hawaii. About 6 million tourists (mostly from the American mainland and Japan) come here every year to enjoy the quintessential beach holiday. With a total area of ​​1,545 km2 (71 km long and 48 km wide at its widest point), Oahu is the 20th largest island in the United States. From a bird's eye view, two mountain ranges are clearly visible on each side of the island: Waianae on the west coast and Koolau on the east.

Mother Nature has carved green valleys, decorated the island with sandy beaches of all spectrums of colors, from white to black, there are even green and red. With colorful sunsets, beautiful pristine nature, a huge variety of golden beaches and weather that fluctuates between ideal and perfect, Oahu has a lot to offer vacationers. The island attracts visitors with its incredible natural beauty and developed tourist infrastructure. The island is home to almost 1 million inhabitants, but the number of visitors is approximately 6 times the island's population.
Oahu Island Map
Interesting places in Oahu

Beaches

Oahu is a mecca of sun and sand, revered by fans of beaches and water sports. Oahu has over 125 beaches to suit every taste, the very name of the island is identified with beaches and the ocean. With an average annual water temperature of 25˚C, it is easy to see why millions of visitors from all over the world regularly come here on holiday. Each of the beaches has its own unique features that make it stand out from the rest. Some of them are popular among surfers, others are suitable for sailing, and others are ideal for a comfortable family holiday.

Hanauma Bay(Hanauma Bay). Just 10 miles from Waikiki, Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu. The small beach, surrounded by palm trees, is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, destroyed on one side by the ocean. The sheltered cove provides protection from strong currents and large waves - ideal conditions for swimmers and divers.

Since 1967, Hanauma Bay has received the status of a nature reserve (Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve). In the 1990s, an excessive influx of vacationers (about 3 million per year) posed a serious problem for the fragile ecosystem of the bay. Paid access since 1998 has led to a decline in the number of holidaymakers. In 2002, the Maritime Education Center was opened; visitors are required to first watch a short film and become familiar with the rules of caring for the nature of the bay. Today, Hanauma Bay receives an average of 3,000 visitors per day, or about a million per year.

Some tips:

If you rent a car, try to come here early in the morning, the parking lot fills up quickly and leaving your car is a big problem.
There is a fee to visit the reserve; all visitors must watch a short film. If you arrive before 7 am, you will avoid paying and will not watch the video.
Bring your own drinks and snacks because they don't sell anything down on the beach.
The shallow beach has soft sand and calm waves. But sometimes the waves can be very strong; on such days, swimming is recommended only for good swimmers.
There is a path leading down from the mountain. If you don't want to pay a private company for transportation, you can walk there and back.
The beach is closed to the public on Tuesdays.
It's easily accessible by bus from Waikiki.
Fish feeding is prohibited in order to maintain a more natural balance of fish in the ecosystem.

Address: 7455 Kalaniana"ole Hwy., Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825, website www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com

Halona Beach Cove. Next to Hanauma Bay is Halona Beach Cove, a small but very beautiful cove. The film From Here to Eternity was filmed here.

Waimānalo Beach with a total length of almost 9 km, it is the longest sandy beach on the island of Oahu. The beach has avoided commercial development (there are no hotels nearby), is notable for its local color and proximity to the Hawaii Sea Life Park.

Lanikai Beach

A one and a half kilometer long beach on the east side of Oahu, rarely visited by tourists. Since the morning, photography enthusiasts have been trying to capture the famous sunrise. The beach looks beautiful with the Koolau Mountains in the background. When the trade wind blows, sailing and windsurfing are practiced on the beach. Calm waves, white sand, beautiful panorama in all directions. There are no toilets, showers, or even parking for cars, but the beautiful beach with white sand and calm turquoise water completely compensates for these shortcomings. Address: Mokulua Drive, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734.

Kailua Beach. Oahu has more spectacular beaches with better swimming conditions, but none offer as many options as Kailua Beach. Fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, water sports equipment sales and rental. A popular place for kayaking is Popoi Island, located about 400 m from the coast. Condé Nast magazine named Kailua Beach the best beach in the USA in 1998. On weekends, the beach is visited by many locals, and on weekdays there are almost no tourists. No. Address: 526 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734.

Laniakea Beach is located about 4 km south of Waimea Bay. Laniakea Beach is most often referred to as "Turtle Beach" because endangered green sea turtles have been basking on the beach's warm sand since 2000. The turtles were attracted to the abundance of seaweed in the area. Volunteers are on duty on the beach, they stretch a red rope around the turtles in order to limit them from beach visitors. Bring your snorkel and mask and enjoy swimming with the turtles. And don't waste money on a tour. To see turtles, rent a car, spend a day here and you won't be disappointed. Never touch turtles, otherwise you may receive a heavy fine. Address: Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712.

Malaekahana Beach. If you want to be in Hawaii before jet planes brought millions of vacationers here, then Malaekahana Beach is your place. Surprisingly, very few visitors visit Malaekahana, one of the best beaches on Oahu.

Kahana Bay Beach Park. The crescent-shaped beach is set against the backdrop of a lush valley with towering cliffs. Kahana Beach has good fishing and ideal kayaking conditions. Add in picnic areas, camping areas, and forested walking trails and you have some of the best beaches on the island.

Ko"Olina lagoons. The owner of the huge Ko"Olina Resort complex has created four artificial sand lagoons, turning them into convenient places for beach holidays at any time of the year. The almost completely round lagoons are surrounded by white sandy beaches, bordered by grassy lawns. The generally calm waters are ideal for swimming, around boulders at the entrance to the lagoons you can swim with a mask and snorkel. Ko"Olina lagoons are located next to Kapolei, but public transport does not come here. The nearest bus stop is on Farrington Highway, over 6 km from the resort. Address: Kapolei, Oahu, HI.

North Shore of Oahu(North Shore) is considered the surfing capital of the world. Every winter, the northern coast of the Hawaiian Islands is hit by swells - long sea waves formed as a result of storms thousands of kilometers to the north in the Bering Sea region. Such waves are much more stable in their direction and periodicity than ordinary waves formed by the wind, and therefore more favorable for surfing. The North Shore, in the context of Oahu's geography, refers to the northern coastal area of ​​the island between Kaʻena Point and Kahuku Point. The largest settlement in the area is Haleiwa. Every December it hosts the Triple Crown of Surfing, a series of three world-famous competitions. The most famous beaches are described below.

Ehukai Beach Park stretches continuously as a continuous strip of sand with only one sign - EHUKAI BEACH PARK. Most people think of it as one beach, but in reality there are three separate beaches following each other. Long, wide, white sand, Ehukai Beach is famous for its winter surfing. Swimming is safe during the spring and summer months, but rip currents offshore and strong waves make swimming unsafe during the winter. Access to Pipeline and Banzai beaches via Ehukai Beach Park.

Pipeline Beach located next to Ehukai Beach Park near the small town of Pupukea on the north coast of Oahu. When the surf reaches the shallow coral coast in winter, the waves are so steep that the crest of the wave, falling forward, forms an almost perfect pipe ("pipeline" means "pipe"). For years, masters struggled to ride these waves, many of them falling, suffering lacerations and broken bones on the shallow reefs.

Pipeline is the most famous spot for huge waves on Oahu's North Shore and is often called the deadliest wave in the world (average wave height is almost 4 meters). More surfers have been killed or seriously injured at Pipeline Beach than anywhere else in the world. The most important competitions in the world of professional surfing take place here.

Banzai Beach West of Pipeline is a strip of beach that surfers call Banzai. The Japanese word "banzai" means the battle cry of "hurray" or "forward." In the late 1950s, director Bruce Brown was making one of the first surfing films, Surf Safari, and saw a surfer riding a huge wave. Brown shouted, "Banzai!" and from then on the name stuck. In winter, this is a very popular beach among surfers, curious locals and visiting holidaymakers. During the summer months there are not very many people here. Again, access to the beach is through Ehukai Beach Park. TheBus number 52 (Circle Island) stops on the highway near Ehukai Beach Park.

Waimea Bay- one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Oahu. From October to April, huge waves roll onto the beach, creating a strong rip current. Even professional surfers are at risk when high waves, up to 5 meters high, crash violently onto the shore. It's hard to believe that in summer this same bay is quiet and calm - a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. On the right side of the beach, turtles swim very close to the shore. The most interesting moment of the visit is the jump from the famous lava rock. Address: 61-031 Kamehameha Highway, Oahu, HI.

Sunset Beach. One of the most popular beaches on the island of Oahu. During the season (September-April) swimming is very dangerous due to high waves (5 meters and above) and strong rip currents off the coast. The only safe period for swimming is summer. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays. The beach is located near Kamehameha Highway. Bus number 52 (Circle Island) will take you there if you don't want to take a taxi or rent a car.

Interesting places on Oahu island

Polynesian Cultural Center (Polynesian Cultural Center) is a theme amusement park and open-air museum at the same time, located on the northern coast of the island of Oahu. The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most visited tourist sites in Hawaii. A competition is held annually on its territory in which participants demonstrate their mastery of fire knives. The park has a showroom (IMAX theater), a lagoon, and visitors can go canoeing.

Hawaii Sea Life Park (Sea Life Park Hawaii) is one of the main attractions of the island of Oahu. Opened in 1964, the park allows visitors to interact with marine animals, swim with dolphins, sea lions and stingrays, and feed turtles. The park also houses a bird sanctuary and an aquarium. The most interesting attractions of the park:

Sea Lion Discovery- allows visitors to swim in the water with sea lions.
Sea Trek Adventure- an underwater walk in a reef pond inhabited by eels, stingrays, sea turtles, and a wide variety of tropical fish.
Hawaiian Reef Aquarium– a huge body of water home to more than 2,000 marine reef creatures, including sharks, rays, turtles and schools of tropical fish.
Hawaiian Ocean Theater- home to the main show featuring dolphins, penguins and sea lions. The show will highlight the latest teaching methods and the park's efforts to preserve the wealth of the underwater world.
Penguin Habitat– habitat of the park’s penguins.
Dolphin Show Cove– an outdoor theater where dolphin shows are shown twice a day.
The Bird Sanctuary– This bird sanctuary is home to many wild seabirds, including frigate birds, gannets, petrels, albatrosses, most of which arrived here sick or injured.
Hawaiian Monk Seal Habitat- habitat of Hawaiian monk seals, shows with the participation of these animals.
Programs Dolphin Royal Swim, Dolphin Adventure Swim, Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin Aloha allow visitors to interact with dolphins in the water.

Location: Makapuu Point, 24 km from downtown Honolulu. How to get there: Bus number 22 or 23 from Waikiki. Website www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

Buddhist Temple Byodo-In Temple located in the Valley of the Temples and is a replica of a 900-year-old temple in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Inside is a 3m gold-plated wooden Buddha figure. With the Ko'olau Mountains as a backdrop, the temple is surrounded by ponds and Japanese gardens. Byodo-In Temple is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. People of all faiths take part in his services. In addition to services, the temple grounds are often used for weddings and official events. Address: 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI, website www.byodo-in.com

Sacred Falls State Park . Sacred Falls State Park is located on the north coast of Oahu. The park encompasses the Kaluanui Canyon and the waterfall at its very end, after which it is named. The falls have been closed to the public indefinitely since a fatal rock collapse occurred on May 9, 1999, in the canyon. Eight tourists were killed and many were injured. The only way to see this beautiful natural creation is by helicopter.

Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the Nuʻuanu Valley and the northeast side of Oahu. Nuʻuanu Pali was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in , during which Kamehameha captured the island of Oahu and united it under his rule.

What to do, tours from local tour operators

Swim with dolphins in the ocean from Dolphin Excursions Snorkel Adventure. From Waianae Bay, tour participants set off along the west coast of Oahu in search of dolphins (get the chance to see humpback whales in the winter). After spotting dolphins, snorkel tour participants dive into the water and watch the dolphins swim past them. Then a short cruise to the sea turtle habitat, snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles. At the end of the tour, lunch. The photographer will take your photos underwater along with dolphins and turtles, and send them on CD anywhere in the world. Address: Waianae, Oahu, HI, website www.dolphinexcursions.com

Horseback Riding by Happy Trails Hawaii . Horseback riding along the north coast of Oahu through forest, fern-lined valleys and tropical orchards. Tours are family oriented. The only ranch on Oahu that allows children as young as 6 years old to ride their own horses. Address: 59-231 Pupukea Road, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI, website www.happytrailshawaii.com

Macadamia Nut Farm. Educational and very interesting tour on a farm specializing in growing Macadamia nuts. Macadamia is a very tasty Australian nut with a kernel that is difficult to separate from the shell; their harvest is very difficult to harvest, which is why macadamia nuts are the most expensive nuts in the world. The tour lasts about an hour. First, a bus ride to the tea plantations, learning about how the ancient Hawaiians used tea leaves, made a fire, and collected coconuts. Then a boat ride in a small lake, during which the guide will point out the filming locations of famous Hollywood films.

The farm has a nice store where you can buy various types of macadamia nuts, souvenirs, jewelry, arts and crafts, creams, aromatic oils, coffee, even fresh coconut. Interestingly, in the store you can eat macadamia nuts and enjoy the famous Kona coffee for free. Tours are available 7 days a week, from 10:45 am to 6:00 pm (except Tuesdays when there is only one tour at 10:45 am). Address: 49-227A Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, Oahu, HI 96744, website www.macnutfarm.com

Swimming with sharks from North Shore Shark Adventures. The two-hour tour departs from Haleiwa Pier. Having sailed 4 - 6 km from the coast, a metal cage is placed in the water and held at the level of the water surface. Armed with snorkels and masks, tour participants watch the whales swim centimeters from the cage from the cage. Water in an area with visibility of 70 meters or more. During this tour you will have the opportunity to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales during the migration season. Be sure to bring underwater cameras with you to take photos of sharks. Tour departure times: 6:00, 7:00 am, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 (6 am tour available from May 1st to August 15). Address: slip 35 of the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI, website www.sharktourshawaii.com

Kualoa Ranch (Kualoa Ranch) has become known for the wide variety and quality of its tours. The most popular are described below:

Movie Sites & Ranch Tour. Visit the famous Kaʻaʻawa Valley, often called the film set of Hawaii. Famous Hollywood films and television shows were filmed here (Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Windtalkers, Hawaii Five-0 and others), the duration of the tour is 1 hour.
Jungle Expedition Tour. Adventure tour to the beautiful Kaaawa Valley. The 4x4 tour takes you through the jungle along the east coast of Oahu. Tour duration 1 hour
Ancient Fishing Grounds & Tropical Gardens Tour. A trip to an ancient Hawaiian fish pond, a visit to a tropical garden of fruit trees and flowers.
Hakipu'u Hike. Hiking along the Hakipuʻu Valley, the length of the trail is just over 2 km. Two tours per day: from 09:00 to 11:00 and from 12:00 to 14:00.
ATV tour(ATV Tour). Visit the famous Kaaawa Valley by ATV, filming location for many Hollywood films and television shows. During the tour, observation from the observation deck beautiful panorama Pacific coast. Tours last one and two hours.
Horse riding tour(Horseback Tour), during the tour see Mokolii island and an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishing pond. The ranch is located at 49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Oahu, HI, www.kualoa.com/tours

Diving. Many tourists visit the island of Oahu solely for the opportunity to plunge into the Pacific Ocean and look at the richness of the underwater world. Hawaii is one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. Home to over 100 endemic species (found nowhere else on the planet), explore sea caves, swim with sea turtles and monk seals. Trade winds often produce high waves in the afternoon, so most operators schedule their dives early in the morning and end their tours at midday. Dive sites in Oahu:

Hiking to Coco Crater (Koko Head Crater Trail Hike). Coco Crater is one of the most popular hiking spots on Oahu. A path leads to its top along railway sleepers. The trail is about 1 km long and rises to an altitude of 366 m. From the top observation deck of Coco Crater, a panoramic view of the eastern part of Oahu and the coast opens. Rise early in the morning to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water. If you have climbed to the top of Diamond Head, this hike is many times more difficult.

Bike is a popular way to explore the island of Oahu. For information on bike trails or participating in bike tours, contact Bike Hawaii (www.bikehawaii.com); this company offers a variety of group tours, including Rainforest to Reef. The tour includes a 8 km drive down a paved road with panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu and the Manoa Valley. During the tour you will learn more about the flora and geology of the Hawaiian Islands. Afterwards, leave the bikes for a 3km round trip hike to the 80m high waterfall, followed by a sailing catamaran cruise.

Hawaii's Plantation Village . A one-hour tour of this restored village takes you back to the era when sugar plantations made up Hawaii's economy. From the arrival of the first workers in 1852 until 1947, when the era of sugar cane farming ended, more than 400,000 men, women and children from China, Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Korea, the Philippines and other countries migrated to work the sugar cane fields. On the territory of the village, each ethnic group is represented by a house, decorated in accordance with the traditions and customs of that time. The houses contain period clothing, linens, ceramics, toys and games, photographs, books and other memorabilia. Open: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 14:00. Address Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, at Waipahu Depot Rd, Waipahu, website: www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org www.hawaiiskydiving.com

Surf school Sunset Suratt Surf Academy's teaches surfing lessons from beginner surfers to pros, and also provides equipment for rent. Sunset Suratt Surf Academy's lessons are held on the beach in the village of Haleiwa. Classes last two hours. Tour participants are provided with videos and photographs of the learning process. Address: North Shore, Sunset Beach, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712, website www.surfnorthshore. com

North Shore Surf Girls surf school only women work. All female instructors are former professional surfers. Private or group surf lessons at 9am, 12pm and 3pm daily near Haleiwa. Two popular types of tours:

North Shore surf lesson and Turtle Tour includes a 2-hour surf lesson, the opportunity to see live sea turtles, a visit to the famous surfing beaches Pipeline and Sunset Beach, and a seafood dinner prepared by the girls. The end of the tour is watching the sunset.
Surf Lesson and Sunset Barbecue includes a 2-hour surf lesson and a girl-cooked BBQ on the beach. The end of the tour is watching the sunset. Address: 66-031 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712 website www.northshoresurfgirls.com

Swimming lessons on a board from Rainbow Watersports Adventures. Instructors will teach standing board swimming skills. All groups are private or individual (one instructor - one student). Duration of tours: from 2 to 4 hours, upon completion all participants are provided with free photographs. Address: Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712, website www.rainbowwatersports.com, more about

Entertainment

Attendance at a luau (traditional Hawaiian party) is included in cultural program most vacationers in Hawaii. Through luau, Hawaiians traditionally celebrated memorable events (birthdays, harvest, won a battle, etc.).

Luaus differ from each other, but the celebration is always accompanied by cooking pork in an underground imu oven, all participants are given leis (garlands of flowers) and treated to cocktails. Upon arrival at the luau, guests are invited to participate in a variety of activities: canoeing, spear throwing, lei making, tattoo lessons, hula dancing, beach fishing with tackle, and the like. Then dinner and a cultural show of the peoples of Polynesia (dances of the peoples of Samoa, Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii). Luau provides an opportunity to better understand the culture and traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia. Each luau ends with watching the sunset, which is unusually beautiful in Hawaii.

The most popular luau dishes:

Lomi salmon- salted salmon with tomatoes, onions and peppers;
Kalua pig- pork wrapped in banana leaves and cooked inside an underground oven (imu);
Pipi kāula- Hawaiian style beef jerky;
Poi- ground and cooked taro tuber;
Laulau, pork and butterfish steamed in wrapped leaves;
Lū‘au- taro leaves baked with coconut cream and, as a rule, octopus (the modern name of the holiday comes from this dish);
Haupia- gelatin made from condensed coconut milk.

Paradise Cove is the most famous luau on the island of Oahu (www.paradisecovehawaii.com).

Slightly less popular Germaine's(venue near the small town of Kopolei, www.germainesluau.com).

But the most famous lualu does not mean the best. I would recommend you Chief's Luau at the Hawaii Sea Life Park. It's smaller than other luaus on Oahu, but the most fun and memorable. If you are looking for a luau that is family-oriented and fun, try Chief's Luau at Sea Life Park Hawaii and you will not regret it. A showman named Sielu is rightfully considered the best and most interesting host in Hawaii, which sets this luau apart about other similar parties Address: 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, Oahu, HI 96795, website www.chiefsluau.com

USA, Hawaii, Oahu island

Tours to Hawaii, and in particular tours to Oahu- this is wonderful vacation in Hawaii, excellent tours to Oahu and excursions.

Specialization: Holidays abroad.

Rest

Oahu is the third largest and most populous island of the Hawaiian archipelago. Basics tourist destination, Honolulu is also located here - the main city of Hawaii.

Climate of Oahu
Oahu has a tropical, maritime climate characterized by warm and sunny weather year-round. In summer, the thermometer here rises to 29÷32 degrees, and in winter – to 18÷21°C. Precipitation mainly falls in the winter months. Hurricane season on Oahu runs from June to November.

Beaches of Oahu

Oahu Hotels
Almost all Oahu hotels are located on Waikiki Beach. Ten of them are located directly on the beach.
The most luxurious are the 5-star hotels Kahala, Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian. According to readers of the influential travel publication Conde Nast Traveler, the best hotels in Oahu are: Halekulani, JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, Kahala Hotel & Resort and Moana Surfrider (Westin).

Oahu Attractions

  • Iolani Palace is a fabulously beautiful palace of the Hawaiian kings, which features a rich collection of inlaid furniture.
  • – naval US base destroyed on October 7, 1941 by Japanese aircraft. Today there is a memorial to the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the raid.
  • The Polynesian Cultural Center provides tourists with the opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of not only the Hawaiian Islands, but also other parts - Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga. Each region has its own pavilion. There are exciting events taking place here almost every hour.
  • Bishop Museum, which has a huge collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian antiquities and works of art.
  • Valley of the Temples, which features traditional Japanese gardens and the Buddhist temple Byodo-In Temple.
  • Hanauma Bay is a true paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. Numerous tropical fish species live here, painted in all sorts of bright colors.
  • Aloha Tower - in the past, the tallest building on the island - 68 meters (including the spire). Today, the Aloha Tower Market is located around the tower - a popular shopping destination for tourists.
In Hawaii you will also see,. There are many excursions in Hawaii -,.

Accommodation

Tour to the island of Oahu, Waikiki coast, 9 days 8 nights

Tour program

1 day- Island of Oahu and Waikiki Beach. Welcome to Hawaii! Upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative dressed in traditional Hawaiian style with a lei and escorted to baggage claim. After collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your chosen hotel on the famous Waikiki coastline.

Day 2- Honolulu. Free time. Relaxation on the beach. Excursion program for an additional fee. EXCURSION AROUND THE ISLAND (GRAND CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR): Visiting the most interesting places on the island of Oahu.

Day 3- Honolulu. Free time. Relaxation on the beach. Excursion program for an additional fee.

4 day- Honolulu. Free time. Relaxation on the beach. Excursion program for an additional fee. PEARL HARBOR & HONOLULU CITY TOUR.

  • State: Hawaii, Pacific island
  • Square: 222 km2
  • Population: 905,000 people
  • Timezone: GMT - 10 hours, from Moscow - 14 hours
  • Telephone code: 808
  • Average temperature: in summer 31°C, in winter 27°C
  • Airport:
    • Honolulu International Airport
      Address: 300 Rodgers Boulevard No. 4, Honolulu, Hawaii (HI), 96819-1897, USA

general information

The island of Oahu is fantastic beautiful island- golden beaches and turquoise lagoons, green hills and flowering gardens, pineapple plantations and fertile meadows, stunning coral reefs and a great variety of exotic plants, colorful tropical birds and fish. There are about 50 beaches on the island, many of which have suitable conditions for water sports, especially surfing.
Spacious, fairly wide beaches, picturesque landscapes, memorable sunsets, colorful sunrises - you can see all this on the northern coast and central part of Oahu. During the summer months, a calm and measured pace of life prevails here. The north coast comes alive in the winter when windsurfing fans flock to Sunset Beach & Banzai Pineline and get noisy and crowded with windsurfing and bikini competitions.
South Oahu is an industrial diver's paradise. The scarcity of the coral world is replaced by impressions of excellent expeditions on sunken ships - the visibility here is excellent. In addition, all dive points are very easy to get to.
Oahu is the most populous island of Hawaii. Here is the state capital and the largest city of the archipelago - the city of Honolulu.
The main part of the island is slopes in two ridges extinct volcanoes Waianae and Koolau. To the south is Pearl Harbor, the famous US Navy base.
Honolulu stretches along the ocean coast. Here, next to the skyscrapers, is the snow-white Waikiki beach - one of the most prestigious in the world. Nearby are world-famous hotels and the crater of the Diamond Head volcano, from the top of which a magnificent panorama of the city opens.
The symbol of the city and, until recently, the tallest structure in Hawaii is the “Tower of Wishes” or “Aloha Tower.” The word “Aloha” is also a unique symbol of the islands. In Hawaiian it has many meanings: “hello”, “goodbye”, “welcome”, “I love you”. The word also has a philosophical meaning - life in harmony, exchange of positive emotions.
In the central part of the city is the former residence of the king - the magnificent Iolani Palace with luxuriously decorated interiors. The design of the Hawaii State Capitol reflects the nature of the archipelago: the dome is in the form of a volcano crater, the columns are in the shape of palm trees. In this building during the ceremony on August 12, 1898. Hawaii officially became a US state. Nowadays, the Capitol is often used as a backdrop for filming.
The Windward Coast area is teeming with peddlers and roadside restaurants designed to serve customers in cars.
In the north of the island is Wainea Beach Park, where locals jump from a high cliff into the sea.

Climate

The climate is tropical, maritime. It is warm and sunny here all year round. The difference between winter and summer average air temperatures on the island does not exceed four to eight degrees. The air temperature ranges from +29 - +32°C in summer and +18 - +21°C in winter. Most of the precipitation occurs in the winter months.
Hurricane season in the Hawaiian Islands runs from approximately June to November, when hurricanes and tropical storms are most likely to occur in the North Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is protected by the vastness of the Pacific Ocean from the direct impacts of hurricanes, as a hurricane loses its destructive power if it moves north, encountering colder waters.

Average annual air temperature:

Geography

The island of Oahu, together with the adjacent small islands, covers an area of ​​1545 km². The longest river of the archipelago, Kaukonahua, flows through the island.

How to get there

Honolulu International Airport is located 15 km from Waikiki.

Attractions

Iolani Palace is the former residence of Hawaiian kings and the only royal palace in the United States. This is a fabulously beautiful palace, which houses a rich collection of inlaid furniture.
The Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most interesting places on the island. Here you can get acquainted not only with the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands, but many other parts of Polynesia - the islands of Tahiti, Samoa, and the kingdom of Tonga in New Zealand. Each region has its own pavilion. Fascinating shows in national flavor take place here almost every hour - National costumes, musical instruments, fiery dances. And the most important thing is that tourists also participate in what is happening: they weave wreaths, learn to dance local dances, open a coconut, and climb trees.
Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial. Pearl Harbor is a naval base where, on October 7, 1941, most of the US Pacific Fleet was destroyed in one day by Japanese aircraft. Thus began the Second World War. On this day, the Arizona ship, with more than 3,000 people on board, sank. It still lies at the bottom. Now the Arizona Memorial rises above the sunken hull. The memorial is a concrete structure with a transparent bottom. Its visitors can see the remains of the ship through the water.
Valley of the Temples - Valley of the Temples. This is one of the most picturesque places on the island. The Valley of the Temples, set against a backdrop of high cliffs, is decorated with traditional Japanese gardens with a tea house and goldfish ponds. On the site of an ancient burial site, surrounded by tropical gardens, with a three-ton copper bell, the beautiful Buddhist temple Byodo-In Temple stands serenely. Inside the temple there is a 3-meter tall Buddha statue, and outside the temple you can see a 3-ton copper Peace Bell. The temple is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
Waikiki Aquarium. The aquarium, located on the oceanfront, has a world famous collection of tropical fish. Exhibits, programs and research focus on the fauna and flora of the tropical Pacific. There are more than 2500 inhabitants here depths of the sea. The aquarium is especially interesting to visitors because it gives them the opportunity to see all the beauty of aquatic life very close by - a real coral reef with living corals, brightly colored fish, jellyfish and even reef sharks.
Bishop Museum. The museum was originally opened as an exhibition of the impressive collection of Hawaiian art and royal heirlooms that belonged to Princess, the last of the Kamehameha royal family, in whose memory the museum was founded. Since then, the collection has grown many times: it includes exhibits from a variety of Pacific islands. The Bishop Museum has the world's largest collection of Hawaiian and Polynesian antiquities.
Aloha Tower - This tower was once the tallest building on the islands, its height is 56 meters plus a 12-meter spire. Now it is surrounded by one of the best shopping areas in the city - Aloha Tower Market.
Hanauma Bay is the main attraction of the Windward Coast. The bay is bisected by a beautiful coral reef and is a true paradise for snorkelers. Numerous species of fish live here, painted in all kinds of tropical bright colors. The bay is part of Cocoa Head Regional Park.

For children

A park
Sea World with over 2,000 species of fish in a giant aquarium and dolphinarium.

Sport

Swimming -
Kailua Beach Park, Ala Moana, and Kualoa Point, Waimanalo Bay.
Surfing - Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline, Makaha Beach, Kualoa Point, Diamond Head Beach, Laie Bay, Mokuleia Beach Park, DeRussy Beach, Backyards, Fort.
Tennis - Ala Moana Beach Park, Diamond Head Beach, Turtle Bay Resort, Kapiolani Park.
5 municipal golf courses - Ala Wai Golf Course, Pali Golf Course, Ted Makalena Golf Course, West Loch Golf Course, Ewa Villages Golf Course.
Kayaking on the river, hiking in the mountains, horse riding, and mountain biking are also common.