Oahu Vacations

All of the Hawaiian islands boast long lists of things to do, and there is certainly a variety of ways to stay busy when visiting Oahu. A vacation in Oahu can include sunbathing on a world-famous beach, snorkeling in a scenic underwater park, shopping for souvenirs, and so much more. From Honolulu to Haleiwa, Oahu's attractions offer plenty of tantalizing activities. Whether it's strictly an Oahu beach vacation that you have in mind or a full island tour, finding things to add to your itinerary won't be difficult. Adding to the allure of Oahu vacations is the fantastic Hawaii weather, which encourages a visit regardless of the time of year.

While you are free to decide which Oahu attractions you are going to visit, there are a few that beg inclusion on any itinerary. For starters, exploring the city of Honolulu and its world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki is a must. Many an Oahu beach vacation is based in Waikiki, as it's here where you will find most of the island's top hotels. Oceanfront resorts such as the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and the Hilton Hawaiian Village not only offer great locations on renowned Waikiki Beach, but also a number of complimentary activities for their guests to take advantage of. If you're not up for staying at a resort on your visit to Honolulu, perhaps a bed and breakfast such as the Diamond Head B&B will better suit you. An Oahu vacation rental is always worth considering as well. A condo on the beach can be a good choice for couples, and if you're planning a family vacation to Oahu, you might opt for a home rental instead.

Families who are visiting the island of Oahu will have numerous family-related attractions to choose from, including the Dole Plantation, where you can learn all about the mighty pineapple and its role in Oahu history. On a family vacation to Oahu, heading to the Waikiki Aquarium to learn about the underwater world of Hawaii is recommended. Kids are also likely to enjoy a trip to the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in Kapolei, where the thrilling waterslides and huge wave pool are among the main attractions. Other Oahu attractions you might consider adding to your family's agenda include the Sea Life Park, where you can swim with trained dolphins, and the Honolulu Zoo, which features quite an array of fascinating creatures, including African lions and Hawaiian pigs.

Oahu vacations aren't just ideal for families, as the island's attractions truly offer something for everyone. Shoppers will find Honolulu to be an excellent place to be, as the numerous shops in Chinatown and Waikiki alone can fill hours on end. The Shop Aloha Flea Market, which is held at Aloha Stadium on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, is also an excellent shopping attraction, as is the Ala Moana Center, which is the largest mall in Hawaii. Where you will find shops in Oahu, you will also find restaurants, and dining out is certainly among the top pastimes is associated with Oahu vacations. The rich mix of cultures in Hawaii has helped make Hawaiian cuisine both diverse and exciting, and even if you never make it out of Honolulu, you won't tire of the restaurant selection. Of course, any vacation in Oahu should include at least one luau. These colorful Polynesian-themed dinner shows can be enjoyed by all ages, which only adds to their popularity.

Spending quality time in Honolulu during Oahu Hawaii vacations is a must, and while some visitors will strictly stay within the capital city, others will look to explore some of the island's other tantalizing destinations. After making it around to top Honolulu attractions such as the Bishop Museum and Diamond Head Crater, you might hop in your rental car and head up the windward coast to see what's going on in Kailua or Kaneohe. Both of these laid-back towns offer proximity to Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach, which figure among the island's best strips of sand. Kayaking out to the Mokulua Islands off the windward coast is something that more adventurous visitors might consider. After you kayak in Kaneohe Bay, you might treat yourself to an ATV tour in the Kaaawa Valley, which is fast becoming a popular pursuit on Oahu Hawaii vacations.

When you're interested in exploring other parts of the island during Oahu Hawaii vacations, visiting Pearl Harbor and taking in attractions such as the USS Arizona Memorial are bound to please. Heading west of Pearl Harbor, the Ko Olina Resort & Marina welcomes those who have an upscale resort getaway in mind. Leeward coast towns such as Waianae and Makaha can be an ideal base if you are planning on surfing, booking a whale watching tour, or treating yourself to a dolphin swim. Regarding surfing, Oahu's North Coast is one of the world's most legendary destinations, especially in the winter, so don't forget to keep it on the radar if you plan on riding the waves. If you're not adept at surfing, grabbing a shave ice in Haleiwa and heading to the nearby Banzai Pipeline to watch the surfers is a thrill in itself. There's no shortage of entertainment on a vacation in Oahu, and as inter-island flights depart from the Honolulu International Airport on a regular basis, zipping off to Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, or the Big Island is always an option.