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O'ahu

An old-fashioned trolley bus rumbles along streets fringed with palm trees. Beyond lies a white sandy beach where tourists and locals relax. The surf is small but perfectly formed – just right for a morning surfing lesson. Say aloha to tropical breezes, world class shopping, top quality restaurants, history making Pearl Harbour & tantalising cocktails. O‘ahu has much more to offer beyond Honolulu. Hire a car and circle the island. On the east coast you’ll find soaring cliffs, talcum-powder beaches and a quieter way of life, the perfect foil to the fun and frivolity of Waikiki. The world-famous surf beaches of the North Shore are another highlight, and even if you’re not a surfer, Sunset Beach may be the world’s best spot to watch the sun go down.



SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN O'AHU



Kualoa Ranch KUALOA RANCH

Kualoa Ranch is a one-stop adventure playground and a highlight for many travellers to O’ahu! This working cattle ranch is one of the largest tracts of accessible nature on Oahu and offers visitors a huge variety of ways to interact with Hawaii’s stunning landscapes. They include bouncing along on an ATV tour, exploring the trails on a horseback ride, soaring through the jungle canopy on a zipline tour, cruising by catamaran around Kaneohe Bay, discovering Oahu’s famous film sites on a movie tour, and sunbathing on a white-sand beach.

Pearl Harbour PEARL HARBOUR USS ARIZONA
 

Arguably one of the most significant World War II sites on the planet, which saw the lives of 2,403 lost. Be apart and experience a part of U.S. history by taking a day trip to Pearl Harbour. While there, take a short boat trip out to the Arizona Memorial, a very moving event as it sits atop the sunken hull of the battleship USS Arizona.

Tandem Surfing LEARN TO SURF
 

Surfing was born in Hawaii and is deeply intertwined with its history and culture. If you dream of riding the waves, there’s no better place to learn how to surf and truly commune with the ocean. Waikiki is the best spot to get on your feet and ride your first wave.

Eat like a local EAT LIKE A LOCAL
 
Oahu is foodie heaven! From hidden gems and holes-in-the-wall to fine dining, the sky is the limit. O‘ahu’s famed North Shore food trucks are always swarmed by locals and that’s because they’ve been a Hawaiian institution for decades. Look for Giovanni’s, one of the original (and best) food trucks in Hawai‘i. If you like raw fish, you’ll love Poké. While Leonard’s Bakery has been selling malasada since 1952. A malasada is a hole-less donut stuffed with custard (or chocolate) and dusted.
Paradise Cove Luau LUAU
 

A visit to the Hawaiian Islands is not complete without experiencing a luau! A traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment. It may feature food such as poi, Kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi and haupia with traditional Hawaiian music and hula.

Hanauma Bay HANAUMA BAY

Head to Hanauma Bay for great snorkelling its far less touristy than Waikiki Beach and the sea is calm and shallow. The white sand is silky and the water boasts the highest fish population in O’ahu, so you certainly have all the ingredients for a superior snorkelling experience.

Shopping in Oahu A SHOPPERS DREAM
 

Waikele Premium Outlets, O‘ahu is the place to go for bargains! Just a 30 min drive from Waikiki you’ll find the only outlet shopping centre on O‘ahu. With more than 50 shops, you’ll be sure to find a good buy! Then onto the world’s largest open-air shopping centre, Ala Moana. More than 350 shops and restaurants are bound to keep you busy for at least a couple of hours. Michael Kors for handbags, Sephora for makeup and Victoria Secrets for underwear! There’s plenty for all budgets. Get a trolley car there (lots of fun), but better to get a cab back (too many shopping bags).

North Shore Beach NORTH SHORE
 

The North Shore is loaded with major attractions on Oahu, so why not consider a day trip; travel through the old town Haleiwa, step onto famous beaches like Waimea Bay, Pipeline, and Sunset Beach, hike up to Waimea Falls, and check out the famous food trucks!




O'AHU ACCOMMODATION



Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotel and resort options in O'ahu.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Hilton Garden Inn
HILTON GARDEN INN WAIKIKI BEACH
★★★half star
This modern hotel is in a superb spot, right in the heart of Waikiki. You are directly across the road from the International Market Place which has some great dining and shopping, and just two blocks from the beach. You can easily be swimming at the beach, shopping or wining and dining in minutes after stepping outside your front door, if you can drag yourself away from the pool with bar and sun deck that is.
Laylow Waikiki
THE LAYLOW WAIKIKI, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
★★★★
Opened in 2017, this hotel oozes character. Its décor blends mid-century modernism with vintage Hawaiian charm which makes for super stylish rooms. It’s just a block from the beach and next door to the International Marketplace which is home to sought after shops and world-class restaurants… or just chill out at Hideout, The Laylow’s open air restaurant and bar.
Outrigger Reef on the Beach
OUTRIGGER REEF WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT
★★★★half star
Inspired by rich traditions and modern elegance, embracing the spirit of the sea, from the canoe that welcomes you to the gentle surf of Waikiki Beach. Try the new beachfront dining experience at The Reef Bar & Market Grill or chill at the open air Kani Ka Pila Grille which features nightly entertainment by some legendary musicians.
Outrigger Waikiki
OUTRIGGER WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT
★★★★half star
This location is unbeatable – on the beach in the heart of Waikiki. The relaxed atmosphere will have you slipping into holiday mode in no time. Step out one door and you are in the midst of shopping heaven, step out the other door and you will be dipping your toes in the sea in a matter of seconds. Enjoy one of the three beachfront restaurants, including legendary Duke’s, an array of activities, the spa or simply relax at the beachfront pool.





INSPIRE ME
O'ahu holiday planning articles



Are you planning your next trip to O'ahu? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on O'ahu.

 






WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY




This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

The best holidays are created together.