Oahu is a beloved travel destination for visitors from all over the world who flock to this island paradise to experience its legendary charms—namely, lush rainforests, rugged peaks, idyllic waters, and a delightful tropical climate—for themselves. Whether you find yourself attracted to Oahu for its outdoor recreational opportunities, sightseeing potential, cultural highlights, or historic sites, or you fancy trying a little bit of everything when you’re lucky enough to be experiencing Hawaii firsthand, Oahu is home to numerous outstanding tourist attractions you’re sure to enjoy.
Polynesian Cultural Center
As befits a place renowned for its natural wonders, plenty of Oahu’s most popular attractions enable you to relish hour after hour of fun in the sun. Activities like hiking and snorkeling are staples of the area, and a significant number of tour companies operate guided tours that take you to or near attractions like Makapu’u Lighthouse and Sea Life Park. And there’s no shortage of amusement parks located on Oahu, too, with Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii and Coral Crater Adventure Park among the standouts. Visitors can even make time to tour big-name Hawaii brands like the Dole Pineapple Farm and North Shore Soap Factory if they’re so inclined.
Though its breathtakingly scenic sites, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable coastline often steal the headlines, Oahu is home to a number of acclaimed museums covering a range of topics, themes, and time periods. In particular, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a local favorite, featuring some 55,000 distinctive items and spanning over 5,000 years, just as the Bishop Museum bears the honor of being Hawaii’s premier natural and cultural history museum. Other notable cultural attractions on Oahu are the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Byodo-In Temple, and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
Oahu is also rich in remarkable historic sites, the most famous of which is probably Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Operated by the National Park Service, this attraction is visited by millions each year and includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. Other prominent Pearl Harbor-related sites are the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Visitors with an interest in an earlier era of Hawaiian history will want to seek out the Iolani Palace, a royal residence throughout the nineteenth century, and the Queen Emma Summer Palace, which has been preserved and restored to appear much as it did almost 200 years ago.
Continue reading for additional information about the top Oahu tourist attractions.
Halona Blowhole is a noteworthy rock formation on Oahu’s southeastern coast between Hanauma Bay and Makapu'u Lighthouse. Acclaimed for its geyser properties, it’s a popular photo opportunity with scenic views for miles and frequent whale and turtle sightings.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a National Park Service-operated attraction comprised of the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and the USS Oklahoma Memorial. Nearby you’ll find Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
This solemn memorial honors the final resting place of the approximately 1,100 people who died aboard the USS Arizona when it was attacked on December 7, 1941. A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial includes a documentary film, self-guided audio tour, historic exhibits, and of course the moving memorial itself.
Located in Kapolei, Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is an approximately 30-acre water park featuring some two-dozen rides, attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Popular experiences found at Wet’n’Wild Hawaii include the Hawaiian Waters Wave Pool, Da Flowrider, and Lil’ Kahuna Beach, just to name a few.
This sprawling 42-acre complex consists of a living history museum where visitors can experience the rich culture and history of Polynesia firsthand. The attraction is divided into six villages, each one representing a prominent Polynesian island culture. The center is known for its dinner packages and evening performances, too.
Makapu'u Lighthouse is one of the crown jewels of a scenic hike along Oahu’s southeastern coast. This historic lighthouse is located near Halona Blowhole, and can be seen best as you enjoy a 2.5-mile hike along scenic Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail.
The recently renamed Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is the permanent home of the USS Bowfin, a famous World War II-era fleet attack submarine. The museum also houses three distinct historic galleries and features a moving Waterfront Memorial that pays tribute to submarine crewmembers lost during WWII.
Waimea Valley is one of the crown jewels of Oahu’s wonderful North Shore. Here you’ll find dozens of botanical gardens, numerous cultural sites of tremendous significance, and Waimea Falls, a 45-foot waterfall accessible via a paved hiking trail surrounded by lovely scenery.
Diamond Head is a legendary Oahu landmark. This 760-foot-high volcanic crater sits at the eastern edge of Waikiki’s famous coastline. Diamond Head State Monument features a Visitor Center, hiking trails, and numerous amenities, all while offering breathtaking views in every direction.
Located on the extreme southeastern coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors flock here every day to soak in the beauty of the beach, wildlife, scenery, and opportunities to enjoy some world-class snorkeling.
The 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch occupies a gorgeous stretch of land along Oahu’s Kaneohe Bay and maintains a prestigious place in Hollywood history. Over 15 different tour packages and experiences are available here, including the popular Hollywood Movie Sites tour, the Ocean Voyage Adventure, and the Kualoa Grown tour.
Dole Plantation is a working pineapple farm where visitors can learn about the history of the corporation that brought pineapples to the world. Dole Plantation features the ever-popular Pineapple Garden Maze, multiple Pineapple Express trains, eight mini-gardens, and a restaurant.
This 35-acre outdoor adventure center is home to 1,000-foot ziplines, ATV/off-road tours, an aerial challenge course, and Oahu’s largest climbing wall, the much-loved Adventure Tower. Coral Crater Adventure Park is located in Kapolei, 20 minutes west of Pearl Harbor.
Home to a 300,000-gallon aquarium, bird sanctuary, and green sea turtle colony, Sea Life Park is famous for its interactive programs that let you get up close and personal with dolphins and sea lions. Other popular exhibits here include Shark Cave, the Discovery Reef Touch Pool, and the Penguin Habitat.
Byodo-In Temple is a replica of the 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple of the same name located near Kyoto, Japan. This serene attraction features a prominent golden Buddha statue, sacred bell, Meditation Pavilion, Japanese Koi pond, and gift shop.
North Shore Soap Factory is a small business operating out of the historic Old Waialua Sugar Mill on Oahu’s scenic North Shore. Visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour of the facility before shopping for soaps, lotions, oils, and more from the factory’s line of Hawaiian Bath & Body skincare products.
The USS Missouri was where Japan officially surrendered to the United States in September 1945, thus ending WWII. The ship is no longer in commission and has since been transformed into the Battleship Missouri Memorial, where visitors can go on a guided tour and explore a variety of museum exhibits.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is home to over 50 authentic WWII-era aircraft, as well as a number of helicopters and jets used during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and several other recent military conflicts. Hangars 37 and 79 both date to before WWII, and house educational exhibits, informative films, historic artifacts, and more.
Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii’s royal family during the second half of the nineteenth century. This lavishly appointed dwelling features a host of regal rooms, beautiful furniture, and historic artifacts. The attraction is the only royal palace located on American soil.
