Just the word Hawaii makes me happy and jump like a kid! This is my third time exploring Hawaii and this time I am taking you all on a tour of Oahu island of Hawaii! Part beach, part jungle, there really is something for everyone. Beaches, photo spots, tours, hidden waterfalls, food places… you will find everything to plan your perfect Oahu trip in this ultimate guide to Oahu! 

A little bit about Oahu

Oahu island is split up into five major areas:

North Oahu: The North Shore is legendary in the world of surfing, and has many beaches where you can surf anytime and snorkel, or swim in the summers.

South Oahu: South Oahu is home to Waikiki and Honolulu. Waikiki I would like to describe as the Las Vegas strip of Hawaii. Waikiki is a busy tourist town where you’ll find the majority of Oahu’s luxury resorts, restaurants, shopping areas, and nightlife. Honolulu is a vibrant tropical city with everything from historical landmarks to fine dining to designer shopping.

West Oahu: This side of Oahu is a sunny and dry region without much major tourism past and is home to the luxurious Four Seasons Oahu and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. The west side features small local towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches, and rural landscapes to explore.

East Oahu: The east side of the island is home to beautiful lush scenery, serene beaches, and Kailua, Hawaii’s biggest beach town.

Central Oahu: The most important landmark in Central Oahu is Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. This active naval base is home to five historic sites that visitors can visit.

Due to the erratic weather patterns of Hawaii, and the amount of showers and misty rain that occurs when the sun is shining rainbows are a common sight in Hawaii. One of Hawaii’s nicknames is “The Rainbow State,” and a rainbow is also depicted on vehicle license plates. We were fortunate to witness so many sights of rainbows on our trip!

WHERE TO STAY IN Oahu

When looking for stay options in Oahu, we considered two options: Waikiki and Honolulu!

We lived at The Laylow which is Marriott’s Autograph Collection luxury hotel in Waikiki, located very conveniently near all good restaurants, shopping areas, and most importantly – the beach. The hotel isn’t beachfront, but Waikiki beach is just a short walk from here and we walked there for the sunrise every morning. Check out my blogpost about details of our stay at The Laylow!

What outfits to pack for your tropical getaway?

I don’t think I need to tell you exactly how many dresses or pairs of shorts to pack, but I can definitely show you some of my outfits for inspiration!!

One thing I love doing while traveling is learning about the culture & history of the place we are traveling to and exploring it like locals. As soon as we got on the island, I picked up Haku lei which is a flower crown from @hakus.by.jess, she specially made it for us and I loved it. If you decide to get one for yourself, tell Jess that Madhura from TheDreamMapper sent you! 

Things to do in Oahu

Depending on the length of your trip, where you are staying, and the style of your vacation, you can mix and match things to do from the following list. I’ll divide them up into major areas of the Island.

South Oahu:

1. Halona Blowhole Lookout

This is one of the most instagrammable and drone-worthy spots on the island. Steep and rocky stairs bring you down to this spot. We visited early in the morning so it was pretty empty!

2. Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a stunning nature reserve that offers some of the best snorkeling on the island and amazing opportunities to take underwater photos.  However, due to such popularity amongst tourists, you need to reserve a spot online in advance. Here’s a reservation link. Be sure to visit first thing in the morning because this place gets packed!

3. Lānaʻi Lookout

Lanai lookout is famous for it’s rock formations and blue sea view. This spot was shown many times in the TV show – Lost! 

4. Sandy Beach

Known for it’s smooth sandy texture, this beach makes for the best spot to relax and take some pictures!

5. Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout

This lookout gives you an amazing view of the lush green mountains but be ready for some serious wind when you visit! 

6. Manoa Falls

I would definitely recommend hiking this trail, not just for the waterfall but for the amazing lush green views on the trail. A 1.7-mile hike takes you to this tall and beautiful waterfall! Be sure to wear or carry your swimsuit underneath your clothes, so that you can jump in the water and enjoy the surroundings. 

7. Tantalus Lookout

This is one of the best sunset spots on the island. It’s a lookout high above Honolulu in the hills and the best part is you can drive all the way to the lookout with no hiking. There is a huge lawn to picnic on and watch the sunset over Diamond Head Crater and the entire Waikiki region. 

8. Koko head hike

If you are in the mood for some strenuous hike, get ready to climb 1,048 steps to the top of the Koko Head Crater. While this hike will test your endurance, you will be rewarded with some of the best views of the island. 

9. Hilton hotel lagoon

Located on a serene stretch of sand in the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this manmade beach covered in beautiful palm trees offers beautiful photo opportunities and is also a great place to watch the sunrise.

10. Ala Moana beach

Ala Moana Beach Park is a unique crescent moon-shaped beach with a half-mile of sandy shore and peaceful ocean views.

11. Waikiki Beach

How could this be a complete list of places in Oahu without even a mention of Waikiki Beach? Most people overlook it thinking it’s too popular, but hey, it’s popular for a reason!

12. Waikiki downtown 

Waikiki downtown is best explored during evenings for some great restaurants and shopping areas!

East Oahu:

1. Makapuʻu Lookout

This lookout gives you 360 degrees views of the ocean. Whichever side you look, it’s all blue from up here. 

2. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

If you are looking for an adventurous hike, this rugged trail will bring you to the Makapu’u Lighthouse. 

3. Lanikai beach 

This is hands down the most instagrammable beach on the island. We spent half a day here, relaxing, playing on the water, and taking in all the tropical vibes of Hawaii. The view of two islands from the beach is so charming! If you have time for a hike, do check out Lanikai pillbox trail! 

4. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

You must have seen this famous Instagram photo from the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens everywhere on the internet. It’s at the entrance of this garden, where a straight road is lined with palm trees, with an epic mountain backdrop. Unfortunately, it’s illegal to stop and take photos here. We drove our car here and thanks to the convertible, I could take this one picture. 

But if you want to take a similar picture with you in it, don’t worry, we found very similar or rather even better photo spots. It’s called the Valley of the Temples, a straight road lined up with palm trees and mountain views on the way to the Byodo-In Temple. 

5. The Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. This is possibly my favorite spot on the island, and the most peaceful place I have been to. We went early in the morning at 8:30 am when this place opened up so that we can enjoy the surroundings without the crowd. 

6. Kualoa Regional Park

Kualoa regional park is 4000 acres of Private Nature Reserve famous for a variety of tours of exploration and adventure. You must have seen Kualoa in many movies like Jurassic World, Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, and Lost. They have special tours to explore these filming locations.  With majestic mountains on one side and the tranquil Pacific on the other, this is the spot worth exploring on your Oahu trip. 

7. Secret island beach

The secret island is along Kaneohe Bay, and you can get to it by going through the Kualoa Ranch. We didn’t want to spend the entire day touring this region hence we directly walk to this secret island beach from an alternate route. To do so, drive to Kualoa Regional Park, just park outside along Kamehameha Hwy, and walk down to the beach. From here, walk west along the beach until you reach Secret Island Beach.

8. Chinaman’s Hat

Mokoli’i Island is a popular spot for taking pictures on Oahu’s windward coast. The small island is located at the north end of Kaneohe Bay, offshore of Kualoa Regional Beach Park. Mokoli’i means “little lizard” in Hawaiian. The island has also been referred to as “Chinaman’s Hat” because of its cone shape, which resembles the peasant’s hat worn in rural China.

9. Kaaawa Beach

If you can’t choose between being a mountain person or a beach person, how about a beach with stunning mountain backdrops? With its picture-perfect coastline, Kaaawa beach looks like it’s right out of a movie — and in reality, it is! 

10. Highway 3

Arguably the most beautiful drive in Oahu, this highway is all about lush green views! Along the scenic route, you’re surrounded by vibrant green mountains as the road snakes through a utopia of tropical forestry. 

You can get this drone shot from GPS coordinates – N21° 24′ 22.068″W157° 49′ 04.7856″

11. Koko Crater & Kalaniana’ole Highway

This drive along the southeast side of Oahu is the beginning of a scenic coastline that goes on for miles and miles with views of the dormant volcano and greenery that surrounds it.

GPS from where we clicked these drones shots: N21° 16′ 35.1912″W157° 41′ 08.196″

North Oahu:

1. Turtle Beach

This beach is worth checking out if you are already on this road to get some instagrammable pictures!

2. Sideways Palm Trees

If you are keen to take photos or drone shots of these palm trees, here is a location detail for you : 

3. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is one of the most iconic areas on O‘ahu’s North Shore. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach and blue-green water in summers and surfer’s paradise in winters. 

4. The Sunrise Shack

The Sunrise Shack is one of Oahu’s most Instagrammable cafes and a perfect place to stop for some snacks, fruits, and drinks! An interesting fact is that this cafe is founded by 4 Instagrammers and surfers raised by the Hawaiian Islands. 

5. Sunset Beach Park

As the name suggests, best beach to watch the sunset at!

Apart from these spots, there are many spots in north Oahu which are famous for being TV show filming locations. I have covered them in the below sections of experiences.

Experiences:

1. Lost Hawaii tour 

I have been dreaming about visiting Oahu since I was a kid because of my obsession with the tv show LOST. It was one of the first international shows I started watching and more than anything fell in love with the mysterious island where they shot it. Finally, I completed my childhood fantasy by visiting and exploring Oahu and moreover going to all the shooting locations of LOST, thanks to this incredibly amazing tour by https://losttourshawaii.com/. 

If you are willing to explore these locations on your own here are some of them :

• Mokule’ia Beach – Oceanic 815 survivors beach 
• Lana’i Lookout – where Miles landed with his Parachute 
• Halona blowhole – Various scenes 
• Makapu’u Lookout – Jacob’s Lighthouse
• Windward Community College – Santa Rosa Mental Institute where Hurley sees Charlie
• Byodo-In Temple & The Valley of the Temples – Wedding in Korea
• Chinaman’s Hat – pier from which Michael and his son left the island
• Waimea Valley – The Waterfall where sawyer and kate fight for a briefcase
• Manoa falls – Banyan tree from Lost where charlie was hanging, Bamboo forest where they are followed by the smoke monster
• Kawailoa Ranch – Kate’s Tree
• Waialua Sugar Mill – Nigeria
• YMCA Camp Erdman – The Others’ Compound
• Ala Wai Harbor – “Searcher” Boat

2. Doors off helicopter ride

Ok, let me begin by saying that this was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. And especially being a photographer, this was dream come true to photograph such a spectacular landscape from up the top. This 50-minute Doors Off Helicopter Island Tour offers an incredible view of the breathtaking beauty of Oahu, Hawaii. Rainbows, circular rainbows, waterfalls, beaches, mountains, ocean, islands, you will see everything from up there!

You can book the same tour on this website.

3. Polynesian Cultural Center

If you are interested in spending the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands, wandering through 42 acres of tropical splendor, and enjoying the adventure of traditional hands-on activities this experience is for you. You can dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show on the islands!

4. Spa and massage

There’s no way I am going to Hawaii and coming back without a massage, it’s my absolute favorite activity to do on the island. Imagine getting pampered right by the ocean, drifting away to the melody of the gentle ocean waves and chirping birds. We got an amazing sunset ocean views massage at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa!

Where to eat?

1. Hideout : I am not exaggerating when I say that Hideout is possibly my favorite place in Waikiki to get breakfast, dinner, and even drinks. Every single morning we came to Hideout and ordered fruit parfait along with coffee. Whether you enjoy the indoors or you’re more of a rooftop type of person, Hideout has seating both inside and out. I had the most amazing birthday dinner here while enjoying live music. If you are a whiskey lover, I highly recommend ordering The Getaway cocktail.

2. Mahina & Sun’s : Do try their Chicken papaya soup, pork chops, and not-so-classic Mai-tai – TIA MIA

3. Leonard’s Bakery : Just like Aunty Sandys in Maui, this is another local favorite gem!

4. The Banyan Court : It’s perfect for a laid-back lunch by the ocean in the Westin resort & spa!!

Hope you all enjoyed this virtual tour of Hawaii! All pictures in this blogpost are clicked by @the.dream.mapper , @veer_and_wander , @rahulkhadilkar and @priyanka_24 . Follow us on Instagram for more fun content!