03-30-2025
O'ahu Travel Guide
Visitor information on Where to Stay, Best O'ahu Things to Do, and more...
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.
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The Gathering Place
O'ahu Visitor Guide
Aloha from O'ahu, Hawai'i! Home to beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and amazing outdoor activities, O'ahu is the perfect place for a vacation. From exploring the bustling city of Honolulu and taking in the attractions at Waikiki to discovering the amazing culture and history of Hawai'i nei, there is something for everyone here on the island dubbed "The Gathering Place."
Whether you're looking for a relaxing tropical getaway, an adventure-filled excursion, or simply a place to unwind, O'ahu has it all. So come explore the wonders of the island paradise that is O'ahu and experience the warm aloha spirit for yourself.
O'ahu is Hawai'i's most populous island; and many believe it the perfect representation of paradise. O'ahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. These areas host thousands of tourists daily.
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O'ahu Intro Visitor Guide
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Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free O'ahu Summary Guidesheets. Check out our Updated O'ahu Visitor Guides.
Waikiki and Honolulu - Urban Paradise
It's also really important to note that O'ahu is so much more than just Honolulu or Waikiki - it may well be the most beautiful of all the major islands. You simply have to know where to go to experience the beauty that is O'ahu. Plan, book, pack, and go with Hawai'iGuide: O'ahu!
Everything you need to know about O'ahu is here in one convenient place:
- Discover where to stay on O'ahu
- Explore all the best attractions & things to see on O'ahu
- Check out our recommended O'ahu hotels and accommodations plus some great O'ahu tours & activities.
- Read up on our top O'ahu travel tips
O'ahu Visitor Information
Our Top O'ahu Travel Tips
O'ahu may not be the largest island in the state, but it is definitely ranked first in population. Nearly 960,000 people share O'ahu's 600 square miles of mountains and beaches - that's a full three-quarter of the state's population. Almost half live in the bustling city of Honolulu and nearby resort town of Waikiki. O'ahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at approximately 4.5 to 4.7 million visitors annually - that's approximately half of all the visitors to the state each year.
O'ahu is third in size among its fellow islands in the Hawaiian chain, which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawai'i in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawai'i.
Ko'olau Mountains and Kaneohe Bay - East O'ahu
O'ahu Transportation
O'ahu offers a variety of transportation options, making it easier for visitors to navigate the island based on their preferences and itinerary. The rental rates in Hawai'i are often some of the cheapest anywhere in the world because the competition is typically fierce.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car (we recommend Discount Hawai'i Car Rental) provides flexibility, especially for exploring beyond Honolulu. While parking in Waikīkī can be expensive and limited, a car is useful for visiting attractions like the North Shore, Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), and the Ko Olina area.
- Public Buses: TheBus, O'ahu’s public transit system, is one of the most extensive in Hawaiʻi, offering routes to most major attractions at an affordable price. While convenient, travel times can be long due to frequent stops.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services to and from the airport, shopping centers, and popular attractions. Some tour companies also provide shuttle transportation.
- Taxis and Ride-Shares: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis operate throughout O'ahu, providing a convenient way to get around without worrying about parking.
- Bicycling: Bike rentals, including Biki, Honolulu’s bike-sharing program, are available in urban areas, making biking a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu.
- Walking: Waikīkī, downtown Honolulu, and Kakaʻako are pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, shops, and dining options within walking distance.
O'ahu’s well-developed transportation network makes getting around relatively easy. Visitors staying primarily in Waikīkī may find TheBus, Biki, and ride-shares sufficient, while those looking to explore the island at their own pace may benefit from renting a car.
Hawai'iGuide: O'ahu Map
O'ahu Visitor Data
O'ahu Visitors in 2024 vs 2019 (Pre-Pandemic)
O'ahu Hotel vs Vacation Rental Rates in 2024
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.
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