Home to the capitol city of Honolulu, the island of O’ahu is known as “The Gathering Place” and is home to 70% of Hawaii’s population. It’s a melting pot of historical, cultural sites and vibrant and contemporary cities. This is a destination perfect for the traveler that wants to engage with others and relaxes by having fun!
Create The Perfect Cultural Experience On Your O’ahu Vacation
O’ahu isn’t all about the city. You can immerse yourself in the surfer culture of the North Shore after learning to ride the waves in Waikiki – where surfing was born. For all of your meals between sunrise and sunset, you’ll have some of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the world to appease your appetite. Then you can spend some free time browsing the latest designer fashions or exploring the art scene in Chinatown.
If you’re a history buff, you can’t miss a trip to the Iolani Palace or the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s the contrast between the historic and the modern that makes life on O’ahu so fun, no matter what time of day!
Winter is when the island really comes alive with the big wave surf season on Oahu’s North Shore. Major competitions occur in November and December. Whale watching season begins in December and ends in May. Peak whale watching months are between January and early April.
If you’re planning to stay in Waikiki, you can get around by shuttle, tour bus, taxi, or Hawaii’s excellent public transportation system. If you’re looking to venture outside of Waikiki, a rental car is a good idea.
It’s warm on O’ahu, so pack your summer attire. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings. Bring some casual dress clothes or resort wear if you plan on experiencing O’ahu’s nightlife.
We recommend visiting the islands of Hawai’i for at least 7 nights or longer. A stay on O’ahu can be complimented by splitting the rest of your stay on another one of the islands.