Top 5 Incredible Places on Oahu, Hawaii
Or how to get the most of your stay there.
Oahu is an island that offers just the right mix of comfort, convenience, and escapism. Being more densely populated than the other Hawaiian Islands brings certain advantages. The network of buses allows to travel easily around the island. Uber is available almost everywhere. At the same time, this is still a tropical paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Which means tons of incredible beaches and lush jungles.
1. Kualoa Ranch
The world-famous Kualoa Ranch is probably the most magical place on the Oahu Island. No wonder so many movies and TV shows (Think Jurassic Park, Lost, etc.) were shot there. The huge green mountains make you feel in the middle of the Jurassic. They even have living (avian) dinosaurs. While the ranch is huge, you won’t be able to visit it on foot by yourself. The pedestrian zone is limited to a cafeteria/gift shop building and the small grassy areas around. To experience the rest of the magnificent ranch, you will need to book one of many activities available there. These activities are very diverse, and include ziplining through the trees, horse riding, movie site visits…
- If you have the choice between the 90 minutes Movie Tour and the 2.5 hours Jurassic Tour, definitely choose the latter. You will see so much more of the great locations and views.
- There is a shuttle bus that will grab you in Waikiki early morning and bring you back in the afternoon.
2. Lanikai and Kailua beaches
White sand and turquoise waters make Lanikai and Kailua beaches among the most beautiful in the world. Add to that two islets on the horizon, and the idyllic picture is complete.
- Both beaches are only a short 30min drive from Waikiki. It takes about 10min to walk from Kailua to Lanikai.
- All facilities such as public bathrooms are situated on Kailua beach. Lanikai doesn’t have any of them, providing only white sand and turquoise water.
- You can rent a kayak to reach one of the islets, visible from the Lanikai beach.
3. Diamond Head Crater
The Diamond Head Crater, with its 762 ft. (232 m) elevation, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Waikiki. The crater offers a great combination of an easy hike with magnificent vistas of both Waikiki and the ocean.
The hike starts at a parking lot, outside of the main gate. You will first pass a tunnel under one of the crater’s walls, then walk to the visitor’s center situated in the middle of the crater. Then, the hike will make you slowly climb the opposite inner wall. This is all worth it. As once arrived at the top, the 360 degrees view of Waikiki and its surroundings is unbeatable.
- It takes about 45min to get to the top.
- You will need to make a reservation online to enter the park, choose your entry time, and pay the admission fee.
- Some parts of the hike involve walking in dark tunnels.
- Be ready to climb a lot of stairs.
- The hike is pretty crowded in the afternoon, especially the small lookout platforms at the top.
- The gate closes at sunset. It is the only way out.
4. Makapu’u Lighthouse trail
The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is an easy hike on paved road that brings you to the top of the hill. During the hike, you will pass by several strategically located lookouts with incredible views. Most lookouts have telescopes allowing to get a better view of the ocean. If you’re lucky and in the right season (November — May), you might see some migrating humpback whales.
- There is no protection from the sun during the climb. Be sure to bring enough sunscreen.
- The wind is very strong in the lookouts closer to the top.
5. Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a relatively easy hike that takes you through a lush jungle and ends with a magnificent waterfall. The trail is pretty close to Waikiki, making it a very accessible first adventure.
- Doing a guided tour will allow you to learn a lot about the plants and parts of Hawaiian history.
- The trail gets sometimes slippery. Be careful not to fall.
