10 Things I wish I knew before visiting Oahu
Tips and tricks when visiting the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu!
Aloha, fellow travelers! There’s something incredibly enchanting about the Hawaiian islands. And when it comes to Oahu, the third-largest but most populous of these paradise isles, it’s easy to get swept away by the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm aloha spirit. Having had the privilege of exploring this tropical haven, here are the top 10 things I wish I had known before setting foot on this captivating island!
1. Permits are KEY
I cannot stress this enough. By spending a few quick moments getting advanced reservations and permits, you’re avoiding missing out on some of the best attractions on the island. Famous spots like Hanauma Bay, Diamond Head, and the USS Arizona Memorial all require advanced permits that sell out extremely quick. This point is important enough that it warranted its own article: Handy Guide to Oahu’s Reservations and Permits
2. Keep cash for buses
Oahu is modern and developed, so credit/debit cards are widely accepted everywhere. However, if you plan to use public transportation, such as buses, carry cash smaller denominations as credit cards are not accepted on board. A one-way ride costs $3 and there is no change given back if you pay more. So if you only have a $5, that’s exactly how much you pay for the ride.
3. Sunscreen is to be applied liberally
The sun in Hawaii can be particularly strong which means you can easily get sunburned if you’re not adequately protected. Bring a ton of sunscreen (I guess you can buy it here too) when visiting Oahu, along with sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing.
Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or surfing, it’s crucial to apply (and reapply) waterproof sunscreen to ensure you’re protected while in the water. In a personal example, I thought I was all fine tan-wise after my snorkeling session because of the sunscreen I had liberally applied on my face, neck, arms, and legs. But you’re on your belly when snorkeling so, as it turns out, I was bronze-backed for the remainder of the trip.
Note that you have to use reef-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Hawaii’s sunscreen bans are the strictest in the United States because of the damage it can cause to coral reefs and the marine environment.
4. Car Rentals are MUCH cheaper from the airport
If you want to explore Oahu beyond Waikiki (which you must), renting a car is the way to go. Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s the difference between cruising along scenic routes and waiting for buses. In addition, the rental car prices are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper if you pick them up from the airport instead of Waikiki. Day rental price for a Sedan from National was $50 at the airport and $150 from Waikiki. Go to the airport — the bus is $3 (carry cash, but you already know this if you read point 2) and takes you directly from Waikiki. You could even uber there and back and still save money. Which brings me to…
5. Ubers are easy to get
If you’re exploring Waikiki or the surrounding areas and don’t have the need for a car, that’s totally doable. You could walk, or take the bus, or Uber/Lyft it. They’re fairly affordable, and get even more so the more people you have in your group (except 5 cause that’s always a weird number and then you gotta call an Uber XL and then it costs more and then it adds up and then you wish you hadn’t called the 5th person on the trip). Just keep in mind that some places (mainly outside of waikiki) might not have great cellular reception so you may need to walk around a bit so you have enough reception to call the cab.
6. Weather is unpredictable
Hawaii’s tropical climate is famous for its sunny days and occasional rain showers. The windward (eastern) side of the island tends to be wetter than the leeward (western) side so pack a light rain jacket and some comfortable, water-friendly shoes. Oahu is in the tropics, which means it can be susceptible to tropical weather systems like hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the hurricane season (June to November). While the island doesn’t get hit by hurricanes frequently, it can still lead to unpredictable weather conditions — our USS Arizona tour was cancelled because of strong winds :(
7. Island Time is a lifestyle so keep some buffer
The pace of life in Oahu is set to ‘island time.’ People here are in no rush which is a beautiful thing. Soon after getting to Oahu, you’ll feel the same way. My recommendation, therefore, would be to be prepared for a slower tempo. Don’t pack your day with so much that you have to rush from place to place. From a planning perspective, keep some buffer time for each activity. This way you can embrace the slower pace of life, relax for a few more hours , have another drink, go for another snorkeling session, or laze on the beach some more.
8. If you have dietary restrictions, research restaurants BEFORE your trip
Hawaii’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of flavors from around the world. While you’re here, indulge in local specialties like poke, shave ice, and malasadas. If you’re a vegan like me, however, or have some dietary restrictions, compile a list of your diet-friendly restaurants in Oahu BEFORE your trip. The last thing you want to do when relaxing on the beach is squinting down at your phone and spending an hour on Google Maps looking up menus to see if the fried rice has shrimp sauce or not (may or may not be based on a true story).
9. Learn a few Hawaiian Words
While English is widely spoken on the island, knowing a few Hawaiian words brightens up another’s day. Let’s be honest — everyone knows you’re a tourist there. But saying mahalo makes you one of the nice tourists. Here are some useful Hawaiian words and phrases to consider:
- Aloha: The most iconic Hawaiian word. It means both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’. It also embodies the spirit of love, compassion, and welcoming.
- Mahalo: thank you
- E Komo Mai: This phrase is often seen on welcome signs and means ‘Welcome’
- Makai and Mauka: These are directional terms you may see on signs. Makai means ‘toward the sea/ocean’, while mauka means ‘toward the mountains’
And here’s a fun one:
- Ono: Ono means delicious or tasty (exactly opposite of what you imagined)
10. Buying vs renting snorkeling gear
If you’re a casual snorkeler or visiting Oahu for a short period, renting snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) is a convenient and cost-effective option. However, if you’re a frequent snorkeler, plan to explore the island’s underwater beauty extensively, or want a personalized and eco-friendly experience, buying snorkeling gear can be much more cost-effective. There are obviously other factors to consider: transporting the gear, maintenance, storage, fitting of sizes, and if you are using prescription goggles (available in some rental shops too).
Conclusion
By keeping these 10 tips in mind, I hope you’ll be better prepared to navigate the island of Oahu and create unforgettable memories. To quickly summarize, here were the 10 points:
- Permits are KEY
- Keep cash for buses
- Sunscreen is to be applied liberally
- Car Rentals are MUCH cheaper from the airport
- Ubers are easy to get
- Weather is unpredictable
- Island Time is a lifestyle so keep some buffer
- If you have dietary restrictions, research restaurants BEFORE your trip
- Learn a few Hawaiian words
- Buying vs renting snorkeling gear
So, pack your sense of adventure, an open heart, and a spirit of aloha, and get ready for an extraordinary journey through Oahu’s enchanting landscapes. Mahalo and safe travels! 🏝️
