Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island. The majority of the locals live here, which means there are plenty of things to do. The next time you are in Oahu, make sure you check out the following places.
Visit Makapu’u Tidepools
This is by far one of the most exquisite areas in Oahu. It is sort of hidden and many tourists don’t even know it’s there. The tidepools can be reached on your way to the Makapu’u Lighthouse or Alan Davis Beach. You may have to scramble down some rocks to get to them, but it’s worth it as the sight of it is one of a kind.
Take A Walk On The North Shore/Haleiwa Beach Park
It’s not surprising that many of the beaches in Hawaii are crowded. However, this little gem in Oahu tends to have less people because it’s fairly rocky and has a shallow bottom. This makes it a great place to go just to enjoy the view and perhaps a picnic on a low key afternoon.
Hike To The Top Of Koko Head
If you are feeling pretty ambitious, head on over to Koko Head for a hike. With over 1,000 steps just to get to the top, you can easily work off some of those Hawaiian indulgences you have probably been partaking in. It should be forewarned though that these aren’t your average steps as many of them are taller than the average stairway. So take your time and make sure you wear adequate shoes. While do some huffing and puffing in order to get to the top, you will find it’s worth it once you see the incredible view.
Shop At Chinatown
It seems that a lot of areas have their own ‘Chinatown’ and Oahu is no exception. With it’s stalls, restaurants, bars and theatre center, there’s something for everyone here. Make sure you also check out the Buddhist Kuan Yin Temple that’s known for its memorable green roof.
Walk Around Diamond Head
There are quite a few volcanic craters around the world, but Diamond Head is probably the most recognizable. This extinct volcano is pretty impressive with its 3,500 feet diameter and 760 foot summit. Hawaiians refer to it as Leahi. It didn’t get the nickname of ‘Diamond Head’ until the 1800s when sailors from Britain thought the calcite crystals in the soil were diamonds. It’s a 0.7 mile hike to the top and it’s best to go first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Learn About Pearl Harbor
While many individuals have heard of Pearl Harbor, it’s not often that they get to learn about it first hand by visiting Oahu. Tourists can see some of the more well-known sites which includes the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Here they can go on a guided tour to learn about some of the more popular sites. They can also explore the USS Arizona and the World War II Valor.
Enjoy Polynesian Cultural Center
There’s a lot to do at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It consists of both a theme park and living museum, which makes it a great place to take children. Throughout the day there are also a variety of demonstrations and exhibits to enjoy. You can easily spend an entire morning and afternoon here exploring its 42 acres.
Take In All Of Waimea Falls Park
This is just the place to go if you want to spend some time outdoors in Oahu. Visitors walk through botanical gardens for about a mile, and then end up at the Waimea Falls. There are a variety of presentations and workshops to take part in while you are at the park. Some of them include unique Hawaiian performances that take place at the courtyard near the main entrance.
