The Ultimate Guide to Oahu, Hawaii: Waikiki, North Shore & More
All you need to know about the island of Oahu
Are you dreaming of swaying palm trees, the perfect surf break, and that legendary ‘Aloha’ spirit? Welcome to Hawaii! In this blog, we take you to Oahu, the beating heart of the archipelago. From the hustle and bustle of Waikiki to the raw beauty of the North Shore: this is Hawaii exactly like you’ve seen in the movies. This blog and video are the complete travel guide to Oahu. We tell you everything about the highlights of Oahu, Hawaii.
Waikiki Beach: The Icon of Honolulu
Our journey starts at perhaps the most famous beach in the world: Waikiki Beach. It’s the ultimate tourist hotspot, but don’t let that deter you. The energy here is unmatched. Whether you’re taking your first surfing lessons or enjoying the sunset from a bench on the boulevard, Waikiki has it all.
Diamond Head: The Literal Highlight
Right next to Waikiki lies the iconic mountain seen on every postcard: Diamond Head. Did you know this place got its name from British sailors in the 1600s? They thought the glittering crystals in the crater were diamonds. They didn’t get rich, but the view is worth its weight in gold.
Tip: It’s a strenuous hike to the top, especially when it’s 35°C (95°F). Go early, bring plenty of water, and prepare for a beautiful 360-degree view of Honolulu.
History at Pearl Harbor
Hawaii is beautiful, but it also has a somber history that shouldn’t be forgotten. A visit to Pearl Harbor is an absolute must. Watching the introductory film and taking the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial (the shipwreck that still lies on the ocean floor) is a powerful and educational experience.
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Road Tripping to the North Shore
Rent a car and escape the city! The drive to the North Shore takes you past endless pineapple plantations (yes, the ones from the famous Dole brand).
Waimea Bay: In our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches on all of Oahu.
Sharks Cove: Don’t let the name scare you! It’s a stunning natural tide pool in the sea, perfect for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear water.
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout: For the best view of Hawaii’s dramatic mountains, stop at this viewpoint. The wind might nearly blow you away, but the panorama is unforgettable.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
If you love the underwater world, you cannot miss Hanauma Bay. This is one of the premier snorkeling spots in the world. The water is so blue it almost feels unreal. Note: This is a protected marine life conservation area, so make sure to book your tickets in advance!
The beaches we highly recommend
During our road trip around Oahu, we stopped at some incredible spots. These are the beaches you’ll see in our video and definitely shouldn’t miss:
Waikiki Beach: The perfect place to start and end your journey. It’s always buzzing with energy, and the view of the surfers is iconic.
- Lanikai Beach: Quite possibly the most beautiful beach we’ve ever set foot on. With its powdery white sand and the view of the two ‘Mokes’ islands offshore, it feels like a total dream location.
Waimea Beach: Once you hit the North Shore, this is one of the most beautiful stops. The sand is golden, and the vibe is perfectly laid back.
Sharks Cove: Located right near Waimea, this “natural swimming pool” is one of the best spots on the island to swim and snorkel safely among the rocks.
Hanauma Bay: A true underwater paradise. The blue water in this volcanic crater is so clear you can spot the fish from the shore. A must-visit for any snorkeler!
Hawaii Travel Tips (Updated for 2026)
Traveling to Hawaii these days requires a bit of strategy. Here are our top three tips:
Reservations are King: For popular spots like Hanauma Bay and Diamond Head, online reservations are mandatory. Book weeks in advance, or you’ll miss out.
The Parking Hack: Parking in Waikiki is eye-wateringly expensive (sometimes $50+ per night). We often parked our car just outside the main tourist zones to save hundreds of dollars over a week.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only: Use only biodegradable sunscreen without harmful chemicals. Traditional sunscreens are banned on the islands to protect the fragile coral reefs. Aloha also means respecting the land!
Watch our Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide video below
This video is a real ‘golden oldie’! While the footage is from the archives, the tips for Oahu are still pure gold. Don’t forget to turn on CC (captions) for the full experience
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We’re Wout & Suus, traveling full time around the world with our little globetrotters Jens & Céline.
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