The 6 Best Places to Visit on Oahu

There are so many amazing places to visit on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii. If you’re planning your Oahu trip and you want to venture beyond the beaches of Waikiki and immerse yourself in culture and nature, the activities and attractions to choose from abound. Here are 6 of some of the best places to visit on Oahu.

Makapu’u Point and Lighthouse Trail

Paved and well-maintained, this coastal trail is ideal for casual hikers and families. As you ascend the trail, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, the nearby islands, and the rugged cliffs of Makapu’u await you. During the winter months, the trail is also an excellent spot for watching the humpback whales that have migrated to Hawaii from Alaska.

Diamond Head State Monument

The trail up to Diamond Head is moderately challenging, relatively short, and well worth it once you reach the summit of the volcanic crater. There, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Oahu’s coastline and Honolulu.

Iolani Palace

Located in Honolulu, Iolani is one of only three royal palaces in the U.S. To learn about Hawaii’s rich history and the events that shaped the state’s past, take a guided tour of the exquisite palace, which was once the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs.

Pearl Harbor

A historic site that includes the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor has several museums and exhibits that offer a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the attack on Pearl Harbor and pay respect to those who served and sacrificed onDecember 7, 1941.

Polynesian Cultural Center

This center provides plenty of opportunities to learn about various Polynesian cultures. Featuring distinct villages representing Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and other

Pacific Islands, each village offers interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and performances that offer insight into traditional customs, values, and ways of life. During your visit, you can participate in various hands-on activities like fire-making, coconut husking, and Polynesian games.

Paradise Cove

Speaking of culture, one of the best places to visit on Oahu for a traditional Hawaiian luau is Paradise Cove. After an exclusive snorkel tour, enjoy an evening of feasting and entertainment. Once you’re greeted with a shell lei, sip on a tropical Mai Tai while gazing at a mesmerizing Hawaiian sunset. Stroll through the Hawaiian Village, learn the arts and crafts of the islands, test your skills at Hawaiian games, and participate in the hukilau on the beach, where you’ll learn about the net fishing techniques of old Hawaii. 

As you continue the cultural immersion on this exciting evening, observe the time-honored imu ceremony before dining on traditional Hawaiian and continental cuisine. Sit back and soak up the festive mood while listening to live Hawaiian music and songs, as well as watching award-winning dances and performances of Hawaii and Polynesia at the incomparable Paradise Cove Extravaganza. For an unparalleled day that starts with snorkeling and ends with a luau in paradise, book a Paradise Cove Luau and Snorkel Oahu Combo package today!