Oahu – Honolulu & Waikiki
The Island of Oahu
Oahu is the third biggest island in Hawaii. It is also the most populous of the state’s islands, home to the capital, Honolulu, and a great place to go on vacation. Because Oahu is a relatively large and well-populated island it is a very popular vacation destination and home to a range of top attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. You’ll never be bored if you choose to visit Oahu for your vacation.
The island of Oahu includes the city of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
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For lots more info about Oahu see The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Oahu
Oahu Honolulu Waikiki Hotels
There are a wide variety of hotels and resorts on the island of Oahu that would suit most budgets. And you could also combine your stay on Oahu with a trip to another Hawaiian island or even make your vacation in Hawaii the finale of a family cruise. Hawaii is a popular cruise destination and the perfect place to relax and wind down after a fun-packed activity cruise that would be sure to appeal to the whole family. According to the American Association of Port Authorities and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, 15% of all cruises are to Hawaii and 80% of cruise passengers think taking a cruise is a great way for families to sample a variety of destinations. So where do we recommend you stay if you do choose to take a vacation or end your cruise in Hawaii? Here are just some of the fantastic options available:
Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel: Inexpensive
The Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel is a great affordable hotel in the heart of Oahu, situated just two blocks from the beach. It is equipped with a 24-hour spa, its own outdoor swimming pool, and an onsite restaurant that serves a range of delicious menus. Each room has cable TV and a mini-fridge. If you’re looking to enjoy everything Waikiki has to offer on a budget, then the Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel is a great option.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: Moderate price
If you’re looking for a vacation resort that offers every imaginable facility for the duration of your stay then the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort could be the perfect hotel for you. This 22-acre Hawaiian resort can be found right on the shores of Waikiki Beach. You’ll always find something delicious to eat as it has over 20 restaurants and lounges. It also has 90 shops and boutiques, and a 5,000-square foot family activity pool.
Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa: Luxury
Finally, for those with bigger budgets looking for a truly luxurious resort, the Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa is a fantastic option. Just steps from Waikiki Beach, this luxurious resort offers guests contemporary amenities and a variety of unique services for your dream Hawaiian vacation. The hotel is equipped with a private beach area and its very own spa: perfect for some luxurious indulgence.
There are numerous other excellent hotel choices in Waikiki, including the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki, and Halekulani.
The article on this page was written for mauihawaii.org by Julie Bowen.
Oahu Honolulu Waikiki Things To Do
When you are on the island of Oahu, a visit to Pearl Harbor is a must. Pearl Harbor is home to both a memorial and a museum: you can also take a guided tour of the area, and discover more about its history and importance. A visit to Pearl Harbor gives you the chance to pay your respects to the fallen Hawaii heroes of December 7, 1941, and find out more about the Pearl Harbor tragedy, which is one of the most significant events in United States history. If you’re interested in learning more about more specific Hawaiian history and culture during your stay on Oahu then a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center should also be at the top of your list of things to do too. The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s number one paid attraction where you can learn more about and interact with Hawaii’s native people. You can also watch Hawaii’s only canoe pageant, take part in a dinner show feast (or luau) and see a range of treasures and artifacts celebrating Polynesian culture.
If your interests lie in more natural pursuits then a visit to Diamond Head would be perfect for you. Diamond Head is the name of a volcanic tuff cone on the island of Oahu and is a popular destination for tourist day trips when visiting Hawaii. Visitors are able to hike to the outer rim of the volcano. Signs at the trailhead say that the hike takes 1.5–2 hours round-trip, and recommends that hikers bring water. However less confident hikers can take part in organized tours to Diamond Head and enjoy less arduous walking routes to see its beauty. Finally, a trip to Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach and Waikiki Beach is one of the finest beaches available. It is Oahu’s most popular beach and is a white sand beach lined with palm trees just perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and walking with your family and loved ones. What better reason could you need to make the island of Oahu the destination for your next big vacation?
Where to Eat
Oahu is an island full of fantastic restaurants: if you choose to visit Oahu and Waikiki on your vacation then it is guaranteed that you’ll never go hungry. If you’re looking for decadent dining then why not try Duke’s Waikiki? This restaurant offers waterfront dining in gorgeous surroundings and with a variety of menu options. Whether you’re looking for steaks, seafood, or traditional Hawaiian options, you’ll find them all at Duke’s. Of course, high-class dining isn’t for everyone, and most people certainly can’t afford it for every night of their vacation! For guests on a tight budget try Teddy’s Bigger Burgers: this classic American burger joint offers satisfyingly big and truly delicious burgers at very reasonable prices.
