Oahu

What you need to know before you go

    Oahu is a tropical Hawaiian island that’s home to epic landscapes, golden beaches and an incredible array of plants and animals. Sun-kissed days and balmy nights here can be spent in laidback luxury.

    The surf scene in Oahu is well known but, these days, the boardriders are outnumbered by families and honeymooners. The capital city of Honolulu is most people’s base when in Oahu, but don’t discount the lesser-explored north coast – home to some of the finest beaches in all of Hawaii.

    Top destinations in Oahu

    Where will you go next?

    • Honolulu

      Honolulu, in southeast Oahu, is Hawaii’s state capital. The imposing Aloha Tower lighthouse greets arriving visitors with its Gothic architecture, while Ala Moana Park, with its serene beach, offers a break from the city’s bustle. History is the everywhere here, and you can step into the past at iconic sights such as Pearl Harbor, or explore the restored 19th-century homes in the Mission Houses Museum.

      Head to one of Honolulu’s beachfront cafes to sample pokē, a lightly spiced raw-fish salad, washed down with a freshly made tropical-fruit smoothie, before watching a smoldering sunset from an idyllic vantage point on palm-fringed Waikiki Beach.

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