O’ahu: An Endless Summer Experience for Friends, Families & Everyone In Between
Curated By
Jessica Softcheck
Curator’s statement
Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is the perfect gateway to experiencing Hawai’i in a variety of ways. It’s perfect for the solo traveler, for the surfer, for the family, the hikers, and the honeymooners. From our pre-kid days to our honeymoon and then on to traveling with our three kids, we’ve done it all! And while it may be a heavily frequented destination among the islands, time slows here as you wander quiet trails, hidden beaches, and secret snorkel spots. Oahu holds a special place in my heart and leaves a lingering feeling of Aloha every time.
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Things to do in O’ahu
The views from Diamond Head are beyond worth the hike!
Diamond Head
The obvious and iconic choice: hike Diamond Head. Go early. Bring water. Make a reservation so the trail isn’t packed when you arrive! Probably best for kids to be of the age where they can hike on their own.
Pearl Harbor
Another must-do once: Pearl Harbor. Add on the Arizona ship tour. Knock it out in the morning so you can enjoy the bulk of your day outside.
Haunama Bay
It may be one of the most popular snorkeling spots, but it’s worth it. Make a reservation, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and bring an underwater camera! It’s a safe spot for all levels of experience.
Surfing
Take a surf lesson at Waikiki Beach. The break there has something for everyone. Want to rent boards? Moku Hawai’i is the place.
Explore Haleiwa
Head north to the little beach town of Haleiwa. Local vibes. Surf shops, art, delicious food, and of course, Matsumoto Shave Ice!
If you’re in Haleiwa, head on up on the North Shore, take a walk (easy hike!) to Waimea Falls. 150 acres of botanical gardens and a trail that ends in a swimmable waterfall.
Sunset at Turtle Bay
End your day at Turtle Bay (if you aren’t staying there!) with cocktails on the patio, overlooking the ocean at sunset.
Sunrise at Lanikai Beach
You can’t beat it. Soft light, calm water, very few people. It feels like a private moment before the island really wakes up.
Kualoa Park
You can drive ATVs through the park or ride horses and see iconic Jurassic Park locations—or just take the beach park access road for an equally beautiful and peaceful view.
Book the luau
No matter where you choose to enjoy it, it’s fun, authentic, entertaining, and comes with excellent food. It’s a “do it once” experience for sure.
Drive up to Waimea Bay
Somewhat of a secret spot and for the adventurous. Park as close to the church as you can and walk the road back down to the beach. Jump off the rock if you dare! (Only in summer months, as this spot is a very famous and very serious surf spot in the winter, home to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational!)
Places to eat & drink in O’ahu
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman: Lively, not upscale, and usually a bit of live music on the patio. It’s located near the Ko Olina hotels and has the best happy hour and poke tacos.
Sushi Sasabune: For the sushi lovers. This is not a touristy hot spot. More of an upscale vibe here and definitely for those who “get sushi.”
Mina: If you’re looking for “the dinner,” it’s at Mina’s at the Four Seasons. Oceanfront, excellent seafood, thorough wine list.
Duke’s Waikiki: An iconic beach restaurant right in the heart of Waikiki with classic food choices and plenty of aloha decor. It’s a good way to ease yourself into all things Hawai’i and even has a barefoot bar.
Ono Seafood: Poke Poke Poke. It’s real. It’s fresh. It’s real fresh. Grab-n-go style. Absolutely where the locals eat.
Haleiwa Beach House: On the North Shore and a great stop after a long day exploring. It’s casual, loaded with fresh seafood, and oceanfront.
Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider: Champagne and sunset at the Moana Surfrider beachside restaurant, Beachhouse. Sunset is an event no matter where on the island you are, sand, balcony, or boat! Grab appetizers by the pool and enjoy the day winding down. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday, and open up Wednesday–Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Jax Wood Fired Pizza: In the cute surf town of Haleiwa, family-owned, and a local spot through and through.
Need to know
While Waikiki is walkable, it’s very beneficial to have your own car so you can explore at your own pace all over the island.
Pace your day where you can enjoy a physical activity in the earlier parts of the morning before it’s too hot, enjoy your hotel or the beach during the day, and make sure you’re back on the coast in time for the sunset!
Travel Advisor
Jessica Softcheck
Jessica Softcheck
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our O’ahu page.