North Shore
Haleiwa town
Surf shops, local boutiques, art galleries and surf-brand tees.
Oahufour sides, one island
Sunrise on Diamond Head, turtles on the North Shore, shrimp trucks for lunch and a Waikiki sunset to close it out. Every side of Oahu feels like a different trip: tap a side of the island, or scroll and take them one at a time.
Right now on Oahu
- Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area All 3 restrooms will be CLOSED for construction work through 11/25/26 Hawaii State Parks
- Ka‘ena Point State Park Vehicle Access has CLOSED due to saturated roads Hawaii State Parks
- Ka‘ena Point State Park Keawa'ula Trail remains CLOSED and vehicle access is restricted past the restroom parking lot due to storm inflicted road damage, the comfort station has REOPENED Hawaii State Parks
- + 1 more Hawaii State Parks
- Brown Water Advisory Pounders Beach to Kahana Bay Hawaii Dept. of Health
- Beach Notification Bacteria Threshold Exceedance Notification at Pounders Hawaii Dept. of Health
- + 3 more Hawaii Dept. of Health
- Tonight: North Shore: Scattered Rain Showers, 71°F · Windward: Scattered Rain Showers, 75°F · Honolulu + Waikiki: Scattered Rain Showers, 76°F · West Side: Isolated Rain Showers, 75°F NWS
- Free Parking on Veterans Day Parking will be free this Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, for all vehicles. There will be no $7.00 parking fee required. National Park Service
- Big-wave season: North Shore surf builds from November, and the Triple Crown of Surfing contests start. Watch from the sand.
Updated Oct 30, 4:57 AM from official sources.
1
North Shoresurf, turtles, shrimp trucks
2
WindwardLanikai, Kualoa cliffs
3
Honolulu + WaikikiDiamond Head, food, Pearl Harbor
4
West Sidelagoons, sunsets, quiet
Tap an area to jump there · Map: US Census Bureau boundaries (public domain)
- Fly into
- Honolulu (HNL), Daniel K. Inouye International
- Best months
- April–May and September–October (fewer crowds, good weather, lower prices)
- Days needed
- 4–5 to see the main sides; 7 to slow down
- Price level
- $$$ (Waikiki hotels and rental cars add up)
- Getting around
- Rental car for the North Shore and Windward side; TheBus and walking in Waikiki
- Book ahead
- Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, USS Arizona Memorial
Chapter 1 About 1 hr from Waikiki
The North Shore
Surf town energy, sea turtles on the sand and the best lunch on the island, from a truck.
- Summer: calm swims
- Winter: giant waves
- Plan a full day
The day
Start in Haleiwa with coffee and a walk through the surf shops. Drive up the coast to Waimea Bay: in summer it's for swimming and the jump rock, in winter you sit on the sand and watch some of the biggest surf on Earth.
Stop at Laniakea for sea turtles (keep 10 feet back), snorkel Shark's Cove if the sea is flat, then a shrimp truck lunch, shave ice, and sunset at Sunset Beach.
Get the shrimp, get the shave ice, then go find the turtles. That's the whole plan.
See and do
Waimea BayFree Summer: glassy swims and the jump rock
Summer: glassy swims and the jump rock. Winter: some of the biggest surf on Earth. Never swim when the surf is up.
- Parking Fills by mid-morning
- Season Swim only on calm summer days
Laniakea turtlesTrending now Green sea turtles resting on the sand
Green sea turtles resting on the sand. Stay at least 10 feet away.
Shark's CoveLocal secret Tide pools and snorkeling, summer only, when the sea is flat.
- Season Summer, flat days only
Pipeline and Sunset BeachFree Watch the pros on big winter swells, then stay for sunset at Sunset Beach.
- Season Big surf in winter
Waimea Valley A botanical garden walk to a waterfall, just inland from Waimea Bay.
Eat
Garlic shrimp trucksTrending now Messy, buttery and worth the line
Messy, buttery and worth the line. Giovanni's in Kahuku and Haleiwa is the famous one. Bring napkins, and cash just in case.
Shave ice in HaleiwaMust try Matsumoto's is the classic
Matsumoto's is the classic. Ask for ice cream on the bottom and a snow cap of sweet cream on top.
Stay here
North Shore
Surf cottages and the Turtle Bay resort. Quiet nights, no city.
Find a North Shore staySome links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Getting here
About 1 hr from Waikiki by car. Park early: Waimea fills by mid-morning. Winter traffic is slow on big-surf days.
Chapter 2 About 30 min from Waikiki
The Windward Side
Powder-white beaches, two little islands offshore and the green movie cliffs of Kualoa.
- Greener, with passing showers
- Plan a full day
The day
Sunrise on the Lanikai Pillbox, then breakfast in Kailua town. Kayak toward the Mokes or swim at Kailua Beach.
Drive up the coast past the Byodo-In Temple to Kualoa for an ATV or horseback tour, and stop at the fruit stands on the way back.
See and do
Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge)Local secret Old WWII bunkers with the best view of the Mokes
Old WWII bunkers with the best view of the Mokes. Best at sunrise. Steep, slippery first stretch; respect the neighborhood.
- Level Moderate
- Parking Almost none in Lanikai; park in Kailua and walk or bike
Kailua BeachFree Powder-white sand for a full lazy day; kayak or swim toward the Mokes.
Kayak to the Mokes Paddle from Kailua to the two little islands, guided or with a rental
Paddle from Kailua to the two little islands, guided or with a rental. Landing rules apply on the islands.
Kualoa RanchTrending now The jagged green cliffs from dinosaur movies
The jagged green cliffs from dinosaur movies. Worth it even just driving past on Highway 83.
- Book Tours only (ATV, horseback, film sites, e-bike); book ahead in peak season
Official info
Map
Checked Oct 2026
Byodo-In Temple A peaceful replica Japanese temple under the Koolau cliffs
A peaceful replica Japanese temple under the Koolau cliffs. A quick stop on the windward drive.
- Cost Small fee
Map
Checked Oct 2026
Nuuanu Pali Lookout A windy cliff-top view over the windward side, on the way over from Honolulu.
Eat
Kailua cafes and poke counters Breakfast in Kailua town, and poke by the pound for the beach.
Roadside fruit and coconut stands Stop on the drive back up Kamehameha Highway.
Stay here
Kailua
Beach houses and B&Bs. Only book rentals that show a valid city permit; Oahu fines illegal short stays.
Find a Windward stayGetting here
About 30 minutes from Waikiki over the Pali or H-3. Lanikai has almost no parking: park in Kailua and walk or bike.
Chapter 3 You're already here
Honolulu and Waikiki
City energy on the sand: crater hikes, history, food halls and sunset mai tais.
- Reserve three big sights
- No car needed
The day
Diamond Head at opening (reserve), then snorkel Hanauma Bay (reserve; closed Monday and Tuesday). Afternoon at Pearl Harbor (reserve the USS Arizona Memorial).
Malasadas on Kapahulu, sunset on Waikiki Beach, and on Fridays, fireworks at about 7:45 pm.
See and do
Diamond Head State MonumentBook ahead The postcard crater hike
The postcard crater hike. Go at opening for cooler air and the best Waikiki views.
- Cost $5 per person plus $10 per car (Hawaii residents free)
- Time 1.6 mi round trip, about 560 ft up
- Book Visitors reserve a time slot online
Official info
Map
Checked Oct 2026
Hanauma Bay Nature PreserveBook ahead Snorkel with turtles and reef fish in a sunken crater
Snorkel with turtles and reef fish in a sunken crater. Best early, before the water clouds up. Watch the short reef video first.
- Cost $25 for visitors (residents free)
- Book Reservations open 2 days ahead
- Season Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Official info
Map
Checked Oct 2026
Pearl Harbor National MemorialBook ahead The most moving stop on the island
The most moving stop on the island. Plan half a day.
- Cost USS Arizona program free ($1 booking fee)
- Parking $7; no bags allowed
- Book Recreation.gov: released 8 weeks and 24 hours ahead at 3 pm HST
Official info
Map
Checked Oct 2026
Makapuu Point Lighthouse TrailFree Paved, easy and huge views; whales December to April
Paved, easy and huge views; whales December to April. No shade, so go early or late.
- Time About 2 mi round trip
Koko Crater stairs About 1,000 old railway-tie steps straight up: the locals' workout
About 1,000 old railway-tie steps straight up: the locals' workout. Brutal in midday heat; bring lots of water.
- Level Hard
Manoa Falls A short rainforest walk to a tall waterfall, 15 minutes from Waikiki
A short rainforest walk to a tall waterfall, 15 minutes from Waikiki. Muddy; the trail closes now and then for repairs, so check before going.
- Level Easy-moderate
Waikiki and the Duke statueFree Touristy but fun: surf lessons, people-watching and sunset
Touristy but fun: surf lessons, people-watching and sunset. Worth one evening even if you stay elsewhere.
Eat
Leonard's malasadasLocal favorite Portuguese doughnuts, hot and sugared, on Kapahulu Avenue near Waikiki
Portuguese doughnuts, hot and sugared, on Kapahulu Avenue near Waikiki. Eat them in the car.
Poke countersLocal secret Buy by the pound at a grocery or seafood counter (Ono Seafood, Foodland) and take it to the beach
Buy by the pound at a grocery or seafood counter (Ono Seafood, Foodland) and take it to the beach. Shoyu ahi is the safe first pick.
Plate lunchCheap eat Two scoops rice, mac salad and a main at Rainbow Drive-In or a local lunch counter
Two scoops rice, mac salad and a main at Rainbow Drive-In or a local lunch counter. Loco moco is the island comfort food.
Helena's Hawaiian Food A James Beard winner: kalua pig, lau lau, pipikaula short ribs and poi.
Stay here
Waikiki
Walk to everything; best for first-timers without a car.
Find a Honolulu + Waikiki stayGetting here
HNL is 25–45 minutes away. Hotel parking runs high; skip the car on Waikiki days and use TheBus or Biki bikes.
Chapter 4 About 45 min from Waikiki
The West Side
Calm lagoons, big quiet beaches and the island's best sunsets.
- Sunny, dry side
- Plan a full day
The day
Lagoon swim at Ko Olina, then drive up the Waianae coast to Makaha Beach. Hike out to Kaena Point for seabirds and monk seals (go early; it's hot and shadeless).
Sunset back at Ko Olina, or a luau.
See and do
Ko Olina lagoonsFree Calm, protected lagoons for swimming, kids and sunsets.
Makaha Beach A big, quiet beach up the Waianae coast.
Kaena PointFree The wild western tip: seabirds and monk seals
The wild western tip: seabirds and monk seals. Long, hot and exposed, with no water. Check closures first.
- Level Moderate
Official info
Map
Checked Oct 2026
Electric Beach Snorkeling for experienced swimmers only.
Sunset sails and luau End the day with a sunset sail or a luau at Ko Olina.
Eat
Ko Olina and Waianae Resort restaurants at Ko Olina, local spots in Waianae.
Stay here
Ko Olina
Resorts with calm water, good for families and sunsets.
Find a West Side stayGetting here
Traffic on H-1 is heavy at rush hour. The Waianae coast is a residential area, not a resort: respect local communities.
Shop
Windward
Kailua town
Beach boutiques, local makers, island-made soaps and candles.
Honolulu + Waikiki
KCC Farmers Market
Saturday mornings at Kapiolani Community College: local fruit, coffee, honey and food stalls. Go early.
- Season Saturday mornings
Honolulu + Waikiki
Kakaako
Street murals, local designers and coffee roasters.
Honolulu + Waikiki
Chinatown
Lei stands, herb shops, antiques and bakeries.
Honolulu + Waikiki
Ala Moana Center
The big open-air mall for everything else.
Hang out
Free show Free
Friday fireworks
A free show over Waikiki from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, usually 7:45 pm (8 pm in summer). Times change, so check that week.
Sunsets Free
Sunset spots
Waikiki Beach and the Duke statue, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park, Sunset Beach on the North Shore and Ko Olina on the West Side.
Evenings
Live music and hula
Hawaiian music at Waikiki beach bars in the evening, and free hula shows on Kuhio Beach some nights.
Monthly
First Friday in Chinatown
Galleries, bars and street life on the first Friday of each month.
Stargazing
Night skies
The dark West Side and North Shore beaches, away from city lights.
When to go
Oahu is warm all year (highs in the low to high 80s °F); what changes is waves, rain and crowds. Best value: April–May and September–October.
| Season | Weather | Ocean | Crowds and prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cooler, more rain, especially windward | Giant North Shore surf; calm south shore | High, peak at the holidays | Big-wave season, humpback whales (about Dec–Apr), surf contests |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Drier, pleasant | Waves settling everywhere | Lower | Lei Day (May 1), great all-round |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hottest, driest | Calm North Shore for snorkeling; surf on the south shore | High (family travel) | Shark's Cove snorkeling, Waimea jump rock |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Warm, mostly dry | Surf builds on the North Shore from November | Lower, good deals | Aloha Festivals (September), Triple Crown of Surfing starts in November |
The Honolulu Marathon fills hotels in early December. Hurricane season runs June to November, but direct hits are rare.
Getting there and around
Fly into Honolulu (HNL). Rent a car for the North Shore, Windward and West Side days; skip it on Waikiki days.
| Option | Good for | Cost and tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | North Shore, Windward and West Side | Pick up at HNL. Book early in winter and summer. Waikiki hotel parking is expensive, so some visitors rent only for the out-of-town days. |
| TheBus and Skyline rail | Waikiki, downtown, Ala Moana, Pearl Harbor | $3 per ride on a HOLO card (2-hour pass); $3.25 cash. Slow to the North Shore, but it gets there. |
| Biki bikes | Short hops around Waikiki and Kakaako | City bike share; good for beach-to-dinner trips. |
| Airport rides | Arrival day | Shuttle or private transfer to Waikiki, 25–45 minutes. |
| Rideshare and taxis | Nights out | Easy in town, pricey across the island. |
Drive times from Waikiki: North Shore about 1 hour, Kailua about 30 minutes, Ko Olina about 45 minutes, Pearl Harbor about 25 minutes. Add time at rush hour on H-1.
Tours
Hand-picked tours rated 4.5 stars and up, by area. See all Oahu tours
North Shore
Windward
Honolulu + Waikiki
West Side
Tour links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Plan it
4 days on Oahu
One day on each side: Honolulu, the Windward Side, the North Shore and the West Side
Book these first
Three of Oahu's big sights need reservations, and they sell out:
- Diamond Head: visitors reserve a time slot ($5 per person plus $10 per car).
- Hanauma Bay: reservations open 2 days ahead; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- USS Arizona Memorial: free program, $1 booking fee; tickets release 8 weeks and 24 hours ahead at 3 pm HST.
Oahu, HI
Lock in the fun stuff
Book your stay, wheels and tours, then drop each confirmation into your trip so it's all in one spot on the road.
Getting there: fly into Honolulu (HNL). Waikiki is 25–45 minutes away; rent a car for the North Shore and Windward days.
Places to stay
Waikiki hotels, Kailua beach houses, North Shore cottages, Ko Olina resorts
Find a staySome links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Know before you go
- The ocean is the biggest danger. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, never turn your back on the waves, and stay out on high-surf days (the Right now box shows them). North Shore winter surf is for experts only.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is the law. Hawaii bans selling sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate (HRS 342D-21). Use mineral sunscreen or a rash guard.
- Give wildlife space. Stay at least 10 feet from sea turtles and 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals; never touch either.
- Don't trespass for a photo. Closed trails like the Haiku Stairs are off-limits and patrolled; fines are real and rescues are dangerous.
- Lock nothing in the car. Trailhead and beach parking break-ins are common. Take valuables with you.
- Respect neighborhoods. Lanikai, the Waianae coast and the North Shore are home to locals. Park legally, keep noise down, take your trash.
- Rentals must be legal. Outside resort areas like Waikiki and Ko Olina, short vacation rentals need a city permit. Book stays that show one.
- Aloha goes both ways. A smile, patience in traffic and a "mahalo" go a long way.
From our members
Trip reports and photos from members who've been to Oahu.
Keep exploring
Photos (Wikimedia Commons unless noted):Oahu banner: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 · North Shore: Waimea Bay, Don Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Windward: The Moks from Lanikai, Cristo Vlahos, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Honolulu + Waikiki: Diamond Head, Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US · West Side: Ko Olina, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 4.0. Map: US Census Bureau boundaries (public domain). Page updated October 30, 2026.