Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Oahu Best Things to See
Oahu Sights Guide
To say Oahu is brimming with amazing things to see and points of interest is a massive understatement. Nearly anywhere you go on Oahu, you're bound to find something fascinating.
From the gorgeous Waimea Valley on the North Shore to world-famous Waikiki to the once battle-scarred Pearl Harbor, Oahu has something for everyone. Take the kids to the Honolulu Zoo at Kapiolani Park, snorkel the breathtaking Hanauma Bay, and snap some photos at Mokoli'i Island off Kualoa Point.
Let HawaiiGuide help familiarize you with the best things to see on Oahu- peruse the information on these pages and start planning your Oahu sightseeing adventure today.
This entry includes resources for Oahu's Top Things to See, including tips, advice, rankings, maps, and more.
- Browse every sight side-by-side with our interactive Oahu sights map
- The 10 Best Things to See on Oahu - we've ranked the top 10 hikes & trails based on several important visitor criteria
- Categozied by region, visitors can explore all of Oahu's Sights
Explore Oahu's Sights on the Map
Every Oahu sight we cover, side by side with the map. Tap a filter to narrow the list — the pins follow along.
Dole Plantation
Visit the Dole Plantation on Oahu's North Shore. World's largest maze, pineapple express train, garden tour, Dole Whip, hours, tickets, and parking...
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Plan Pearl Harbor on Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial reservations, parking, no-bag rules, how long to allow, guided vs self-guided options, and first-vi...
Polynesian Cultural Center
Complete guide to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. Ticket packages, luau options, village experiences, evening show, hours, and how to save ...
Fees / permits
Ka'a'awa Valley
Uncover Hawaii's hidden gem, Ka'a'awa Valley—its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and enduring cultural practices. Don't miss out!
Fees / permits
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is the Jurassic Park filming location on Oahu. Book ATV tours, ziplines, horseback riding, and the famous Jurassic Valley movie tour. ...
Fees / permits
Diamond Head State Monument
Plan Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu: reservations, fees, hours, parking, no-car options, hike basics, and the best time to visit from Waikiki.
Fees / permits
Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is a family-friendly activity on Oahu that should definitely be on your Things to Do in Oahu list. Read our blog to learn more & p...
Fees / permits
Waimea Valley
Visit Waimea Valley on Oahu's North Shore. Botanical gardens, Waimea Falls swimming, cultural sites, tickets, hours, and tips for this 1,875-acre n...
Fees / permits
Halona Blowhole Lookout
Visit the Halona Blowhole on Oahu's east coast. Watch ocean water shoot through lava tubes, see Eternity Beach below, parking tips, and best time t...
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, located in Kaneohe on the island of Oahu, is a 400-acre botanical oasis that focuses on plants from tropical regions ...
Iolani Palace
'Iolani Palace is a magnificent mansion that preserves an important part of Hawaiian history. The Palace is well worth visiting when in Honolulu, a...
Fees / permits
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is one of the most scenic spots on Oahu and offers great views of the windward coast including Kailua and Kaneohe Bay.
Fees / permits
Bishop Museum
Founded in 1889 and named after the last descendant of King Kamehameha I, the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and i...
Fees / permits
Kapiolani Park
Oahu is full of beautiful sights and things to do for the entire family. One such attraction is the lovely Kapiolani Park.
Sharks Cove
Sharks Cove on Oahu's North Shore is one of Hawaii's best snorkeling spots. Tide pools, marine life, best time to visit, parking, and safety tips f...
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Also known as the WWII Valor in the Pacific it honors the men o...
Lanikai Hill
If your visit to Oahu would not be complete without a hike, Lanikai Hill is for you. This hill sits proudly behind the community of Lanikai, with a...
King Kamehameha Statue
This majestic King Kamehameha I statue that stands proudly out the front of Ali'iolane Hale in Downtown Honolulu, is a casting of one of Hawaii's m...
Waiahole Poi Factory
Waiahole Poi factory is a family-owned business offering traditional Hawaiian foods and arts and crafts. It is a must-see East Oahu location.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Plan Hanauma Bay on Oahu: reservations, fees, hours, parking, transportation, snorkeling zones, reef rules, and what to do if slots are sold out.
Fees / permits
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
How to book Hanauma Bay reservations: 2-day booking window, fees, hours, walk-in limits, parking, transportation, and shuttle backup plans.
Fees / permits
Foster Botanical Gardens
Immerse yourself in the lush greenery and vibrant flowers that can only be found on the lush tropical islands of Hawaii. Foster Botanical Gardens i...
Fees / permits
Honolulu Museum of Art
The Honolulu Museum of Art is a collection of stunning cultural pieces developed by local artists and expressive of the island's deep, rich culture...
Waikiki Aquarium
Waikiki Aquarium is located at Kapiolani Beach Park & is home to plenty of diverse sea life, activities & exhibits. Read our blog to learn more & p...
Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (USS Bowfin)
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a National Historic Landmark and museum found in Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Kaneana Cave
Visit Makua Cave (Kaneana Cave) on Oahu's Leeward Coast. 150,000-year-old sea cave, Hawaiian legends, directions, and tips for visiting this free O...
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park
Visit the Valley of the Temples on Oahu and the stunning Byodo-In Temple replica. Hours, admission fees, what to expect, and tips for 2026.
Fees / permits
Hawaii State Art Museum (Capitol Modern)
The Hawaii State Art Museum is home to intriguing artifacts, stunning landscapes, and so much more. The museum itself is located in the southeaster...
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
Explore the history and significance of Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii. Learn about its origins, notable interments, visiting tips...
Queen Emma Summer Palace
This historical site is slightly different from the first two listed here. The Queen Emma Summer Palace is a historic landmark and was once the sum...
Fees / permits
Puu Ualakaa State Wayside
Located along the Tantalus Drive, this park contains the best views from Mount Tantalus. In fact, if you watch the movie Blue Hawaii with Elvis Pre...
Fees / permits
Diamond Head Lighthouse
The Diamond Head Lighthouse, originally built in 1899, spreads light nearly 18 miles out into the Pacific Ocean.The house's Fresnel lens burns at 6...
Kawaiahao Church
Honolulu's Historic LandmarkKawaiaha'o Church, located in Downtown Honolulu and part of the Honolulu District Historic Landmark walk, was construct...
Hawaii Capitol Historic District
The Hawaii Capitol Historic District in Downtown Honolulu is a collection of historic buildings that were the center of the ruling Hawaiian Monarch...
Laie Falls
Oahu is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from world-famous beaches to lush mountain trails. While many visitors flock to iconic spots like Wa...
Mokolii Island (Chinaman's Hat)
This little cone-shaped lump of lava off Kualoa Point is officially called Mokoli'i, which means 'giant lizard.' This historical island has a rich ...
Oahu Volcanic Craters
Are there volcanoes on Oahu? Yes — but they're all extinct. Explore Diamond Head, Koko Head, Hanauma Bay, and Punchbowl, the volcanic craters that ...
Three Tables Beach
Three Tables is the easier-entry sister to Shark's Cove on Oahu's North Shore. Honu sightings, tide pools, summer-only conditions, parking, and wha...
Kaneaki Heiau
Finish your historical and cultural tour of the island of Oahu at Kaneaki Heiau, a fascinating temple that is made completely out of natural materi...
Kuilioloa Heiau
If you've been researching different things to do in Hawaii, you may have already come across the term heiau, but if you haven't, heiau can be tran...
Honolulu Chinatown
Explore Chinatown in Honolulu, Oahu — restaurants, art galleries, markets, and nightlife. Walking guide with tips for food, shopping, and history.
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is the central part of the county of Honolulu, which is the capital of the state of Hawaii and home to almost a million people as...
Hale o Lono Heiau
If you're interested in Hawaiian history and culture, Hale o Lono Heiau is the perfect place for you to visit along the north shore of the island o...
Honolulu
Explore Honolulu, Hawaii's vibrant capital, with top attractions like Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and ʻIolani Palace. Discover history, culture, f...
Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
If you are seeking a great view of Oahu's southeastern shoreline - with tall sea cliffs and an azure blue ocean - Makapu'u Point is the location fo...
Waikiki
The best things to do in Waikiki, Oahu. Beaches, surfing, shopping, snorkeling, free activities, dining, nightlife, and hidden gems for 2026.
Waikiki
The best things to do in Waikiki, Oahu. Beaches, surfing, shopping, snorkeling, free activities, dining, nightlife, and hidden gems for 2026.
Oahu Sights Map
Tap a gold pin to see the spot and read our guide
HawaiiGuide's Best Sights & Attractions on Oʻahu
Our editorial ranking of the must-see sights and attractions on Oʻahu — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
When ranking sights & things to see for visitors, we consider several variables - accessibility, scenery quality, location history, costs (if admission required), type of path (if walking/hiking is necessary), and general safety. The numbered sights listed below are our absolute favorites on the island of Oahu.
Pearl Harbor
South-central Oʻahu
#1 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor situated about 10 miles west of Honolulu. It is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan in 1941, which heralded the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II.
Pearl Harbor is a solemn reminder of a tragic day. It is one of the most significant sites in the history of the United States and a National Historic Landmark.
The area consists of a number of museums and memorials that honor those who served in World War II.
Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu (southeast)
#2 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
Diamond Head State Monument, also known as Le'ahi, is located just east of Waikiki Beach, on the island of Oahu, and is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii. Le’ahi is a place that offers respite from the busy highways of Honolulu.
The drive around Diamond Head is quite picturesque, as it winds around the crater by the ocean. Once you enter through the tunnel that bores into the side of the crater, it feels like a world away from the city.
The monument is a very popular tourist attraction, offering informative signs, bathrooms, and a shave ice & smoothie truck during opening hours.
Note: Non-resident visitors must make advance online reservations at gostateparks.hawaii.gov. Entry fee is $5/person, parking is $10/vehicle. Hawaii residents enter free with valid ID. Open daily 6 AM – 6 PM.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Southeast Oʻahu
#3 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a gorgeous wineglass-shaped bay situated on the southeastern side of Oahu near Hawaii Kai, tucked into the sheltered side of Koko Head.
Merely a 30-minute drive from Honolulu (traffic permitting), this stunning bay feels like a world away from the bustle of the city, which cannot even be seen from the beach as the large bay is surrounded by the lush green, gently fluted hills of Koko Head.
The bay is secluded and tranquil in the early morning, but during the day becomes a very popular place for locals and visitors. Thousands of people flock to the bay each day to experience the excellent snorkeling in the area.
Advance online reservations are required. Admission is $25/person for non-residents (13+); children 12 and under free. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 6:45 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry 1:30 PM).
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
Windward (above Kailua)
#4 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The Nu'uanu Pali Lookout is one of the most stunning views of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountain Range. Located just a short 5-mile drive from downtown Honolulu, this lookout offers some of the best views on Oahu. From here you can spot Kailua town as well as Kaneohe Bay and, of course, the breathtaking Ko'olau Mountains.
In 1795, Kamehameha the Great's troops drove Oahu's men up the hills only to force them off these cliffs and to their deaths. Following that battle, Kamehameha was able to finish his quest and unite the islands.
ʻIolani Palace
Downtown Honolulu
#5 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The only royal palace on American soil, ʻIolani is a magnificent Honolulu landmark that preserves the heart of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was the official residence of Hawaiʻi's last monarchs — King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani — and its cornerstone was laid in 1879.
Today the restored palace is a museum at the center of the downtown Honolulu historic district. Guided and audio tours walk you through the throne room, the royal quarters, and the story of the 1893 overthrow — the single best place on Oʻahu to understand Hawaiian history beyond the beach.
Waimea Valley
North Shore (Haleʻiwa)
#6 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The beautiful Waimea Valley on North Shore, Oahu, attracts a couple thousand visitors per day however you wouldn’t know it, as its stunning botanical garden setting provides many spacious areas to relax under huge shady trees.
It’s easy to find a quiet spot to rest on the grassy areas and unwind from the busy highways of Honolulu. Most visitors flock to Waimea Falls, a 45-foot waterfall, located on the property, to swim and sunbathe.
As well as being a popular tourist attraction, many folks also utilize the beautiful grounds for concerts, parties, weddings, special events, and even a weekly farmers market.
Valley of the Temples
Windward (Kāneʻohe)
#7 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is situated on the windward side of Oahu, in an area called Ahuimanu. It is a favorite gathering place for people of all faiths to enjoy some peace and tranquility.
Its gardens honor many faiths including Christianity and Buddhism. There is also a Japanese WWII cemetery on the grounds.
The Valley of the Temples is well worth a visit, especially if you are seeking some tranquility - away from the bustle of the Honolulu city traffic.
Kaʻaʻawa Valley
Windward (Kualoa)
#8 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The dramatic, jungle-framed valley behind Kualoa Ranch on the windward coast — and one of the most-filmed landscapes in Hawaiʻi. Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, Lost, Hawaiʻi Five-0, and Kong: Skull Island all rolled cameras here, and the green pali walls explain why.
The valley is private ranch land, so access is by Kualoa Ranch tour (movie-site, ATV, horseback, or zipline) rather than a public trailhead. The tours are the experience — you ride into the amphitheater the films used and hear the ranch's history back to 1850.
Mokoli'i Island at Kualoa Point
Windward (Kualoa Point)
#9 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
This little cone-shaped lump of lava off Kualoa Point is officially called Mokoli'i.
In the past, this little chunk of land was part of Oahu, but through years of erosion, it has separated. You can still reach it though. It is possible to walk there from Kualoa Regional Park during low tide. You can also surf or kayak there.
The island supports an interesting array of sea life and a small beach in a secluded cove.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Windward (Kāneʻohe)
#10 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
A 400-acre botanical oasis tucked under the sheer Koʻolau pali in Kāneʻohe, Hoʻomaluhia gathers tropical plants from around the world along quiet drives and walking paths. The name means ‘to make a place of peace and tranquility,’ and it delivers.
The mirror-flat lake with the fluted green mountains behind it is one of Oʻahu's most photographed scenes — and admission is free. It's an easy, uncrowded windward stop, with a visitor center, restrooms, and weekend catch-and-release fishing.
Hālona Blowhole Lookout
Southeast Oʻahu (Hwy 72)
#11 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
One of the most spectacular pullouts on Oʻahu's southeast shore, the Hālona Blowhole shoots seawater skyward through a lava tube when the swell is right. The same overlook takes in the East Coast cliffs and tiny Hālona Cove — the ‘From Here to Eternity’ beach — below.
It's a quick, free roadside stop on the drive between Hanauma Bay and Makapuʻu: five minutes for the view, longer if you scramble down to the cove. Stay behind the railing — the rocks around the blowhole are slick and the surge is dangerous.
Punchbowl
Honolulu (Puowaina)
#12 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The ancient Hawaiians used this bowl-shaped crater for very different purposes than it is used for today. They called it Puowaina which means the hill of human sacrifices. Today, the area is sacred for another reason. It is home to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
A large marble memorial is dedicated to more soldiers missing in action. The view from Punchbowl is also inspiring. When you first enter Punchbowl bear to the left and continue up the hill until you reach a lookout which offers views of Diamondhead.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Lāʻie (windward)
#13 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
On Oʻahu's windward side in Lāʻie, the Polynesian Cultural Center is the island's big cultural day out — six island villages (Hawaiʻi, Sāmoa, Aotearoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga) where you learn to throw a spear, beat a drum, and dance from the people who live the traditions.
It builds to ‘Hā: Breath of Life,’ one of the best Polynesian stage shows anywhere, plus an evening lūʻau. It's run by the surrounding BYU–Hawaiʻi community, so the cultural depth is real — buy the package that bundles the villages, lūʻau, and show.
Bishop Museum
Honolulu (Kalihi)
#14 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
Founded in 1889 and named for Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop — the last direct descendant of Kamehameha I — the Bishop Museum is the largest in the state and the definitive collection of Hawaiian and Pacific artifacts, anchored by the three-story koa-paneled Hawaiian Hall.
Beyond the Hawaiian Hall there's a planetarium, a science center with a walk-through erupting volcano, and rotating exhibitions. It's the best rainy-day stop on Oʻahu and the deepest dive into Hawaiian history outside ʻIolani Palace.
Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse
Southeast Oʻahu
#15 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
On Oʻahu's southeastern tip, Makapuʻu Point delivers one of the island's great coastal panoramas — tall sea cliffs, a turquoise channel, and Rabbit Island (Mānana) offshore. A paved two-mile round-trip trail climbs to the red-roofed lighthouse overlook.
It's an easy but exposed walk (no shade — bring water) that doubles as Oʻahu's best land-based whale-watching perch from December through April. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Dole Plantation
Central Oʻahu (Wahiawā)
#16 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
Oʻahu's self-styled ‘juiciest attraction’ sits in the central plains on the road to the North Shore, on land James Dole planted with pineapple in the early 1900s — and the home of the cult-favorite Dole Whip soft-serve.
The grounds are free to wander; the Pineapple Garden Maze (one of the world's largest), the Pineapple Express train, and the garden tour are ticketed add-ons. An easy, kid-friendly break on the drive north.
Chinatown
Downtown Honolulu
#17 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
On the western edge of downtown Honolulu, Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States — a dense, bustling grid of lei stands, open-air markets, herb shops, noodle houses, and some of the city's best restaurants and art galleries.
By day it's market stalls and dim sum; on First Friday evenings the galleries and bars come alive. A few blocks get rough after dark, but for food and culture it's one of Honolulu's most rewarding walks.
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa (Tantalus Lookout)
Honolulu (Tantalus)
#18 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
High on Tantalus Drive above Honolulu, Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside has the best sweeping view on the island — a panorama running from Diamond Head across Waikīkī and downtown to Pearl Harbor and the airport. (Elvis filmed a picnic scene here in ‘Blue Hawaii.’)
A short drive up through lush forest brings you to a grassy overlook with railings and benches. Come at sunset for the city lights — but the gate closes in the evening, so check the posted hours.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Nuʻuanu (Honolulu)
#19 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
Tucked into the cool, green Nuʻuanu Valley, Hanaiakamalama was the 1850s–60s summer retreat of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV — a modest, breezy white house that's now a museum of Hawaiian royal life.
Run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, the docent-led visit walks you through period furnishings, royal heirlooms, and feather kāhili. It's a quick, atmospheric stop that pairs naturally with the Pali Lookout just up the highway.
Foster Botanical Garden
Downtown Honolulu
#20 Rated Sight on Oʻahu
The oldest botanical garden in Hawaiʻi, Foster is a leafy oasis at the edge of downtown Honolulu, planted in the 1850s and home to towering ‘Exceptional Trees’ — some over a century old and the only ones of their kind in the islands.
Shaded paths wind past a prehistoric glen, an orchid conservatory, and a butterfly garden, all minutes from Chinatown. A cool, quiet, easy stop — pair it with a Chinatown lunch.
Wear the Oʻahu landmarks you remember
Collect the landmark stamps free in your Hawaiʻi Passport, then bring a favorite place home on a tee.
Waikiki & Honolulu Sights
Waikiki & Honolulu Sights
- Honolulu
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - #3 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Iolani Palace
- Diamond Head State Monument - #2 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Punchbowl - #12 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Kapiolani Park
- Waikiki Aquarium
- Puu Ualakaa Park
- Halona Blowhole Lookout
- Diamond Head Lighthouse
- Honolulu Zoo
- Chinatown
- Hawaii State Art Museum (HISAM)
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- Queen Emma Summer Palace
- Foster Botanical Gardens
East 'Windward' Oahu Sights
East 'Windward' Oahu Sights
- Nuuanu Pali Lookout - #4 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden - #10 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Makapu'u Point
- Mokoli'i Island at Kualoa Point - #9 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Kualoa Ranch - ATV tours, ziplines, horseback riding & Jurassic Valley
- Valley of the Temples - #7 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Waiahole Poi Factory
- Ka'a'awa Valley
- Lanikai Hill
North Shore Oahu Sights
North Shore Oahu Sights
- Laie Trail & Falls
- Waimea Valley - #6 Best in Sights on Oahu. Waimea Valley has many cultural sights you don't want to miss, including, Hale o Lono Heiau
- Polynesian Cultural Center - #13 Best in Sights on Oahu
- Shark's Cove - Pupukea Beach Park
- Three Tables Beach (Pupukea)
Waianae 'Leeward' Oahu Sights
Waianae 'Leeward' Oahu Sights
Central Oahu Sights
Central Oahu Sights
- Pearl Harbor - #1 Best in Sights on Oahu
- USS Arizona Memorial
- USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
- Dole Plantation
