Nicknamed the “Gathering Place”, O’ahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands. Of course, O‘ahu is home to the state’s capital, Honolulu, and a significant part of the state’s population. Yet I believe what makes O‘ahu unique (and the most visited island) is that it celebrates different experiences, offering a vibrant mix of Hawaiian and multicultural traditions.
Whether you’re into history & culture activities or outdoor activities, there’s truly something for every type of traveler to enjoy in O‘ahu. Consider these five things to do in O‘ahu for a well-rounded mix of everything this island has to offer.
‘Iolani Palace
After spending just one night in O‘ahu, I quickly learned how important it is to the community that visitors understand Hawaiian history and its deep importance. At the ‘Iolani Palace, you’ll walk up the grand koa staircase at the only official royal residence in the U.S. Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, you’ll learn all about the previous monarchy and how it became a part of the U.S. through your tour of the palace. I completed the self-guided audio tour, which took approximately an hour. After completing the tour of the Palace, I felt more connected to Hawai‘i, not only as a visitor, but as an American.
Diamond Head Crater Trail
The Diamond Head State Monument (also known as Leahi) is one of the state’s most recognized landmarks — and you can’t miss it. This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed over 300,000 years ago during a single eruption. Today, the beautiful Diamond Head State Monument is visible from the popular Waikiki Beach.
The 0.8-mile trail to the summit is short and takes about 25 to 30 minutes to complete for a person of average fitness. It’s pretty steep at times, but I’d still consider it a relatively easy hike (which has a paved path or stairs to guide you to the summit’s top). It can get crowded (which is why they require timed reservations), but it’s well worth it. From the top, you’ll see the shoreline from Koko head to Wai’anae.
Byodo-In Temple
Situated within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the Byodo-In Temple is an O‘ahu landmark you can’t miss. This picture-perfect, non-denominational temple was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai‘i. As such, this special place holds significant cultural importance for many. This temple is a replica of the original Byodo-In Temple, located in Kyoto, Japan.
There’s something beautiful and peaceful about walking through the Byodo-In Temple. To the left of the temple, don’t forget to ring the large Bon-Sho bell, which is said to bring happiness, blessings, and longevity when rung. One of my favorite parts about visiting the temple was checking out the hundreds of koi fish in the reflection pond that surrounds it. The Koi Pond (Shinji-Ike) was formed in the shape of the Chinese character Shin or Kokoro, which means spirit. The bright orange fish that live inside this pond can live to be over one hundred years old and symbolize love, power, perseverance, and longevity.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
While I wouldn’t classify a visit to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial as one of the most enjoyable things you can do in O‘ahu, it’s undoubtedly one of the most impactful. Known for its importance in the 1941 attack by Japan that brought the U.S. into WWII, this place is of significant historical meaning.
Though most of us learned about the December 7, 1941, attack back in high school history class, standing here is an entirely different learning experience. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center is free to enter and offers access to informative exhibits and films. You can also pay a small fee to visit the USS Arizona Memorial by a Navy boat ride, which is built on top of the sunken Battleship. Although history was never my favorite school subject, I found the experience to be eye-opening. That being said, this O’ahu experience can be emotionally heavy.
Vida Mia Cruise
Known for its appearance in the popular HBO show White Lotus, you, too, can take a scenic ride on the Vida Mida boat. This hidden gem is one of the best things to do in O‘ahu — especially if you’re looking for an early morning or evening activity. Vida Mida Cruises offers an early morning coffee cruise to start your day, providing great views of Waikiki’s coast and Diamond Head.
I chose to do the before-dinner cocktail cruise, which featured a 90-minute sail and included locally-sourced pupus and craft cocktails. While onboard, I enjoyed the beautiful ocean views and had the chance to chat in an intimate setting with the other guests. I’d recommend one of Vida Mida Cruise’s boat tours if you’re looking for a unique way to make your trip to O‘ahu stand out. There’s something uniquely beautiful about seeing the island from the water.
