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Oahu Attractions

Our Oahu attractions guide is one of the most comprehensive guides to every single attraction on the island of Oahu.  Each guide offers complete descriptions, photos, and details of the attraction.  Browse our list below for a summary of each attraction or just use our quick menu to go directly to the full guide for the Oahu attraction you are interested in discovering!

Complete List of Oahu Attractions
Foster Botanical Garden Foster Botanical Garden
Thirteen acres of lush tropical paradise is what the Foster Botanical Garden has to offer as one of Oahu's many botanical garden attractions.  It has been open since 1931 and has some of the most spectacular collections of flowers, plants, and vegetation from all over the world.

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Complete with a Visitor Center, the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden offers visitors various activities in beautiful natural surroundings.  These activities include hiking, nature walks, camping, bicycling, crafts, and many other programs.  You'll also be able to see plants and vegetation predominantly from other tropical areas around the world.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Located within Koko Crater, the 60-acre Koko Crater Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of colorful flowers, rare exotic plants and indigenous Hawaiian trees like kiawe, koa, and wiliwili trees.  The garden is continually being expanded with new plants and trees that suite the gardens hot, dry climate.

Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden
The Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden sits on land within Honolulu, Hawaii which was given to the state government by Queen Lili'uokalani.  The garden consists of 7.5 acres of land featuring native Hawaiian plants and trees.  The city park and garden is open daily and free to access.

Wahiawa Botanical Garden Wahiawa Botanical Garden
First opened as a botanical garden in 1957, the Wahiawa Botanical Garden was previously used by the Hawaii Sugar Planters Association for experimental tree planting around the 1920's.  Visitors to the garden can still see these large trees as well as other native Hawaiian plants.

Arizona Memorial Arizona Memorial
Situated in Pearl Harbor the Arizona Memorial commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II and the death of thousands of servicemen on the USS Arizona during the attack.  The memorial is visited by more than one million people each year and provides a great way to learn about the history of Pearl Harbor.

Byodo-In Temple Byodo-In Temple
Locate in the Valley of the Temples, the Byodo-In Temple is a Buddhist temple made to replicate a 900 year old place of worship in Kyoto Japan.  Visitor will experience koi ponds, Japanese gardens, a nine-foot Lotus Buddha covered in gold and lacquer, and a 3 ton brass bell at the temple.

Ehime Maru Memorial Ehime Maru Memorial
Located in Kaka'ako Waterfront Park in Honolulu, the Ehime Maru Memorial was erected to remember a tragic accident in 2001 where a US submarine and the Ehime Maru, a Japanese fishing boat collided in waters near Oahu.  During the incident several Japanese fisherman lost their lives.

Oahu Chinatown Chinatown
Like every other major city in the United States, Honolulu also has a Chinatown.  Lined with restaurants, grocery stores, vegetable stands, and gift shops selling unique Chinese items, Chinatown is a great place to spend the day and enjoy the unique scenery and culture of the large Chinese population in Hawaii.

Hale'iwa War Memorial
In the north shore of Oahu in Hale'iwa Beach Park the Haleiwa War Memorial pays tribute to those who have died in the war.  Around the war memorial you can find engraved names of all the soldiers who died during the wars and who were from the Kahuku area.

Iolani Palace Iolani Palace
Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu this Oahu attraction use to be the residence of the last king and queen of the Hawaiian Islands.  This is one place you can't pass up if your interested in learning about the history and culture of Hawaii.  The palace is open for tours most of the week.

Hale'iwa Rainbow Bridge Hale'iwa Rainbow Bridge
A historic bridge stretching over the Anahulu River, the Hale'iwa Rainbow Bridge marks the entrance into the town of Hale'iwa on the north shore of Oahu.  If your in the north shore of Oahu a stop at the bridge to takes some pictures to remember your trip to Hawaii would be a great idea.

Falls of Clyde
Docked in Honolulu Harbor the Falls of Clyde stretches 265 ft. long and was built in Scotland in 1878.  The historic ship has a long history behind it and now serves as a floating exhibit for the Hawaii Maritime Center.  The ship is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Hale o Lono Heiau Hale o Lono Heiau
Constructed around 1400 A.D. and dedicated to Lono the Hawaiian God of Agriculture, the Hale o Lono Heiau is located in the Waimea Valley and one of the oldest historical sites in Hawaii.  The site was the location of human sacrificing by a Hawaiian Kahuna and is still a sacred site to Hawaiians today.

Hawaii's Plantation Village Hawaii's Plantation Village
An outdoor historical village in the town of Waipahu, the Hawaii Plantation Village first opened in 1992.  The purpose of the village was to showcase the lifestyle, culture, and history of the plantation worker's who worked in the sugar fields between the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Kane'aki Heiau
Located in the Makaha Valley, this heiau was originally built as an agricultural heiau for the god Lono.  The site has been reconstructed several times and is still a sacred place to Hawaiians and anyone visiting the temple should respect the site.

Japanese Cultural Center Japanese Cultural Center
The Hawaii Japanese Cultural Center is located in Honolulu and is for those who want to learn about the history, heritage, and culture of the Japanese American population who live in Hawaii.  Within the center you can find a historical gallery, a gift shop, teahouse, and resource center among other things.

Hawaii Maritime Center Hawaii Maritime Center
A maritime museum located along Honolulu Harbor at Pier 7, the Hawaii Maritime Center is a great place to learn about the maritime history of the Hawaii islands.  Two ships with great importance to Hawaii are docked at the Hawaii Maritime Center, the Falls of Clyde and the Hokule'a.

Dole Pineapple Plantation Dole Pineapple Plantation
The most famous crop to come from Hawaii is without a doubt the pineapple and what better a place to learn about this fruit by visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation.  Attractions located at the plantation include the Pineapple Express, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the Pineapple Garden Maze.

Diamond Head Diamond Head
Probably the most well-known attraction in all of Hawaii, the image of Diamond Head Crater is synonymous with the image of Hawaii and has graced the face of hundreds of thousands of postcards.  The silhouette of Diamond Head Crater towers over Waikiki and is a great attraction for first-time tourists.

Kuilioloa Heiau Kuilioloa Heiau
Located along the Waianae Coast on a peninsula at Kaneilio Point, the Kuilioloa heiau is made up of three platforms.  Like all other heiaus the site is sacred to the Hawaiian people and respect should be given when at the site.  Visitors should make sure not to move anything around.

Kukaniloko Birth Stones Kukaniloko Birthstones
Part of the National and Hawaii Register of Historic Places, the Kukaniloko Birthstones State Historic Site is one of the most significant historical sites on Oahu.  The area was the location of several heiaus and was a chiefly location where royals and chiefs were born in addition to other significant historical events.

East Coast Cliffs
The East Coast Cliffs of Oahu offer some spectacular coastal views of the island with high clifflines and sandy beaches being pounded by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean.  Visitors traveling along the East Coast Cliffs of Oahu will enjoy the natural sights of Oahu.

Pali Lookout Pali Lookout
Breath-taking views of the windward side of Oahu and the Koolau Mountain Ridge is what you can expect when you visit the Pali Lookout, and you don't even have to do any hiking to get to the lookout, just take the Pali Highway until you reach the junction to the Pali Lookout, park your car, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Oahu's windward side.

Judiciary History Center Judiciary History Center
Located inside the Aliiolani Hale, the Judiciary History Center contains information about the legal history of Hawaii as well as landmark decisions and court cases in Hawaii.  Public exhibits are located at the Judiciary History Center; admission is free and group tours can be scheduled in advance.

King Kamehameha Statue King Kamehameha Statue
Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, the King Kamehameha Statue is situated right in front of the Aliiolani Hale building and is a popular tourist attraction.  During the day you'll always see tourists taking pictures in front of the statue, and if your in the downtown area you might as well too.

Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau
A state monument in Hawaii and located on the north side of the island on top of a hill which overlooks Waimea Bay is the Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau.  What remains of the original ruins of the heiau was made into a rectangular shape.  The heiau is considered a sacred place to Hawaiians and respect should be given when around the area.

Mission House Museum Mission Houses Museum
Established by the Hawaiian Mission Children's Society in 1923, the Mission Houses Museum is located in downtown Honolulu and consists of three mission houses which served as missionary homes and workplaces for the first Christian missionaries who came to Hawaii.

Wizard Stones on Oahu Wizard Stones
Located in Waikiki next to the beach these four Wizard Stones are sacred to the Hawaiian people and are made up of bellstone, or basalt rock, which make a bell-like noise when struck.  They represent four healers who lived on Oahu who healed and educated the people of the island.

Chinaman's Hat Chinaman's Hat
A small island located off the coast of Kualoa Park in Kaneohe Bay which got it's name because the shape of the island resembles a straw hat worn by Asian people.

Barber's Point Lighthouse Barber's Point Lighthouse
This 71 foot lighthouse located on Barber's Point on the southwest of Oahu is named after Captain Henry Barber.  It is not open to public access but can be seen if make a trip to Barber's Point for some sightseeing.

Waikiki Natatorium Natatorium
Located on the eastern side of Waikiki right next to the Waikiki Aquarium the Natatorium is an architectural attraction nowadays, but used to be a popular recreational area for residents and tourists.  Inside the Waikiki Natatorium is a salt water swimming pool.

Ala Wai Canal Ala Wai Canal
Without a doubt if your in Waikiki you won't have a hard time finding the Ala Wai Canal.  The canal creates the northern boundary of Waikiki and stretches from one end of Waikiki and empties out into the Pacific Ocean at the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.

US Army Museum on Oahu Hawaii US Army Museum of Hawaii
A great place to see World War II relics, the US Army Museum is located in Waikik at Fort DeRussy.  You'll be able to see historic tanks, artillery, and even a military chopper sitting on the roof of the museum.  In addition there are exhibits and educational programs at the museum for the general public.

Aloha Tower Aloha Tower
One of Oahu's more popular attractions among tourists, the Aloha Tower Marketplace, located along downtown Honolulu, is situated on Pier 9 at Honolulu Harbor.  It offers visitors wonderful views of boats coming in and out of the harbor, gorgeous sunsets, outdoor restaurants, and many shops.

Delmonte Pineapple Corner
 

Fort DeRussy Fort DeRussy
Today a great recreational park located with historical significance, Fort DeRussy is located in Waikiki and was built in 1915.  It use to house anti-aircraft guns to protect Honolulu against enemy planes during World War II.  The US Army Museum is located on the grounds of Fort DeRussy.

Honolulu Zoo Honolulu Zoo
A great attraction on Oahu if your bringing kids with you for your vacation.  The Honolulu Zoo is located in Waikiki right next to Kapiolani Park and is a great place to visit if your on a budget.  Admission fee into the zoo is only a few dollars ($8) and it will keep you fascinated for hours.

Crouching Lion Crouching Lion
A famous rock formation that resembles a crouching lion which is located on a mountain ridge above Kahana Bay.  One attraction to check out if your exploring the area during your vacation.  The crouching lion is known to the Hawaiian peopl as Kupua, a relative of Pele, and the area is sacred to the locals.

Dillingham Airfield Dillingham Airfield
Mostly used for recreational aircrafts for skydiving hand gliding, and parachuting, Dillingham Airfield is located on the North Shore of Oahu and is a regional airport with one runway.  You might recognize the airfield from the tv series "Lost", as several scenes were filmed at the airfield.

Diamond Head Coast Diamond Head Coast
The Diamond Head coast offers some great views of the southern coast of Oahu and of Diamond Head Crater.  There are several spots along the road where you can pull-over and look over the cliff line to watch surfers.  If your feeling adventurous you can even hike down to the beach.

Diamond Head Lighthouse Diamond Head Lighthouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Diamond Head Lighthouse is located on the coast of Diamond Head and is currently utilized as a US Coast Guard facility.  The lighthouse is 55 feet tall and can be seen as you travel from Waikiki to Diamond Head on Diamond Head Road.

Haleiwa
Located in the North Shore of Oahu, the town of Haleiwa is a popular destination for tourists and has become known as a surfing town.  Visiting Haleiwa should be on your agenda when visiting the island of Oahu for the first time to experience the culture and people of the North Shore.

Hawaii Convention Center
Located in Honolulu along the Ala Wai Canal, the Hawaii Convention Center host hundreds of conventions and events on Oahu every year.  There's not much to see at the center unless some sort of event is taking place, but the architecture and tranquil surrounds of the building along the Ala Wai Canal may be of interest.

Goat Island Goat Island
Also known as Mokuauia Island, this uninhabited island located just off Malaekahana Beach on the windward coast of Oahu offers three great beaches and some great snorkeling.  The island is just 720 feet away from the main coast of Oahu so you can take a kayak, swim or if the tide is low enough hike out to the island.

Halona Blowhole Halona Blowhole
Located on Oahu's southwest coast just after Hanauma Bay when driving from Waikiki, the Halona Blowhole is a popular tourist attraction on Oahu.  The best times to see the blowhole in all it's glory is usually during a windy day during high tide.

Hanauma Bay Hanauma Bay
Probably one of Oahu's most popular bays and amazing natural landmark, Hanauma Bay is well-known among tourists and is a great destination for your first time on Oahu.  The bay is located on the east coast of Oahu and provides for some great snorkeling and swimming in it's protected waters.

International Market Place
In the heart of Waikiki, the International Market Place is a great place to find unique Hawaiian gifts, accessories, and clothing.  The open air marketplace has more than 120 shops selling all sorts of Hawaiian products and gifts; there's even a food court with many restaurants to choose from.

Ka'ena Point Ka'ena Point
The western most point of Oahu, Ka'ena Point is a great attraction for the adventurous traveler and hiking.  During the winter months when large waves hit the shores of Oahu the locals say some of the largest waves have been seen pounding the coast off Ka'ena Point which makes it a popular destination to enjoy the power of nature.

La'ie Point La'ie Point
If your traveling around the windward or north shore of Oahu, La'ie Point can be a great destination to enjoy spectacular views of the Windward Coast, parts of the North Shore, Goat Island, and other small islands just lying off the coast of Oahu.

Kapiolani Park Kapiolani Park
This beautiful park makes up the east side of Waikiki and is a great place to have a picnic or barbeque with Diamond Head hovering in the distance.  There are tennis courts, an archery field, soccer field, and softball field within the park.  The park is one of the largest parks in Honolulu and is right along Waikiki Beach if you decide to go swimming or surfing.

Sharks Cove Oahu Sharks Cove
Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Sharks Cove is one of the best snorkeling and dive spots not only on Oahu, but around the world according some dive magazines.  You'll get to experience an abundance of sea life in their natural habitat when visiting Sharks Cove.

Punchbowl
Located in Honolulu, Punchbowl Crater is an extinct volcano and is also the location of the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific.  During ancient Hawaiian times the area was used for human sacrifices offered to the gods.

Makapu'u Lighthouse Makapu'u Lighthouse
Spectacular views of Oahu's east coast is what one could expect from the Makapu'u Lighthouse which sits on top the cliffs of Oahu's eastern coastline close to Makapu'u Beach.  A short 2-mile hike is required if you want to get to the actual lighthouse.

Hawaii State Capitol Building State Capitol Building
The Hawaii State Capitol Building is located in the heart of downtown Honolulu and is the location where the executive and legislative branch of government convenes and administers their duties for the state of Hawaii.  It was opened in 1969 replacing the 'Iolani Palace as the state house.

Tantalus Lookout Tantalus Lookout
Overlooking Diamond Head, Waikiki, Honolulu, and Punchbowl  Tantalus lookout offers some spectacular views of the southern side of Oahu.  The drive up to Tantalus Lookout is a winding road which takes you up to some great lookout spots on Tantalus.  Well worth the drive if you have time during your vacation.

Waikiki Aquarium Waikiki Aquarium
Located along the shores of Waikiki next to a live reef, the Waikiki Aquarium is home to over 3,000 sea animals representing about 500 different aquatic species.  If you'd like to learn about the various sea creatures which make the ocean's of Hawaii their home this is the place to do it.

Valley of the Temples
Located on the eastern side of Oahu, this memorial park is situated in a lush valley overlooked by the jagged hills of the Ko'olau Mountains.  It is the location where thousands of religious residents of Hawaii have been buried from religions such as Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, and Shinto.

Waikiki Shell Waikiki Shell
Located in Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Shell is an outdoor amphitheatre which is the locations of a countless number of live performances, concerts and events in Hawaii.  The reggae concerts sponsored by local radio stations are a huge hit for the locals and if your on vacation you might be able to grab some tickets to experience a concert at The Shell.

Bishop Museum Bishop Museum
Founded by Charles Reed Bishop and built to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last living descendant of the royal Hawaiian family the Kamehamehas.  The Bishop Museum is the largest museum in all of Hawaii and visitors can find Hawaiian artifacts and featured exhibits at the museum.

Contemporary Museum Contemporary Museum
Just like its name suggests, the Contemporary Museum has been featuring modern and contemporary art since 1940.  The museum is located in Honolulu Hawaii and its mission is to educate people about art through interactive art exhibits, family events, and various forms of entertainment.

Hale'iwa Surf Museum Hale'iwa Surf Museum
Located in the town of Wahiawa at the North Shore Marketplace, the Hale'iwa Surf Museum is a great attraction to stop at if your around the area and into surfing.  You'll find some nice collections of surf videos, pictures, and of course surf boards.

Honolulu Academy of Arts Honolulu Academy of Arts
Located on South Beretania Street in downtown Honolulu, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is possibly Hawaii's largest museum dedicated to the preservation of Hawaii's diverse ethnic communities.  The museum currently houses over 50,000 pieces of artwork, sculptures, and media.

Maunawili Falls Maunawili Falls
Located in the town of Kailua on Oahu, Maunawili Falls is one of many waterfalls on the island.  A freshwater swimming hole and waterfall is what awaits those who are willing to make the one hour hike to the falls.

La'ie Falls La'ie Falls
A rather small 15 foot waterfall which is only accessible from a trail which crosses through private property and which requires a permit.  The best time to experience La'ie Falls is when there has just been a rain storm because during dry days there isn't much to the falls.

Waimea Falls Waimea Falls
Located in Waimea Falls Park on the North Shore of Oahu visitors can take tour buses up the valley to Waimea Falls.  Hula dancing and rock diving are performed hourly at Waimea Falls and there are also a number of trails and attractions within the park.

Sacred Falls Sacred Falls
A 80-foot high waterfall located in the Sacred Falls State Park has gotten a reputation for being a dangerous hike to the falls because of the steep canyon cliffs alongside the trail with frequent falling rocks, landslides, and flash floods during rainy conditions.  After an incident in 1999 where a number of people died the park was indefinitely closed to the public.

Manoa Falls Manoa Falls
A 150-foot waterfall, Manoa Falls requires a 1.5 mile hike on a path through lush, tropical jungle which is often very slippery and muddy due to the rainforest environment of Manoa and constant rains.  A freshwater pool at the bottom of the waterfall makes for a refreshing swim after the hike.

Sea Life Park
Located on the Eastern Coast of Oahu almost directly across the street from Makapu'u Beach, Sea Life Park is a fun attraction to visit if your sight-seeing on the eastern side of the island.  You'll be able to experience Hawaii's marine life at the park including dolphins, sea lions, and more.
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