From the white sandy beaches and lush green mountains to the royal palaces and world-class shopping, O’ahu is a gorgeous vacation destination. If you will be traveling to Hawaii, here's a brief visitor's guide to Honolulu's island, O'ahu.
Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital city and is a bustling metropolis. There are art galleries, royal palaces from the days of the Hawaiian monarchy (Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil), a maritime academy, the Honolulu Zoo and a busy Chinatown. The city is a melting pot of many cultures, and its downtown is walkable and friendly. The Aloha Tower and Marketplace are a great place to park and start your day’s activities in Honolulu.
Near Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, the final resting place of the USS Arizona, which was bombed by Japan on December 7, 1941- “a day that will live in infamy” when the U.S. was forced to enter World War II. A boat shuttles visitors to the memorial which bridges the sunken ship where 1,177 U.S. soldiers perished. Nearly 2 million people a year visit the haunting sight of the USS Arizona, as well as touring the USS Missouri battleship at the same location.
One of the most famous surfing spots in the world, Waikiki Beach is also home to a sea life aquarium, a world-class shopping area including stores like Tiffany, Prada and many others, and most major hotels have their beachfront locations here. The (non-active) Diamond Head volcano is a great 760-foot hike offering spectacular views of Waikiki and beyond. Atlantis Submarines offers underwater excursions where visitors can experience amazing sea life.
O’ahu’s North Shore is famous for its snorkeling, surfing, and dining. Hale’iwa is a historic downtown with picturesque dining (try the pineapple duck at Hale’iwa Eats thai restaurant or the coconut shrimp and Mai Tais at Hale’iwa Joe’s), local shops and even shark cage diving. Nearby Waimea, Sunset and Pupukea beaches are some of the most scenic on the island for snorkeling, swimming and fishing. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a historical narrative on island life and you can find a fantastic luau either here or at nearby Paradise Cove.
A few other spots not to miss on the island of O’ahu are Hanauma Bay nature reserve, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the “Swap Meet” flea market at the Aloha stadium, and a few world-class spas as well. You can take a lei making class, learn to hula dance, or rent a kayak to explore the shoreline.
If you are visiting the island be sure to check out www.visit-oahu.com for all the travel information you’ll need for a beautiful Hawaiian vacation.
Located on the north side of Oahu is the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Originally opened in 1950 by James Dole, aka, "The Pineapple King," the Dole Pineapple Plantation now welcomes over one million visitors a year. Admission to the plantation is free. However, there are additional activities for a fee that are worthwhile seeing.
The Pineapple Express is a narrated, two mile, 20 minute train ride which takes you through the plantation. Guests learn about the history of the pineapple in Hawaii along with the story of James Dole. Mixed in with the narration is music from local Hawaiian artists. This is a great family experience. Keep the camera ready for many photo opportunities.
Listed in The Guinness Book of World's Records as the world's largest maze, the Pineapple Maze is spread over 2 acres of land with almost 2 1/2 miles of paths. The challenge is to find the eight secret stations scattered throughout the maze. This attraction is a particular favorite for children, although adults enjoy it, too.
For something more serene, the Plantation Garden Tour is a self-guided tour through eight gardens exhibiting the various plants and crops grown on the north shore of Oahu. Some of the crops on display include pineapples, bananas, coffee, and mango.
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The Plantation Grill offers both Hawaiian and traditional American food. Favorites like ham and cheese and hot dogs are offered along with Hawaiian favorites such as Kalua BBQ pork and grilled Shutome. Not to be missed is the Dole Pineapple Whip, a frozen dessert like a pineapple flavored softy ice cream.
There is a beautiful Koi fish pond on the property where guests can feed the fish. The gift shop offers a variety of unique pineapple keepsakes including T-shirts and food.
The plantation is approximately a 45 minute drive from Honolulu. Bus transportation is available for $2 each way. A one-way trip takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Different tour companies include the Dole Pineapple Plantation on their island tours. All Oahu Hawaii Tours offers a 120 mile Grand Circle Island Tour which allows guests to see Diamond Head and Chinaman's Hat along with some of the best beaches in Oahu. Discover Hawaii Tours offers an all day tour with stops at the Arizona Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
No matter how someone arrives at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, guests are sure to have a fun time. Individual tickets are available for the attractions, along with combo tickets. This is a great attraction for the entire family.
Longing for more than the traditional beach holiday? Not that there’s anything wrong with sipping a Mai Tai, while listening to the surf and wriggling your toes through warm sand. But, c’mon folks; Oahu is full of adrenaline-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like these.
Follow a team of marine biologists to the untrammeled, secluded Leeward Coast. You’ll board a catamaran and sail out to impossibly clear blue waters, where humpback whales reproduce and endangered spinner dolphins frolic. Wild Side Specialty Tours takes small groups on its data-collecting research trips to observe the dramatic and entertaining humpbacks. You’ll watch as the whales (as many as 6,000 migrate to the waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands) hurl their bodies out of the water, and sing and chase each other as part of the mating ritual. Then, don a pair of fins and a mask to swim alongside spinner dolphins-- the most acrobatic of all dolphins-- sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish.
Normally, Oahu visitors don’t want to meet a shark in the water. But, this adventure with Hawaii Shark Excursions puts them inside a big, shark-proof plexi-glass cage—safe and sound, and oh-so-close to those big-toothed creatures. It’s a short, three- to four-mile boat ride off Oahu’s north shore to prime shark grounds. Then, it’s time to hop in the cage and be lowered into the crystal clear, deep (up to 400 feet deep) waters. Daring participants actually float on the surface and let the sharks come to them. The sharks hear the boat engine, so some will already be waiting; others are ascending quickly. It’s not uncommon to have as many as 30 sharks, ranging from five to 15 feet, around the cage, nudging and pressing against it, inches away. Species may include the Gray Reef, Sandbar, Tiger and Hammerhead sharks. No experience necessary.
The ropin’, the ridin’, the shootin’—yee haw! Play paniole (Hawaiian cowboy) for a day at Kualoa Ranch, the island’s oldest and largest working cattle ranch. Set on 4,000 acres on Oahu’s north shore (about an hour’s drive from Honolulu), this stunning property stretches across three mountains and two valleys. Hop on a horse to ride from soaring mountain cliffs to the seashore, with sweeping vistas of the lush Ka'a'awa Valley, Kualoa mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Float nearly 500 feet above the sapphire waters of Waikiki, for aerial views of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head. X-treme Parasail offers the longest and highest rides on the island. Visitors are strapped to a parachute, and tied to 1,200 feet of tether line, then lifted from a dry boat platform nearly 50 floors into the air. The sail lasts about 13 to 15 minutes, but memories of the sky-high ride are bound to last a lot longer.
Oahu, with more than 10 accessible sunken vessels, is arguably one of the best places in the country for wreck diving. A favorite among bubble blowers is the 175-foot long YO-257, a fuel oil barge that was deliberately sunk in 1989. It sits 95 feet below the surface, and like most wrecks, it’s a magnet for marine life. Poke around the inside of the stern and keep an eye out for swarming eaglerays, whitetip reef sharks and Hawaiian stingrays. There’s lots of coral, schools of tropical fish and sea turtles, too. Or, consider a dive to the Corsair airplane wreck, where you can sit in the cockpit and swim alongside morays. Oahu Scuba Diving offers daily wreck diving excursions, as well as scuba classes for all levels
Pretty Kailua Beach, on the windward side of Oahu, is a world-class windsurfing locale, drawing some of the best in the sport. (It’s also known as the birthplace of windsurfing.) No wonder; it has a gently sloping beach, calm waters, and steady trade winds. Get in on the action! Beginners start on the beach with a windsurfing simulator to learn techniques, and then it’s in the water with training boards and light sails. Advance windsurfers can pick up new skills and try out the latest high-tech equipment. Looking for more speed, height, and adventure? Strap yourself on a board, hold onto a huge kite, and pilot it into the sky! It’s called kitesurfing and one of the fastest growing sports on Oahu. Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, located on Kailua Beach, 12 miles from Honolulu, offers lessons and rents windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment.
Learn about ancient Hawaiian culture, myth and legends while hiking with Hina Adventures to some of Oahu’s most sacred sites, hidden in the lush mountains and valleys of the Koolau mountain range. On the six-hour North Shore eco-tour, offered by Mauka Makai Excursions hikers discover the secret of Kukaniloko, one of the most sacred sites on O'ahu and visit Pu'u O Mahuka heiau, the largest ancient temple site on O'ahu. The day ends with a look at Kaneaukai Ko'a,a fishing shrine dedicated to one of the forms of the god Kane.
Walk through tropical rainforest and bamboo grovesas you venture up the slopes of the Koolau mountain range on the east side of the island. Along the way, there are views of Kaneohe Bay below and of Koolau’s towering cliffs, ridges and green valleys, sculpted eons ago by tradewinds and rains. Oahu Nature Tours offers the two-mile, half-day excursion, and includes lots of information about Hawaii’s flora and fauna
Oahu has land, sea, and air adventures for vacationers of all ages and interests. Have kids in tow? Check out the Five Top Things to See and Do With Kids on Oahu.
Visiting Honolulu
Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital city and is a bustling metropolis. There are art galleries, royal palaces from the days of the Hawaiian monarchy (Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil), a maritime academy, the Honolulu Zoo and a busy Chinatown. The city is a melting pot of many cultures, and its downtown is walkable and friendly. The Aloha Tower and Marketplace are a great place to park and start your day’s activities in Honolulu.
Exploring Pearl Harbor
Near Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, the final resting place of the USS Arizona, which was bombed by Japan on December 7, 1941- “a day that will live in infamy” when the U.S. was forced to enter World War II. A boat shuttles visitors to the memorial which bridges the sunken ship where 1,177 U.S. soldiers perished. Nearly 2 million people a year visit the haunting sight of the USS Arizona, as well as touring the USS Missouri battleship at the same location.
Surfing at Waikiki
One of the most famous surfing spots in the world, Waikiki Beach is also home to a sea life aquarium, a world-class shopping area including stores like Tiffany, Prada and many others, and most major hotels have their beachfront locations here. The (non-active) Diamond Head volcano is a great 760-foot hike offering spectacular views of Waikiki and beyond. Atlantis Submarines offers underwater excursions where visitors can experience amazing sea life.
Discovering the North Shore
O’ahu’s North Shore is famous for its snorkeling, surfing, and dining. Hale’iwa is a historic downtown with picturesque dining (try the pineapple duck at Hale’iwa Eats thai restaurant or the coconut shrimp and Mai Tais at Hale’iwa Joe’s), local shops and even shark cage diving. Nearby Waimea, Sunset and Pupukea beaches are some of the most scenic on the island for snorkeling, swimming and fishing. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a historical narrative on island life and you can find a fantastic luau either here or at nearby Paradise Cove.
Visiting Other Oahu Sites
A few other spots not to miss on the island of O’ahu are Hanauma Bay nature reserve, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the “Swap Meet” flea market at the Aloha stadium, and a few world-class spas as well. You can take a lei making class, learn to hula dance, or rent a kayak to explore the shoreline.
If you are visiting the island be sure to check out www.visit-oahu.com for all the travel information you’ll need for a beautiful Hawaiian vacation.
Oahu's Dole Pineapple Plantation
Located on the north side of Oahu is the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Originally opened in 1950 by James Dole, aka, "The Pineapple King," the Dole Pineapple Plantation now welcomes over one million visitors a year. Admission to the plantation is free. However, there are additional activities for a fee that are worthwhile seeing.
Pineapple Express Train Ride at Dole Plantation
The Pineapple Express is a narrated, two mile, 20 minute train ride which takes you through the plantation. Guests learn about the history of the pineapple in Hawaii along with the story of James Dole. Mixed in with the narration is music from local Hawaiian artists. This is a great family experience. Keep the camera ready for many photo opportunities.
Dole Plantation Pineapple Maze
Listed in The Guinness Book of World's Records as the world's largest maze, the Pineapple Maze is spread over 2 acres of land with almost 2 1/2 miles of paths. The challenge is to find the eight secret stations scattered throughout the maze. This attraction is a particular favorite for children, although adults enjoy it, too.
Dole Plantation Garden Tour
For something more serene, the Plantation Garden Tour is a self-guided tour through eight gardens exhibiting the various plants and crops grown on the north shore of Oahu. Some of the crops on display include pineapples, bananas, coffee, and mango.
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Food At Dole Plantation
The Plantation Grill offers both Hawaiian and traditional American food. Favorites like ham and cheese and hot dogs are offered along with Hawaiian favorites such as Kalua BBQ pork and grilled Shutome. Not to be missed is the Dole Pineapple Whip, a frozen dessert like a pineapple flavored softy ice cream.
Additional Things to Do at Dole Pineapple Plantation
There is a beautiful Koi fish pond on the property where guests can feed the fish. The gift shop offers a variety of unique pineapple keepsakes including T-shirts and food.
Transportation to Dole Pineapple Plantation
The plantation is approximately a 45 minute drive from Honolulu. Bus transportation is available for $2 each way. A one-way trip takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Different tour companies include the Dole Pineapple Plantation on their island tours. All Oahu Hawaii Tours offers a 120 mile Grand Circle Island Tour which allows guests to see Diamond Head and Chinaman's Hat along with some of the best beaches in Oahu. Discover Hawaii Tours offers an all day tour with stops at the Arizona Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
No matter how someone arrives at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, guests are sure to have a fun time. Individual tickets are available for the attractions, along with combo tickets. This is a great attraction for the entire family.
Wild Adventures on Oahu
Longing for more than the traditional beach holiday? Not that there’s anything wrong with sipping a Mai Tai, while listening to the surf and wriggling your toes through warm sand. But, c’mon folks; Oahu is full of adrenaline-pumping, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like these.
Share the Water With Dolphins and Whales
Follow a team of marine biologists to the untrammeled, secluded Leeward Coast. You’ll board a catamaran and sail out to impossibly clear blue waters, where humpback whales reproduce and endangered spinner dolphins frolic. Wild Side Specialty Tours takes small groups on its data-collecting research trips to observe the dramatic and entertaining humpbacks. You’ll watch as the whales (as many as 6,000 migrate to the waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands) hurl their bodies out of the water, and sing and chase each other as part of the mating ritual. Then, don a pair of fins and a mask to swim alongside spinner dolphins-- the most acrobatic of all dolphins-- sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish.
Have Close Encounters With Sharks on Oahu
Normally, Oahu visitors don’t want to meet a shark in the water. But, this adventure with Hawaii Shark Excursions puts them inside a big, shark-proof plexi-glass cage—safe and sound, and oh-so-close to those big-toothed creatures. It’s a short, three- to four-mile boat ride off Oahu’s north shore to prime shark grounds. Then, it’s time to hop in the cage and be lowered into the crystal clear, deep (up to 400 feet deep) waters. Daring participants actually float on the surface and let the sharks come to them. The sharks hear the boat engine, so some will already be waiting; others are ascending quickly. It’s not uncommon to have as many as 30 sharks, ranging from five to 15 feet, around the cage, nudging and pressing against it, inches away. Species may include the Gray Reef, Sandbar, Tiger and Hammerhead sharks. No experience necessary.
Ride off the Beaten Path
The ropin’, the ridin’, the shootin’—yee haw! Play paniole (Hawaiian cowboy) for a day at Kualoa Ranch, the island’s oldest and largest working cattle ranch. Set on 4,000 acres on Oahu’s north shore (about an hour’s drive from Honolulu), this stunning property stretches across three mountains and two valleys. Hop on a horse to ride from soaring mountain cliffs to the seashore, with sweeping vistas of the lush Ka'a'awa Valley, Kualoa mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Grab a Birds-eye View
Float nearly 500 feet above the sapphire waters of Waikiki, for aerial views of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head. X-treme Parasail offers the longest and highest rides on the island. Visitors are strapped to a parachute, and tied to 1,200 feet of tether line, then lifted from a dry boat platform nearly 50 floors into the air. The sail lasts about 13 to 15 minutes, but memories of the sky-high ride are bound to last a lot longer.
Dive to a Wreck
Oahu, with more than 10 accessible sunken vessels, is arguably one of the best places in the country for wreck diving. A favorite among bubble blowers is the 175-foot long YO-257, a fuel oil barge that was deliberately sunk in 1989. It sits 95 feet below the surface, and like most wrecks, it’s a magnet for marine life. Poke around the inside of the stern and keep an eye out for swarming eaglerays, whitetip reef sharks and Hawaiian stingrays. There’s lots of coral, schools of tropical fish and sea turtles, too. Or, consider a dive to the Corsair airplane wreck, where you can sit in the cockpit and swim alongside morays. Oahu Scuba Diving offers daily wreck diving excursions, as well as scuba classes for all levels
Catch Some Wind and Waves
Pretty Kailua Beach, on the windward side of Oahu, is a world-class windsurfing locale, drawing some of the best in the sport. (It’s also known as the birthplace of windsurfing.) No wonder; it has a gently sloping beach, calm waters, and steady trade winds. Get in on the action! Beginners start on the beach with a windsurfing simulator to learn techniques, and then it’s in the water with training boards and light sails. Advance windsurfers can pick up new skills and try out the latest high-tech equipment. Looking for more speed, height, and adventure? Strap yourself on a board, hold onto a huge kite, and pilot it into the sky! It’s called kitesurfing and one of the fastest growing sports on Oahu. Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks, located on Kailua Beach, 12 miles from Honolulu, offers lessons and rents windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment.
Visit Sacred Grounds
Learn about ancient Hawaiian culture, myth and legends while hiking with Hina Adventures to some of Oahu’s most sacred sites, hidden in the lush mountains and valleys of the Koolau mountain range. On the six-hour North Shore eco-tour, offered by Mauka Makai Excursions hikers discover the secret of Kukaniloko, one of the most sacred sites on O'ahu and visit Pu'u O Mahuka heiau, the largest ancient temple site on O'ahu. The day ends with a look at Kaneaukai Ko'a,a fishing shrine dedicated to one of the forms of the god Kane.
Hike Ridgelines and Rainforests
Walk through tropical rainforest and bamboo grovesas you venture up the slopes of the Koolau mountain range on the east side of the island. Along the way, there are views of Kaneohe Bay below and of Koolau’s towering cliffs, ridges and green valleys, sculpted eons ago by tradewinds and rains. Oahu Nature Tours offers the two-mile, half-day excursion, and includes lots of information about Hawaii’s flora and fauna
Oahu has land, sea, and air adventures for vacationers of all ages and interests. Have kids in tow? Check out the Five Top Things to See and Do With Kids on Oahu.
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