Oahu Attractions

Oahu Attraction Guide

Oahu Attractions

Find the best Oahu attractions for scenic views, history, culture, family outings and memorable island stops, from Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor to Kualoa Ranch, Waikiki, Kaneohe and the North Shore.

Attraction directory

Oahu Attractions

Browse Oahu attractions, from scenic lookouts and historic landmarks to family-friendly stops, cultural sites and memorable places to visit.

Ala Moana Shopping Center

Ala Moana Shopping Center is a major open-air Honolulu mall with 350-plus shops and restaurants, dining, cultural events and easy Waikiki access.

Ala Wai Canal

The Ala Wai Canal borders Waikiki with historic city scenery, walking paths, paddling views, sunset light and easy access to Honolulu landmarks.

Aloha Tower

Aloha Tower is a 1926 Honolulu Harbor landmark with lighthouse history, clock tower architecture, harbor views and a currently closed observation deck.

Aloha Tower Marketplace

Aloha Tower Marketplace is a Honolulu Harbor waterfront stop with dining, events, HPU campus spaces, harbor views and Aloha Tower nearby.

Art on the Zoo Fence

Art on the Zoo Fence is a weekend Waikiki art venue where local Hawaii artists sell paintings, prints and photography near the Honolulu Zoo.

Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in Temple is a peaceful Kaneohe landmark with Japanese temple architecture, koi ponds, mountain views and quiet garden paths.

Chinatown

Honolulu Chinatown is a historic downtown district with markets, restaurants, cultural landmarks, art spaces and multicultural local flavor.

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is Oahu's iconic volcanic crater above Waikiki, with a popular summit trail, ocean views, military history and reservation access.

Dillingham Airfield

Dillingham Airfield, now Kawaihapai Airfield, is a North Shore aviation landmark known for gliders, skydiving history and mountain views.

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Dole Plantation is a central Oahu attraction with pineapple history, the Pineapple Express train, garden maze, tropical gardens and Dole Whip.

Halona Blowhole

Halona Blowhole is a southeast Oahu lava-tube lookout where waves can send sea spray high above the rocky shoreline.

Hawaii Convention Center

Hawaii Convention Center is a major Honolulu event venue near Waikiki with open-air architecture, meeting spaces, gardens and cultural design.

Hawaii State Capitol

Hawaii State Capitol is downtown Honolulu's open-air seat of government, known for symbolic island architecture and civic history.

Hawaii State Library

Hawaii State Library is a historic Carnegie-funded downtown Honolulu landmark and the flagship of Hawaii's public library system.

Hawaii Theatre

Hawaii Theatre is a restored 1922 downtown Honolulu performing arts landmark known as the Pride of the Pacific.

He'eia State Park

He'eia State Park is a scenic windward Oahu park with Kaneohe Bay views, He'eia Fishpond scenery, picnic areas and event space.

Honolulu Hale

Honolulu Hale is downtown Honolulu's historic city hall, home to city government, Spanish Colonial architecture and Honolulu City Lights.

Honolulu Harbor

Honolulu Harbor is Oahu's historic working seaport, with cruise terminals, cargo operations, Aloha Tower and downtown waterfront views.

Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo is a 42-acre Waikiki attraction with tropical paths, animal habitats, royal park history and easy access from the beach.

International Marketplace

International Marketplace is an open-air Waikiki shopping and dining center with tropical walkways, restaurants, shops and a preserved banyan tree.

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is downtown Honolulu's restored royal palace, built in 1882 and tied to Hawaii's monarchy, sovereignty and history.

Kahuku Farms

Kahuku Farms is a North Shore farm café and agrotourism stop with fresh food, tropical gardens, local products and guided farm tours.

Kaneohe Sandbar

Kaneohe Sandbar, also known as Ahu o Laka, is a shallow offshore sandbar in Kaneohe Bay reached by boat, kayak or paddleboard.

Kapiolani Park

Kapiolani Park is a historic Waikiki green space near Diamond Head, with lawns, paths, sports areas, events and easy beach access.

Kawaiahao Church

Kawaiahao Church is a historic downtown Honolulu coral church tied to Hawaiian royalty, early Christianity and the Capitol District.

Koko Head Crater

Koko Head Crater is a steep southeast Oahu hike with old tramway stairs, summit views, strong sun exposure and important safety warnings.

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a windward Oahu private nature reserve and working ranch known for valley scenery, movie sites, tours and cultural history.

Kuilima Point

Kuilima Point is a scenic rocky North Shore peninsula near Turtle Bay with coastal walks, sunset views, lava rock and ocean scenery.

Lanai Lookout

Lanai Lookout is a southeast Oahu roadside viewpoint with lava cliffs, ocean views, neighbor island vistas and seasonal whale watching.

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also called Ka'iwa Ridge Trail, is a short but steep windward Oahu ridge hike with pillboxes and ocean views.

Makapu'u Lookout

Makapuu Lookout is a southeast Oahu roadside viewpoint with ocean cliffs, Rabbit Island views, Makapuu Beach scenery and nearby lighthouse trail access.

Makua Valley

Makua Valley is a culturally significant leeward Oahu valley with fragile habitat, restricted access, military history and deep Hawaiian meaning.

Mokoli'i Island

Mokolii Island is a small windward Oahu islet off Kualoa Regional Park, known for ocean views, kayaking, low-tide access and scenic photos.

Mokulua Islands

Mokulua Islands are protected windward Oahu seabird sanctuary islets off Lanikai, known for kayaking, ocean views and fragile wildlife habitat.

North Shore Soap Factory

North Shore Soap Factory is a Waialua Sugar Mill shop where visitors can browse handmade natural soaps, skincare gifts and soap-making tours.

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a wind-swept Oahu viewpoint with Ko'olau cliff scenery, windward coast views and important Hawaiian history.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is one of Oahu's most important historic sites, with the USS Arizona Memorial, museums, battleships and World War II history.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie offers island villages, cultural demonstrations, canoe experiences, dinner options and the HĀ: Breath of Life evening show.

Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island, also called Manana Island, is a protected seabird sanctuary off southeast Oahu best viewed from Makapuu and Ka Iwi viewpoints.

Royal Mausoleum

Royal Mausoleum State Monument, also known as Mauna Ala, is a sacred Nuuanu Valley burial place for Hawaiian royalty.

Sea Life Park

Sea Life Park is a southeast Oahu marine life attraction near Makapuu with animal talks, encounters, ocean views and Aloha Kai Luau.

Tantalus

Tantalus is a scenic Honolulu ridge drive with forested curves, Round Top Drive viewpoints, city views and access to Puu Ualakaa lookout.

Tropical Farms

Tropical Farms is a windward Oahu macadamia nut outlet with samples, coffee tasting, local gifts and a relaxed country-store setting.

Waialua Estate

Waialua Estate connects visitors with North Shore coffee, chocolate, cacao and Old Waialua Sugar Mill history in a casual local setting.

Waikiki Aquarium

Waikiki Aquarium is an oceanfront Waikiki attraction near Diamond Head with Pacific marine life, live coral, reef fish and conservation exhibits.

Waikiki Shell

Waikiki Shell is an open-air concert venue in Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head, with reserved seating, lawn space and Waikiki access.

Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a North Shore cultural and botanical garden destination with paved walking paths, Hawaiian sites and Waimea Falls.

Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii

Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii is a Kapolei water park with slides, wave pool areas, family attractions, kids' play zones and seasonal events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions on Oahu?

Popular Oahu attractions include Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kualoa Ranch, Waikiki landmarks, scenic lookouts, cultural sites and family-friendly stops.

Are Oahu attractions good for families?

Yes. Oahu has many family-friendly attractions, including museums, beaches, lookout points, gardens, parks and historic places with easy visitor access.

Which Oahu attractions are best for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors often choose Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, scenic coastal lookouts and North Shore stops to get a broad feel for the island.

Do Oahu attractions require reservations?

Some attractions, tours and popular historic sites may require reservations or timed entry. Always check current rules before planning your visit.

Can you visit several Oahu attractions in one day?

Yes, but traffic and parking can affect timing. It is best to group attractions by area, such as Waikiki, Honolulu, Windward Oahu or the North Shore.