United States of America > Hawaii > Oahu
Overview
The dreamy island of Oahu is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, where turquoise waters, glorious white-sand beaches, lush forests and majestic waterfalls await the millions of travellers who visit every year. Though only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands, Oahu is home to nearly three quarters of the state's residents, most of them living in the modern capital city, Honolulu, and its adjacent beach resort suburb of Waikiki on the south coast of the island. Far more than simply resorts and beaches, Honolulu is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife, plenty of excellent restaurants and a thriving arts community.
Beyond the urban bustle of the south, Oahu is a quiet and enchanting tropical getaway that flaunts 23 state parks and is punctuated by ancient stone heiau (temples). The island's most recognisable landmark is the 761-foot (232m) tall Diamond Head to the east of Waikiki. This mountain is a 'tuff cone' formed 100,000 years ago when an eruption of volcanic ash hardened into solid rock. The extinct volcano is traditionally believed to be the home of Pele, the fire goddess.
Oahu means 'gathering place', and the destination certainly lives up to its name in its ethnic diversity, which becomes evident at a glance at the annual festival calendar. From the Chinese New Year in late January to King Kamehameha Day in June and the Aloha Festivals in September, there's barely a dull moment and always a reason for celebration.
Climate
Oahu experiences constant warm, balmy weather all year round, its tropical climate subject to variations caused by different elevations and geographic exposure rather than seasons. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, averaging between 66ºF (19ºC) and 89°F (32ºC). The southern side of the island, including Honolulu and Waikiki, is drier than the leeward side, as the rain-bearing trade winds are blocked by the mountain ranges. The wet season in Oahu is from October to March, and averages 7 to 10 rainy days per month. The water temperature in Oahu is also warm year round, staying between 77ºF (25ºC) and 81ºF (27ºC).
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain (cm) | 89 | 56 | 56 | 38 | 28 | 13 | 15 | 10 | 20 | 58 | 76 | 97 |
| Rain (inches) | 3.5 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 3.8 |
| Average Temperature (°C) | 23 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 27.5 | 26.5 | 25 | 23 |
| Min Temperature (°C) | 19 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 19 |
| Max Temperature (°C) | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 27 |
| Average Temperature (°F) | 73 | 73 | 74.5 | 76 | 77.5 | 79.5 | 81 | 81.5 | 81.5 | 79.5 | 77 | 74 |
| Min Temperature (°F) | 66 | 65 | 67 | 69 | 70 | 72 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 70 | 67 |
| Max Temperature (°F) | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 87 | 84 | 81 |
Getting Around
Getting around Honolulu and Oahu in general means becoming familiar with local directions. Visitors may be told to go makai (toward the sea) or mauka (toward the mountain); the famous Diamond Head crater is also an important landmark and reference for the east, and the town of Ewa stands in for the west.
The main public transport system is simply called TheBus, and serves Honolulu and most of Oahu. The most popular route runs between Waikiki and Ala Moana Center every 10 minutes.
The Waikiki Trolley is also a fun way to get around Honolulu as it loops around about a dozen key locations approximatley every hour, with commentary by the driver. Stops include Hilton Hawaiian Village, Iolani Palace, the State Capitol, King Kamehameha's Statue, the Mission House Museum, Aloha Tower, Honolulu Museum of Arts, Hawaii Maritime Museum, Ward Centre and Restaurant Row.
Taxis are also available and are a good way to get around at night; they are locally regulated so fares are standard across all companies. Relying on taxis for all transport gets expensive quickly however. Rideshare services include Lyft and Holoholo.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
There's no end of things to do in Oahu, which is the heart of Hawaii's toursim industry, and an adventureland that delights the millions of travellers who fly into Honolulu each year. Whether attending luaus (traditional Hawaiian feasts) at the Polynesian Cultural Centre and learning about local history at the Bishop Museum and Honolulu Academy of Arts, or visiting royal palaces and WWII memorials, Oahu is the best place to get a taste of Hawaiian culture and history while enjoying its idyllic pleasures.
And there are plenty of pleasure-seeking activities to enjoy. Visitors can choose from dozens of world-class beaches offering everything from enormous waves and snorkelling lagoons to beautiful sunsets, with plenty of space to simply lay out and enjoy the Hawaiian sunshine.
There are plenty of scenic spots inland as well, as holidaymakers can hike the Diamond Head Crater, explore the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, or even visit one of the world's largest pineapple plantations. Tours of the North Shore and Windward Koolau Range are also offered on horseback.
Cooling off on a hot day is easy at the Wet n Wild Hawaii waterpark or the Waikiki Aquarium, both of which are great activities for the whole family. And after a full day of exploring the beauty of Oahu's wild side, visitors can enjoy the excellent restaurants, shopping and nightlife offered in Hawaii's capital, Honolulu.