Oahu travel guide

The northern shore of O'ahu Island is famous for its world class surfing, particularly during winter, where the waves can reach mammoth proportions. Banzai Pipeline off Ehukai Beach is especially legendary for its perfect barrels, which offers some of the best tube riding in the world. Unfortunately, the monster waves break in shallow water just above a sharp coral reef, which have caused serious injuries and death to many pro surfers (and surf photographers) over the years, making Banzai Pipeline one of the most deadliest waves in the world.

The 1.3 km hike to the summit of the crater rim of Diamond Head (232 m) is very rewarding. It's about 30 minutes (one-way) hike from the parking lot at the bottom of the crater along a well established trail with sections of steep stairs and even a tunnel. There are several historical military installations on the way including a bunker at the summit. The hike is not easy and you will share the trail with others. but you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the crater and Honolulu.

The east coast of O'ahu is also gorgeous. Here the sheer cliffs breaks off into the turquoise ocean. The shore is littered with tide pools and blow holes, some easier to see than others. From the lookout you can Halona Blowhole, where sea water is pushed through a lava tunnel and sprayed high into the air.

The Byodo-In is a smaller-scale replica of the original Byodo-In Temple in Kyoto and is built entirely without nails. It was constructed in 1968 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Hawaii's first Japanese immigrants. It's a non-practicing temple with a gorgeous setting at the foot of the Koolau mountains. The garden ponds swarm with with large schools of koi, some nearly one hundred years old.

One of the best beaches on O'ahu is the long Kailua Beach. It has soft white powder sand, turquoise blue waters, and views several small islands off-shore. It's protected by Kailua Bay which makes for gentle waves, perfect for swimming, kite surfing and other water fun. The beach is located in the posh, but hippieish, community of Kailua and has a nice shady beach park with all facilities.

A tall cave, which lies right next to the road. The main cavern isn't particularly deep, but at the far back several narrow tunnels branch off to the unknown. The cave features in the Hawaiian folklore (it's named after the god of creation Kane), which explains the small offerings that might be laying around. There is a parking lot across the road.

If you feel the gentle waves at Kailua are "too rough", then head to the even more esteemed beach next door at Lanikai. The picture perfect beach has been mentioned as the prettiest beach on O'ahu - and for good reason. Not only is the sand white and soft, but the aqua blue water is calm, which is unusual for Hawai'i. However, there isn't much shade and hardly any parking (besides a few spots on the residential streets), so you will have to park at Kailua and walk about 20 minutes.

The Makapu'u Lookout offers some of the most iconic views of O'ahu. Black steep mountains covered in green meeting the ocean's many shades of blue. A strip of golden sand makes out Makapu'u Beach, which is popular with experienced surfers. You can hike to the lighthouse at the top from either the lookout (no marked trail) or along the paved trail from the parking lot at Makapu'u Point.

Secluded Makua Beach is located as far as the road will take you. It has white sand and sets at the foot of the scenic Waianae mountains. The water is known for dolphins, which you might be able to see in the early morning.

Manoa Falls is an impressive waterfall which drops 46 meters into a pool in the middle of the jungle. To reach the falls you need to hike 1.3 km (one-way) along a muddy trail, which can get very crowded. It passes through the lush rainforest under the canopy of tall trees, and ends at the pool at the bottom of the falls.