15 Best Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii 

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Looking for the absolute best things to do in Oahu? You’ve come to the right place!

Oahu is bursting with incredible experiences that keep us coming back! But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start – but that’s where I come in! 

After countless visits to this Hawaiian paradise, I’ve uncovered the absolute best adventures the island has to offer. Whether you crave adventure, culture, or those sunsets Hawaii is famous for, this curated list will guide you through the most unforgettable moments. Keep reading for my list of must-do activities in Oahu!

Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii

1. See a traditional Luau 

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 5 pm
• Highlights: Hands-on Polynesian cultural activities before the show, traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian buffet dinner, cultural dance performances from across Polynesia, and an epic fire-knife finale
• Inclusions: Round-trip transportation from Waikiki (optional), all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet, pre-show cultural activities, live music and Polynesian dance show, professional photos
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 2,800+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Seeing a Hawaiian Luau was something that was always high on my travel bucket list! We’ve been to quite a few and by far, the Mauka Warriors Luau stands out as our favorite! You can even opt to include transport from Waikiki like we did, so you don’t need to worry about driving or parking, which makes it really easy.

What we loved most was that the experience started before the show. We got to try fun cultural activities like getting a temporary Polynesian tattoo, weaving coconut leaf headbands, and watching a traditional cooking demonstration. It felt interactive and not just like we were just sitting down for a performance.

After that, we enjoyed a buffet dinner with a mix of Hawaiian and Polynesian dishes, and everything we tried was tasty and filling – the kalua pork and the grilled pineapple were standouts for me!

The show itself was fantastic and covered dances and stories from across Polynesia. The finale is what had us on the edge of our seats, though. The fire dancers were incredible, easily the best we’ve seen, and we’ve been to several luaus over the years! The energy, skill, and choreography were on another level – they even lit the ground on fire! Honestly, we think that this is one of the best cultural experiences on the island and the thousands of glowing reviews certainly attest to that.

Book this authentic luau here, before it sells out!

2. Tour the entire island in one day

• Duration: 9 hours
• Time: 6:30 am
• Highlights: See Oahu’s most iconic sights with a professional guide, learn about the island’s culture and history, tour the Dole Plantation and a macadamia nut farm
• Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, bottled water, snacks, air-conditioned transportation
• Rating: 5 stars (check the 17,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

The first time we visited Oahu, there was so much to see and do that I wasn’t too sure how we were going to fit it all into one trip. Luckily, I found this full-day sightseeing tour of the island that helped tick a lot of things off my to-do list! 

Exploring Oahu in a single day sounds ambitious, but this tour does it seamlessly! Plus, we were able to leave the driving to someone else – a huge advantage, especially with the traffic leaving Honolulu!

Some of my favorite stops were the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, with its spectacular views, and the Halona Blowhole, which can shoot water up to 30 feet (9 meters) in the air! Tasting fresh pineapple at the Dole Plantation and macadamia nuts straight from the farm was definitely up there for me as well.

Although one of my favorite parts was simply wandering around the North Shore in the famous surf town of Haleiwa on our own. It was super relaxed and we got to grab a Shave Ice from Matsumoto’s (order the rainbow with vanilla ice cream – trust me!) and try the famous garlic shrimp at the food trucks this side of the island is known for.

We think this tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to learn more about the island and see many of its iconic sights in a short amount of time. I mean, with 17,000+ 5-star reviews (see them here!), you know it’s got to be good!

Check availability and secure your spot in advance here!

3. Catch a sunset (and fireworks!)

Catching a sunset on Oahu is one of those simple experiences I love that still feels special every time. Whenever we’re here, you’ll find us on Waikiki Beach for sunset as often as we can. Sunset is early here during the winter, so we try to be at the beach around 5:30 pm to savor the experience as the sky turns pink and orange.

If you want to make it extra memorable, we loved this sunset catamaran cruise. Watching the sun go down over the coast was pure magic! The crew told us that sunset departures often sell out, so it’s worth booking ahead online rather than hoping for a last-minute spot.

We set sail just as golden hour began, and were welcomed on board with a premium cocktail. The catamaran itself was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room to soak in the views – although you can upgrade to a VIP experience so you can board first to get the best seats!

And if you’re on Oahu on a Friday night, don’t miss the fireworks! The Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a short fireworks show every Friday around 7:45 pm. You can watch from the beach close to the Hilton for free, but an even better way to see the show without anyone blocking your view is on this fireworks cruise – it’s on our to-do list for next time! 

Book a premium sunset cruise here or reserve the Friday night fireworks cruise!

4. Go snorkeling with sea turtles

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
• Highlights: Head to Waikiki’s famous Turtle Canyon to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles, view a variety of other marine life, enjoy snacks on the boat 
• Inclusions: Professional guide, snorkeling equipment, snacks, light refreshments
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check the 4,600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We were super keen to spot some sea turtles on our latest trip to Oahu, so we booked this Waikiki snorkel excursion!

​​The experience started with a quick briefing from our guide, who made sure everyone felt confident in the water before we set off toward Turtle Canyon. All the snorkeling gear was provided, so you don’t have to worry about packing anything extra, which is a huge bonus!

As soon as I dipped below the surface, it felt like stepping into another world. Hawaiian green sea turtles (aka “honu”), glided gracefully around the reef, sometimes coming so close I could see the intricate patterns on their shells! Turtles here are pretty much guaranteed as they love this spot – we’ve seen some every time we’ve come by here.

And above water, the excitement didn’t stop! Spinner dolphins made a surprise appearance as we were having a snack on the boat. It was the perfect way to end this amazing 2-hour experience. 

This tour is my all-time favorite activity in Oahu, and I’m not alone as it has over 4,200 5-star reviews! It is only 2 hours long, so it’s easy to fit into any busy travel itinerary.

Secure your spot here before it sells out!

5. Take a Glass-Bottom boat to see wildlife

• Duration: 1 hour
• Time: Multiple departures between 8:15 am and 4 pm 
• Highlights: Cruise along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head, glass-bottom viewing ports to spot tropical fish and coral, chance to see turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales in season, great views of Honolulu’s skyline from the water
• Inclusions: 1-hour sightseeing cruise, experienced captain and crew, bottled water, shaded seating, restroom on board
• Rating: 4.6 stars (check 2,100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check price here!

We loved this glass-bottom boat cruise and thought it was a super easy way to see marine life without getting in the water. The boat leaves right from Waikiki, so it’s perfect if you want a fun activity without committing to a long day tour.

The “glass bottom” is made up of large viewing ports in the deck, so you can look straight down into the water and spot fish and coral as you cruise along the coast toward Diamond Head. We saw loads of colorful tropical fish, and the crew pointed out turtles swimming right beside the boat!

We did this tour during peak whale season (January to March) and got incredibly lucky. Two humpback whales swam right in front of the boat, and we watched them surface for about ten minutes. We were at a safe distance, but close enough to hear the water spraying from their blowholes, which was such a surreal experience. Even if you don’t catch whales, the views back toward Waikiki and the skyline from the water are just beautiful. Plus, the crew told us earlier that day that other tours had seen monk seals and dolphins!

The boat is comfortable with shaded seating and a small restroom, and the crew was friendly and knowledgeable, pointing out wildlife and sharing fun facts along the way. It’s a great option if you want something relaxed, family-friendly, and easy to fit into your Oahu itinerary.

You can book this fun boat cruise here, with free cancellation!

6. Visit the famous Waikiki Beach 

Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawaii, and it really does live up to the hype! I fell in love with this beach the first time I visited Hawaii as a kid, and it still has that magic every time I come back.

This is the classic postcard stretch of coastline with golden sand, turquoise water, and Diamond Head rising in the background. We do recommend coming early in the morning, though, as this way you can beat the crowds and enjoy the beach at its quietest.

The water here is shallow with gentle waves, so it’s great for swimming and playing in the surf. It’s also a great spot for beginners if you want to try surfing – we did this surfing lesson on a past trip, and that feeling of riding the waves is addictive!

If you don’t feel like surfing, another fun “only in Hawaii” experience is paddling an outrigger canoe. Dan and I tried this, and it gives you that feeling of a mini-roller coaster as you ride the waves. Plus, it was once the official sport of the Hawaiian Royal Family – so there’s lots of history to it as well!

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so even if you’re short on time, this is one spot that you absolutely should not skip!

Related Read: Need help planning your Oahu trip? Have a look at our 5-day itinerary to get the inside scoop on the best places to go and things to eat!

7. Explore Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial

• Duration: 5 to 9 hours
• Time: 8 am
• Highlights: Visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial Center, learn about WWII history and watch a documentary on the infamous attack, drive by iconic landmarks in downtown Honolulu
• Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, national park fees, entry fees (depending on the option selected), bottled water
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check the 4,800+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Oahu is the site of a lot of important WWII history, and the last time we went, I made sure this Pearl Harbor tour was at the top of our itinerary!

From the moment I stepped onto the bus, I knew I was in for something special. Our guide provided insightful commentary as we drove past historical landmarks such as the Iolani Palace and Punchbowl National Cemetery, which serves as a tribute to those who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The real heart of the tour, though, was visiting Pearl Harbor. It was here that the infamous attack by Japan happened on December 7, 1941. We visited the USS Arizona Memorial and watched a short documentary on the attack. The film gave me goosebumps, but stepping onto the memorial itself was a moment I’ll never forget. Standing above the sunken battleship, surrounded by the names of the fallen, was deeply moving.

We opted for the Deluxe upgrade of the tour, so the USS Missouri battleship was up next. Touring the “Mighty Mo”, where World War II officially ended, was fascinating. For aviation buffs, we highly recommend doing the Ultimate upgrade that also adds on a visit to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

We love that this tour wasn’t just sightseeing, but a journey through Honolulu’s history that left us in awe. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Hawaii’s past, this experience is an absolute must-do – just look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here!

Book this popular tour here and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart!

8. Go parasailing

• Duration: 1 hour
• Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
• Highlights: Soaring above the water, the scenic views, encouraging crew
• Inclusions: Parasailing experience, experienced crew, fuel surcharge
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check the 7,600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush with unbeatable views, this parasailing adventure from Waikiki is the way to go! Dan and I recently took to the skies the last time we were in Oahu, and it was nothing short of epic.

We started at Kewalo Basin Harbor, where we got a quick safety briefing, then were strapped into a harness and ready for takeoff. As the boat sped up, we were gently lifted into the air and were soon soaring 700 feet (213 meters) above the crystal-clear waters of Oahu’s southern coast.

The views of the city from above were absolutely breathtaking. We could see Diamond Head in the distance, and the turquoise ocean stretched all around us. It honestly feels like you’re flying! 

For those wanting to crank up the adventure, there’s an option to upgrade to an 800-foot (244-meter) or 1,000-foot (305-meter) line, but 700 feet was plenty thrilling for me.

If you’re traveling with someone who wants to go parasailing, but it’s not really your thing, you can book to go on the boat as an observer only for a reduced rate. No matter what option you choose, make sure you bring some extra cash along if you want to buy the photo and GoPro packages.

Parasailing is safe, exhilarating, and offers a perspective of Oahu you simply can’t get from the ground. If you don’t believe me, just have a look at the 7,000+ 5-star reviews!

Don’t miss out – secure this thrilling parasailing tour here!

9. Take a helicopter flight over Oahu

• Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
• Highlights: Enjoying an exhilarating 50-minute “doors-off” helicopter flight over Oahu, see iconic landmarks and remote areas, learn about the island from your pilot’s commentary
• Inclusions: Expert pilot, open-door helicopter ride, local taxes
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check the 1,300+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We have been lucky enough to go on a few helicopter rides during our travels, but none have been as scenic as this helicopter flight over Oahu! There is truly no better way to experience the vast beauty of this island than from the air, taking in views of the mountains, lush valleys, and waterfalls.

Our pilot set the tone right away, blasting “Danger Zone” from Top Gun as we took off! We flew over lush valleys, dramatic mountain ridges, and hidden waterfalls, plus some of the island’s most famous landmarks like Pearl Harbor and the Halona Blowhole.

Our pilot even pointed out Ka’a’awa Valley – where Jurassic Park and many other Hollywood blockbusters were filmed. Even if you have seen these areas from the ground, seeing them from the sky offers a whole new perspective!

Oh, and the best thing about this experience? The helicopter had no doors! While this might freak some people out, don’t worry, you are safely strapped in. The lack of doors made the experience even more exciting and allowed us to have unobstructed views of the island and ocean below – keep your eyes peeled for any whales jumping in the distance!

And with only 4 guests allowed in each helicopter, everyone had a good view. If you want an even better view though, you can upgrade to “first-class seating”, where you are guaranteed to sit up front with the pilot.

Book this tour with over 1,200 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!

10. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Time: 8 am, 8:20 am, 9 am, 9:20 am, 12:20pm, 12:40 pm
• Highlights: Ride an ATV to the top of a mountain, zipline on Oahu’s longest ziplines with ocean and mountain views, enjoy rappelling, sky bridges, and boardwalks along the way
• Inclusions: All necessary equipment, professional guide, taxes and fees, water, free parking
• Rating: 5 stars (check the 3,600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Hawaii is known for its incredible natural scenery and its adventure tourism, so why not combine both on this epic zipline tour? This tour takes you on Oahu’s longest ziplines, and let me tell you, it’s an adrenaline rush you won’t forget!

The journey starts with an ATV ride through the lush Hawaiian jungle. Bouncing up the mountain trails, I couldn’t help but take in the breathtaking panoramic views along the North Shore. This scenic ride really set the tone for an epic day!

Once we reached the top of the mountain, the real adventure began. The ziplines ranged from 500 (152 meters) to 2,400 feet (732 meters) long, and each one offered a new perspective of the stunning landscape. Flying over treetops with the wind in my face was exhilarating!

But this tour isn’t just about the ziplines – it’s a full-on jungle experience. We crossed sky bridges, rappelled down ropes, and walked scenic boardwalks, all with the guidance of an awesome and safety-focused crew. 

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking to try something new, this tour delivers.

Read the thousands of 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!

11. Watch a magic show 

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 5 pm or 7:30 pm
• Highlights: Seeing world-class magicians and performers, intimate show setting, classic parlor magician, VIP options available
• Inclusions: Small group show, one complimentary alcoholic drink, front row seating (if VIP option selected), free valet parking
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,700+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

After a day at the beach, it’s nice to mix things up with an evening activity that doesn’t involve more sun or sand. Luckily, one of the best magic shows in Honolulu is right in Waikiki, so it’s super easy to fit into your trip. We were able to walk to the show from our hotel!

The Magic Mystery Show is held at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort and is a bit of a hidden gem. The magician, Shoot Ogawa, is genuinely impressive and is known as one of the best sleight-of-hand magicians in the world. The show is set in a Victorian-style parlor, which gives it a cool, old-school vibe, and the mix of magic and humor keeps it entertaining the whole time.

What really stood out to us was how intimate the show is. Instead of a huge theatre, it’s a smaller room, so everyone gets a great view of the tricks. We’ve been to big-stage shows before, but seeing the magic up close is way more impressive. At one point, he even made someone levitate, which completely blew our minds!

The smaller setting also means lots of audience interaction, so don’t be surprised if you get pulled on stage. Overall, this is a really fun and unique thing to do in Waikiki at night, especially if you want something different from dinner and drinks. It’s no surprise it has thousands of 5-star reviews!

Reserve your tickets to this world-class magic show here, with free cancellation!

Related Read: Staying in Waikiki gives you easy access to many of the activities on our list! Our top 10 hotels in Waikiki can help you narrow down where to stay.

12. Swim with wild dolphins

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 7:30 am
• Highlights: Swimming with wild dolphins on Oahu’s west coast, spot other marine life like sea turtles and fish, catamaran ride, snorkeling, and Hawaiian lunch
• Inclusions: Transport from certain hotels (if selected), snorkeling equipment, lunch and snacks, bottled water
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

For an unforgettable experience, this swimming with wild dolphins tour had me pinching myself, wondering if it was truly real! We got to visit the scenic West Coast of Oahu, where dolphins love to hang out.

Our crew was super nice, and seeing how passionate they were about dolphins and the other ocean creatures had us excited to head out the moment we boarded. The captain immediately checked in with other ships in the area to see where dolphins had been spotted and we headed that way!

We kept a respectful distance, but hopped in the water as soon as we spotted dolphins! The crew explained we weren’t chasing the dolphins, but if they wanted to swim closer to us (which these curious creatures often do!) that was up to them. We were lucky, and they did!

An entire pod of dolphins swam right underneath me in the crystal-clear ocean water. I even got to see baby dolphins swimming beside their moms right under my feet! It was an experience I’ll never forget.

The catamaran was a nice smooth ride and along with dolphins, we also spotted several sea turtles and got to swim with them too! Lunch on board the boat was a nice extra and well earned after our swims!

Book this once-in-a-lifetime tour easily here!

13. Climb Diamond Head 

No trip to Oahu is complete without hiking Diamond Head Crater, and we totally get the hype. This dormant volcanic crater sits right at the edge of Waikiki and is one of the most iconic landmarks you’ll see from the beach. The panoramic views from the summit are some of the best in all of Honolulu, with Waikiki’s skyline, turquoise water, and the coastline stretching out below. Sometimes you can even spot whales from up here!

The trail is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip and usually takes 1.5-2 hours. It’s a moderately challenging hike because of the incline (you’re climbing a volcano after all!), but the path is paved and easy to follow. Just make sure to wear proper hiking shoes – I attempted the hike in flip-flops once, and my shoe broke during the hike!

The trailhead is only a short drive from Waikiki, which makes it an easy morning activity before the heat and crowds kick in. Because it’s so popular, out-of-state visitors need to book a reservation in advance ($5 USD per person, plus $10 USD per car for parking), and spots can fill up fast.

If that sounds like a hassle, this self-guided shuttle tour is a super convenient alternative. It includes round-trip transportation from Waikiki, park entry, a map, and bottled water. The driver drops you off, tells you when to be back, and you can hike at your own pace without worrying about parking or navigating. We’d suggest booking an earlier slot, as the trail will be less busy and the temperature will be much more comfortable.

Enjoy this hike stress-free when you book your spot here!

14. See the North Shore and Waimea Falls

• Duration: 8 hours
• Time: 7 am
• Highlights: Full-day guided tour around Oahu, stops at scenic lookouts and beaches, visit to Waimea Botanical Garden and Waterfall, North Shore stops including Sunset Beach and Haleiwa, Dole Plantation stop for pineapple treats
• Inclusions: Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, admission to Waimea Botanical Garden and Waterfall
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 3,800+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

We can’t get enough of the laidback and super-scenic North Shore, so this island tour was high on our list – especially since it picked us up right from Waikiki. While a lot of other island tours rush through the North Shore, this one dedicates a huge chunk of time there and visits the stunning Waimea Waterfall!

We loved our guide, Joel, because he shared lots of local insights as we made our way around the island. We stopped at several scenic viewpoints and did tastings of Kona coffee and macadamia nuts along the way. Lunch on the North Shore was a real highlight for us, too, because we got to try the famous garlic shrimp at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – yum! 

One of our favorite stops was Waimea Valley. The walk to the waterfall is fully paved and easy, so it’s doable for most people, and the waterfall itself is beautiful. We also loved spending time in the botanical gardens before heading to Sunset Beach, which was another standout. It was incredible to see surfers riding some huge waves, and we spent time strolling on the sand and finding shells (because those waves are best left to the pros!).

The day finished at the Dole Plantation, which is another must-visit. We loved seeing the fields full of baby pineapples and trying the famous Dole Whip – I had mine topped with even more pineapple! We learned how to pick out the perfect pineapple and even rode the famous Pineapple Express train. It was the perfect way to wrap up a full day exploring Oahu!

Read thousands of glowing reviews and book this tour here!

15. Tour the Waikiki Aquarium

Touring the Waikiki Aquarium is a really fun and affordable activity, especially if you want something easy to add to your itinerary. It’s located right by the beach in Kapiolani Park, so it’s simple to pair with a beach day or a walk along the shoreline.

The aquarium is on the smaller side, so you don’t need hours here. We spent about an hour walking around and felt like that was perfect. It’s great if you’re traveling with kids or just want a quick break from the sun.

We loved seeing the baby seahorses and colorful clown fish, plus the reef sharks and the tanks of jellyfish that reached up to the ceiling. One of the highlights for us was meeting the rescued monk seal named Hō‘ailona. Monk seals are native to Hawaii and pretty rare to see, so it was cool to learn more up close. We even got to watch a monk seal feeding – and hear Hō‘ailona bark at the trainer when she was out of fish for him, which made us laugh!

Overall, the Waikiki Aquarium is a nice, budget-friendly activity that doesn’t take up your whole day. We were surprised by how much we enjoyed it, and we always try to pop in.

Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii

Now that you’re set to explore the best Oahu has to offer, it’s time to find a great place to stay. Waikiki (the main neighborhood in Honolulu) is the obvious choice, but picking a hotel from the hundreds of choices can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we have standout picks for all budgets – including our favorite beachfront hotel where we stayed for our last trip!

All the hotels below are in Central Waikiki for that classic Hawaiian vacation vibe and put you close to the beach and the best restaurants and shopping. Our biggest tip is to book early – Waikiki is popular for a reason, and you don’t want to miss out on your top choice!

The Royal Hawaiian – $$$ 

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in that famous pink hotel on Waikiki Beach, this is the one. The Royal Hawaiian is an icon, a Luxury Collection resort with its own stretch of sand and that “old Hawaii” glamour. Rooms are bright and tropical, with garden or ocean views, and the hotel’s location on Waikiki Beach makes it easy to enjoy Diamond Head views and live entertainment.

With a full-service spa, two gorgeous outdoor pools, and cultural activities, it’s a proper treat-yourself stay. Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely money well spent! Rooms here start from around $500 USD per night. Check staying here off your bucket list by booking here!

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – $$ (Where we stayed!)

The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort is our favorite pick in Waikiki — we loved every minute of our stay! Located directly on Waikiki Beach, it’s steps from the sand and is home to the legendary Duke’s restaurant. We loved listening to the ocean from our balcony and watching the water turn golden at sunset. Plus, it was so easy for beach days since we went from our room to having our feet in the sand in two minutes!

Rooms come with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fridges, and coffee makers, so you’re set up for relaxed beach days and easy mornings. We also love the little extras like free water bottles and a beach bag, and daily cultural activities (think lei-making and ukulele lessons). It’s a brilliant all-rounder in Waikiki with rooms starting around $350 USD per night. See if there’s a room available for your trip here!

Hotel Renew – $

Hotel Renew is a budget-friendly gem just one block from Waikiki Beach. This modern boutique hotel is known for its calming vibe and thoughtful touches, like beach towels and gear for guests to borrow. The bright, clean rooms are simple but comfortable, with plush beds and a 50-inch flat-screen TV for cozy nights in. Some rooms even have a partial ocean view or a balcony—perfect for sipping a morning coffee before hitting the sand.

Rates at Hotel Renew typically start at around $150–$250 USD per night, making it a great option for budget travelers who still want comfort and a prime Waikiki location. Check availability and book Hotel Renew online in advance!

For even more options, check out all the hotels in Oahu here.

Related Read: Before you leave, make sure to check our guide on booking a shuttle from Honolulu Airport to your hotel – we always get one that includes a lei greeting!

Renting a Car in the USA

The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the USA

• Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
• Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
• Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
• Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Oahu is a popular travel destination for a reason – it’s insanely beautiful! On top of that, there are so many unique activities here that our itinerary was jam-packed. If you check off even a few items on this list, I know you’ll have an unforgettable vacation on this Hawaiian island.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our entire Hawaii page here. We’ve visited these islands many times and have tips, itineraries, and hotel guides to make your trip the best it can be. Aloha!

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