As you probably already know, Hawaii has some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. It’s why people from all over come to vacation, and Oahu is one of the top spots in the state. One of the most unique, fun, and interesting ways of taking in said beauty is on horseback.

We’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to check out the various tours offered to bring you the top Oahu horseback tours available.

These handpicked selections are known to give you the best experiences possible, and are definitely worth your time and money.

Be sure to see our other reviews of Sunset Dinner Cruises, Pearl Harbor Tours and Whale Watching Tours.

Best Oahu Horseback Riding Tours

	Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu	Private Advanced Trail Ride in Kahuku, Oahu	Kualoa Ranch - Horseback Walking Tour
Departure Point:	Gunstock Ranch Trails Office	56-250 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96762	49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Departure Time:	Variety Available	8:30 am	Morning & afternoon departures
Duration:	2 hours	1.5 hours	2 hours
Includes:	Tour wrangler/ guide, free parking, dinner	Helmet, tour wrangler/ guide, free parking	1-hr or 2-hr Horseback-riding tour, local guide
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Horseback Riding Tours in Oahu

1. Oahu Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu
2. Private Advanced Trail Ride in Kahuku, Oahu
3. Kualoa Ranch – Horseback Walking Tour
4. Sunset Horseback Ride in Laie, Oahu
5. 1 Hour Scenic Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu
6. Private Sweetheart Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu
7. Horseback Ride Like an Authentic Paniolo in Kahuku

Be sure to see our reviews of Oahu Helicopter Tours, Oahu Zipline Adventures, Oahu Whale Watching Tours.

Oahu Horseback Tour Reviews

1. Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon, you have to check out the Private Sunset Dinner Horseback Ride. This 2-hour experience is like something from a movie: filled with scenic views, delicious food, and a rugged wilderness to set the scene.

The private guide knows all about life on Oahu, and is a paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy. The tour starts off with your guide offering a safety briefing, making sure to pair you with a horse that is gentle and easy to work with. Their horses are used to being ridden and are trained very well.

As long as you follow the guide’s instructions, all with go smoothly and safely. You’ll waste no time, immediately heading out onto a mountain trail after your briefing.

You’ll wind through until you reach a scenic vista overlooking the windward side of Oahu, which offers some of the most incredible views on the island.

This alone is worth the trip, but they don’t stop there. They’ll set up a locally-catered dinner by a campfire, consisting of your choice of protein, along with a fresh salad, ulu mash, marshmallows toasted on the fire, and soft drinks.

We found the whole experience to be authentic and memorable due to the friendliness of the guide, the knowledge they shared, along with the horses and fireside dinner.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

2. Private Advanced Trail Ride in Kahuku, Oahu

Our next tour is the Private Advanced Trail Ride which takes place in Kahuku, Oahu. As the northernmost point of land on the island, it’s known for its farms, delicious food, and of course, incredible views.

As such, you can probably imagine that it’s the perfect place for going horseback riding! If you’ve never ridden a horse before, there’s no need to worry. Located at Gunstock Ranch, you’ll have a private tour wrangler/guide who will make sure you feel confident and secure on your ride.

You may even have two guides, depending on the circumstances. They offer up a comprehensive safety briefing and experience assessment with each participant, creating a personalized experience for the best results possible.

This 90-minute trail ride is a wonderful option if you want to fit in as many activities as possible, but don’t want to spend an entire afternoon out riding. While the wrangler will determine the pace depending on everyone’s experience, most times it’s just going to be a steady trot.

This allows you to take in fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and time with these well-trained horses. As the guide manages all navigation, you don’t have to worry about where to go or planning ahead. All you have to focus on is having fun and participating in this adventure!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. Kualoa Ranch – Horseback Walking Tour

Are you looking to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city? Are you looking to genuinely relax and take in nature in a more low-key manner? Then look no further than the Kualoa Ranch Horseback Walking Tour.

Choose between either a 1-hour or 2-hour horseback riding tour at Kualoa Ranch, depending on what your schedule looks like. Located in Ka’a’awa Valley, it’s often referred to as Jurassic Valley due to the fact that Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, and other Hollywood blockbusters have been filmed here!

Once you get to the ranch in the valley, you’ll go through a safety briefing just like the other tours. Even if you’re an absolute beginner at riding horses, the guides will make sure you’re a pro by the time you’re done with your tour!

While the different lengths of time offer more flexibility, you don’t have to worry about one being “better” than the other. Both will give you an authentic ranch experience, where you’ll be surrounded by pristine views of the lush green mountains.

Not only that, but the guides are very knowledgeable about the history of the area and will share interesting stories along the way. Travel through this greenery, thick forests, past World War II bunkers, and other captivating sights.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Sunset Horseback Ride in Laie, Oahu

While the Sunset Horseback Ride in Laie, Oahu is definitely a perfect option for a romantic evening, it’s also great for friends and entire families. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this 1.5-hour tour is comprehensive yet not so long that you’ll be exhausted by the time you’re done. T

his is a genuinely Hawaiian tour, so be prepared to catch sight of cattle, native fruit trees, wild pigs, and magnificent natural scenery.

If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly tour, this is also a great selection. Including use of helmets and a professional, experienced private guide, you’ll be in great hands and will learn how to properly ride a horse.

The staff is incredibly friendly, and if there’s time, they’ll give you the chance to pet and feed other animals on the farm!

Start off by riding up the trail while it’s still light outside. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the ocean and even turbines! All of it makes for an amazing experience. Make sure to bring your cameras or use your smartphone to take snapshots, because it’s perfect for it!

The colorful skies and ethereal clouds are like being in another world. Pair that with the birds singing around you, and it’s a truly wonderful time.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. 1-Hour Scenic Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu

What’s budget-friendly, flexible with all kinds of schedules, and a load of fun? The 1 Hour Scenic Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu, of course!

Located just a few minutes from Turtle Bay Resort and the Polynesian Cultural Center, it’s close enough to hotels while still allowing you to get away from the crowds and noise.

If you’re staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, you know that there’s some pretty serious crowds over in the cities. However, this tour is the perfect way to escape that for a little bit and break up the city experience with a bit of countryside.

Now, as it does last just 1 hour, keep in mind that you won’t be able to go further up in the mountains like you can with most other tours on our guide.

However, you will get to trot around and take in the fresh air and greenery with a friendly horse. You’ll see views of the ocean, pastures, and even a hidden cave used on Hawaii Five-0!

The wranglers are there to help you out, offering guidance and a sense of comfort if you’re new to riding horses. Not only that, but they teach you all about the history and conservation of the ranch, which is very interesting. Make sure you check out the petting zoo, as well!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

6. Private Sweetheart Horseback Ride in Kahuku, Oahu

With so many picturesque settings and natural beauty, it’s easy to find something romantic to do on Oahu. However, if you really want to go above-and-beyond and impress that special someone or have a chance to bond over a fun adventure, check this tour out.

The Private Sweetheart Horseback Ride is a private excursion that will undoubtedly be one of your highlights during your time on the island.

This 2-hour journey takes place in an area that not many tourists get the chance to experience. As such, you’ll take in views you won’t get to see anywhere else! We found the horses to be very calm, easygoing, and clearly used to new people.

Not only that, but the guide who will lead you is very educated on the history of the area.

Take your relaxed ride around these jaw-dropping vistas and then enjoy a picnic with that special person in your life. The picnic comes with delicious sandwiches, fresh local fruit, dessert, and a bottle of sparkling cider!

While it’s not required, we highly recommend purchasing the optional souvenir photos as well, which are taken by a professional. Once you both get back home, you’ll surely want to put it in a frame to commemorate the great time you’ll have!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

7. Horseback Ride Like an Authentic Paniolo in Kahuku

There’s no way we could leave off this next tour! The Horseback Ride Like an Authentic Paniolo in Kahuku is a ton of fun! Paniolos are essentially Hawaiian cowboys so if you want to live like you’re in the wild (very) west, look no further.

When it comes to tours with animals, nothing should be a one-size-fits-all. Animals need to match well with the human riding them, and that means that the wranglers also need to know the horses well.

That’s exactly the case here, and you can tell that the horses are well-trained and friendly. The wrangler will match you with the best horse for you, depending on many factors.

The authentic ranch focuses on smaller, more exclusive groups so you have more one-on-one time with your guides along with a more intimate experience.

The 1.5-hour tour is easy and slow, which is relaxing and great for washing away some stress accumulated from traveling. You can tell how well-organized the ranch is, due to the entirely seamless experience from the very beginning.

Once you start off along the scenic mountainous trail, you’ll start hearing all kinds of captivating historical accounts about the area. Wind through open pastures, thick forests, up until a magical ocean view.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Oahu Travel Guide

Although Hawaii has been a US State since 1959, it still feels like another country. Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian islands, hosting many of its iconic attractions.

Where else in the US can you visit not just one but two genuine royal palaces?

Whether you’re most fascinated by volcanic features like Diamond Head, the abundance of marine life in the surrounding ocean, or local traditions like lei greetings and luaus, you’ll find something amazing to see and do in Oahu.

Airports & Entry

For most visitors, the only practical means to get to Oahu is by air. There are no ferries from the continental US to Hawaii.

However, you can opt to join a cruise to Hawaii from Vancouver, San Francisco, or Los Angeles.

By Air

Hawaii’s main airport is Honolulu International Airport in Oahu, which is also known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Most visitors to Hawaii arrive here, and the airport handles over 21 million passengers a year. By air, you can reach Oahu from almost anywhere in the world.

If you compare the price of flights on a ticket site like Skyscanner, you’ll find one-way flights from LA for as little as $232, from NYC for $367, and from London for $484.

As one of the 30 busiest airports in the US, Honolulu offers all the facilities you’d expect inside a large airport.

International flights land at Terminal 2, which is the main terminal sometimes referred to as the Overseas Terminal.

You’ll find most of the food outlets, stores, and other services in Terminal 2. All 3 terminals of the airport are linked by the Wiki-Wiki shuttle bus service.

You can reach central Honolulu or Waikiki from the airport by shuttle bus, public bus, taxi, or hire car. Some hotels offer a free shuttle bus service.

Shuttles are the easiest economical option, costing around $16 one way. The public buses are cheaper, but they’re slow and don’t allow luggage. Taxis usually charge between $40 and $45.

Cruises

Cruises from the continental US depart from Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Canadian cruises depart from Vancouver.

The shortest duration of such a tour is 11 days from Vancouver, but that would involve 5 days at sea and 5 in port.

A 14-day cruise from LA consists of 9 days at sea and 4 in port. If you want to reach Oahu by cruise liner, you’ll sacrifice half your vacation to just getting there.

But the biggest disadvantage of taking a cruise over flying is that a cruise will typically only spend one day in each port.

You won’t have enough time to adequately explore Oahu or any other Hawaiian island.

Traveling in the time of Covid

Like many other destinations worldwide, tours and visitor attractions in Oahu have adopted special procedures.

Wearing a mask in mandatory in many locations. You will be expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter public buildings.

Keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You will be expected to keep your distance inside minibuses and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, the State of Hawaii welcomes visitors but requires pre-travel testing for Covid-19. You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the State of Hawaii Portal.

Eco-Tourism and Sustainability in Oahu

The Hawaiian Archipelago offers many areas of outstanding natural beauty and protected wildlife areas you can explore. In order to maintain this wonderful place for future generations, many of the local tour companies operate eco-friendly tours.

When considering the tours we review on the World Travel Guides website, note that there are often eco-friendly options that empower you to become a more sustainable traveler. This is especially true around the islands of Hawaii. Take care of our world and it will take care of our children.

Whale Watching in Oahu

Humpback whales are migratory animals. In the North Pacific, they spend the summer off the coast of Alaska and the winter in Hawaii. During spring and the fall, they are on the move. If you want to see the whales during your visit to Oahu, it is best to visit between December and April.

Oahu is a fantastic destination for whale watching. The shallow water around the coastline means that the whales swim close to the surface. Also, the weather is perfect for lounging on a boat’s deck and sipping cool drinks while you’re searching for the whales.

The tropical waters also offer the opportunity to spot other fascinating marine animals. You might see dolphins or green turtles.

Whether or not you see any marine creatures, the breathtaking views of the Waikiki skyline from the ocean make any cruise worthwhile. If you want to make the most of your visit to Oahu, a boat trip is essential.

General Planning Tips

Oahu is arguably the most interesting of the Hawaiian Islands to visit, boasting many of the top attractions in the state. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your visit.

Tip #1: If you love whales, go in winter

Every winter, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the waters around Hawaii to mate and calve.

If you want to see whales breaching the surface, come to Oahu between December and April.

Between 10 and 12 thousand whales gather in the nearby ocean. You can often see them from the beaches, and they are known to circle small boats that approach their pods.

If you’re not interested in whales, the best time to visit Oahu is between September and November.

There are fewer crowds in the shoulder season, and accommodation prices can be cheaper. The fall isn’t as hot as summer but not as busy as winter.

Tip #2: Explore beyond Honolulu and Waikiki Beach

Many visitors to Oahu don’t travel far from their hotel in Honolulu, but many of the island’s more interesting attractions are further afield.

During your stay, make sure you explore some of the more unusual and remote attractions Oahu has to offer. A great way to see the “hidden” Oahu is to do an ATV tour and see sights that very few tourists get to see.

Tip #3: Book Oahu accommodation and tours in advance, especially during winter

Oahu is a popular destination, so accommodation and tours are sometimes fully booked well months ahead.

To ensure you get the room you want and tickets for the tours you’re interested in, book in advance.

Tip #4: Pack smart clothes and raincoats

Because Oahu has a tropical climate, you’ll spend a lot of time in shorts and T-shirts. However, occasional heavy rainstorms do occur, especially during the summer months.

For that reason, you might want to pack a light raincoat.

And, if you plan to attend any special events in the evenings, such as a traditional luau, or you want to visit a plush cocktail lounge for a romantic evening, then ensure you pack some more formal clothes for such occasions.

Tip #5: Buy traditional local craft souvenirs

You’ll see “authentic Hawaiian crafts” in gift shops around the island, but many of the carvings and traditional clothes are actually “made in China”.

However, there are several arts and crafts stores around the island that specialize in locally produced goods.

For example, check out Na Mea Hawaii, 1200 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu.

Na Mea Hawaii is a store where you can buy books written by and about Hawaiian people, original art, crafts, and cultural products.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Oahu is an island where the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants boast an uninterrupted cultural history. This means it’s a great place to sample authentic Polynesian food.

But the vast numbers of immigrants who have settled here from Asia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico add to the rich cultural mix.

Oahu is also a great place to eat traditional Korean, Japanese, and Mexican dishes.

Seafood

Because it’s an island, you’ll find lots of seafood dishes in Oahu. Poke is a popular traditional delicacy. Poke is similar to sashimi but the fish is presented in chunks instead of slices.

Monchong is marinated and grilled, deep-water fish. And opakapaka is baked, grilled, or steamed crimson snapper.

If you want to sample traditional poke, check out the Highway Inn in Waipahu. This renowned, award-winning restaurant has served authentic Hawaiian food since 1947.

The Highway Inn also has branches in Kaka’ako and inside the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.

Luau

A popular Polynesian cooking technique is using an earth oven called an imu. Any dishes cooked this way are described as luau.

Luau parties are actually named after this kind of food because it is often served at Hawaiian parties.

A popular luau dish is laulau, which features fish, chicken, or pork wrapped in taro leaves.

These wraps are slow-cooked for hours until the meat grows tender. The resulting delicacy has a smoky taste.

For hand-wrapped laulau, again head over to the Highway Inn in Waipahu. While there, also check out the smoked meat loco moco with mushrooms over brown rice. Delicious!

Taro

In Oahu, taro is the staple food source. This versatile root crop is often found crushed down into poi, a steamed or baked paste.

Poi is thick and tastes a little sour because of the fermentation that occurs during preparation.

For the best hand-pounded poi, check out the Waiahole Poi Factory on the Kamehameha Highway north of Kahaluu.

Here you can not only eat delicious poi in their restaurant, but you can also attend Hawaiian traditional food demonstrations and tastings. You can also enjoy laulau here.

Asian Food

Honolulu Kitchen in Waipahu, despite its name, is a great place to taste traditional Asian dishes, such as Sichuan pork eggplant, furikake garlic chicken, and kung pao chicken.

Manapua (cha shao bao) are popular all over the island, and Honolulu Kitchen serves a broad variety from spicy, deep-fried Korean style to traditional steamed manapua.

If you enjoy Korean dishes, Sara’s Café (Jun Café) on Beretania Street in Honolulu is popular with the locals. It has a reputation for good-quality, affordable Korean meals.

But if it’s authentic sushi you desire, check out Sushi Sasabune on South King Street in Honolulu. It’s highly rated on both TripAdvisor and Google.

Desserts

Kulolo is a traditional pudding made from steamed taro, sugar, and coconut milk. You won’t be surprised to hear that you can taste it at the Highway Inn.

Breadfruit is often eaten as a dessert, served steamed, baked, deep-fried, or boiled.

You’ll also love Haupia, a delicious pudding made from coconuts. You can sample haupia, fresh apple bananas, pineapples, and kulolo at Haili’s Hawaiian Food in Honolulu.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Nightlife on Oahu is focused around Honolulu and Waikiki. Typically, the night doesn’t get started until sunset.

Bars

With so many tourists here ready to have a good time, Hawaii’s capital is blessed with lots of great bars.

Check out Buho Cantina, a swanky rooftop bar and Mexican restaurant in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza that features panoramic views of Waikiki.

It’s a great place to watch the sunset and start the night. Or if you’re looking for something more upscale, head over to the Halekulani Hotel.

Inside, you’ll find Lewers Lounge, where you can sip cocktails in a plush environment while listening to live jazz.

This is one of those places where they won’t let you in wearing flip-flops and T-shirts.

Nightclubs

If you’re looking for a lively nightclub where you can dance to live music and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll love The Republic.

This popular club is centrally located opposite the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center. They feature regular concerts and special events.

Nearby is the more upmarket The District. You must be 23 to get inside. They feature a broad dance floor, a VIP section, 3 bars, and live DJs.

Alternatively, check out Addiction Nightclub inside the Modern Honolulu Hotel. Addiction features a stunning light show, with 40,000 lights to light up your dance moves.

Luau and hula hoops

While you’re in Hawaii, it would be a shame not to experience some of the traditional evening entertainments.

You can enjoy a FREE traditional torch lighting, Hawaiian hula show, and blowing of the conch shell at around sunset on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Go to the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound near the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Hotel.

The show starts at 6 pm November through January, 6:30 pm February through October, and lasts for an hour.

If you want a fun-packed evening of laulau food, drinks, traditional songs, and epic stories, go to a traditional luau.

At a luau, you can experience a lei greeting and eat traditional cuisine cooked in an imu while watching indigenous performers perform traditional acts.

At the best luaus, you’ll see locals dressed in authentic Hawaiian clothing and performing Ha: Breath of Life, one of the most famous traditional epic sagas.

There might even be brave fire-knife dancers and fire walkers. Just don’t stand too close.

There are several venues where you can enjoy a luau, such as the Germaines Luau and the Paradise Cove Luau.

Getting Around

If you’re staying around Waikiki, many great attractions, bars, entertainment venues, and restaurants are within easy walking distance.

However, if you’re staying elsewhere on the island, or want to explore the island, you probably ought to hire a car.

Walking

The major urban area around Honolulu and Waikiki features pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. You’ll also want to explore the beaches in this area on foot.

When walking any great distance, remember to take a light raincoat. Rain showers are always a possibility, especially during summer.

Biking

Cycling is a great, eco-friendly way to cover longer distances. It’s faster than walking but still provides you with the freedom to stop wherever you want and explore.

Bicycles and mopeds are easy to hire around the island.

However, if you’re headed anywhere hilly, or you want to visit other towns, you must make sure everyone in your group is fit enough to go the distance.

Hotel shuttles

Many of the larger resorts and hotels provide shuttles to help you reach the beach and major attractions around the island. These are often complimentary.

However, some hotels charge for their shuttle services, and often those services are limited. Before you set off for the day, ensure you know what your hotel shuttle is going to cost and the timetable.

The Bus

The public bus service in Oahu is literally called The Bus.

There are mixed opinions about The Bus, with some travelers finding the service great for getting around the island, but others complaining about crowding and slow services.

The Bus does provide 93 routes around the island with an astounding 4,200 stops. You can go anywhere on The Bus!

You pay cash on the bus or purchase a bus pass. You can buy a 1-day pass on the bus for $5.50.

When traveling, keep an eye out for your destination. To stop The Bus, you must pull the cord in advance.

For information about ticket prices, concessions, maps, and schedules, visit The Bus website.

Waikiki also has a trolleybus service with stops along Waikiki Beach. Trolleybuses are great fun for short journeys in the immediate area but useless for really exploring the whole island.

Car hire

If you want the freedom to travel anywhere whenever you want, you can always hire a car. It’s a lot more expensive than purchasing a 1-day bus pass, but you will get places quicker.

You can easily hire a car at the airport, though some rental companies require drivers to be over 25.

However, note that parking in Honolulu and Waikiki is difficult.

Traffic all around the island gets congested during the busy winter months. And speed limits are lower than in the continental US and strictly enforced.

Tours

Because of the problems with parking, congestion, and navigation, you’ll find it easiest to explore the island on a tour where the tour operator provides the transport.

You won’t have the same flexibility as when you rent a car, but you’ll get where you need to go with less hassle.

Taxis and Uber

Taxis in Oahu can be expensive, and they’re difficult to find outside of the main urban area. Hailing taxis isn’t common practice in Hawaii.

However, Uber and Lyft can often offer more affordable solutions to your travel problems.

Accommodations

Most accommodations for tourists in Oahu are found in Waikiki. But you can also find a range of accommodations in Leeward Waianae, along North Shore, and Windward East.

Honolulu

Premier hotel brands, such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Sheraton, are found around Waikiki.

Business-class hotels are clustered around the downtown and airport areas of Honolulu.

Prince Waikiki is the top-rated hotel in Honolulu on TripAdvisor and is also highly rated on Booking.com and Google.

Prince Waikiki is a modern and stylish luxury hotel with an infinity pool, wall-to-ceiling windows, and a popular rooftop bar.

If you’re working to a tight budget, you can also find cheaper hotels in this area.

The Inn On The Park in Waikiki offers low rates and free parking, which is useful if you intend to rent a car.

And the Ambassador Hotel is also affordable, though it does have relatively low ratings on both Google and TripAdvisor.

Leeward Waianae

The Makana Valley area contains a luxury resort, championship golf course, and a few vacation rentals.

The Hawaiian Princess Resort is highly rated and offers great surfing conditions in a much quieter setting than Waikiki.

North Shore

This area mainly offers B&Bs and vacation homes, though there is a major resort at Turtle Bay.

The Turtle Bay Resort is situated in a stunning location on a peninsula overlooking the bay. If you love snorkeling and turtles, it’s a great place to stay.

Windward East

This is a residential area, and the accommodations in this area are mainly vacation homes.

Weather

The weather in Oahu doesn’t fluctuate much over the year. There are really only two seasons: winter and summer. Most of the rain falls during the summer.

And there is only around an hour’s difference in sunrise and sunset times between midsummer and midwinter.

Generally, the leeward (west) side of the island is drier than the windward (east) side. This is why the eastern coast is greener than the west.

The hurricane season is from June to November, though bad hurricanes are rare.

The coldest winter month is February, with an average daily high of 78⁰F and a low of 63⁰F. By May, temperatures have risen to an average high of 81⁰F and low of 67⁰F.

August is the hottest month of the summer, with an average high of 85⁰F and a low of 71⁰F. By November, the average high drops to 81⁰F and the low to 68⁰F.

Attractions

Oahu boasts many iconic attractions that make it the most visited of the Hawaiian Islands.

Royal Palaces

Honolulu boasts 2 authentic royal palaces!

The more sumptuous of the 2 is the Iolani Palace. It was built in 1882 for King Kalakaua and became the official residence of the Hawaiian Royal Family.

In recent years, the palace has been lovingly restored. Docent-led tours of the grand halls and opulent rooms are available.

Queen Emma Summer Palace (Hanaiakamalama) was built as a summer retreat in 1857.

This house is a museum filled with displays of the personal possessions of Queen Emma, her husband King Kamehameha, and their son Prince Albert Edward.

You can enjoy a self-guided or docent-guided tour of this royal residence.

Pearl Harbor

While you’re in Oahu, it’s only polite to pay your respects to the servicemen who lost their lives to defend your freedom here during WWII. The Arizona Memorial draws 1.8 million visitors each year.

The USS Missouri (WWII battleship) and USS Bowfin (WWII submarine) are permanently anchored in the harbor.

You can explore these nautical relics and learn about sailors’ lives during the war. You can also visit the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Diamond Head

You can’t not notice Diamond Head while you’re strolling along Waikiki Beach. The Diamond Head Trail is a great way to explore the volcanic cone that dominates the Honolulu skyline.

Although there are some steep sections, and it looks daunting, the hike to the summit is easier than it looks. It only takes between 40 to 60 minutes for the average hiker.

From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.

Waimea Falls

This waterfall at the back of the Waimea Valley is relatively easy to reach. The 15-feet waterfall is surrounded by botanical gardens, and you’re allowed to swim in its plunge pool.

The Waimea Falls trail is only ¾ miles long. Your whole family can follow the paved path that passes important archaeological sites to reach the waterfall.

And if your walk leaves you hungry, you can find the Na Mea Ono Snack Bar at the visitors center.

Waikiki Aquarium

Your whole family will love the Waikiki Aquarium. Inside you’ll find 3,500 species of marine life native to Hawaii, including crabs, jellyfish, sea horses, octopus, squid, sharks, and seals.

You’ll find the aquarium across from Kapiolani Park near San Souci Beach. It’s a great place to see all of Hawaii’s marine life in one place.

Polynesian Cultural Center

This is a great attraction for anyone fascinated by Hawaiian culture.

The center demonstrates traditional music, dances, food, and other traditions. But it’s not only limited to Hawaiian culture.

The center features 7 separate villages each representing a different region of the South Pacific. You can learn about all Polynesian cultures at the Polynesian Cultural Center.