Some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of Oahu are definitely outside of Waikiki & Honolulu. Ko’olina on the leeward west side is, in our opinion, the best area to get a more authentic resort experience, especially if you’re looking to avoid some of the hustle/bustle of Waikiki.
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Which side of Oahu has the best beaches?
Oahu’s north shore has miles of nice beaches and is the location of many famous surf breaks. The northwest side also features good beaches but are not as popular among tourists. Oahu doesn’t have as many snorkeling choices as the other islands, Hanauma Bay and Shark’s cove being the most popular.
What should I avoid in Oahu?
What to Do in Oahu: 10 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
- Never Leaving the Resort.
- Not Getting a Rental Car and Exploring the Island.
- Forgetting to Bring Cash.
- Having a Packed Schedule.
- Not Respecting Local Wildlife and Animals.
- Stepping On Coral.
- Taking Lava Rocks and Sand Home With You.
- Not Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone.
Should I stay on the North Shore of Oahu?
It is the only resort in the area but it carries itself well compared to Waikiki and Ko Olina resorts. If you are looking for a relaxed, secluded vacation with your partner or family, then the North Shore would be your best bet for staying on Oahu.
Which side of Oahu has the best weather?
The southern shore sees the best weather year-round by far, with much less rain and almost-constant sunshine. The resort area in Waikiki is famous for gentle waves, making it the perfect spot to learn how to surf, paddleboard, or kayak.
What is the nicest part of Oahu?
Some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of Oahu are definitely outside of Waikiki & Honolulu. Ko’olina on the leeward west side is, in our opinion, the best area to get a more authentic resort experience, especially if you’re looking to avoid some of the hustle/bustle of Waikiki.
Which side of Oahu has the calmest waters?
The three beaches on Oahu with the calmest water are all in central Honolulu:
- The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon/Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian VIllage.
- Ala Moana Beach Park, just outside of Waikiki across from the Ala Moana Center.
- Kuhio Beach Park, along Waikikiki, stretching from Uluniu Street to Kapahulu Avenue.
Where do the locals go in Oahu?
10 Great Places Only Locals Know in Oahu
- Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery.
- Manulele Distillers.
- Naval Air Museum Barbers Point.
- Waialua Sugar Mill.
- Pillbox Hike.
- Ka’ena Point State Park.
- White Plains Beach.
- Sharks Cove.
Do you have to wear a mask on the beach in Oahu?
Do I have to wear a face covering in the park or at the beach? No, you are not required to wear a mask outdoors.
Is Oahu safe at night?
Is Honolulu Safe at Night? Honolulu is safe at night, but you must stick to areas that have a lot of people around, including tourist areas to avoid getting yourself into any sort of trouble. Waikiki is considered to be safe, if you’re on your own or with a group of people.
Where is the windward side of Oahu?
Oahu’s windward side sits along the eastern coast of the island. Nestled between Honolulu and Kahuku on the North Shore, The majestic Koolau Mountain Range provides the backdrop to this region that’s filled with award-winning beaches and vibrant communities.
Is the leeward side of Oahu safe?
The Waianae region is everything that Waikiki is not – untamed and largely unknown. Koolina is quite a popular and safe area for tourists, with a wide range of water sports and activities and only a 30-minute drive from Waikiki.
Which part of Honolulu should I stay?
Waikiki/Honolulu. Waikiki is where most visitors to Oahu stay, and for good reasons. When I need a staycation, I love to go down to Waikiki for an evening or sometimes for an entire weekend. Everything is one place, and there are many different hotels and resorts in all different price ranges.
What side of Oahu is rainy?
The weather on Oahu’s windward (east) shore is therefore usually a lot wetter than on the leeward (west) shore. But thanks to the rain, the windward coast is green and lush while the leeward coast is dry and has no rainforests.
What part of Oahu is the sunniest?
The least amount of rainfall and the sunniest during this time is either Waikiki or the west side. Only thing about that is the west side regularly will also have large surf. Kailua is nice but it is on the windward side, nice and very green.
What is the best month to visit Oahu?
April
The best time to visit Oahu is from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December. During these shoulder seasons, attractions are less crowded, festivals are plentiful and airfare and room rates are at their lowest.
How long should I stay in Oahu?
Five days is how many days you need to visit Oahu. With a minimum of five days on Oahu, you will have time to visit the south and north shores, see the best beaches, go to a luau, and do the worthwhile activities and sights around Oahu.
How long does it take to drive around Oahu?
eight to 12-hour
A Full-Day Drive around Oahu: Explore the Isle
An eight to 12-hour drive around Oahu can (and should) include ample beach relaxation, light hiking, historical and cultural “research,” a wee bit of adventure, and perhaps after-dark entertainment, such as a luau.
What is there to do in Leeward Oahu?
- Places to see, things to do. Ko Olina Resort. Kaʻena Point State Park. Maili Pillbox. Waianae Neighborhood Community Center.
- Beaches. Hawaiian Electric Beach Park. Mākaha Beach Park. Keawaula Beach (a.k.a. Yokohama) Nānākuli Beach Park.
- Places to eat. Kahumana Organic Farms & Cafe. Aloha Poke. Tamura Super Market. Mina’s Fish House.
What is the best swimming beach on Oahu?
Best Beaches in Oahu
- Lanikai Beach. Rated the #1 beach on Oahu, Lanikai Beach is one of those postcard-type beaches- perfect for swimming, sunset and sunrise watching, sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
- Waikiki Beach.
- Sunset Beach.
- Malaekahana Beach.
- Kahana Bay Beach Park.
- Kailua Beach.
- Waimea Bay.
- Diamond Head Beach Park.
What beach should I go to Oahu?
Oahu’s best beach is Lanikai Beach because it delivers all the elements necessary for the perfect beach experience: It’s isolated yet accessible, near the town of Kailua on the Windward Coast. The beach is in a residential neighborhood, which keeps the crowds away but can create parking problems.
