Oahu holidays

If you’re seeking an action-packed tropical getaway, Oahu ticks all the boxes. On the coast, you’ll find heart-racing activities, like jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing, as well as more sedate options like snorkelling and kayaking. You can go deep-sea fishing for marlin and tuna, or see majestic humpbacks on a whale-watching trip. And surfing is a must-do during your Oahu holiday. Experienced boarders will love the swell of the North Shore, while beginners can learn on Waikiki Beach’s gentle waves.

Inland, you’ll find plenty more things to do. Keen golfers will be pleased to know that Oahu has 40 courses – more than any other Hawaiian island – while hikers will love the lush rainforest of the Manoa Valley. And, on the Windward side of the island, you can discover one of Oahu’s most iconic areas, Kualoa Ranch. Famously used as a backdrop for Jurassic Park, this stunning landscape can be explored in all sorts of ways. You can join a Jeep tour, travel on horseback, go mountain-biking, or even go zip-lining – just remember to keep your eyes peeled for dinosaurs.

You might not associate Hawaii with city sights, but it’s certainly worth spending some time in Honolulu during your Oahu holiday. This cosmopolitan hub boasts a number of cultural and historical sites. You can see landmarks like Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu City Hall, the Aloha Tower and Iolani Palace. The latter was the former residence of the Hawaiian monarchy, until it was overthrown in 1893. And, of course, Pearl Harbor is a must-visit. Just a 15-minute drive from Honolulu, this National Historic Landmark has five sites – including a memorial and a museum – dedicated to the fateful events of 7th December 1941.

On the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki should definitely be on your list. Beloved for its pretty beaches, endless activities and world-class dining, this place offers a variety of things to do. Take a surfing lesson on Waikiki Beach, and go swimming off the shores of Duke’s Beach. Or, if you’d prefer to stay on dry land, hike up the slopes of Leahi – or ‘Diamond Head’ – for panoramic views over Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

Oahu holidays offer a fantastic introduction to Hawaii. But, if you really want to uncover this archipelago’s secrets, an island-hopping trip is the best way to do it. You can fly into Honolulu and spend some time discovering Oahu’s beaches and luscious scenery, before continuing on to Big Island. This jaw-dropping isle is where you can really see Hawaii’s volcanic nature in action, as lava spills into the sea and steam seeps out from rumbling peaks. Or, for maximum beach time, you could combine Oahu and Maui into one chilled-out getaway.

Want to see more of the USA? Our Travel Specialists can tailor-make an itinerary to include a few days in sun-soaked California. You can fly to Oahu via Los Angeles to tick off the sights of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Or you could explore the pretty city of San Francisco, taking in the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Thanks to Hawaii’s tropical climate, Oahu temperatures remain between 25°C and 30°C all year round. June to August is the driest time of year, but this is also when you can expect the island to be at its busiest. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, consider planning your Oahu holiday for April, May, September or October. During these months, temperatures will still be in the high twenties, and the sea will also be lovely and warm for swimming and watersports.

If you’re a keen surfer, though, consider going between December and April. This is when Oahu’s waves are at their highest, and there are also lots of surf competitions at this time of year. And remember, if you’re eager to see humpback whales, you’ll need to plan your holiday during their Pacific migration, which takes place between December and May.