OAHU
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Oahu Tours
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Similar to all other Hawaiian islands people expect Oahu, including Honolulu, and Waikiki to embody their imagination of the South-Sea dream, including flower-wreathed beauties, lush and tropical vegetation, and endless sandy and deserted beaches.
Without destroying any of these dreams I already can say there are still some areas on the island fulfilling these expectations but if you are looking for the described paradise in Honolulu or Waikiki you might be heavily disappointed! No worries there are awesome places around, you only have to leave Waikiki’s and Honolulu’s hustle and bustle to explore the rest of the island. Going east, west and north you will find jaw-dropping beaches, a stunning coastline and beautiful nature! Oahu is located in the northwestern part of the Hawaiian archipelago having the largest population (almost 1 million residents) and being the location of the state capital Honolulu. Honolulu is not only the largest city around but also the main marine port in the state. |
Oahu is diamond shaped and separated in five distinct areas. The North Shore covers the area from Mokuleia to south of Punaluu that adjoines the East Shore going from Kaaawa down to Makapuu. South Oahu is also called ‘townside’ or ‘city’ and covers the area from Pearl Harbor down to Makapuu including the main tourism area of Waikiki. The West Shore contains Ewa in the south and goes up to Makaha and is known as the main local area on the island where visitors are less welcome than in other parts on the north and east. The fifth district is called Central Oahu or Oahu Valley and runs from Pearl Harbor towards the north and through the valley to Wahiawa.
Most tourists stay in Waikiki with a high hotel frequency comparable to beach resorts like Miami Beach, Cancun, and Southern Spain featuring crowds of people squeezing themselves next to each other at the beach, in restaurants, on the streets and in the bars. Only a few find their way to the east and Kailua or the North Shore escaping the beaten paths and experiencing the local culture and way of live. Except you want to shop extensively or insist of having some nightlife around I wouldn’t recommend staying in Waikiki but elsewhere. Choosing Waikiki as destination I suggest reconsidering renting a car since parking is expensive, free spots are rare, and distances short. Moreover, the Honolulu area is well covered with public busses and, if necessary, hotels offer one-day car rentals.
Wherever you are staying on Oahu, bring your GPS or include it in the car rental since the street and highway signs are confusing.
Most tourists stay in Waikiki with a high hotel frequency comparable to beach resorts like Miami Beach, Cancun, and Southern Spain featuring crowds of people squeezing themselves next to each other at the beach, in restaurants, on the streets and in the bars. Only a few find their way to the east and Kailua or the North Shore escaping the beaten paths and experiencing the local culture and way of live. Except you want to shop extensively or insist of having some nightlife around I wouldn’t recommend staying in Waikiki but elsewhere. Choosing Waikiki as destination I suggest reconsidering renting a car since parking is expensive, free spots are rare, and distances short. Moreover, the Honolulu area is well covered with public busses and, if necessary, hotels offer one-day car rentals.
Wherever you are staying on Oahu, bring your GPS or include it in the car rental since the street and highway signs are confusing.
Oahu ‘No-go’s’
Leaving valuables in your car
The most important information you should follow during your stay in Hawai’i is to not leave any valuables in your car but take all your stuff with you - no matter, which island you are staying on! Otherwise you will become a victim of one of the many car break-ins on all islands. Even if you lock your stuff in your car’s trunk it isn’t safe at all. There are thieves likely watching the common parking lots, e.g. at beaches, sights etc just waiting for you to leave before they start clearing your belongings.
Do not think average sunscreen is enough entering the water
It happens more often than you would think that tourists are burning themselves badly enjoying the Pacific Ocean or one of the beaches. The sun irradation in Hawai’i is much stronger than on the US mainland or in Europe since the islands are located closer to the equator. The results are lobster-lookalikes spreaded over the islands ruining their vacations from the beginning.
My recommendation – and so far very helpful for all family and friends - get yourself rash shirts (used by surfers) with sun protection fabric and wear them additionally to your sunscreen. This really prevents serious sunburns.
BTW – for those who are visiting the islands only to get tanned as much as possible: you finally end up with a tropic tan that usually disappears within two weeks after returning home. You might want to think twice if it’s worth the effort or better stay off the sun enjoying your vacation instead of becoming a roasted chicken.
Getting from island to island
A few years ago there were interisland ferries called superferry connecting Oahu, Kauai and Maui with each other. Unfortunately, this service was discontinued in 2009 after several protests, and finally was forbidden by the state ofiicially due to missing environmental impact statements. Although a much bigger environmental pollution, since then the only way of transportation is by plane.
There are two remaining ferry connections but only to pedestrians operating between Maui and Lana’i or Moloka’i.
Taking the plane from one island to the other it is going to be your shortest flight ever. I guess it takes more time reaching the right altitude including take-off and landing than just flying. However, there is no other way. The interisland fares are usually moderate with exceptions during holidays. For the lowest rate I recommend to compare prices amongst the following three main operators:
Hawaiian Airlines - http://www.hawaiianair.com/Services/Pages/interisle.aspx
Go! Mokulele by Mesa Airlines - http://www.iflygo.com/
Island Air Hawaii (propeller aircraft) - http://www.islandair.com/
Please note that some operators do not allow foreigners outside the U.S., Canada or some Asian countries to purchase tickets online.
Leaving valuables in your car
The most important information you should follow during your stay in Hawai’i is to not leave any valuables in your car but take all your stuff with you - no matter, which island you are staying on! Otherwise you will become a victim of one of the many car break-ins on all islands. Even if you lock your stuff in your car’s trunk it isn’t safe at all. There are thieves likely watching the common parking lots, e.g. at beaches, sights etc just waiting for you to leave before they start clearing your belongings.
Do not think average sunscreen is enough entering the water
It happens more often than you would think that tourists are burning themselves badly enjoying the Pacific Ocean or one of the beaches. The sun irradation in Hawai’i is much stronger than on the US mainland or in Europe since the islands are located closer to the equator. The results are lobster-lookalikes spreaded over the islands ruining their vacations from the beginning.
My recommendation – and so far very helpful for all family and friends - get yourself rash shirts (used by surfers) with sun protection fabric and wear them additionally to your sunscreen. This really prevents serious sunburns.
BTW – for those who are visiting the islands only to get tanned as much as possible: you finally end up with a tropic tan that usually disappears within two weeks after returning home. You might want to think twice if it’s worth the effort or better stay off the sun enjoying your vacation instead of becoming a roasted chicken.
Getting from island to island
A few years ago there were interisland ferries called superferry connecting Oahu, Kauai and Maui with each other. Unfortunately, this service was discontinued in 2009 after several protests, and finally was forbidden by the state ofiicially due to missing environmental impact statements. Although a much bigger environmental pollution, since then the only way of transportation is by plane.
There are two remaining ferry connections but only to pedestrians operating between Maui and Lana’i or Moloka’i.
Taking the plane from one island to the other it is going to be your shortest flight ever. I guess it takes more time reaching the right altitude including take-off and landing than just flying. However, there is no other way. The interisland fares are usually moderate with exceptions during holidays. For the lowest rate I recommend to compare prices amongst the following three main operators:
Hawaiian Airlines - http://www.hawaiianair.com/Services/Pages/interisle.aspx
Go! Mokulele by Mesa Airlines - http://www.iflygo.com/
Island Air Hawaii (propeller aircraft) - http://www.islandair.com/
Please note that some operators do not allow foreigners outside the U.S., Canada or some Asian countries to purchase tickets online.
How to combine Oahu in your Hawai’i visit:
If you are planning to do some island hopping in Hawai’i I seriously recommend starting with Oahu assuring a climax in your vacations. If you for example would choose Maui first staying in Lahaina or Kapalua and later continue to Oahu e.g. Waikiki (or the more remote Kailua) you might be disappointed. Oahu is a beautiful island but by far the most unalluring one compared to the others.
My personal preference would be: Maui (with Lanai and Molokai), Big Island, Kauai, and then Oahu. But this opinion is not groundbreaking since the choice totally depends on your interests.
Coming to Oahu I would plan between 2 – 4 nights for having enough time exploring all areas.
If you are only interested in bar hopping and shopping in combination with a beach visit 1-2 nights in Waikiki would be perfect. You even can combine your stay with a hike up to Diamond Head. This elevation is a former volcano that rises southeast of Waikiki and offers stunning views over the South Shore.
In additon Waikiki Beach is perfect to take a surf lesson.
Those who want to explore the island should add 2 - 3 nights having enough time to visit the North and East Shore with beautiful beaches, Macadamia Nut Farms, awesome mountain ranges and the lovely village of Haleiwa. Another day could include a snorkel stay in Haunauma Bay and maybe a visit of Honolulu’s historic district and waterfront.