Oahu Holidays
On holiday in Oahu, expect verdant, lush and enchanting landscapes begging to be explored, combined with a mix of modern excitement from the island’s buzzy cities and towns.
Oahu is home to most of the state’s population and is the main tourism hub in Hawaii, so there’s plenty to do. Movie fanatics will find the 4,000 acre nature reserve of Kualoa Ranch enthralling as you walk the same paths where blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbour, and among many others, were recorded.
Whether you’re seeking sublime nature views, high-adrenaline time spent surfing, glamorous shopping and dining, or culture and history, Oahu Hawaii holidays cater to everyone. That’s what makes a trip to Oahu so versatile as a couples’ and family friendly destination.
Explore historic Oahu
Oahu holidays offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the country’s dramatic history. For history buffs, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without a visit to the famous World War II site, Pearl Harbour. As you explore the lagoon harbour memorial, you’ll learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history. The devastating and bloody attack on Pearl Harbour marked the entry of the United States into the Second World War.
That isn’t where the history lessons stop. To discover Hawaii’s royal heritage, take a tour of the ʻIolani Palace State Monument. This is the only official royal palace in the whole of the United States. Saunter through the regal rooms of the Grand Hall, State Dining Room, Blue Room and Throne Room, as you hear tales of the Hawaiian monarchy.
Pair your trip to Oahu with other Hawaiian islands, such as luscious Kauai, or big West Coast cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Speak to our experts today to plan your multi-centre break.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Want to combine your Oahu holiday with a visit to another of Hawaii’s sun-filled islands or elsewhere in the USA? Get inspired by our popular itineraries.
Hawaii Island Hop - Oahu, Kauai and Maui Multi Centre Holiday
Guide Price £2,899 pp
Hawaii is an archipelago consisting of eight main islands, each different and unique with a distinct atmosphere and personality. It’s easy to fly between the islands, making travelling around Hawaii’s islands convenient and carefree. Discover the best that the idyllic...
Family holidays
Pride of America Hawaiian Cruise
Island hop in style and discover Hawaii through its varied Islands; view awesome volcanoes, stroll around waterfront towns and snooze on beautiful beaches. Departing every Saturday, this cruise will help you tick off four of Hawaii's stunning nine islands maximising...
Cruise holidays
Los Angeles, Oahu and Maui Multi Centre
Guide Price £3,099 pp
In Los Angeles browse the designer stores on Rodeo Drive and enjoy people watching on the stunning beaches of California's Golden Coast, for the more adventurous try the wild rides at Universal Studios. Hire a car and cruise along Sunset...
Beach holidays
Our favourite hotels
Oahu is home to plenty of dreamy holiday accommodations, from spa resorts to beachfront hotels. Browse our favourite places to stay in Oahu - we are here to help you find the perfect hotel.
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Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach or hit bigger waves on the North Shore, visit the historic site of Pearl Harbor and pretend you are in you're in a movie at Kualoa Ranch. With so many things to see and do in Oahu, you will want to come back before you've even left.
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![USS Bowfin and Memorial, Pearl Harbor]( "USS Bowfin and Memorial, Pearl Harbor")
Historic sites
Visit the only official state residence of royalty in the United States at Iolani Palace and the National Historic Landmark, Pearl Harbor where you will learn about the events of World War II in 1941. Hike to the top of Diamond Head crater for panoramic views of Waikiki and the Diamond Head (Leahi) State Monument or the Pali Lookout (Nuuanu Pali State Wayside) where King Kamehameha I won a decisive battle that helped him conquer the island.
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![Hanauma Bay Hawaii]( "Hanauma Bay Hawaii")
Hanauma Bay
Once a volcanic crater, the moon-shaped Hanauma Bay is now a startlingly beautiful cove with lively reefs and colourful fish. Walk down the steep crescent or pay to have a trolley drive you down to the shore, where you can rent snorkelling gear, or use your own, to get fantastic views of the humuhumunkunukuapuaa (the state fish of Hawaii), yellow tangs, trumpet fish and angel fish that live in the clear blue waters.
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![North Shore]( "North Shore")
North Shore
For something a bit quieter and more laidback, head to Oahu's North Shore. See the famous Banzai Pipeline, where the waves curl into magnificent tubes in the winter at Ehukai Beach Park. Swim or snorkel the summer's calm waters or surf the mammoth winter waves of Waimea Bay, made popular by the Beach Boys song Surfin' USA. Plus, check out the remains of the archaeological site of Hale O Lono Helau in Waimea Valley and see the Waihi Falls, at the back of the valley where the falls plunge into a fantastic swimming pond.
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![a sign over a grassy area with trees in the background]()
Kualoa Ranch
Visit 4,000 acres of incredible natural beauty at this private nature reserve. Go on a movie sites tour and see where Jurassic World, Godzilla, Skull Island and Jurassic Park were filmed as well as more than 50 Hollywood blockbusters. Zip line through the treetop canopy, experience guided Raptor ATV tours, explore the mountain trails by horseback and venture across the ancient fishpond by catamaran to escape to their 'secret' beach.
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![Learning to surf]( "Learning to surf")
Learn to Surf
When you think of Hawaii, surfing is one of the first things that comes to mind and whether you have never tried it before or an avid surfer, Waikiki is one of the most iconic places to be. The waves are gentle rollers offering a smooth and long wave ride back to shore, so it really is a great place for all the family to enjoy.
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Jessica
Destination Manager
“Leave Honolulu behind for a few hours and hike the Koko Head Crater Trail. It may be a short and strenuous hike but it’s worth it for the panoramic views at the top of the mountain.”
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Charlotte
Destination Specialist
“Allow yourself at least five days to really see everything Oahu has to offer. It’s the biggest of Hawaii’s islands and really has so much to offer.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Oahu holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Honolulu Festival
Taking place from Friday 6th March to Sunday 8th March, Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s biggest cultural event. The aim of the festival is to encourage mutual understanding and cultural harmony between the locals of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region each year.
Every year, thousands of excited spectators visit the festival to experience the three day celebratory extravaganza. Performers from around the world rouse the crowds with their vibrant dance routines and traditional art demonstrations, and observers are encouraged to get involved in the celebrations and revelry.
