Oahu Hawaii Travel Guide / Everything You Need to Know

Oahu, Hawaii, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and if you get to visit this island paradise, you’ll quickly see why. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to over 125 beaches, countless hikes, tons of natural beauty, the bustling city life of Honolulu, and famous world-class surf.

From waterfalls, beaches, and waves to nightlife, crafty eats, and shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do on Oahu. Treat yourself to the spectacle of a surf competition on the North Shore, go whale watching, skydiving, snorkeling, or swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply chillax and sip a Mai Tai on one of the many picture-perfect beaches.

Surfing Oahu

Oahu was the birthplace of modern surfing, led by the legendary Waikiki beach boy Duke Kahanamoku, who traveled the world as a celebrity Olympic champion, sharing his love for wave riding with everyone he met. The island was once again thrust into the limelight during the 1950s and 1960s, when its North Shore became ground zero for the pursuit of big waves. Over the years, it became known as both the spiritual and competitive home of the sport, and today it is a mandatory stop on every serious surfer’s bucket list.

Ideally located in the center of the North Pacific, Oahu receives a nonstop barrage of large north and northwest swells each winter, sculpted by the ENE tradewinds, which are offshore on most of the “Seven-Mile Miracle.” During the summer, south swells work their way up from the South Pacific, lighting up dozens of waves in and around Waikiki and Ala Moana on the southwest coast–which, conveniently, is even more offshore with the tradewinds than the North Shore is!

With a wide selection of wave types and surfing experiences, ranging from gentle rollers at Canoes to the pinnacle of heavy water surfing at Pipeline and Waimea Bay, Oahu has something for everyone, set against a tropical paradise that is easy to access, safe, politically stable, and brimming with luxury accommodations, incredible food, and the perfect blend of culture and nightlife. Oahu is and has always been the ultimate surf trip—and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

Where to Surf on Oahu

Waikiki

Waikiki is a busy tourist mecca where you’ll find the majority of Oahu’s resorts–and lots of user-friendly waves during the summer. This is where modern surfing started–and it’s still where the majority of the surfers on Oahu (both locals and visitors) cut their teeth, particularly in the summer months. If you’re looking for endless waves groomed offshore by the warm trade winds, large luxury resorts, top-notch restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, Waikiki has it all.

The North Shore

The laidback North Shore attracts surfers from around the globe with its seven-mile stretch of world-class surf breaks and Hawaiian country vibes. Famously known as The Seven Mile Miracle, the North Shore is legendary in the world of surfing and hosts some of the most impressive surf competitions in the world.

During the summer months, when the surf subsides, the area is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on pristine beaches. Haleiwa is a charming little walkable surf town with local boutiques, surf shops, and restaurants. Check out our guide to North Shore, Oahu, for our recommendations on where to eat, stay, and play.

The Windward Coast

The Windward Coast on the east side of the island is home to beautiful lush scenery, serene beaches, and Kailua, Hawaii’s biggest beach town. With its many beaches and bays, the scenic 30-mile Windward Coast offers up some of the most stunning natural beauty in Hawaii. While it is normally onshore with the ENE trade winds, the Windward Coast does have a number of secret spots that light up on rare occasion.

The Leeward Coast

The Leeward Coast on Oahu’s west side is a sunny and dry region without much major tourism past the Ko Olina resort area (which is home to the luxurious Four Seasons Oahu and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa). Just 30 miles from Waikiki, the region is full of small local towns, beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches, and rural landscapes to explore—as well as the legendary Makaha Beach and other lesser-known surf spots that break on both north and south swells, and that enjoy offshore winds most mornings.

Surf Seasons and Swell Info

Oahu has a year-round warm tropical climate that’s pretty darn close to perfection. The island’s average high temperature ranges from the low to high 80s Fahrenheit (around 27–31° C), with an average humidity of around 64 percent. The coolest months—at a lovely 81 F (27° C), on average—are January and February. The hottest months are July, August, and September, with an average temperature of 88 F (31° C). At nighttime, the temp is usually about 10°F cooler.

Hawaii technically has only two seasons, both of them warm and tropical. The summer (Apr–Oct) is the dry season, and the winter (Nov–Mar) is the rainy season. It can rain any time of year, but the winter months are considerably wetter and windier.

In some areas of the Hawaiian Islands, it can rain frequently during the winter months, but usually no longer than three days straight in one particular spot. Despite the rain, the high tourist season actually falls during Hawaii’s winter months and the low season during parts of the summer.

Oahu is full of microclimates, which means the climate and temperature can range drastically, depending where you are on the island. Each island in Hawaii has a “leeward side” (the side sheltered from the wind) and a “windward side” (the side that gets the wind’s full force). The leeward sides (the west and south) are typically dryer and more arid, while the windward sides (east and north) are generally lusher because they get more rain. If it’s raining on the windward side, a good plan is to search for sunshine on the leeward side.

Winter Surf Season

If you want to go to the North Shore to swim, dive, and soak up the sun, summer is the best time for your trip. Summer is also a great time for non-surfing families on the North Shore, because the water is tame and perfect for beach days along the stunning Pacific.

If you’re going to the North Shore to surf, fall (October to November) is a great time to visit, especially if you’re an intermediate surfer. For advanced surfers gunning for the biggest surf, the largest swells will typically roll through during winter, between December and February.

Generally speaking, the winter months on the North Shore will be the rainiest and windiest of the year.

Summer Surf Season

The south and southwest coasts of Oahu are on the leeward side of the island, so they get the most sunshine year round. Anytime is a great time to visit Honolulu and the South Shore, but if you are hoping to maximize swell, you’ll want to visit during the summer months (May–October). That being said, if you’re just learning how to surf, then anytime is fine.

Best Time to Visit Kailua & the East Side

The best time to visit Kailua and the east side (leeward side) of Oahu is during the spring, fall, or summer months. While the weather is warm year-round like the rest of Oahu, this side of the island gets much more rain and wind during the winter months.

** If whale watching is on your agenda, humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters in the winter and spring months, from December through May. Going out on a whale-watching boat in Hawaii is a really amazing experience and highly recommended! Check out Whale Watching Excursions >>

Types of Surf Breaks

Oahu has just about everything you could ask for from a surf zone: reef breaks, sand-bottom beach breaks, a few points, and big wave spots on the outer reefs. That being said, virtually the entire island is surrounded by quality coral reefs that are great for surfing. There are occasional gaps in the reef where you can find patches of sand, but for the most part, when surfing on Oahu, you can count on riding waves over varying degrees of shallow coral or slabby rock bottom reefs. For an overview of the most well-known surf breaks on Oahu, check out our guide to Oahu Surf Spots.

Level of Difficulty

Oahu offers waves for all levels, from small rolling waves that are perfect for beginners to stomach-wrenching, double overhead barrels and gargantuan outer reefs that are reserved for high-level experts only.

Crowds

There are a lot of people on Oahu—and a lot of them surf. Most spots will be well trafficked, and the best (and best-known) spots are overloaded with surfers. Don’t expect to surf Pipeline, Sunset, Ala Moana Bowls, or Waikiki by yourself. That being said, there are hundreds of waves on Oahu, so if you look around and have a little luck on your side, you can score occasional sessions with little to no crowds.

Water Temperature

The water temperature on Oahu ranges from around 75 degrees F. (24 Celcius) in the winter to 82 degrees F. (28 Celcius) in the summer. That being said, the trade winds blow pretty constantly and can make things a bit cooler than they sound, so a lot of people wear wetsuit tops or spring suits in the winter months. 

Getting to the Surf

Virtually every wave on Oahu can be driven to, and a 4×4 vehicle is unnecessary. The best option is to fly into Honolulu, rent a car, and hit the road, driving to different spots depending on the day’s conditions.

Good to Know

During the peak season, it’s not always huge and unmanageable for the average surfer. A beginner or intermediate surfer can find plenty of fun shoulder- to head-high+ days before or after a big swell hits.

However, it is important to be cautious if you’re planning to paddle out on a building swell. There is no shortage of horror stories about surfers who paddled out thinking it was a manageable overhead day, only to have the swell double or triple in size in only 30-40 minutes.

Surf Lessons

While Oahu is famous for powerful waves, there are plenty of ideal surf spots for beginners with gentle waves, and many good surf instructors on the North Shore and in Honolulu. Here are a few great surfing lessons with top reviews:

• Surf Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu
• Family Surf Lessons in Waikiki
• Private Surf Lessons in Honolulu

Top Surf Spots on Oahu

Pipeline: The Banzai Pipeline (known by most people simply as “Pipe”) is the crown jewel of surfing on Oahu and considered by many to be the best barrel in the world. A super heavy a-frame peak breaking over shallow reef, Pipe (the left) and Backdoor (the right) are both crazy spitting barrels that are only appropriate for experts. For everyone else, Pipeline is one of the best spectator spots in the sport, as it breaks 20 feet from shore on the North Shore’s Ehukai Beach.

Waimea Bay: The original big wave spot, Waimea Bay is still one of the heaviest XXL waves on the planet, and home to the infamous Eddie big wave contest. The shorebreak is also a heavy wave spectacle, popular with bodyboarders and bodysurfers. During the summer, when the waves are flat, it’s one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the North Shore.

Laniakea: The closest thing Oahu has to a perfect point break, “Lanis” is a long reef point that loves a straight north swell. It is also one of the only spots on the North Shore that works on a straight north, so expect it to be ultra-crowded whenever it’s firing.

Makaha Beach: The best-known wave on the west side, Makaha Beach is a fun, backwashy right-hand reef point on small northwest swells and a bona fide big wave spot on huge north swells. This is where Greg Noll rode his infamous last wave, and still holds a special place in the hearts of local watermen.

Canoes: The most popular wave in Waikiki (although not necessarily the best, unless you are a beginner or simply looking to enjoy a slice of surfing history), Canoes is a rolling straighthander breaking in the middle of “Town.” This has been beach boy central for a century, and represents the quintessential summertime surf experience on Oahu.

Ala Moana: A shallower, hollower, better-shaped set of reefs just north of Waikiki, Ala Moana is the high-performance center of the South Shore, serving up almondy barrels and rippable sections for just about everyone.

Where to Stay

Being the popular vacation destination that it is, Oahu has a diverse range of options when it comes to accommodation. Something a bit unique to the island is that there aren’t many hotel and resort options outside of Honolulu.

Smaller towns like Haleiwa and Kailua have kept large hotels at bay in order to protect the areas from towering skylines (as you will find in Waikiki). While there are lots of hotels and resorts in Honolulu (and some on the southwest side), on the rest of the island, the best options are vacation rentals and the occasional resort like Turtle Bay on the North Shore.

There used to be many vacation rental options on Oahu, but, due to some recent, strict rental laws, many short-term rentals are no longer available. Thus, there is relatively high demand with limited options. Because many places will book out, we recommend booking your reservation as soon as possible for the best options.

In the luxury realm there are plenty of super-luxe hotels to choose from on Oahu. As we mentioned, most large resorts are in Honolulu, but there are a few in other parts of the island as well, including on the southwest side of the island (Ko Olina area). Most hotels and resorts in Oahu add a hefty tax, plus a nightly resort fee, so keep that in mind when looking at pricing.

If you want to stay in the middle of the action, opt for Honolulu or Waikiki. If you prefer closer access to more secluded beaches and areas of the island, we highly recommend a vacation rental on the North Shore (particularly between September and April if you are looking for surf.)

At Lush Palm, we specialize in bespoke luxury surf trips to Oahu, tailored to your surf level and preferences. Enjoy a five-star surf vacation with insider surf intel, the best local surf coaches, stunning oceanfront villas, talented private chefs, surf photography, and more. We’ve vetted and curated the best that the North Shore of Oahu has to offer and brought everything together to create dream surf getaways. Get in touch here to start planning your trip.

Below are just a few of the many stunning properties we have available for your surf vacation in Oahu. We hand-pick properties based on design, amenities, and proximity to surf breaks.

Travel Basics

Seasons and Weather: As mentioned previously, Hawaii enjoys pleasant tropical weather all year long. Winter tends to have slightly lower temperatures, more wind, and more rain, but it is generally always nice on Oahu. The biggest factor to consider is whether you want to surf the North Shore (winter) or South Shore (summer).

Currency: Hawaii is the 50th state of the US, so it uses the dollar as its currency. Banks and ATMs are available all over the island, and money exchange is available at the airport.

Staying Connected: Because Hawaii is part of the US, all major US cell carriers provide service there. There is also Wi-Fi readily available throughout Oahu.

Language: English is the main language used on Oahu, although the island’s status as a cultural melting pot means that you’ll find a few people speaking just about every language you can think of, with Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish being the most common. Many locals speak a form of pidgin English that is unique to Hawaii, but you should have no problem understanding it.

Eat and Drink

Hawaii’s unique cuisine reflects the varied food history of immigration and settlement in the islands. Some dishes from Polynesian and native Hawaiian culture remain, but modern Hawaiian cuisine incorporates multiple styles of food created by a diverse range of cultures that have settled in Hawaii.

Europeans and Americans arrived in Hawaii and introduced their cuisine in the late 1700s. As pineapple and sugarcane plantations grew in the 1800s, so did the demand for labor. To meet that demand, many immigrant workers from China, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Portugal arrived in Hawaii, introducing their native foods and further influencing the region.

Because of the wide range of influences, Hawaiian food has become a true fusion, including everything from malasadas (Portuguese donuts) and Japanese-influenced spam musubi (fried spam atop rice wrapped with seaweed, sushi-style) to the famous Kalua pig (a whole pig wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground oven).

There’s also lots of great food from Southeast Asia, including Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

There’s a wide selection of fantastic restaurants on Oahu, from Hawaiian food to uber healthy, vegan, Japanese, and everything in between. Honolulu has had an influx of hip restaurants pop up over the last several years. While smaller areas like the North Shore and Kailua have fewer options, there’s always delicious food to be had.

Food trucks are available all over the island, and especially on the North Shore, where there are multiple food truck parks with 5 to 10 food trucks in one place. Check out our Guide to the North Shore for some of our top recommendations.

A few Hawaiian foods to try:

• Hawaiian Plate Lunch – A filling and typically cheap plate that can include many different types of Hawaiian dishes, always flanked by mayonnaise-based macaroni salad and two scoops of white rice. Try Kalua pig, loco moco (hamburger patties topped with brown gravy and a fried egg), pork or chicken lau lau (wrapped in taro leaves), pipikaula (dried beef), lomi salmon on the side, and a helping of poi (taro that has been cooked, pounded, and thinned with water).

• Poke – These raw cubes of marinated fish or seafood are similar to ceviche. There’s a ton of different options and they’re all delish.

• Manapua – This is Hawaii’s take on traditional Chinese bao. Baked or steamed pillowy buns are filled with delicious stuff (typically sweet char siu pork).

• Shave Ice – This is like a really finely-ground snow cone (but way better), topped with your choice of delicious tropical-flavored syrup.

• Spam dishes – Hawaii is really into Spam, so don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

• Malasadas – Super fresh fried donuts covered in sugar, and optionally filled with other deliciousness. 

• Acai Bowls – Basically a thick smoothie made from acai berries and topped with different treats, like granola, bananas, honey, and more. These are everywhere nowadays, but Hawaii likely had them before your town did (unless you’re from Brazil).

• Ted’s Bakery Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie – Haupia is a traditional coconut-based dessert, so this is essentially a silky delicious coconut chocolate cream pie. Ted’s Bakery is on Oahu’s North Shore, but the pies are sold in many supermarkets.

Transportation

Your transportation options on Oahu are pretty straightforward. Simply put, the best way to get around—especially if you want flexibility—is by car. Even though Oahu is a relatively small island, if you want to explore on your own terms, renting a car is the way to go.

Renting a car is especially convenient if you’re traveling with surfboards, as many rental agencies offer SUVs or vehicles with ample space for gear. Some premium rental companies even provide luxury vehicles, if you prefer something a bit more elevated for your island adventures.

Good to Know

While we always recommend that you never leave valuables in your car, this is especially true on Oahu. Unfortunately, there are frequent car break-ins, even in highly populated beach parking areas such as Sunset Beach on the North Shore. And if you think you’re being sly by hiding your purse under your car seat, think again—we’ve seen evidence of thieves looking especially for that.

Also be extra careful about parking your car on the far west side of the island, past Makaha. There are frequent break-ins, and entire cars have actually been stolen there. It goes without saying that you’ll want to make sure you have good insurance for your rental car. This isn’t meant to alarm you, as Oahu is a very friendly place… unfortunately, there is simply a lot of petty crime targeting visitors. As long as you avoid leaving valuables in your car, you should be fine.

Things to Do on Oahu

(besides surfing)

Oahu is full of awesome activities and fun things to do. Whether you’re looking for family options or adrenaline-infused adventures, the island has all types of activities for all types of travelers. Here are our top picks for things to do in Oahu (besides surfing).

Take a Boat Cruise and Go Snorkeling
Sailing along Oahu’s coastline is one of the best ways to experience the island’s beauty. Catamaran and yacht cruises offer a chance to snorkel in clear waters, spot sea turtles and reef fish, and relax on deck with the breeze in your hair. Options range from group sails to small group or private charters for a more personalized adventure.

Swim with Sharks
Get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures. Shark encounters on Oahu take place just offshore, where you can either safely observe from a cage or take a cage-free swim with trained guides. It’s a bucket-list experience for ocean lovers and thrill seekers alike.

Oahu Helicopter Tour
Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of Oahu’s stunning landscapes—from lush mountains and waterfalls to hidden beaches and volcanic craters. A full island helicopter tour offers a dramatic and unforgettable perspective of the island’s natural beauty.

Twilight GLOW Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Paddle into golden hour and beyond on a special LED-lit board that glows beneath your feet. This twilight SUP session offers a unique and peaceful way to wind down the day under a colorful sky and star-lit water.

Kayaking in Kailua Bay
Explore the calm, turquoise waters of Kailua Bay on a guided kayak tour. Paddle to nearby offshore islets, cruise along coral reefs, and soak in the natural beauty of one of Oahu’s most scenic bays.

Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From December to May, humpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters. Join a whale-watching cruise to witness breaches, tail slaps, and spouts as these incredible creatures pass through the island’s waters.

Scuba Diving Experience
Discover Oahu’s underwater world on a guided scuba diving tour. Whether you’re certified or a complete beginner, you can dive among reefs, shipwrecks, and tropical marine life in crystal-clear Pacific water.

Travel Insurance

While we’d rather not think about getting injured while traveling, there are too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and get nailed with crazy medical bills after the matter.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. Battleface or World Nomads Insurance offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover lots of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily check them out and get a fast quote below.

Get a battleface Insurance Quote >>

Get a World Nomads Insurance Quote >>

Any questions, tips, or recommendations about Oahu Hawaii?

Please let us know in the comments below!