Now that the weather’s a bit cooler, it’s a great time to visit Oahu. With less crowds than in summer or winter, you can have a great fall getaway exploring beaches and trails, malls and museums. Let’s get started with fun things to do in Oahu!
Hit the Beach
While temperatures cool down elsewhere, on Oahu there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy. Waikiki is always popular for a reason, and if you enjoy a bustling city beach where you can easily take a surf lesson, grab a snack, and hop aboard a catamaran sail straight from the sand, then it’s worth spending a day or two there. If you’re looking for places to visit in Oahu a bit further out of town, head to the North Shore before the waves get big for the season: just make sure you check the surf report first! Kailua Beach on the windward side is also an excellent family-friendly spot, with miles of super-fine white sand and small waves for the kids to play in.
Go for a Hike
No visit to Oahu is complete without a walk up the short but steep Diamond Head trail for a spectacular birds-eye view of Waikiki. Just a word of caution: go as early as possible in the day to avoid the crowds and beat the heat. It’s recommended to start when the park opens at 6 am, and by 8, you’ll be back down and ready to get on with the rest of your day.
Another popular short hike is at the Makapuu Lighthouse at the eastern tip of Oahu. Stop off at Halona Blowhole for a bit of roadside (possibly wet) entertainment, and maybe pay a visit to the educational and fascinating Sea Life Park nearby, if you’re traveling with children.
Indoor Fun
In case you end up with a few rainy days during your stay, you’ll want to have some indoor places to visit in Oahu on your mind. Ala Moana Shopping Center is a shopper’s mecca, and visitors come here from across Asia and the Pacific to load up on luxury goods. Take a mini visit to Japan inside the incredible Shirokiya Japan Village Walk and enjoy some entertainment on the mall’s Center Stage.
If you’re more of a museum person, head to Bishop Museum to learn about the real history and culture of ancient (and modern) Hawaii, as well as enjoy a show of stars in the planetarium. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Honolulu Museum of Art, and for a real treat, take a tour of the former Doris Duke estate on the slopes of Diamond Head, now known as the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture, and Design. These fun things to di on Oahu are sure to be a highlight of your trip!
Check out our selection of rentals, and have fun planning your fall journey to Oahu!
