Oahu Tourist Attractions

Information about Oahu and Honolulu's must see sights

While Oahu boasts being Hawaii's most developed and modernized, the sprawling island offers a large variety of tourist attractions. Visitors will find world class sightseeing in Honolulu, Waikiki, East Oahu, the North Shore, and Central Oahu with most attractions being free or requiring inexpensive admission fees.

Honolulu

Honolulu, which is the capital of Hawaii and home to most of Oahu's population, offers an array of visitor activities. The majority of tourist attractions in Honolulu are within close proximity to major hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, beaches, and public transportation is extremely accessible. Visitors sightseeing in Honolulu can easily plan an activity filled day complete with shopping, lunch, and dinner.

Honolulu Academy of Arts - Hawaii's premier art museum was founded by Anna Rice Cooke in 1927. The museum features over 50,000 works of art focusing on European, American, and Asian art.

National Cemetery of the Pacific - One of Oahu's most historic sites, the cemetery is situated on the top of Punchbowl Crater overlooking the city of Honolulu. Formed over 75,000 years ago, the crater serves as the final resting place for over 13,000 soldiers and sailors who died during World War II.

Nuuanu Pali Lookout - The Pali Lookout offers one of the best views of East Oahu (Kailua and Kaneohe Bay). The lookout, which is situated on a Koolau mountain cliff, was the site of the Battle of Nuuanu where Kamehameha the Great conquered the island of Oahu.

Waikiki

Waikiki Aquarium - The aquarium offers a glimpse of Hawaii's undersea world. Exhibits include tidal pools, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, shark tanks, and other rare species. Located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki

Honolulu Zoo - Located between Diamond Head and Waikiki, the Honolulu Zoo offers families an up close encounter with rare endangered species including Black Rhinos, Cheetahs, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Sumatran Tigers, Asian Elephants, and more. The Honolulu Zoo is the largest zoo within a radius of 2,300 miles.

Diamond Head State Monument - The monument is one of Hawaii's most famous landmarks. Noted as a National Natural Landmark, Diamond Head crater was formed after a series of explosive eruptions 100,000 years ago. The top of the monument requires a short hike up stairs and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Honolulu city. A definite must see attraction.

Downtown

Iolani Palace - Situated in Honolulu's bustling downtown district, the Iolani Palace was home to Hawaii's last two monarchs. It is the only state residence of royalty in the United States.

The Contemporary Museum - Located above downtown Honolulu at the historic Spalding house on Tantalus, visitors will be inspired and educated by dynamic forms of contemporary art. The museum also offers a venue at the First Hawaiian Center in downtown Honolulu.

Chinatown - This historic area is within close proximity of downtown Honolulu. Here visitors can browse open air Chinese markets, a number of up and coming art galleries, and a number of eateries.

East Oahu

Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve - One of Oahu's magnificent natural resources, this Marine Preserve offers visitors a glimpse of abundant sea life including corals, reef fish, turtles, and more. Note: the Marine Preserve limits the number of visitors entering the bay so plan on arriving early to avoid waiting.

Sea Life Park - Located at scenic Makapuu Point on Oahu's east shore, Sea Life Park offers dolphin encounters, sea lions, penguins, and a variety of other aquatic exhibits. Families will enjoy the interactive displays and hands on exhibits as well as the Sea Life Luau.