Oahu Road Trip
Oahu is full of famous tourist sights, but with a little effort (and a rental car), you can circle the island yourself. Pull over for perfect photo ops and grab a bite Hawaiian style – it’s all up to you with this DIY tour.- Try a crack seed - Make your first stop a crack seed shop. (We recommend Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks.) These preserved fruits are a mouthwatering local treat; salty, sour and sweet. Grab a bag to go and hit the road, heading south along the coast.
- Take the plunge - After rounding the southern tip of Oahu, you’ll find yourself cruising the Windward Coast, Oahu’s eastern shore. The coast is full of secluded, nearly empty beaches for a quiet splash, but if you’re up for something more daring, take a leap off of the cliffs of China Walls.
- Grab a plate lunch - Food trucks line the northern coast to feed starving surfers, and each one claims the best plate lunch around. Loco Moco (hamburger patty, gravy and an egg, sunny side up), garlic shrimp, teriyaki, or kalua pig – all served with two scoops of rice and a hefty helping of macaroni salad. You won’t be leaving the North Shore hungry.
- Make a field trip - Your grand tour comes full circle as you cut south through pineapple fields at the heart of Oahu on your way back to Honolulu. It’s a short drive, but a stop along the way at Wahiawā Botanical Garden will give you a lush tropical backdrop for some stunning vacation snaps.
For information on activities and tours, call one of our Oahu Activity Centers.
Oahu Vacation Deals
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Named among the Best Resorts in Hawaii in the 2022 Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards, this family-friendly resort across from world-famous Waikiki Beach is within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and Waikiki’s top attractions.Why We Love It:
- Awe-Inspiring Rooms – The hotel boasts furnished balconies with panoramic ocean, Diamond Head, or city views. Diamond Head Ocean View rooms include a $25 daily resort credit (per room).
- Proximity to the Beach – Head to Waikiki Beach, just across the street from the hotel, one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand. Relax on its golden sands or catch a wave at this iconic surf spot.
- Great Value: EXCLUSIVE low hotel rates on Diamond Head Ocean View Rooms PLUS $25 per day resort credit.
The Twin Fin
With an enviable setting on Kalakaua Avenue, just across the street from the beach, the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a laid-back vacation experience characterized by exceptional comfort. All rooms offer step-out balconies; many offer lovely views of the ocean and Diamond Head.Why We Love It:
- The Ocean Calls – Head to Kuhio Beach Park, just across the street from the hotel. Here, a reef creates a calm swimming area for families on one side and a break for surfers on the other.
- A Tranquil Retreat – The hotel is located on the quiet Diamond Head side of Waikiki so you can enjoy peaceful moments just a short walk from the vibrant urban scene of Kalakaua Avenue.
- Room for Everyone – You’ll find accommodation options to suit virtually every need, from comfortable guest rooms perfect for couples and solo travelers, to 3-bedroom suites that offer families the dual benefits of togetherness and space.
- Great Value: EXCLUSIVE low rates, with a guaranteed room upgrade from Partial Ocean View to Ocean View rooms.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
This legendary resort, "The First Lady of Waikiki," combines turn-of the-century Victorian elegance with modern Westin amenities and luxuries.Why We Love It:
- Banyan Tree - Settle under the shade of the ancient banyan tree at the oceanfront Beach Bar.
- Laid Back Vibe - Lay back in a rocking chair on the veranda overlooking Kalakaua Avenue and watch the world go by.
- Beach Life - The fun and action of Waikiki Beach is right at your back door and reserved for you.
The Royal Hawaiian
Widely known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, this Waikiki resort exudes an air of timeless luxury. Distinguished by its unique hue and soaring turrets, the resort has been a favorite among well-heeled travelers since it opened its doors in 1927. The hotel embodies the essence of Hawaii while offering a luxury experience geared to the needs of the modern traveler.Why We Love It:
- Location, Location - Sandwiched between Waikiki Beach and Kalakaua Avenue, Hawaii’s most fashionable shopping district, the resort is a tranquil retreat in the midst of all the action.
- Living History - Join a guided tour of the resort and learn about the hotel’s historic artifacts and sacred grounds.
- The Private Beach Area - Dotted with the resort’s signature pink umbrellas, this patch of paradise offers the perfect respite on bustling Waikiki Beach