Oahu] How to Enjoy Autumn on Oahu & Recommended Activities

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii has long been known as the land of everlasting summer, and the most popular of these islands is Oahu. Hawaii is one of the states of the United States and is actually made up of eight large islands called the Hawaiian Islands and more than 100 smaller islands.

The island of Oahu is home to the state capital of Hawaii, and 80% of all Hawaii residents live on this island. The famous Honolulu and Waikiki beaches are also located on this island, and Waikiki in particular is home to a concentration of hotels, condominiums, and shopping centers, making it a popular resort area that is well known throughout the world.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is the center of Hawaii tourism and is filled with places to enjoy swimming and marine activities, as well as shopping, sightseeing, and land activities.

There are five areas on the island: east, west, south, north, and center. The best known is the South Shore, which is the southern part of the island, where Honolulu is located. The North Shore is on the north, Windward on the east, Leeward on the west, and the Central area, as it is called, has its own distinctive elements.

Although Hawaii is said to have an everlasting summer, there are two seasons throughout the year: summer and winter.

In winter, there is more rain than in summer, and the temperature rises to nearly 30°C during the day. In summer, the temperature rises to about 35 degrees Celsius, but the air is dry and comfortable all year round without the humidity of Japan.

 

How to get to Oahu

There are direct flights to Oahu from many international airports in Japan. The travel time is about 7 to 9 hours. There are also flights via Incheon, but they take more than 12 hours.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu, one of the world's best resort areas, offers a variety of ways to enjoy yourself. There are many marine activities, of course, including swimming at the beach, and there are also many tours that allow you to get in touch with nature in its magnificent natural environment.

There are large world-class shopping centers, as well as fun shopping at smaller specialty stores. Dining options include gourmet foods with flavors from around the world, as well as delicious gourmet foods unique to Hawaii.

You will never get tired of learning about the culture of the indigenous people at the Polynesian Cultural Center, or the history of Honolulu's development as the capital of the U.S. state. The island of Oahu, which has developed into a resort destination while preserving its natural beauty, is full of attractions.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

The first thing that strikes you when you step onto the shores of Oahu is the beauty of the beaches. Waikiki Beach, the most famous beach in Oahu, is an endless three-kilometer stretch of white sand. Beyond the beach is Diamond Head, a popular tourist attraction.

The Hawaiian Islands were formed by volcanic activity, and Diamond Head has a large crater that symbolizes this. It is said that the crater was created when an eruption occurred near the coast and magma and seawater came into contact, causing a phreatic explosion in the ocean that blew away the original summit of the mountain. The peak is only 232 meters high, and thanks to the construction of trails and stairs, even children and the elderly can easily climb the peak. It is a great viewpoint from which to see the island of Oahu.

Oahu is also home to numerous other natural wonders.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

There are a whopping 4,500 hotels on Oahu.

Of course, many hotels are located on Waikiki Beach. Waikiki is lined with world-famous hotels, and as a matter of course, hotels in better locations are more expensive. There are many factors to consider when choosing a hotel: proximity to the beach, proximity to shopping centers, good food, excellent service, and helpful staff.

Once you step out of the hotel, you can feel the brilliant sun and pleasant dry breeze on your skin. You can go to the beach, go shopping, visit tourist attractions, or spend your free time as you wish.

People from all over the world come to Oahu to enjoy the resort lifestyle. More than one million people a year visit Oahu from Japan alone, and you can be assured that you will enjoy a resort lifestyle away from the ordinary.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

When it comes to shopping on the island of Oahu, one cannot miss the Ala Moana Center and the Royal Hawaiian Center. You can find everything from international brands to unique Hawaiian goods, souvenirs to daily necessities here. The Waikiki area is also home to other unique shopping centers such as the International Marketplace and McCully Shopping Center.

There are numerous other shopping centers and supermarkets on Oahu.

For example, Kapolei, considered the second largest city on Oahu, has Ka Makana Ali'i, which is a typical American shopping mall. It is located in the Leeward area and is quite far from Waikiki, but it is a great shopping destination for tourists staying at hotels in Ko Olina. The North Shore area has the North Shore Marketplace, and the Central area has the sprawling Waikele Center. You don't have to be in a large shopping complex to enjoy shopping.

The ABC convenience stores located throughout Waikiki are filled with souvenirs and other exotic items that are uniquely Hawaiian. Restaurants are also located here and there, making it hard to decide where to eat.

In addition to the popular American hamburger restaurant "Five Guys", "Applebee's" where you can enjoy bold American food, and "California Pizza Kitchen" that offers a variety of menus other than pizza, there is also a wide variety of Asian food such as Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisine. There is also a wide variety of Asian food such as Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino food.

 

Autumn on Oahu

Oahu in the fall is famous for the Aloha Festival held every September.

It is the largest festival in the state of Hawaii and was started by Honolulu businessmen as a way to honor Hawaii's traditional culture. Originally called Aloha Week, it was only one week long, but the name has changed to Aloha Festival, and it is now one of the largest month-long events in the state.

The Royal Court inauguration and opening ceremony will be held in early September, followed in mid-September by a major street party called Waikiki Ho'olaulea, which will close Kalakaua Avenue to traffic.

The main event, the Floral Parade, is held in late September. This is the third largest parade in the U.S., with gorgeous floats, dressed-up horsemen and marching bands parading from Ala Moana to Waikiki.

 

Fall weather, temperature, water temperature, and precautions

Hawaii's climate is divided into two seasons: dry (summer) and rainy (winter).

The period from September to November, which corresponds to autumn in Japan, is the time of transition from summer to winter. Although it is the rainy season, there are only showers in the morning and evening, and swimming at the beach during the daytime is not a problem. The dry season lasts until October and the rainy season begins in November, but the temperature does not change that much, so it is quite comfortable compared to autumn in Japan.

The average maximum temperatures are 30.3°C in September, 29.8°C in October, and 28.5°C in November. The average minimum temperatures are 23.7°C in September, 23.4°C in October, and 21.9°C in November, never falling below 20°C. The average sea water temperature is 23.3°C throughout the year. The average sea water temperature is 23.3 degrees throughout the year, and 26.7 degrees even during the hot summer months, making sea bathing possible throughout the year.

One thing to be aware of, however, is the height of the waves. In summer, it is calm, but in winter, strong tides change and signs are often posted prohibiting swimming. Especially in November, the waves suddenly become very high, so be sure to follow the instructions of the lifeguards.

 

Advantages of Traveling in the Fall

Until after the summer Obon, airfares and hotel rates are nearly double or more different from those after September.In this regard, airfare and hotel costs can be considerably reduced from September through about November.This is because the company and school long vacations are over and fewer people are going out for sightseeing.

Therefore, it can be said that the trip can be enjoyed at a reasonable price.Enjoy autumn on Oahu.

 

Autumn Fun

There are many events on Oahu in the fall.

In October, the three Hawaiian islands (Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui) host the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, considered the premier gastronomic celebration in Hawaii. Over 150 celebrity chefs, sommeliers, and winemakers come together to offer dining experiences featuring Hawaii's finest ingredients. The Aloha Festival, Halloween, the Hawaii International Film Festival, and many other interesting events are held on Oahu in the fall.

Also, the number of tourists from Japan decreases during the fall compared to summer vacation and the year-end and New Year holidays, and the atmosphere changes a little. If you want to spend a relaxing time, Oahu in autumn is recommended.

 

Recommended activities to enjoy in the fall

Here are some recommended activities to enjoy in the fall.

Basically, you can enjoy the beach all year round, but in the fall, when the summer season is slightly off, the beach is less crowded than during the Obon season for various activities, and the ocean is more beautiful because of it.

 

diving

Oahu is one of the most popular areas in Hawaii as a sacred place for diving.

Diving spots are scattered throughout the area, including off Waikiki in the south, the Hawaii Kai area in the southeast, Makaha in the west, and the North Shore in the north. Depending on the dive site, the underwater topography can be very interesting, large sea turtles and seals called Hawaiian monk seals can be seen, and whales can be seen in the winter.

 

Recommendations

Diving is possible year-round off Waikiki and in the Hawaii Kai area.

In the Hawaii Kai area, there is a dive site where a very rare American fighter plane, the Corsair, is sunken, and off Waikiki there is a point called Canyon Reef where many sea turtles can be seen.

parasailing

Parasailing allows you to look down on Oahu's blue waters and vast beaches from a height of up to 150 meters.

The parachute is attached and pulled by a speeding boat, such as a motorboat, which then opens the parachute and the air resistance causes it to float high into the sky. The parachute opens, and the air resistance causes you to float high into the sky. You can look down on the ocean and islands as if you were a bird.

Recommendations

Unlike airplanes, you can feel the wind in the sky directly on your skin. That is why you will feel like a bird. With an unobstructed view of the city of Waikiki and Diamond Head in the distance, you can enjoy a spectacular view from the sky.

cruising

There are many luxury cruises on Oahu. One of the most popular is the Sunset Dinner Cruise.

There are romantic cruises on a large ship where you can enjoy a Polynesian show while feasting on lobster and tenderloin steaks and watching the big sunset over the ocean. Some plans include a fireworks viewing.

Of course, there are a wide variety of cruises, including early morning sunrise cruises, day cruises for snorkeling, whale watching, dolphin and sea turtle sightings, and more.

Recommendations

What better way to enjoy the sunset than to watch it while dining on a sumptuous meal that you would never normally eat in a world far removed from everyday life, on the ocean. Although cruising is also available in Japan, it is only on the island of Oahu that you can enjoy such a romantic experience with a refreshing breeze.

SUP

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a marine sport that originated in Hawaii. The paddler stands on a board, which is thicker and more stable than a surfboard, and paddles the board to advance on the water.

It is higher in the eye level than surfing or canoeing/kayaking, and allows you to develop a natural sense of balance while enjoying the view of the ocean around you.

Recommendations

As it is also called water cycling, you can move freely while standing on the sea. One of the major advantages of SUP is that you can strengthen your sense of balance and inner muscles without even knowing it. The sight of standing on a board on the ocean is sure to be an Instagram-worthy sight.

riding horse

Horseback riding is available on Oahu. You can feel the fresh air of Oahu and explore the forests and beaches on horseback. Kualoa Ranch, where the movie Jurassic Park was filmed, and the shores of Turtle Bay can also be seen from horseback.

Recommendations

The horses are well-trained at the ranch, so even first-time riders can feel comfortable. It is a rare experience to feel the fresh breeze of Oahu on a horse. This tour offers a luxurious experience of riding a horse and getting close to nature.

Recommended Autumn Sightseeing Spots

 

Kualoa Ranch

Can you imagine an area of 4,000 acres? An acre is a unit of measurement for size, and the Tokyo Dome is approximately 11.5 acres. In other words, Kualoa Ranch is approximately 350 times the size of the Tokyo Dome.

Located in the northeastern part of Oahu, just north of Honolulu, the island offers a variety of sea and land activities. The majestic natural beauty of the area is well known for its use in Hollywood movies, and movie location tours are popular.

Recommendations

The area offers an amazing variety of activities anyway.

There are many tours to enjoy the great outdoors on land and sea, such as horseback riding tours to enjoy the spectacular view of nature from horseback, jungle expedition tours to explore the jungle in a jeep, zip tours to slide down a steep slope hanging from a wire rope, ocean voyage tours to cruise on the ocean in a catamaran, and kayak tours. There are many tours that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors on both land and sea. You can also choose a tour that combines several activities.

Access

To get to Kualoa Ranch from Waikiki, take The Bus #8, 19, 20, 23, 24, or 42 and transfer to the 60 at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. By car, it takes about 1 hour from Waikiki.

Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center is the largest shopping center in Hawaii and is only 10 minutes from Waikiki by city bus or trolley. It is one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world, with over 350 stores. There are also more than 160 restaurants, offering a taste of the world.

Recommendations

Center Stage offers free hula dance shows and other entertainment daily. If you go in the fall, don't miss the "Black Friday" after-Thanksgiving sales in November.

Access

The Waikiki Trolley "Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line" runs every 10-12 minutes between 16 stops in Waikiki and the Ala Moana Center.

By bus, take bus #8, #19, #20, #23, #24, #42, or Route E, all from the nearest bus stop on the mountain side of Kuhio Avenue, and get off at Ala Moana Center. Arrival time is approximately 10 minutes.

North Shore

The North Shore area is located on the north side of Oahu Island, about 50 km from Waikiki.

Haleiwa Town is the center of tourism on the North Shore. Although not as bustling as Waikiki, Haleiwa Town offers a variety of stores to enjoy, including surf stores, interior design stores, fashionable sundries, and other interesting stores.

The North Shore is also home to Waimea Valley, a 2.29 million square meter natural park. There are also many attractions such as Manoa Falls, a popular power spot.

There is also a Polynesian cultural center, a coffee factory, and many other tourist attractions away from the ocean. Once out to sea, you can enjoy surfing and other marine sports unique to the North Shore with its high waves.

Recommendations

Haleiwa Ali'i Beach on the North Shore is said to have the highest rate of encounters with sea turtles. If you want to see sea turtles, this is the best beach to go to.

Encounter rates are also high at Laniakea Beach to the north. At the Polynesian Cultural Center, visitors can learn about Hawaii from a different aspect by experiencing the cultural differences between each of the Hawaiian islands through shows and activities.

Access

From Waikiki, it takes less than an hour to get there if you use a rental car. If you use The Bus, first take bus #8 from Waikiki to Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You can reach the North Shore by transferring to the #52 bus bound for Haleiwa, which leaves from the mountain side of the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

3 recommended tours for fall

Here are three tours we recommend for fall.

All of our tours offer a unique way to enjoy the island of Oahu. Please enjoy the extraordinary world of an exotic country far away from Japan to the fullest.

Diving Experience Diving at the best point from which you can see Diamond Head!

This is a plan to dive at the sea turtle habitat on Oahu Island. The encounter rate with sea turtles is over 90%.

The instructor will explain how to use the equipment, underwater precautions, and how to deal with problems before the dive. Participants must be at least 10 years old.

Try stand-up paddle surfing (SUP)!

This plan includes hotel pickup and drop-off and lunch. You can choose between a guided tour for beginners and an unguided tour for those who want to enjoy the tour at their own pace.

You will be given a video lecture beforehand, and our staff will carefully guide you on how to get on the board and what to do in case you fall into the water. We will move to Popoia Island, an uninhabited seabird sanctuary, for a short break, and prepare water and snacks.

After exploring the island, we will SUP back to Kailua Beach for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have free time.

Horseback Riding Experience A walk on the North Shore seaside

The horses are trained for polo competitions, so you can ride with confidence. Riding starts at sunset time.

Only those who have experienced it will understand the special feeling of watching the sky change color little by little from horseback. If you have the chance, you should definitely try it, as it is sure to be an enthralling experience for children and adults alike.

summary

I have explained mainly about Oahu in autumn. Hawaii is a familiar tourist destination for Japanese people, but there are probably still some things about Hawaii that they do not know.

Once you've gotten to know Waikiki, why not venture into a different area? Even just on the island of Oahu, you can discover a whole new side of Hawaii that you never knew existed.

Thank you for reading to the end.