Oahu - Hawaii Island] What is Oahu like? Can I go there from Hawaii Island? Thorough Comparison of Oahu and Hawaii Island

The charm of Oahu and Hawaii Island and
Introducing Sightseeing Spots

Many people are unsure whether to visit Oahu, the overwhelmingly popular island in Hawaii, or the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest island in terms of area.

Your objectives will differ depending on the people you are going with and the number of people, but first, you should familiarize yourself with which of the two places you would like to visit more before making a decision!

Let us introduce you to the attractions and sights of Oahu and Hawaii Island, respectively.

 

Distance between Oahu and Hawaii Island

The distance between Oahu and Hawaii Island is about 322 km.

The distance is less than an hour by plane.

Incidentally, the distance between Tokyo and Osaka is 396 km, so it would be easier to understand if you imagine the distance between Tokyo and Osaka to be slightly closer than that between Tokyo and Osaka.

 

Access from Hawaii Island to Oahu

The only way to get to Oahu from the Big Island of Hawaii is by air.

The main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii are Kona International Airport on the west coast and Hilo International Airport on the northeast coast.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is the gateway to Hawaii and has many tourist destinations, especially Honolulu and Waikiki.

The third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it is home to 80% of the state's population and is the political, economic, and tourist center, with major facilities concentrated in Honolulu in particular.

Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the Ala Moana Shopping Center are all still popular destinations.

 

How to get to Oahu

There are direct flights to Oahu from Narita, Haneda, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and other airports to Honolulu Airport on Oahu.

The flight time will be about 6 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu offers a wide variety of features, from pristine clean beaches to shopping and dining.

Here are some of the attractions of Oahu that drive people crazy.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu's beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear blue waters, and each area has its own unique characteristics.

It is also surrounded by great nature, including valleys, volcanoes, and the sea, where you can feel the wild and dynamic beauty of nature and the power of the earth.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu is known as one of the world's leading resort destinations, attracting many tourists from around the world.

The island's unspoiled natural environment and the fine hotels that line the island offer the highest level of service.

Oahu also combines the conditions of a resort destination, with white sandy beaches that make you feel elegant just by walking along them.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

The popular shopping center offers many stores and a variety of shopping options.

You can also taste world-class restaurants and gourmet foods and drinks from around the world.

Hawaiian music and hula shows are held here, making it a perfect place to take a break from shopping and dining.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Oahu

There are many recommended tourist spots on Oahu.

Here we will introduce you to some of the most popular and popular tourist spots, as well as some slightly off-the-beaten-path but not-to-be-missed spots.

 

diamond head

Diamond Head, a symbol of Oahu, is called "Leahi" in Hawaiian, and is a sacred place where ancient Hawaiian religious ceremonies were held.

Now managed as a state park, many people enjoy hiking there every day.

 

Recommendations

If you start before sunrise, you can see the morning sun turn the ocean orange at the top of Diamond Head.

You can also see humpback whales if you bring binoculars in the winter.

 

Access

If you are driving, you can park inside the crater from Diamond Head Road near KCC.

If you take the local bus, get off at the bus stop along Diamond Road and walk to the interior of the crater.

 

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach has long been a symbol of Hawaii, attracting people from all over the world.

Divided into eight main areas, the white sand beaches and beautiful clear blue waters offer a magnificent view of Diamond Head from every beach.

 

Recommendations

Kaimana Beach on the Diamond Head side is recommended for a relaxing time, and Royal Hawaiian Beach for a lively atmosphere.

Also, the sun is strong during the day, so if you want to go out to the beach, choose the morning or evening for a more comfortable time.

 

Access

When using the bus, from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Ala Moana direction, take bus No. 8, No. 19, No. 20, etc. to Waikiki.

Get off at the intersection of Kuhio and Kaiulania Avenues and walk a few minutes on the ocean side.

 

Ala Moana Center

It is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 350 specialty stores and restaurants.

There are so many stores here that you could spend a whole day looking around, including world-famous brand stores, high-end department stores, stores from Hawaii, and brands that have not yet arrived in Japan.

 

Recommendations

In between shopping trips, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of gourmet delights, from fine dining to local and international cuisine.

Also, since prices are high in Hawaii, we recommend checking out discount chains.

 

Access

It is approximately 20 minutes from Honolulu International Airport and within walking distance of Waikiki.

In addition, a rail line connecting Kapolei in western Oahu to Ala Moana Center is scheduled to be fully operational in 2025.

 

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch, located on the northeast side of Oahu, was a sacred land that in ancient times was only allowed to royalty.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, you can experience the healing power of nature with its spectacular mountain ranges, vast grasslands, and private beaches.

 

Recommendations

There are famous points of interest surrounded by wilderness and unspoiled nature, where you can enjoy a variety of activities.

Activities include a wide variety of kayaking and ziplining, in addition to the movie location tours seen on the screen.

 

Access

If you sign up for a tour with transportation, you will be picked up from major hotels in Waikiki.

If you are driving from Waikiki, the distance is about 40 km and the time required is about 50 minutes.

 

Moanalua Garden

The Moanalua Garden is home to several monkeypods, native to Central and South America, famous for their "Hitachi Trees".

The entire Moanalua Valley is associated with royalty, with King Kamehameha V's villa still standing in the spacious park.

 

Recommendations

Moanalua Garden, with its spacious lawn, is a pleasant place to relax under the shade of trees.

We also recommend garden weddings, where the ceremony is held in a location surrounded by natural greenery.

 

Access

From Waikiki, it takes about 20 minutes by car.

 

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and nicknamed the "Big Island," offers dynamic natural beauty.

Home to the world-famous Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Waipio Valley, there is no shortage of attractions.

Although it is less than an hour away from Oahu, you can enjoy a wilderness that is different from that of Oahu.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Kilauea Volcano, located on the island of Hawaii, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

The sight of lava flowing from the volcano reaching the sea is dynamic and offers a view of the earth's original landscape.

Furthermore, there are many natural attractions such as the world's rare black sand beaches and tropical rain forests.

Because of the large size of the Big Island of Hawaii, there are several ways to visit the island, either by taking a tour or by driving to several spots.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

To get to Hawaii, take a direct flight from Narita or Haneda to Kona International Airport, which takes about 8 hours.

The major airports are Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west coast or Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the northeast.

From anywhere other than Narita or Haneda, connect to a domestic flight at Honolulu Airport, the main airport on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The island of Hawaii has many attractions, including its spectacular natural beauty.

Here is a little about them.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to many unspoiled natural wonders, and waterfalls are one of them.

Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, which vary in height, are beautiful sights created by natural flow.

There is also the beauty of nature, which changes with the passage of time, with its spectacular green landscapes and endless stretches of clear blue ocean.

 

A powerful volcano

Kilauea volcano is still erupting today, and the sight of the lava that has cooled and solidified is a powerful sight, and its heat makes you realize that the mountain is alive.

Lava that has reached the sea will flow down, rising steam and taking your breath away, a sight rarely seen in Japan.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii has many beaches with beautiful views, clear blue waters, beautiful white beaches, and black sand beaches where you can meet sea turtles.

The crescent-shaped beach also attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the clear emerald green waters and white sandy beaches.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Visitors can enjoy a full day of shopping and dining at large shopping malls and outlet malls on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The mall is beautifully maintained and offers a wide variety of goods from Hawaiian goods to luxury brands, restaurants and cafes.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

In addition to American customs and traditions, the island of Hawaii has a lot of history and culture brought by immigrants from many countries.

For example, the Japanese Girls' Festival and Boys' Festival are held as Girls' Day and Boys' Day, respectively.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has many beautiful natural features, some of which are highly recommended.

Here we present them from various angles.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano sightseeing is popular on the Big Island of Hawaii, and at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you can see volcanic activity right before your eyes.

However, since volcanic conditions are constantly changing, seeing flowing lava is a matter of luck.

 

Recommendations

The hotel in the park is located on the cliffs of the Kilauea Caldera and offers a view of the caldera from its crater-view rooms.

And if you are interested, you can camp in the park's campgrounds with prior permission.

 

Access

There is only one round-trip bus service per weekday.

By car, it takes about 45 minutes to drive south from Hilo on Hawaii Belt Road (11), or about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours from Kona on Highway (11) southbound.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea means "white mountain" in Hawaiian, and in winter it is covered with snow, so much so that the snow on the summit can be observed with the naked eye from the city of Hilo.

It is also 4,205 meters above sea level, but its elevation from the seafloor is over 10,000 meters, making it the highest in the world, surpassing Mount Everest.

 

Recommendations

Mauna Kea is said to be one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation, and Japan's Subaru Telescope is located at the summit.

Stargazing at the top of the mountain and sunset tours are extremely popular, so it is recommended to sign up early.

 

Access

There is no public transportation, so rent a car or take a tour.

By car, it takes about 2.5 hours from Hilo and 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Kona.

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on the Wailuku River on the east side of Hawaii Island, famous for its rainbows on clear days.

The sight of water falling from the falls, splashing down into the lava caves, and forming a rainbow has been a popular tourist attraction for more than 100 years.

 

Recommendations

Gazing at the waterfalls will be a healing experience.

The path leading upstream is deep green and forested above the falls.

After passing through a dense forest, the area looks like a jungle with giant banyan tree aerial roots.

 

Access

Rainbow Falls is a 15-minute drive from Hilo International Airport.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is called the Valley of the Kings, where ancient kings are buried in caves in the cliffs.

It also means "crooked water" in Hawaiian and is one of the most popular power spots, attracting many tourists.

 

Recommendations

The view from the Waipio Valley Lookout along the ocean is extremely magnificent, and the ocean and green terrain make you feel the wonder of nature created by the earth.

Descending to the valley floor, you will also experience a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that of the observatory.

 

Access

It is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Hilo and 2 to 2.5 hours from Kona.

 

hero

Hilo is the gateway to the Big Island of Hawaii, convenient for sightseeing at Kilauea Volcano, and old buildings remain on the bayfront facing Hilo Bay.

It is the center of the suburbs, and you can use Hilo as a base from which to visit various tourist destinations.

 

Recommendations

Centered in Hilo, this tour takes you around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kilauea Volcano is located, and allows you to observe the power of the volcano.

Volcano Village also experiences a different climate from the typical image of the Big Island of Hawaii, with cooler temperatures and frequent fog and rain during the day.

 

Access

It takes about 40 minutes by international flight from Honolulu to Hilo Airport and about 2 hours by car from Kailua-Kona.

 

Recommended Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii

The list of recommended activities on the Big Island of Hawaii is endless.

Here are some easy activities you can enjoy.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is a marine sport that involves swimming in the ocean using an underwater mask, snorkel, and fins.

It is characterized by casual enjoyment for men and women of all ages.

 

How to enjoy

The waters of Hawaii are generally clear.

This makes it a good spot for snorkeling and observing coral reefs, tropical fish, and many other creatures.

 

diving

In addition to freediving, in which diving is done by holding one's breath, there is also diving in which air is supplied from the ground via a hose.

 

How to enjoy

On the Big Island of Hawaii, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles can be seen at night.

The creatures that can be seen at night are very mysterious, and because the depth of the water is shallow, night dives are relatively safe for beginners.

 

helicopter tour

Helicopter excursions offer aerial views of various tourist attractions, such as the sheer cliffs along the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and waterfalls with drops of more than 500 meters.

 

How to enjoy

You can enjoy a view that you would not normally set foot in.

The varied scenes will leave a deep impression on your heart.

 

Lava Tour

The Lava Tour takes visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Natural Heritage site, to observe the lava activity of Kilauea Volcano.

 

How to enjoy

Some people may find the sight of red, sludgy lava scary.

For those who are so inclined, it is recommended to see the lava belts that cooled and solidified during past eruptions, which can be observed throughout the park.

 

starry sky viewing

Stargazing in Hawaii is very famous.

The clear air is ideal for viewing, and there are various tours and viewpoints from which to enjoy the view.

 

How to enjoy

When stargazing through an astronomical telescope, if you are lucky you can even see Saturn's rings.

People who have seen the scenery have praised it as the world's best starlit sky.

 

riding horse

While marine sports are the most famous activities in Hawaii, horseback riding is also a popular activity that allows visitors to enjoy Hawaii's great outdoors.

 

How to enjoy

If you want to go horseback riding, it is best to do it in the vast nature of Kualoa Ranch.

Enjoy the wind, greenery, and various landscapes as you sway on your horse.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

The Segway is a vehicle that gives you the magical sensation of floating in midair.

Segways are becoming increasingly popular around the world, as people tour tourist attractions on them.

 

How to enjoy

Segway is an activity that both children and adults can enjoy together, as they can play with it by speeding up or driving slowly as they get used to it.

In Japan, it is prohibited to drive a Segway on public roads, so it will be more enjoyable in Hawaii, where you can drive a Segway on public roads.

 

Recommended Tours

Here are three recommended tours to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands to the fullest.

Please refer to the following information for your trip.

 

Mauna Kea Stargazing & Island Sightseeing Tour

This tour allows you to enjoy stargazing on Mauna Kea and major tourist attractions such as the World Heritage Site of Kilauea Volcano, Waipio Valley, and Akaka Falls.

A malasada snack and a boxed lunch of Hawaiian store-bought food are also included in this well-rounded plan.

 

Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour

This popular tour offers sunset and stargazing at the summit of Mauna Kea, and transportation to and from the summit is provided.

The view of the sunset from the top of the mountain at high altitude with the sea of clouds is most beautiful and unforgettable.

 

Kilauea Volcano Helicopter Tour

This tour allows you to see the crater and lava of Kilauea Volcano, the precipitous waterfalls and the Kohala Coast from the sky above the Big Island of Hawaii.

The view from the helicopter is unbelievably overwhelming, showing the dynamic nature and the greatness created by the earth.

 

summary

In this issue, we have introduced the attractions and recommended sightseeing spots on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu.

Each has a lot of untouched nature, and you will definitely be impressed by the beauty and mystery created by the earth.

Also, learning about the origin and meaning of the names in advance will make sightseeing more profound and memorable.

Come and enjoy the unknown sights on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu.