What kind of airport is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport? Popular Sightseeing Spots on Oahu

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

The state of Hawaii is a U.S. state consisting of eight main islands, and the most popular of these islands is the island of Oahu, which we will introduce here.

It is on this island of Oahu that Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport), one of the world's most famous hubs and gateways to Hawaii, is located. In this article, we will introduce Oahu's attractions, airports, transportation, and popular tourist attractions!

If you are planning to travel to Hawaii, we hope you will find this information useful.

 

What is Oahu like?

The island of Oahu is home to Honolulu, the state capital and the political, economic, and tourist center of the state of Hawaii, and is the third largest island in the state. And it is famous as one of the world's leading resort destinations, with more than one million visitors a year from Japan.

Oahu also has a vast wilderness, making it a cozy tourist destination with a perfect blend of resorts and nature.

 

How to get to Oahu

Prior to the Korona Disaster, a relatively large number of flights served Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, so Oahu is considered a very easy resort to reach from Japan.

Six Japanese airports serve Daniel K. Inouye International Airport: Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, New Chitose Airport, Central Japan International Airport Centrair, Kansai International Airport, and Fukuoka Airport.

The flight time is said to be approximately 6 to 7 hours from Japan to Hawaii and 8 to 9 hours from Hawaii to Japan. The reason for the slight difference in flight time between the return and destination flights is due to the direction of the air currents. Also, please note that the time will vary depending on which airport you use.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Here are some of the points that make Oahu so attractive as a resort destination!

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

When you hear the word "Hawaii," the first thing that comes to mind is its beautiful beaches.

There are many different types of beaches on Oahu, and there are many choices, including beaches close to resort hotels and beaches where you can enjoy swimming while enjoying views of Diamond Head and other natural wonders.

Another of Oahu's best pleasures is a leisurely stroll or drive through the vast wilderness.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu is also famous as one of the world's top resort destinations and continues to attract many tourists, from beginners to seasoned international travelers.

It is a recommended resort for people of all ages and genders, as it offers a variety of leisure activities and is lined with famous resort hotels such as the Hilton Hotel.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu is famous not only for its beaches and natural beauty, but also as one of the best shopping areas in the world. There are many shopping malls of all sizes on the island, the most famous and largest of which is the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

It is said that you can find everything you need here, and the fact that many stores speak Japanese is also a great point. And enjoying Hawaii's delicious cuisine at restaurants is one of the best parts of Oahu!

Among Hawaiian gourmet foods, "pancakes" with lots of fruits and whipped cream, and "loco moco" with a fried egg and hamburger steak on top of rice are famous in Japan. We hope you enjoy the authentic taste of Hawaii!

 

What kind of airport is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport?

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is an international airport located in Honolulu, Oahu, and is one of the largest hubs in the world. Formerly known as Honolulu International Airport, it was renamed to its current name in April 2017.

It is the largest airport in the state of Hawaii with 24-hour service and is truly the gateway to the state.

 

Airport Features

Due to the sheer size of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is common to use "wiki wiki buses" to get around the airport. Since the airport is visited by group tourists from numerous countries, there are also special entrances and exits for groups.

There are many restaurants, duty-free stores, and kiosks lined up in the airport, so you will never get bored until boarding time.

 

Transportation on the island

There are four main types of transportation on Oahu: trolley buses, the bus, cabs, and rental cars.

 

trolleybus

Trolley buses are sightseeing buses that you can get on and off at will. On Oahu, there are two main types of trolley buses: the Waikiki Trolley and trolley buses operated by travel agencies and airlines.

The latter can only be ridden if you are part of that tour, etc., while the former can be ridden by anyone who pays for it. However, don't forget that tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased online or at local ticket centers!

If you see the Waikiki Trolley sign at the stop marked "Trolley Stop," you can take the trolley there.

 

The Bus

The Bus is a so-called public bus. You can get on at any bus stop marked "The Bus," but since the route number may not be written on the bus, ask the driver where you are going when you get on the bus.

The Bus also offers a 1-Day Pass, which is a good deal if you ride more than three times in one day. Some routes go through the airport, but please note that large baggage is not allowed on board. And eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited.

 

cab

There are many cabs on Oahu, but you cannot catch a running cab on the street as you can in Japan. You must get a cab from a cab stand or call one directly by phone. Also, when getting into a cab, the door does not open automatically, so you must open the door yourself.

When paying the fare, the amount indicated on the meter plus the tip is added. The tip is said to be about 15% of the amount shown on the meter.

By the way, it costs about $40 from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki Beach.

 

rent-a-car

Renting a car is attractive because it allows you to move freely around the island, but be aware that traffic rules are different from those in Japan. In Hawaii, cars drive on the right side of the road, so please be careful not to drive the wrong way when turning left or right.

Also, all speeds and distances are given in miles per hour, which may take some getting used to at first. Please be careful not to break the speed limit on the freeways, as speed guns are used in many places.

Incidentally, the minimum daily fee for a rental car is about $80.

 

Popular Sightseeing Spots

Here are some of the best places to visit if you are visiting Oahu!

 

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach refers to the beaches located in the southern part of Oahu. Strictly speaking, Waikiki Beach is the collective name for eight beaches.

It is no exaggeration to say that this is the most famous tourist destination on Oahu. The contrast between the beautiful ocean, which glistens in the sunlight, and the white sandy beach is beautiful, a scene that is truly tropical.

Each of the eight beaches has its own unique characteristics, so we recommend that you choose the beach that best suits your tastes. There are also a variety of marine activities available, so why not join a tour and enjoy Hawaii's ocean to the fullest?

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 19-minute drive southeast via I-H-1E.

 

diamond head

Diamond Head is a volcano located on the island of Oahu. Oahu was originally formed by a volcanic eruption, as were the other Hawaiian islands.

Please be assured that the volcano is already dormant now. Diamond Head offers a panoramic view of Oahu, making it a great shutterbug point.

Also, it is only about 232 meters to the top, making it an easy climb. The path to the top is gentle and paved, making the climb relatively easy for everyone from small children to the elderly.

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 22-minute drive southeast via I-H-1E.

 

Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center is a huge shopping center located near Ala Moana Beach. It is a famous place visited by more than 53 million people a year, from tourists to local residents. It is said that you can find everything you need at this shopping center, with over 350 stores.

The selection ranges from well-known luxury brands to casual brands.

Another attraction is that it is an open and airy space like an outlet, so you can enjoy shopping while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere typical of Hawaii. There are also more than 160 restaurants in the shopping center, so you can enjoy yourself all day long!

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 16-minute drive southeast via I-H-1E.

 

North Shore

The North Shore refers to the area that stretches across the northern part of Oahu. It is the area where Haleiwa Town, a famous surfing mecca, is located. The North Shore is an area where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of good old Hawaii.

Compared to the Waikiki area, there is much more untouched nature and a more relaxed atmosphere. The town has cute handmade interior stores, art stores, and restaurants where you can enjoy Hawaiian cuisine, making it fun just to stroll around.

It is a bit far from the airport, but it is one of the areas you should definitely visit when you visit Oahu.

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 31-minute drive north via I-H-1W and I-H-2N.

 

Moanalua Garden

Moanalua Gardens is a huge park located in the southern part of Oahu. It is also famous for the cottage that belonged to Prince Lot (later King Kamehameha V) of the Kamehameha Dynasty.

The park is planted with monkey pods, known as "Hitachi trees.

The Hitachi Tree is a large tree that Hitachi, Ltd. of Japan has used as a corporate symbol since 1973 by paying a royalty fee. In addition to these monkey pods, various plants from around the world have been transplanted to the park, which is popular among local residents as a park rich in nature.

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately an 11-minute drive northeast via HI-92E and Puuloa Rd.

 

Sandbar (Sea of Heaven)

Sandbars are sandy beaches found in the northeastern part of Oahu that emerge from the ocean floor when the tide is low. The sandy beaches that suddenly appear in the ocean are white, extremely beautiful, and truly heavenly.

In fact, this sandy beach was used in a travel agency commercial in Japan and as a filming location for the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". It is truly a beautiful and photogenic sight, and we encourage you to see it in person!

However, since it is a bit difficult to go there on your own, we recommend that you join a tour with a travel agency.

 

Access

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 26-minute drive northeast via HI-63N.

 

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a beach on the North Shore of northern Oahu.

As its name suggests, it is famous for its extremely beautiful sunsets from its 180-degree view of the beach, but it is equally famous as a sacred place for surfing. In winter, many professional surfers gather here because of the many high waves that come in.

Many international surfing competitions such as the "Vans Triple Crown of Surfing" are also held here.

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is a 20-minute drive southeast via I-H-1E.

 

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is located in the northeastern part of Oahu and is a tourist spot where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities. Kualoa Ranch has activities for everyone from young children to the elderly, so there is something to keep you entertained all day long.

For example, there is a wide variety of activities such as horseback riding for a leisurely stroll in the wilderness, swimming at a private beach, and ATV tours. The area has also been used as a filming location for many visual productions, including the famous dramas "Lost" and the movie "Jurassic Park.

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 36-minute drive north via HI-63N and HI-83W.

 

pink pillbox

The Pink Pillbox is a great photo spot along the west coast of Oahu, near the town of Nanakuli, which is a bit difficult to reach by bus, so we recommend renting a car to get there.

At the top of the mountain, about 30-40 minutes up the mountain, is the Pink Pillbox. The entire building is bright pink and easily recognizable. The building itself is a photogenic sight, but the view of the west coast from the top is also very beautiful.

Incidentally, there is a theory that the Pink Pillbox was built to raise awareness of the Pink Ribbon Movement (breast cancer).

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 31-minute drive west via I-H-1W and HI-93W.

 

Kakaako

Kakaako is a photogenic area just outside of Waikiki where the walls are covered with art. This Kakaako hosts an annual art event called "Pow Wow Hawaii" every February. During this event, artists from all over the world paint the walls of the city for about a week.

This means that almost all the wall art is redrawn once a year, so there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the art that is being painted now next year.

All of the art depicted throughout the city is unique and is sure to be Instagram-worthy!

 

Directions from the Airport

From Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, it is approximately a 14-minute drive east via HI-92-E.

 

Five recommended tours

Here are five recommended tours that you should definitely take on Oahu!

 

Sandbar Snorkeling & Sea Turtle Watch Cruise

The boat ride will take you offshore to the heavenly sea, where you can enjoy turtle watching and snorkeling around the sandbar. Snorkeling begins in shallow water, so beginners can participate safely.

You can also rent equipment for kayaking and SUP for free, so you can enjoy the heavenly ocean to the fullest!

 

Horseback Riding Experience A walk on the North Shore seaside

This tour includes a horseback riding tour along the North Shore coast to watch the sunset. Horses are well trained for polo competitions, so even beginners can ride with confidence.

Enjoy a special moment, just like a movie.

 

Hawaii Skydiving

You can experience skydiving from 4,267 meters above the ground. The first minute is free-fall, and the next 5 minutes is a slow parachute descent.

Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor can be seen from above, and Japanese-language guidance is available.

 

Marine sports with clear kayak

Experience banana boating, jet skiing, snorkeling, canoeing, and clear kayaking in Kaneohe Bay.

Transparent kayaks (clear kayaks) are a popular activity for installations.

 

Try stand-up paddle surfing (SUP)!

You can experience SUP at Kailua Beach. You will receive a proper lecture, so don't worry even if you are a beginner.

The tour fee also includes a coupon for lunch and rental of equipment for marine activities, so enjoy your time at the beach to the fullest.

 

summary

In this article, we have introduced Oahu's attractions, airports, transportation, and popular tourist attractions, etc. What do you think?

There are many convenient transportation options and sightseeing spots on the island, so we encourage you to visit Oahu as often as you like and enjoy the charms of each place you visit!

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.