Oahu] What is Waikiki, the most popular place on Oahu? Recommended 7 Sightseeing Spots

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Suddenly, you may be asking yourself, "What do you know about Oahu?

The Hawaiian Islands are one of more than 130 U.S. states, eight of which are inhabited.

Among its inhabited islands, Oahu is the central island of the State of Hawaii with the state capital Honolulu.

Waikiki, one of Oahu's most popular tourist destinations, is a world-class resort destination in every respect: accessibility, location, and quality of spots.

In this issue, we will introduce various information about Waikiki, so let's check it out together.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is an island with an area of 1,545 square kilometers and a population of approximately 980,000 people.

The center of many elements that make up the state of Hawaii, not only tourism but also politics and economics, are concentrated on this island.

Each region has its own unique characteristics, with the North Shore in the north being the most popular surfing sanctuary and tourist spot, and the island is a jewel box of various attractions.

 

How to get to Oahu

One of Oahu's advantages is that there are many ways to access the island from Japan.

There are direct flights from Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and New Chitose airports, and there are many variations of airlines from major airlines such as JAL and ANA to LCCs.

You can choose the flight of your choice and head out on your own, and it is easy to plan flexibly in terms of price range and time frame.

It is easy to plan your itinerary, including your schedule before and after the trip, if you properly check that there is a significant difference in the time required due to the jet stream: approximately 7 hours for the trip to and 9 hours for the trip back.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu offers a variety of elements required for tourism, and they are at a high level.

As mentioned above, accessibility is excellent, natural scenery is beautiful, and the city of Honolulu and other cities are developed and convenient.

It has the laid-back mood of a tropical island, but also offers the excellent services of a sophisticated resort destination.

The nostalgia of being able to enjoy a wide variety of activities is a major attraction, as are the many large-scale commercial facilities.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu has no months throughout the year when the average maximum temperature does not fall below 25°C (77°F).

The island's mild climate, which always has more than a summer day when the weather is fine, makes it suitable to be called an island of everlasting summer, and this warmth nurtures the great nature that is the foundation of tourism.

Needless to say, the location is so favorable that you can spend forever without getting bored, not to mention the nickname of the sparkling blue sea and the warm climate.

The white beaches with palm trees, the symbol of Hawaii, are so beautiful that the word paradise comes to mind.

Oahu also has a wonderful land environment, with natural wonders that can become tourist attractions throughout the island.

Not far from the urban area, there are jungles with rainbows and several mountains where you can easily enjoy mountain climbing.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

It is no wonder that people want to visit this warm and beautiful place no matter what the season, and the number of visitors to Oahu is a whopping 10 million in most years.

Due in part to such phenomenal crowds, Oahu's tourist environment has become much more sophisticated.

Accommodations, including many of the world's leading hotel chains, compete with each other with a full range of services and offer added value beyond just a place to sleep.

Many of the facilities are built in ocean view locations, and the longer you stay on Oahu, the more satisfied you will be with your stay in one of the world's top resort destinations.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Another feature of Oahu is its excellent shopping environment.

Several large shopping centers are lined up in close proximity to each other, and this is a great way to enjoy a full range of shopping.

The stores range from popular high-brand stores to local supermarkets, so there is something for everyone, regardless of your financial situation.

And when it comes to food, Oahu is very good.

From Hawaii's famous loco moco and garlic shrimp to hamburgers with an American feel, the menu offers a wide variety of dishes from around the world at a wide range of prices.

Of course, many of the restaurants are from Japan, so the lineup of gourmet foods is sure to satisfy any palate.

 

What is Waikiki like?

The most popular tourist area in Honolulu on the island of Oahu is Waikiki.

Even if you are not familiar with Hawaii or Oahu, names such as Waikiki Beach are probably familiar to you.

From here, let's take a closer look at the attractions of Waikiki, the center of Oahu tourism.

 

History of Waikiki

I would like to begin by introducing the history of the land of Waikiki.

The word "Waikiki" means "gushing water" in Hawaiian, and is derived from the wetlands where taro fields and fish farms were once located.

In 1795, this battle was the scene of a battle between King Kamehameha I, who attacked from the island of Hawaii, and Grand Chief Kalanikupule, who ruled the island of Oahu.

Waikiki, with its abundance of water, was used as a resort for royalty, and a place called Kavehevehe, still famous as a power spot, was used by royalty for recuperation and other purposes.

It was not until the 20th century that Waikiki became the resort open to the public that it is today.

The area used as rice paddies was not very suitable for sightseeing, as there were many mosquitoes and other pests.

So in 1928, the Ala Wai Canal was built to collectively drain the water stored in the wetlands.

The wetlands were reclaimed, the shoreline was filled with sand, and thus transformed into the beautiful white Waikiki Beach of today.

Although little known today, Waikiki Beach was originally an artificial beach.

 

7 recommended attractions in Waikiki

So, with the history in mind, let's check out the various attractions that Waikiki has to offer.

We have picked out seven great spots for you to visit!

 

Waikiki Beach

Let us begin with the landmark Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach features a long stretch of beach that stretches 3 kilometers in length!

It consists of eight separate areas, with Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the west end and Outrigger Canoe Club Beach on the east.

People continue to come here throughout the year to enjoy the contrast between the extremely beautiful sandy beach and the blue ocean.

 

Recommendations

As the most popular beach, it is well equipped with toilets, showers, changing rooms, and other facilities.

There is a lifeguard on duty, and the sea is calm and the shallow water area is wide, so you can enjoy swimming with peace of mind.

You may also enjoy shopping at the numerous stores along Waikiki Beach.

There is also a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, ranging from those where you can have a proper meal to those where you can take out and eat by the sea.

In addition, the view from the beach is beautiful, and you can see Diamond Head to the east.

 

Access

The beach's prominent location in Waikiki and its long distance of 3 km will make it easy to get to without getting lost from anywhere.

There are signs posted throughout the city, so it is easy to get there on foot, by rental car, or by any other means of transportation.

If you are heading there by bus, the shortest route is to get off at the intersection of Kuhio and Kaiulani streets.

 

Royal Hawaiian Center

Next, check out the Royal Hawaiian Center, a large shopping center that supports Waikiki shopping.

There are many shopping centers on Oahu, but this is one of the best located in the heart of Waikiki.

With a total area of approximately 28,800 square meters, it is one of the largest shopping centers in Waikiki.

 

Recommendations

A large number of stores, more than 110 in number, are tenants in the very large site.

Famous high-end brands such as Cartier, Ferragamo, and Tiffany & Co. are all here.

There is a large food court and other eating and drinking establishments, and more interestingly, the center hosts lively events, including musical events.

Free lessons in traditional culture, such as ukulele and lei making, are also offered, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of variations.

Open from 11:00 to 20:00, it is a great place to stop by on your way home from playing in the ocean.

 

Access

Royal Hawaiian Center is located on Kalakaua Avenue, the main street of Waikiki.

It is the largest street, so there are many options for access, and it is easily accessible on foot from within Waikiki.

 

Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Duke Kahanamoku Beach, the westernmost of the Waikiki beaches, is located in front of a famous resort hotel and boasts very beautiful scenery.

It is one of the most popular of the eight Waikiki Beach areas, having been ranked the best beach in the United States in 2014.

Incidentally, the beach is named after Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary surfer who was also a renowned Olympic athlete.

 

Recommendations

What makes this place especially good in Waikiki Beach is that it is very safe, thanks to its location in front of a resort hotel.

Oahu is a glamorous resort area, but it is also a foreign country, so security may be a concern compared to Japan.

Walking alone, especially at night, is generally best avoided, but this beach is very safe, even at night.

You can relax and enjoy Oahu's seaside at night.

 

Access

To access Duke Kahanamoku Beach, the western end of Waikiki Beach, head toward Ala Moana Center from Waikiki.

You can reach the parking lot by heading left from a location called Hobron Lane at or beyond Kahanamoku Street and then turning left again on Holomoana Street.

If you are heading there by bus, you can take bus No. 8, 19, 20, 23, or 42 from the bus stop on the mountain side of Kuhio Street.

 

Ala Wai Yacht Harbor

Ala Wai Yacht Harbor is a yacht mooring located between Ala Moana and Waikiki, where there is a large shopping center.

In Waikiki, where the ocean is beautiful, many locals own yachts and cruisers.

Although it may seem like an out-of-the-way spot for tourists, the rows of boats docked there give it a rather exotic feel.

 

Recommendations

This is a very popular walking course, and the open mood colored by the shimmering blue sea gives it the freshness that only a seaside town can offer.

The view of the boats and the ocean breezes will give you a taste of the splendor of Oahu's unique location.

This spot should be visited not only during the daytime, but also at dusk.

It is also well known for its sunsets, and you can witness some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island of Oahu.

 

Access

As when going to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, turn left at Hobron Lane and you will soon see Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.

Buses take the same service, and if you get off at the Hobron Lane intersection, it is a short walk from there.

 

Takahashi Fruit Store

When strolling in the warmth of Waikiki, there are often moments when you suddenly have a craving for something cold.

Takahashi Kajiten is a sweet store you may want to stop by at such times.

Cut fruits and sorbets are popular here, and you will encounter exquisite sweets that will surely relieve your fatigue.

 

Recommendations

As the name suggests, the Takahashi Fruit Shop is run by Mr. Takahashi, a Japanese national.

The restaurant has been in business here since shortly after the war, and it is still a popular family-run business that maintains a homey atmosphere.

Especially popular are mango and other tropical fruit sorbets, which are fresh and full of tropical flavor, as if the fruit had been chilled and hardened.

And because it is so hearty, even the biggest eaters will be satisfied!

 

Access

Takahashi Fruit Shop is located on Beach Walk, a street slightly west of the center of Waikiki.

It is located between two hotels, Trump International Hotel and Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki.

Although the location is good, the restaurant is tucked away and difficult to find from a car, so we recommend visiting on foot.

 

 Kapiolani Beach Park

Located on the ocean side of Kapiolani Park, east of Waikiki, Kapiolani Beach Park is a relatively relaxing beach among the crowded Waikiki beaches.

Also called Queen's Beach, the name comes from a restaurant called Queen's Surf that used to operate in front of the beach.

This is a highly recommended spot for those who do not like the lively atmosphere of tourist spots.

 

Recommendations

Some areas of this beach are slightly narrower than others, but this has the advantage of avoiding crowds.

It is also known for its good waves and is very suitable for challenging activities such as bodyboarding.

Surfers can be seen enjoying surfing offshore, and you can experience the unique location of Oahu.

 

Access

If you follow Kalakaua Avenue in the direction of the Honolulu Zoo, you will reach Kapiolani Beach Park.

From the center of Waikiki, it will be accessible on foot without any problems.

If you are heading from the west side of Waikiki, you can take bus numbers 8, 19, or 20 to get there.

 

Kalakaua Avenue

The last spot I would like to introduce is Kalakaua Avenue, the main street that forms the core of Waikiki.

This Kalakaua Avenue is more than just a road.

The area is lined with numerous commercial facilities, making it a must-see destination for tourists.

 

Recommendations

On Kalakaua Avenue stands the Royal Hawaiian Center, which I mentioned above.

Not only that, but the International Marketplace, Luxury Row, and even the duty-free T Galleria and the Waikiki Beach Walk on a slightly curving streak.

The main feature of the centers is that they are lined with several attractive centers, each with a different personality.

If you come to Waikiki for sightseeing, you will pass through this area without even being aware of it, but we encourage you to be aware of it and visit multiple commercial establishments.

 

Access

Kalakaua Avenue is the most major street, making it easily accessible from anywhere in Waikiki.

 

Activity experiences are popular on Oahu

Now, if we talk about tourism on Oahu, it is impossible not to discuss the activities that are the most important part of the island.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the natural beauty of Oahu is so much more than just land, sea, and sky.

As a way to enjoy such a wonderful Oahu location, activities have become very popular as the main content of sightseeing.

 

Popular Activities on Oahu

Let me now introduce some of the most popular activities on Oahu.

All of them are mind-bogglingly wonderful, so please take the time to view them!

 

snorkeling

Oahu's beautiful ocean is home to many marine activities, but one of the most competitive is snorkeling, which involves swimming in the ocean with a snorkel.

In addition to a snorkel for breathing and visibility, participants need only a pair of fins for swimming and a wetsuit or rash guard for body protection.

In particular, the ocean is easily accessible from the city of Waikiki, and the entire island is warm even in winter, making it easy to participate in snorkeling without feeling self-conscious.

 

Reasons for popularity

Snorkeling is an activity in which the diver wears a snorkel, which consists of a pair of underwater glasses and a tube for breathing in one piece.

The snorkel allows us to breathe air from the sea without lifting our face immersed in the water.

This provides a greater sense of immersion than mere swimming.

Underwater glasses give you a clear view of Oahu's clear waters, and we guarantee that you will let out a sigh of relief just looking at the scenery.

There are no detailed rules for this activity, so you can enjoy it the way you want!

 

diving

Along with snorkeling, diving is one of the most popular marine activities.

Although snorkeling and diving are often thought of as similar activities because of the competitive nature of diving in the ocean, they are actually very different in nature.

The most significant difference is that, unlike snorkeling, a license is required to participate in diving.

 

Reasons for popularity

Compared to snorkeling, diving is considerably more heavily equipped with more than 10 different items, including oxygen tanks and regulators.

Although the outfit is so stuffy that it is difficult to walk on the ground, it allows the diver to breathe oxygen from an oxygen tank even underwater.

If you want to dive deeper, for longer periods of time, and enjoy the underwater beauty of Oahu, you may want to consider joining this program.

Basically, this activity requires a license, but even beginners can participate if they join a tour titled "Experience Diving.

 

SUP

Have you heard about SUP, an activity loved all over the world?

Stand Up Paddle Board, or SUP for short, is an activity that involves floating a board on the water, standing on it, and balancing on it.

This activity, which evolved from surfing, is actually said to have originated on Waikiki Beach.

Although it may sound challenging when you hear that it is based on surfing, it is a very simple activity that can be enjoyed by anyone.

 

Reasons for popularity

Boards used for SUP are either surfboards or boards specially designed for SUP, both of which have a fairly large size in common.

Its advantage is that it is highly stable and does not tip over when agitated by a few waves.

However stable it may be, standing on the swaying waves is a highly effective exercise, and many people love it because of its core-strengthening effects.

It is also perfect for taking souvenir photos of your trip, as it is very photogenic in its activity.

Why not try SUP for the first time in the real Waikiki?

 

Canoe/Kayak

You may have a vague idea about canoeing and kayaking.

It is an activity that involves paddling a small boat on the ocean, river, or lake with a paddle, and is easy to maneuver and very friendly.

It is one of the most popular activities on the island of Oahu, as well as in Japan.

 

Reasons for popularity

Canoes and kayaks are so-called rowboats, but they have propulsive force and a stable center of gravity, so the burden on the paddler is slight.

Since this is an activity on the water, those who cannot swim may shy away from it, but since life jackets are worn on the ride, there is no problem even if you cannot swim.

The experience of taking a small boat ride on the tranquil waters of Oahu is a unique and relaxing experience that is guaranteed to ease the fatigue of body and soul.

One of the features of the boats is that they can accommodate two people, so families, friends, and lovers will surely be able to strengthen their bond with each other.

 

cruising

If you want to fully experience the resort-like atmosphere of Oahu, why not take a cruising tour?

A variety of daytime, evening, and nighttime hours are available, and the different locations at each ocean are a major attraction.

Of course, there is no need to worry about physical fitness since all you have to do is ride on the boat, and the fact that it can be enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly is one of its attractions.

 

Reasons for popularity

The view of Oahu's ocean from the beach is of course wonderful, but the ocean from the water, with nothing to block the view, shows a different kind of beauty.

Particularly popular are the evenings, when cruisers are privileged to watch the sun set at the end of the horizon from the top of the boat.

In addition, since cruising is popular here, there is a wide variety of tours, from those that include food and drinks to those that feature singing and dancing shows.

If you want to enjoy a rich Oahu vacation, why not spend a blissful time on a cruise?

 

skydiving

When you visit Oahu, you want to enjoy not only the ocean but also the beautiful blue tropical sky.

Skydiving, which in everyday life is seen only in variety, is one of the most common and popular activities on Oahu.

If you are brave enough to dive from the sky, you will experience a great sense of exhilaration and accomplishment while savoring the spectacular view.

 

Reasons for popularity

The altitude at which you start skydiving is more than 4,000 meters above the ground.

Although it is a dizzying height, you will not be jumping alone, but will be accompanied by a skilled instructor, so you can dive with peace of mind.

Skydiving tours on Oahu have been accident-free for many years, so you can play with less risk.

By looking down from far above Oahu, where beautiful scenery is scattered not only on the ocean but also on the land, you will be able to feel the charm of the island with your whole body.

 

parasailing

Although safe, skydiving may still be scary for some people.

For those people, I would like to recommend parasailing, where you can enjoy the view from the sky by flying high above the sea with the momentum of a water bike towing you.

The altitude here is about 150 meters at the highest, and compared to the 4,000-meter altitude, it may still seem like an easier challenge.

 

Reasons for popularity

Even though it is lower than 4,000 m, reaching 150 m above the ground is not something that happens very often in daily life.

Of course, the altitude is high enough to enjoy the scenery, and if you fly over the ocean while gliding, you can take your time to look out over the ocean and island locations.

The tropical sun is most pleasant, and the sea breeze together makes it more exhilarating.

It is a recommended activity that is as much fun as skydiving!

 

riding horse

How about trying horseback riding as an activity that allows you to relax and enjoy the landscapes of Oahu?

In Japan, it is not easy to get the opportunity to do horseback riding in daily life, so you may feel that it is something that is remote and difficult to do.

However, it is one of the most popular casual activities on Oahu.

 

Reasons for popularity

First of all, it may be difficult to imagine the experience of riding a horse, but it is said that the general viewpoint height while riding a horse is about 2.4 meters.

You can see the whole area from a higher vantage point than you can imagine, and together with the sensation of the horse stepping on the ground with each step, you are guaranteed to feel a unique sense of comfort.

Of course, the staff will come with you, so you do not have to operate the horses yourself.

We hope you will try this extraordinary experience that can only be had on the island of Oahu, where everything you see is so beautiful.

 

trekking

Although Oahu is an island, it is home to a number of beautiful and climbable famous peaks.

How about trying trekking to enjoy these mountains?

Many people may not be familiar with the term "trekking," but it is safe to assume that this is the Japanese term for mountain climbing.

If anything, trekking is an activity where the goal is not necessarily to reach the summit, but to enjoy the mountain path as if it were a hike.

 

Reasons for popularity

Oahu is full of trekking spots that even beginners can easily try.

Diamond Head, a landmark of Oahu that can be reached from Waikiki, is so well maintained that handrails have been installed along the entire trail, and it is very popular because it is easy for anyone to climb.

The Pilbox Trail, which takes visitors around the pillboxes and former military watchtowers, is also popular and provides a refreshing way to enjoy the scenic mountain paths.

Although you may be nervous about mountain climbing abroad, there are no rules for trekking, so if you feel it is too hard, you can take a short walk along the mountain path from the entrance and come back.

Why not immerse yourself in the wilderness of Oahu, taking only the safest precautions?

 

zipline

The last activity we would like to introduce is the zip line, a new type of activity in which visitors glide along a wire between tall trees, using pulleys set up along the wire.

This is a very popular activity on Oahu because of its speed.

This is another activity that can be enjoyed only with the help of Oahu's magnificent nature, and can be actively enjoyed under the glorious tropical sunshine while admiring the beauty of the trees and greenery.

 

Reasons for popularity

The longest zipline course is 1 km long, and the exhilaration of gliding down such a long, exhilarating course is wonderful.

Basically, all you have to do is surrender yourself to the installed wires and pulleys, so there is no need for physical strength or skill, and children can easily participate in this activity because it does not require physical strength or athletic ability.

One of the main attractions is that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, with few gender or age restrictions.

It is a must-do activity if you are visiting Oahu!

 

Five recommended tours

Oahu is a very easy place to visit, but even so, there are many uncertainties when traveling abroad without familiarity with the area.

Some areas may be more dangerous than others, and you may feel exhausted if you try to follow the entire itinerary on your own.

Also, when participating in activities, they may find it difficult to complete the procedures and registration.

In such a case, you should definitely rely on an activity tour that will arrange your participation in activities and transportation in detail.

If you join a tour, you can enjoy a comfortable trip because they will take care of all the troublesome procedures that accompany your trip for you.

We have picked out five recommended activity tours below, so please check them out carefully!

 

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

This tour features snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, one of the most beautiful bays on Oahu, where you can enjoy snorkeling to your heart's content.

The relaxing schedule allows visitors to stay for up to five hours and enjoy underwater swimming until they are satisfied with the experience.

There are also plans to prepare meals and wetsuits for you to enjoy during the activities.

 

Horseback Riding Experience A walk on the North Shore seaside

Along with Waikiki Beach, the area known as the North Shore on the northern coast of Oahu is known for its seaside scenery.

This tour allows you to experience horseback riding in a luxurious environment along a beautiful beach that is also a mecca for surfers.

The horses are trained for competitions, so you can enjoy the scenery as well as their cute and friendly appearance.

 

Hawaii Parasailing

If you want to try parasailing, which we introduced earlier, we recommend this tour.

You can choose from heights of 90m, 120m, and 150m, with the most popular being 150m, which offers the best view.

One of the key points of this tour is that you can choose between a pick-up and drop-off or a local meeting point, so you can easily incorporate this tour into your itinerary.

 

Try stand-up paddle surfing (SUP)!

Oahu has numerous beautiful beaches, but one of the best beaches is Kailua Beach, which was named one of the best beaches in the United States in 2019.

This tour is always highly popular, as you can enjoy SUP on such Kailua Beach.

A wide range of plans are available, from beginner to advanced, so you can enjoy yourself freely according to your level!

 

Hawaii Skydiving

As I mentioned earlier, skydiving in Oahu is attractive, but safety is still a concern when you are free-falling from a height of more than 4,000 meters.

This is why we recommend this tour.

We are proud of our many years of accident-free and accident-free operations, and we are ready to take on the challenge of skydiving under the best possible circumstances.

The fact that Japanese-language guidance is provided is also a plus, and the tour is highly reliable in every respect.

 

summary

We have introduced the attractions of Oahu from two perspectives: sightseeing around Waikiki and popular activities.

Everything is so appealing, in fact, that when you visit, you are sure to find yourself gawking at all the things to see.

While it is fun to visit a variety of spots, we recommend that you start by delving deeper into the Waikiki neighborhood!