Oahu] Let's go to Oahu during Silver Week! About Recommended Activities and Tours

 

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii is the most familiar foreign resort destination for Japanese people.

Also known as an everlasting summer paradise, it consists of eight major islands, most notably Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii.

In this issue, we will introduce Oahu, one of the most familiar islands to the Japanese.

 

What is Oahu like?

The reason why you hear the term "Oahu" so often is because Honolulu, the capital of the state of Hawaii, is located there.

And there are many famous spots such as Waikiki Beach, historic Chinatown, and Diamond Head.

It is also the third largest of the Hawaiian islands.

 

How to get to Oahu

There are many direct flights from Japan, and flights that take off at night (Japan time) and arrive early in the morning (local time) are especially popular.

The average flight time from Japan to Oahu is about 7 hours and 20 minutes.

The fact that Oahu is accessible from Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Kansai International Airport, Chubu International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and other major airports in Japan may be the reason why many people choose Oahu as their travel destination.

 

Attractions of Oahu

We would like to introduce the charms of Oahu, one of the most popular islands in the state of Hawaii, which is made up of several islands.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

The average annual temperature in Hawaii is about 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, so no matter what time of year you visit, you can enjoy the warm and beautiful ocean and beaches.

In addition to the ocean, Oahu also offers a wide variety of hiking and other mountain activities.

The vast expanse of nature is everywhere you look in 360 degrees, and you will be thrilled just to see the cityscape in harmony with nature.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu is one of the world's most popular resort areas, visited not only by Japanese but also by tourists from all over the world.

Waikiki Beach stretches for about three kilometers, with many restaurants and stores behind it, and the entire city is truly made for tourists.

Other beaches include Kailua Beach, located in the northeast part of the island, which was once voted the No. 1 beach in the U.S. It is a very beautiful place with few tourists, so it is recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

One of the most popular shopping destinations on Oahu is the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

With 350 stores and restaurants, it is the largest shopping facility in Hawaii, where you can find not only souvenirs, but also jewelry and brand-name products.

Of course, you can enjoy the whole day just walking around inside and looking around without making a purchase, and you will find many local delicacies.

 

Silver Week on Oahu

Silver Week is gradually becoming popular, especially in Hawaii, where the peak summer season is just over and there are fewer tourists, so visitors can enjoy the beaches and shopping at their leisure.

Also, the Aloha Festival is held right around this time, so there will be a parade and many stores along the road.

 

Advantages of traveling during Silver Week

Travel costs during Silver Week are much lower than during peak periods.

Also, since it is before the rainy season, the weather is stable and the climate is pleasant, so many people dare to travel during this period.

Let's take a look at what the benefits are.

 

Comfortable climate and easy to spend time in.

Although Hawaii is warm all year round, in the latter half of September, morning and evening temperatures drop a bit.

The daytime sun is also weaker than in July and August, and you will feel comfortable spending time on the beach.

 

Various activities can be enjoyed

There are numerous activities and tours offered in Hawaii.

However, in the high season of travel, it is often not possible to do this without planning ahead, as the tour you wanted to go on is already sold out.

That said, it is easier to make reservations during the Silver Week and fewer people are participating in the activities, so you can enjoy the activities more carefully and communicate with the guides a lot more, which makes it a good value.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots for Silver Week

There are many tourist attractions on Oahu, so it is best to do your research well in advance and plan your tour accordingly.

However, many people say that it is difficult to decide because they are all so attractive, so we would like to introduce some of our recommended tourist spots.

 

diamond head

Diamond Head is an indispensable point of interest for Hawaii's spectacular viewpoints.

Diamond Head is 230 meters above sea level, so you don't have to wear serious mountaineering attire to climb it.

 

Recommendations

The best part of Diamond Head is the spectacular view from the top.

Check the time of sunset and sunrise before you climb, so you can soak in the grandeur of the city as it is illuminated by the sun.

 

Access

It is approximately 19 km from Honolulu Airport and 6 km from the center of the city from Waikiki.

The easiest way to get to Diamond Head from Waikiki is to take The Bus #23.

The Waikiki Trolley also runs, and here you can reach Diamond Head by taking the Green Line.

 

Kualoa Ranch

Located in the northeast of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch offers spectacular natural scenery and a variety of activities, and is also famous as a filming location for movies.

It is also a popular power spot and well worth a visit.

 

Recommendations

First, we recommend a horseback riding tour.

You will tour the Ka'ava Valley from a high point overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and if you are lucky, you may even see whales while riding your horse.

Next, how about a movie location tour?

This tour takes you to the filming locations of popular movies and dramas such as Jurassic World, Godzilla and Lost.

You will enjoy these films more if you see them before your trip.

There are many more, so if you are interested, please check them out.

 

Access

If you sign up for a tour that includes transportation, you will be picked up at major hotels.

The trip takes about 50 minutes, and this is the same by car.

If you take The Bus, you can transfer to No. 60 at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, but it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

 

North Shore

The North Shore is an idyllic region in the northern part of Oahu.

Pineapple plantations stretch out at both ends of the freeway, and once you pass through them, the blue ocean is all around you.

Enjoy the North Shore while feeling the relaxed atmosphere of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

If you visit the North Shore, you might want to visit the North Shore Marketplace.

It is one of Haleiwa's representative shopping malls, with many photogenic buildings and walls that can be enjoyed even without shopping.

You can also stop by the Coffee Gallery, Haleiwa's famous coffee specialty store, for a rest stop, or taste colorful Hawaiian ice cream at Matsumoto Shave Ice, which has been in business for more than 60 years.

 

Access

From Waikiki, head first to the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

You can then reach the North Shore by taking the 52 bus stop on the mountain side of the Ala Moana Shopping Center toward Haleiwa.

If you are renting a car, take the Kamehameha Highway from Honolulu via the freeway.
Once you reach Kamehameha Highway, continue north on the road toward Dole Plantation and on to the town of Haleiwa, where you will find the North Shore.

 

Sunset Beach

A famous beach on the North Shore is Sunset Beach.

As the name suggests, the sunset can be seen very beautifully. There is nothing to block the view, and the ocean stretches out before you for the 180th time, and when the sun begins to set there, the whole area is lit up in red.

It is popular with couples and offers a very romantic time.

 

Recommendations

In winter, the waves are high and rough, making it a popular spot for surfers, but summer is the best time to spend time relaxing because the waves are very calm in summer.

Thus, the Silver Week period is also the last chance before winter sets in.

You can go there in the evening, but even during the daytime, you can fully enjoy the beautiful coastline of the North Shore and the exposed beaches all around.

 

Access

If you are taking The Bus from Waikiki, go to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to the #52 bus and get off at the Haleiwa Beach Park bus stop.

Take bus #55 from the opposite bus stop and get off at the Sunset Beach bus stop.

If you are driving a rental car, you can get there by taking Kamehameha Highway via the freeway from Waikiki and driving for a while toward the bypass at the Haleiwa entrance.

 

Kakaako

Nowadays, many people leave their travel memories on social networking sites, and the Kaka'ako area has become a very popular spot for social networking.

The entire city is decorated with wall art, and the art is a true harmony of Hawaii's natural beauty and colorful tones.

 

Recommendations

The Kakaako district is famous for its artistic wall art, but there is actually much more to see and do.

There is much to discover as you stroll through the entire district, especially the Salt at Our Kakaako, a collection of popular restaurants and cafes, and Down to Earth, which sells natural foods.

 

Access

It is spread out between Ala Moana and downtown Waikiki, about 5 km west of Ala Moana Boulevard from the center of Waikiki.

 

Recommended Activities

There are many places to experience activities on Oahu, and since it is not so crowded during Silver Week, you can take your time and enjoy yourself without worrying about your surroundings.

Let's take a look at what kind of activities are available.

 

snorkeling

Hawaii is all about the ocean, isn't it?

Anyone can enjoy snorkeling in the clear blue ocean on a beautiful sandy beach.

In many places, the waves in Hawaii's waters are calm, so snorkeling can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

 

Recommendations

The best place for snorkeling is Hanauma Bay, which has been designated a marine sanctuary.

With the Hawaiian plateau rising up behind it, children can enjoy the crystal clear emerald blue waters and the many brightly colored fish swimming even in the shallows.

Kailua Beach is also recommended for snorkeling beginners, so those who are not very good swimmers or who are new to snorkeling can practice on this beach.

 

parasailing

Can you imagine seeing Waikiki from above?

If you want to enjoy an exciting activity, parasailing is a good choice.

You can enjoy the great nature with Hawaiian birds from the sky.

 

Recommendations

Parasailing at the Hilton Waikiki offers a great view of Waikiki and Diamond Head, as well as transportation to and from the hotel, so you can enjoy a comfortable time from start to finish.

 

riding horse

There are places where you can go horseback riding in Japan, but horseback riding on the island of Oahu, where you can enjoy the great nature of Hawaii, is full of charm that you cannot find in Japan.

 

Recommendations

Experienced instructors are available, so even beginners can enjoy horseback riding.

You will soon get used to it and will have time to look around.

Riding a horse and exploring the filming location will make you feel as if you were the heroine of the movie.

 

zipline

Few people may have heard of ziplines.

This is a thrilling activity in which visitors slide down a wire rope stretched between trees using pulleys.

 

Recommendations

Seven courses are located on the Kualoa grounds.

Of course, the zip line itself is fun, but you can also enjoy kukui nuts, hibiscus, koa, and other unique Hawaiian plants, making this a spectacular activity to experience and see.

 

cruising

When you look out over the ocean, the mountains, and the city of Oahu from the water, you are reminded of the grandeur of the island.

There are many cruises available for lunch and dinner time, so be sure to join a cruise with a plan you like.

 

Recommendations

The Sunset Dinner Cruise is especially recommended, where you can enjoy Hawaiian cuisine while watching the sunset up close.

On board, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including live music and dance shows.

 

Three recommended tours

Wild Dolphin & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Cruise

This plan offers snorkeling and swimming in the clean waters of Hawaii with dolphins, and with an experienced guide, you have a high chance of seeing dolphins and sea turtles.

 

Horseback Riding Experience Enjoy nature at Kualoa Ranch, a vast site that has been used as a movie location.

This activity allows you to feel the vast nature of Hawaii and enjoy elegant horseback riding. This plan allows you to enjoy Kualoa Ranch, where famous movies such as Godzilla and Jurassic Park were shot.

Also, the view of the Pacific Ocean from this elevated location is spectacular.

 

Diamond Head Hiking & Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

We will feel the clear early morning Hawaiian air as we head for the top of Diamond Head from where we can admire the sunrise.

Afterwards, visitors can enjoy snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, where many fish gather even in shallow waters.

Since the tour ends after noon, you can make good use of your time by experiencing another activity from there, shopping, or resting at your hotel.

 

summary

There is still so much to see and do on Oahu that you will never get tired of no matter how many times you visit.

One of the best things about this city is that you can freely combine and enjoy your plans according to your budget and itinerary.

If you have never been to Hawaii, or even if you have been there many times, there are many island attractions waiting for you that you may not know about.

Please use this as a guide to make the most of your stay in the area.