Oahu] Let's go to Oahu for summer vacation! About Recommended Activities and Tours

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Hawaii is the most popular overseas resort for Japanese people! And when we think of Hawaii, we think of Oahu.

Hawaii is made up of eight major islands, with Oahu being the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, but the most populous, with 80% of the state's population living on this island.

The state office is also located here, making the island the center of politics, economy, and tourism.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is a very prosperous island with an array of major resort hotels and restaurants and many shopping centers. Waikiki in the eastern part of the city has a forest of hotels, condominiums, shopping centers, etc., and is known as one of the world's leading resort areas, and is frequently visited by celebrities and entertainers.

On the other hand, there is still plenty of nature that is unique to Hawaii, making it an island where you can enjoy both urban fun and relaxing time in the great outdoors.

The main facilities are concentrated in Honolulu, on the southeastern coast of the island, where the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and harbor are also located, serving as a hub for connections to other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago.

 

How to get to Oahu

There are direct flights from New Chitose Airport, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Central Japan International Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Fukuoka Airport to Honolulu Airport on the island of Oahu.

The flight time is approximately 6 to 7 hours.

 

Attractions of Oahu

The island of Oahu is an exquisite blend of Native Hawaiian traditions and values with Eastern and Western cultures, and a fascinating blend of the old and the new. The island is home to the urban cityscape of Honolulu, the world-class resorts of Waikiki, and the cozy town of Haleiwa, which serves as the gateway to the North Shore.

Kailua Beach is popular for its crystal clear waters and sugar powder white sands. Diamond Head, the symbol of Hawaii.

The most extensive shopping area in Hawaii is also located here on Oahu. You will never get bored even if you stay here for a long period of time, as there are a wide range of activities to suit your style.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu is an island where beautiful beaches and powerful nature coexist. Not only can you enjoy marine sports under the bright sunshine on the beautiful beaches represented by Waikiki Beach and Kailua Beach, but you can also enjoy the bounty of nature such as Diamond Head and Koko Head Trail.

The climate is warm and mild throughout the year, so you can enjoy the sea and nature without any worries any time of the year.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Hawaii is a world-famous resort destination, dotted with many attractive luxury hotels.

It is also perfect for shopping enthusiasts, as many of the stores are stylish and upscale.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu is dotted with shopping centers of all sizes. Each one offers different items and atmosphere, so it is a great pleasure to visit different shopping centers. The restaurants are also diverse and of high quality, so even the most discerning gourmet will be satisfied.

You can enjoy not only Japanese cuisine, but also Italian and Hawaiian cuisine, and other original dishes using Hawaiian ingredients. You can choose from popular local restaurants, restaurants with a great view, and restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere to suit your mood.

 

Let's go to Oahu for summer vacation!

Summer vacation is coming soon!

How about a major holiday weekend to relax on the beautiful beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, and relieve stress with a shopping spree?

 

Summer Vacation Fun

Many of you are probably fed up with the dank heat typical of Japanese summers every year. This summer vacation, why don't you venture out of Japan and spend your time in tropical Hawaii?

On the island of Oahu, where the heat is pleasantly cool, you can enjoy a day full of marine sports and a lot of shopping.

 

Summer is in full swing! Enjoy the Ocean of Oahu!

Dazzling sunshine, blue ocean and sky, white clouds and sand, green grass and rows of palm trees. ...... This is truly a tropical beach.

Whether you take an early morning stroll along the beach in the sparkling morning sun or watch a romantic sunset with a beer in your hand, the waters of Oahu are sure to lift your spirits just by looking at them.

 

Enjoy a wide variety of activities

However, it would be a shame to just look at the ocean. Oahu's waters offer a variety of marine activities.

You should try it even if you have no experience in marine activities, because there are emotions and excitement that can only be experienced here.

 

Best Season for Marine Activities

The best time to do marine activities is from May to August. May is the best season because it has the least amount of precipitation of the year. The cool summer temperatures with low humidity are pleasant.

Don't forget a hat and sunscreen, as the temperatures in June are high and the days are midsummer. In July and August, when summer days with typical Hawaiian temperatures last longer, it is recommended to go to the North Shore or other areas a little farther away to participate in marine activities until dusk.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots

 

Waikiki Beach

First is the classic Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is the collective name for eight beaches stretching approximately three kilometers from Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the west side, where Ala Moana Center is located, to Kaimana Beach on the east side, where Diamond Head is located.

To the north, the Ala Wai Canal runs through the area, separating the local area from the tourist area where the beach is located. Originally, Waikiki Beach did not have a sandy beach, but was an artificial beach created in the 1920s and 1930s by transporting white sand from the North Shore and other areas.

Since the sand was taken by the waves to the sea, the beach was widened by more than 10 meters in 2011 by replenishing the sand, and the beautiful sandy beach scenery has been maintained as a tourist attraction.

 

Waikiki Beach Access

It is accessible on foot from many parts of Waikiki. From Hilton Hawaiian Village or Ala Moana, take bus #8, #19, #20, etc. to Waikiki, get off at the intersection of Kuhio Avenue and Kaiulani Ave. and walk a few minutes toward the ocean side.

 

diamond head

This is Diamond Head, another Oahu sightseeing staple. Diamond Head, which looks like a mountain, is an extinct volcano that erupted long ago.

The central portion is cratered and hollowed out, and a trail leads to the summit, which is a popular tourist attraction that attracts many visitors daily. The trail leading to the top of Diamond Head was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army's coastal defense installation.

Near the top of the mountain, there is a four-story artillery control station, an observation post, and other structures that show the remnants of military facilities, making it a trekking spot where both nature and history can be enjoyed.

 

Access to Diamond Head

If you take The Bus, take the number 23 from Kuhio Street and get off at the bus stop with a sign that says "Diamond Head State Monument".

If you rent a car, you can drive from Kalakaua Avenue to Monsarrat Avenue and Diamond Head Road through the tunnel to the parking lot inside the crater.

 

Manoa Valley

Away from Waikiki, Manoa Valley is called "Rainbow Valley" in Hawaiian. This is a spot where you can take a walk through the pristine rainforest and feel the energy of the mystical forest while being bathed in the negative ions nurtured by nature.

As you step into the forest, you will feel the cool air and smell the trees. Listen to the murmur of the Waihi River flowing on your right as you make your way toward Manoa Falls at the far end.

At Manoa Falls, you can see the view of the 35-meter-long waterfall during the season when the water volume is high. You can see another attraction of Oahu, not only the blue ocean.

 

Manoa Valley Access

By car, the trip from the center of Waikiki to the Manoa Falls parking lot takes about 20 minutes. The parking lot is located right next to the entrance to the Manoa Falls trekking trail and is called "Manoa Falls Trail Parking.

By bus, get off at the bus stop "Manoa Rd+Opp Kumuone St." (the last stop), which is the closest to the Manoa Falls trekking trail.

 

Kualoa Ranch

One of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors in Honolulu is Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre expanse of land surrounded by prairie, spectacular mountain ranges, and private beaches.

Because of its magnificent scenery, it is often used as a filming location for Hollywood movies and commercials. It is a popular spot for movie fans, with movie location tours being held to visit the filming sites.

There are many fun activities that take advantage of nature, such as a "horseback riding tour" that takes you around the spectacular scenery on horseback, a "jungle expedition tour" that gives you the feeling of exploring in a jeep, and a "zip line tour" that takes you down an exhilarating ride while enjoying the view of the valley.

In addition, there are a variety of activities to enjoy the ocean and packages that combine multiple activities, so you can spend all day there and never get bored.

 

Kualoa Ranch Access

From Waikiki, take bus #8, 19, 20, 23, 24, or 42 and transfer to bus #60 (usually one every 30 minutes) at Ala Moana Shopping Center.
It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

 

Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a beach located within a nature preserve called Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, which was once voted the No. 1 beach in the United States. There are many beautiful beaches in Hawaii, but Hanauma Bay is famous as one of the most popular snorkeling spots.

You cannot take your eyes off the colorful fish dancing in the crystal clear waters, which can only be seen here. Because the beach is designated as a nature reserve, its appearance and use are strictly controlled. That is how well the scenery of the beach is protected.

It is a beautiful beach in every sense of the word, with a solid blend of nature conservation and resort.

 

Access to Hanauma Bay

The bus from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay is number 22, with "22 The Beach Bus" written on the destination.

There are two bus stops at Hanauma Bay, one in front of the entrance and the other in the parking lot, but getting off at the "Hanauma Bay Nature Park" bus stop in the parking lot is the closest to the beach.

 

Recommended Activities

 

snorkeling

If you have come all the way to Oahu, you cannot leave without enjoying the beautiful ocean. Oahu has many popular snorkeling spots, and many tours are offered.

Among the many marine sports available, snorkeling is an activity that anyone can easily enjoy, as it allows you to observe the mysterious beauty of coral and colorful, cute fish up close.

Once you dive into the ocean, you will find a mysterious world of colorful fish that you have never seen before. If you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles.

 

Snorkeling Recommendations

Hanauma Bay, a designated marine sanctuary, is an excellent snorkeling spot. The shallow waters are visited by colorful fish, making it a great place for those who want to get up close and personal with the fish.

Kailua Beach, considered the most beautiful beach on Oahu, has white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters in the shallows, and is especially recommended for snorkeling beginners. There is also a beautiful coral reef nearby, where tropical fish and sea turtles can be seen.

Sandbar is a fantastic beach that appears off Kaneohe Bay in the North Shore area, surrounded by a 360-degree ocean. It is a sandy beach that floats in the emerald green ocean at low tide, and the waves are gentle enough for even beginners to enjoy.

Shark's Cove, also on the North Shore, is a relatively empty spot due to its cavernous location. After passing Waimea Bay, you will see Foodland on your right, and Shark's Cove is the rocky beach in front of you.

 

diving

Another typical marine activity is diving. Even those who do not have a diving license can easily enjoy diving, and instructors will carefully support you in the experience diving. During the underwater swim, the instructor will hold your hand, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.

First-timers, as well as women and small children, can easily experience it. You can see beautiful coral reefs and schools of colorful tropical fish.

 

Diving Recommendations

Diving offers different sights depending on the area you dive. Canyons is a reef off the coast of Waikiki that is home to many sea turtles. The maximum depth is 8 meters, and the current is gentle and the visibility is excellent, so even beginners can enjoy diving with ease.

The friendly sea turtles do not run away when they see people and will let you take a two-shot photo with them. Spitting Cave is a highly satisfying spot where you can see green turtles, white tips, and many other types of marine life.

Although the water is not that deep (10 to 20 meters), it is a spot for advanced divers because of the large waves that tend to form. If you are lucky, you may see a Hawaiian monk seal (seal), making this spot a treasure trove of underwater life. Corsair is an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 31 meters, where American fighter planes lie on the ocean floor.

Little of its original form remains, but it is now a hiding place for corals and shortnose wrasses. Transparency is stable, and garden eels can be seen feeding around the wreck.

 

SUP

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is an activity in which, as the name suggests, one stands on a large board and paddles to move on the surface of the ocean or river. It is a healthy sport that is easy to enjoy for everyone from children to seniors.

Walking on the beautiful ocean under the dazzling sun and tropical breeze, SUP is one of the most popular marine activities in recent years.

 

SUP Recommendations

SUP is not just about getting around on the water; there are also yoga plans that take place on SUP boards and night courses where you can enjoy the ocean at night, lit by the stars and moonlight.

The best places to experience this are Haleiwa and Kailua beaches on the North Shore.

 

cruising

If you come to Hawaii, you should definitely join a cruise. Sunset cruises are especially popular.

The mystical view of a large sunset sinking into the horizon is a moving experience. You will realize that the earth is round.

 

Cruising Recommendations

There are many cruising tours on Oahu where you can watch the sunset, night sky, and fireworks while having dinner. The sunset over the ocean is breathtakingly beautiful and makes for a perfect Hawaiian evening.

There are a variety of plans, from luxury cruises with shows and authentic French dinners to casual tours with cocktails and drinks only. Enjoy tropical sunsets and starry skies according to your budget and time.

 

skydiving

For an exciting experience, why not take the plunge and try skydiving? You can view the beautiful island and the ocean while falling with a scream from an altitude of 4,000 meters.

The thrill and excitement of gradually approaching the ground will be a memory that will last a lifetime. You can participate in this tour with a skilled instructor flying with you, so you can feel safe and secure.

 

Skydiving Recommendations

The view below is a spectacular view of Hawaii. From the blue sky to the blue ocean, you can enjoy the green mountains and the brightness of Waikiki from above. If you are not comfortable with a sudden altitude of 4,000 meters, you can choose the 2,000-meter altitude range.

Surrounded by Hawaii's beautiful sky and clear ocean, you will experience the excitement of diving with a mixture of anticipation, nervousness, and excitement! Even if you are scared at first, you will descend slowly from the middle of the dive. By the time you parachute back to the ground, your view of the world may have changed.

 

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

This plan includes a 5-hour stay in beautiful Hanauma Bay and snorkeling in the ocean. The waters of Hanauma Bay are some of the clearest in Hawaii, and you can see many species of fish in the shallows.

 

summary

Oahu is the most visited island in Hawaii, with Waikiki, with its blend of beach and city, and Kailua, with its cafes and grocery stores.

If this is your first trip to Hawaii, we recommend Oahu. Beaches, shopping, dining, spas and golf! Oahu has so much to offer that it is sure to entice everyone to visit.