Oahu] 20 Popular Tourist Attractions on Oahu! An in-depth look at Oahu's recommended tourist destinations!

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Did you know that the center of Hawaii is not the island of Hawaii?

In fact, the word "Hawaii" does not refer to just one island, but to the Hawaiian Islands, which consist of more than 130 islands.

There is also an island called Hawaii, but the central island is Oahu, which includes the state capital, Honolulu.

Honolulu is the political and economic core of the U.S. state of Hawaii.

And in terms of tourism, the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, is still at the core of the region.

In this issue, we would like to give you a thorough introduction to the many attractive tourist destinations that exist on the island of Oahu!

 

What is Oahu like?

First, let's check out some basic information about Oahu.

Oahu has an area of 1,545 square kilometers and a population of approximately 980,000.

The island is larger in area than the main island of Okinawa in Japan, giving it a rather expansive impression.

As befits an island of its size, Oahu offers everything from developed cities to natural wonders, making it an island with a very wide range of attractions.

 

How to get to Oahu

With many air routes from Japan, access to Oahu is relatively easy among overseas destinations.

In addition to Narita and Haneda airports, direct flights are also available from airports in regional cities such as Central Japan International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and New Chitose Airport.

Not only JAL and ANA flights, but also LCC and other flights are available, so you can take the flight that best suits your convenience.

Incidentally, the outbound journey takes about 7 hours, so be sure to plan your arrival in light of this.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu's appeal lies in its diverse resort environment.

The foundation of tourism is supported by the mild climate characteristic of the South Island, with an average maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, even in January, when Oahu is at its coldest throughout the year.

The temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is considered a summer day, so it is truly a land that deserves to be called an island of everlasting summer.

Oahu is also the land of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which established its own culture as the Kingdom of Hawaii until 1893, when it became one of the states of the United States as the State of Hawaii.

Historic sites and culture that remind us of the accumulation of history are still preserved, and will give you a sense of depth as a tourist destination.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Oahu is an island with countless tourist attractions, but the most spectacular of them all are its sparkling blue waters and white, shiny sandy beaches.

There are many beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish to be seen in the ocean, and palm trees that give a tropical feel stand on the sandy beaches.

Beaches with different attractions are scattered in each direction of the island, east, west, north, and south, with Waikiki Beach in Honolulu City and the North Shore on the northern coast being particularly well known and popular.

The island has several other beaches that have been awarded the best beaches in the U.S., which are selected annually, making it a perfect environment if you are looking for ocean fun and sightseeing.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

The waves of people who visit Oahu for its mild climate and superb resort environment never cease throughout the year.

Its value as a winter resort is extremely high, and anyone would be thrilled to find a climate where one can enjoy playing in the sea without problems even when the northern hemisphere is in winter.

There are a number of hotel resorts and other lodging facilities built in preparation for the many visitors, all of which offer sophisticated service.

The number of sights to see and the number of activities to participate in is so vast that it is impossible to experience them all in one trip.

So much so that the island is full of many attractions.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu also offers a variety of shopping and dining options that are essential for sightseeing.

It is characterized by the presence of several very large commercial facilities, led by the Ala Moana Shopping Center, which is located near Honolulu.

These shopping centers offer a wide range of products, from well-known high brands to reasonably priced foodstuffs and daily necessities.

In addition, it is not just a commercial facility, but also a great place to enjoy sightseeing along with shopping, with frequent events held on holidays that give visitors a sense of local culture.

As for dining, Oahu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, and there is a wide variety of food in every possible category.

The menu is full of local delicacies such as loco moco, garlic shrimp, and malasadas, as well as restaurants offering menus from all over the world.

Compared to Japan, the price range for meals is generally higher, but of course there are many reasonably priced fast food restaurants, so if you want to keep food costs down, you should make good use of them.

 

There are many recommended sightseeing spots on Oahu.

Now, sightseeing on Oahu is full of attractions, but it can actually be a source of worry.

One of them is that there are just too many sights to see.

Of course, that is a good thing, but the scale of one of the world's best tourist islands is just so different.

There are so many tourist information magazines, etc., that we hear many happy cries of people not knowing where to turn.

 

Recommended 20 Popular Tourist Spots

We have therefore selected 20 of the most popular tourist destinations, and have picked out spots that are particularly satisfying.

These are all recommended places to visit on a priority basis, so let's check them out carefully in order!

 

Waikiki Beach

I would like to start by looking at Waikiki Beach, one of Oahu's most popular spots.

Waikiki Beach is a long beach, three kilometers long, and is divided into eight areas.

Duke Kahanamoku Beach, the most convenient and popular, is a good environment for swimming and is ideal for tourists.

It is one of the best places for beginners to try surfing, as there are many activities.

If in doubt, it is a good idea to visit here first.

 

Recommendations

Although some of the eight beaches in the chain are not very tourist-friendly, there are a number of other beaches that are highly recommended in addition to Duke Kahanamoku Beach.

Prince Kuhio Beach is famous for its statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary surfer in Hawaii.

The front of the magnificent statue is a great place to take pictures to commemorate your visit to Oahu, and is a popular tourist spot.

There is also a point on Gray's Beach called Kavehevehe, where the confluence of seawater and fresh water and crystal clear water can be seen.

This is a sacred place where ancient Hawaiians used to immerse themselves to heal illness and injury, and you can feel the sacred mood of this power spot.

 

Access

Waikiki Beach is located in the city of Honolulu and is very accessible.

There are signs everywhere, so you can get there on foot or with a rental car without getting lost.

There are many buses heading to the beach, and if you get off at the intersection of Kuhio and Kaiulani streets, the ocean is right next to you.

 

diamond head

Next, I would like to introduce Diamond Head, a landmark of Oahu along with Waikiki Beach.

Diamond Head is a volcano that was still erupting only 30 years ago and is now dormant, but it is still a spot where one can feel the great power of the earth.

It was also the site of a military gun emplacement during the war, and its vantage point is one of the best on Oahu.

 

Recommendations

Diamond Head has gained popularity as a trekking course that can be easily accessed for a $1 entrance fee.

It is a moderate 1.3 km to the summit, and the path is well maintained, with handrails all along the way, making the trek safe and enjoyable.

The summit is not very large, but the great view more than makes up for it, and the comfort of the summit is amplified.

Many people go up for an early morning walk, and the view of the sunrise will surely give you the power you need to get through the day in good spirits!

 

Access

If you are renting a car to go to Diamond Head, go via Kalakaua Avenue, Monsarrat Avenue, and Diamond Head Road.

When you see the chapel on your left and the Diamond Head sign on your right, turn right and you will arrive.

To get there by The Bus, board bus #23 at the bus stop on the ocean side of Kuhio Street.

The bus will take you to the entrance of Diamond Head Crater, where you can get off.

If you take the Waikiki Trolley, choose the Green Line, which is the Diamond Head sightseeing route.

Since this is a free pass purchase, you may be able to save on your trip if you research the route carefully and use it.

 

Manoa Valley

Characterized by its large area and unique topography, the climate and environment of Oahu varies greatly from region to region.

One of the most varied climates is the Manoa Valley, an area further up the mountain side from the University of Hawaii.

What a tropical rainforest is formed, and you can easily experience the great nature nurtured by the humidity.

 

Recommendations

The course that leads to Manoa Falls, located deep in the Manoa Valley, is a very popular trekking spot for tourists and local residents alike.

It is a jungle, so of course there is a large amount of tropical vegetation, but it is well maintained and not dense and eerie.

Often there is a misty rain, which combined with the sunshine of Oahu, often reveals a beautiful rainbow.

Nicknamed "Rainbow City" or "Rainbow Canyon," you are guaranteed to be impressed by the sight.

However, be sure to visit with firm, comfortable walking shoes, as the footing is often muddy.

 

Access

If you are renting a car from Waikiki, first take Kalakaua Avenue toward the mountains.

Turn right on South King Street and then left on Punahou Street, which leads to a road called Manoa Road.

You can then continue straight on until you reach the end of the road, which will take you to Manoa Valley.

Also, if you use the bus, take the No. 5 from Ala Moana Center.

The bus stop at Manoa Valley is the last stop, so it is a very accessible spot.

 

Ala Moana Center

Next up is Ala Moana Center, Hawaii's largest commercial center.

Ala Moana Center is located in the area west of Waikiki Beach, which I mentioned above.

Located right next to Ala Moana Beach and Ala Moana Park, the location outside the facility is also beautiful and resort-like.

 

Recommendations

It is said that Ala Moana Center attracts a total of 53 million shoppers a year, making it a truly monstrous commercial facility.

The main focus is on American department store chains such as Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Target.

The stores are flanked by high-brand stores such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, as well as surf stores and stores specializing in aloha shirts, all of which are typical of Hawaii.

It is interesting to note that not only a supermarket, but also a supermarket for local residents are located in the same facility.

The unique charm of Ala Moana Center is that you can enjoy the local mood as well as the resort tourist stores.

 

Access

Ala Moana Center has a large parking lot and does not charge for parking.

You can reach it simply by traveling west along the ocean from Waikiki Beach, so you should be able to visit easily without getting lost.

If you are taking The Bus, routes 8, 19, 20, 23, 24, 42, and Route E are all bound for Ala Moana Center.

 

North Shore

Oahu is the most popular surfing destination in the world, and the North Shore is considered the surfing mecca of Oahu.

North Shore is not a name that refers to a specific beach, but rather to the northern coastline of Oahu, and the area is dotted with a number of popular beaches.

The three world championships that conclude the pro surfers' season are held on Oahu, and the North Shore waters are the battleground for all of them.

 

Recommendations

The North Shore, in general, changes its appearance with each season, which is a major feature.

In summer, many tourist beaches are calm and suitable for swimming, but in winter, they are transformed into spots with wild high waves.

The North Shore is considered an advanced surf spot and may be too much of a challenge for beginners.

Even if you are not a surfer, you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Oahu by watching the surfers from the beautiful beach.

 

Access

If you are driving from Waikiki by rental car, you can reach the North Shore via the H1, H2, and Kamehameha Highway.

If you are taking a bus, you can take the number 52 at the bus stop on Kapiolani Street + Piikoi Street near Ala Moana Center and go directly to the North Shore.

 

Moanalua Garden

Have you ever heard of the Hitachi tree, familiar from the TV commercial "Kono Ki na Ki na Ki Ni Naru Ki" (What kind of tree is this tree?

That's a type of tree called a monkeypod, which is a member of the nemecki tree family that is mainly native to South America.

The actual tree used in the Hitachi Tree commercial can be seen at Moanalua Garden, located about 30 minutes from Waikiki.

 

Recommendations

Moanalua Gardens was owned by the Kamehameha royal family, who ruled the former Kingdom of Hawaii.

The Kamehameha royal family's villa still remains in the garden, and you can also see where the first agricultural crops were grown on Oahu.

Since food is essential for an island community to exist, this location, the starting point of agriculture, is an important turning point in Oahu's history.

Many plants from around the world have been gathered to color such an important land, and Hitachi trees are planted here as part of this collection.

Moanalua Gardens, with its deep history and refreshing natural scenery, is a highly recommended spot.

 

Access

Car rental is recommended for access to Moanalua Gardens.

From Waikiki via Highway H1, H201 West, and EXIT-19B.

Continue in the direction of Puuloa Road and Tripler Hospital, exit at EXIT 3, and the entrance to Moanalua Gardens is just around the corner.

It is possible to take The Bus, but it is not recommended because the distance to the bus stop on the way there, but not on the way back, is quite far.

It is better to use a rental car to get around as much as possible.

 

Hanauma Bay

Oahu has several beaches that have been ranked as the best beaches in the U.S., but one spot that deserves special mention is Hanauma Bay.

This place was awarded the number one spot twice, in 2004 and 2016, and the beaches are so glorious and beautiful that you would not be surprised if you actually visit them.

The coral-rich sea has a clear luster and bluish hue that is guaranteed to dazzle.

 

Recommendations

The waters of Hanauma Bay, which is also a marine nature reserve, are home to an abundance of colorful corals.

Corals are responsible for photosynthesis in the sea to purify the water, and the clarity produced in this way is astonishingly great.

Because it is a protected area, the bay is also home to facilities where visitors can learn about the natural environment and spend quality time.

It is also an excellent snorkeling spot, so why not try it when you visit?

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car, start at Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki and follow Diamond Head Road, Kahala Avenue, and Kealaolu Avenue.

From the Kalanianaole Highway, head east and up the hill past the Koko Marina Center to reach the entrance to Hanauma Bay.

If you are traveling by bus, you can take the number 22 from Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki to the Hanauma Bay bus stop.

 

Sunset Beach

Of the group of beaches on the North Shore, Sunset Beach is a very popular one.

This beach is known for some of the best sunsets on Oahu, as there is nothing to block the sunset.

The sight of the tropical sun gradually setting and turning the North Shore ocean a brilliant orange is a heart-stopping experience!

 

Recommendations

Of course, Sunset Beach is a quality tourist spot not only in the evening, but also during the daytime.

Shower rooms, toilets, changing rooms, and other facilities are available, making it the perfect place to enjoy swimming in the beautiful ocean.

In addition, there is a very good selection of restaurants in the area, especially Ted's Bakery, whose pies are so popular that they are sold all over Oahu.

This beach is also the site of the Vans World Cup, one of the most prestigious surfing competitions in the world.

Anyway, it is a spot that can be enjoyed from various angles!

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car from Waikiki, take the H1, H2, and Kamehameha Highway highways and continue toward Waimea.

Continuing on to the bypass at Waimea, you can reach Sunset Beach.

By bus, board the 52 at Ala Moana Center, then get off once at the Haleiwa Ali'i Beach Park stop.

Move to the opposite lane and change there to the number 55 to reach the bus stop in front of Sunset Beach.

 

Lanikai Beach

Next, I would like to introduce Lanikai Beach, which is also a spectacular spot and is known as the "heavenly beach.

The name Lanikai is a combination of two Hawaiian words: lani (heaven) and kai (ocean).

The word "heaven" seems quite a high hurdle, but when you actually visit, you will find a beautiful beach that will surely live up to its name.

 

Recommendations

The sandy beach of Lanikai Beach is characterized by its abundance of smooth, fine-grained white sand.

The sand is not only pleasant to the touch, but the good sand quality is visible to the eye, and the contrast with the bluish sea weaves a beauty that is unrealistic.

Despite being such a beautiful beach, Lanikai Beach is pleasantly quiet compared to other resort beaches.

It can be visited in conjunction with Kailua Beach in the foreground, and is a spot where you can enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling beach resort experience.

 

Access

The road to Lanikai Beach passes through a residential area, so a rental car is recommended rather than a bus, as it is easier to get around.

From Waikiki, take the H1 freeway west and exit at Pali Highway.

There is a straight road leading up into the mountains, so follow it and you will arrive at Kailua Beach.

Park your car in the Kailua Beach parking lot, as there is no parking at Lanikai Beach.

From there, you can reach Lanikai Beach by walking along a straight road extending in the back direction.

 

Haleiwa (islands)

I would like to introduce the town of Haleiwa, a popular area from the North Shore area.

The town of Haleiwa is a classic North Shore sightseeing spot.

Unlike the sophisticated Honolulu metropolitan area, Haleiwa has a laid-back, pre-development Oahu mood.

 

Recommendations

There are many fashionable and cute apparel stores in Haleiwa, making it a popular shopping spot for North Shore tourists.

The North Shore is the mecca of surfing, and the rows of surf stores here give the area a strong sense of its unique character.

Gourmet food is also highly rated, and there are many restaurants of interest, such as a restaurant that serves delicious garlic shrimp, a North Shore specialty, a restaurant with a reputation for its pizza and pasta flavors, and a coffee shop with a special focus.

If you are lucky, you may even have the pleasure of meeting an adorable sea turtle on the beach at Haleiwa Ali'i Beach Park.

 

Access

The route for car rental from Waikiki is the H2 and Kamehameha Highway from Highway H1.

By heading in the direction of Waimea, you can reach the city of Haleiwa.

For buses, you can take the 52 from the Ala Moana Shopping Center and go directly to Haleiwa.

 

Laniakea Beach

Next to Haleiwa, there is a smaller beach called Laniakea Beach.

The bottom of this sea is full of craggy rocks and not very suitable for swimming.

Instead, the environment of Laniakea Beach is perfect for surfing.

It is a favorite gathering spot for surfers.

 

Recommendations

In addition to surfing, another attraction of Laniakea Beach is that it is a spot where sea turtles visit.

It is also nicknamed Turtle Beach, and no matter what time of the year you visit, you have a high probability of encountering sea turtles.

The best time to encounter sea turtles is from April to October, when you can see cute turtles that have come to feed on seaweed.

However, Hawaii has laws protecting sea turtles, and it is forbidden to approach them unnecessarily to scare them.

A conservation officer is also stationed there, so please observe the sea turtles in moderation.

 

Access

When accessing by rental car, the road to Kamehameha Highway is the same as the road to Haleiwa.

On the way to Route 83, you will see Laniakea Beach on your left.

If you are taking a bus, you can arrive at the Ala Moana Shopping Center by taking the No. 52 bus from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, just as you would to Haleiwa.

 

Kualoa Ranch

Next, I would like to introduce you to Kualoa Ranch, a sacred place once reserved only for royalty of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Kualoa Ranch has a beautiful natural setting and offers a variety of locations, including the ocean and mountains.

Kualoa Ranch, where you can experience such natural scenery, is one of the most popular power spots on Oahu.

 

Recommendations

The beautiful scenery of Kualoa Ranch has been used for various television and movie locations.

The most famous is Jurassic Park, and if you compare it to the movie, you will see that it shows a lot of the landscape of Kualoa Ranch.

Kualoa Ranch in Kualoa Ranch offers a wide variety of activities such as horseback riding, ATVs, and zip-lining, making it one of the most popular tourist spots on the island of Oahu.

There are also many tours that take you to this destination, so we recommend that you take advantage of these tours.

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car, take highway H1 westbound from the Likelike Highway to the Kahekili Highway.

From there, follow the road for a while until you reach Kualoa Ranch.

Or, if you are taking a bus, you can board the 60 at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, which will take you to Kualoa Ranch in about a two-hour ride.

 

pillbox

One of the most popular spots unique to Oahu is a structure called a pillbox.

A pillbox is the general term for a watchtower once used by the military; the building itself is a box-shaped hut made of concrete.

The reason for the popularity of such pillboxes is that they offer the best vantage point.

 

Recommendations

Because the original role of pillboxes was to serve as watchtowers, they are often built on top of mountains with excellent views, and trekking to them is a popular destination.

The spot known as the Pink Pillbox Trail is particularly popular, offering moderate mountain trails and spectacular views.

The pillboxes themselves are quite photogenic, painted bright pink and decorated with graffiti art inside.

Along with the best views, it is a perfect Instagram-worthy experience.

 

Access

The basic mode of transportation to the Pink Pillbox is by rental car.

By proceeding from Waikiki to Highway H1, Farrington Highway, and Kaukama Road, you will arrive at the trail course that climbs up to the Pink Pillbox.

Since there is no parking available, you will have to park on the streets in the vicinity. Since this area is not safe, you should be especially careful about car vandalism.

Never leave valuables in the car.

 

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, once the scene of fierce fighting in World War II, is now a famous tourist attraction.

The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a great place to see famous battleships and fighter planes that were actually used in the war and gain in-depth knowledge.

It is not a place for fun and frolic, but it is also not just a place for theological study, but a place where you can experience the greatness that only the real thing can make you feel.

 

Recommendations

The uniqueness of this Arizona memorial is its location.

It is built on top of the Arizona, which sank in the ocean during the war, and has a special shape of a building assembled on the sea.

Therefore, when entering the Arizona Memorial, visitors will always be transported by boat in a guided tour format.

You can actually see the Arizona, which is still sunken, and listen to an interesting talk by a Japanese-speaking guide.

 

Access

If you are visiting by rental car, follow Highway H1 to Kamehameha Highway and turn left at the intersection of Kalaloa to reach the Pearl Harbor reception desk.

On the other hand, if you are heading there by bus, take bus No. 20 or 42 from within Waikiki.

All you have to do is just keep riding and you will get there without any problems.

 

sandbar

The Sandbar, also known as the Island of Illusions, is a unique spot on the island of Oahu where you can encounter many beautiful landscapes.

Every day at low tide, an island called Sandbar appears sporadically off the coast of Kaneohe Bay.

The island is formed of pure white white sand, and although small in size, the location is out of this world beautiful.

 

Recommendations

The white sand that forms the sandbar is derived from coral bones that grow in colonies on the sea floor.

When corals die, they leave behind calcareous bones.

Over the years, the coral sand is scraped by the waves and the ocean floor, and over the years, it is transformed into small coral sands, which are then piled up to form sand bars.

The colors of the white island, blue sea, and tropical sun are stunningly vivid.

It has been used as a filming location for numerous video productions, including corporate commercials and music videos for singers, and its scenery is the best on the island of Oahu.

 

Access

As noted above, Sandbar is a small island that appears offshore.

Because of the limited time of the day, only at low tide, it is not possible to visit the island on your own, and the only means of transportation is to join a tour that will take you to the island.

Some tours are combined with activities such as snorkeling and diving at the sandbar, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

 

Kakaako

Next, I would like to change things up a bit and introduce the Kaka'ako district, the best art spot on Oahu.

Kakaako is located in a part of downtown Honolulu, and to our surprise, colorful and cutting-edge wall art is painted all over the city.

This is due to the POW! WOW! HAWAII event held every February in Kaka'ako, where you can see the whole town as if it were a museum.

 

Recommendations

In the past, Kaka'ako was an area lined with auto repair shops and other businesses, giving the area a rather dusty impression.

However, the city has been transformed into a spectacular sight thanks to art events, and more and more people are visiting as one of the main attractions of their Honolulu stroll.

Especially during the February event, you will be able to see live artists applying art to the walls and experience the art in a very realistic way.

All wall art will disappear the following year when another painting is created on top, so why not enjoy this once-a-year, once-in-a-lifetime encounter?

 

Access

Kakaako is a district of Honolulu that can be easily visited by rental car, bus, or on foot.

For buses, routes 13, 19, 20, and 42 may be particularly easy to find.

One caveat: the area is not very safe.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, please try to visit during the day, not at night.

 

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center, a theme park located in the North Shore area, is a popular tourist facility boasting an area the size of three Tokyo Domes.

Here, you will be exposed to a wide range of Polynesian cultures, with a focus on Hawaii, Oahu, Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti.

In addition, the facility offers a wide variety of shows, a well-stocked souvenir shop, and delicious gourmet food, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities in a single location.

 

Recommendations

The facility is a theme park with too many attractions to mention, but one of the most spectacular is the "Huki" canoe show.

The history and myths of Polynesia are expressed by seven large canoes and a large number of dancers, and the best performances can be seen in the songs and costumes.

There are also many other areas that recreate various island cultures, where visitors can experience the traditional culture and musical instruments of each region, and a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet of rib meat.

It is a great theme park that will surely make you feel that your visit to Oahu was worth it.

 

Access

The Polynesian Cultural Center provides a shuttle bus service to major hotels in Waikiki, with a guide who is fluent in Japanese, so it is highly recommended to take advantage of this service.

If you are accessing the center by rental car, you can get to the center by first traveling to the North Shore and then following Wahiau, Haleiwa, Waimea, and Kahuku.

 

Giovanni

Now, let's check out one of the fun things to do in a tourist destination: gourmet spots.

Garlic shrimp, a specialty of Oahu's North Shore, is an exquisite dish of shrimp cooked in a garlic-based sauce, and is available at many restaurants.

One of the most popular of these is Giovanni, which has stores in Haleiwa and Kahuku.

 

Recommendations

Because the North Shore is blessed with natural scenery, garlic shrimp is usually served at outdoor tables and chairs or taken out and eaten at the beach.

As a result, stores are often truck-shaped stalls that look like kitchen cars, and here, too, they serve garlic shrimp in a graffiti-inspired truck.

Of all the restaurants, Giovanni's is the original, and no gourmet meal on Oahu is complete without the Shrimp Scampi, a delicious shrimp in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce.

The fresh Kahuku shrimp, which can be eaten whole in the shell, is a perfect match for the rice served with it.

It is sure to suit the Japanese palate as well!

 

Access

If you are heading from Waikiki, the Haleiwa store is the closer of the two stores.

If you follow the route to Haleiwa described above, you will find stores along Kamehameha Highway.

 

Matsumoto Shave Ice

One of Oahu's most famous sweets is shave ice, which is finely shaved ice covered with colorful syrups and other ingredients.

It looks a lot like Japanese shaved ice, which is just as well, because a Japanese-American named Mamoru Matsumoto started serving it with a machine imported from Japan, which is how shave ice got its start.

At Matsumoto Shave Ice, you can actually eat the shave ice that Matsumoto started.

 

Recommendations

The base is shaved ice, which is familiar to Japanese people, but this one is extremely photogenic because it has gained popularity on the island of Oahu.

Here you can choose three of the many flavors too numerous to list and have your shave ice beautifully dyed in three different colors.

The texture is extremely smooth and melts in the mouth, making it a true delicacy.

Many people have become repeat customers, coming back again and again during their stay in Hawaii!

 

Access

It is located in the city of Haleiwa, so please refer to Haleiwa above for means of access.

 

Boots & Kimos

Last but not least is Boots & Kimos, a famous pancake store loved by tourists and locals alike!

Hawaiian-style pancakes are usually topped with cream, sauce, fruit, nuts, and other toppings.

It has recently become very popular in Japan, so many of you probably know what it is.

 

Recommendations

Boots & Kimos' signature dish is a pancake covered with a special macadamia nut sauce so thick that it hides the pancake and then sprinkled with nuts.

The slightly yellowish macadamia nut sauce is exquisitely smooth, and the exquisite sweetness that is not overpowering makes it hard to stop eating.

The same macadamia nut sauce can also be tasted on French toast, so you can order whichever you prefer.

The food menu, such as eggs Benedict, omelets, and rib plates, is also very good, so you are sure to have a hard time deciding what to order!

 

Access

Boots & Kimos is located in the town of Kailua, where Lanikai Beach, mentioned above, is located.

However, as of April 2021, the store is closed in preparation for relocation.

They are planning to relocate within the same Kailua with a target reopening date of August 2021.

Official information on the new location is not yet available, so if you plan to visit, please check the address again after August.

 

Five recommended tours

We recommend that you take a tour in order to efficiently visit the various spots we have mentioned.

Among the many tours available, we have selected five that are highly reputed for their high level of satisfaction, and we hope you will find them useful for your trip.

 

Diamond Head Sunrise Hiking Tour

No matter how many days you have on your itinerary, it is important to make the most of your time on Oahu, so how to spend your time without wasting it.

To get a head start on the best morning of the year, why not try a morning activity to climb Diamond Head and see the sunrise?

As mentioned above, Diamond Head is a well-maintained road and less burdensome.

You will enjoy a pleasant sense of accomplishment when you see the sunrise with a great view!

 

Sandbar Snorkeling & Sea Turtle Watch Cruise

This tour is a great plan to land on the fantastic island of Sandbar, enjoy snorkeling, and visit a spot where you are likely to see sea turtles.

Although the tour title is listed as snorkeling, you can also choose kayaking or SUP, allowing you to enjoy Oahu's ocean in a flexible style.

Some plans also include a stroll through Kailua or a barbecue, giving you the flexibility to choose the way you want to play.

 

Kualoa Ranch Package
(horseback riding, ATV, movie location tours, zip line, etc.) Tour

How about experiencing the beauty of Oahu's natural environment at Kualoa Ranch, the central spot for Kualoa Ranch sightseeing?

The main attraction of taking a package tour at Kualoa Ranch is that you can enjoy a variety of activities in a magnificent location.

In addition, you can tour the places that were used for filming movies with a Japanese-speaking guide!

 

Segway Sightseeing Tour

This tour allows you to tour popular Honolulu spots on a Segway, a mysterious vehicle that allows you to move easily by simply tilting your center of gravity.

On Oahu, you can ride a Segway on public roads and comfortably explore Ala Moana Beach and the Kaka'ako district.

The move itself will be as fun as the activity itself, and we assure you that it will be a very satisfying day!

 

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

Lastly, I would like to introduce a snorkeling tour in Hanauma Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Hawaii.

The environment of Hanauma Bay is excellent, the ocean is quiet, and even beginner snorkelers can enjoy diving calmly.

Wetsuit rental and lunch are included in the package, so you can sit back and enjoy snorkeling without the need to carry extra luggage.

 

summary

 

Oahu, one of the world's premier tourist destinations, is home to countless wonderful tourist attractions.

How did you like our run-through of such spots?

There are many more spots that could not be mentioned in this article alone, so if you are interested, we encourage you to visit them in person.

You are sure to get the best out-of-the-ordinary experience.