Oahu, also known as 'The Gathering Place,' is where many visitors to Hawaii will spend all, or at least the majority, of their Hawaiian vacation. Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at approximately 4.5 to 4.7 million visitors annually - that's approximately half of all the visitors to the state each year.
In addition to half of all Hawaii's annual visitors, nearly 900,000 people share Oahu's 600-square miles of mountains and beaches as their home - that's a full three-quarter of the state's population. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Most of the top Oahu Accommodations are also located in the Honolulu & Waikiki region.
With so many unique places to explore, and there is so much to learn about Oahu - you may not know where to start. As a visitor, whether you're more interested in visiting the popular tourist beaches, or want to attend a luau or catch your first wave with an Oahu surfing lesson - we're certain you'll have the time of your life! Oahu has a fantastic variety of tours and activities to choose from.
— article continued below —
2024 Oahu
Visitor Guides
Visiting Oahu soon?
Grab Your Copy!
~ Detailed maps, insider tips, and more starting at only $6.95! ~
Pearl Harbor
Oahu - Top Things to Know
- Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the most populous city in the state. The name Honolulu means ‘sheltered bay’ in the Hawaiian language, and with its natural harbor it has become a major gateway into the United States, as well as a primary tourist attraction, a hub for international business and for military defense.
- Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, is a lagoon harbor situated about 10 miles west of Honolulu. It is the site of the infamous air assault by Japan in 1941, which heralded the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II.
- One of the most well-known beaches on the planet, Waikiki Beach stretches along two-miles of white sand and calm turquoise blue ocean fringed by towering high-rises and boutique resorts on Oahu's southern shore
- ‘Iolani Palace was the official residence of the reigning Hawaiian sovereign, King Kamehameha, and the only royal palace in the United States.
Oahu Helpful Tips & Articles
What's so amazing about Honolulu? What's the weather like on Oahu? When should you visit? What are the best sights? These articles will let you know all this and more.
