Inside: An Everything Guide to Oahu, Hawaii. in terms of survival
Traveling can be tough these days, there's no doubt about it. Especially international travel.
Fortunately, most countries have finally relaxed their Covid restrictions. Of course, not everyone is ready to flick their passports yet.
But fear not, fellow American travelers. No passport is required to visit some of the world's most beautiful islands. That's right, the Hawaiian Islands are open for business and there's never been a better time to go.
Many visitors to Oahu only spend a few days in Waikiki and then continue on to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. This is a shame.
Sure, Waikiki is great, but there's plenty to see and do around Oahu.
And once you leave the Waikiki trade behind to explore the rest of the island, it may take away your passion for international roaming (for now).
But before I get to those amazing places to see on Oahu, let's start with the basics.
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How to visit Hawaii during Covid-19
When Hawaii first reopened to travelers in October of 2020, the Safe Travels Hawaii program required visitors to register in advance and adhere to onerous pre-arrival testing requirements.
However, as of March 26, 2022, all restrictions on travel to Hawaii have been lifted and comply with the General Rules for Travel to the United States.
As of June 12, 2022, pre-arrival testing requirements for international travelers traveling to the United States have also been raised.
Bottom line: There are currently no Covid-related requirements for passengers arriving in Hawaii on domestic or international flights.
Do you still need a Covid test to travel to Hawaii?
No, this latest relaxation of international entry requirements means the days of pre-arrival testing are finally over. Three cheers for that!
Of course, as we all know by now, travel restrictions can change on a dime. For the latest information on travel requirements to Hawaii, check out the Hawaii Tourism Authority website.
But enough about global pandemics, let's get back to the fun stuff!
What is Oahu famous for?
From a historical perspective, the island is best known as the home of Pearl Harbor, the site of the first Japanese attack on the United States during World War II.
But Hawaii's most visited island is also known for its idyllic beaches, delicious Polynesian cuisine, upscale shopping, world-class surfing, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki - are they all the same?
You may have heard all three terms used interchangeably. Here is the simple detail:
- Oahu is the island itself, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands.
- Honolulu is the state capital and the largest city in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Waikiki is the most famous neighborhood in Honolulu. This 1.5-mile stretch is home to Hawaii's most famous beaches and the majority of the resorts, restaurants, shops, and nightlife of Honolulu.
Where to fly for Oahu?
Daniel K. Airport Inui (Honolulu) International (HNL) is the major international airport and gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. There are a number of domestic (and a few international) flights directly to Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. But most visitors to Hawaii arrive at the Honolulu airport.
What is the best time of year to visit Hawaii?
The Hawaiian Islands are one of the few places in the world that really are a great destination at any time of the year.
The most popular seasons in Hawaii are from June to August and December to March. The high season in summer has the most sunshine, while the winter months have milder temperatures and plenty of holiday travelers.
(Tip: If you've never visited Hawaii during Christmas, I highly recommend it!)
My favorite times to visit Hawaii are mid-April to early June and September to early December. Historically, these shoulder seasons offer the best combination of weather and value, but with fewer crowds.
Do I need to rent a car in Oahu?
need to? No, especially if you are staying in Waikiki as there are many best things to see and do within walking distance.
but…
If you want to get out and explore the island (and you should!) it definitely pays to have your own wheels. At least for a day or two. Especially since the usual wide range of day trip options are limited at the moment, due to Covid.
To find the best car rental deal in Oahu, love RentalCars.com.
Keep in mind that most hotels in Waikiki have a very high daily waiting fee ($35-45 per day). To avoid this, consider renting a city car for your last day (or two) on Oahu and bringing it back at the airport. The cost of overnight parking will be offset by the taxi ride that you will save at the airport (about $50).
One of the other challenges related to Covid, is the currently in short supply of rental cars in Hawaii because many car rental companies have sold off much of their fleet during the lockdown. The offer is slowly increasing on the islands but be sure to book your rental car early.
If you're driving on Oahu, you'll quickly discover that traffic in Honolulu is generally poor. Fortunately, once you're out of town, driving becomes easy and carefree. All you have to do is allow plenty of time when you return to the airport.
Where to Stay in Waikiki - Top 3 Favorites
There are great hotel options all over the island of Oahu. But for better access to the best things to do in Oahu, I recommend staying at Waikiki Beach. These are my favorite hotels in Waikiki:
1. Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Best for: Families, couples (yes, the two can get along!)
When I think of Hawaii, the Sheraton Waikiki is always the first hotel that comes to mind. The towering Sheraton Waikiki is located on the stretch of white sand along Hawaii's most famous beach, perhaps best known for its sweeping views from 80% of its rooms and suites.
When you picture the perfect postcard view of Diamond Head in your mind, you're probably thinking of the view from Sheraton Waikiki.
The Sheraton award-winning, adults-only Edge Infinity Pool melts magically in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. It's been voted the best hotel pool in the US, and for good reason. There is simply no better place to sip Mai Tai and watch the sunset.
Across from the hotel, families will enjoy the Helumoa Playground. I once heard a little boy in an elevator describe the splendor of this kid's pool as Disneyland in Hawaii. But not to worry, it is cleverly separated from the adult crowd keeping all the guests in perfect Hawaiian harmony.
Don't miss the sunset happy hour at Rumfire. And on the 30th floor, the gorgeous Leahi Club lounge takes advantage of the hotel's best feature - the view.
2. Moana Surfrider - The Westin Resort & Spa
(Originally the Moana Hotel) was the first luxury hotel to open in the deserted area of Waikiki. The original 75 guestrooms feature luxurious amenities such as private bathrooms, telephones, and Hawaii's first electric lift.
During World War II, Moana was used as an R&R area for soldiers and sailors. In the years since, the Moana Surfrider has undergone a number of renovations. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Waikiki's most popular hotels.
If you want to embrace the hotel's rich history, book a room at the historic Banyan Wing. For more modern amenities and great views, choose an ocean view room.
3. Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Best for: Anyone on a budget (still wants a great view!)
At the other end (Diamond Head) of Waikiki Beach, the Queen Kapiolani is a solid choice if you're on a tight budget. Rooms here have Diamond Head or ocean views for half the price of a Sheraton or Surfrieder.
In fact, you can even get a junior suite with a diamond head view or a premier ocean view room with a balcony for a reasonable price by Waikiki standards.
Tip: For affordable luxury, book a penthouse suite!
Now that we've covered how to get into Hawaii, where to stay, and whether or not to rent a car...let's move on to the good stuff!
3 Amazing Places in Oahu to Satisfy Your Love of Traveling the World
I've been to Oahu more than 20 times (10 of those have run the Honolulu Marathon), so I consider myself a fan of the best things to do on Oahu.
I've also traveled to over 175 countries, so I'm well versed in great places to visit around the world.
I assure you that there are some amazing places on Oahu that compare favorably with some of the best destinations in the world. So yes, my friends, a trip to Oahu can help remove the layer of dust that may have collected on your passport.
Let me when I do some loose world comparisons...we stop!
1. Absorbs the glamor and luster of Waikiki Beach
There are few cities in the world that combine a great beach with a cosmopolitan downtown vibe like Waikiki.
Sydney, Tel Aviv, and Miami also made the cut.
While there may be better, and certainly less crowded, beaches on Oahu (see #5 below), Waikiki Beach is a must-see for any visitor to Hawaii.
You can just spend a week exploring Waikiki on your own. But if you only have a week, spend half of your time here and the rest exploring further afield. Here are some of my favorite things about Waikiki:
1. Shop awesome Mel Waikiki
Kalakaua Avenue is the main shopping destination on the island of Oahu. Known as the "Heart of Waikiki," you'll find everything from Chanel and Gucci to surfing shops and unique Hawaiian ABC boutiques along Kalakaua Boulevard.
While most of them flock to high-end boutiques, I'm a cornucopia for ABC's. Conveniently, there is one that is physically present in each block. I'm serious, you can't swing a ukulele in Waikiki without hitting the ABC store.
ABC Stores covers everything from affordable Hawaiian souvenirs and sunscreen to drinks, snacks, and over-the-counter medications.
If you need it, the nearest ABC store will probably have it.
2. Take a catamaran sail at sunset
One of my all-time favorites in Waikiki is getting out on the water for a raft sail at sunset.
A number of companies offer overnight flights departing from Waikiki Beach. Most cruises take approximately two hours, including the free-flowing My Tai, offering a great view of the Waikiki skyline at sunset.
3. Honoring Duke Waikiki Kahanamoku and learning to surf
On any Waikiki morning, you'll find dozens of early morning surfers looking to catch the perfect wave. For centuries, surfing has been part of ancient Polynesian culture. But in the early 1900s, an Olympic swimmer from Hawaii introduced the sport to the world.
A 5-time Olympic medalist in swimming from 1912 to 1932, Duke Kahanamoku was also an actor, lawman, beach volleyball player, and businessman. Between Olympic competitions and after his retirement, he traveled the world presenting swimming and surfing exhibitions.
His surf exhibition at Freshwater Beach in Sydney in 1914 is widely credited with taking the sport off the ground in Australia. Today, Duke's legacy is alive and well in Hawaii.
A statue of Duke Kahanamoku stands in front of Waikiki Beach adorned with the refrigerators placed daily on his outstretched arms. Respect Duke by trying surfing while in Waikiki (you know you want to!).