Find Paradise in Oahu
Discover what makes this Hawaiian Island one of our Best Trips of 2018.
The third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is known as “the Gathering Place.” Its population is as diverse as its landscapes—hike up the lush mountains of the Windward Coast, snorkel with turtles at the North Shore, and ride the gentle waves of Waikiki. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a relaxing drink on the beach, Oahu has a piece of paradise for every traveler.
When to Go
The North Shore’s famous waves are at their most towering and powerful during the winter, when important surfing competitions are held. From May through September, the water is calmer for swimming and snorkeling.
Where to Stay
Turtle Bay Resort: The main—and only—resort on the North Shore fosters a low-key vibe throughout its 850 acres, which include pools, restaurants, a spa, and about five miles of coastline. Activities include kayaking in protected Kawela Bay, home to green sea turtles.
West Oahu: Most of the other hotels on Oahu are in Waikiki or the new and quickly developing Ko Olina area of West Oahu. Properties here include Disney’s Aulani and the new Four Seasons Resort Oahu.
Where to Eat
Waialua Bakery and Juice Bar: On the main drag in Haleiwa, this laid-back beach shack of a bakery serves deli sandwiches, baked goods, and juices and smoothies made from fruits grown on the bakery’s own organic farm. Try the tangy-sweet soursop smoothie.
:
This airy, modern dining room features “garage door” walls that slide up to let in the trade winds and a view of the ocean. Stop here for craft beers, cocktails, pupus (appetizers), or fresh, local fish dishes.
Farm Stands
Kahuku Farms: You can find more than fresh fruit and vegetables at this farm stand. Take a wagon-ride tour, eat at the outdoor café, and buy prepared foods, such as the farm’s liliko‘i (passion fruit) balsamic dressing.
Red Barn Café: This farm stand features the produce of local growers. The café offers breakfast burritos, wraps, and other lunch fare; it also sells prepared foods and periodically offers cooking classes, farm tours, workshops, meet-the-farmer meals, and live music.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico