Oahu

Oahu and more specifically, Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background, is what many think of when they think of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is the premier tourist beach of Oahu, receiving more than 4 million visitors every year.  

Oahu has much to offer visitors, from Pearl Harbor sites-- like the the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Bowfin submarine-- to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, to hiking up Diamond Head for a spectacular view of Waikiki.  Read on to see my personal list of recommendations.

Above: Allow at least a half-day for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. 

This is an extensive museum detailing the events which led up to December 7th 1941 and the entrance of the US into WWII. Entrance to the museum is free, but several attractions at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center either charge admission or require advance tickets. The site is run by the National Park Service. Check out their brochure to plan your visit. 

Know before you go: 

Above: The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.

2. USS Arizona Memorial- The US Parks and Recreation Department manages visitation to the USS Arizona Memorial, providing free shuttle boat service from behind the theater at Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to the USS Arizona floating dock. 

Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance through recreation.gov. 

Allow at least 45 minutes for this activity. 

Above: Visit the USS Missouri Battleship by guided tour.

3. Battleship Missouri Memorial- This battleship was launched nearly three years after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was on board this ship while docked in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, that Japanese representatives signed an instrument of unconditional surrender, thus ending the war in the Pacific. 

The ship is docked at Ford Island, an active military base. It is accessed by guided tours which depart from Pearl Harbor Visitor Center every 15 minutes. The guided portion of the tour takes about 35 minutes and includes the site where the surrender ceremony was held. 

Above: The site at which Japan surrendered to the US is marked on the deck of the "Mighty Mo."

After the tour, you're welcome to explore the "Mighty Mo" on your own. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete this activity.  Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center upon arrival or online from ussmissouri.org.

Above: Torpedoes aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine

4. USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park- This museum offers a fascinating look into the life of a submariner, allowing visitors to climb into the cramped, claustrophobic quarters that many call home for months at a time. The museum recently completed a major renovation and was renamed The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. 

Tours are self-guided with audio headsets and cost $22 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center upon arrival or online here. 

Above: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, HI. 

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve- This lovely crescent shaped bay is arguably the best spot on Oahu for snorkeling. It's popularity and proximity to Waikiki nearly destroyed this natural treasure, requiring its closure on Mondays and Tuesdays and limited access on the remaining days of the week. 

Entry times for the general public are Wed- Sun from 0645 to 1330. No entry is permitted after 1330 and the bay is cleared by 1530. You can purchase tickets online up to 2 days in advance starting at 0700 Hawaii Standard Time (HST). Practically speaking, all available tickets sell out in a matter of minutes. So if you plan to arrive in Oahu on a Friday, you'll need to be at your computer at 0700 Hawaii time on Thursday to purchase tickets for Saturday. 

Above: The view from the summit of Diamond Head. 

Hiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail-

Hike up this iconic symbol of Hawaii for a panoramic view of Waikiki. The trail to the summit was built in 1908 as part of Oahu's coastal defense system. Five batteries were built at Diamond Head and The Fire Control Station at the top directed artillery fire from the batteries. 

Above: Expect uneven surfaces and stairs on the hike up Diamond Head.

Much of the trail is uneven volcanic rock, with switchbacks, stairs and an optional tunnel leading to the viewing platforms. The site is managed by the State Parks System. 

Timed-entry and parking reservations are required for non-residents and can be purchased by clicking here. Fees for non-residents are $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. 

Know before you go: The 1.6 mile round trip trail is steep and requires walking on uneven surfaces. Good walking shoes are a must. The total elevation gain is 560 ft., making this a hike of moderate difficulty. The trail can be hot and dry, with little shade. Drinking water is available at the trailhead, but I recommend bringing a water bottle and pacing yourself.