Best Ways To Enjoy Your Oahu Vacation
Here are some of the most interesting, fun, and educational things to do on the beautiful island of Oahu
1. Honolulu Zoo
Established by a grant from Hawaii’s king to the people of the Hawaiian Islands, the Honolulu Zoo is now visited by three-quarters of a million people each year. The zoo is located in Kapiolani Park on the eastern end of Waikiki, and is a great way to spend an afternoon in Honolulu. Right across the street is the beach so once you are done enjoying the sights, take a swim in the ocean.
Stay nearby, check out our Diamond Head vacation rentals.
2. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Dedicated to promoting and preserving Hawaii’s Japanese culture for future generations, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii prides itself on creating a bridge of respect and understanding among all cultures. The Japanese Cultural Center sponsors wonderful festivals as well as workshops, classes, and educational programs.
3. Pearl Harbor – USS Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
This stunning monument to the brave soldiers of America’s armed forces who perished in the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack will leave you with a new appreciation of the sacrifices made by our military. You can also visit the intriguing USS Bowfin Submarine, which is nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger. The Bowfin is one of just 15 United States WWII submarines that remain today.
Tip: Want to be close to the city but not in it? Take a look at our Kahala vacation rentals.
4. Hawaii Maritime Center
Located at Pier 7 in Honolulu not far from the Aloha Tower Marketplace, the Hawaii Maritime Center is the biggest maritime attraction in Hawaii. The Center’s King Kalakaua Boathouse museum provides a variety of interesting and educational attractions to do with shipping and boating in Hawaii. You can often see the renowned Hokulea Voyaging Canoe parked at the docks alongside the Center and if you are lucky you can even meet some of the crew who have sailed the canoe across ocean.
5. Senator Fong’s Plantation & Garden
Set on 725-acres, this lovely garden was established by former United States Senator Hiram Fong and allows visitors to tour the scenic and meticulously manicured grounds. A narrated tram tour takes you amongst the plateaus and valleys where you can see a panoply of nut and fruit trees, verdant ferns, beautiful fragrant flowers, and rare species seen nowhere else in the Hawaiian Islands.
6. Waikiki Aquarium
Established in 1904, the Waikiki Aquarium is the United States’ third oldest public aquarium. Kids are amazed when they see the diversity of marine life from coral reefs to colorful fish to huge sea turtles and whiskered monk seals. In all there are more than 2,300 species at the Waikiki Aquarium including more than 326 species of aquatic plants and animals. The aquarium is not far from the Honolulu Zoo and also just across from the beach.
Stay in the middle of it all in a Honolulu vacation rental or Waikiki vacation rental.
7. Foster Botanical Garden
With a plant collection including specimens gathered from all around the world, the Foster Botanical Garden features many endangered species. The lovely park is a great place to appreciate the diversity of the flora that thrives in the Islands. This is a great place for an afternoon picnic while you enjoy this historic park.
8. Chinatown
When it comes to interesting Oahu neighborhoods Chinatown ranks among the top. The historic district in downtown Honolulu is both exciting and culturally enlightening. Locals as well as visitors flock to this area to enjoy the good food and the sense of the past that lives on here. As colorful as it is relevant, the cultures of Southeast Asia live on in this unique area of Honolulu which is also very close to the historic district.
Just a short drive from the city is our Aina Haina vacation rentals and Hawaii Kai vacation rentals.
9. IMAX Theatre Waikiki
With a screen more than five stories tall, the IMAX at Waikiki allows viewers to see stunning movies while enjoying the 12,000 watts of digital sound that wraps around the viewers. The special design of the theater gives everyone a perfect view as they become immersed in the realistic movies.
10. The Contemporary Museum
Located in Makiki Heights in Honolulu, the Contemporary Museum offers a variety of contemporary artworks that will enlighten as well as educate you on this evolving art form. Galleries at the Contemporary Museum provide a serene setting for admiring these artworks while the 3-1/2 acre garden is one of Honolulu’s best kept secrets. There is also a nice cafe and an eclectic gift shop.