Oahu Local Tips

Bear in mind that gasoline is very expensive on the island and parking can be difficult and expensive at hotels. Make sure that you use local transportation when possible to minimize costs.

If Pearl Harbor is part of your plan, remember that you’ll need a full day to fully explore it. The wait to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and visitor’s center can be upwards of two hours and once you’re there, you won’t want to rush through.

Opportunities to explore Hawaii’s past abound on Oahu, particularly in Honolulu where you’ll find museums dedicated to art, history, and Polynesian society. Oahu is proof that you don’t have to travel too far to find authentic glimpses of ancient culture.

A good rule of thumb to follow in Oahu is if the surf is rough on one end of the island, it’s generally calm on the other. Begin on the more mild-mannered Waikiki beach, where the professionals at Aloha Beach Services (no phone), located behind the Westin Moana Surfrider Hotel, can get you up and running in an hour.

If you can’t decide on a restaurant, you can try a handful with a call to Matthew Grey. Owner of Hawaii Food Tours, Grey is a chef turned restaurant reviewer who wanted to share his discoveries first hand with visitors.

Shopping is big business on Oahu, and most stores stay open late to accommodate tourists just arriving from Asia. You’ll find bargains on coconut bikini tops, grass skirts and silk-flower leis on the side streets.

For sheer diversity of after-dark options, you can’t beat Oahu—there are dozens of options for families with children, adults and 20-somethings on the prowl for late night action.