The North Shore beaches are a prime locale for surfers, and especially experienced ones (these waves run big), while Waikiki Beach offers 8 different sections, suitable for all tastes. Get some retail therapy at the Ala Moana mall, or tickle all of your senses at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, which has a massive multi-sensory theatre. Learn some American history at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. And if you can tear yourself and the kids away from the beaches, try another water experience on the slides and rides at Wet'n'Wild Hawaii. Then you can send your heart racing with some tropical adventures like ziplining and ATVs at Kualoa Ranch.
You'll find some bumpin' nightlife around O'ahu vacation rentals, especially in its densely populated areas. Head to Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue in the Waikiki Beach district, for shopping, eating and clubbing, or enjoy some beachfront dancing and authentic Hawaiian music at a local bar. Laze on the beach, play in the waves, hike up a dormant volcano and get schooled in Hawaiian history when you visit ancient stone temple ruins. And, of course, there's the iconic luau, a traditional Polynesian gathering where you can get social, watch sacred dances and feast on some delicious lau lau, which is pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves.
One of countless awesome things about O'ahu is the weather. Hot and sunny days happen year-round, with temps averaging in the high 20s, and very little rain. There's slight variation depending on which side of the island you book O'ahu vacation rentals. The western and southern sides are hotter and drier than the cool, moist wind that blows on the north and east. During December and January, the North Shore's massive waves are awe-inspiring, but keep in mind this is also high season for the whole island. And all over O'ahu, the Pacific Ocean is comfortably warm for swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
The island of O'ahu has 2 mountain ranges that were formed by volcanoes, but don't worry as they are long extinct. There's the Koolau range to the east and the Waianae range to the west. You'll want to hike at least 1 of them, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views from soaring peaks that plunge into lush tropical valleys. You might even wander into a rural area with a farm or rugged beach full of sea turtles. Humpback whales mate in the southern and western waters of O'ahu, and all around the island there are dolphins, tropical fish and colourful coral.
The nearest airport is in Honolulu, HI (HNL-Daniel K. Inouye Intl.), located 9.1 mi (14.7 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Kapolei, HI (JRF-Kalaeloa), which is 12.3 mi (19.8 km) away.
Our 2021 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 3,851 holiday rentals around Oahu. From 86 resorts to 2,376 flats & apartments, find unique holiday homes for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends. The best place to stay around Oahu is on Stayz.