Our 5 Favorite Oahu, Hawaii Travel Spots

In August 2021, we had the opportunity to go to Oahu, Hawaii, for vacation. It is truly the most amazing place that we have ever gone to on vacation. The island is beautiful and full of amazing Hawaii travel spots. The people there are incredibly friendly, and the entire visit was just magical.

If you are considering a vacation to Oahu, it is important to know that the island has a lot of amazing sites to visit. We visited the Byodo-In Temple, and it was truly amazing. I would have included it in my list, but it was not a location where we spent a significant amount of time. I do recommend that everyone who visits the island checks out the Temple, though, especially if you are on that side of the island!

Our 5 Favorite Oahu, Hawaii Travel Spots

Here is a list of the top five Hawaii Travel Spots we visited on our vacation!

Waikiki Beach

If you’re looking for Hawaii travel spots to relax and soak up the sun with your family, there’s no better spot than Waikiki Beach.

This iconic beach is situated on the south shore of Oahu and is known for its gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. Plus, there’s plenty of sand for sunbathing and building sandcastles.

If you get hungry, there are plenty of food options available nearby. And when you’re ready to explore beyond the beach, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to check out in Waikiki. The beach also has a strip area with a lot of shops and stores! The ABC Store is a MUST-VISIT location. They have so many great things, and they are all pretty affordable!

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for breathtaking Hawaii travel spots to take your family to in Oahu, look no further than Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. This serene spot is filled with native plants and flowers and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You can picnic among the trees, take a stroll through the gardens, or even go for a swim in the lake. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a memorable experience at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.
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This gorgeous garden is spread out over 400 acres and features streams, ponds, and bridges, as well as native Hawaiian plants. There are also walking trails and picnic areas, making it the perfect place to spend a day with family. We checked out the lake area and got some beautiful photos in the botanical garden. It was an amazing sight to see.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

The Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is one of my favorite places to visit in Oahu, Hawaii with family. The trail is short and easy to follow, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

From the top of the lighthouse, you can see for miles in every direction. On a clear day, you can even see Molokaʻi and Maui in the distance.

The Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse was built in 1909 and is currently still operational. The light from the lighthouse can be seen for up to 27 miles out to sea. The trail to the lighthouse is paved and well-maintained, making it an ideal place for a family hike. Along the way, you’ll pass through a native Hawaiian dry forest and get a chance to see some of the island’s wildlife up close.

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to spend a day with your family while on vacation in Oahu, I highly recommend checking out the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail. Although the trail is paved, it is lengthy, and it is all uphill. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and water for the walk! There are a few spots where you can stop and enjoy the view, so the hike is very nice and well worth it!

Pearl Harbor Memorial

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii is the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The memorial is located on the site of the former naval base and includes the USS Arizona Memorial, which marks the resting place of many of the sailors who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Visitors can also tour the USS Missouri, which is docked nearby, and see where the Japanese surrender took place. The Pearl Harbor Memorial is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives during World War II and is a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu.

It is important to remember the grounds are a memorial. Always be respectful while visiting the area. The site is a lot to take in, so plan for a full day to visit. It is definitely worth it.

Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is one of my favorite places to visit in Oahu, Hawaii. It’s a beautiful ranch located on the windward side of the island, and it’s perfect for families. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, and if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the stunning views, Kualoa Ranch is definitely the place for you.

Kualoa Ranch is one of my favorite places to visit in Oahu, Hawaii. It’s a great place for families to spend the day exploring and enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from horseback riding and hiking to zip lining and ATV tours. And the food is definitely worth trying – the ranch has its own farm-to-table restaurant that serves up some of the freshest and most delicious meals I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a fun and memorable way to spend a day in Oahu, Kualoa Ranch is definitely the place to go.

On our visit to the ranch, we chose to do the 2-hour UTV tour. It was amazing! We enjoyed it A LOT. It rained, and we got soaked, but we had a great time there. We are hoping to go back again in the near future and will definitely go on a movie tour and visit the Secret Island.

Have You Visited Any of These Hawaii Travel Spots?

There are so many amazing Hawaii travel spots to see in Oahu, Hawaii, and I feel lucky that I was able to visit some of them with my family. We had a blast exploring the island together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re ever in Oahu with your family, be sure to check out some of these fantastic places – you won’t regret it!