***Please note that this Is Oahu Worth Visiting?! Here’s My Take! Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This travel guide was most recently updated as of October 2026.***
Planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering is Oahu worth visiting?! Then, this travel guide is for you – keep reading to find out whether or not this Hawaiian island is worth a visit!
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For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.
Is Oahu Worth Visiting?! Here’s My Take!
If you’re traveling to Hawaii anytime soon, then look no further than my Things to do in Oahu + Honolulu, Hawaii Travel Guide, Honolulu to Maui Day Trip Guide & Tommy Bahama Waikiki Restaurant Guide.
Table of Contents
About Oahu, Hawaii
Getting There
Key Sights in Oahu
Know Before You Go
Is Oahu Worth Visiting?!
About Oahu, Hawaii
Serving as the home to the state’s capital Honolulu, Oahu is Hawaii’s 3rd-largest and most populated island. Proudly known as “The Gathering Place,” the entire island and its communities constitute the City and County of Honolulu.
Some basic information on Oahu, Hawaii includes:
- Population: ~988,703 residents (about 70% of Hawaii’s population)
- Climate: Warm year-round with temperatures ranging from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Geography: Formed by two mountain ranges, Oahu covers 596.7 square miles with 227 miles of shoreline
- Snakes & Alligators/Crocodiles: NONE!
Here are some fun facts about Oahu:
- Oahu is home to the only Royal Palace in the United States: Iolani Palace. Iolani Palace had electricity, running water including indoor flushing toilets, and a telephone network for multiple years before the White House in Washington, DC or Windsor Castle in Windsor, England installed any of them.
- Since any island or inlet not designated to any other county, as according to the State Constitution of Hawaii, falls under the jurisdiction of the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu is technically the “largest city” in the world! It, in fact, stretches all the way from Los Angeles to Denver at 1,500 miles long.
- The pristine beaches of Waikiki were once a marshy swamp! Waikiki used to be a wet and swampy marshland filled with rice paddies, taro patches, and huge swarms of mosquitoes and was up until 1928 when the area was artificially drained for the construction of the Ala Wai Canal.
Getting There
We all know that getting to Hawaii is a LOONGGG journey from the United States mainland! Most major airlines including United, Delta, American, and Southwest offer round trip flights to/from Honolulu. Flight fares range from $400-$1,000+ depending on the flight route that you choose as well as airline.
Know Before You Fly
Before flying to Honolulu, it’s important to keep these things in mind for your long journey across much of the Pacific:
- If flying domestically within the United States, airlines such as United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines will charge you for a checked bag *even* in Economy fare as Honolulu is within the United States. If you plan to check a bag, be sure to budget for a checked bag in advance.
- On the flight to Honolulu or anywhere in Hawaii, all passengers will be required to fill out a form similar to United States Customs upon entering the state of Hawaii and must list their accommodation on their trip alongside purpose of travel and declare any items brought into the state. The state of Hawaii has a unique ecosystem, so this form is done to ensure that its ecosystem is preserved for us to enjoy for years to come.
- If traveling to/from the United States, you do not need to bring your passport with you to visit Honolulu. United States passports are NOT required to visit Hawaii.
- Upon departing Honolulu, everyone’s luggage must go through an agricultural scan (it takes literally 30 seconds and is super easy!) if flying outside of Hawaii. This agricultural scan will occur upon entering the airport and all bags, including checked bags must go through this quick and easy scanner (similar to that of a scanner at airport security. The purpose of Hawaii’s agricultural scan is to protect its ecosystem as well as our ecosystems back at home from cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases.
Above all else, be sure to bring ample blankets, water bottles, snacks, modes of entertainment, etc. for your long flight to/from Honolulu.
Key Sights in Oahu
Oahu has several major sights to see – many of which I mention within my Oahu and Honolulu guide – including:
- Waikiki – Oahu’s historic hub of tourism famous for Waikiki Beach, shopping, dining, and nightlife
- Honolulu – Hawaii’s capital city which is also home to Iolani Palace
- Pearl Harbor – A historic site with a memorial honoring the United States’ Pacific Fleet in World War 11
- Diamond Head – A popular volcanic Crater hike with a lighthouse close to downtown Honolulu
- Beaches – including Oahu’s popular North Shore and West Side
- Resorts & Hotels – including the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Disney’s Aulani Resort
Know Before You Go
Before visiting Oahu, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Note: While you can (we did!) see sea turtles swimming around at the beaches alongside Turtle Bay, it is important to keep your 10 feet distance from them at all times, according to federal guidelines as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (here).
- It is hot all across Hawaii but not humid, SO pack accordingly! Mobile fans ARE your best friend!!!
- If you plan to do any hiking, don’t be like me and forget to bring closed-toed shoes and/or sandals (such as Keens) for hiking.
- Beaches across Oahu are gorgeous, but may be rocky. Be sure to pack some sturdy shoes for walking on wet, rocky surfaces.
- Popular fast food chains including 7 Eleven, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell offer unique menu items that aren’t offered in the United States mainland. My personal favorites were the standard Hawaiian breakfast at McDonald’s and the poke (which is delicious and safe to eat and enjoy!) at 7 Eleven! Be sure to give them a try!!
Is Oahu Worth Visiting?!
ABSOLUTELY!
While Oahu does get kind of a “bad rep” as being the sole place to visit when in Hawaii, I highly recommend going even for 1-2 days, as Oahu is 10000% worth visiting! While in Oahu, thanks to my host Maxwell, I got a true glimpse into Hawaiian life and culture which, in my opinion, Oahu is the best place for especially for first-timers!
Wrap-Up
Oahu is worth visiting, and I hope that this travel guide helps show you why!
XOXO – Katie <3
