15 Top Spots for Sightseeing in Oahu Hawaii

Today we’re highlighting our favorite spots for sightseeing in Oahu Hawaii! People travel to Hawaii for all kinds of reasons. Maybe they want to relax by the ocean, hike along scenic trails, or have unique experiences. But everyone ends up doing at least some sightseeing. 

Still, many of us travelers take sightseeing to a whole new level, especially in Oahu, where Hawaii’s beauty shines bright. If you want to see some of the most stunning scenery and marvel at natural wonders, we’ve got the best places to do it. 

So read along to discover the best places to sightsee in Oahu, Hawaii. We’ve got a lot of crowd-pleasers – plus some show-stopping hidden gems. Take a look and let us know which places you visit on your next Hawaii vacation!

Best Sightseeing in Oahu, Hawaii

Diamond Head

Everybody knows about Diamond Head. It’s possibly the most famous landmark in all of Hawaii. This extinct volcano sits at the edge of Waikiki Beach, making it a striking backdrop for any postcard-worthy image. But the best views are found from the top of Diamond Head, where panoramic views await. 

How to visit: Hike to the peak of Diamond Head to look out over Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

Best time to visit: Any time of day, but mornings might be less hot with fewer crowds

What to know: You have to make a reservation for your Diamond Head hike.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

This is one of the most unique places to sightsee in Oahu, Hawaii! Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a sprawling park surrounded by verdant mountains. It’s the perfect place to take an Instagram picture (you just can’t stop on the road for that IG-famous shot anymore!).

How to visit: Hoomaluhia is located in Kaneohe, Oahu. It’s free to visit!

Best time to visit: We love spending a shady afternoon in this botanical garden. 

What to know: There is also a visitor’s center, camping, and a fishing pond here.

Lanikai Beach

If you spend any time on the Hawaii Travel Blog, you know we love Lanikai Beach. And we definitely think it’s one of the best places to sightsee on Oahu! 

How to visit: Learn all about where Lanikai Beach is and how to visit here!

Best time to visit: Lanikai is stunning at sunrise.

What to know: The Nearby Kailua beach has similar views and is easier to access. 

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

This paved 2-mile hike takes you along Oahu’s southeastern coastline, offering amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s right off Kalanianaole Highway, so it’s a handy spot to pull over and do some Oahu, Hawaii sightseeing. 

How to visit: Park in the lot off the highway and access the trailhead. Or skip the hike and park at the nearby Makapuu Lookout point for easy access to a scenic view.

Best time to visit: Makapuu is one of the best places to watch the sunrise on all of Oahu.

What to know: This is also a top spot for whale watching on Oahu!

Manoa Falls

Do you have a waterfall hike on your Oahu travel bucket list? Manoa Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes on the island, and it’s conveniently located in Honolulu. 

How to visit: Park near the Manoa Falls trail head and enjoy the 1.6-mile, out-and-back hike through the lush jungle

Best time to visit: It’s a nice shaded activity to do in the afternoon

What to know: Rain makes the waterfall stronger, but it also means the trail can get slippery and muddy.

Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Waikiki Beach is bustling and sunny. Spending a day along this famous shoreline is an iconic Hawaii experience. There are multiple areas along Waikiki Beach, but we are big fans of Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the western end of Waikiki. This is where you’ll find a calm lagoon and a great view of Diamond Head. And any time I’ve visited, it’s always been less busy than other areas of Waikiki. 

How to visit: Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park is by the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Ala Wai Harbor. 

Best time to visit: Get to the beach early (before 10 AM) for calm conditions and more parking. Or, visit at sunset to watch the sun go down over Waikiki. 

What to know: There’s also a man-made lagoon at the beach. 

Waimea Valley

Sightseeing doesn’t always mean sweeping views and stunning vistas. Sometimes it’s the little things. Like flowering plants, a peaceful environment, and cultural displays. And at Waimea Valley, you’ll get all that AND a waterfall at the end of your journey. That’s how we like to sightsee in Oahu Hawaii!

How to visit: Waimea Valley is located on Oahu’s North Shore, in Haleiwa. You’ll have to pay admission to visit.

Best time to visit: This top spot to sightsee is most enjoyable right after opening, as it does get crowded as the day goes on. 

What to know: As long as conditions are good, you can swim in Waimea Valley’s private waterfall. 

Kaena Point

Ok, let’s get back to the sweeping vistas! Kaena Point State Park is a remote, scenic area on Oahu’s most western point. Take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, watch for birds, and walk among the rugged shoreline. 

How to visit: Begin your hike from the southern end at Yokohama Beach (Keawa’ula Section) or on the north end (Mokuleʻia Section). Both routes are about 5 miles round-trip. 

Best time to visit: Kaena Point is an excellent place for a sunset hike on Oahu. 

What to know: If you’re not up for a hike, then spend time at Yokohama Beach or Makua Beach on the point’s southern side for some awesome sightseeing. 

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

It’s one of the most popular places to visit and sightsee in all of Oahu and Hawaii! The Pearl Harbor National Memorial allows you to step through a difficult and inspiring history while being surrounded by natural beauty. 

How to visit: You can freely go to the Visitor’s Center and Pearl Harbor National Memorial grounds. You’ll need a ticket (reservations strongly encouraged) to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Other sites around Pearl Harbor are separate ticketed attractions. 

Best time to visit: Plan your visit around your reserved entry to the USS Arizona Memorial. 

What to know: The USS Arizona is a solemn memorial. Other sites, like the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, are more laid-back and fun. 

Downtown Honolulu

If you like architecture and history, you need to walk around Downtown Honolulu. There are so many fascinating buildings and churches to check out. 

How to visit: Find parking and hit the sidewalks! Iolani Palace is a great central area surrounded by many beautiful and historical structures. 

Best time to visit: Avoid rush hour to have the easiest drive into the city. 

What to know: Visit the Hawaii Historical Foundation website for information on buildings and structures in Honolulu. 

Sunset Beach Park

In the summer, Sunsets is a fantastic place for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter, stay on shore and watch big-wave surfers take on monstrous swells. 

How to visit: Sunset Beach Park is on Oahu’s north shore. 

Best time to visit: As the name suggests, this is the ultimate place to watch the sunset on Oahu. 

What to know: You’ll see Sunset Beach during this private Oahu North Shore tour!

Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaiwa Ridge)

Lanikai Pillbox Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Oahu, and it’s one of our favorites in all of Hawaii. It’s 1.6 miles round trip – pretty family-friendly but quite steep in places. Combine this with a trip to Oahu’s Lanikai Beach for the ultimate Hawaii sightseeing experience. 

How to visit: There is some parking near the trailhead, but we recommend getting an Uber here to avoid parking worries. 

Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset

What to know: You can “choose your own adventure” and hike as far as you want, because there are two different pillboxes with nice views along the route.

Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside

Nuuanu Pali Lookout has stunning views of Oahu below. You’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, with the green valley below stretching out to the ocean. Here, you can often lean against the wind like it were a wall.

But most staggering of all is the story behind this historic site. This was where Kamehameha I won a 1795 battle that brought Oahu fully under his rule. Hundreds of soldiers were forced off the edge of the cliffs during the battle. 

How to visit: Nuuanu is right off the Pali Highway. It’s $7 per car. 

Best time to visit: Anytime that works with your Oahu vacation plans. 

What to know: You won’t spend a lot of time here, but we think it’s worth the small detour and parking fee. Enjoy mesmerizing sightseeing sightseeing in Oahu Hawaii here.

Tantalus Lookout

This is where you want to go for a panoramic view of Waikiki, Honolulu, and Diamond Head. It’s easy to access, fun to visit, and really beautiful. 

How to visit: You can drive up to the lookout. It’s located within Puu Ualakaa State Wayside Park and is free to visit.

Best time to visit: Tantalus is one of our favorite places to sightsee on Oahu during sunset. 

What to know: Plan to lay out a blanket and relax in a cool Hawaii green space. 

Kualoa Ranch

This private property is a top destination for Hawaii visitors, mostly because there is so much to do. At Kualoa Ranch (located in Oahu, Hawaii), you can sightsee on horseback, e-bike, zipline, boat, bus, or UTV. There are filming sites for Hollywood movies, a private beach, jungle settings, and open ranch land. 

How to visit: Choose your adventure on the Kualoa Ranch website. Activities are pricey but super memorable. 

Best time to visit: There’s no specific time, as long as your activity is available and you’re able to make it to the ranch in time. 

What to know: Kualoa is in a remote area of Oahu, and you could book enough activities to spend a full day here. Or, stay for a couple of hours to enjoy just one tour at the ranch. 

Tips for Sightseeing in Oahu, Hawaii

How do you like to sightsee? If you want to relax on a beach, surrounded by beautiful scenery, then you’ll have an easy time doing that on Oahu. 

Hiking is also a great way to get out and enjoy the sights, whether you want a small trek or an inspiring journey. 

But many of us keep our eyes glued to the car window, glaring at every unique scene in Hawaii. We don’t want to miss a single spot, and we want to learn as much as you can. 

Does that sound like you? If so, consider taking a guided tour of Oahu. At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we’ve got lots of great options that can fit into your Oahu vacation. 

Take a look at our Oahu activities to discover the ways you can get out of the driver’s seat and actually enjoy sightseeing in Hawaii! Or, give us a call so we can start planning your custom Hawaii vacation.