75 Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks! (Insider Secrets)

Planning a trip to Oahu for a tropical Hawaiian vacation? Check out these top Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks!

Then… keep planning your next Hawaiian vacation with these must-read Maui Travel Tips and Kauai Travel Tips!

Oahu Travel Tips

Whether you’re dreaming of a walk down Waikiki Beach, catching a classic Hawaiian Luau, or searching for the best hidden gems on this gorgeous tropical island, you’ll love these top Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks!

Now I’ve been to Oahu several times, and it’s one of my favorite islands!  The city excitement paired with tropical paradise is always guaranteed fun!

Today you’ll learn about outrageous eats you can’t afford to miss, the greatest beaches locals love, where to find the best Luau, and how to visit the top hidden gems on this gorgeous tropical island.

Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered!

Oahu truly has something for everyone, and is the perfect spot for your Honeymoon, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Trip with Friends, or next Family Vacation!

With the swaying palms, salty breezes, and buzz of activities, Oahu has always been one of my favorite islands.

Here are some of my favorite things to see and do on Oahu that you won’t want to miss.

It’s time to start planning your dream Oahu vacation…

Related: How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Budget Travel Hacks)

Oahu Hidden Gems and Must-Do Activities

Are you ready for my favorite Oahu things to do?  Read on for some fun things you won’t want to miss while you’re there…

Take an Outrigger Canoe Ride at Waikiki Beach.  You’ll go out into the ocean aways, and ride the waves back in.  It’s such a thrill, especially if you’re in the front!  Warning: you may get soaked… don’t ask me how I know. 😉

Take a tour of the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Wahiawa.  When I was there they had fun little samples, and even pineapple juice fountains!  Talk about delish!

Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu.

Take a Glass Bottom Boat excursion.  SO fun, and the fish are amazing!

Enjoy swimming in the ridiculously warm water at Waikiki Beach… it’s so inviting, and the hardest part is convincing yourself it’s time to get out!

Waikiki Beach

A BIG thanks to frugal friend Heather for sharing this Waikiki Beach photo!

Eat at Duke’s Waikiki for a special meal one day… and order Hula Pie for dessert.  The Macadamia Nut ice cream is crazy delicious!  Seriously… it’s a dessert I’m still dreaming about!

Take a Hike out to Diamond Head mountain near Waikiki.  You’ll want shoes though, as the old volcanic terrain can be a bit uneven.  It’s a short, but steep, hike… approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip.

Selina said: “Search for Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.  Best meal I had on the island.”

Cara said: “I loved hiking Diamond Head and going to the Dole Plantation.  ABC stores are a must!”

Heather said: “Diamond Head only costs $1.00 to hike. The views are awesome!”  I love these photos of the views Heather shared…

Views From Diamond Head

Dawn said: “Go to Bellows Beach! I currently live on Oahu and we have a lot of hidden gems. Manoa Falls is a nice hike and you’ve got to see the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) at Turtle Beach. Cheap gifts can be purchased at the swap meet at Aloha Stadium. Koko Head is also a great and free hike.”

Heather said: “Snorkel at Hanauma Bay and Kailua beach! Gorgeous! Heaven!”  Just look at these fun photos Heather shared below…

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

Kailua Beach Snorkeling

Leslie said: “Rent a car and just get lost!  It’s the best way to view the island… and the North Shore.”

Casey said: “For those of us who like to save a few bucks when traveling there is the “Go Oahu” card. It’ll get you into the Polynesian Cultural Center twice, an island tour, snorkeling at one of the famous reefs, a day’s pass for the island trolly system, a day at a water park, hiking to Diamond Head, as well as a BIG coupon book. Definitely a must if it’s your first time to the island and you want to experience all you can. Also, I would suggest trying to find Matsumoto Shave Ice. The very first shaved ice was made there and I swear you have never tasted such a good snow cone in your life. Get there early though. Their line is usually about an hour long but the wait is definitely worth it.”

Belinda said: “Must do: stop at Costco & stock up on food & drinks. We stayed at a condo with a full kitchen. Eating out is expensive there. Especially if you’re taking kids. “

Heather said: “I lived there for four years on Schofield Baracks, and my faves are Bellows Beach, and shaved ice!

Robin said: “Eat shaved ice on the north shore, half the price of the ice in Waikiki.”

Jillian said: “Oh eat at Lulu’s on Waikiki. Ask to sit overlooking the street and you can watch them light the torches if you’re there at sunset… and order the Loco Moco!”

Connie said: “Oahu Travel Tips? Go in February when everything is in bloom. The flea market at the Aloha Bowl is the best for shopping. Roberts Tour Bus of the island is a must. Don’t forget to try the Loco Moco and Dole Fruit Whip.”

Jimmie said: “I lived on Oahu for a few years. I liked the botanical gardens, walking Waikiki beach peacefully at night (Waikiki beach is overcrowded during the day), seeing Pearl Harbor memorial, and Hickam Air Force Base. Shopping is expensive due to shipping. Unless you like rain for 3-4 months, don’t go there during winter months, and avoid Likelike highway during rush hour… it is bumper to bumper.”

Jessica said: “I lived there when I was younger.. a must go to is the Polynesian Culture center, there is a luau to finish off the day.”

Heather said: “Groupon has special deals for Catamaran rides!  They Play Hawaiian music, have beautiful views, great drinks, and are affordable!”  Here’s a fun photo Heather captured of the catamaran…

Oahu Catamaran Cruise

Teresa said: “Visit the Dole Plantation and Pearl Harbor, North Shore and Turtle Bay (make sure you hit the shrimp truck on the North Shore….Do a VRBO vs hotel you will save huge $$$$.. we rented a VRBO in the Ilikai hotel a year ago $99 a night with full kitchen, vs $400 a night in the hotel with no kitchen.”

Heather said: “Pearl Harbor is surreal!  Only $1.50. Get your tickets either 2 months in Advance or 24 hours in advance right at 7 am Hawaiian time!”  Here’s a great photo Heather took at the Pearl Harbor Memorial…

Jenny said: “Prepare your soul.  The urge to leave your old life behind and stay will be strong.  Visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation and ride the train.  Visit Pearl Harbor.  Go to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  Pay for the guided tour and the luau.  Stroll along Waikiki Beach.”

Hilary said: “Eat at Nico’s & get the Marlin Burger — best thing ever!!”

Debby said: “I took an all day bus tour around the entire island. We stopped and explored along the way. It was awesome! So much to see. Favorite place ever.”

Denise said: “Hike the Manoa Falls Trail. Beautiful.” (approx. 1.6 miles round trip)

Selina said: “Make sure you drive up to the pipeline.”

Christina said: “Shrimp Shack – big yellow truck on the windward side of Oahu. Say hello to Irene!”

Candace said: “Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen in Kailua is famous for their macadamia nut pancake syrup. AMAZING!!  Also, try the garlic cheese balls at Da Big Kahuna in Waikiki. I’m surprised no one’s mentioned Leonard’s Malasadas!”

Annemarie said: “Go to the Polynesian Cultural Center — it was definitely the highlight for us on our honeymoon, we spent the entire day there, ending with watching a fabulous show.”

Enid said: “The Polynesian Cultural Center by far was my favorite experience. You’ll learn so much about all the culture that makes up the what we know as Hawaii.”

Angie said: “Eat at Duke’s… great food, drinks, and experience!”

Emily said: “I lived there for three years – it was amazing.    I recommend: Pali Lookout; driving all the way around the island; any and all of the shrimp trucks on the North Shore; Ko’Olina Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park (both are great for small children); Hilo Hattie; Wahoo’s Fish Tacos in Honolulu; and any of the Korean BBQ places (so good!). Honestly, if I get to go back, the whole trip will be centered around eating! Definitely hit up Haleiwa and Matsumodo’s Shave Ice.  It really is the best, especially w/ice cream in it.  For souvenir shopping, go to the flea market at the stadium or Walmart. Prices are much better there than in Waikiki/Honolulu.  Ala Moana Mall is pretty great, too!  I’ll stop now, I could go on all day.”

Shelly said: “Black Point… go swimming at the saltwater pool… but you have sneak around the gate…”

Heather said: “See Waimea Falls.”

Stacey said: “Hike out to Jackass Ginger Pool. Have a Puka Dog (Hawaiian Style Hot Dog) in Waikiki, and have an Açaí Bowl at Sunset Beach.”

Alana said: “Diamond Head, and go to The Dole Pineapple Farm.”

Beth said: “Oahu Things to Do?  The Dole Pineapple Plantation and Macadamia Factory. ALL the beaches and local restaurants are fabulous! The whole island is breathtaking!”

Becky said: “Eat at Rainbow Drive Inn, Side Street Inn and Leonards!!”

Bruno said: “Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach/shopping area, Diamond Head….it is a neat place.”

Brandy said: “Oahu Travel Tips?  Definitely Pearl Harbor!!  The island is beautiful!”

Teresa said: “A must do – helicopter ride to view the island, it is an unforgettable experience for sure. You can view waterfalls, craters, and the USS Arizona/Pear Harbor.”

Irma said: “The macadamia nut tree farm, Matsumoto’s shave ice, the Dole plantation, Giovanni’s shrimp truck, and get a massage while you’re in Oahu, just because it’s nice to treat yourself while you’re on vacation.  Oh yes, the couple we rented a VRBO from were lovely. I’d highly recommend renting a little bungalow near the shore. Nothing beats falling asleep to the sound of the ocean”

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!  With all the fresh air, sunshine, and play time… you just might be needing a caffeine fix!  There are lots of Starbucks locations on Oahu, so check this out…

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

Carri said: “Turtle Bay was AMAZING!!!”

Nichole said: “We took a city tour and it was awesome cause it took in a lot of places you normally wouldn’t see.”

Claire said: “Go to the Punch Bowl.”

Marisa said: “Shop at the ABC Stores!!!”  (They really are such a fun spot to load up on inexpensive Hawaiian Souvenirs.)

Rikkie said: “See Turtle Cove.”

A special thanks to frugal friend Clairess for sharing this sweet Sea Turtle photo!

Krista said: “Hanauma Bay snorkeling.”

Tee said: “Oahu Travel Tips?  Do the North Shore.”

Dawn said: “It’s beautiful, and I recommend everyone go!”

Melinda said: “Look for activities in the area that are free.”

Alicia said: “Find a condo that you can cook your own meals in, and then figure out what meals you want to eat out for.”

Oahu Trip Budget

To visit Oahu on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your  ‘Oahu Trip Fund’.

Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here’s my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

27 Side Hustles Ideas

Oahu Hotels and Vacation Rentals (How to Save on Lodging)

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next beach vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!

Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know

In addition to hotels, I also recommend staying at a VRBO on Oahu to save BIG on your trip.  They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner all of the island, and they’re such a great way to find nice lodging that is way less expensive than the resorts.

I’ve personally stayed at multiple lovely condo complexes through VRBO.  Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and an in-room kitchen.  One even had in-room laundry!

These amenities alone saved us SO much money!

Plus… as a bonus there was free parking, no resort fees, gorgeous pools and hot tubs, and excellent customer service!  Such a perfect home away from home!

Amanda said: “Look for deals at the Ilikai hotel/condos! The privately owned condos are on VRBO and the like. We stayed in a condo with a kitchen and it was about $125 a night, which was perfect with a small child. It is centrally located and you could catch the bus from there all over town. It is right beside the Hilton, which has a huge lagoon that we spent a lot of time at for free. There is a reef you can snorkel right off the beach there too, which was super cool!  One of our best vacations to date!”

Chris writes: “To save money, stay within walking distance to the beach instead of directly on it – this also gives a chance for your family to chat on the way back and shake off some sand.”

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

How to Get Cheap Flights to Oahu

Wondering how to get cheap flights to Oahu?

My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare!  I’ve scored so many free flights this way!

Meghan writes: “Before we went to Oahu, we took out a travel credit card that had a promo for free miles if you spent money within the first 3 months.  We just charged our airfare and room to that card and the points were enough to cover the entire fee of our rental car plus a kayaking excursion!”

35 Southwest Airlines Hacks (+ How to Fly SWA to Oahu for FREE!)

25 American Airlines Flight Hacks (Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know)

23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks (Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas)

How to Save Money on Food In Hawaii…  Oahu Grocery Stores + Food Prices (+ How to Eat on a Budget)

Are you wondering how to save money on food in Hawaii?  Here are a few of my favorite tricks…

Stock up on Food and Beach Supplies at Walmart.

Picking up a few of your essentials at Walmart is an easy way to save BIG on Oahu!  Grab some full-size sunscreen, food and snacks for your room, and any beach gear you need (like buckets and shovels for the kids, etc.)

If you’re staying at Waikiki Beach, there is a Walmart about 1 mile north, and your stop there will save you a bundle rather than picking up those items at the more ‘touristy’ stores.

Want to sweeten the deal even more?  Use these tips for Walmart Grocery Deals to save even more…

Walmart Grocery Deals (20 Secret Tips)

Chandra said: “Get your souvenirs at the Walmart. It’s the same stuff vendors are selling, but you’ll pay less.”

Shop the Sales at Foodland and Safeway

After Walmart, you’ll find some of the best grocery prices at Foodland and Safeway on Oahu.

If you don’t already have a loyalty card for these stores, be sure to sign up at the checkout line for one so you can take advantage of the sale prices.

Use the Grills by your Hotel’s Pool…

Most hotels and condo complexes offer grills free to use, often located right by the pool.  Taking advantage of these can be such a simple way to save money on your dinner each night!

Plus… you might even make some new friends.  We’ve met so many nice people from all over the world down by the grills!

Pictured below you’ll see our Teriyaki Burgers with Pineapple Rings that hubby grilled up one night down by the pool in Hawaii… and yes, that’s a peek-a-boo view of the ocean right there!  Dinner with a view!

Buy a Portable Grill & Cook Dinner on the Beach!

This one is a game-changer.

Restaurants on Oahu can be really expensive, so you will save hundreds of dollars on your family vacation simply by making your own food!  Plus… bonus points for having all of those extra hours at the beach to play and watch the sunset while everyone else is taking off to go change and eat dinner.

We picked up the portable grill pictured below for $28 at Walmart, and used it 8 out of the 10 nights we were in Hawaii to grill up dinner.  It seriously saved us SO much money!

It turns out sand castles make a great wind barrier for grilling, too!

Pick up a Pizza on the Way to the Beach!

Another budget meal on Oahu is to pick up a pizza on the way to the beach!  There’s even a Domino’s Pizza located just a few blocks from Waikiki Beach.

We were able to score a deal at Domino’s Pizza in Hawaii ordering online for pickup, and grabbed a large pizza for right around $10.  Then… our family got to enjoy the tasty meal right on the beach!

It was such a cheap lunch… and allowed us even more time spent relaxing at the beach with the sand in our toes!

Check out these tips below to sweeten your deal at Domino’s on Oahu even more…

How to Get Free Domino’s Pizza + 12 Ordering Hacks to Save Even More

Oahu Car Rentals + Cheap Deals

There are so many beautiful spots to explore on Oahu.  If you’ll be heading out to the North Shore, you’ll definitely want that rental care.

There are a few easy Rental Car Hacks to slash your costs that you’ll want to put to use!

Here are my favorite tricks to save BIG on car rentals…

20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

More Frugal Oahu Travel Tips

How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)

How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Budget Travel Hacks)

Oahu Travel Tips for Souvenirs

Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!  (The ABC stores are a fun spot to hit for budget-friendly souvenirs.)

More Fun and Frugal Beach Vacation Ideas

Planning on visiting more than one Hawaiian Island?

In addition to these top Oahu Travel Tips, check out more Frugal Travel Tips for some serious island hopping fun…

75 Kauai Travel Tips (What To Know Before You Go)

45 Best Maui Travel Tips

35 Los Angeles Travel Tips (What You Can’t Afford to Miss)

75 San Diego Travel Tips (Where to Eat, Stay & Play)

50 Outer Banks Travel Tips (OBX Guide)

35 Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do

101 Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and Things to Do (What to Know BEFORE You Go)

101 Charleston South Carolina Things to Do

Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets

So… have YOU every been to Oahu before?

What are some of your favorite Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks?

Leave a comment & share!