Hawaii is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. Constant sunshine, velvet sand beaches, salty waters, as well as a laid-back lifestyle, Hawaii is pure paradise. If you’re considering moving to Oahu, here is what you need to know.
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Where is Oahu | About | Local Economy | Cities & Neighborhoods | Schools | Public Transportation | Restaurants | Things to Do | Arts & Culture | Indoor Entertainment | Outdoor Recreation
Where is Oahu, Hawaii?
Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 2,100 miles southwest from the coast of the United States. There are eight major Hawaiian Islands, including Maui, The Big Island, and Kauai.
Volcanoes under the Ocean formed Hawaii, and there are still active and inactive volcanoes on the islands today, including the world’s most active volcano, Mauna Loa. 75% of Hawaii’s population resides on Oahu.
About Oahu, Hawaii
The island of Oahu is home to 953,207 as of 2010. Oahu is known among locals as ‘the gathering place.’ The state capital, Honolulu, is located on Oahu and is the largest city and the primary deepwater marine port for the island. Oahu features some famous places including Waikīkī, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kāneʻohe Bay, Hanauma, Kailua Bay, and North Shore. Lanikai Beach is rated among the top beaches in the entire world.
Hawaii has bright, exotic flowers, white sand beaches, cliffs with breathtaking views, abundant rainforests, glorious waterfalls, and more. There is still a sizeable Polynesian influence among the traditions and cultures in Hawaii. Tourists and locals alike partake in luaus with traditional roasted pig and hula dances.
Local Economy in Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii thrives on tourism, as it’s the most lucrative industry that the state has. Oahu is the most popular destination for people to visit from all over the world. In 2018, the Hawaiian Tourism Authority reported a record 10,000,000 visitors, which brought in over $17 Billion into the local economy.
With tourism being the top contributor to the local economy, the hospitality industry is also a top contributor. Hotels, restaurants, service providers, and tour guides are all essential industries for the state.
Hawaii is also a significant exporter of Pineapple, macadamia nuts, and some of the best coffee in the world.
Cities & Neighborhoods in Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is divided into five main regions: Honolulu, Central Oahu, Windward Coast, Leeward Coast, and North Shore. The major cities on the island are Honolulu, Kailua, Kahuku, Kapolei, Nanakuli, Waianae, Hale’ iwa, and Wahiawa, with honorable mentions of popular destinations Waikiki and Pearl Harbour.
Some of the most notable neighborhoods to live in Oahu are Kahala, Manoa, Hawaii Kai, The North Shore, and The Leeward Side.
Kahala
Located on the southern shore, Kahala is an upscale neighborhood that is a popular little place that offers homebuyers large lots. There are some luxury homes in this area, but most homes land in the $700,000 range. Many estate homes are available right on the beach, and the location has a lower number of tourists than other neighborhoods on the island, so it’s a bit more private. The community is close to grocery stores, shopping, and other great amenities.
Manoa
Located 20 minutes from the core of Honolulu, Manoa is a tropical area that has several parks, trails, daily rainfall, and greenspace. Tourists and locals alike love to travel through the paths to get to Manoa Falls. This neighborhood is close to some of the best public and private schools, shopping, and the Manoa marketplace.
Hawaii Kai
Hawaii Kai is a planned neighborhood off the eastern ridge of the island. Surrounded by the Maunalua Fishpond and wetlands, this community has a beautiful natural landscape. This area is a dream for snorkelers and adventurers. Beautiful beaches are close by, golf courses, Koko Marina, and Koko Head Crater. There are plenty of high rise condos in this area, and the average home in this area costs around $950,000.
The North Shore
The North Shore is a remote part of the island that includes communities like Haleiwa, Hauula, and Laie. It’s mostly residents and surfers that exclusively spend time here due to the local streets that many tourists don’t travel down. The North Shore features some of the best surfing beaches, delicious local eats, and a laid back lifestyle. Homes in The North Shore are close to $950,000.
The Leeward Side
Located on the Southwest side of the island, living in The Leeward Side makes it easier to get around than the northern counterpart. Home to many retired military personnel, there is a strong sense of community in the neighborhood. The Leeward Side has seen growth over the last several years, but home prices are a bit more reasonable than other parts of the island, with homes starting in the $600,000s. This community has access to great schools, great beaches, and great amenities.
Schools in Oahu, Hawaii
There are 183 public schools on the island, and most of them are the top in the state. 133 elementary schools, 36 middle schools, and 33 high schools are located across the entire island. There are many prestigious private schools on Oahu, including the private Punahou K-12 school that President Obama used to attend.
Public Transportation in Oahu, Hawaii
Living on The North Shore almost requires residents to have their own transportation. Oahu’s transit system, called TheBus, is an award-winning system and has been considered ‘America’s Best Transit System’ and is the only mass transit system that has been named that.
TheBus runs between all major towns and the majority of popular tourist destinations. There are several different passes available from a one-time charge to monthly passes for residents to ride TheBus.
Restaurants in Oahu, Hawaii
The most popular restaurants on the island include a cafe, American cuisine, some delicious healthy eats, and an elegant dining French eatery.
Located in Honolulu, this little breakfast place is a favorite of locals and tourists. Reviewers boast about the fantastic food and service, it’s close to Waikiki beach, so visitors can stop in for a bite to eat on the go.
Fresh fish is always a must while in Hawaii, and Poke Bar does not disappoint. Located in Honolulu, this eatery offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to all needs.
This healthy restaurant, located in Honolulu, has a fantastic reputation. The cafe offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and there are wonderfully healthy choices like avocado toast, acai bowls, quinoa, and more!
Located in Haleiwa, this little spot is known for the large portion sizes and delicious sandwiches. Many locals recommend it, and there are endless positive reviews about the food and the service.
The epitome of French fine-dining, La Mer is an exceptional restaurant for a meal. One of Honolulu’s most excellent restaurants, guests that dine at La Mer are blown away by the whole experience.
Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii
Shopping
In the busier cities and districts, shopping centers are conventional. Some of the more accessible shopping malls include Ala Moana Center, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, DFS Galleria (Duty-Free Shops), Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Kahala Mall, Koko Marina Shopping Center, Windward and Kane’ ohe Shopping Mall, Ward Center, Pearlridge Center, and Waikele Center. Many of these have typical stores that are found in most busy shopping centers. The Waikiki Shopping Plaza contains 75 specialty stores, the Waikele Premium Outlets house the luxury outlet stores on the island, and the Ward Center is a retail gallery that showcases the top local artists in the state.
Family Fun
Hawaii has an endless amount of activities to offer people of all ages. For the family that’s moving to Oahu, there are some excellent activities to become accustomed to the lifestyle of the island. Some of the highly recommended activities are:
Snorkeling: With crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life, snorkeling is a must-do in Oahu. There are tours available that allow you to swim with dolphins, explore the nearby coral reef, and see whales in action.
Horseback Riding: Available on the North Shore and Windward Koolau Range
Helicopter Tour: An indescribable experience that allows you to see Hawaii in a whole new way.
Water Activities: Surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, parasailing, and more, Oahu was made for these activities that are suitable for the whole family. There are lessons available for almost all the water activities to help beginners.
Sightseeing: Driving around the island is a delight to the senses. There are many secluded coves, lookout points, and special places that not all tourists know to check out. Some tours can be purchased that are hosted by locals, but some apps are available for download that offer tours of the Hawaiian Islands.
Arts & Culture
The Honolulu Museum of Art and the Hawaii State Art Museum are home to beautiful and extensive collections of local, handcrafted art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Bishop Museum has millions of Hawaiian artifacts, photographs, and documents about the Polynesian culture. Kakaako, a community in Honolulu, is the hub for the contemporary arts and culture scene, where the streets have turned into a gallery. Music, theater, dance, and the arts are thriving in this community.
Indoor Entertainment
While living in paradise, the majority of your time is spent outside, but during rainy days or when you want a break from the heat, here are some popular indoor activities. The Waikiki Aquarium, Ukulele lessons, Waterparks, Museums, The Royal Iolani Palace, and shopping.
The Royal Iolani Palace offers tours of the only royal palace in the US Monday through Saturday. Queen Emma’s Summer Palace provides daily tours of the restored palace of the former Hawaiian Monarchy. The USS Arizona National Memorial is the Pearl Harbour memorial for the initial targets of the attacks during WWII. It’s open daily for viewings.
Outdoor Recreation
Oahu has 128 incredible beaches, but here are some of the most famous and popular:
Kailua Beach Park: This famous beach is well-known for the crystal blue waters, velvet sand beach, and the ideal spot for swimming and windsurfing. It is easily one of Oahu’s most beautiful beaches.
Lanikai Beach: With views of the Mokuluas islands, this stretch of beach is the picturesque ideal of what a paradise should look like. Lanikai Beach has some of the clearest and blue water you will come across.
Sunset Beach: named appropriately for the perfect daily sunsets, Sunset Beach is the longest stretch of white sand beaches in Oahu at almost 2 miles long. Many surf competitions are held here because of the ideal conditions. In the summer months, this spot is perfect for swimming and snorkeling because the water is a bit calmer. Some nearby trails and paths lead to Waimea Bay.
Waikiki Beach: Waikiki means “spouting water,” and this beach is the most popular for tourists to visit. Hotels line the beach, so it’s typically bustling, but catamaran rides are offered by the locals. This beach is excellent for swimming, body surfing, or those learning how to swim because of the calm waters.
Ko’Olina: There are four lagoons on this beach, and they are named Kolola, meaning whale, Hanu, meaning turtle, Naia, meaning dolphin, and Ulua meaning fish. This spot is famous for some of the most beautiful sunsets that can you can see on the island. This area is secluded and is about 30 minutes from Waikiki, so there are not many tourists that visit the city. The calm lagoon waters are perfect for swimming and floating around in.
Ala Moana Beach Park/Magic Island: This famous beach located west of Waikiki is known as ‘The Path to The Sea.’ A recreation-lovers dream, the beaches have 76 acres of green space along the shore, so it’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, and more. There are many shops and restaurants nearby.
The most notable parks and nature reserves to visit in Oahu are Diamond Head State Park, Round-Top Forest Reserve, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Hale’ iwa Historical town, Pu’u O Mahuka, Lyon Arboretum, Byodo-in, Waimea Valley Audubon Center, and the Dole Plantation. The lookouts and views that these destinations boast are incredible and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that both new residents and tourists must enjoy.