O'ahu is also called "The gathering Place". Three thirds of the Hawaiian population live on this island. Honolulu is the capital city of Hawai'i and represents with its skyscrapers the modern side of the island. Nevertheless, you will see business men walking around in hawai'i shirts. O'ahu is as diverse in activities as its multiethnic society who is living here. Surfing, hiking, diving and snorkeling, incredible lookouts and beaches are there to be explored as well as famous Waikīkī with restaurants, clubs, shopping and of course the famous beach. 

Fly directly to Honolulu international Airport. There is a bus transfer from the airport to Honolulu and Waikīkī.

I recommended to rent a car on O'ahu as it is a lot more convenient to get around. Especially with luggage. However, O'ahu has the best bus route network of all the Hawaiian islands. Basically you can go around the whole island by bus very cheap (surfboards are not allowed/you can use the bike rack for your bycicle). For more information about the bus routes click here.

Waikiki beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in the world. For me it is kind of unique. The water is clear and the waves are sacred. Make sure you take a longboard and surf those incredible waves riding almost endless towards the beach.

Tip: Every Friday night there is fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. So make sure you watch it from the east side (Waikiki Wall has the best view) of Waikiki beach.

From this beach park you get incredible fews at Waikīkī and Diamond head. Stay for the sunset to see the sky turning Waikīkī into beautiful colors. 

This beach is one of my favorites on O'ahu. It has the strongest waves I have experienced which are breaking right on the beach. Waves traveling thousands of kilometers to hit shore at sandy beach. The secluded area makes it more unique and special. Go to play with the waves. It´s so much fun!

The Cove is kind of a lagoon where you can swim and jump off the rocks. The little space in between the lava rocks makes it a bit more exclusive and different to other beaches on the island. Stop here and enjoy the ocean.

Another highlight on the island are the Makapu'u Tidepools. The walk there is already worth the effort. Once you are there, you are rewarded with a swim in the tide pools. Look around to find your natural pool just for your own.

This beach is very popular for Kite- and Windsurfers. The beach stretched very wide and there is a lot of space for everyone. Sometimes it can be a little windy. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful place to relax or take a walk on the beach. The houses there are incredible!

This hike is the most intense and craziest hike I have done on the island. Many beautiful sights on the way and challenging passages to conquer. This is so much worth to sweat and be exhausted. The effort is great, the reward is much greater. If you like a little challenge, do it. Make sure you leave early to avoid the sun during midday.

Go there for snorkeling and relaxing on this beautiful stretch of land. This is a masterpiece from earth.

See the turtles right on the beach and swimming in the water. But please do not come to close or even touch them. These are wild animals and sacred for Hawaiians.

You can go for snorkeling and jumping off the cliffs. There is not much coral around but fishes are plenty.

Hale'iwa town is THE town at the north shore. Great for shopping and restaurants. There are several famous local shops around. Make sure to explore the town by walking through it.

If you need a little more adventure, go check out Waimea Bay for cliff jumping (only in summer season when there are no waves).

This beach has one of the most famous surf breaks in the world - Pipeline. In summer it is flat like a lake but during the wintertime it is pumping. Overhead high waves are crashing onto the reef right in front of the beach. The best surfers in the world are competing in one of the several competitions held during the winter months. It is spectacular. 

If you would come to Hawai'i only for the "Stairway to heaven" I would understand. This hike was incredible. You start in the middle of the night hiking up the stairs. The railing is wet, it is pitch black. Your eyes are trying to adjust to the darkness. Your headlamp gives you a few meters of light. You climb up, higher and higher and you do not know what to expect. This is an adventure you will never forget. Watching the sunrise from the top is something you will not miss.

The west coast of O'ahu looks very different to the rest of the island. It is more dry and kind of rougher. There is not much around besides beautiful wild coast. The mountains are covered in different colors and shades of green and brown. This in contrast to the blue ocean is a photographers paradise.

If you ever want to see my favorite place from the top, go and drive up to Tantalus Lookout. The drive itself is fun and this combined with that kind of few... what else do you need! Take a deep breath up there and soak it all up.