Oahu, the most populated island in Hawaii and home to the state’s capital, is full of magnificent beaches, lookout points, attractions, hiking, and restaurants. Whether you’ve lived on Oahu your entire life and just want to find a new way to spend a Saturday, are visiting from a neighboring island, or are headed to Hawaii for vacation, we’ve created the ultimate Oahu road trip.

This road trip is approximately 115 miles, and at just under four hours of drive time is easily completed in one day. We’ve included a link to the Google Map here, and if desired, the road trip can be customized to your particular interests. Though we’ve started and ended this road trip at Waikiki Beach, you can obviously start from any one of these points, depending on where you live or are staying while on vacation. Don’t forget to pack up your car with the essentials: swimsuits, towels, a camera, and a stellar road trip mix.

Google Maps
1. Waikiki Beach
Peggy2012/Flickr
Whether you’re on vacation and staying in Waikiki, or simply live nearby, this is the perfect place to either start or finish the perfect day in paradise. In the morning, you can catch some waves of your own — or maybe just watch the surfers while enjoying an acai bowl before starting your day. In the evening, you can watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, and on Fridays, watch the weekly fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
2. Hanauma Bay Lookout
Ricky Duane Grobe/Flickr
You could easily spend the entire day hanging out at the beach and snorkeling with Hawaii’s marine life at Hanauma Bay, but if you’re short on time, you can snap a few photographs from the lookout and be on your way.
3. Makupu’u Point Lighthouse
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
This short and sweet two-mile hike to the Makupuu Lighthouse Trail is a wonderful addition to any Oahu road trip. The path is fully-paved, not too difficult, and offers stellar views. Plus, is there really any better way to start your day than with a little exercise?
4. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Pargit?/Flickr
For the best views of Oahu’s windward coast — and a stellar photo opportunity — you won’t want to miss a stop by the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. Truth be told, you could make this stop last an entire day, as there are some killer hiking trails that are easily accessible from the lookout, but if all you want are a few pictures, this spot is second to none.

Related Stories

Take These 12 Roads In Hawaii For An Unforgettable Scenic Drive

Take These 12 Roads In Hawaii For An Unforgettable Scenic Drive

 Hop In Your Car And Take Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway For An Incredible 19.5-Mile Scenic Drive In Hawaii

Hop In Your Car And Take Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway For An Incredible 19.5-Mile Scenic Drive In Hawaii

 These 14 Beautiful Highways In Hawaii Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive

These 14 Beautiful Highways In Hawaii Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
5. Kailua Beach
Patrick Rudolph/Flickr
With crystalline turquoise water and fine white sand, Kailua Beach, and its neighbor, Lanikai, are often considered the best beaches in the state. Head into the charming Kailua Town for a quick bite to eat — might we suggest breakfast or lunch at Cinnamon’s, a quick pick me up at Morning Brew Coffee, or a smoothie from Lanikai Juice?
6. Byodo-In Temple
Patrick Malone/Flickr
One of Oahu’s true gems is the Byodo-In Temple, a near-perfect replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan. The non-denominational shrine was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in Hawaii.
7. Laie Point State Wayside
Nelo Hotsuma/Flickr
For the adrenaline junkie, this beautiful lookout spot is ideal for some stellar cliff jumping — when the conditions are right. If you are anything like me and would rather not jump off a cliff and into the ocean, Laie Point will offer you some absolutely phenomenal views of the Windward Coast. Stop by nearby Kahuku on your way to the net destination for some killer shrimp at one of the town’s many infamous shrimp trucks — we suggest Giovanni’s.
8. Banzai Pipeline
Al Feducia/Flickr
While the entire seven-mile stretch of beaches along the island’s north shore are magnificent, there is little better spot to relax and watch professional surfers than at the Banzai Pipeline, off Ehukai Beach.

Alternative suggestions: If you would rather get in the water, I would suggest Laniakea, a beach that is populated by sleepy green sea turtles lounging on the shore. If you’re itching to see a waterfall, check out Waimea Valley; there is an entrance fee to the botanical garden, but you will enjoy a leisurely stroll through gorgeous plant life to a charming waterfall where you can jump in for a quick dip.
9. Matsumoto Shave Ice
Albert Lynn/Flickr
Some people say that Matsumoto is the best spot in all of Hawaii to get shave ice, and we would be amiss to disagree. There is little better than this sweet treat after a day spent exploring the beautiful island so many of us call home. While you’re in Haleiwa, you can do some shopping at the local boutiques and surf shops, or grab a bite to eat for dinner. My favorite is Cholos Homestyle Mexican, but Haleiwa Joe’s and Banzai Sushi are two other phenomenal options.

And if you have some extra time, consider ending your day at the famous Dole Plantation. Raise your hand if you’re ready for an amazing road trip around Oahu! What stops would you add to this road trip if you could? Perhaps your favorite beach or snack shop? Sound off in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Oahu: The Gathering Place

Megan Shute | May 04, 2020

What is the island of Oahu known for? 

The Hawaiian Island of Oahu is not only home to the state's capital city of Honolulu, but 950,000 residents (out of 1.41 million residents state-wide) as well as some of the islands' most famous historic sites, beaches, and restaurants. Measuring in at just under 600 square miles, the island's most popular destinations include Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the charming towns of Kailua and Haleiwa, and some mighty gorgeous beaches, mountains, and waterfalls.

Where can you find the best views on Oahu? 

Oahu is home to countless incredible views and lookout points found both near easily accessible parking lots on the side of the road and via tough hiking trails through the mountains. My personal favorites include Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple overlooking Waimea Valley and Bay on Oahu's north shore, the Lanai Lookout, and the summit of Pu'u O Hulu Kai — a pillbox trail on the leeward coast. One of my favorite — and underrated — hiking views is found along the Aiea Loop Trail.

What are Oahu's most impressive historic sites? 

If you love history, Oahu is the perfect place to visit. Not only is this gorgeous island home to the only royal palace on United States soil - Iolani Palace, but you can immerse yourself in the history of one of the most tragic events in U.S. history at the many Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Battleship Missouri. You can even take this road trip across Oahu to discover some of the most fascinating historic sites in Hawaii.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Waik?k? Beach, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, 100 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, Makapu?u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA
Nu?uanu Pali Lookout, Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Kailua Beach, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
The Byodo-In Temple, 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
La?ie Point State Wayside, End of Naupaka Street, HI-83, Laie, HI 96762, USA
59-473 Ke Waena Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA