Vacation Rentals in Oahu

Lovingly known as “The Gathering Place” Oahu is the jewel in Hawaii’s collection of islands. It is home to lush greenery, picturesque bays and oceanfronts and breakneck waves on its coasts and high mountain peaks and dormant volcanoes in the interior.

Besides its capital city, Honolulu, which is just the southeast part of the island, Oahu is also known for other districts like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Kāneʻohe Bay, Kailua Bay and North Shore.

There are a range of ways of getting around Oahu. The easiest, of course, would be a car rental. But their transit system known as “TheBus” is quite convenient, takes you anywhere across the island and, at $2.50 a ticket, is incredibly cost-effective.

Whether you’re a mere mortal or a surf goddess, Oahu’s numerous coastlines and beaches along with its mountainous interior makes for some pretty diverse waves, open to all skill levels. Because of it’s isolated location, it receives some of the best winds and waves. For beginners, the North Shore at Ehukai Beach Park serves up decent and manageable waves. For those who are looking for some risk, Backyards, also on the North Shore, sees many fast, advanced waves with a steep lip.

There are tons of things for families to do in Oahu. The city is well-connected and you’ll be wondering how to cram everything in. Of course, parents will love to squeeze in a history lesson in all the beach fun so begin with a tour of Pearl Harbor and then head to Diamond Head beach to relax. You can snorkel at Hanauma Bay, with turtles and tropical fish for company. You can even catch traditional hula dancers at the Polynesian Cultural Centre, located on the North Shore. And don’t miss the fireworks, every Friday evening around 8pm, presented by the Hilton Hawaiian village.

Travel nomads listen up: Oahu is literally the perfect intersection between beach bumming, relaxation and strenuous activity. From hiking the interior at Diamond Head and taking in its stunning views to visiting the picturesque Byodo-In Temple for a peaceful afternoon, there is so much to capture the imagination. If you’re in Ala Moana Beach Park, you won’t want to miss the Yoga Floats, which is yoga on a standup-paddleboard. The park also features hang gliding tours, helicopter tours and parachuting.

Diamond Head Monument features marathon just gorgeous views of the island and the sea. There is a trail that leads hikers to the summit, which is a volcanic tuff cone.

Originally the home to the last monarchs of the island, Iolani Palace has now been converted into a museum with tours and exhibits that trace back the history of the peoples.

Look fast: you may catch your favorite movie star filming a scene at Kualoa Ranch. It’s a 4000-acreprivate nature reserve that also is also an active cattle ranch. The ranch offers a buffet-style lunch and ATV tours of the area and ziplines through its lush trees.

If you’d like to spend a little less time in the urban centres or traversing up mountains, a day on the course may be just the thing for you. The Ko Olina Golf Club is a 642-acre planned vacation and resort spot just 17 miles north of Honolulu near Paradis Cove Luau. And you’ll certainly feel like you’r in paradise with its beautiful, well-kept greens and friendly staff.

Got hit with the shopping bug while you’re on vacation? Then head to the Ala Moana Centre for a day filled with drinks, dining and, of course, shopping. With a range of stores, from luxury to budget-friendly, you’ll be hard-pressed not to walk out with something. Don’t forget to check out the secret basement with a Japanese food court where beers start at a dollar and there’s sushi and ramen galore!

Oahu has two seasons: winter, which goes from November to April and summer, from May to October. Temperatures in the winter hover in the low 70s to mid 80s while summer can be a scorcher. Expect temperatures to soar to the low 90s. Luckily, calm and relaxing trade winds keep even the hottest months bearable at worst and pleasurable at best. If you're on the west coast of the island, it will be drier than the east or “Windward Coast”, which is both wetter but also greener.

You can plan on no plan or you can plan to bundle your trip around a theme. Many travellers come to Oahu with a specific aim in mind — and, chances are, it’s not their first time. To get the most out of everything the island has to offer, many travellers will decide to focus their trip on ecotourism activities, the Honolulu Festival in March or eating their way through the various neighbourhoods. Surfers, of course, are rife in the winter months at North Shore.