Oahu — The Heart of Hawaii

Oahu is the third-largest but by far the most populous island in Hawaii — about 70% of the state's residents live here. The capital Honolulu is a modern city with skyscrapers, top-notch restaurants, and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. But Oahu is much more than Waikiki: The North Shore offers world-class surfing, Pearl Harbor is a moving historical site, and the interior surprises with lush green mountains and hidden hiking trails.

Waikiki Beach & Honolulu

Waikiki is Hawaii's tourist epicenter — a 3 km long sandy beach lined with high-rise hotels, shopping malls, and the iconic view of Diamond Head in the background. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's crowded. And yes, it's still beautiful — the warm, turquoise water, the gentle waves (perfect for beginner surfers), and the sunset over the Pacific are simply magical.

In Honolulu itself: The Bishop Museum is the best museum for Polynesian and Hawaiian culture in the world. The Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil — here the Hawaiian monarchy ruled until its overthrow in 1893. And the Diamond Head crater offers a 360° view over Waikiki and the Pacific after a short, steep hike (2.6 km, 1–1.5 hours, $5 entry + $10 parking).

Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the naval base Pearl Harbor — the attack that brought the USA into World War II. Today, Pearl Harbor is a National Historic Landmark with several memorials:

• USS Arizona Memorial — A white monument that hovers over the sunken battleship, where 1,177 sailors still rest. Free tickets, but limited — reserve online (recreation.gov), often booked weeks in advance.
• USS Missouri — The battleship where Japan signed the surrender in 1945. Tours of the ship: $35.
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum — In the original hangars with bullet holes from 1941. Fascinating even for non-military fans: $26.

North Shore

In winter (November–February), the largest waves in the world roll in at the North Shore — 10–15 m high monsters at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, ridden only by the best surfers in the world. In summer, the same beaches transform into calm, crystal-clear lagoons for snorkeling. The surfer town Haleiwa has charming shrimp trucks (the Giovanni's Shrimp Truck garlic shrimp are legendary, $14), shaved ice stands, and surf shops.

The Banzai Pipeline is the mecca of surfing — the Triple Crown of Surfing takes place here in winter. Even without surfing yourself: Watching the waves from the road is spectacular.