Getting Around O'ahu

While planning Hawaii, I was a bit skeptical about spending time on Oahu. I heard that it wasn't as beautiful as some of the other islands, among statements that it was just a place to experience hedonism in the form of resorts, bars and waveless beaches. I'd like to clarfiy now that this is a myth. Oahu has beautiful scenery and hiking trails. It is an island definitely worth touring, just don't spend all your time in Waikiki. Here's some of the cool ways you can get out of Honolulu, to explore around the island.

The Dead Man's Catwalk

Bus

The bus system in Oahu is easy to use and cost effective. Getting to the north shore from Waikiki will cost as little as $2. If you do want to get the bus from Waikiki to the north shore, it'll take around 2 hours. I view the loss of time as the only setback. In a rental car, you could probably get there in fourty minutes, inclusive of all the necessary stops.

When purchasing a ticket, remember to ask for a transfer ticket, so that you can hop on and off other busses using the same ticket. The bus schedules are great, and so is the price. I'd advise against using the bus if you want to see a lot in a short period of time. Stretch out bus trips, and enjoy yourself. Get all the public bus routes and prices here.

Rent a Scooter

Looking towards waimanalo beach

Riding a low speed scooter along the coastline is wonderfully satisfying - especially when you have a safety flag, and a helmet to mask your smuggery. Due to the road conditions and low speeds, Hawaii is a safe place to use a scooter. One of my favourite places to rent a scooter is the Hawaiian Style Rentals store on Lemon Road, Waikiki. Two of the main hostels, Polynesian Hostel Beach Club, and the Waikiki Beachside Hostel, are just a minute walk from the storefront.

Now, if you don't have a motorcycle license, you'll only be able to rent a low speed scooter, which is still great. I'd use the scooter to make a day trip out of seeing the east coast. I took a scooter from Waikiki up to Kailua. There are some great places to stop and see along the way, including Hanuma Bay, Lanaki Beach, Maunawili Falls, Waimanalo beach, and the Dead Man's Catwalk, so you'll need the whole day. Technically, you're not covering much ground, but you'll be seeing a lot. Take the day easy, and relax!

Where to scoot! credit & Full map: click here

Due to the service and reliability of the vehicles, Hawaiian Style Rentals seem to be a bit more expensive than some of the other rental companies on Oahu. Prices are fair all round, with rental prices (per day) starting from $25 USD to $40. Insurance and other additional fees may apply, depending on your situation.

Jeep!

There is a good reason why it has become a bit of a cliche to rent a Jeep in Hawaii. Being able to drive alongside Hawaiian beaches with the roof off is absolutely wicked. Jeep's also feature the 4WD switch, so if you're big on getting off-road, perhaps you should consider renting one. Even if you're under 25, it wont cost you too much to rent a jeep for a day. Convince some of your buddies or hostel mates to chip in, and share in the adventures! If you want to save cash, rent a smaller car. As much as I don't like to admit it, I think renting a car is the only efficient way to see the whole island.

The day I rented a Jeep, I managed to drive alongside the whole coastline of Oahu. I stopped regularly to see the sights, and I even managed to squeeze in Pearl Harbor and two hikes - one of which was the Dead Man's Catwalk (see top image). If you get up early enough, you could definitely do a full day tour.

Essentials of O'ahu

Hanauma Bay

Celebrated as being among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Hanauma is located just around fifteen minutes north-east from Waikiki. Snorkelling is the most popular activity in Hanauma, due to the reef being so close to the surface of the water. You can access Hanauma Bay via Route 72/Kalanianaole HWY. Unfortunately, it is closed on Tuesdays.

hanauma bay

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai beach reminded me a lot of the Caribbean beaches. Lanikai has a vast stretch of white sand, a very calm surf, and two beautiful rock islands that can be viewed while swimming. The small islands are accessible via paddleboards and sea kayak.

lanikai beach

Dead Man's Catwalk

The Deadman's Catwalk is a concrete slab that errily hangs over the edge of a very high cliff, allowing hikers to experience an epic overlook of the east side of the island. The hiking trail starts at the end of Kamehame Drive in Honolulu, just around ten minutes from Waikiki. After half an hour of walking up the paved road, you'll find yourself at an old run down weather station type area. Look to the right for a set of stairs that are concealed within some bushes. Take the stairs up to the concrete slab. Be careful, as you have to climb around a fence that goes out over the cliff. Hold on tight.

This hike is quite dangerous in certain areas. Slipping could result in death.

View north from the Dead Man's Catwalk

Banzai Pipeline

The drive from Waikiki up to the North Coast is wondeful. Take a car, and you'll get there quicker. If instead you choose to take the bus for $2, you'll be able to soak up more of the scenery. Once you get up north, you'll witness the culture slow down a bit - similar to Kauai's chilled out atmosphere. Once you've taken the highway to the north coast, you'll hit the Banzai Pipline at the eastward bend. The Banzai Pipeline is a beach renowned for it's pipe-like wave formation, and is very popular spot for surfing! I didn't manage to squeeze any surfing in, but it is still a great beach to swim and goof off in.

Banzai Pipeline

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Visiting the memorial at Pearl Harbor is a very sentimental experience. As you're probably aware, Pearl Harbor housed a terrible, yet pivotal event in WWII that sparked the American involvement. It cannot be argued that the navy dock played an important part in shaping the culture of the modern world. For this reason, it is quite a unique place to vist on your travels to O'ahu. It reminded me a lot of the 9/11 memorial in New York.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach can always be great fun, no matter what type of traveller you are. It reminded me alot of Australia's 'Surfers Paradise'. I personally wouldn't spend more than three nights in Waikiki, because it's buzz mostly comes from the clash of a beautiful still beach, with the ecstacy of uptown city life. I think the real beauty of O'ahu lies outside of Honolulu.

Waikiki Beach

Drive the Farrington HWY (93)

Take the Farrington HWY up to the north-western tip of O'ahu. You'll need a 4WD to get to the conclusion of HWY 93, but driving until the paved road ends is still a worthwhile trip. The western area is so different to the rest of O'ahu. Heading back down south along the coast demonstrates the difference. You'll get to see some nice coastlines, and rugged land. The drive will take around an hour or two.