OAHU TRAVEL GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know

Watch this before you go to Oahu Hawaii! This ultimate Oahu travel guide is your one-stop shop for planning your perfect island escape. I'll unveil hidden gems beyond Waikiki: Ditch the crowds and discover secret beaches, stunning hikes, and local eats like a true kama'aina (local resident).
Surf's up (or not)! Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a beach bum, I'll break down the best spots for catching waves (or soaking up the rays). Foodie paradise: From poke bowls bursting with freshness to mouthwatering garlic shrimp, I'll tantalize your taste buds with must-try local eats. Insider tips & hacks: Skip the tourist traps and navigate like a pro with our expert advice on transportation, accommodation, and saving those precious vacation dollars. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your ukulele (optional!), and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure
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Table of contents
00:00 1. Oahu Travel Guide
01:00 2. Orientation
04:00 3. Getting In
06:55 4. Getting Around
10:40 5. Weather
12:43 6. Beaches
15:31 7. Shopping
17:45 8. Hotels
20:04 9. Food
27:31 Bonus
28:20 10. Things to Do
✅ You might enjoy more videos from my Oahu series: • Oahu Travel Videos
✅ Or my Maui travel series: • Maui Travel Videos
✅ Or Kauai: • Kauai Travel Guides
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[@YellowProductions]

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[@boomertuber8878]

GREAT JOB Chris! Probably your best Hawaii video I have seen. SUPER ACCURATE!!!

[@YellowProductions]

Wow, thanks!

[@startupwebdotme]

I love Hawaii. I love the homey feeling and the warmth of the people. Lovely

[@tamiewert808]

We stayed a couple times at Twin Fin, formerly known as Aston Waikiki, and it was absolutely one of our fav places to stay in Waikiki!! Great location, great staff, beautiful rooms and they left us a nice beach bag with sunscreen and other little treats!! Saint Patrick's Day parade is a fav, and if i could recommend a great thing for travelers to do, it would be Pearl Harbor, and the circle bus tours, which is a day long trip that stops at places like the North Shore, waterfalls you can swim in, and the Dole Plantation!! Must do!!! We did the submarine excursion as well, and although it was quite pricey, it was well worth it!! Cheeseburger in Paradise was one of our fav eateries, and also cheesecake factory! There is almost always live entertainment at the Royal Hawaiian courtyard, and don't get me started on the shave ice!! Drooling 😋

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the extra tips Tamie!

[@alexwallace6120]

Thanks! You make me want to visit there! You are a great travel guide so filled with information on lodging ,restaurants snacks ,activities beaches and more. I also think your honest and you have a sense of humor and fun.

[@YellowProductions]

So nice of you Alex!

[@nadin.ivanova6087]

Great video! very informative thanks so much !

[@kenl9097]

Great video, Chris! This is a complete guide to Oahu from transportation, places to stay, places to visit, places to eat. A must watch if you are traveling to the beautiful island of Oahu. Thank you, Chris .

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Ken!

[@Frogbjb]

Love eating the shells, they’re cooked with the shells on so all that garlic-y flavor goes into the shells, and adds so much more flavor.

[@reyjking1]

love your hawaii videos...

[@prp3231]

It amazes me how countries like the USA, mainland Europe, Australasia etc are geared up to accommodate tourists and make their tourist areas clean, well maintained and with good transport infrastructure. This is not the case when we look at the UK.

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job chris thumb up

[@taraschulz]

This video was packed with so much great information. Thank you. I feel prepared now for our trip.

[@YellowProductions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanguzek361]

great video, best place ever

[@ajsato7914]

Absolutely LOVE the Ice Creams and Sorbet's at Henry's Place🤩 We go almost every day to re-stock and the Fresh Mango Ice Cream and Guava Sorbet are our FAVORITES!

[@YellowProductions]

Mmmm!

[@johnbolton5569]

Another great video. I always enjoy your videos. I learn a lot from them.

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome, thank you John!

[@depatie99]

Great video! My perfect Honolulu vacation is staying at the Ala Moana Hotel, corner room, high floor, sunsets are amazing at a reasonable price. Favourite beach...Ala Moana Park, more locals fewer tourists.... Favourite place to eat... Ala Moana Mall, Nordstroms, BBQ chicken salad for around $10.00. I have stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki, entry level room gets you a view on a low floor of the HVAC system.... never again.

[@YellowProductions]

Great point about Ala Moana hotel.. and thanks for that tip on the Sheraton Waikiki.. I guess I've always been upgraded due to my Marriott status

[@irissaavedragarcia]

Extremely informative video, thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markcummings3146]

Visited Oahu from UK this summer for our 15th wedding anniversary, it's pretty much half way around the world for us but we loved it! Did a submarine tour on Waikki beach, snorkelling, circle island tour. It's so clean but a bit pricey in the Waikki area but well worth visiting for a bucket list.

[@yaboirolly]

You mind if I ask how much you spent for 1 person or per person? Was it A Luxury, Mid range, Budget friendly trip? I go next month & I want to prepare

[@markcummings3146]

@@yaboirolly It wasn't cheap but would not describe it as luxury. I would say if you don't stay right on the beach in Waikiki (we stayed at the Hilton four star property a block back) and it was noticeably cheaper. The tours we did were not too expensive, we booked through tripadvisor in advance around $80 per person but the submarine was more expensive. I would say for the two of us we spent around $1000-1500 for the week on trips, food and other miscellaneous things including an expensive meal at one of the top steakhouses which cost around $250-300 for two of us with tip). The hotel I think cost around $1400 for the week.

[@yaboirolly]

@@markcummings3146 thanks for the info.

[@Dancingkitten_yt]

This was very informative. Thank you. Thinkin about planning a trip soon. You set my nerves at ease a bit:)

[@YellowProductions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stargazer5073]

May and October are my fav times

[@PeaceFan1]

Ditto...xo

[@Sabrina-od4mr]

Excellent video!🤙🏽

[@YellowProductions]

Appreciate it!

[@lydiakualapai8372]

Giovanni’s on the North Shore serves the best garlic shrimp! Mahalo for the recommendation!

[@YellowProductions]

Mmmm

[@edvaira6891]

Chris, I will ALWAYS think the world of you because You introduced me to Byodo-in which is the very first thing we visited our first day…and we went back twice in the remaining six days we were there…we just loved it…Also, Definitely agree about the Polynesian Cultural Center! While it was pricey for the four of us ($700 plus) IT WAS SO VERY WORTH IT!!

[@YellowProductions]

Right on Ed! Glad you enjoyed Byodo-in and the Polynesian Cultural Center!

[@stephenjones8645]

Chris, if you haven't tried Big Chief's Luaha/Fia Fia (put on by the same group), I would highly recommend checking it out. We've been to a few, but that's the only one we have really enjoyed and end up going back to nearly everytime we are in Hawaii.

[@marcielynn4886]

😮You can fit all the islands into the big island.😮

[@user-pt3oe4ui5i]

Great job. You work hard for this. You knew a lot more than I do & I live here. FYI, Hawaii has 4 seasons🤣 We have s Winter & spring & autumn 🤣

[@alm5535]

It was nice meeting you 🤙🏾 Great video as always.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks! You too!

[@philt5782]

Love your video! Oahu is on my bucket list being a Magnum fan growing up in the 70's and 80's. I'm used to Island time having grown up on Manitoulin , Northern Ontario. Lots of great info. Thanks.

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome Phil!

[@joefisher1972]

Tell TC to get the chopper ready haha! I hear that Robin's Nest is actually a private residence near the North Shore!

[@boomertuber8878]

@@joefisher1972 Robins nest WAS just a few miles from Waikiki. Last time I was there they were replacing it with other high end dwellings. You could still get around back and swim in the tidal pool though which was VERY cool! Not sure about Robins nest location from New Series.

[@harrymiram6621]

@@joefisher1972...Robyn's Nest was in Kailua/Waimanalo area & was razed >7+ yrs ago. Tried to watch re-boot but no such luck

[@joefisher1972]

Thanks for the info!@@harrymiram6621

[@josesantillan237]

One of foodies I was going to was Rainbows drive in

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

Should mention Foodland and their fantastic Poke bar! Stopping there instead of Costco to pick up groceries.

[@eugenelynch3032]

Aloha from San Francisco; I was born on Island and never left.

[@jameshiga8077]

Hi Chris. Fabulous job on the Oahu Travel Guide. . Very detailed information even if it's good or bad. Viewer's should have a pretty good idea what we have to offer as a tourist destination. I'm might have to call you a Kama'aina now because you been to Oahu so many times and know so much about the island. Mahalo and take care.😀🤙🤙🤙

[@YellowProductions]

Right on James 😀

[@harrymiram6621]

Kama'aina=Kah-mah-eye-nah=Native born. You may have been thinking of maka'ainana=Mah-kah-eye-nah-nah, referring to general populace

[@valerieruddy20]

Excellent video, we are visiting for a few days before a cruise & your information is much appreciated

[@Passportpavi]

Awesome video as per usual, thank you!! I think you just made me decide to book the trip! 😆 Is there a preferred payment in most places credit card versus cash? Thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome.. I think Hawaii is pretty card friendly

[@clydenakashima7393]

When I visit from the neighbor island I stay at the Pagoda Hotel; because it is close to Don Quiijote, Walmart and Ala Moana Center.

[@harrymiram6621]

AGREED! Pagoda is Very much a "hidden gem" amongst hustle/bustle in HNL/WKK. Also XLNT Sunday brunch buffet

[@maddog6620]

You are cool 😎

[@meathook2448]

I've used Turo 3 times in Hawaii and it was awesome every time, much cheaper than the rental car companies. I just made sure the people I rented from had lots of great reviews.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip on Turo!

[@spannaspinna]

I see there is some really cool cars on there also

[@DecrepitBiden]

How much cheaper by Turo? Thought about it, but I hear horror stories about AirBnB, so i figured Turo would be the same. I don't want to drive someone's used car. My 7 day rental from Budget costed $300.

[@meathook2448]

@@DecrepitBiden what do you think you’re driving when you rent from a rental car company? You’re driving a used car that MANY more people have driven. Price will depend on what time of year you go, but last time I was on Oahu I rented a very nice VW Tiguan for $49 a day.

[@DecrepitBiden]

@@meathook2448 You're right. So it's roughly the same. My rental was a Jeep grand cherokee.

[@richardmercer2337]

Yes DEFINITELY visit the Cultural Center! You will need a rental car (or an expensive taxi ride), and an entire day, but it's worth it!

[@ELi5286]

They have busses to the center! I thinks it’s about $50 per person. And you can call PCC to book it.

[@canyonoverlook9937]

So many things are more crowded now. I did the Diamond Head hike in 1989 and only a few people were doing the hike. Now you need a reservation. Angels Landing at Zion now has a lottery. I was at Angels Landing in 2011 and you could just go up. I don't think they even had lights in the tunnel at Diamond Head in 1989. It was pitch black walking through there if I remember correctly. We were leaving the Diamond Head crater after the hike heading for the car tunnel and an elderly Swedish couple was walking out to go catch a bus. my dad stopped and picked them up. We gave them a ride to the bus stop.

[@YellowProductions]

Indeed.. the power of the internet I think. More people at the "best" sights

[@canyonoverlook9937]

@@YellowProductions Also, there are a lot more people in the world compared to 30-40 or 50 years and a greater percentage of those people can afford to travel. In the 70s and 80s people didn't fly around as much as they do now.

[@harrymiram6621]

That is the Epitome of "Aloha spirit"...helping others in need, regardless of situation. As song lyrics say..."You gotta live Aloha...the heartbeat of this land"

[@blastoise65]

Thanks, Chris. Loved watching this video. I am traveling alone with 2 young kids and wanted to know if it is safe to use TheBus from the airport to the hotel at 10:30pm?

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome! And hmm... I've never ridden the bus at the hour... remember that on the bus you can't take "check in" size luggage... with 2 kids I'd imagine you're doing more than carry-on

[@blastoise65]

​@@YellowProductions Just carry-ons. I plan on traveling cashless, except bring some bills for tips. Is that feasible?

[@dawnodunc]

Enjoyed this video! Thank you. Where is that Aloha signing Things to do section? I like sign photos.

[@YellowProductions]

The Aloha sign is in the Marriott Waikiki

[@dawnodunc]

Thanks I will look for it! Know of any other sign photo ops in Waikiki or Oahu?@@YellowProductions

[@Karen-en8rb]

Is there any rental car places around the ship port?

[@Twinsen764]

I need to show my parents this video so they can take me to the North Shore.

[@juliansutton5819]

Heading to Wakiki/Oahu in April. Glad you reinforced my decision not to go to a Luau. Spending $400 for my fiance and I do see a cool show and have buffet food. I'd much rather do something, like go to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Then go to a nice restaurant of your choosing and have a $100 pp meal. Like a steakhouse.

[@TheseOldCards]

Not sure if I skipped over it in the video but you didn’t mention the big swap meet at the Stadium on Wednesdays and the weekends

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the additional tip!

[@SuperAndora]

When was this video recorded?

[@darrylk808]

Great video. FYI, buy your sunscreen in Hawaii. There are restrictions on the type of sunscreen. Many will kill the coral, so they restrict the types that can be sold or used. Isn't the Marriott in Waikiki a "Resort & Spa?" I.e. no lounge. I stayed once and was disappointed in the missing lounge.☹️ I have to have my unlimited diet coke.😂 Diamond head hike can't be hard, the old Japanese tourists hike it in heels and dresses.😂

[@YellowProductions]

Yes. The Marriott Waikiki is missing a lounge. Which is lame.. for that reason the Westin and Sheraton are better as they have lounges

[@harrymiram6621]

FYI... Honolulu=Sheltered/protected bay=Hoh-noh-loo-loo, Not Hanalulu. Hana is town in E Maui Haleiwa=Hah-lay-ee-vah=House of the iwa(frigate bird) Waimea=Why-may-ah=Red water Not Waiamea. Also the names of towns on Kauai & Hawaii isle aka Big Island. Waimea Falls was used by James Cook to replenish fresh water/fruits-1778

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the pronunciation tips :)

[@janeyang6176]

Where is the best place to see turtles in mid February? Thanks.😃

[@DelhiBelly1620]

Chris- In a couple weeks I’ll be spending 24 hrs in Waikiki, staying at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort. Do you have any recommendations for oceanfront fine dining for dinner in the area? We can travel by foot or by ride share. Thanks!

[@YellowProductions]

Hi DelhiBelly -- yeah.. the beachhouse at the Westin Moana Surfrider

[@DelhiBelly1620]

@@YellowProductions thank you Chris!

[@DabWillDoIt]

14:38 shorty is caked up gawd damn

[@KawaiiNancy]

💜💜💜😊👋

[@ilovemyoregon]

Locals call them slippahs! :)

[@DecrepitBiden]

Tim Ho Wan is expensive. Go to Sing Cheong Yuan in Chinatown. Royal Kitchen sucks. Personally, I wouldn't eat anything on the boardwalk, except Marukame Udon.

[@verasearle7570]

M. Udon is great!

[@reenarabago8061]

First, I love your videos! You are so thorough and thoughtful. However, as a Hawaiian, born and raised here. Would you be able to add a little more safety and general practice to your videos about Hawaii. Just like the the warning on Sandy’s, safety on Hawaii beaches (shore breaks, follow posted signs, stay away from the monk seals and turtles). Hiking (follow posted signs, wild pigs, and trash, don’t liter). Those ideas would be much appreciated. And again, love your videos!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the suggestion Reena!

[@larrythedolphin]

I'm a very experienced body surfer, surfing the North shore hundreds of times. I broke my ankle at Sandy Beach once due to the shore break but went back in for 15 minutes more until I couldn't take the pain. Was in a cast for 6 months. Even for experts you can get hurt but especially rookies.

[@kerrygarforth4271]

Do you know where you can buy flower lei's at a reasonable price? We are staying at Aulani and there's 6 of us. We can't take them home with us so don't want to spend more than we need to.

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Kerry, there's a bunch of Lei stands at the airport. That's probably the easiest

[@kerrygarforth4271]

@@YellowProductions Thank you😀

[@flyinlow6692]

With all due respect it's the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

[@pkodani72]

Hana Uma LOL it's Hanama bay

[@michaelaronson7253]

What truly makes this the Vegas by the sea ⛵ are the resort fees.

[@YellowProductions]

Hah. That too!

[@SaveHawaiiReefs]

Don’t wear water shoes when visiting our coral reefs. Too many people walk on the reefs, causing major problems. Please clarify this in your video.

[@superthomas1020]

Is wearing water shoes alright if you don’t plan on walking on the reefs

[@think.culture]

@@superthomas1020I just wouldn’t wear them but if you have to stick to Waikiki or Ko Olina

[@h8everythingdies]

Was paradise. No shade at Queens park. No crabs or birds.moana park mostly burnt.

[@darylhopkins9796]

If the bus does not allow large bags from the airport, then why take it?

[@YellowProductions]

For people who only have carry-on sized luggage. And for the employees that work at the airport

[@BrianKitching-wv5nh]

Didn't David Hasselhoff stay in Hawaii when filming Baywatch, i wish i could find out the name of the hotel.

[@kennywong544]

Did you know that the busiest cheesecake factory in the world is the Waikiki location?

[@YellowProductions]

I didn't know that factoid. But I can believe it!

[@CutePanties]

Beware of the millions of homeless people.

[@larrythedolphin]

If I was homeless Hawaii would be the best place to be.

[@xman3988]

Locals don't put shoyu (soy sauce) on rice.

[@marcielynn4886]

Condolulu

[@YellowProductions]

That's a good description 😀

[@richardmccarley281]

OMG. Just because you CAN wear a thong doesn't mean you SHOULD wear a thong!

[@canyonoverlook9937]

Did I miss a thong? Where was it?

[@YellowProductions]

Hah

[@prp3231]

Lard

[@jonnieinbangkok]

High crime in Oahu...be aware.

[@lmdeboom]

Not violent crime. We were there and we felt safe. Of course, you need to take common sense precautions. Locals and natives are nice and helpful.

[@teresachui335]

Especially at the beach! My husband and I had Honeymoon with two other couples 30 years ago. We took photos at the beach and there's only a few peoples around. My friend put her bag on the sand close to us. After taking the photos, her bag was gone. All the credit cards and money were in the bag.

[@h8everythingdies]

Walking around this week destroyed noone should travel here. Videos on channel

[@kamyu2324]

Not bad video for a non local. Not the true local spots though.

[@petarsron]

very unhealthy food choices