If you just can’t decide which Hawaiian island to honeymoon in because you want a little bit of everything, then Oahu is for you. And when we say everything, we mean everything: sightseeing, tourism, great food, beaches, surfing, snorkeling, shopping and visiting museums or historical points of interest. Even though Oahu has the largest population of any of the Hawaiian islands, you don’t have to stay where all the people are! The North Shore is about as picturesque as they come and features plenty of ways to relax and unwind.
While the North Shore may be popular (very popular) for surfing (the “Super Bowl” of surfing occurs between November and December), don’t feel like you have to be a surfer to honeymoon at the North Shore! The seven-mile expanse of white sand beaches (such as Waimea Bay) is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, particularly during the summer months when the waves calm down. In nearby Haleiwa you can get your art and shopping fix; this quiet laid-back town adds the ambiance of simplicity that pervades the North Shore.
Waikiki Beach
In stark contrast lie Waikiki and Honolulu. Only an hour from North Shore, Honolulu, as the state capital of Hawaii, is where you’ll find it all! You will never run out of things to do and places to visit while staying or visiting Honolulu. Some highlights of this busy city: Pearl Harbor (technically in southern Central Oahu; plan for a full day to visit the Arizona Memorial); Hanauma Bay (for some of the most amazing snorkeling in Oahu); and Aloha Tower for dining, shopping and entertainment. Of course, you can’t visit Honolulu without stopping by Waikiki.
It’s is one of the most popular and famous destinations in the world, and rightly so: with every hotel and resort only a couple blocks away from its picturesque waters and soft white sand beach, it’s hard to not appreciate the beauty that is Waikiki. The beachfront is a popular spot for surfing lessons since the waters are relatively calmer compared to other beaches in Oahu. Since Waikiki is only a little less than two square miles, it’s easy to walk along the strip and enjoy all that this area of Honolulu has to offer.
In contrast to the popular North Shore and world-famous south shore of Honolulu and Waikiki are two areas of Oahu you don’t often hear much about: Windward Coast and Leeward Coast. The Windward Coast on the east side of Oahu offers a laid-back beach scene and lush mountains perfect for hiking and enjoying the gorgeous views this side of Oahu has to offer. If you plan on driving between the North Shore and Honolulu, you’ll likely be passing through the Windward Coast. Take a couple hours to enjoy the sights!
While not as lush and green as the Windward Coast, the Leeward Coast has plenty to offer, drawing quite a few visitors year-round to its picturesque white sand beaches. The 43-acre luxurious JW Marriott Resort and Spa, in particular, is what typically brings tourists to this side of Oahu. That and golfing; the Leeward Coast is home to nine golf courses (compared to four courses in Honolulu and three on the North Shore).
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