Best Islands to Visit near Oahu

"You can either spend the first two days on the island of Oahu or arrive directly to Maui, from where you can catch an inter-island flight to the following leg in the journey."

"Manana Island, also named Rabbit island, is located ten miles off the Maine shoreline. It is referred to as Rabbit Island mainly for its rabbit's head-like structure and because Jonh Adams Cummins introduced rabbits in the Waimānalo farm. However, the massive destruction they caused to the ecosystem resulted in their eradication."

"From here, you have a great view of the islet Manana Island, also known as Rabbit Island, and Kaohikaipu Island, which is the flatter of the two islets. If your time and interests permit, you might want to take the 1.4 mile (one-way) Makapuu Lighthouse Trail for great views of the lighthouse."

"From here, you have a great view of the islet Manana Island, also known as Rabbit Island, and Kaohikaipu Island, which is the flatter of the two islets. If your time and interests permit, you might want to take the 1.4 mile (one-way) Makapuu Lighthouse Trail for great views of the lighthouse."

"Popoia Island, or Flat Island as referred to, functioned as a fishing center in ancient times. But now, this iconic island located about a quarter-mile off the Kailua coast is a state bird sanctuary and breeding grounds for wedge-tailed shearwaters. The island is breezy and beautiful."

"Continuing on Highway 83, make a stop at Kualoa Beach Park for a beautiful view of Mokoli’i, which is also known as Chinaman’s Hat. < Potential add on: Kualoa Ranch offers activities including horseback riding, ATV tour, zipline tour, ancient fishpond and garden tour and a movie site tour. You could easily spend an entire day here taking their tours. The movie site tour may be of particular interest for fans of LOST, Hawaii Five-0, 50 First Dates and Jurassic Park."

"Hoku’s Restaurant at the Kahala Hotel is the epitome of luxury. The stylish waterfront restaurant inside the Kahala Hotel offers a delicious, elegant dinner menu. However, they’re known for their lavish Sunday brunch, which includes everything from rack of lamb to Alaskan king crab."

"Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a 400 acre protected area that was originally built up as flood protection. It offers events like camping, drawing or painting classes, and specific catch-and-release fishing days on the weekends!. The garden is about 35 minutes from Waikiki (by car or service only) on the eastern side of the island."

"Let me start by saying we rarely bother photographing man-made nature, such as botanical gardens. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but it feels a bit inauthentic; it’s like building a wildlife photography portfolio by going to a zoo. With that said, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens are absolutely worth the trip!"

"The beautiful hike to Likeke Falls, depending on how much time you spend snapping photos and admiring the Ko’olau Mountains, should only take 20-25 minutes. Likeke Falls is one of the least frequented waterfalls in Oahu, but it’s definitely worth the drive, especially if you’re already planning on visiting Maunawili Falls. The short hike is highlighted by mountain vistas, valley overlooks, and lush flora."

"Located near Kailua, the Likeke Falls trail is an easy and muddy trek to a small set of waterfalls. While the Likeke waterfalls themselves are a bit unimpressive, the hike through the lush Hawaiian rainforest is extremely pleasant. Overall, the Likeke Falls are one of the best waterfalls in Oahu."

"Paris.Hawaii is a rare fusion restaurant that serves Paris-inspired, locally influenced Hawaiian food in an elegant setting. The innovative, minimalist menu crafted by Chef Yuya Yamanaka is a must for foodies; when it comes to fine dining, it’s one of the best restaurants in Honolulu. Gastronomy buffs will appreciate the uniquely hybridized flavors (if not the moderately small portions, which allow you to savor them)."

"Known for its fine dining, thriving nightlife, and upscale shopping, Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood proudly welcomes its next big name in food. Established in 2018, PARIS.HAWAII brings the “City of Lights” to the Aloha State by utilizing locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce to create awe-..."