You don’t have to travel far to find something new on Oahu. Sure, you could spend your whole trip exploring Honolulu and still have more to do – between the local boutiques of Kaimuki, the murals and night markets of Kakaako, and the vintage hotels of Waikiki, it’s a world in itself. But just beyond Honolulu are towns with their own personalities, stories, and reasons to pull over and explore a while.

Whether you’re chasing waves, malasadas, or misty mountain views, these are the towns to visit on Oahu that offer a different slice of island life – a little breathing room from the buzz.

This list isn’t made to replace Honolulu. We love its neighborhoods, its history, its rhythm. Think of this as a chance to expand your trip – to add a few side quests to your main adventure.

Kailua: Upscale Beach Town with Breezy Energy

Location: Windward (East) Oahu

Just thirty minutes from Waikiki, Kailua blends white sand beaches with brunch cafés and walkable charm. Spend the morning at Kailua or Lanikai Beach – both known for their aqua water and powdery shorelines – then refuel in town. Popular stops include Over Easy (for brunch), Kalapawai Market (picnic supplies with local flair), and Buzz’s Original Steakhouse near the beach park.

In town, you’ll find a collection of niche boutiques with that “just right” balance of local and luxe – the kind of places where a breezy cover-up costs a little more, but somehow feels worth it.

Insider Tip: Head to Kailua Beach early in the day before the parking lot fills up, and don’t miss a peek inside Aloha Beach Club or Olive Boutique for a stylish souvenir.

Waimanalo: One of the Most Local Towns to Visit on Oahu

Location: East Oahu (Windward Side)

With soft sand beaches shaded by ironwoods and a slow, unhurried feel, Waimanalo offers a glimpse of Oahu that hasn’t changed much in decades. Locals head to Sherwood’s or Waimanalo Beach Park for bodyboarding, fishing, or family gatherings under the trees.

Hungry? Grab a plate lunch from Keneke’s — a no-frills favorite with bold flavors — and cool off with a scoop from Dave’s Hawaiian Ice Cream at the Waimanalo Town Center. The vibe here is purely local: horses in paddocks, fruit stands by the roadside, and ocean views that sneak up on you around every curve.

Insider Tip: The drive into Waimanalo from Makapu‘u is one of the most scenic on the island – cliffs to your left, crashing turquoise surf to your right. Pull over at Makapu‘u Lookout for photo ops before continuing into town.

Waianae: Raw Coastline, Big Skies, and Cultural Pride

Location: West Oahu

Waianae feels like the edge of the island — and in some ways, it is. Stretching along the leeward coast, this area is known for its powerful surf, deep roots in Hawaiian culture, and community strength. You’ll pass Pokai Bay and Makaha Beach on your way in, both stunning and often uncrowded.

There’s no tourist polish here, but that’s the point. Stop at Coquito’s for Puerto Rican comfort food or find poke at a local market. Visitors are welcome — but it’s important to come with respect.

Insider Tip: Time your visit for sunset — Waianae’s west-facing coastline serves up some of the most dramatic golden hour skies on the island.

Kapolei: Modern Energy in One of the Fastest-Growing Towns to Visit on Oahu

Location: Southwest Oahu

Kapolei doesn’t look like the rest of the island — which is why it stands out. With new restaurants, rooftop bars, and shopping centers, it’s become Oahu’s “Second City” — a hub for both locals and curious travelers looking to see what’s next.

Grab a sunset drink at The LookOut Food & Drink, browse the shops at Ka Makana Aliʻi, the area’s open-air shopping center with everything from big-box stores to stylish local boutiques. Stop in SoHa Living for island-inspired home goods, gifts, and pretty souvenirs that feel more curated than kitschy.

Insider Tip: The LookOut rooftop bar is ideal around golden hour — get there early for seating and views of the sun setting over the west side.

Kaneohe: Lush Views, Local Eats, and a Temple in the Mist

Location: Windward (East) Oahu

Nestled at the base of the Koolau cliffs, Kaneohe is where mist meets mountains. Visit Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden for a peaceful walk through tropical gardens, or head to Heʻeia Kea Pier to watch boats come and go.

Kaneohe is also home to one of the island’s most serene spiritual sites — the Byodo-In Temple, a replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple tucked in the Valley of the Temples. Just down the road, stop into Sunshine Arts Gallery, a longtime local favorite showcasing vibrant Hawaii artwork, jewelry, and prints. Pick up fresh malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery’s Malasada Mobile near Windward Mall or grab a plate lunch from the He‘eia Pier General Store & Deli, tucked right next to the harbor.

Insider Tip: A visit to Byodo-In Temple is included in our Island Exploration Tour, which comes with all of our Waikiki-Oahu All-Inclusive Packages.

Haleiwa: Surf Town Legend with Serious Flavor

Location: North Shore

Haleiwa is one of those towns to visit on Oahu that people always fall for — and for good reason. With its plantation-era storefronts, art galleries, surf shops, and shave ice stands, it still feels timeless. The town’s iconic Anahulu Stream Bridge, known locally as the Haleiwa Rainbow Bridge, arches over the river at the gateway to downtown.

Grab garlic shrimp from Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, then cool off with shave ice from Matsumoto’s, the North Shore classic, or swing by Aoki’s just up the road if you want something quieter. Haleiwa makes a great base for exploring Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, or just catching the golden hour along the coast.

Insider Tip: For fun souvenirs, pop into The Growing Keiki for little ones in your life or check out T&C Surf Designs, a longtime local favorite with deep North Shore roots.

Oahu’s best surprises are often just beyond the bend. While Honolulu is rich with things to do, these towns to visit on Oahu offer different rhythms, different flavors, and a reminder that adventure isn’t always far-flung — sometimes, it’s just around the corner.

Planning a trip to Oahu? Our all-inclusive Waikiki vacation packages make it easy to explore these local towns — and still have time to relax.