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Map of Oʻahu: The Island’s Six Regions Explained

Where Oʻahu’s six regions are, what each is known for, and how to group your days around the island.

By the Travel Oahu Local Style Editorial Team Published 2 min read
The Kualoa coastline beneath the steep, green Koʻolau cliffs
Photo: Colton Jones on Unsplash
In this guide4 sections
  1. Oʻahu’s regions at a glance
  2. Two mountain ranges
  3. Planning with the map
  4. While you’re nearby

Oʻahu looks small on a map, but it has six very different regions, each with its own beaches, scenery and pace. Use this overview to work out where things are and how to group your days.

Oʻahu’s regions at a glance

Region Where it is Known for From Waikīkī (no traffic)
Waikīkī & Honolulu South shore City beaches, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor —
East Oʻahu Southeast corner Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, Makapuʻu About 25–35 min
Windward Oʻahu East coast Kailua, Lanikai, Kāneʻohe, Koʻolau cliffs About 25–40 min
North Shore North coast Haleʻiwa, winter surf, food trucks About 1 hour
Central Oʻahu Inland plain between the mountain ranges Plantation history, Wahiawā About 35–45 min
West Oʻahu West coast Ko Olina, Waiʻanae Coast, sunsets About 35–45 min

Drive times are rough planning estimates; traffic can add a lot, especially at rush hour.

Two mountain ranges

The Waiʻanae Range runs along the west side and the Koʻolau Range along the east. The trade winds drop more rain on the Koʻolau side, which is why the Windward coast is so green and the West side is so dry.

Planning with the map

  • Group sights by region and spend a day on each side.
  • The classic “around the island” loop runs Waikīkī → East Oʻahu → Windward coast → North Shore → back through Central Oʻahu.
  • There’s no road around Kaʻena Point at the far western tip.

See our illustrated region map on the homepage, or explore each region from the Explore Oʻahu hub.

While you’re nearby

Aerial view of Waikīkī’s hotels and shoreline with Diamond Head in the distanceExplore OʻahuGreen valley below the Koʻolau mountains with the windward coast in the distancePlan Your Oʻahu Trip: A Practical Planning GuideThe Kualoa coastline beneath the steep, green Koʻolau cliffsOʻahu Itinerary: A Realistic 5-Day Plan (Plus 3- and 7-Day Versions)The Haleʻiwa town sign welcoming visitors to the North ShoreNorth Shore Day Trip: A Realistic One-Day Loop
More in Explore Oʻahu