When people think about traveling to and adventuring through Oahu, the first sights that usually come to mind are Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, the North Shore of Oahu, and all the glorious beaches. When people live on Oahu, they quickly realize that West Oahu is a Hawaii gem in it’s own right! 

West Oahu’s coastline is decorated with a handful of the most beautiful Hawaii beaches from Iroquois Point all the way to the North Western tip of Ka’ena Point State Park. Throughout West Oahu, there’s also a huge array of incredible neighborhoods with Old Hawaii planation-style homes, newly built homes, townhouses, and fantastic resort-style properties. For Oahu real estate, opportunity knocks in areas like Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo, Mililani, Waikele, Ko Olina, Waianae, Makaha, and more. 

One of the greatest advantages of living in West Oahu are the daily life conveniences that support an active, healthy, fun, and inspiring island lifestyle. Whether you’ve just moved to Oahu, or if you’re a longtime resident, please enjoy this list of the Best Things To Do in West Oahu. 

Eat & Explore Restaurants 

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Tina Marie Garcia

Across the globe, and no matter where you find yourself, exploring restaurants and local cuisine is a favorite past-time. One of the best things about adventuring through Hawaii’s restaurants and cafe’s is the food diversity. 

Oahu restaurants fill their menus with locally grown, sustainable, and Hawaii-made ingredients and products. From delicious island produce to tropical fruits, freshly caught seafood to free range meats, all will find West Oahu restaurants that they love. In West Oahu, residents can enjoy dining at large chain establishments, locally owned eateries and cafe’s, and incredible Hawaii based Pacific Rim restaurants.

Favorite West Oahu Restaurants: 

Kapolei– Limon Rotisserie, Plantation Tavern, Assaggio, Brick Oven Pizza, Takumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar, The Cheesecake Factory, Aloha Salads, Down to Earth, La Tour Cafe, Ono Steak & Shrimp, Koa Pancake House, Da Cove Health Bar, Johnny Rockets

Ewa Beach– Royal Thai Garden, Ono Thai, Saito & Pho, Buffalo Wild Wings, Bangkok Chef, Daiichi Ramen, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Ko Olina– Monkeypod Kitchen, Roy’s, Mina’s Fish House, Ama Ama, Off The Hook, Makahiki, Little Opihi

Waikele– Mod Pizza, Waikele Country Club Restaurant, Quick Thai, Genki Sushi, Restaurant Kunio

Mililani– The Shack, Assaggio, Wingstop, Ba-Le Sandwich Shop, Rajanee Thai Cuisine, Sakura,  Poke Stop, Rise and Shine Cafe

Waianae– Kahumana Organic Farms Cafe, Coquito’s Latin Cuisine, Beach House by 604, Aloha Poke, Sun Sushi, Spinners Cafe 

Go Shopping with Friends

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Waikele Premium Outlets

If you’re looking for great shopping on Oahu, you do not need to head to Town! Honestly, West Oahu is probably one of the very best places to shop in all of the Hawaiian Islands. 

Throughout the area, you can enjoy shopping at boutiques, shopping malls, big chain stores, and even outlet stores. If you’re looking for fashion, head to the newly built Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center, Pearl Ridge, or the Premium Outlets in Waikele. 

Besides large shopping centers, there’s also an abundance of smaller outdoor shopping malls like Kapolei Village Center, Kapolei Commons, Kapolei Marketplace, and Ko Olina Center. You can find everything under the sun including clothing, beauty, home accessories, appliances, furniture, and grocery stores.

In the past 5+ years, Kapolei has become a real hub for all sorts of shopping with additions like the new Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center, Costco, Target, Ross, T.J. Maxx, Pier 1, Marshalls, Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty Supply, Petco, and more. 

One thing is for sure, shopping in West Oahu is super convenient and fun! 

Biggest West Shopping Centers: 

Take a Hike

Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Jeremy Bishop

Whether you’re visiting or living on Oahu, one of the hands-down-best-things-to-do is to go hiking. Throughout the Island of Oahu, there’s an incredible array of hiking trails– from mild to adventurous. A common misconception about hiking is that it’s always strenuous. In fact, many Oahu hikes are more like a trail walk. 

When hiking in West Oahu, you can hike along the coastline, find scenic vistas, enjoy tropical scenery, and see wildlife. Without a doubt, hiking in Hawaii is always a rewarding, magical, and inspiring experience!

Although hiking boots are not always necessary when hiking through Oahu, a pair of sneakers with tread is highly recommended. Wherever you choose to hike in Hawaii, always remember to hike with a buddy, check the weather, where sturdy shoes, bring water, and sun protection. Safety should be your #1 priority.

Incredible West Oahu Hikes: 
  • Ka’ena Point Trail
  • Ka’ala Hiking Trail
  • Kealia Trail
  • Kolekole Hike
  • Waimano Valley Ridge Trail
  • Maili & Westside Pillboxes

For more information about hiking in West Oahu, visit All Trails 

Beach Hopping 

Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Britta Harris

Well, this is an obvious point…

Whether you live on Oahu part-time, full-time, or just visiting – Go to all the beaches! Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, gorgeous beaches decorate the coastlines. Truly, it’s amazing. On Oahu, you’ll find an array of beaches that differ from the rest. Surfing beaches, snorkeling beaches, beaches that are perfect for a sunset stroll, and more. 

No matter your purpose, there’s a beach in West Oahu that’s perfect for all and any occasion. One of the coolest things about beach hopping in West Oahu is that there’s a variety for all activities: sunbathing, a picnic, surfing, surf lessons, playing with kids in the sand, picking shells, and more. Enjoy!

For a full list of West Oahu beaches, and to learn about specific amenities particular to each (lifeguards, restrooms, showers, BBQ pits, parking, water sports equipment rentals, etc), please visit Go Hawaii

Fitness & Working Out

Photo courtesy of Facebook/24 Hour Fitness-Kapolei

On Oahu, spending time outdoors is a given. With the warm Hawaiian sunshine, and plentiful land and ocean activities, a dose of Vitamin D and a need for a healthy lifestyle is naturally encouraged. 

Working out in Hawaii is fun with access to year round activities like water sports, hiking, yoga, dance, boxing, running, cycling, and more. There is no lack of fitness opportunities– so, if you’re craving health and wellness, integrate a sport or the gym into a consistent routine. It’s fun, and it’s a great way to meet new friends and promote an active lifestyle in your family. 

Top West Oahu Fitness Centers: 

Staycation at Ko Olina Resort

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Ko Olina Resort

Ko Olina is located just North of Kapolei on the West Oahu coastline. Here is where you’ll find gorgeous properties (homes and townhouses), fantastic resorts, shopping, restaurants, ocean activities, golfing, boating, and beach life at Ko Olina’s oceanfront lagoons. 

Treat yourself to a staycation in paradise at Ko Olina! Take your family to Disney’s Aulani Resort for a few days, or book some time with your favorite friends for a relaxing spa or golf weekend. 

If you’re a Hawaii resident, inquire about kama’aina (local HI resident) discounts. If you’re a military family, look into special military rates. Don’t forget to hashtag #luckywelivehawaii where you’re poolside! There’s nothing like a staycation in Hawaii…

For more information about Ko Olina, go here

Get Pampered & Relax

Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Kris Atomic

Life can get busy, and sometimes we forget to treat ourselves and make the time for self care. West Oahu offers plenty of opportunities for pampering at a variety of health and wellness business. Find massage studios, acupuncture professionals, meditation and yoga classes, nail and hair salons, medical aesthetics, estheticians, and so much more.

A Few Places to Get Pampered and Relax in West Oahu:
  • Tiffany’s Nail Salon
  • Kapolei Mehana Salon
  • Envy Eyes & Wax
  • Color Box Hair Studio
  • Massage Envy Kapolei
  • Amita Holistic Spa
  • Kapolei Massage Institute
  • Core Power Yoga
  • Hot Yoga Kapolei
  • Pua Mana MedSpa
  • Hoala Salon & Spa
  • Royal Thai Massage & Spa

More Fun Things To Do in West Oahu

Throughout West Oahu, there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy from the land to the sea! 

No matter the weather, you can also catch a flick at a movie theater, take your kids to the indoor I-Trampoline Park, or head to Wet N’ Wild Hawaii for a fun day in the sun with waterslides, floating lagoons, and more family-friendly activities. West Oahu residents can also find restaurants that offer daily dinner music with local musicians, Hawaiian culture, concerts, sports games, and daily sunsets. 

Living in Hawaii is a dream come true, and offers the opportunity to find inspiration, relaxation, and health on a daily basis. Love the life you live, get outside, enjoy nature, and find your community!

For more information about West Oahu resources, and things to do, check out the rest of my blog articles here. Mahalo for reading!