More people visit the island of O'ahu each year than any other island in Hawaii. Unfortunately many spend their entire vacation in Waikiki, rarely leaving the area bordered on the east by Diamond Head and on the west by Pearl Harbor. O'ahu has so much more to offer ranging from the pineapple fields of Central O'ahu to the high surf of the North Shore to the beautiful beaches of Windward O'ahu.
1. Driving and Discovering Hawaii: Oahu
Winner of the American Airline /Hawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau Travel Journalism Award for "Best Hawaii Guidebook", Driving & Discovering Hawaii: Oahu is by far the most detailed and complete guidebook to the island of Oahu ever produced.
2. Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond
Continuing in the fine tradition of their books on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui, Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman have produced what soon may be considered the definitive guidebook on Oahu. With excellent maps, pinpoint driving directions and honest evaluations of activities, dining and lodgings, this book is a must for visitors to Oahu.
3. Moon Handbooks: Oahu: Honolulu, Waikiki, and Beyond
Taking over the helm of this excellent series from the late J.D. Bisignani, Robert Nilsen has written an excellent guide to the island of Oahu, in the fine tradition of Moon Handbooks. Whether you're interested in beaches, diving, hiking, paddling, and camping, or the history, people, culture, customs, and art of Oahu, this book is a must read.4. Frommer's Honolulu, Waikiki and O'ahu
Excellent guide to the island of Oahu by the author of Frommer's Hawaii 2003 guidebook. The book features extensive information on lodging and restaurants as well as everything one needs to know about the island's best beaches, plus water sports and fun activities for the entire family.5. Lonely Planet Oahu
Written from a decidedly British point of view, Lonely Planet Oahu is an easy to read and very informative guide to Hawaii's Gathering Place. The book includes 25 maps, including full-color maps of Honolulu and Waikiki as well as an extensive section on Oahu history.6. The O'ahu Snorkelers and Shore Divers Guide
Published by the University of Hawaii Press, this fine book guides you to twenty-six of O'ahu's best snorkeling and diving sites that will enrich and enhance your underwater adventures. Detailed driving directions to each location are included as well as helpful maps showing onshore facilities and many offshore features you'll want to explore.7. The Hikers Guide to Oahu
This guide describes 50 trails through Oahu's lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and windswept ridges. Included for each hike are directions for reaching the trailhead; a detailed route description; and information on the length of the hike, degree of difficulty, and trail conditions.8. Hidden Oahu: Including Waikiki, Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor
Unwilling to settle for chain hotels and standard tourist restaurants, veteran travel writer Ray Riegert seeks out unique inns, restaurants, and local spots that reflect the spirit of Hawaii. The author offers suggestions for after-sundown fun at over 30 nightclubs and 11 authentic Hawaiian music revues. He tells where to find the best beaches: 30 in all, including 21 with surfing, 18 with snorkeling, and 14 with camping. Also featured are recommendations for a variety of dining choices.9. Day Hikes on Oahu
This book takes you to 57 of the island's best hikes. All levels of hiking experience are accommodated, from easy beach strolls to mountain climbs that reward the hiker with sweeping views. Highlights include spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, tropical preserves, volcanic craters, gardens, ancient shrines, swimming holes, tidepools, coastal cliffs and panoramic vistas. Each hike is an enjoyable day's adventure.10. Dk Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides Honolulu & Oahu
Whether you are travelling first class or on a limited budget, this Eyewitness Top 10 guide will lead you straight to the very best Honolulu has to offer. Dozens of top 10 lists - from the top 10 beaches to the best places for Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine - provide the insider knowledge no visitor should be without. Includes hundreds of colour photographs that really give you a flavour of the place, plus detailed maps.