Oʻahu — home to Honolulu, Waikīkī Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the famous North Shore — is the most visited island in Hawaiʻi.
In 2023, Oʻahu welcomed ~5.1 million visitors, representing almost half of all tourists to Hawaiʻi.
As of 2024, monthly reports from the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) show that Oʻahu is on track to exceed 5.3–5.5 million visitors per year, driven mainly by U.S. mainland travelers, Japan’s recovering market, and growing Canadian and Australian arrivals.
Key stats: Oʻahu Tourism
- ≈5.8 million visitors in 2024 – Oʻahu recorded its highest recent annual total, bouncing back but still slightly below 2019 levels.
- US $9.11 billion in visitor spending (2024) – showing that not just volume, but spend-per-visitor remains strong.
- July 2024: ~565,600 visitors and US $960 million in spending – summer remains peak season with premium spending.
- June 2025 snapshot: ~512,000 visitors (down slightly) but spending remains high at US $919.5 million, indicating a possible shift toward fewer but higher-value stays.
How Many Tourists Visit Oʻahu Each Year?
Oʻahu welcomed ~5.1 million visitors in 2023 and is projected to reach 5.3–5.5 million in 2024–2025.
| Year | Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6.16M | Pre-pandemic peak |
| 2020 | 2.7M | Travel shutdown |
| 2021 | 4.3M | Partial reopening |
| 2022 | 4.85M | Strong recovery |
| 2023 | 5.10M | Full tourism rebound |
| 2024 | 5.3–5.5M | Increasing Japanese arrivals |
How Many Tourists Visit Oʻahu Each Day?
On average, around 91,000–97,000 visitors are on Oʻahu on any given day.
- Waikīkī alone accounts for ~70–72% of overnight stays
- Daily arrivals rise above 120,000+ during winter peak (Dec–Feb)
How Much Money Does Tourism Generate on Oʻahu?
Oʻahu generated ~USD 9.8 billion in visitor spending in 2023, with 2024 trending slightly higher.
Breakdown (2023):
- Total Oʻahu visitor spending: ~$9.8B
- Average daily visitor spend: ~$236 per person
- Direct tourism employment: ~91,000 local jobs
- Share of Hawaiʻi’s total visitor spending: ~44%
Tourism represents the largest economic sector on Oʻahu.
Which Countries Visit Oʻahu the Most?
The U.S. mainland dominates arrivals, followed by Japan, Canada, Australia, and South Korea.
| Country / Region | Visitors to Oʻahu (2023 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 U.S. West | ~2.35M | Largest market |
| 🇺🇸 U.S. East | ~1.03M | High-spending visitors |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ~1.01M | Strong 2024 rebound |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~240K | Winter seasonal |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ~185K | Increasing flights |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | ~95K | Peak in winter & summer |
| 🇬🇺 Guam & Pacific Islands | ~55K | Regional travel |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~40K | Long-stay segment |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~38K | High spend per visitor |
| 🇨🇳 China | ~25K | Market recovering slowly |
Note: Japan’s numbers are growing quickly again due to restored flights in 2024.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Oʻahu?
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waikīkī Beach | ~4M+ | Central resort area |
| Pearl Harbor / USS Arizona Memorial | ~1.7M | Most-visited historic site |
| Diamond Head State Monument | ~1.1M | Hawaii’s iconic hike |
| Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve | ~1M | Restricted daily entries |
| North Shore (Waimea, Pipeline, Haleʻiwa) | ~2M | Surf season |
| Kualoa Ranch | ~700K | Film locations (Jurassic Park) |
| Lanikai Beach | ~700K | Limited parking, strong demand |
| Iolani Palace | ~200K | Only royal palace in U.S. |
| Bishop Museum | ~250K | Hawaiian culture & science |
| Polynesian Cultural Center | ~700K | Full-day cultural attraction |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Oʻahu?
| Season | Tourism Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Very high | Surf season, holidays, whale watching |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Good weather + fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High | Family season |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Lowest | Best prices & emptiest beaches |
Peak:
- Late December → mid-February
Value period:
- September → mid-December
What Are the Biggest Events That Bring Tourists to Oʻahu?
| Event | Time of Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu Marathon | December | One of the world’s largest marathons |
| Vans Triple Crown of Surfing | Nov–Dec | Professional surf season |
| Aloha Festivals | September | Cultural parades & music |
| Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival | October | Major culinary event |
| Fourth of July Waikīkī Fireworks | July | Huge beachfront crowds |
| King Kamehameha Celebration | June | Parades & cultural celebrations |
| Honolulu Pride | October | Largest pride event in Hawaiʻi |
How Much Does Oʻahu Rely on Tourism?
Tourism is the #1 economic driver on Oʻahu.
- Accounts for ~42% of Oʻahu’s total economy
- Supports ~91,000 jobs
- Generates billions in tax revenue for Hawaiʻi state and Honolulu County
No other industry (military, tech, agriculture) comes close in scale.
How Busy Are Hotels on Oʻahu?
Oʻahu hotels average 78–84% occupancy annually, among the highest in the U.S.
2024 data (DBEDT + STR):
- Overall occupancy: 81%
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): ~$280–$315
- RevPAR: ~$230+
- Waikīkī beachfront hotels reach 90–95% occupancy during high season
Which Areas of Oʻahu Are Most Popular With Tourists?
| Area | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Waikīkī | High-rise resorts, shopping | First-time visitors & nightlife |
| Ala Moana | Malls, central location | Shopping & calm beaches |
| North Shore | Surf towns | Winter surf season |
| Kailua / Lanikai | Calm beaches | Couples & families |
| Ko Olina | Luxury resorts | Honeymoons, families |
| Honolulu Downtown | Historic core | Culture & architecture |
FAQ — Oʻahu Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Oʻahu each year?
Around 5.1 million in 2023, with 5.3–5.5 million expected in 2024–2025.
Is Oʻahu the most visited Hawaiian island?
Yes. Oʻahu receives ~46–48% of all visitors to Hawaiʻi.
When is the best time to visit Oʻahu?
September to December offers the best combination of price, weather, and lower crowds.
Is Oʻahu expensive?
Yes — Oʻahu is one of the most expensive island destinations in the U.S., with hotel prices averaging $280–$315 per night.
What is Oʻahu best known for?
Waikīkī Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, surfing, and cultural experiences.
Is Oʻahu safe?
Generally yes, though visitors should be mindful of ocean conditions, petty theft in crowded areas, and hiking safety.
How long should I stay on Oʻahu?
Most visitors stay 6–8 nights.
Sources
- DBEDT Hawaiʻi — Monthly Visitor Statistics (2023–2024)
- Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) — Hawaiʻi Tourism Research & Market Data
- U.S. National Park Service — Pearl Harbor / USS Arizona Memorial Attendance
- State of Hawaiʻi – Department of Land and Natural Resources — Diamond Head & Hanauma Bay Entry Data
- STR Hotel Performance Reports — Waikīkī & Oʻahu Hotel Occupancy / ADR Trends
- Hawaiʻi State Archives & Cultural Organizations — Historical & Cultural Event Data
0 Comment