Coastal Oahu: A Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour of Scenic Wonders

Get ready for a totally comprehensive tour of Hawaii's most populous island: O'ahu. Home to the city of Honolulu, this island is chock full of culture, natural beauty, and fascinating history--all of which you'll experience during your drive!

The tour begins in Pearl Harbor, where a surprise attack on December 7th, 1941 changed the course of history.

As you drive through Honolulu, you'll learn about the city's unexpectedly humble origins, and how it became the hub it is today.

One of the first landmarks you'll pass is the Bishop Museum. This isn't just the largest museum in Hawaii, but also has a surprisingly sweet love story behind it!

Get a good look at the Aloha Tower next. This iconic waterside tower once greeted all travelers arriving in Honolulu, because everyone arrived by boat.

Next, you'll pass the impressive Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaiian royalty, as well as a statue of King Kamahamaha, a hero you'll hear plenty about along the way.

The first beach you'll see is Ala Moana Beach, a pristine stretch of sand which, believe it or not, used to be a garbage dump! But don't worry, it's perfectly clean now, and great for swimming.

Next, you'll pass a statue of King David Kalakaua, Hawaii's last king.

The next beach you'll reach is Waikiki Beach, made famous by the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Duke is responsible for bringing surfing to the world at large and bringing major recognition to this beach.

Your route takes you next past Kapi'olani Park, another beautiful space which was once little more than a soggy bit of marshland.

After that, you'll come to Diamond Head State Monument, an immense crater left by a volcanic explosion. It's now become Hawaii's most popular park!

You'll also see Diamond Head Beach, which sparkles unlike any other beach around. Back in the 1800s, explorers actually thought the calcite crystals in the sand here were diamonds!

As you continue, you'll reach the China Walls, an impressive formation of natural walls which some say rival the Great Wall of China!

Lanai Lookout is next, and it's especially good if you're trying to get away from the crowd.

The next lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, offers views of a peculiar rock formation which shoots water into the air when waves crash against it.

If you trek along the shore a bit, you'll come to Pele's Chair, a natural formation which some believe to be the chair of Pele, a volcanic goddess.

Up next is Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're a fan of ocean views, this makes for a wonderful stroll.

As you drive, you'll catch sight of Rabbit Island. Once home to a rabbit farm, this island is now mostly untouched by humans.

Travelers seeking a pristine beach that doesn't see the same crowds as others will love Waimanalo Beach, a stretch of white sand sheltered by a wall of ironwood trees.

Up next is the unassuming town of Kailua. Unassuming, that is, except for the fact that former president Barack Obama spent his winters here!

Your route takes you next to Kailua Beach, a favorite spot among kayakers and swimmers alike.

Next, you'll pass the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site. This increidble archaeological site is home to an ancient Hawaiian temple called a Heiau, which is almost 500 years old!

After that, you'll arrive at Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, a splendid vista which is also right near a trail leading to some sparkling waterfalls.

Looking for more waterfalls? You'll find one at the end of a trail up ahead, which leads to the gorgeous, secluded Lulumahu Falls.

Up next is the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, home to a staggering 400 acres of tropical flora from all over the world. There's even a campground within the garden!

Continuing on, you'll reach the town of He'eia and hear the wild legend behind its name.

You won't want to miss the next stop, an elaborate Buddhist temple called the Byodo-In Temple. It was built as an exact to-scale replica of the temples one would find in Japan!

As you drive, you'll pass Kualoa Ranch, a sprawling jungle ranch which has been the filming location for countless Hollywood hits, including Jurassic Park, Hawaii Five-O, and Lost!

Kualoa Rock Beach, up next, offers some great lounging opportunities, though swimmers will find the rocky shore a bit uncomfortable to wade along.

The next beach, Kahana Bay Beach, isn't just a great stretch of sand, but is also packed with history! Archaeologists have found all sorts of pre-contact relics buried in the sand here.

Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park is next, offering plenty of lush greenery and stunning hikes for those looking to stretch their legs.

Those looking to stop for a snack or a souvenir will want to stop at the next landmark: Hukilau Marketplace. This iconic market styles itself just like a classic 1950s Hawaiian market would.

Beach campers will absolutely want to stop at the next spot, Malaekahana State Recreation Area. This shoreline camping area makes for some seriously memorable mornings!

After that, you'll pass Gunstock Ranch, where you can take a ride on horseback if you want to change up your travels a bit!

Next is the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, where you'll learn the legend of how some of O'ahu's most recognizable birds got their iconic plumage.

After that is Turtle Beach, which is exactly what you'd expect. If you're here at the right time, you're bound to see some sea turtles!

Continue driving to Kawela Bay Beach, home to some of the calmest waters on the island thanks to an offshore reef.

If the day is winding down, one of the best spots to be is your next stop: Sunset Beach. This is, hands down, one of the best spots on the island to catch a proper Hawaiian sunset.

As you drive, you'll pass the infamous Banzai Pipeline. This death-defying surf break has challenged some of the most famous surfers around for years, and not all of them survive it.

After that is Shark's Cove. Don't worry though, it gets its name not because sharks infest the waters, but instead because it looks a little bit like a shark when viewed from above.

One of the last beaches on your tour is Waimea Bay. This isn't just any beach, but has been featured in high-octane Hollywood adventures like Point Break!

The final beach you'll see is Hale'iwa Beach, which has some BBQs and picnic tables for folks looking to wind down with a picturesque picnic.

Your final stop is at the historic Dole Plantation, a window back in time which also features a train ride and the world's largest maze for some fun family activities. The tour concludes here.