If you’re planning your first trip to Hawaii, you may be a little confused about which island is which and, better yet, which cities are on which islands. If you’re specifically confused about the difference between Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki and are wondering — Is Oahu in Honolulu? — you’ve come to the right place!
Keep reading to understand the nuanced differences between Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki, so you can ensure you plan your trip to the correct destination!
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Where Is Oahu?
Oahu is one of the eight islands that make up the state of Hawaii. The six major islands travelers visit are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Here are some facts about Oahu:
- Oahu is nearly 600 square miles, making it the third-largest island in Hawaii.
- Oahu is almost as large as the state of Rhode Island (the smallest state on the mainland). The Hawaiian Island (or “Big Island”) is the largest island, followed by Maui, which is only slightly larger than Oahu.
- Oahu is Hawaii’s most populated island, with a population of nearly one million. The population of all the other islands combined is under 500,000, for reference.
- Nearly 65% of all tourists who visit Hawaii each year come to Oahu.
Which Island Is Honolulu On?
Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city and the state capital. It is located on the southeastern edge of Oahu and encompasses the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Waikiki, Diamond Head State Monument, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and other famous landmarks and points of interest in Hawaii.
However, the primary confusion about Honolulu comes from the fact that Honolulu is a city and a county. Hawaii is made up of five counties — Hawaii County, Kalawao County, Kauai County, Maui County, and Honolulu County. The counties on the other islands, such as Kauai County and Maui County, are named after the entire island. So, for example, when a traveler says, “I’m heading to Maui,” they can be referring to the island and the county, since they are one in the same. The same goes for Hawaii County (the Big Island) or Kauai County (Kauai).
However, when someone says, “I’m traveling to Honolulu,” they could be referring to Honolulu (the city), which only makes up about 25% of the island, or Honolulu County, which encompasses the entire island. This can create some confusion about where Honolulu is. But all that to say — most people who talk about Honolulu are referring to the city, not the county. In this case, Oahu is not in Honolulu. Honolulu is actually on Oahu (or is the county that includes Oahu!).
Where Is Waikiki?
If you’re traveling to Hawaii, you’ve probably heard people talk about Waikiki and wonder — Is there an island I’m missing? Waikiki actually is not an island — it’s the most famous neighborhood in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Waikiki is a world-class tourist destination filled with shopping, restaurants, and luxury resorts. The neighborhood stretches from Ala Wai Boulevard to Kapahulu Avenue (but many people argue that Diamond Head State Monument is actually the eastern edge of Waikiki). In Waikiki, you can visit Waikiki Beach — one of the most popular beaches on Oahu (and in the world!) for water sports, like surfing and boating, and it is also a great spot for relaxing on the beach.
Planning a trip to Waikiki? Check out this list of the best things to do in Waikiki (beyond Waikiki Beach!) for ideas about how to spend your time in this iconic destination on the island of Oahu.
So — Is Oahu in Honolulu?
Hopefully, this post answered your question: “Is Oahu in Honolulu?” But, in case you need a quick summary:
Waikiki is a neighborhood in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. Honolulu is a city in Oahu and also the name of the county that encompasses the entire island of Oahu. Oahu is one of the Hawaiian Islands — other frequently visited islands include Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii (the Big Island). And finally — Hawaii is one of the fifty states in the United States of America.
FAQs – The Difference Between Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki
Can you drive from Oahu to Honolulu?
Honolulu is the largest city in Oahu. Once you fly into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, you will already be in Honolulu. You can drive to Downtown Honolulu in about 10–12 minutes (the airport is 6.2 miles from the city center).
Why is Oahu so populated?
Oahu is Hawaii’s political, business, and entertainment center. It is also the most populated island because it offers more jobs and opportunities than any other island.
Is Honolulu the Big Island?
No, Honolulu is not the Big Island. Honolulu is a city in Oahu, and Honolulu County is the county that encompasses the island of Oahu. The “Big Island” is a nickname for the island of Hawaii, the largest island in the state of Hawaii.
Plan a Relaxing Vacation to the Island of Oahu
Now that you understand the difference between Oahu, Honolulu, and Waikiki, you’re ready to plan your trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Check out all my travel guides for Oahu linked below, and have a fantastic trip!
Is Oahu in Honolulu? Save This Post for Future Reference
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Need some vacation planning inspiration for a trip to Oahu (or Honolulu… or Waikiki…?). Check out our other posts about Oahu to plan the perfect trip: