Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island by area but the most populous, home to about 1 million people (70% of the state's population). It lies in the central Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,100 miles (3,400 km) southwest of San Francisco. The state capital, Honolulu, is on Oahu's south shore, along with world-famous Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the North Shore's legendary surf breaks. Oahu blends urban energy with natural beauty, making it the primary gateway for visitors to Hawaii.