Oahu Itinerary: Five Days of Hikes, Beaches, and Eats

Oahu is often the gateway for Hawaii travelers as the home of Honolulu, the island chain’s most populous city. While there’s certainly a lot of fun to be had if you like to island-hop, Oahu itself is worth your time, too.

We spent five full days on Oahu and felt like that was a nice amount of time for leisure, adventure, and eating our way through the island. This five-day dOahu itinerary is basically the trip we took, with a few tweaks for efficiency’s sake!

How many days do you need on Oahu?

Most visitors need at least three days to see Oahu’s highlights, but five days allows you to explore beaches, hikes, and local eats without feeling rushed.

If you’re only on Oahu for a day, prioritize a trip to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, a shrimp truck on the North Shore, and the Diamond Head hike.

What to Do With Five Days on Oahu

Here’s a glance at how to make the most of five days on Oahu:

• Tour Pearl Harbor.
• Plan hikes at Diamond Head, Makapu‘u Point, and Kaena Point.
• Snorkel in Hanauma Bay.
• Eat at a shrimp truck on the North Shore.
• Visit the turtles at Laniakea Beach.
• Feel the spray at Manoa Falls.
• Relax on one of Oahu’s best beaches.
• Visit the Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut.
• See filming sites at Kualoa Ranch.
• Eat classic Hawaiian at Helena’s Hawaiian Food and the best meal on the island at The Pig and the Lady.
• See a sunset on Sunset Beach.
• Have cocktails in Waikiki.

Oahu Itinerary: Day 1

If you’re arriving mid-afternoon as we did, you may only have enough energy to see what Oahu has to offer food and drink-wise on your first day. Either way, I’ll leave you with five full days of activities on the island, just in case you’re spoiled for time here.

Here’s a snapshot of your first day.

Day 1 Highlights:

• Try malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery, an iconic island treat
• Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
• Stroll Waikiki Beach and enjoy cocktails at House Without a Key.
• Optional: Watch Friday night fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Stop 1: Breakfast

Try to score a timed ticket to the Pearl Harbor memorial in the morning so that you can make the most of the rest of your day. Assuming you’ve done that, you’ll probably only want a quick bite before you head over.

If you’re staying somewhere with fridge access, a budget-friendly option for your mornings is to stock up on fresh fruit and road snacks at a local grocery store. Foodland is a good option.

If that sounds too healthy an option and you want some malasadas, or Portuguese doughnuts, Leonard’s Bakery has been frying them since 1952. They also have a truck at Waikele Shopping Center.

Pair those with some coffee from Island Vintage Coffee, and you’ll have quite the stellar morning.

For a more leisurely breakfast, the local diner chain Koa Pancake House has a location within a few miles of Pearl Harbor in the Moanalua Shopping Center.

Stop 2: Pearl Harbor

An itinerary for Oahu isn’t complete without visiting Pearl Harbor. For me, it wasn’t necessarily something I enjoyed, as it’s hard to say that about a site where thousands of people died.

I do think it’s important for any American to see at least once, and that’s part of what makes it one of the most popular things to do on Oahu.

The main draw is the USS Arizona Memorial. It was built above the ship that sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, it’s the final resting place for those who died there and survivors of the attack who choose to be cremated and interred there. 

You may notice that fuel from the ship continues to leak from the wreckage into the harbor. Some refer to the leaking fuel as the ship’s “Black Tears.” As such, doing something about it is a touchy subject. 

The USS Arizona Memorial is only accessible by boat on a timed ticket. These timed tickets are free, but you will need to arrange them in advance.

If you’re the best of planners and have a day where you simply must visit Pearl Harbor, they become available online 60 days in advance.

If you missed that window and tickets aren’t available during that 60-day window, another round of tickets is released at 7am HST the day before you’d like to visit. 

If you slept in and missed the 24-hour window, you still have the option of scoring a ticket as a walk-in visitor. During our visit, everyone who wanted to get on the boat, including a group of around eight walk-in passengers, was able to get a seat.

If you have your advance ticket, you should still plan to arrive at Pearl Harbor about an hour ahead of that ticket time. You may have to walk a bit from wherever you park. All of the surrounding parking lots are free, though.

The entire program, which includes a 25-minute video about the attack on Pearl Harbor, the boat ride, and time on the memorial, takes 75 minutes.

In addition to the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center also has two free indoor museums and an outdoor exhibit. I’d recommend walking through them all to add context to your trip. 

Three additional sites are part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, but these aren’t free:

• You may access the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, which looks at the history of U.S. submarines, on a self-guided tour, unless you’re opting for the VIP tour. Tickets are timed and available for purchase ahead of time online.
• The Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island, the site of the Japanese surrender, is accessed as part of a timed ticket at two ticket times daily. Tickets are available as part of a guided tour or a self-guided option.
• The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which includes more than 50 aircraft and exhibits, is accessed via a self-guided tour unless you book a guide. Additional ticketing information is available online. 

I have just a few more notes for you:

• Bags are not allowed at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, so leave your bag in your car. Otherwise, you’ll need to check your bag once you get there for a fee.
• In the case of severe weather, e.g. high winds or lightning, the boat ride over to the memorial may be canceled.
• It’s best to plan your visit to Pearl Harbor early on in your trip so that you can rearrange things if you need to.

Otherwise, the boat over is short and sweet. I get seasick on most water adventures and handled the boat just fine without my usual seasickness tablets/patches/etc.

READ MORE: I’m really not into cruises, for all sorts of reasons. Check those out!

Stop 3: Waikiki

Waikiki, home to the very popular Waikiki beach and all luxe everything, just isn’t my scene. It’s touristy and crowded, no matter the season.

You’ll probably head down there at some point, though, so at the very least, enjoy some beach cocktails.

If you’re ready for some rest and relaxation, have at it. Waikiki Beach is legitimately beautiful and one of the best things to do in Waikiki.

Marukame Udon Waikiki, a Japanese chain, is a budget option serving up bowls of udon. If you’re feeling fancy, the acclaimed Sushi Sho in the Ritz Carlton offers a set omakase menu at two seatings per night.

Are you ready for some libations? Start at the House Without a Key. Live entertainment begins at 5:30pm nightly. Reservations are available online. 

Fun fact: If you’re in Oahu on a Friday, you’ll be able to catch the Friday night fireworks display at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They usually start at 7:45pm and last about 10 minutes. They’re visible from anywhere on Waikiki Beach.

Oahu Itinerary: Day 2

Tackle some of the best hikes on the island on your second day while leaving some time to relax and eat more delicious food. I’m all about balance. Here’s a snapshot.

Day 2 Highlights:

• Eat a hearty breakfast near Diamond Head.
• Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail for panoramic views.
• Snorkel or relax at Hanauma Bay.
• Enjoy coastal views along the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail.
• Wind down with drinks at Aloha Beer Company or The Hi Brau Room.
• Eat dinner at classic Hawaiian spots like Helena’s Hawaiian Food or The Highway Inn.

Stop 1: Breakfast

You’ll want to start the day with some sustenance so you’ve got the energy for some hiking this morning.

Sweet E’s Cafe is a cute breakfast and brunch spot near the Diamond Head crater with delectable items like stuffed French toast. This place gets busy, and the parking lot can get precarious, but it’s worth the minor obstacles.

Bogart’s Cafe was also on our list as a spot close to Diamond Head before our hike there, but it was too small to accommodate the large group we were in. It’s a local favorite for hearty breakfasts that first opened as an ice cream and shave ice parlor.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Oahu from 7:30-11am on a Saturday, the KCC Farmers’ Market has a variety of all kinds of fresh goodies for sale from local farmers. The market is also open 4-7pm Tuesdays.

Stop 2: Diamond Head Summit Trail

Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic tuff cone and old military fortification, is perhaps Oahu’s most famous landmark. The best way to see it is to hike to its summit along the Diamond Head Summit Trail, one of Oahu’s best hikes.

The hike itself, less than a mile to the summit, isn’t very strenuous if you take it slow. It took our group about an hour-and-a-half roundtrip, including some rest stops to take photos of vistas along the way and at the top.

Once at the summit, you’ll see some old bunkers and a navigational lighthouse, along with panoramic views.

When you’re on the trail, the path diverges at one point. You’ll see a winding staircase on one side and a more gradual way up on the other that still involves stairs, but they aren’t enclosed.

Note: If you’re a touch claustrophobic, you’ll want the outdoor path. You can also take one way up and the other way down to get both experiences.

There is a fee to enter Diamond Head State Monument of $5 per vehicle, or $1 per pedestrian.

Stop 3: Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is one of the best places for snorkeling on Oahu. The marine ecosystem has been a focus of conservation since the 1990s, after decades of overuse. It’s now a popular spot to snorkel in the shallows with tropical fish and the occasional turtle.

There is an entrance fee for Hanauma Bay of $25 per person. You’ll have access to rental masks once you’re there, unless you own snorkel gear, along with a snack shop if you get hungry.

Hanauma Bay is in the same vicinity as the Koko Crater Railway Trail, a hike on an abandoned old railroad track on Koko Crater. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging than snorkeling with the fish, this one’s intense.

Don’t expect a family stroll. Do expect beautiful views if you make it. The trail starts at Koko Head District Park.

Note: This hike is different than the “Haiku Stairs,” or the Stairway to Heaven trail, which is illegal to hike. Hawaiian authorities have been doling out fines for anyone attempting the hike. Back in 2015, a Hawaiian teen even went missing while attempting it.

Unfortunately, this hasn’t deterred influencers from heading out there. Don’t be like them. Hike legal paths. You endanger search teams who have to go out looking for you if something were to go wrong. That is all.

READ MORE: I have a whole guide to national park rules that apply here and the waterfall hike I’ll get into later.

Stop 4: Makapu‘u Point

Assuming you spent the afternoon relaxing on the bay, you may have an easy trail left in you. If you choose to tackle the Koko Crater trail, instead, you may be out of gas at this point and ready for a nap.

The Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile trail that rewards visitors with views of the surrounding southeastern coastline. You’ll also see the 1909 Makapu‘u Lighthouse, and, on a clear day, views of Molokai and Lanai.

If you’re up there between November and May, you may even spot some humpback whales along Oahu’s windward coast. Bring the binoculars!

Parking can get a bit competitive at this one, but it’s free, and there’s no entrance fee.

Stop 5: Aloha Beer Company

If it’s not quite time to eat yet, grab a pint at the Aloha Beer Company.

The brewery offers a tap menu of whatever taste you’re after and flights if you can’t decide. They have a food menu, as well, inspired by their beers. We had dinner plans after, so didn’t indulge in snacks, but the pickle plate was certainly calling my name.

If you’re not in the mood for beer, they have a speakeasy attached called The Hi Brau Room, where the focus is on craft cocktails. Reservation information for both is available on their website, but the speakeasy becomes first-come, first-served after 6pm.

Stop 6: Dinner

You’ve done some hard work today, so reward yourself with some Hawaiian comfort food.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food is an unassuming, cafeteria-style place that just so happens to have won a James Beard award in 2000.

This one was cash-only during our visit, but online reviews suggest they take cards now. Prices are reasonable anyway. Don’t miss their fried fish of the day.

The Highway Inn has been serving Hawaiian food for 70 years to locals and visitors, including Guy Fieri at one point. Don’t miss their macaroni salad.

They have three locations on the island: one in Kaka’ako, which is the location we hit, another in Waipahu, and a third in the Bishop Museum cafe.

Oahu Itinerary: Day 3

With three days on Oahu, you can hit the road to see the varied landscapes of the island. Get away from the crowds and explore Oahu’s west and North Shore. Here’s your day at a glance.

Day 3 Highlights:

• Hike Kaena Point State Park and enjoy coastal scenery and wildlife.
• Grab lunch at a North Shore shrimp truck.
• Spot sea turtles at Laniakea Beach.
• Optional: Hike the ‘Ehukai Pillboxes for panoramic views.
• Watch the sunset at Sunset Beach.
• Explore dinner options on the North Shore.

Stop 1: Kaena Point

If you’re staying near Waikiki, it could take you about an hour to get to Kaena Point State Park and then up to three hours for the hike you’ll be embarking on. Grab some snacks for the road and hit it. 

Approach Kaena Point National Park from the Wai‘anae side. It’s the preferred walking route over the Mokule‘ia side.

As you approach, you’ll see a parking lot that will likely not be full, as this stop’s a bit off the beaten path. You’ll have two options as you walk along the coast: a sand route and a dirt road.

Fun fact: You can change your mind during the course of your 2.4-mile trek to the wildlife. We did after we realized hiking in sand is no joke.

Enjoy the scenery and the sounds of the crashing waves as you walk along the path. It’ll take you a good hour to get to the bird sanctuary, which is where the fun really begins.

Once you get to a gate, keep walking past the nesting albatross, which is worth the trek out on its own. Don’t give up at this point.

You’ll see a ridge with a tower that’s been spray-painted. Keep going until you see a rocky outcropping and a sandy beach.

On our visit, we were lucky enough to encounter some guides who pointed us to where the seals were. They blended in with the water and the sand. We stood there and watched two sleeping females and two fighting males.

It was such a treat and a highlight of our trip.

Stop 2: Lunch on the North Shore

It’s time to leave the west and head for the North Shore for the afternoon. You’ll have plenty of food options here, but the big deals in these parts are the shrimp trucks.

The most well-known shrimp truck is also the original: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. The shrimp scampi is what they’re known for. It’s messy, loaded up with garlic and butter, and it’s awesome.

You’ll be closest to their Haleiwa location if you start at Kaena Point today. They have a second location in Kahuku town, also on the North Shore.

Both trucks are cash only. Your meal will cost around $20 if you get a shrimp plate, drinks, and a side, plus a tip. I have a guide to the best shrimp trucks and casual eats for you to peruse if you like options.

Stop 3: Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach is known for its sunbathing sea turtles, and we were lucky enough to spot the current residents on both of our visits there.

Traffic near the beach varies, as does access to parking. If you see a long line of cars as you approach, pull over on the side of the road as close as you can get and walk right up. It’s worth the hassle.

I want to say this goes without saying, but if you’ve traveled anywhere, you know it needs to be said: Don’t touch the turtles. You’ll see a roped-off area as you approach. That’s not a suggestion.

Laniakea Beach is also a popular snorkeling spot. If you want to get up close and personal with the underwater wildlife, there are several guided tours available with all of the necessary gear included:

Optional Stop 4: ‘Ehukai Pillboxes.

Depending on time, you may be able to sneak in the two-mile ‘Ehukai Pillboxes loop. It’s fairly easy but can get quite slippery after rain, so wear shoes with traction.

You’ll see two pillboxes, or guard posts, on this trail. The second is about 10 more minutes down the path from the first.

The entrance is across the street from Sunset Elementary. Parking is available in the lot for Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park or across the street in the lot for Ehukai Beach Park.

Stop 5: Sunset Beach

If you’re short on time, you don’t want to miss the sunset at Sunset Beach while you’re up here. The name checks out. It’s a beautiful place for a sunset.

Pop a squat, settle in, and enjoy the view.

Stop 5: Dinner on the North Shore

You have some options for food on the North Shore. You’re still close enough to the Oahu shrimp trucks if you’re ready for another round or missed out at lunch. Most of them will be closed by 7:30pm, though, so shake a leg if you’re interested.

For seafood with a view, the Haleiwa Beach House is a well-priced eatery for just that. The Point Sunset & Pool Bar is an affordable way to experience the Turtle Bay Resort.

Oahu Itinerary: Day 4

This day kicks off with another popular outdoor activity on Oahu. I’m not leaving time for breakfast here, so grab that fruit or other snack items I recommended to fuel you for a morning hike. Here’s your day at a glance.

Day 4 Highlights:

• Hike to Manoa Falls for a lush waterfall setting.
• Eat brunch in Kailua at Boots & Kimo’s or Over Easy.
• Trek the scenic Lanikai Pillbox Hike, or Kaiwa Ridge Trail.
• Relax or sunbathe at Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach.
• Optional: Kayak or paddleboard to the Mokolua Islands (The Mokes).
• Eat fresh seafood or Hawaiian comfort food in Kailua.

Stop 1: Manoa Falls

You may be able to fit this one in on another day, as it’s not too far from all of the shenanigans in Waikiki.

The Manoa Falls Trail is an easy trail of just over a mile-and-a-half roundtrip that ends at the foot of a 150-foot waterfall.

If you’re there after it rains, prepare to get muddy, and don’t forget the bug spray. I’m not making it sound very pleasant, but it’s actually a lot of fun, with some climbing underneath trees involved. I love some intrigue on a hike.

Don’t ignore the signage once you get to the falls. We encountered some girls collecting rocks when we got there. When reminded of the warnings NOT to go into the water, they told us they were locals, as that is somehow supposed to matter.

Parking is available in a lot at the entrance for a few dollars. If you get there early enough, you’ll have to pay for parking and get a pass in the little snack shop just past the parking lot. Otherwise, you’ll likely run into an attendant.

My advice is to get there by 8am to avoid crowds. The trail does get quite narrow in some spots, and it’s much more pleasant to take photos at the base of the falls with fewer people around.

Stop 2: Brunch in Kailua

You’ll be exploring more of the east coast of the island after brunch, so you have two great options available to you for brunch after your hike.

Boots and Kimo’s in Kailua is famous for its macadamia nut sauce. Over Easy boasts a more inventive menu than the typical diner fare. Both are beloved brunch spots by locals and visitors alike.

Stop 3: Lanikai Pillbox Hike

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, or Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a popular hike of just under two miles that offers beautiful views of Lanikai and Kailua.

There is some steep climbing, particularly up to the first ridge, so wear appropriate footwear. The terrain evens out considerably following that first stretch.

The hike starts across from the Mid-Pacific Country Club. You’ll see a few parking spots there. Otherwise, you’ll have to navigate street parking. There is no fee for this hike.

Stop 4: Oahu Beaches

It’s time to take a break. You have two beaches to choose from within proximity to each other.

Kailua Beach is one of the most highly-rated beaches in Oahu. It’s a popular option for families needing access to facilities like picnic tables, bathrooms, and easy parking.

Lanikai Beach is just as lovely, with calm waters, a sandy bottom, and fewer tourists. You’ll be lacking facilities at this one, though, so there’s a drawback to more seclusion.

If you’re not into sunbathing, a popular activity is renting a kayak or paddleboard and heading out to “The Mokes,” or the Mokolua Islands, home to nesting seabirds. Rentals are available through Kailua Beach Adventures.

Stop 5: Dinner in Kailua

Kailua has several casual dining options to cap off your day of hiking and sun.

Nico’s Pier 38, which also has a popular Honolulu location that’s easy to access on a downtown Honolulu itinerary, serves up delicious fresh fish options. Expect fish and chips, fish stews, and a catch of the day.

Kono’s, which has additional locations in Honolulu and Haleiwa on the North Shore, specializes in 12-hour slow-roasted kalua pig.

Oahu Itinerary: Day 5

If you’re planning to enjoy the full five days on Oahu, you’re a lucky traveler. Here’s your final day at a glance.

Day 5 Highlights:

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Liliha Bakery, famous for coco puffs.
• Tour Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut, and sample local nuts and coffee.
• Savor Hawaiian comfort food at Waiahole Poi Factory.
• Book an excursion at Kualoa Ranch for a Hollywood adventure.
• End your day with an unforgettable meal at The Pig and the Lady.

Stop 1: Breakfast

You’ve been tackling some early mornings on this itinerary. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast for a change.

Liliha Bakery is known for its puffs. We tried both the coco and the chocolate cream, and I have to say I preferred the chocolate cream. It reminded me of a Boston cream doughnut, just fluffier.

Their poi doughnuts are also popular with visitors. If you need something other than sweet treats, the bakery has a good diner-style breakfast menu, as well. Don’t miss the buttered rolls, I’m tellin’ you.

There are two main locations within about a mile and a half of each other. We went to the larger one on Nimitz Highway.

Stop 2: Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut is a delicious stop on its own, as you’ll have access to several different flavors of macadamia nut samples and local coffee.

Add on a tour of the farm and its history by a very entertaining guide, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

The tour is informative. You’ll learn about all the things they grow on the farm, the history of the land, and the movies they’ve filmed there, like 50 First Dates. It’s also hilarious.

I was used as a prop during the fire-throwing and coconut-breaking demonstrations and somehow left having kissed multiple men on the cheek, hands full of coconut shavings.

You’ll end the tour with a sample of fresh apple bananas. Have you ever had these things? They’re delicious. Don’t leave the farm without cracking open some fresh nuts for yourself and the chickens.

There are two tours per day, one at 11am and another at 1pm. You don’t need reservations unless you’re traveling in a large group, but you should arrive at the farm at least 15 minutes ahead of your tour.

Stop 4: Waiahole Poi Factory

I’m not a huge fan of poi, the mashed taro side dish that’s so popular on the island, but luckily, the Waiahole Poi Factory is so much more. This is Hawaiian comfort food.

This was our first taste of kalua pig on the island, and it was a salty marvel. Brian and I also shared some squid (mostly for him) and beef luau, both simple stews with complex flavors.

Unfortunately, we didn’t leave any room for their Lady of Waiahole, but it looked fantastic. It’s a warm taro dessert with coconut haupia ice cream.

Stop 5: Kualoa Ranch

The best that Kualoa Ranch within Kualoa Regional Park has to offer is accessed on the tours they offer on the 4000-acre private nature reserve.

As it’s frequently used as a filming location, many of the tours focus on that aspect, which I’m all about.

We took a one-hour UTV tour. I was a little bit worried before we got in our UTV because none of the rest of our group was paying attention to the safety video. They were talking loudly, putting ponchos on over their helmets, and yawning audibly.

Somehow, the tour went off without incident, despite some screaming when we drove over deep puddles in the road.

I assume it was screaming in delight because it was a lot of fun.

The tour goes on rain or shine. We brought the ponchos along that were provided to us, but didn’t end up needing them. There was some splash-back at moments, but it wasn’t anything too crazy.

We had two photo stops during our tour, one in a valley overlooking the ocean and the second at a Jurassic World filming site. That’s where we climbed into the truck Chris Pratt drove in the movie.

We also encountered a log prop that was made of styrofoam. It’s movie magic! I’d highly recommend the tour.

The ranch also offers an ATV tour, which looked like a lot of fun, but it was booked by the time we decided we wanted to ride amongst the dinosaurs at the ranch. Book well ahead of time for that one.

Kayak tours, jungle Jeeps, horseback riding, and a bus tour of the movie sites are all available, as well. Book online for any tours.

Stop 6: Dinner

I’ve saved the best meal we had for last on your Oahu itinerary. It’s The Pig and the Lady, described as a Vietnamese fusion restaurant. (Note that they’ve moved since this post from Chinatown to Kaimuki. The reviews suggest it’s still awesome!)

We weren’t sure about our plans for the evening, so we hadn’t made a reservation. We walked in, agreed to wait for a bar spot, and only ended up hanging around for about 20 minutes.

I’m so glad Brian was able to manage his hanger for the wait because we were rewarded with their “Le Fried Chicken Wings.” That dish made me want to slap somebody. How dare you serve me something this delicious that’s so far from home? 

The rest of our meal was wonderful, too. We had sardines on toast, Vietnamese “pizza” on grilled rice paper layered with ingredients like fermented shrimp and goji berries, and their signature PHÓ 75.

As we were sitting at the bar, we got to watch their staff make all kinds of desserts for an hour, so we ended up ordering their malasadas, as well. Did you know that black sesame ice cream is a thing? It’s a delicious thing. Reservations are available online. 

With More Time on Oahu

Five days is already a big ask for a lot of travelers to Hawaii, but there’s still more to do beyond this itinerary. Here are some ideas:

• Visit Iolani Palace. This was the residence of Hawaii’s reigning royals, and was ahead of the times on modern amenities for the time, like telephones, indoor plumbing, and electric lights. Book tickets on the palace website.
• See the Byodo-In Temple. This is a replica of a temple in Kyoto, Japan, and was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii.
• Take in the views at the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout. This is one of the best panoramas on the island. This spot is also rich in history, as it’s known for the Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795.
• Smell the flowers at Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden. Explore 400 acres of lush green space on Oahu’s windward coast at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. Spend some time with views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range.
• Visit the Waimea Valley. One stop we didn’t make while on the North Shore was the Waimea Valley to see Waimea Falls. I read some mixed reviews on whether it was worth the admission fee and decided against it, but the views look lovely.
• Book a helicopter tour. See Oahu from the sky and access views and areas you can’t reach on foot or by car. This one has the doors off for an exhilarating time, while this one offers all window seats.
• See a luau. As we did a luau before on a visit to Kauai years ago, we skipped a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Luau packages are available online. Don’t expect alcohol. The center is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Interested in more luaus on Oahu? Check out these options:

When to Visit Oahu

The best time to visit Oahu is during the shoulder months of mid-April through early June and the start of fall in September. The best months to visit Oahu are any months that don’t include school holidays.

The island is a very popular destination for North American tourists.

We visited in the winter, and I’d say the weather was just fine. We did get a drizzle here and there, so if I returned, I’d shoot for a sunnier month.

Where to Stay on Oahu

If you’re looking to stay where all of the action is, you’ll want to stay in Waikiki. That’s where we stayed, not because we like to be where the action is, but because we were traveling with family, and that’s where they were staying.

If you’re looking to do more outdoor adventuring, like the hikes that show off what I’d consider the real Oahu, stay away from Waikiki. I’d love to return for a visit and focus our efforts on the quieter North Shore.

If you’re fancy, the Four Seasons Resort in Kapolei is the fanciest.

For some more well-reviewed accommodations on Oahu that won’t cost a kidney, check out the map below:

Oahu Itinerary FAQs

Experience the classic Hawaiian vacation on Oahu.

Oahu is the gateway to the Hawaiian islands for a reason. It’s the most accessible and tourist-friendly, with lots to do in the way of adventure, dining, and beach activities.

This isn’t a knock on Oahu by any means. We had a very busy, fun time on the island and wouldn’t hesitate to go back!

Need more inspiration on the mainland? Check out these guides:

• A Travel Guide for California Vacations
• Zion National Park: Top Hikes & More
• A Detailed Trip Planner for Death Valley
• Plan a Trip to Laramie, Wyoming
• Top Things to Do in Salt Lake City, UT

Love a beach escape? Read these guides next:

• A Guide to Thailand’s Beautiful Koh Lanta
• See the Best of Pacific Beach in San Diego
• A San Diego Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Road Trip to the Best Oregon Coastal Towns
• Plan a Trip to Galveston on a Texas Trip

Want to see more?