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Traveling to Oahu four separate times, there is still SO MUCH to see and do… this itinerary includes everything I would recommend my friends to use.
Be advised that this itinerary does not include the travel time you may have. These are days base on full availability, but of course, feel free to modify it so it fits your needs. In additional, this itinerary is based on the assumption that you will be staying in or near Waikiki.
4 Tips Before Arriving:
Make sure that you pack good walking shoes because there is a lot of walking and getting about when staying Hawaii. Bonus points if your walking shoes are actually water shoes (my crocs work wonderfully for both)
Figure out how to get a Holo Card if you want to save money by using public transportation. This is the card you scan when entering any public bus and grants you access to ride. You can get the card and activate it at the ABC store for the day, but you will reload it online. Ride share apps are also an options, as is turo for rental cars.
Pack mineral sunscreen, bathing suits, and your own towel just in case. But also pack a light rain jacket just in case it decides to downpour spontaneously, which it sometimes does.
Plan ahead and look at closing times for different areas. May times, I have missed out on plans because I didn’t see that they closed early.
Most importantly, please respect the island by picking up your trash, have awareness to your surroundings, don’t walk on coral, don’t touch wildlife, and be kind and considerate to other human beings.
Day 1: Beach Day
Begin your day early by getting breakfast at Waffle and Berry, or Tropical Tribe, and head over to Ala Moana Marina and the Beach.
I recommend spending this morning on a snorkel tour with Diamond Head Cruises. They hold smaller tour groups, the staff was fantastic, and you get a beautiful view of Waikiki and Diamond Head Crater. Book Here.
After the snorkel tour, spend some time at Ala Moana Beach. It is one of my favorites as it is not as crowded as Waikiki and there seems to be ample space on the sand for your things. The water is calm, clear, and blocked off by a reef so there are not hard waves.
In addition, Magic Island lies next door which has an additional beach that is smaller and more kid friendly. The park there is also a great place to stay and enjoy the weather, or gather with friends and have a picnic.
For lunch, eat at the Lobster Roll at Fat Cheeks right near the Ala Moana Mall. And for a coffee pick me up, I would stop by Ali’i Coffee co. and have one of their ube lattes—they are delicious!
Spend the day on Waikiki Beach, shopping, beach, or maybe take a catamaran tour? And if it’s a Friday night, enjoy the fireworks at the Hyatt.
However, if you want to fill your evening with something more adventurous, I would suggest getting over to Diamond Head Crater. Just make sure you check hours of operation, book your reservation online, and back accordingly (comfy shoes, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, etc).
For dinner, I recommend Maguro Spot for some good poke, Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak which is a local food truck, or if you want to sit down, try Duke’s Waikiki
Day 2: East Side
Although you can take the bus everywhere on the island, renting a car will save you a lot of time.
I would begin the day before the sunrises and head over to hike to Lanikai Pill Box. This trail holds minimal shade cover and has a pretty steep elevation gain, so I would recommend doing it at dawn before it gets hot and crowded.
Immediately after, take a dip at Lanikai Beach which is just a quick walk from the trailhead of the pill box. This beach is so aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also family friendly, with calms waves, and has stunning views.
For coffee, I recommend Holo Holo in Kailua en route to Kaneohe. For a quick lunch, I recommend Fresh Catch in Kaneohe before hitting the road.
Head to Kualoa Ranch at this point, but just double check times and book your excursions in advance so you don’t miss it. The views are amazing, and for movie buffs this is a must-do.
If you have time, I would stop by Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, with that picturesque road (ifyky), and I would finish the day off with dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens.
Day 3: North Shore
Again, getting a rental car for this day will save you a bunch of time. Turo is cheaper options for sure.
Before the day begins, stop by Leonard’s Bakery and getting some malasada’s for the trip first even if it’s not in your way.
If you skip Leonard’s, then I would recommend stopping by Tsue’s Farm in Haleiwa. They have different activities there, but we just stopped for some amazing juice and food.
I suggest beginning the day by going to Waimea Botanical Garden to go see and swim at Waimea Falls. There is a fee to get in ($26.50 according to their website), but the gardens are stunning and the waterfall and pool is so nice to get into. Worth it, imo.
But if you’re a snorkel person like me, head straight over to Shark’s Cove and Pupukea Beach. The tide pools there are amazing, and when I tell you the customer service from the North Shore Surf Shop across the street was AMAZING….it really was. You can read similar reviews on Google to be fair.
They also have food options there that I enjoyed and I would eat here again for lunch while spending as much time at this beach.
Turtle Beach is also another lovely place to spend the day. With a resort nearby, bathrooms, and calm waters, it’s definitely kid friendly, and beginner snokeling friendly.
Now to wind down the day, stop by and eat at the food trucks…Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a popular one. In addition, if you have time, stop by Matsumoto Shaved Ice for a nice treat.
Honorable Mentions & Food Spots
I would definitely include Hanauma Bay, but they are also limited to online reservations, and hours of operation.
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse is also a fun little hike to do, but it is exposed so I would suggest doing it early.
Kailua Beach is right next to Lanikai Beach and it’s also a lovely beach.
Kayaking in Kaneohe Bay is definitely a goodie. The views are brilliant, and the snorkeling is also great in this area.
Musubi Cafe is must! Easy to pack carry around with you, but they can get really busy in the morning.
Right next door is Aloha Sugar Cane Juice with the BEST DRINKS.
And finally, Tita’s Grill for some amazing Loco Moco.
Final Thoughts
I know that traveling to Hawaii can be daunting and also expensive. But if you need ideas on how to keep some cost low, check out this page where I talk about how I save money by doing free things!
And always, comment, share, and follow along as I give all sorts of camping and traveling tips and tricks! I’d love to hear if you agree with this list, or if there is anything that I am missing!
