I think it is safe to say that there is no place like Hawaii. From all the places I have traveled (and there are MANY of such places), Hawaiʻi easily makes it into my top 3 and will always remain one of my favorite destinations. This is an itinerary for Oʻahu that shows you how to spend 4 days on the island.
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What you should know before you travel to Oʻahu
Oʻahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and part of the USA. It draws nature lovers and adventure lovers, and is also known for its surfing culture, its wildlife, and its aloha atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Oʻahu
The best time to visit Oʻahu is either from April through June or from September through mid-December. If you stick to these dates you will skip high season, which means there will be fewer crowds at the beaches and lower prices for your tours, activities, and hotel rates.
And don’t worry, weather is not a problem. Temperatures on Oʻahu stay between the mid-60s and the high 80s °F year round. The hottest months are May – October, but there is always a tropical beach where you can take a swim close by.
About the island of Oʻahu
The island of Oʻahu is old when it comes to Hawaiian islands. It was formed by volcanic eruptions over 2 million years ago, evidence of which you can still find all over the island. Here, you can find steep mountains and ridges, deep valleys, and many waterfalls, and a lot of good hiking.
Because Oʻahu is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, ocean life is very different from what you are used to. Our waves probably are bigger, and our Polynesian history is also very interesting to learn about.
Whatever you’re into, you’ll probably find it when you get to Oʻahu.
This Itinerary for Oʻahu
I had a hard time trying to condense all the things to do on Oʻahu into a 4-day itinerary, so I had to make some hard choices.
However, I feel that the most important highlights made it into this itinerary, and 4 days is certainly enough to get the best out of a trip to Oʻahu. Besides, as vacation time comes at a premium spending only a few days on Oʻahu gives visitors more time to explore other Hawaiian islands, such as Kauaʻi, Maui, or the Big Island with its black sand beaches, the manta ray dive, and the active volcanoes.
Here is a quick overview of this Oʻahu itinerary so you know what to expect before you visit the most popular Hawaiian island:
- Day 1: Explore downtown Honolulu and see the Diamond Head Crater
- Day 2: The North Shore and beaches
- Day 3: Go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and take a hike to Mānoa Falls
- Day 4: See Pearl Harbor and other ways to spend your last day on Oʻahu
Where to Stay on Oʻahu
Many of Oʻahu’s best hotels are located in Honolulu in the Waikiki neighborhood. Waikiki is a historic part of the city and has been inhabited at least since the 15th century.
Hawaii’s ruling caste quickly made Waikiki into a vacation destination for themselves, and the first luxury hotel there was built in the early 20th century. This hotel survives until today: it is called the Moana Surfrider.
There is no better beach on Oʻahu than Waikiki if you appreciate accessibility and a calm ocean. High-rise hotels, designer boutiques, and a long list of restaurants are all within walking distance.
If you choose to stay in Waikiki Beach, you’ll be close to the Pearl Harbor Memorial, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay.
Accommodation suggestions for Waikiki
- Budget: You can stay in one of the many available hostels, such as the Beach Waikīkī Boutique Hostel and the Pacific Ohana Hostel
- For mid-range hotels, try the Park Shore Hotel or the Waikīkī Resort Hotel.
- Of course we cannot forget the Moana Surfrider.
- For more luxury, try full-service resorts such as the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort or the Hokulani.
Another Oʻahu hot spot is the North Shore.
Accommodation on the North Shore
The North Shore of Oʻahu is famous for surfing, and for the beaches and natural beauty. I really appreciate the laid back and rural vibe of the North Shore. People looking for luxury should try The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay (the former Turtle Bay Resort). Other good (and cheaper) options are the Backpacker’s Vacation Inn & Hostel or the Ke Iki Beach Bungalows. Vacation rentals are also popular.
Renting a Car on Oʻahu
While Oʻahu has a reasonable public transport system called TheBus, we still recommend renting a car for at least part of your stay (days 2-4). A car gives you flexibility, but mostly it makes getting from one place to another much faster.
Day 1: Downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head Crater
Welcome, you arrived on Hawaiʻi and are ready to spend your first day on Oʻahu. Today you will explore the Diamond Head Crater and downtown Honolulu.
Enjoy real Hawaiian Coffee in Honolulu
Start your first day in Oʻahu as we start every day: with a cup of fresh Kona Coffee. Kona coffee beans are grown on the Kona coast of Hawaiʻi island and are known for their complex taste, which they get from the growing conditions on the nutrient-rich volcanic soil.
You can taste Kona Coffee at many local coffee shops – make sure to ask your hotel concierge if they have any good tips on where to go for a good cup of coffee.
Climb the Diamond Head Crater
An advantage of staying in Waikiki is that it is very close to the Diamond Head crater, close enough for a bike ride. Some hotels there even offer bike rentals, so make sure to ask around if that sounds good to you.
The Diamond Head Crater is a remnant of a volcano that erupted about 300,000 years ago. More recently, the Diamond Head crater was used by the military. Now, it is Diamond Head State Monument, a Hawaiʻi state park.
There is one main trail at the Diamond Head Park that takes you by lots of historic places and takes you up to a viewpoint over Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip, but it climbs 560 feet.
Plan to arrive at Diamond Head early so you can be done with the hike by noon. This way you can spend the hottest part of the day doing other things than walking uphill. Visitors from out of state need an advance reservation for entry and parking.
Bike, walk, or drive back to the city, where you can have lunch to wind down from the morning.
ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu
Skip the hot sun and explore Honolulu’s ʻIolani Palace instead during the hottest part of the day. ʻIolani Palace is the restored official residence of King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
The palace is a national historic landmark and the only royal palace in the United States. There is no better place to start learning about the last ruling leaders of Hawaii’s monarchy.
Other worthwhile museums in Honolulu include the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design (tours by reservation, leaving from the Honolulu Museum of Art) and the Honolulu Museum of Art – just in case you end up with a rainy day or want to learn more about the culture of Hawaii.
Sunset and Dinner at Duke’s
See the sun dip below the ocean from Waikiki beach and then make your way to Duke’s for dinner. The restaurant is named after Duke Kahanamoku. For more ideas in town, see our things to do in Honolulu.
Duke Kahanamoku is a surfing legend and you can find a bronze statue of him on Kūhiō Beach in Waikiki. He set multiple world records, won three Olympic gold medals, and pushed the sport of surfing into popularity. Then, he moved to California and became a movie star.
Day 2: Visit the North Shore
Start your second day again at a coffee shop for a good cup of Kona coffee and grab a hearty breakfast – you’ll need it for a busy day touring Oʻahu’s North Shore.
Dive With Sharks at the North Shore
Start your day with an adrenaline rush and plan to go cage diving with sharks. The boats leave from Haleʻiwa Harbor and go about 3 miles offshore.
Most cage diving tours guarantee shark sightings. You will mostly see Galapagos and sandbar sharks, and once in a while a tiger shark.
During the activity you will be separated from the sharks by a cage for safety.
Have Lunch at one of the North Shore Food Trucks
Stop at one of the North Shore’s food trucks for lunch. A simple search on Yelp or Instagram will give you a good idea of what is available, but when in doubt head over to the food trucks at the old Kahuku Sugar Mill.
Garlic shrimp, Spam specials (yes, the canned ham is popular here), and Korean BBQ are popular choices.
Look for turtles at Laniākea Beach
After lunch, stop at Laniākea Beach to let your food settle and look for Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). This beach is one of their favorite hangout spots on Oʻahu because the beach is surrounded by shallow waters and rocky spots where their favorite snack (seaweed) grows in abundance.
When you see turtles, there may be volunteers from Mālama i nā Honu around who keep people back. Green sea turtles are protected: NOAA asks you to stay at least 10 feet away, and touching or harassing them is illegal.
Cliff-jump at Waimea Bay or take a dip at the Waimea Falls
Now that you have seen sea turtles it is time to drive to the nearby Waimea Bay. Waimea Bay is known for the occasional immense waves it gets in the winter, and for a large rock formation that locals climb and use for cliff jumping. If you want to try this yourself make sure that the waters are calm and the tide is low. Water shoes are also a good thing to have as the rock is jagged and can get slippery.
If you prefer a less sandy afternoon activity you can cross the street and visit the Waimea Valley botanical gardens. The gardens have a paved main path that leads to Waimea Falls, where you can swim.
To get to the falls you walk about three-quarters of a mile, and the waterfall swim is quite organized: visitors are provided with (and are expected to wear) life jackets.
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Head home to your hotel in Honolulu through the central Oʻahu region and make a stop at the Dole Plantation for a pineapple tour. The plantation can feel a bit like a tourist trap but is fun to visit, and you can get a Dole Whip, walk the Pineapple Garden Maze, and learn about the plantation history. This stop is especially recommended for families.
End your second day with a Mai Tai at the Royal Hawaiian’s Mai Tai Bar. Mai Tais are our cocktail of choice to put us in a true Hawaii mood.
Day 3: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and going to a Luau
On your third day in Oʻahu it finally is time to go snorkel. The best place to snorkel on Oʻahu is Hanauma Bay.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve and a protected cove that once was a volcanic crater. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oʻahu and you need to book your visit in advance. The online reservation system opens 2 days before your visit and fills up quickly. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Before you can go snorkeling visitors are required to watch a short information video to teach them best practices on how to navigate the reef. This is important to preserve the beauty and sanctuary of the wildlife in this place, so please pay attention.
When snorkeling at Hanauma Bay you will see lots of fish and other marine life. Shallow and clear water and a calm ocean make for good visibility, and the coral/rocks under water make finding fish easy. Don’t forget the underwater case for your phone or camera.
Visit Mānoa Falls or the Lyon Arboretum
This afternoon you can visit Mānoa Falls and Lyon Arboretum. Unlike yesterday’s Waimea Falls you cannot swim at Mānoa Falls, but the hike up to the falls is a 1.6-mile round trip through the rainforest.
Alternatively you can head out to the nearby Lyon Arboretum. This is a public botanical garden at the back of Mānoa Valley, run by the University of Hawaiʻi and open on weekdays, with many plants and trails to explore.
Splurge on the Best Oʻahu Luau
The next thing on your Oʻahu itinerary is attending a Luau. There are many Luau shows on Oʻahu but in our opinion the most authentic is the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Arrive early if you can to walk through the island villages on the grounds of the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Luau is in the late afternoon and ends around 6 pm. The center is closed on Sundays and most Wednesdays.
The Luau includes a traditional buffet-style dinner with staples like imu-cooked kalua pork and poke. During dinner, you’ll have live entertainment including singing and hula dancing.
Good to know: because the Polynesian Cultural Center is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no alcohol is served or allowed.
Day 4: Pearl Harbor and Play Time
This is your last day on Oʻahu. As usual start with some good Kona coffee and a good breakfast to get your day started.
Visit Pearl Harbor
If you know any WWII history you have heard of Pearl Harbor. This was the location of the surprise attack by Japan on America that prompted the USA to join the war.
At Pearl Harbor you can see historic sites like the battleship USS Missouri, the USS Arizona Memorial, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin submarine.
Other things to Do in Oʻahu on Your Last Day
Since it’s your last day in Oʻahu, spend your afternoon however you’d like. Here are some suggestions:
- If you feel like botanical gardens and a stroll check out the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden.
- For more excitement join a parasailing experience at Waikiki Beach.
- Or, take a snorkeling boat tour.
