David and I took a trip to Oahu last November and boy was it amazing! From the bright blue ocean surrounding this beautiful island to the deep pink sunsets over Oahu every night , we enjoyed our time here and shared a very special moment together… we got engaged!!
We stayed in Waikiki for one week and saw many incredible views and with so much to do ours days were filled! Here is my itinerary of everything I did on my trip to Oahu filled with lots of great ideas if you plan on visiting.
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Day 1
We arrived at Honolulu Airport and caught a bus to Waikiki. There’s also the option to rent a Hertz car that you can pick up and drop off at the airport. This is a great option if you want to explore as much of the island without the trouble of finding transport. Take this day to explore Waikiki and relax on the beach, if you arrive on a Friday watch the free fireworks show at the Hilton at 7:45pm.
Day 2
Start your day off with the best view of Diamond Head at Kapiolani Park, which is full of entertainment from the Honolulu Zoo to tennis courts, there’s even a free concert every Sunday in the bandstand.
Next, head on to Hanuama Bay where you can go snorkelling and relax on the beach. The Blow hole is just off of Hanuama bay where water rushes through molten lava tubes and up through the blowhole, reaching heights of up to 30 feet! Don’t forget to look out for turtles here, David and I spotted a few!
Day 3
Wake up early and go for a hike up Diamond Head! This hike offers breathtaking views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean, the view was so good that it was used as a post for the US Military to prevent attacks on Honolulu. The trail, built in 1908 takes you right to the edge of this 300,000 year old crater. The hike takes 1.5 – 2 hrs to complete and entry is $1 for pedestrians and $5 for vehicles.
After your busy morning take a walk through Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island, a 20 minute walk north of Waikiki. This is a great place to go away from tourists where locals come to relax.
Day 4
Depending on the time of your visit to Oahu Pearl Harbour Center can get very busy. Consider pre-booking your free tickets or you can purchase tickets at the center but it is a first come first serve basis and limited tickets.
After Pearl Harbour head back to Waikiki to Kalākaua Avenue, located alongside the famous Waikiki beach this street is one of busiest in Oahu. lined with designer boutiques, malls, souvenir shops and specialty food including my Hawaiian favourite, Honolulu cookie company which makes amazing fresh pineapple shaped cookies everyday. Call in and try a selection of their free samples!
Day 5
If your feeling up for a hike then try out Koko Head or Stairway to Heaven, these are the two toughest hikes in Oahu so make sure you try out Diamond Hike first. Both offer incredible panoramic views from the top!
After your busy morning take a trip to sandy beach and relax or try out some bodyboarding if your feeling up for it! Every Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday there’s free Hula dancing shows at 6pm at Kuhio beach presented by Hawaiian’s finest Halau hula and performers.
Day 6
Your last full day in Oahu, make the most of it! Head to Laniakea beach between 11am and 1pm to watch the Hawaiin green sea turtles enjoying the sun on the beach or you might spot them rolling in the waves. Next stop, Chinaman’s Hat. It’s a cone- shaped island north of Kanehoe Bay. Next is Waimea Bay, known for its 30 foot high waves during the winter!
Next up, take a trip to the Dole Plantation. Admission is free, offering a range of fun activities from the pineapple garden maze to the Pineapple Express train. Don’t forget to try their dole whip!
Day 7
If you’re lucky enough to have a few more hours, head down to Kuhio beach and make the most of your remaining time in the sun. You can’t surf here but if you go to Waikiki beach you can rent a surfboard for a few hours and hit the waves!
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