There is simply nowhere like Hawaii. NextisHawaii.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Besides Waikiki Beach, the other hotspot to stay in on Oahu is the North Shore. The sun will set just before your luau starts and the lighting will be so pretty! . Exercise caution and never swim out too far. During the years, this part of Oahu was used by the military in certain defense operations. Sample itineraries, guides to the best beaches and lots more are waiting for you in the. Iyoure a history buff (I can totally relate) but dont have that extra fifth day in Oahu, you can swap day ones morning (Diamond Head) with a visit to Pearl Harbor and then replace day threes morning (Manoa Falls) with a visit to Diamond Head. The crater is not only one of the most visited places in the entire State of Hawaii but also tends to see intensely hot weather by midday. Its most interesting to visit with a guided tour so that you dont miss out on any of the memorable details. Whats Included in This 4 Days in Oahu Itinerary? Im originally from Serbia, but I grew up in Chicago. Finally, youll conclude your North Shore adventure with a stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation. . If youre looking for the best places to stay on the island be sure to check out our guide to the best Airbnbs in Oahu! Although, many laid-back travelers choose to find an Airbnb here so they can ditch the crowds in Waikiki. Make sure only to attempt this if the waters are calm enough and the tide is low enough. Oahu is known for its surfing culture, pristine wildlife, and fresh pineapples. Before we begin, its important to note that Honolulu and Oahus tour operators offer a wide selection of excursions and activities, as you might expect from the busiest island in Hawaii. If you want to do something thrilling, book a parasailing experience on Waikiki Beach. this will not be a quiet stay but you will be close to the beach, shopping and dining, and the nightlife scene. There is a lot of competition over tourist dollars so you can get great deals on rentals (plus the gas is the cheapest in the state). This is their favorite spot to chill on Oahu. While the bottom is a bit rocky and not super comfortable for swimming, the beach backed by Kapiolani Park is quieter and theres a greater chance to find a (paid) parking space in the Honolulu Zoo lot. Its important to preserve the beauty and sanctuary of the wildlife in this place. Oahus North Shore is a world of its own, so different than the hustle and bustle of the city. However, hes most famous for becoming a surfing legend. Browse through this list of Oahu attractions and aim to purchase your tickets in advance. Love it or hate it, its difficult to visit Honolulu without paying a visit to Waikiki Beach . of the island (in general: north vs. south). Seriously, its one of the best things to do in Oahu! This is a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaii experience! And not just any luau , Arrive early if you can, the grounds of the, On your last day on Oahu, youll want to start out with. If youre just staying in Honolulu and wish to go to a specific beach/attraction outside of town, using the bus should be just fine for point-to-point travel and you wont need to rent a car. Put on sunscreen, dont forget to wear a hat and drink lots of water. And after all, the island known as the Gathering Place is treasured in the hearts of Hawaiians, both of yesteryear and of the present. The reservation will permitreservations to be made 14 days in advance. Its also the best spot in Waikiki Beach for, There are a few noteworthy stops along the way (aside from the shopping), including the, famous surfing pioneer and winner of several Olympic medals in swimming, the, the 1901 luxury hotel built in beaux-arts fashion that started the Waikiki hype, and the. Some stretches have more sand than others, some are better for surfing, and some are protected by concrete lagoon walls. Ill list two areas in the city that I recommend, but if youre absolutely looking for a place to stay outside of the big city. Below are some of the top tours and hotels on beautiful Oahu! Its concrete-jungle buildings rise to much greater heights than the original palm trees, but they do meet a beautiful patch of the bluest of blue waters, a haven for swimmers and surfers! (spring and summer breaks). The hottest months are May October, but temperatures rarely get into the 90s even then. Accommodations in Waikiki primarily consist of high rises, luxury beachside hotels, and furnished condos. Oahu is small enough and its network of roads efficient enough (albeit gridlocked at times) for it to make sense to base yourself in the Honolulu area for your entire stay on the island. On the slopes and on the summit, artillery stations were constructed and even a firing station was built to coordinate the launch of long-distance shells in the event of a marine invasion. See Manoa accommodations. Parking is expensive in the Waikiki Beach area and will set you back at the very least $20 per day. The next thing on your Oahu itinerary is attending a Luau! Shoulder seasons are always a good time to visit (Apr-May, Sep-Oct). Waikiki is the place to see and be seen if thats your thing. to outsmart traffic as much as possible. These days, it is THE place to see and be seen in Honolulu, if youre a tourist that is. Put on sunscreen, dont forget to wear a hat and drink lots of water. If you feel like hiking, you can. Its known for healthy acai bowls made with freshly grown island fruits like papaya, passionfruit, and bananas. Manoa is an affluent residential neighborhood of Honolulu, nestled at the base of the beautiful mountains that shield the city from the trade winds. Its concrete-jungle buildings rise to much greater heights than the original palm trees, but they do meet a beautiful patch of the bluest of blue waters, a haven for swimmers and surfers! Your other alternative is cheap Airbnbs in the Ala Moana area. ! I highly recommend using. As the U.S. increased its presence in Hawaii, Diamond Head was an ideal location for the islands. and in 1908, a trail leading to the summit was constructed by the army. Together with this 4 days in Oahu itinerary, I recommend grabbing a. to have useful information at your fingertips and to better understand Hawaiis culture and interesting history. During dinner, youll have live entertainment including singing, hula dancing, and fire dancing. Since its your last day in Oahu, spend your afternoon however youd like. Its best to either avoid these periods or secure your flights and accommodations early. You can sample garlic shrimp, spam concoctions, and Korean BBQ. Its this origin thats given this tiny island such a diverse topography. This map contains all the places mentioned in this sample itinerary. Oahu is the main international gateway to the Hawaiian Islands and often overlooked by visitors in transit to the more rugged gems of the island chain. I highly recommend to check-in online AND still arrive at the airport way in advance. This is their favorite spot to chill on Oahu. Year-round, temperatures in Oahu tend to stay between the high 60s and low 80s F. The first luxury hotel was built in the early 20th century and you can even stay there today! A Mai Tai is a Polynesian cocktail made with a rum base and traditionally Curaao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime. Waikikis busy thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue connects the series of beaches. I stayed in a shared unit for less than the price of a dorm bed in a Waikiki hostel (and I had the room all to myself since everyone just follows the crowd to Waikiki). Heres a link to a complete list of Honolulu accommodations that you can book online via Booking.com. Besides the soil, the Kona region is known for having the perfect climate for growing coffee beans. Day 3: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and a Luau Experience. If youre just staying in Honolulu and wish to go to a specific beach/attraction outside of town, and you wont need to rent a car. Click on the image to open in Google Maps. If you prefer a calmer afternoon activity. The best time to visit Oahu is April through June or September through December. Oahu and Honolulu are year-round destinations, busy with tourists throughout the year. This is an Oahu itinerary detailing how to spend 4 days in Oahu. Be sure to fill up the gas tank and have offline access to Google Maps. Its a healthy and scrumptious island brunch! Love it or hate it, its difficult to visit Honolulu without paying a visit to Waikiki Beach one of the most famous beaches in the world. Before we begin, its important to note that Honolulu and Oahus tour operators offer a, Visiting other Hawaiian islands? youll see tons of fish and marine life! Avoid leaving your car in isolated areas and never leave anything inside the car. If youre traveling from abroad, perhaps your. Its called the, Besides Waikiki Beach, the other hotspot to stay in on Oahu is the North Shore. In Oahu, youll find mountains, ridges, valleys, and, Whatever youre into, youll find it when you. Aloha! I love hunting down local restaurants, unique experiences, and hidden gems. The waters are very shallow, clear, and calm. In the 19th century, Waikiki became the resort vacation destination for Hawaiis ruling family. We definitely recommend booking ahead of time so that you can ensure a lower price and availability. . The Saturday morning version (7:30-11 am) is preferred over its Tuesday afternoon session (4-7 pm). Youll want to be done hiking by noon so that you miss the most scorching rays of the run. For a quieter stay, look for places in the residential area between Waikiki and Diamond Head. I recommend getting a relatively early start to the day (approx by 9 am) and visiting Diamond Head prior to Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is actually a series of beaches stretching from the. Its most interesting to visit with a guided tour so that you dont miss out on any of the memorable details. I recommend getting a relatively early start to the day (approx by 9 am) and. The Saturday morning version (7:30-11 am) is preferred over its Tuesday afternoon session (4-7 pm). Join the growing XDAYSINY.COM community and receive inspiring travel stories and useful news from time to time, I spent a week in Honolulu and Oahu while exploring the main Hawaiian Islands and I must admit I. . If it just so happens to be Saturday morning, start the day at the KCC Farmers Market considered the best farmers market in Oahu. In this case, you will need to show at the counter that you have coverage so bring a copy of your policy (in English). Duke was said to have descended from Hawaiian royalty. Start your North Shore day by cage diving with sharks. Strategically located on the sunny coast overlooking Waikiki Beach, . There are also many interesting things to discover in the Lyon Arboretum nearby. If you are staying in Waikiki, you may choose to bike to Diamond Head. So, it provides a nice break from the crowds. : aside from the steady barrage of organized tours crisscrossing the island (especially from Asia), Oahu gets an extra dose of visitors during the. During the March visit, most of the week was filled with nothing but sunshine except for the first day, in which another (smaller) storm was coming to an end. Eventually, he moved to California and became a movie star. Your email address will not be published. You can taste Kona Coffee at the Olive & Oliver Cafe. From here, youll pick up the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) trail (one way) and hike to the summit. Out here, wide beaches are home to massive waves only the bravest dare to conquer. Required fields are marked *. Hiking to the summit of Diamond Head is an absolute must, though youll have to share the trail with hundreds of other folks who have the same genius idea. As far as packing goes, a visit to Honolulu and Oahu mostly revolves around beaches, scenic drives, shopping, and nightlife, along with the occasional short hike. Kona coffee beans are grown on Hawaiis Big Island in volcanic, nutrient-rich, soil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Oahus extensive bus network TheBus services most parts of the island for just $2.50 per single ride (transfer good for two hours, exact change needed). Since weve just enjoyed an incredible birds eye view of Waikiki from Diamond Head, it makes perfect sense to spend the rest of the day on this famous stretch of beach. Oahu is small enough and its network of roads efficient enough (albeit gridlocked at times) for it to make sense to. Its less than 2 miles altogether, but its quite steep. such as Diamond Head and Koko Head (see tomorrows itinerary). Im originally from Serbia, but I grew up in Chicago. I actually preferred parking it at Queens Beach. However, it is the view from the summit that is the most rewarding a nearly unobstructed view of the Waikiki Beach coastline and (unfortunately) its endless collection of high rises. If you planned a full week in Oahu and not just four days, there are definitely some fantastic tours of Oahu to consider to help you make the most of your time on the island. Start your first day in Oahu with a cup of fresh Kona Coffee. Shoulder seasons are always a good time to visit (Apr-May, Sep-Oct). Its called the Kahuku Roadside Food Court. Its often nice to have the modernities of a proper city such as malls, restaurants, and nightlife, but Oahus added value is that once you leave the big city behind on a road trip, the islands beauty is remarkable. They love it because the beach is surrounded by shallow waters and rocky spots where their favorite snacks (seaweed) grow plentifully. However, 4 days is certainly enough to get the best out of a trip to Oahu. On this tour, youre guaranteed to see a shark because they are so popular at the site you are taken to. They love it because the beach is surrounded by shallow waters and rocky spots where their favorite snacks (seaweed) grow plentifully. The Luau includes a traditional buffet-style dinner with staples like Imu pork, poke, white fish, and salmon. Its called the Moana Surfrider. Another plus is the nearby Ala Moana Center, Honolulus premier shopping experience where youll also find a large food court and a supermarket. Home to Honolulu the states capital and only proper city Oahu is way more than just the concrete jungle of high rises on Waikiki Beach. was born from my obsession with meticulously researching, organizing, and planning my travel itineraries. Known as Leahi to Hawaiians, Diamond Head was a spot of significant spiritual importance that immediately drew the attention of the first Westerners to land on the islands sunny shores. There are a few noteworthy stops along the way (aside from the shopping), including the Duke Kahanamoku Statue Hawaiis eternally lei-draped famous surfing pioneer and winner of several Olympic medals in swimming, the Moana Surfrider Hotel the 1901 luxury hotel built in beaux-arts fashion that started the Waikiki hype, and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel the 1927 art-deco hotel built in Moorish red fashion and the definite standout of Waikiki. There are restrooms and food trucks at the visitors center, where you should also pick up a trail brochure. End your day with a legendary Mai Tai at the Royal Hawaiians Mai Tai Bar. Dont forget to go over the. In the afternoon, you can visit Manoa Falls and the Lyon Arboretum. where fresh and local ingredients are always served. So pack lite hiking gear (sandals ok) as well as beach gear to avoid having to return to your accommodation in between. Valentinas Destinations was born from my obsession with meticulously researching, organizing, and planning my travel itineraries. The next thing on your Oahu itinerary is attending a Luau! This is a great spot for families. You can literally drive inside the crater floor and park your car, but a much more scenic route is to simply walk from Waikiki or park on its slopes and walk to the visitors station ($1 entry fee for walk-ins). Its pretty much right next to Waikiki Beach and frequented by locals. I am pretty sure there was no free WiFi throughout the terminal (only in small parts), but the main issues are the overcrowdedness in the check-in area and the long walks needed to reach some gates. . Here are a few key things to consider when exploring Oahu by car: I must mention that the Honolulu airport has to be one of the least friendly airports in the U.S. and this considering that tourism is the most important source of state revenue! Some stretches have more sand than others, some are better for surfing, and some are protected by concrete lagoon walls. It was also a prime farming area, abundant with wetlands and taro fields. With volcanic craters dotting the coastline, magnificent beaches, and the signature eroded peaks of the Pali Coast Oahu may possibly be the most beautiful island in Hawaii if it werent for its exploding population. They tend to be quite large establishments and naturally offer backpackers activities to keep them busy. Check it out! As magma met groundwater and created steam, there were blasts of ash, coral, and pyroclastic debris that created tuff cones such as Diamond Head and Koko Head (see tomorrows itinerary). The only resort on Oahus North Shore is, Day 1: Downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head Crater, If you are staying in Waikiki, you may choose to. place to see and be seen if thats your thing. I recommend this, Since its your last day in Oahu, spend your afternoon however youd like. With a bit of luck (and after watching to see how the locals do it), youll be able to climb this giant rock and jump off of it. You can use these to explore Diamond Head and the lively city of Honolulu. There are a lot of rocks to navigate around, so water shoes are recommended. In Oahu, youll find mountains, ridges, valleys, and gorgeous waterfalls absolutely perfect for hiking! Waikiki Beach is the quintessential Oahu beach. Honolulu does have a crime and drug problem for a number of reasons and it is best to exercise caution and inquire with your hosts before venturing into the urban area. If you want to stay smack in the middle of the action, Waikiki is for you. Youll spend today exploring the Diamond Head Crater and Honolulus downtown. If it just so happens to be Saturday morning, start the day at the. The rock is very jagged and slippery. Full-day Oahu island sightseeing tour, Top Hotels on Oahu: Hotel Renew (budget), Laylow (mid-range hotel), Moana Surfrider (affordable luxury), Espacio the Jewel of Waikiki (luxury). Here are a few of Waikiki Beachs top highlights: Waikiki Beach is actually a series of beaches stretching from the Sheraton Waikiki to Queens Beach. Theres one main trail at Diamond Head State Park. Logistics: the hike takes about 1.5-2 hours return including all the scenic stops and can get quite steep at times though it is not over-challenging by any means. Once youve found sea turtles, continue to the nearby Waimea Bay Beach Park. Heres a link to a complete list of Honolulu accommodations that you can book online. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surfing, sea turtles, and the Dole Pineapple Plantation. The only resort on Oahus North Shore is Turtle Bay. You can literally drive inside the crater floor and park your car, but a much more scenic route is to simply walk from Waikiki or park on its slopes and walk to the visitors station ($1 entry fee for walk-ins). You may also enjoy a beachside massage at the Moana Surfrider. (Waikiki is OK). The only downsides are the lack of nightlife and the absolute need for a car (which I recommend having in any case). services most parts of the island for just $2.50 per single ride (transfer good for two hours, exact change needed). There are so many incredible things to do in Oahu! There isnt a better place to learn about the last ruling leaders of Hawaiis monarchy. . Here are a few essential travel tips for Honolulu and Oahu. If youre out to seriously explore Oahu, I highly recommend renting a car either for your entire stay or for the days youll be spending outside of Honolulu. You can have a nice casual lunch at the Hula Grill Waikiki to wind down from the adventurous morning. This is the exquisitely restored summer vacation palace of King Kalakaua and his dynasty. and school holidays (spring and summer breaks). If you stay at Waikiki Beach, youll be near Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial. This means packing proper beach gear, comfy walking shoes, rain gear, and decent-looking summer attire. The time spent in Oahu was quite reminiscent of my visit to Tahiti in French Polynesia. during periods of high surf, especially on the windward side. This is a national historic landmark & its the only official royal residence in the United States! Accommodations in Waikiki primarily consist of high rises, luxury beachside hotels, and furnished condos. However, weather and peak tourist seasons will have an effect on your stay nonetheless. Its a healthy and scrumptious island brunch! As you might expect from the most populated island in Hawaii that is so frequented by tourists, Oahu and Honolulu boast a pretty welcoming shopping scene. Keep in mind three things if choosing to stay here: (1) free parking is rarely included, (2) a resort fee and sometimes even a cleaning fee will be added to the price so carefully read the fine print, (3) this will not be a quiet stay but you will be close to the beach, shopping and dining, and the nightlife scene. Venture out here only if its serious shopping that youre after. Limiting your time to 4 days in Oahu can give many travelers extra time to. During the snorkel, youll be safe inside a poly glass cage. state, car rental companies will scare you to death and offer incredibly expensive, plans. The area boasts many dining options and is a short drive from Waikiki and the network of interstate highways. I have traveled to many places around the globe and Hawaii will always be etched in my mind as one of my favorite destinations. The Waimea Bay Beach Park is really cool because theres this huge rock formation you can climb and jump off of! Its often nice to have the modernities of a proper city such as malls, restaurants, and nightlife, but Oahus added value is that once you leave the big city behind on a road trip, the islands beauty is remarkable. Sample itineraries, guides to the best beaches and lots more are waiting for you in the Hawaii Travel Guide collection. Oahus remote West Coast is sparsely populated and reception may not be adequate. So, as you might imagine, its tough to condense it down into merely 4 days on Oahu. Along the way, visit beaches, snack at roadside stalls, and enjoy the views at scenic lookouts. Not only does Tahiti share similar demographic characteristics and the in-transit mentality of Oahu, but the two often share stunning geographic features. Strategically located on the sunny coast overlooking Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head is the symbol of Oahu and the most recognized landmark of Hawaii. to Queens Beach. This attack swayed the tide of WWII and changed public opinion in the United States. Make sure to watch the sunset at Waikiki Beach before heading to dinner at Dukes! The area known as Waikiki Beach was frequented by Hawaiian royalty in the old days, in an effort to escape the city. ), 2 Days in Honolulu Itinerary: Beaches, Food, & Waikiki Tips, Perfect Kauai Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Kauai (+ Tips), 12 Most Beautiful Big Island Waterfalls (+ How to Visit! in Oahu as youll likely only drive on paved roads.
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fodor's oahu itinerary