The Ultimate Oahu Itinerary
Oahu is a true dream vacation destination! The activity options on the island are endless and it can be overwhelming to know where to start! My Ultimate Oahu itinerary will guide you through all of the best restaurants, beaches, and activities that Oahu has to offer! Many people travel to Oahu and stay in the tourist hub of Waikiki the whole time. While Waikiki is an amazing destination, there is so much more to Oahu. This guide will bring you all across the island so you can get a true feel for this vibrant island paradise.
If you want to get the most out of your Oahu itinerary, I suggest spending about 10 days on the island. This will allow you plenty of time to explore Waikiki, enjoy water activities such as swimming and snorkeling, as well as venture to the nearby rainforests and beach towns. Staying longer also allows you to soak in the laid-back island vibes and explore at a more leisurely pace.
Some of my favorite activities on my Oahu itinerary include lounging at Lanikai Beach, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, and diving with sharks on the North Shore. If you’re picturing a more secluded Hawaiian vacation, I suggest you skip Waikiki and spend the majority of your time on either the North Shore or the windward side of the island. These spots have far fewer crowds and a more laid-back feel. However, for the best experience, I suggest spending some time in every part of the island!
See also: The Ultimate 7 Day Maui Itinerary
Planning Tips
One of the best pieces of advice I can give for planning your trip to Oahu is to make sure to explore beyond Waikiki! Let me start by saying I love Waikiki. There is so much to do and I love the vibrant energy felt while walking the tourist-lined streets. However, if you stay in Waikiki your entire trip, it probably won’t feel like the laid-back island vacation you were hoping for. You would also be missing out on the beautiful beaches and landscapes that Oahu has to offer!
In order to truly soak in this beautiful island, you must rent a car. You don’t have to go far outside of the city to reach the breathtaking mountains and lush scenery on the island’s east shore and it only takes a bit over an hour to reach the island’s north shore. If you take the time to explore outside of Waikiki, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful beaches, hiking, and sightseeing on the island!
Where to Stay
I know I just said not to spend all of your time in Waikiki, but as far as what part of the island to stay in, it is a very good option! Most of the island’s resorts are located in Waikiki and you will have an abundance of options when you want to get something to eat, grab a drink, or do some shopping. However, if you are looking for a completely laid-back vacation, any other part of the island is a good option. Oahu’s north shore has a much more easygoing vibe and there are a few great resorts in the area as well. You can’t really go wrong when picking which part of the island to stay in since it takes under two hours to get anywhere on the island!
See also: The Complete Hawaii Travel Guide
Here is My Ultimate Oahu Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Oahu
The day you arrive in Oahu should have nothing on the itinerary! Use this day, to settle into your hotel and adjust to the new time zone. Depending on what time you fly in, you might want to use this day to explore your nearby surroundings, lay by the pool, or grab some dinner nearby.
Day 2:
Snorkeling Tour
What better way to begin your Hawaiian vacation than with a snorkeling tour?! We chose a Dolphin Swimming and Snorkeling Tour on Oahu’s West coast. The west coast region was a beautiful backdrop for our tour. We had the chance to see several dolphins up close as we left the dock and began our journey to find more dolphins in the open water. Once we found some dolphins we hopped into the ocean to swim beside them! We also had the chance to swim with turtles and tropical fish near the shore. This snorkeling excursion is the perfect way to kick off your time in Oahu!
Dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s At Haiku Gardens
Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens is one of the most scenic restaurants on Oahu! It is nestled among the lush green mountains on Oahu’s East Shore. The restaurant is located amongst a beautiful botanical garden and looks out over the pond. My advice is to arrive early before the sun sets so you have time to walk amongst the garden before dinner. Haleiwa Joe’s specializes in seafood but there are other things on the menu for those who prefer other types of cuisine. Another reason to arrive early is that they do not take reservations. The restaurant is first come, first serve, but they do have a bar area you can wait in. This chain restaurant has another location in Haleiwa but the one at Haiku Gardens is the one to go to if you’re looking for a beautiful backdrop for your dining experience.
Day 3:
Crouching Lion Hike
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore a new place! It allows you to explore a new area’s natural terrain and soak in its natural beauty. The Crouching Lion hike offers some of the best views on Oahu but it is not for the faint of heart! This hike is technically closed due to its hazardous conditions, but if you are determined, it is still possible to accomplish.
Possibly the trickiest part of this hike is actually finding the trail! I put Crouching Lion into GPS from Waikiki which brought us close to the trail but not quite. It actually brought us to a small business with the words “Crouching Lion” in its name. We kept driving for about 20 minutes past this spot until we saw a small dirt parking lot on the right side of the road. There will also be some “Warning” signs on the left side of the road cautioning not to enter the area.
Hiking The Trail
Once you park your car, head past the warning signs on the other side of the road to find the trail. There will be two trail options. If you are up for a more adventurous hike, then my advice is to go up the right-side trail and down the other way. The right-side trail will lead to a rock climbing portion. There will be two provided ropes and you must climb to the top to continue the hike. I would advise to only attempt this if you are in decent physical shape! The climb up can be tricky but once you reach the top you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains surrounding you.
When you are ready to head back, I take the second trail to your left that goes straight down through some overgrown forest. There will be markers indicating you are on the right path and is a much easier path down!
Lunch at The sunrise shack
You will probably have worked up an appetite after your hike! Head to The Sunrise Shack for an Acai bowl or other tropical snack. The original shack is located in Haleiwa and is definitely the most Instagram-able location. Their food is beautifully presented and not to mention delicious!
North Shore Zipline
After lunch, it’s time to continue the adventures with some ziplining! We chose CLIMB Works zipline course on Oahu’s North Shore. The course includes 8 side-by-side ziplines with some fantastic views of the ocean in the background. This course also offers an ATV ride up the mountain to get to the ziplines and even includes a few extra challenges throughout the course!
Day 4:
Breakfast at Haleiwa Bowls
Today, you’ll start your morning back in Haleiwa to grab some breakfast before your next adventure. Haleiwa Bowls offers some delicious Acai bowls, smoothies, and coffee. It is also the perfect place to grab a quick bite before heading out to go shark cage diving!
Shark cage diving
Shark cage diving is a must-do activity for any adventure seeker or shark lover! We booked a small tour with only two other people so we had plenty of time to view the sharks. This was one of my favorite experiences of the trip! It’s amazing to get to see these creatures up close through the safety of the cage. The cage consists of two layers of bars so there is no way for the sharks to get to you. After getting over the initial fear of being in the same water as a dozen sharks, it is actually a very laid-back experience. I would highly recommend this addition to your Oahu itinerary!
Dinner at hau Tree
Hau Tree was one of my favorite dining experiences on Oahu! It is located inside Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki and offers a gorgeous setting. The restaurant is situated right on the beach with a gigantic tree as the centerpiece. The service here was also fantastic and we left very impressed with our experience!
Day 5:
Ho’Omaluhia Botanical Garden
Today we’re exploring the windward side of the island! You’ll want to start the day by waking up early so that you reach Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden right as they open. On the weekends, the garden is crowded even right at opening so I would suggest visiting on a weekday. Luckily, we were able to go on a weekday and had the whole place mostly to ourselves. You have probably seen the entry driveway to the garden on Instagram, however, pictures are no longer allowed along the entrance. If you want to capture the entryway, you will have to either take videos and pictures as you slowly drive through or you will have to photograph once inside the beautiful gardens instead.
Byodo-In Temple
Next on the itinerary, is the Byodo-In Temple. This Japanese-style temple is about a 15-minute drive from the Botanical Garden so it pairs well for a day of sightseeing. This is another place that you will want to visit on a weekday if possible. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction so going on a weekday would provide the best experience. The temple transports you straight to Japan – I almost forgot we were still in Hawaii!
Kualoa Ranch
Next, keep driving along the coast until you reach Kualoa Ranch. This 4,000-acre activities park has also been used as the set for many films including Jurassic Park and Godzilla. There are many activities to choose from here – some of the most popular options include a horseback tour and an ATV tour. We chose to explore the park on horseback which was the perfect way to take in the beautiful natural surroundings of the ranch.
Dinner at Hula Grill
Hula Grill is another Hawaiian chain restaurant and there is a reason for its popularity! The restaurant is situated right along Waikiki Beach and offers typical Hawaiian cuisine. This is the perfect spot for a casual happy hour or a nice beachside dinner.
Day 6:
Hike Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is a beautiful hiking trail right outside of Honolulu. If you are staying in Waikiki, it’s only about a 15 minute drive to reach the trail. This is a very populated trail so you will likely encounter many other tourists during your hike no matter what day of the week you go. In my opinion, the trail is a pretty easy hike. There is a large parking lot at the beginning of the trail and you will trek through a very well-maintained jungle trail before reaching the Falls at the end. The trail only takes a little over an hour to complete so it is easy to fit this into your busy Oahu itinerary!
Hanauma Bay State Park
Hanauma Bay is a must-do if you love snorkeling! The bay was formed within a volcanic cone and offers a stunning marine ecosystem that is perfect for snorkeling and exploring wildlife. The waters here are calm and peaceful so it is also a great location for beginner snorkelers. Visiting the park does require a bit of planning as reservations are required and their hours are a bit limited. The days and hours they are open are always changing so you will have to check their website for their current times.
When we visited, we were surprised when they started shutting everything down at 3:00 pm! You can also expect to pay a fee to get in and will have to pay extra if you would like to rent life jackets and snorkeling gear. All of this aside, this was one of my favorite experiences on Oahu! The snorkeling here was perfect and you will have the chance to see a huge array of tropical fish and other marine life.
Dinner at Cuckoo Coconuts
If you’re looking for a classic Tiki Bar vibe then Cuckoo Coconuts is the place to go! I loved the dive-y feel and they even have live music in the evening. They offer typical Hawaiian bar food and a wide selection of tropical drinks. This was my favorite place to go for an authentic tiki bar experience on Oahu!
Day 7:
Lanikai Beach
No Oahu itinerary is complete without a day dedicated to lounging in the sand and swimming in the ocean! My absolute favorite beach on Oahu is Lanikai Beach. It is beautifully picturesque with powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters. This is a great beach for swimming as well as snorkeling and kayaking! This beach is only accessible through a residential neighborhood. You will want to park your car in the neighborhood and then you will find a pathway next to the beach between the surrounding houses. This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing beach day and is also a favorite among locals.
Dinner at Uahi Island Grill
Uahi Island Grill is just a short drive from Lanikai Beach so it is a great spot to grab a casual post-beach day meal. This restaurant features authentic Hawaiian comfort food and was one of our favorite meals of our trip! Uahi Island Grill even shows up on Guy Ferrari’s list of “Top Eats in the Aloha State” so you know it’s good! The parking surrounding the restaurant all requires coins so come prepared!
Day 8:
Breakfast at Arvo Cafe
Arvo Cafe is an airy little coffee and breakfast spot inside of SALT, a trendy outdoor shopping center in Honolulu. We loved the vibes of this cafe as well as the surrounding neighborhood. The area is very laid-back and much less touristy than other parts of Honolulu. This was the perfect place for a quick breakfast and offered the perfect opportunity to explore a less touristy neighborhood of Honolulu.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Waimanalo Bay Beach is another great option for a relaxing beach day. This beach is much more vast compared to Lanikai Beach and includes conveniences such as numerous parking spaces and nearby restrooms. The beach itself is beautiful. It is surrounded by trees, mountains, and soft white sand. When we went, the waves were quite strong so we were not able to get any swimming in here. This beach would be a great place for large groups as well as beach activities!
Sunset at Turtle Bay
Sunset is a beachside and poolside bar and restaurant located inside of the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore. I highly recommend coming here for happy hour when the restaurant lights up with live music as well as food and drink specials. The resort is in a secluded location and is also a popular spot among locals. It is a bit of a drive if you are staying in Honolulu but the elevated vibes, delicious food, and picturesque location are worth it! Make sure to stay and watch the sunset as it is touted as one of the best sunsets on the island!
Day 9:
Waikiki Beach
I know I keep saying not to stay in Waikiki the whole time, but no trip to Oahu is complete without visiting Waikiki Beach at least once. If you are staying in Waikiki, then it’s a convenient walk from your hotel and many hotels offer free umbrella rentals for the beach as well. The water here is also super calm so it’s a great beach for swimming as well as other water activities. We had nothing on our itinerary the day we spent at Waikiki beach which made it one of our most relaxing and enjoyable days on Oahu. Its central location gives you the luxury of taking the day at your own pace with everything you need just a short walk away.
Dinner at Duke’s Waikiki
After spending the day swimming in the ocean, we decided to head to dinner at Duke’s Waikiki. The restaurant is situated right on Waikiki Beach and I just love the vibrant island vibes of this place. Their food is also fantastic and it was the perfect way to end our day in Waikiki.
Day 10:
Fly HOme
The hardest part of every trip is having to say goodbye at the end. I would suggest using your final day to relax, grab some food, and get ready to head to the airport. There are so many wonderful things to experience on Oahu and if you’re anything like me, you’ll already be dreaming of your next trip to this beautiful island!
Oahu Itinerary: Best Beaches
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- Hanauma Bay
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- Lanikai Beach
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- Waikiki Beach
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- Waimanalo Beach
Best Restaurants
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- Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens
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- The Sunrise Shack
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- Haleiwa Bowls
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- Hau Tree
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- Hula Grill
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- Cuckoo Coconuts
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- Uahi Island Grill
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- Arvo Cafe
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- Turtle Bay Resort
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- Duke’s Waikiki
Best Activities
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- Dolphin Snorkeling Excursion
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- Crouching Lion Hike
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- Zipline
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- Shark Cage Diving
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- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
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- Byodo-In Temple
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- Kualoa Ranch
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- Hike Manoa Falls
Related Posts
The Ultimate 7 Day Maui Itinerary
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The Complete Hawaii Travel Guide