Its best to either avoid these periods or secure your flights and accommodations early. 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, Kailua is the best option, Hauula is even further out and quieter, and Kawailoa Beach is for those looking to surf mighty north shore waves. 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. Diamond Head Crater morning hike from Honolulu You can also use the bus to get to/from the airport or use a Waikiki shuttle ($15) or an Uber (~$40). Sample itineraries, guides to the best beaches and lots more are waiting for you in the Hawaii Travel Guide collection. This is a great spot for families. In the February visit, I arrived just as a massive storm had weakened and sunny weather had moved in. You may see sandbars, Galapagos or, even tiger sharks! 
But the warnings by some of the other islands residents to be cautious of the concrete jungle proved to mostly be false. We definitely recommend booking ahead of time so that you can ensure a lower price and availability. You cant swim in Manoa Falls, but the hike up there is beautiful. Things started to change in 1901 with the opening of the first hotel, which well soon visit, and Waikiki pretty much never looked back, for better or for worse. 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. The rock is very jagged and slippery. Seriously, its one of the best things to do in Oahu! Peak tourist seasons: aside from the steady barrage of organized tours crisscrossing the island (especially from Asia), Oahu gets an extra dose of visitors during the U.S. holiday seasons (Christmas, New Years, Easter etc.) can include this type of coverage. Waikiki is a historic and modern Oahu. This is a nature reserve and protected cove. Oahu is small enough and its network of roads efficient enough (albeit gridlocked at times) for it to make sense to. There isnt a better place to learn about the last ruling leaders of Hawaiis monarchy. If you are staying in Waikiki, you may choose to bike to Diamond Head. Avoid leaving your car in isolated areas and never leave anything inside the car. If youre looking for the best places to stay on the island be sure to check out our guide to the, The North Shore of Oahu is famous for surfing, sea turtles, and the Dole Pineapple Plantation. The area known as Waikiki Beach was frequented by Hawaiian royalty in the old days, in an effort to escape the city. 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. Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii, 1 Day In Yosemite: Day Trip To Yosemite Itinerary, Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary: San Francisco To Los Angeles, When Hollywood seeks paradise, it comes to Kauai, Day 1: Essential Oahu Tips, Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach [This Page]. Plan to arrive at Diamond Head in the morning. because the good ones fill up quickly. Manoa is an affluent residential neighborhood of Honolulu, nestled at the base of the beautiful mountains that shield the city from the trade winds. The lookouts, especially at the summit, are very crowded so patience is required. The next thing on your Oahu itinerary is attending a Luau! 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. If you know any WWII history, youve definitely heard this name before. Whatever youre into, youll find it when you travel to Oahu! These days, it is THE place to see and be seen in Honolulu, if youre a tourist that is. Dont forget to go over the things you need to know before visiting Hawaii, where youll find general advice on visiting the Hawaiian Islands including how to save on costs. A Mai Tai is a Polynesian cocktail made with a rum base and traditionally Curaao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime. Also, dont forget a pair of water shoes. Duke Kahanamoku is the namesake for Dukes. 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! 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. You can visit some historic places as you move through the state park. Love it or hate it, its difficult to visit Honolulu without paying a visit to Waikiki Beach . 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. Parking is expensive in the Waikiki Beach area and will set you back at the very least $20 per day. , where youll find general advice on visiting the Hawaiian Islands including how to save on costs. 
So, as you might imagine, its tough to condense it down into merely 4 days on Oahu. During the snorkel, youll be safe inside a poly glass cage. Due to the craters unique position and shape, it is very sunny and gets extra hot until you reach the breeze of the summit. Dont forget to go over the. In this 4 days in Honolulu and Oahu sample itinerary, well explore the islands best spots and balance between the urban experience and the laid back country life that awaits active visitors. : aside from the steady barrage of organized tours crisscrossing the island (especially from Asia), Oahu gets an extra dose of visitors during the. Waikiki is the place to see and be seen if thats your thing. 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. Once youve found sea turtles, continue to the nearby Waimea Bay Beach Park. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the turtles so that you dont give them anxiety. this will not be a quiet stay but you will be close to the beach, shopping and dining, and the nightlife scene. When you snorkel at Hanauma Bay, youll see tons of fish and marine life! The Waimea Bay Beach Park is really cool because theres this huge rock formation you can climb and jump off of! If youre traveling from abroad, perhaps your. Along the way, visit beaches, snack at roadside stalls, and enjoy the views at scenic lookouts. 
Put on sunscreen, dont forget to wear a hat and drink lots of water. 
You may also enjoy a beachside massage at the Moana Surfrider. Shark cage diving on the North Shore (top-seller!) If you want to stay smack in. to Queens Beach. This map contains all the places mentioned in this sample itinerary. 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). The island of Oahu was formed by volcanic eruptions over 2 million years ago. During dinner, youll have live entertainment including singing, hula dancing, and fire dancing. In Oahu, youll find mountains, ridges, valleys, and, Whatever youre into, youll find it when you. Strategically located on the sunny coast overlooking Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head is the symbol of Oahu and the most recognized landmark of Hawaii. Have a look at this page for more information and recommendations. Its called the Moana Surfrider. Previously, Americans were hesitant to join another European War, but now Americans felt strongly that we must defend our honor and territory. 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. either for your entire stay or for the days youll be spending outside of Honolulu. Next, youll visit the Pearl Harbor Museum Campus. Those interested in learning about the Polynesian culture can head to the Bishop Museum, considered the most authoritative institution on Polynesian studies. If its raining on the north shore, theres a very good chance Honolulu is baking in the sun. So pack lite hiking gear (sandals ok) as well as beach gear to avoid having to return to your accommodation in between. From here, youll pick up the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) trail (one way) and hike to the summit. . Oahu is an adventure lovers paradise. With the larger companies, you can usually decline this, but with the smaller ones, they often force you to take at the very least the cheapest package which can amount to about $15 per day. the 1927 art-deco hotel built in Moorish red fashion and the definite standout of Waikiki. This is a. That said, the island as a whole sees drier weather during the North American summer months and wet weather during the winter months. ! 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. Youll want to be done hiking by noon so that you miss the most scorching rays of the run. This is especially key when heading back to the airport to catch your flight off the island! 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). The crater was formed by a relatively late eruption of one of Oahus ancient shield volcanoes. 
Once you leave the downtown area and the city in general, there usually isnt a problem. The sun will set just before your luau starts and the lighting will be so pretty! Here is a quick overview of this Oahu itinerary and what to expect before you visit the most populated island in Hawaii: Many of Oahus best hotels are located on Waikiki Beach. I love hunting down local restaurants, unique experiences, and hidden gems. You can stop for lunch at one of the North Shores famous food trucks for lunch. The Luau includes a traditional buffet-style dinner with staples like Imu pork, poke, white fish, and salmon. Some stretches have more sand than others, some are better for surfing, and some are protected by concrete lagoon walls. : Honolulus premier shopping experience (free parking). You can visit some historic places as you move through the state park. Theres not really much you can do but just be aware and ask the locals. Kona sees bright, sunny, days and rainy afternoons. 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. Exercise caution and never swim out too far. 
Day 3: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and a Luau Experience. Some of these tours are: I hope that this itinerary for Oahu helps you plan your trip and figure out what amazing activities are your cup of tea on the Hawaiian island. 
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. Shoulder seasons are always a good time to visit (Apr-May, Sep-Oct). Im originally from Serbia, but I grew up in Chicago. 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. 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. The hottest months are May October, but temperatures rarely get into the 90s even then. Though there are surely more options, here are three recommendations: On the first of your 4 days in Oahu, well stick around Honolulu and visit two of Hawaiis most iconic sites: Diamond Head Crater and legendary Waikiki Beach. place to see and be seen if thats your thing. Youll need sustenance for your busy day touring Oahus North Shore. For a quieter stay, look for places in the residential area between Waikiki and Diamond Head. 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. I must mention that buses on popular tourist routes can be completely full even on weekdays, with drivers not picking up additional passengers along the way (for example Waikiki to Hanauma Bay) Use apps like Moovit to optimize your bus route. In the afternoon, you can visit Manoa Falls and the Lyon Arboretum. The only resort on Oahus North Shore is Turtle Bay. Valentinas Destinations was born from my obsession with meticulously researching, organizing, and planning my travel itineraries. Eventually, he moved to California and became a movie star. Many hotels around Waikiki offer free bicycle rentals for 3 hours. Welcome to Day 1 in Oahu! . Below are some of the top tours and hotels on beautiful Oahu! Bike (or hike) back to Waikiki. The first luxury hotel was built in the early 20th century and you can even stay there today! If you dont depart early, it will be crowded with tourists, some of whom are slow going (think lots of children). for more information and recommendations. You can also follow me on, 4 Days in Oahu Itinerary: Your Ultimate Island Road Trip. 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. for your entire stay on the island. If you stay at Waikiki Beach, youll be near Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial. 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! This attack swayed the tide of WWII and changed public opinion in the United States. The time spent in Oahu was quite reminiscent of my visit to. Its a healthy and scrumptious island brunch! Its called the Kahuku Roadside Food Court. 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. . 
Since its your last day in Oahu, spend your afternoon however youd like. Not only does Tahiti share similar demographic characteristics and the in-transit mentality of Oahu, but the two often share stunning geographic features. The bike ride to Diamond Head should take no more than 30 minutes. 
of the island (in general: north vs. south). If it just so happens to be Saturday morning, start the day at the. 
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. If its raining on the north shore, theres a very good chance Honolulu is baking in the sun. Your other alternative is cheap Airbnbs in the Ala Moana area. However, weather and peak tourist seasons will have an effect on your stay nonetheless. If you know any WWII history, youve definitely heard this name before. 
These early explorers mistook the calcite crystals found on the slopes of the crater for diamonds, and thats how its present name came to be. 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! Dont forget the underwater case for your phone or camera! Kona coffee beans are grown on Hawaiis Big Island in volcanic, nutrient-rich, soil. 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. You can taste Kona Coffee at the Olive & Oliver Cafe. 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. If youll be spending 5 days in Oahu, I recommend starting the fifth day with a visit to the Pearl Harbor Museums, followed by either a walking tour of downtown Honolulu (Chinatown, Aloha Tower, Kawaiahao Church, Aliiolani Hale, Iolani Palace, St. Andrew Cathedral and Punchbowl) or a road trip up the more remote west coast of Oahu (Makaha Beach Park and Kaneana [Makua] Cave). But the warnings by some of the other islands residents to be cautious of the concrete jungle proved to mostly be false. Waikiki is always packed with tourists and their tour buses so dont expect a relaxing day at the beach with nothing but the sounds of birds whistling and palm trees swaying in the breeze. As ofMay 12th, 2022 all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument. 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). In the 19th century, Waikiki became the resort vacation destination for Hawaiis ruling family. I highly recommend to check-in online AND still arrive at the airport way in advance. Also, inspect the parking area for any broken glass this is a definite sign to head elsewhere. 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). The area boasts many dining options and is a short drive from Waikiki and the network of interstate highways. 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). Accommodations in Waikiki primarily consist of high rises, luxury beachside hotels, and furnished condos. 
Parts of the avenue are a beachfront promenade, running parallel to Waikikis endless hotels and shops. Its also at a high altitude of over 3,000 ft! This especially includes the Chinatown area which is sketchy during the daytime as well. As you may recall, Pearl Harbor was the location of the clandestine attack on America by the Japanese. 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 also the best spot in Waikiki Beach for watching the sunset! The only downsides are the lack of nightlife and the absolute need for a car (which I recommend having in any case). The Waimea Bay Beach Park is really cool because theres this huge rock formation you can climb and jump off of! Its important to preserve the beauty and sanctuary of the wildlife in this place. 
Limiting your time to 4 days in Oahu can give many travelers extra time to explore Maui and the gorgeous Haleakala National Park or the big island of Hawaii. 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. And not just any luau the best luau on Oahu! The lookouts, especially at the summit, are very crowded so patience is required. I advise booking well in advance because the good ones fill up quickly. Its bordered by high-rise hotels, luxury shopping, and endless dining opportunities. The time spent in Oahu was quite reminiscent of my visit to Tahiti in French Polynesia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. End your last day in Oahu with a formal dinner at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar. ), 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! 
Heres a link to a complete list of Honolulu accommodations that you can book online. Your email address will not be published. Youll spend today exploring the Diamond Head Crater and Honolulus downtown. 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). is a real issue on Oahu, with roads often congested in the morning and afternoon rush hours, plus on weekends and holidays. Most of the backpacker hostels in Honolulu are in Waikiki Beach.
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