Oahu is one of the best destinations for a tropical getaway on the planet, with pristine white beaches, breathtaking hiking trails, and tons of adorable sea turtle friends. But with so much packed into the 600 square miles that make up this incredible island, it can be hard to know where—and how—to spend your time here. Well, you’re in luck—we’ve laid out the perfect 7-day Oahu itinerary (with suggestions if you have less time!), so you can make the most of your time while you’re in paradise.
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How to Get Around Oahu
Before we dive in to how you should spend your time in Oahu, it’s worth considering how you’re going to be getting around the island, given this will greatly impact what kinds of things you can do here.
While the Hawaiian Islands are quite small compared to some U.S. states (I’m looking at you, Texas!), Oahu certainly isn’t tiny. It clocks in as the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands (behind the Big Island and Maui) and takes upwards of six hours to drive around.
So if you’re wondering whether you need a rental car in Oahu, the answer is generally yes if you plan on spending a good amount of time exploring outside of Honolulu (which you absolutely should!).
If, on the other hand, you plan on spending most of your time in Honolulu or at your resort, though, you can probably get by just fine on the city’s solid public transit, taxis, or rideshares.
If you plan on having adventures around the island and will likely need a rental car in Oahu, here’s a fair warning—they can be pretty pricey, especially during peak season, like the summer or over the December holidays. During my last visit to the island, my husband, Justin and I paid $671.91 for an 8-day reservation—and the very cheapest option they had was a Mustang convertible!
That being said, you’d almost certainly wind up spending more on Ubers or tours to get around and explore the island as you would booking a rental car.
I’d highly recommend booking a cancellable rental car reservation waaaaay in advance and intermittently checking to see if the prices have dropped as your trip approaches. I’ve been able to save hundreds of dollars by doing this!
How Many Days Do You Need in Oahu?
Some travelers just briefly stop in Oahu for a couple days before heading over to explore one of the other islands. On average, though, most visitors stay in Oahu for 7 days, which just so happens to be the length of our suggested Oahu itinerary!
If you’re wondering whether 7 days is too long to stay in Oahu, I can say from first hand experience that it’s not. While I think you can definitely see most of the island’s highlights in about five or so days, a week will definitely give you a bit more time to dive into the island past its most touristy attractions.
That being said, I’ve spent more than a month on the island over four visits and still haven’t even scratched the surface of the island. So, if you’re interested in staying for 10 days (or even longer!) on Oahu, there’s PLENTY to keep you busy here!
7-day Oahu Itinerary
Now to the good stuff- what to do with a week in Oahu!
Here’s exactly how you can spend your time exploring this tropical paradise, including some of the most jaw-dropping hikes I’ve ever been on, a beach that’s routinely been voted one of the best in the world, and lots of tasty food along the way.
And if you have less than a week on the island, not to worry! For each day of this Oahu itinerary, all of the activities are grouped together based on their proximity to one another. So it should be an (island) breeze to shuffle around and mix and match the days, based on how much time you have on Oahu and what kind of activities or areas of the island interest you.
Day 1: Honolulu
Coffee and breakfast
You’re probably on the struggle-bus with jet lag right now, so, first things first- let’s grab some coffee!
Ali’i Coffee Co. brews up some seriously good Kona coffee and even has fun mocktails made with coffee. I got a taro ube latte and it was ten outta ten!
After that, head on over to the Island Brew Coffeehouse for a delicious acai bowl or a smoothie made from some local tropical fruit.
Diamond Head Hike
Next up- hiking to the top of the Diamond Head Crater.
If you’re looking for one of the most iconic and easy hikes on Oahu, this 1.6 mile trail will definitely scratch the itch, taking you up to the summit of the extinct Koʻolau Volcano. Once you reach the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline and the sparkling Pacific Ocean below.
The Hawaii Division of State Parks has implemented a requirement that all hikers need to book reservations for the trail ahead of time. It costs $10 to park and $5 per person entrance fee to hike on the trail.
Lunch (plus shave ice!)
Treat yourself after all that climbing by heading over to Aloha Table Waikiki for lunch of Hawaiian comfort food. It’s been voted as having the best loco moco on the island a number of times and the staff are incredibly friendly.
If you have any room left, be sure to also stop by Monsaratt Shave Ice. This little stand serves up the most comically enormous bowl of fluffy shave ice ever and is run by the SWEETEST lady. However, my favorite part about Monsaratt is that their syrup is made of real, organic fruit (like, there’s actually GIANT chunks of fruit in it). Cash only!
Waikiki Beach
Of course, no Oahu itinerary would be complete without some time to explore Waikiki Beach.
If you’re into shopping, there’s countless stores, just steps away from the beach, along Kalākaua Avenue to peruse. You can find everything from cheesy souvenir stands to Chanel and Tiffany.
Otherwise, just kick back and enjoy the beach itself, which has soft white sand, turquoise water, and lots of palm trees. There’s so much to do here, like people-watching, boogie boarding (check out Ohana Surf Project for rentals), or even taking some surf lessons on Waikiki.
Stick around for sunset. Between the golden glow on the Pacific and the surfers, Waikiki definitely puts on quite a show!
If you happen to be visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday, I’d suggest checking the Kuhio Beach Hula Show website to see if there are any shows are available. It typically runs from 6:30-7:30 pm from April through October, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
The show opens with the traditional blowing of a conch shell and includes traditional Hawaiian music and, of course, lots of authentic hula.
Dinner
If you’re looking to end your first night in Oahu with a bang, have dinner at natuRe Waikiki. This unique restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu (including an option for plant-based diners), dishing up French-Hawaiian fusion dishes made from local ingredients.
If you’re not in a treat-yourself kinda mood, Poke Bar uses incredibly fresh ingredients to build huge and reasonably affordable (for Waikiki, anyway!) bowls. When in Oahu, you gotta eat poke!
Alternatively, Marugame Udon offers a menu with Hawaiian and Japanese influences, including KILLER homemade udon noodles and rice-based dishes. Beyond its tasty food, the restaurant has an open kitchen, so you basically get a dinner AND a show!
Return to your hotel
Go back to your hotel in either Waikiki Beach or Ala Moana (pssst… be sure to check out our Where to Stay in Oahu section below!) and hit the hay- you’ve had quite the action-packed first day in Oahu!
Day 2: Honolulu
Breakfast
Head to Island Vintage Coffee for a delicious breakfast sandwich or acai bowl to fuel up for the day’s adventures.
Snorkeling in Turtle Canyon
So you’ve been on the island for over 24 hours and haven’t seen a sea turtle yet. Let’s fix that!
Book any of the awesome tours to Turtle Canyon, a popular snorkeling spot that’s located about a mile and a half off the shores of Waikiki.
You’ll be taken out in a boat to this marine reserve, where turtles flock to get their shells cleaned by so-called “cleaner” fish. You’ll swim and snorkel as these adorable creatures feast, rest, and get so fresh and so clean, clean in the water below you.
One of my favorite Turtle Canyon tours is this highly-rated option, which does an awesome job of making sure you have a good time in the water, while still making sure our turtle friends are still protected!
If you’re a newbie snorkeler and feel a bit too nervous being out in the open ocean, there’s plenty of other Waikiki snorkeling tours to help you get your confidence in the water, like this tour that teaches you all of the basics of snorkeling or this tour to Hanauma Bay, which is a calm, protected bay that’s largely considered to be the best place to snorkel in Honolulu.
Lunch
Make a pitstop at The Pig and The Lady, an award-winning Vietnamese-fusion restaurant in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Try a banh mi and che panna cotta for dessert!
Moana Falls Trail
Burn off some of that lunch by hitting the Moana Falls trail, an easy 1.7-mile out-and-back hike to a stunning waterfall, tucked into a lush rainforest. Parking at the trailhead costs $7 and be sure to bring plenty bug spray– the mosquitoes can be downright nasty here!
Explore the Kaka‘ako neighborhood
Spend an hour or two wandering around the funky Kaka‘ako neighborhood of Honolulu, which has over 50 colorful and ever changing murals splashed across its buildings and a handful of awesome microbreweries.
Try the Shoyu Rice Lager at Honolulu Beerworks, an open-air brewery with chill vibes and a whole bookcase of board games to play.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
If you’ve still got a bit of energy, head over to the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail, a moderately challenging 4.7-mile hike that takes you up and along a narrow ridge of a mountain. As you climb up the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Koʻolau Mountains unfolding at your feet and, beyond, the sparkling turquoise of the Pacific Ocean.
The trailhead is located in the Waialae Iki 5 community, a swanky gated neighborhood in the hills overlooking Honolulu. You’re required to snag a permit from the security guard at the neighborhood’s entrance, and you must be off the trail by the time the sun goes down.
That being said, if you can time your descent down the trail with golden hour, I promise you won’t be disappointed with the views! (just don’t forget to pack a headlamp, just in case).
Pssst... not much of a hiker? Check out our section below on Other Things to Do in Oahu instead of some of the more challenging hikes suggested in this itinerary!
Dinner
To cap off your evening, stop at Wagaya, which dishes up some of the best Japanese food this side of the Pacific. The ramen broth is incredibly flavorful, you can choose the thickness of your noodles, and the staff is super friendly.
Day 3: Southeastern side of Oahu
Breakfast
Kick off your day with breakfast and a cup of coffee at the Barefoot Beach Cafe on Queen’s Surf Beach. With a location right in the sand, you can enjoy your breakfast along with the stunning views of the Pacific and the loco moco is HUGE and delicious!
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Head to the popular Hanauma Bay, which arguably offers the best snorkeling in Honolulu!
Enjoyed by over one MILLION tourists every year, this former volcanic crater has now been taken over by a colorful coral reef, with 400 species of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life calling the bay home. Hanauma Bay is not only beloved for its wildlife, but also because the calm waters of its protected bay provide a perfect environment for beginner snorkelers.
It’s so incredibly popular, though, that the State of Hawaii has instituted a reservation system to make sure its reef isn’t damaged by overtourism. You can make an online reservation, up to two days in advance starting at 7 AM HST. I’d recommend setting an alarm for yourself to remember to buy them as soon as they go on sale, because they often sell out just minutes after being listed for purchase!
Halona Beach Cove
Spend the rest of the morning at Halona Beach Cove, a secluded beach with sparkling turquoise water surrounded by rugged cliffs. It’s STUNNING- so stunning, in fact, that it’s been featured in several movies, including the 1950s classic From Here to Eternity and Pirates of the Caribbean.
The waves tend to be a bit on the gnarly side, though, so you’ll probably do more soaking up the sun here than actual swimming.
Lunch
Grab lunch at Hawaiian Island Cafe, a sweet and simple family-run cafe with a mix of comfort staples and Hawaiian fare.
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Head to the easternmost corner of the island, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail.
This easy 2.5-mile trail is along a paved pathway that snakes up a coastal hill, overlooking the brilliantly blue water. In fact, in the wintertime, it’s actually one of the best places to see whales from land in Oahu!
At the top, you’ll have jaw-dropping views of the Makapu’u Beach below (spoiler- you’re heading there next!) and a historic lighthouse from 1909, complete with a jaunty little red roof.
Makapu’u Beach
As promised, make your way to Makapu’u Beach, tucked away in a cove and surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs, for some beach time.
The water is SO blue here and the waves on the right hand side of the beach are usually perfect for body or boogie-boarding. Just be sure to heed any warning flags set out by the lifeguard—the waves here can be dangerous!
Koko Crater Trail
If you’re up for a challenge, end your day by hitting the Koko Crater trail, one of the most unique Oahu hikes. And be warned—while its 1.6-mile length may suggest this trail is easy, it’s ANYTHING but.
You’ll spend the first half of the hike climbing up a series of extremely steep and rickety railroad ties leading up to the summit of the Koko Crater, a volcanic cone that last erupted about 7,000 years ago. This railroad was built during World War II to carry soldiers and equipment to the bunker at the summit, which was used as a military lookout for planes and to house operational equipment.
Once you huff and puff your way up to the top, you’ll be rewarded with absolutely epic views of Hanauma Bay, the Honolulu skyline, and the Koʻolau Mountains.
If you’re comfortable hiking at night, time your trek with sunset—the views from the summit are absolutely unreal. Just remember to pack a headlamp—you do not want to hike down this hill in the dark.
Dinner
For dinner, grab some seriously good tacos from Alejandro’s Mexican Food. If you get a burrito, don’t forget to have them “make it wet”!
Head back to your hotel and pack your bags
Once you get back to your hotel, pack your bags! We’re heading on an Oahu road trip bright and early tomorrow morning, exploring the east side of the island and making our way to our new home on the North Shore.
Day 4- Explore the East Side, while heading to the North Shore
Sunrise at Lanikai Beach
Set an alarm, pack up your car, and head to Lanikai Beach for sunrise.
If you were only going to include just one beach in your Oahu itinerary, it should be this one, in my opinion. Between its turquoise water, soft white sand, and the two Mokulua islands off in the distance, it’s the most beautiful beach on the island (which is saying a lo!).
And it’s not just me who thinks that Lanikai Beach is stunning. In fact, it’s frequently been named as one of the best beaches on the planet by the likes of CNN and the LA Times.
While I imagine Lanikai is stunning at any point in the day, it’s absolutely incredible at sunrise, due to its location on the eastern side of Oahu. Stand in the warm water as you watch the sun eclipse past the Mokulua Islands. If this isn’t paradise, I don’t know what is!
Breakfast
Head into the beach town of Kailua and grab a cup of coffee and a pastry from Cafe Kopi. The super sweet owners are from Singapore, so the menu has an Asian flair to it (the dumplings are soooo good!).
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Hit the Lanikai Pillbox hike, a moderately challenging 1.7-mile trail where you’ll climb along the dusty Ka’iwa Ridge.
At the summit, you’ll find three bunkers or “pillboxes” from World War II, with stunning views over Kailua and Lanikai Beaches (where you spent this morning!) and, to the west, the Koʻolau Mountains.
There’s some steep and slippery sections of the trail and significant drop-offs along the way, so I wouldn’t recommend this trail for little kids.
Kailua Beach
If the Lanikai Pillbox hike doesn’t sound like your jam, feel free to skip to our next stop, Kailua Beach. The water here is seriously, like, BRIGHT electric blue.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous than beach lounging, there’s kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for rent here.
Ka’a’wa Beach
It’s time to start making our way up the east coast of the island on our way to the North Shore.
I’d recommend carving out time in your Oahu itinerary for a quick stop at Ka’a’wa Beach, which I think is one of the most best beaches on Oahu. While there’s tons of stunning beaches on the island, Ka’a’wa offers almost comically blue water, swaying palm trees, and the most Jurassic Park-y mountains you’ve seen in the background.
Lunch
For lunch, Raised by the Waves in Kahuku (on the northeastern side of Oahu) is a locally (and women!) owned cafe, dishing out plant-based foods with a heavy influence from Hawaii’s surf culture. Expect fun offerings like beet poke nachos, berry and chocolate waffles (*drools*), and Buddha bowls.
Pssst… if you saved a bit of room, make a stop up the road at Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp for a cup of Dole Whip, a pineapple juice-based soft serve that’s basically the food of the gods in my book.
Snorkeling at Kuilima Cove
Spend the rest of the afternoon snorkeling at Kuilima Cove, a calm and protected lagoon at the Turtle Bay Resort. This little cove is absolutely perfect for beginner snorkelers, with calm and shallow water, and is frequented by adorable sea turtles (which is actually where the resort gets its name!).
Unless you’re planning on staying at the resort during your time on the North Shore, just remember to bring your own snorkel gear. Justin and I each have this snorkeling set and after using them countless times, we still love them!
Sunset at Ehukai Beach
End the day by watching sunset at Ehukai Beach, home to the iconic Bonzai Pipeline used for Big Wave Surfing.
While you won’t be able to see the famed 30-foot waves here outside of the winter season, you’ll still get quite a spectacular show as the sun sinks into the Pacific.
Dinner
For me, nothing says the North Shore of Oahu quite like food trucks.
So head across the street from the beach and pick up dinner at the Elephant Truck, which is possibly the best Thai food I’ve ever had (yes, served out of a truck!). Order the pad kee mao (and probably a pad thai too) and thank me later.
Go to your hotel
Check into your hotel on the North Shore and make yourself at home!
Day 5: North Shore
Breakfast
Justin and I consumed SO many smoothie bowls while we were staying here- I kind of think it’s basically MANDATORY while you’re on the North Shore!
So, follow suit and stop at the famed Sunrise Shack for breakfast, a cheerful yellow stand dishing up papaya bowls stuffed with berries, peanut butter, and granola, and spirulina smoothie bowls.
Waimea Bay Beach
Head on over to Waimea Bay Beach, which is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
To see the most underwater wildlife, I’d suggest heading over to the reefs on the right hand side of the beach. Justin and I saw SO many vibrant fish while snorkeling here. Plus, we were told by a local that a monk seal lives in the bay- so, if you’re lucky, you might just spot a cute seal friend too!
One important thing to note—get to Waimea Bay Beach EARLY. The parking lot is quite small and things can get borderline vicious when lots of people are vulturing for a spot.
Pssst... if you're visiting Oahu during winter, all of the snorkeling spots on the North Shore and western side of the island, with the exception of Kuilima Cove, will almost always have enormous waves that will make snorkeling dangerous and visibility poor. Instead of getting in the water here, I'd recommend just watching the Big Wave surfers hang ten, enjoying some beach time, or checking out some of the other things to do in Oahu.
Lunch
For lunch, walk over to the Aji Limo Truck, a colorful food truck dishing up incredibly fresh food that’s “globally”-inspired, ranging from Peruvian to Japanese.
While restaurants that offer multiple styles of cuisine usually make me a bit nervous (should ceviche and pierogis really be on the same menu?!), I’ll happily confirm this truck is delicious- it’s the only place Justin and I ate twice during our last trip to Oahu!
Haleiwa
Spend the afternoon exploring the adorable town of Haleiwa, which perfectly melds laid back surfer vibes with its colorful plantation-era buildings.
I’d suggest just strolling down the main drag, Kamehameha Highway, and popping into whatever stores catch your interest. Some of my favorite stops here include Matsumoto Shave Ice, Aloha General Store, and Silver Moon Emporium.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike
To catch a magnificent sunset, take on the Ehukai Pillbox hike, a moderately-challenging 2.1 mile trail. Along the way, you’ll weave your way through a lush forest and climb up a rocky hillside to reach two concrete bunkers perched along a ridgeline.
From the top of these colorful bunkers, you’ll have panoramic views of Oahu’s northern coastline and a front row seat to one of the best sunsets on the island. Just remember to bring your headlamp.
Dinner
After a good hike, you gotta carboload, right?! Jax Woodfired Pizza serves up pies made with locally-grown ingredients and a perfectly chewy sourdough crust.
Day 6: North Shore
Breakfast
Another day, another smoothie bowl!
Haleiwa Bowls makes some of the most delicious (and the most Instagrammable) bowls on the island. I still dream about the Paniolo Bowl, which is topped with bananas, strawberries, and raw cacao nibs.
Shark’s Cove or Three Tables
Snag a parking spot somewhere near Shark’s Cove or Three Tables in the town of Pupukea, which are just a 6 minute walk from one another. Spend the morning snorkeling at one or both of these incredible beaches, both of which provide stunning amounts of colorful coral and vibrant fish feeding on it.
Lunch
For lunch, hit up one of the North Shore’s best food trucks, like Panda’s Thai Food Truck or Surf n’ Salsa.
Laniakea Beach
In the afternoon, stop by Laniakea Beach, which just so happens to be one of the best places in Oahu to see sea turtles.
These cold blooded cuties crawl up on Laniakea’s shores almost every afternoon to bask in the warm sun before slipping back into the sea at night. There’s few things better than getting to enjoy a beach AND admire the largest species of sea turtle on the planet (which can clock in at over 300 pounds!).
One of my favorite memories of all my visits to Oahu is watching the sunset over Laniakea Beach, while watching a 30 year old sea turtle named Olivia (according to the volunteers making sure no one was messing with the sea turtles) take a nap on the warm sand.
Tao Luau
Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at the Tao Luau at Waimea Valley. You’ll kick off the afternoon by walking through its incredibly lush botanical gardens and along a paved path to Waimea Falls, a 45-foot waterfall that you can actually swim under.
While the Waimea Valley definitely tends to be a bit on the touristy side during the day, the luau here offers a much more intimate experience, with a focus on Polynesian culture and history. Yes, you’ll still get the typical fresh flower lei, Hawaiian food, and fire dancer finale that you’d expect at any luau, but it also includes thoughtful cooking and cultural demonstrations, like a traditional Fijian kava ceremony.
Day 7: Make your way back to Honolulu
Breakfast
Pack your bags and load up the car- it’s sadly time to make your way back to Honolulu to fly home.
On your way out, grab breakfast at Crispy Grindz, a food truck serving up Brazilian street food, located in Haleiwa. I LOVE the pastels, which are HUGE fried wontons stuffed with savory or sweet offerings, like cinnamon banana. Yes, please!
Stop along the leeward (west) side of Oahu
Depending on if you have time to burn before your flight, you can make a stop on the leeward side of the island at Ko Olina.
Ko Olina is a fancy resort town and home to swanky properties, like the Four Seasons Resort Oahu or Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. Accordingly, this isn’t exactly the place I’d recommend going if you’re looking for authentic Hawaiian vibes. However, there’s some really nice amenities that are worth checking out if you’re a sucker for luxury, like man made lagoons that are perfect for relaxing and upscale spas.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling like seeing something slightly more off-the beaten path, Electric Beach is an under-the-radar snorkeling spot near Ko Olina.
As the name may suggest, the beach is located near a power plant, which shoots warm (totally clean!) water into the ocean. Everything from fish to turtles LOVE this warm stream of water— in fact, when we stopped here, other snorkelers actually saw dolphins in the water!
Just be forewarned—the waves can definitely be on the gnarlier side here, so check the surf conditions before getting in the water.
Lunch
Make your way back to Honolulu and if you need one more meal before your flight, stop at the Aloha Tortilla Factory.
It’s a fast-casual restaurant with seriously good Mexican food with a Hawaiian twist—you gotta soak up all those aloha vibes while you can. Plus, their horchata is SO good!
Head to the airport
Sadly, it’s time- head to the airport and start planning your next trip to Oahu!
Other Things to Do in Oahu
If you have more time on Oahu or aren’t super into some of the hiking trails I suggested above, consider checking out:
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden (Honolulu)
Besides being packed with tropical flowers from all over the world, these gardens offer one of the most dramatic views of the impossibly green Koʻolau Mountains on the island. Plus, it’s totally free!
Helicopter tour (Honolulu)
Continuing with the Jurassic Park vibes, why not check out Oahu’s lush mountains and stunning waterfalls from above? There’s plenty of companies offering helicopter tours, like this tour (which you can take either doors on or off!) or this open door tour.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (Honolulu)
This memorial commemorates the 1,102 sailors and Marines that were killed on the USS Arizona, during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Here, you’ll be able to reflect on the past and learn information about the events of this fateful day, as well as how it impacted the United States’ involvement in World War II. You can either explore the memorial yourself or, to learn a bit more about its history, you can join a group tour with a knowledgeable guide, like this option.
Kualoa Ranch (Kaneohe on the east side of Oahu)
If Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens aren’t Jurassic Park-y enough for you, check out Kualoa Ranch, which was quite literally the filming location of everyone’s favorite dinosaur flick.
Besides being epically gorgeous, there’s tons of adventures you can get up to here, including UTVing, ziplining, or a tour of actual Jurassic Park shooting locations.
Where to Stay on Oahu
We actually wrote a whole post about where to stay in Oahu, but in a nutshell, Oahu is broken down into four main sections:
1. Honolulu
Almost all travelers that are visiting Oahu for the first time will stay in Hawaii’s buzzing capital city of Honolulu, at least for part of their stay.
The most popular places to stay in Honolulu are:
Waikiki Beach
This glittery section of the city runs right along Hawaii’s most famous beach and offers tons of shopping, dining, and lodging options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts.
Given how many amenities are within walking distance of this neighborhood, it’s by far the most popular place for first time visitors to stay. However, it also tends to be quite pricey and won’t provide a very “authentic” Hawaiian experience.
With that in mind, check out:
- The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel: If you’re on a serious budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option on the island. This clean hostel offers both dorms and private rooms and is within a four-minute walk to Waikiki Beach.
- Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel: Okay, besides the fact that this hotel is literally on the sands of Waikiki Beach, you’ll also enjoy the friendly staff, nightly live music, and informative programming about Hawaiian culture at its A‘o Cultural Center.
Ala Moana:
This neighborhood is located just a few miles west of Waikiki Beach and yet, is a lot more relaxed. You’ll still be in a bustling city environment, with plenty of shopping and dining options available, but it isn’t quite as touristy or crowded as Waikiki.
Check out:
- Prince Waikiki: This hotel offers a perfect location right on the edge of Ala Moana, so you can quickly walk to Waikiki whenever you want. It also has a fantastic pool area, which directly overlooks the Waikiki Yacht Club and even frequently has live music.
- Ala Moana Hotel: Okay, listen, this hotel is literally located inside of the world’s largest outdoor shopping center, comes with a stellar rooftop pool, and is just steps away from Ala Moana Beach. Need I say more?
2. Windward Side (East Side)
The east side of the island is full of tiny beach towns, chill vibes, and views straight out of Jurassic Park (like, literally– it was filmed here!). If you’re looking for something that feels a bit more laidback and authentic, I’d suggest staying here or along the North Shore.
Check out:
- Paradise Bay Resort: This is really the only hotel on the east side and good news- it’s an awesome one! The property is incredibly lush, with the Koʻolau Mountains as its backdrop and provides guests a variety of perks, from complimentary kayak rentals to fire dancing shows.
- Guest House near Kailua Beach: This guesthouse is just a block away from one of the best beaches on Oahu and has a lovely lanai to unwind in the evenings.
3. North Shore
I try not to play favorites, but I LOVE Oahu’s North Shore. It’s iconically the birthplace of big wave surfing and the surfers’ mega-chill vibes have definitely seeped into the local culture here. The North Shore offers countless stunning beaches, quirky small towns, and SOOO many good food trucks.
Check out:
- Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village: For a budget accommodation, this hostel is clean and has an excellent location across the street from a beach that offers some of the very best snorkeling in Oahu.
- Turtle Bay Resort: If you’re looking for a resort where you literally don’t have to leave or think about anything, this is your place. Turtle Bay has multiple pools, restaurants, and activities, ranging from snorkeling in the resort’s lagoon to on-site surf lessons.
- Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore: This is an awesome middle ground, if you’re looking for something between a romantic honeymoon resort, like Turtle Bay, and a backpacker hostel. There’s still really nice amenities, like a pool and onsite restaurant, but it doesn’t come with quite as hefty prices as the more upscale resorts on Oahu.
4. Leeward (West side)
The west side of the island is largely undeveloped and a bit more desert-y than the rest of Oahu. The only place for visitors to stay here is Ko Olina, a resort town built in the 1980s. Accordingly, it definitely feels engineered towards tourists, because, well, it quite literally is!
That being said, if you’re looking for a resort that will keep your whole family entertained or if you just want to lay on the beach and relax for a week, this may be the perfect option.
Check out:
- Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club: If you’re looking for an upscale getaway with kids, this is an excellent choice, with several pools, including one specifically for families, and calm lagoons for beginners to try their hand at snorkeling.
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu: If you’re celebrating something big, like a honeymoon, or just looking to treat yourself, this luxurious resort should be at the top of your list, thanks to amenities like its stunning infinity pool and world-class spa.
Where I’d Recommend Staying in Oahu
As suggested above, I actually recommend that you split up your trip between Honolulu and the North Shore if you’re planning on visiting the island for more than three nights .
That way, you’ll get to more deeply explore two very different parts of the island and be close enough to check out the leeward and windward sides as well. Win, win!
Alternatively, if you’re going to be on Oahu for three nights or less, I’d suggest staying somewhere in Honolulu.
What to Pack for Oahu
We have a whole article dedicated to what you should include on your Hawaii packing list, but if you want a quick and dirty list of some of the key items you’ll need to bring along, don’t forget:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (I have a cult-like love for Sun Bum)
- Hiking sandals (for men and for women)
- Snorkeling set
- Swimsuits
- Coverup
- Thermal rash guard (for men and for women). Listen, it may seem like the water is warm, but when you’ve been out there snorkeling for an hour or two, it can feel quite nippy. These thermal rash guards are life savers!
- Beach towel
- Sunglasses
When to Visit Oahu
Great news- there’s really no bad time of the year to visit Oahu! Of course, as with anything, there’s pros and cons to visiting during different seasons.
In general, the best months to visit Oahu are during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October. The temperatures will generally be in the low to mid-80s, the skies are clear, and, due to the lull in the crowds, they also tend to be the cheapest months to visit Oahu.
Alternatively, winter in Hawaii still has pleasant temperatures in the upper 70s AND it’s the best time of the year to see humpbacks on a whale-watching tour. That being said, it tends to be a bit on the rainier side and the waves are usually too dangerous on the North Shore and western coastline of the island for snorkeling or swimming.
During the summer and at Christmastime, the number of visitors on Oahu surges to astronomical levels… and accordingly, so will the prices of hotels and airfare. Keep a lookout for deals, though- you can definitely still score them year round!
Phew- I hope you have a better idea of what your Oahu itinerary is going to look like. Do you have any questions about the island or any of the activities? Did I forget anything unmissable? Let me know in the comments below!
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