Oahu Travel Guide by UntoldMiles
Table of Contents:
The first time I visited Hawaii, I fell in love. I’ve gone back many times and I don’t see myself ever not planning a trip to Hawaii at least once a year for the rest of my life. Hawaii has some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet, the culture is rich, the food is amazing, and most importantly of all, the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands is second to none compared to the other 49 states. My favorite island to this day is Oahu, aka the Gathering Place, and I will always recommend this island to any first time visitors. Some people that frequent Hawaii often write off Oahu as a tourist filled island thus they often recommend other islands such as Maui or Kauai.
However, I truly believe that Oahu is the perfect place for your 1st or even 100th visit to Hawaii. Oahu is known for its world famous Waikiki Beach and neck breaking North Shore. Waikiki is about 2 miles long and 3 blocks deep. It is filled with beautiful beach front properties (both chain hotels and boutique properties) and unmatched views. Below, you’ll find some of my personal recommendations and tips that can make your trip better!
What Makes Oahu Great
Oahu has something for everyone, no matter your age, interests, budget, or activity level. You can find amazing local breweries, breathtaking hikes, surfing, snorkeling with sea turtles, cage and cage-less shark diving, local dining, upscale dining, and more. Oahu provides a lot of easy accessibility to many popular attractions. This is a very important aspect for me as each individual can cater the trip to their own needs and wants.
The Classic Waikiki Beach
A drone photo I took over Waikiki Beach
For those who are interested in beautiful beach front views, you have the amazing stretch of Waikiki Beach. Located within Waikiki Beach are blocks filled with shops, great eateries, and the popular Ala Moana Center where you can go shopping. Waikiki is completely walkable.
Waikiki is great for families as many restaurants offer kid friendly and adult options that fit all kinds of budgets. Waikiki also offers many safe beach spots that children of any age can enjoy. From the protected coves on Waikiki Beach to the Ala Moana Beach Park, you can find beautiful and safe water areas and facilities for kids. Please keep an eye on your children at all times and never turn your back on the ocean.
The North Shore
Oahu is no stranger to world famous beaches and surfing. The North Shore of Oahu is home to world class surfing and many competitions are held here year after year. It is much quieter than Honolulu but offers breathtaking views as well as the most delicious food trucks anywhere on the island. You MUST stop by and visit any food trucks you see while driving around Oahu. Here, you’ll also find many great hotel options that will give you a quieter experience of Oahu. However, it is far from many activities since many tour groups and other businesses operate in or near Waikiki so keep that in mind.
Recommendations
This is really why you’re all here. The following are my personal recommendations, things I’ve personally done or seen, that you can add to highlight your trip. I have not been paid for any of the following recommendations. Note: Some recommendations may vary on availability due to Covid-19 so please do call ahead of time to confirm reservations.
First Stop and Best Money Saving Tips
Of course after a long flight, you just want to get into your hotel room, unpack, and relax. But where to next? Your first stop should be the Costco in Honolulu (525 Alakawa St, Honolulu, HI 96817). There are 3 other Costco locations for you to choose from. Whether you’re traveling with your family or by yourself, a trip to Costco can be a huge money saver. Although there are plenty of food options all around Oahu, snacks can be expensive, especially if you’re planning to do any hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing trips, or just for you and the kids. Load up on your favorite snacks AND bottled water.
If you’re like me and love to go hiking and be out and about before the sun is even up, water will be the first thing you’ll notice that costs a bit more (compared to the mainland). I always recommend bringing a reusable bottle so that you can fill up at any restaurants or your hotel regularly. However, it is very important to stay hydrated especially in a tropical environment where you may be losing more water than you think. Keeping an emergency bottle of water in your bag or your car can be a lifesaver. Besides snacks and water, make sure to check out any beach items you may have forgotten such as reef safe sunscreen, snorkels, and more. While you’re there, grab some unique items such as chocolate covered macadamia nuts for yourself or as money wise souvenirs.
Make sure you maximize your purchases with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi or the business version with 2% cash back on Costco purchases and 4% cash back on gas.
Do not skip on the Kirkland Honey Roasted Macadamia Nuts
Car Rentals and Getting Around
Although not necessary, a rental car can significantly enhance your trip on Oahu and save you money depending on the duration of your stay as well as how much transportation you need. If you’re staying in Waikiki, everything is 100% walkable and you absolutely do not need a rental car. However, if you’re planning to travel to other parts of the island or to sightsee, transportation is a must. Oahu offers many bus and trolley options. However, these may not be the most efficient nor fastest ways to travel. If you want to take your time to sightsee or embark on some early sunrise hikes, a rental car is a must have. Checkout all the major rental brands such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. If you want to save some money, try to rent a car for only a day or two and pack as many activities you can into those one or two days.
Use Costco travel and AutoSlash.com to find the cheapest rates for a rental car. These are my two best resources for renting cars. Don’t forget to fill up on gas at Costco in Honolulu.
Read the full Costco Travel and AutoSlash article
Rideshares Like Lyft and Uber
Rideshares are GREAT options for anyone who wants to take a few trips here and there. These rideshare options can really save you the headache of finding and paying for parking at many popular hiking spots and attractions. However, keep in mind that the further you go from Waikiki, the longer the wait times are as drivers are concentrated in the higher populated areas. The downside is that the cost of rideshares can vary depending on how busy it is, how far your destination is, and how many trips you take.
Turo and Other Person to Person Rentals
I’ve had great experiences with Turo during my stay on Oahu. You’re renting a car from other people instead of a rental company. Turo allows you to pick and choose the type of vehicle you want, opt-in for any rental accessories like snorkels, beach chairs, etc, and offers a variety of insurance options in-app. There are pick-up options as well as delivery options for vehicles at additional costs.
Things to note:
Credit card car rental insurance do not cover Turo rentals
Your personal auto insurance MAY cover Turo car rentals so definitely contact them first
Read the reviews of each “host” before you rent from them
Check out the in app insurance options and read the fine print/terms and conditions
Do not keep valuables in cars as there are many smash and grabs that occur in Hawaii
Take a video or photos of the car before you pick up AND after you return the car incase you run into any issues
HUI Car Share
A more recent car rental option is HUI Car Share. Everything can be done within the HUI Car Share app that can be found on the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store.
With HUI Car Share, you can rent a vehicle by the hour or by the day. This gives you a lot of flexibility over other car rental options since you can just grab a car for a few hours for an excursion or a grocery trip. You also have the convenience of not having to deal with physical keys since your app will be your key for the duration of your rental. No more worries about loosing your keys or locking them in the car! At the end of your rental, you can return it to the designated spot, lock it, and end the reservation all within the app and be done. No need to wait for and deal with a human at all. In addition to the amazing convenience of renting, using, and check out, HUI Car Shares also includes the following:
Insurance Coverage (see terms here)*
Free Gas
Free Parking at the station
Professional Cleaning
Maintenance
Awesome Customer Support
24/7 Roadside Assistance
No Taxes
Unlimited Mileage
Pricing wise for HUI Car Share is very competitive and actually can be cheaper than other options. You just have to do the math to see what your needs are. Check here for current rates. An overlooked but pricy cost to rental cars is the overnight parking.
There are multiple locations which you can pick up your HUI rental. Currently there are multiple locations in Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako, and Downtown Honolulu. With HUI Car Shares, you can park the car at the HUI location which you picked up the car for free 24/7.
HUI Car Share has a variety of cars ranging from a Prius, RAV4 SUV, Tacoma pickup truck, Sienna Minivan, to Lexus luxury sedans and SUVs.
Accommodations
My favorite hotel to stay at on Oahu is the Hyatt Place Waikiki. This hotel is usually the lowest cost of all three Hyatt locations in Waikiki. The rooms are clean and spacious and the employees are friendly and helpful. It has all the essentials that you need and everything come to expect from a Hyatt. My favorite perk is the free breakfast for members, which can save you some money. But you really can’t go wrong with the Hyatt Centric or the Hyatt Regency either. Note: The free breakfast buffet may not be available right now due to Covid-19.
Location wise, it’ll take you only a few minutes to walk to the beach from the hotel as it’s two streets from the sand. It’s close to the Honolulu Zoo, downtown Waikiki, and various eateries.
Why this Category 3 hotel? I see a trip to Hawaii as an opportunity to adventure. I only view a hotel as a clean place to sleep and shower. The Hyatt Place Waikiki provides everything you need to stay well rested, clean, and keep your stuff safe at a very affordable rate. Currently, you can find point redemptions for as low as 12,000 Hyatt points a night or about $200 per night (not including any fees or taxes). Even better is that you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points over to Hyatt if you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or the Chase Ink Business Preferred card. In fact, Hyatt is my favorite way to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Check out the World of Hyatt card that gives you automatic Discoverist status and can help you earn free nights! Currently, you can earn 60,000 points which you can use for 5 free nights at the Hyatt Place Waikiki.
Must Visit Restaurants
Due to Covid-19 many restaurants have adjusted hours and/or lower capacity. Do call ahead to check for business hours or reservations. Use apps or websites such as OpenTable where you can make reservations ahead of time to many popular eateries (including restaurants located on hotel properties).
This is one of my favorite eateries in Waikiki. Not only is the food great but the prices can’t be beat compared to many other restaurants in Waikiki. This place has great Japanese noodles and a la carte options of a wide variety of tempura. You’ll always find a line outside, especially during lunch time. Come early and come hungry!
One of the most popular and well-known bakery on Oahu that specializes in Portuguese doughnuts called malasadas. The original and stuffed malasadas are a must have. There is nothing better than a freshly made, hot, and creamy doughnut. My favorite is the haupia (coconut) and guava filled! Check out the other great dessert options there as well. Note: Limited parking at the bakery so go early.
If you’re around the North shore, make sure to stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa. Aside from the very reasonable pricing, they also have around 40 different flavors which include some sugar-free options as well as toppings such as condensed milk, mochi, ice cream, and beans. If you can’t make up your mind, they do have some premade combinations. Menu and pricing here.
A more well-known spot for authentic local plate lunches with a wide variety of classic dishes such as the loco moco, mahi mahi, and bbq. It was actually featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network. While you’re there, check out the shave (yes, it’s shave, not shaved) ice next door at Shimazu Shave Ice.
If you’re looking for a spot near Hanauma Bay for food before or after your snorkel adventure, check this place out. Fatboy’s menu has a huge array of foods to choose from which include poke bowls, salads, plate lunches, bbq, bento boxes, and all sorts of breakfasts.
Shrimp Trucks
If you’re visiting Oahu, you must visit at least one shrimp truck. Famous names include Giovanni’s, Romy’s, and Fumi’s. A must try is the garlic shrimp dish which is usually paired with rice or the popular Hawaiian macaroni salad. There are also other plate lunch options available. Bring cash.
This is one of the most recommended restaurants on the island. A modern take on Vietnamese food, including world famous Pho, Banh Mi, salads, and more. This restaurant can also be found at the highly recommended farmers markets around the island. Farmers Market locations and hours here.
Helena’s is a must eat location that specializes in local classics such as Kalua pork. The portions are great and wallet friendly. Location, hours, and menu here.
This spot is an absolute must for over 20 types of fresh poke, hot and fresh plate lunches, tako (octopus), and amazing local seafood. Our favorite was definitely the Ahi Spicy Katsu. Don’t sleep on the daily specials. There are currently 3 locations and they are closed Mondays. View the menu here.
Hikes
There are no better views of Hawaii than at the top of many hikes that dot the landscape of Hawaii. Below is a list of my favorite hikes as well as some tips and recommendations.
Diamond Head (Easy)
Looking down into the crater at the top of Diamond Head
*This hike now needs reservations for any non-local/tourist starting May 12, 2022. You can RSVP up to 14 days before your planned hike. Register here.
One of the most popular hikes on Oahu is the Diamond Head hike located at the Diamond Head State Monument. This 0.8 mile hike is fairly easy, fun for everyone, and takes you to the top of the Diamond Head crater. At the top you can see breathtaking views of Waikiki. However, a lot of the hike is not covered so bring appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and enough water to stay hydrated. You can walk or drive into the park and begin your hike. There are facilities located in the parking as well as a food/drinks area. Entrance fee is $5 if you’re walking in or $10 per car. More information can be found here.
Things to note:
Do not bring a stroller
Kid friendly
Paved trail with steep stairs at some spots
Go early as it gets busy
Bring water, good walking shoes, and sunscreen
Manoa Falls (Easy)
This hike is a short drive from Waikiki. It is a very unique and popular hike as it ends in a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall. This ~1 hour hike will take you through a wonderful rainforest with huge trees and will make you feel like you’re hiking the background of Jurassic Park. The weather here is usually moist and rainy. There is a paid parking lot ($5) with an attendant and a hose nearby to hose off your shoes from the muddy hike. More information here.
Things to note:
Usually a wet hike, plan to bring a change of clothes and shoes
Wear appropriate footwear for a muddy hike
Kid friendly, stay close and use a lot of caution on steep parts
Generally very safe hike, be mindful of slippery conditions
There are steep drop offs and the trail narrows towards the end of the hike. When the path narrows, the waterfall is around the corner.
Stay out of the water/do not drink the water
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail (Easy)
Views from the trail at Manoa Falls
The lighthouse you can see at the top of the trail
The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is one of the safest and easiest hikes on Oahu. It is completely paved and stroller friendly. You have beautiful views of the ocean during the entire hike. At the top of the trailhead, you’re treated to beautiful blue ocean views and the iconic Makapu’u Lighthouse. Parking is available at the start of the trail and is free. However, go early as it does fill up very quickly. More info here.
Paved path near the top with incredible views
Things to note:
Exposed hike so bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and water
Very kid friendly and stroller friendly
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Intermediate)
Catching some photos of the sunrise from inside one of the pillboxes
This hike is one of the most iconic and recognizable hikes on any social media platform. It is my favorite hike to sit and watch the sunrise. I wake up at 3am, drive across the island, and hike up in the dark just to see the sunrise here. It’s an intermediate hike because it’s not paved and some parts can be steep. Overall, it’s a safe hike but can be strenuous. Bring proper footwear and water. Do not take your dog/pets on this hike as many pets have been lost here due to heat stroke. Atop this amazing and short hike, you’ll find remnants of old pillboxes that were used as lookouts years ago. You can climb onto the top and even inside these pillboxes. You have the most beautiful views of the neighborhoods below as well as picture perfect views and plenty of photo opportunities. Parking is free as you’re parking in the neighborhoods so be respectful of where you choose to park. More info here.
Things to note:
Bring a headlamp if you’re planning to hike up in the dark
Appropriate footwear is a strong recommendation due to some steep parts
Sunscreen and water is always a good consideration
Do not keep valuables in the car
The trailhead starts in a neighborhood and there may be handmade signs next to a chain link fence that may direct you
Be respectful of the neighborhood and choose your parking spot wisely
Not stroller friendly but I’ve seen younger kids on this hike before
Koko Head (Hard)
The daunting view from the bottom of Koko Head
It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid hiker or if you work out everyday. If you’re not climatized to the tropical conditions of Hawaii, this hike will test you. There is free parking at the start of the trailhead. Parking is located near a shooting range so don’t freak out if you hear loud sounds nearby. You’ll walk along a walkway to a dirt path, to the left, following some power lines to the start of the trailhead.
What makes this hike one of the hardest hikes is that it is very steep and very exposed. This hike goes straight up the side of the crater and is a grueling 1,048 steps to the top. This is a unique hike because you’re going to be walking up old railroad planks set up in a staircase fashion. Somewhere in the middle, there is a bridge with a drop off so be careful here. Many people opt to go on all fours to stay safe. However, if you’re uncomfortable with that spot, there is a small walk around to the side of the bridge that will take you back onto the trail.
At the top of this hike is one of my favorite views of all the hikes I’ve done on Oahu. You have an unencumbered 360 degree view of Waikiki and Hanauma Bay. Definitely take time at the top to take pictures and rest before you make your descent down (down is much quicker and easier). If you want a challenging but very rewarding hike, this is it. I highly recommend it. More info here.
Things to note:
Not kid friendly
Bring sunscreen and as much water as you can carry comfortably
I’ve seen many people have to turn around due to lack of water and severe sunburns
Take breaks often and whenever you need, just step to the side so others may pass
Very demanding hike so be prepared mentally and physically
Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike (Easy)
This is one of the most beautiful and easy hikes on Oahu. It’s a paved hike that takes you around Hanauma Bay, which is an amazing snorkel spot. Continuing past the paved path, you can find a hidden beach (take caution anytime leaving a paved path).
Things to note:
You can park at the Hanauma Bay lot but it fills up FAST so go early
Exposed hike so dress and plan accordingly
Bring appropriate footwear, clothing, sunscreen, and water
Activities
Many activities don’t need much preplanning but is always recommended to ensure your trip goes smoothly. You can find many many activities right on Waikiki Beach such as surf lessons or board rentals. However, other things such as Kualoa Ranch, catamaran sails, parasailing, and island tours will need proper planning. Note: Due to Covid-19, some activities may have a limit on reservations so please do plan to call ahead to ensure that there is availability.
Deals and Savings
Go City Oahu All-Inclusive Pass!
Something I can’t recommend enough to everyone is Go City. Go City offers a wide variety of popular activities across many major cities including Oahu. Go City offers an All-Inclusive Pass which lets you visit as many of the top Oahu sights, tours, and must-sees as you wish while your pass is valid. The All-Inclusive Pass includes rentals and shuttles on top of admission to amazing attractions. For short stays, Go City offers flexible 1 and 2 day passes. For longer stays, there are 3, 4, 5, or 7 day pass options which include your choice of one premium attraction on top of all the other activities. We chose to do the Makani Catamaran Sunset Sail as our premium attraction; it was a beautiful and perfect way to end our Oahu trip. You can even use your Oahu All-Inclusive Pass on non-consecutive days!
The activities are easy to book and manage as everything can be found on the app right on your phone. I’ve personally used Go City during one of my trips in Oahu as well as in other cities and am planning to use Go City everywhere it is offered. They really take the stress out of planning and let you really just cater your trip however you want. Read how I used my 2 day Oahu All-Inclusive Pass on my most recent trip.
If you’re planning to go see and do all the top attractions in Oahu anyways, save some time and money by choosing Go City. Feel free to compare and contrast booking activities independently and then with Go City to see the savings I’m talking about. Please do check out the Oahu All-Inclusive Pass from Go City.
Note: Go City's passes are constantly evolving. All prices and attractions mentioned are correct at the time of publication, but please check the Oahu website for the most up-to-date information.
Groupon
I have had really good experiences with finding amazing experiences on Oahu using Groupon. Some great activities via Groupon included parasailing and whole day island tours. Tip: Reading the reviews both on the app and online prior to purchasing the deal can be a great way to vet any issues ahead of time. Be sure to check the terms of the deal to make sure you know if it requires booking ahead of time.
Bonus Tip: Bring your Military ID/Student ID with you. Some locations/activities have awesome student discount tickets with valid ID.
Full Day Island Tour
For first timers, I highly recommend doing a Full Day Island Tour. This is my recommended first day activity as it allows you to get a whole day's worth of activities and sightseeing done. Many, if not all, tour companies will pick you up at or near your hotel. The benefit of doing a tour early on in your trip is that if there are any places of interest to you that you want to spend more time at, you could always rent a car or take a rideshare back to. Doing a tour later or at the end of your trip may lead to some missed opportunities. I love full day tours as they really take you to all the popular spots on the island while removing the stress of renting a car and navigating the island. I’ve had great experiences with the Aloha Circle Island Snorkeling Tour. You can find their Groupon page here.
Luau
A luau is a Hawaiian celebration which is usually accompanied by dancing, entertainment, and food. If it’s your first time in Hawaii, a luau is a must as you can learn more about Hawaiian culture through stories, food, and dance. There are many luau options to choose from. Some hotels even have a luau on property you can go to, with an additional cost of course. Below are my top two luau recommendations:
This was a complete gem and my number one recommendation for so many reasons. First, is the luau occupancy. Usually with luaus, there can be 100-200 people per night! However, at Experience Nutridge, there are usually 30-70 people. This creates such an intimate setting that you won’t get anywhere else. Next, the food and entertainers. You get authentic Hawaiian food such as Lau Lau, Kalua pork, Pulehu chicken, haupia (coconut) dessert, and more. The entertainers were amazing from the hula dancing to fire dancing. Lastly, the location. Nutridge Estate is where this luau is located. It’s a short drive from Waikiki, up a winding mountain to the top. There is an incredible view and lookout that I would have missed if I did not book this luau. After the luau, go to the lookout at night for a breathtaking view over Waikiki and Honolulu. There is a shuttle service for an additional cost as well. Full review here.
If you’re looking for a bigger luau with a small cove for kids to play in and beautiful beach side scenery, Paradise Cove is where you’ll want to go. This will be a more well known and popular luau so the capacity will be much larger than Experience Nutridge. There are multiple packages you can purchase which will have varying perks like drink allowances and where you’re seated in reference to the main stage. Only downsides for Paradise Cove is that with a lot more people, the food and drink lines can be a little long at times which causes you to miss out on some of the show. Checkout Groupon as there are sometimes sales available.
Fire Dancer at Experience Nutridge Luau
If you want beautiful views and some of the best and safest snorkeling on Oahu, Hanauma Bay is a must. After paying for admission, you’ll sit through a short video that will go over some safety tips and more. At the end of the video, you’ll head down to the crescent shaped bay either by foot or shuttle (free). Parking is cheap ($3) but it fills up VERY fast. Since Covid-19, you need to reserve tickets online up to 2 days ahead. You can try to show up at opening for stand-by tickets but your mileage may vary. You can rent standard snorkel gear here but for anything else, bring it yourself. There are facilities here for you to use during your stay as well. Some people may qualify for free admission so check out the website for more info. Check out all the information here.
View of Hanauma Bay from the top
View from Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch Fish Pond
This is one of the more famous spots on the island due to the many films that took place here; it’s known as Jurassic Valley afterall. At Kualoa ranch you can find a wide variety of fun outdoor activities for you and your family. Some activities you can find here are ATV tours, Jurassic Adventure Tour, Movie Sites tour, ziplines, mountain biking, catamaran sailing, a secret beach, horseback riding, and much more. If you have kids, Secret Island is nice option. Some activities at Kualoa Ranch are included in the Oahu All-Inclusive Pass from Go City so check it out here.
The very secluded Secret Island
The Byodo-In Temple is a smaller replica of the original version in Japan. It’s a non-practicing Buddhist temple surrounded by fish filled ponds, a gift shop, and a large gong. Inside the temple is a large statue of Buddha. It is a serene place located towards the top of a cemetery that is worth a visit. Please do be respectful and don’t forget to get some fish/bird feed in the gift shop. Parking is free. View admission cost here.
If you ever wanted to visit a pineapple farm, the Dole Plantation on Oahu is here for you. This is a must see for any trip and usually a final stop for most tours. You can find all sorts of goodies here such as merchandise, treats, and the famous Dole Whip. Here you can find a garden maze, various tours, a train ride, and more. Full disclaimer, it is considered a very touristy location so come early. I would recommend only visiting the gift shops and grabbing some Dole Whip. More information here.
A popular spot for tours, this macadamia nut shop and farm is a must see. Here you can try and buy all sorts of different flavored macadamia nuts as well as crack some fresh nuts yourself to enjoy. There are many goodies that you can pick up such as reasonably priced macadamia nuts, coffee, and trinkets at the gift shop. Here you can find some beautiful and picturesque backdrops for photos. Location: 49-227 Kamehameha Hwy # A, Kaneohe, HI 96744. More info here.
Parasailing at Waikiki Beach
It was my first time parasailing and I LOVED it. Being attached to basically a parachute on the back of a boat can be scary but man was it fun. You ascend into the sky and get the most amazing birds eye view of Waikiki Beach and the surrounding ocean. I could stay up there forever. I’m not a fan of heights but that fear really goes away as soon as you see the amazing views of Waikiki and even Diamond Head crater.
Take a Surf Lesson
If you’ve never surfed before, there are plenty of lessons and rentals available in Waikiki for you to learn. Make sure you check it out and get some great photos to show off later!
Food Trucks
There are food trucks all over the island that serve amazing and unique foods. Definitely check out the shrimp trucks, poke locations, and shave ice.
Farmers Markets
Dole Plantation train arriving at the station
There are a few farmers markets that run throughout the week. Here you can find a wide offering of foods, drinks, and goodies from various vendors. More info here.
Snorkeling at Shark’s Cove
If you didn’t get tickets for Hanauma Bay or just don’t want to pay for snorkeling, a great alternative spot on the North Shore is Shark’s Cove. It’s a protected cove with lots of fish, tide pools, showers, restrooms, and parking. Make sure you check the water conditions to ensure a safe time.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens (or other gardens)
KCC farmer’s market near Diamond Head
Mountain view from Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
This is one of the most recognizable botanical gardens on the island due to its popularity on social media. You can enjoy a nice relaxing few hours here and take in the towering mountains as well as all the greenery Oahu has to offer. There are many different “gardens” to check out here.
Although it can be considered a hike, Waimea Valley is something that is a must see and do. I placed it here as an activity because the “hike” is on a paved trail inside a park. The trail ends at a beautiful waterfall which you can swim at. Life jackets provided. There are changing rooms on site by the fall as well. The waterfall is open for swimming based on conditions and has lifeguards on duty. There are other activities and shops here as well. More info here.
Downtown Waikiki
Take a stroll down Kalakaua Avenue and you’ll find yourself in the heart of downtown Waikiki. Here you’ll find yourself in the tourist epicenter. However, it’s a great experience and there are so many shops and eateries that you should definitely visit and see.
Enjoy The Beach
Of course, take some time and relax at the beach. No matter where you choose to stay, you are minutes or even steps from the white sands and blue waters of Oahu. Find time to just relax and enjoy your trip. Remember, all beaches in Hawaii are public and there are no private beaches.
Check List
Use this list to double check what you have to ensure you don’t run into any inconveniences while you’re in Oahu. It’s not a complete list, just what I found useful. Bolded items are things I found extra useful on my own trips.
Sunscreen (Reef safe preferred), Sunglasses, Hat
Footwear for both beach, hiking, walking, and dining
Beach towels and bathing suits
Large day bag for an all day out
Collapsible cooler (SO VERY USEFUL) for taking leftovers, snacks and drinks for all day trip, keeping things cold when mini-fridge gets full
Smaller bag for hiking and holding necessities
A camel bag/water bladders (very useful for hikes)
Reusable water bottle
Cash and credit cards as some places may take only one
Water proof phone bag (if you’re planning to take your phone on the water)
Rain poncho for some of the wet hikes (Manoa Falls during rainy season)
Extra clothes and shoes to change out of after hikes
Plastic bags to carry wet/muddy clothes or shoes
Mesh beach bag to carry wet towels, clothes, beach toys
Business casual clothing for some restaurants with dress code
External battery pack for phones and other devices
Dash cam for rental cars (for the overly cautious)
Memory card for dash cam
Wet wipes for any post hike needs if you’re planning to stay out
Costco membership
Bug repelling spray
Aloe gel for potential sunburns
Credit cards to maximize points earning!
Wrap Up
I hope this guide, made from my personal experiences in Oahu, can help you plan and have an amazing time. Don’t get caught up in the details and the little things. Island life should be peaceful and relaxing. Enjoy, have a good time, and stay safe. Let us know if this guide helped you and give us your Hawaii travel review on our free UntoldMiles Facebook page!
Check out my review on the Hyatt Centric Waikiki
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Waterfall at the end of the hike