Summary of Your 5-Day Oahu Itinerary
Many tourists begin their visit to the islands with five days on Oahu. Here are some suggestions on how best to spend those five days.
Day 1
Chances are that if you’re coming from the mainland USA you’ll wake up very early on your first day due to the time change and your body’s internal clock. Therefore, for this first day, we’re going to make use of that early wakeup to explore Oahu’s North Shore.
After breakfast, you’ll want to get started by 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., taking a drive north through central Oahu on H2 and Highway 99, through the town of Wahiawa and past Schofield Barracks to the world-famous North Shore beaches.
Your journey along the North Shore will begin at the town of Hale’iwa, where you’ll have time to stop in town before continuing northeast along the Kamehameha Highway.
If it’s winter, be sure to stop and see some of the highest surfing waves in the world at renowned beaches such as Waimea Bay, the Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach.
Next, you’ll pass Turtle Bay and the world-famous Turtle Bay Resort on your left as you round the northern tip of the island.
Your biggest stop of the day opens at noon—the Polynesian Cultural Center in the town of La’ie. Here, you can experience the diverse cultures of Polynesia while spending a fun afternoon. If you plan ahead, you can enjoy their excellent luau and the after-dinner show Ha: Breath of Life.
When you leave the Polynesian Cultural Center, it may be late; therefore, hop back on the Kamehameha Highway and head south to return to Waikiki or Honolulu via the Pali Highway.
Day 2
After a long day of driving on your first day, take a more leisurely approach and make the short 30-45 minute drive to Pearl Harbor for a day filled with history.
At Pearl Harbor, you’ll find the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Make sure to visit the USS Arizona Memorial as well as at least one other site, ensuring you have ample time to appreciate the historical significance of each.
If you decide to head back to Honolulu or Waikiki with some time left, you can relax at your hotel pool or enjoy the beach, giving yourself a well-deserved break.
Day 3
On your third day, you won’t even need to drive; the best way to travel will be on the island’s excellent bus service, aptly named TheBus.
For this day of your visit, explore historic downtown Honolulu.
Be sure to visit ‘Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha Statue across the street. Walk through the State Capitol Building with its unique architecture as you head west to Chinatown.
Historic Chinatown in Honolulu is a vibrant area where you can explore markets brimming with unique fruits, vegetables, and an array of seafood. It also serves as the perfect spot to enjoy lunch at one of the many fine Asian restaurants.
After lunch, proceed towards the waterfront area to the Aloha Tower, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
Day 4
Having had a busy first three days, I recommend that for day four, you stay close to your hotel or resort in Waikiki.
In the morning, take a stroll to Kapiolani Park and visit the Waikiki Aquarium or the Honolulu Zoo, both featuring species unique to the Asia-Pacific region.
Spend your afternoon relaxing at the beach or pool. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in some shopping, as Waikiki boasts some of the best shopping in Hawaii. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus to the nearby Ala Moana Center, which is the largest open-air mall in the world.
Day 5
On your final day on Oahu, consider taking a morning hike to the summit of Diamond Head. This hike around the inside of the crater is best enjoyed in the morning to avoid the hot sun. The drive to Diamond Head is quick, taking only 5-10 minutes, and there’s plenty of parking available.
After your hike, hop back in the car and make the drive to Oahu’s Southeast Shore and Windward Coast. Spend time relaxing at Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, and/or Waimanalo Beach Park. This area showcases some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so be sure to bring your camera for unforgettable memories.
If time allows, continue north past Kailua and visit Kualoa Ranch, where you can partake in exciting tours like movie tours, ATV excursions, horseback riding, garden tours, and more.
Tips
- There is a lot to see and do on Oahu, so pace yourself. Taking a “beach day” to relax can be an excellent way to recharge.
- Expect a lot of walking, so wearing comfortable clothing and shoes is highly recommended.
- Consider exploring lesser-known beaches, as they often offer more beauty and fewer crowds compared to the famous ones.
