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Safety tips, top activities in hawaii.

Snorkel the most popular and beautiful spot in all of Hawai’i, Kealakekua Bay.

Snorkeling Tours $ --> $99.00

Captain Cook Afternoon Snorkel

Rainbow Kayak Tours/Ancient River Kayak is an all inclusive quality, guided tour company. Safety is our #1 priority along with exceptional ...

Kayaking $ --> $131.75

Rainbow Kayak Tours

The Myths of Maui oceanfront luau features a sumptuous all-you-care-to-eat buffet, complimentary cocktails and a beautiful celebration of ...

Luaus $ --> $115.00

Myths of Maui Luau

The pristine coral gardens, brilliantly colored tropical fish, and the green sea turtles ( Honu) are not to be missed!

Snorkeling Tours $ --> $129.00

Capt. Cook AM Deluxe Snorkel Adventure

Experience Stand Up Paddle at Pokai Bay - Multiple Options Available!

Paddle Boarding (SUP) $ --> $109.00

SUP Pokai Bay

Town and beaches provide an idyllic environment for relaxation and exploration, and Hawaii Shark Encounters will give you an entirely new appreciation...

Shark Excursions $ --> $125.00

Shark Cage Diving

The Dolphin Discoveries tour offers anyone eager to experience Hawaii's marine environment a memorable, safe, and exciting journey.

Dolphin Excursions $ --> $139.00

Dolphin Discovery Adventure

Basically swimming inside the crater of an extinct volcano, snorkeling at Molokini Crater offers a stunning visibility of 150 feet! ...

The History of Molokini Crater

Start your trip out right by being welcomed to the island by Native Hawaiians with a Lei of your choice.

Lei Greeting $ --> $75.00

Airport Lei Greeting

This journey provides intimate, unique access to volcanic sites.

Hiking $ --> $179.00

Hidden Craters Hike

Learn how to master the stand up paddle board in a fun, supportive environment, where the water is warm and you have plenty of space to try ...

Paddle Boarding (SUP) $ --> $129.00

SUP Ala Moana Beach Park

Koloa Landing is widely regarded as one of the best shore dives in Hawaii, offering an immersive experience that will leave you in awe.

SCUBA Diving $ --> $155.00

Koloa Landing Shore Dives

One Ocean Diving's Marine Research and Conservation Shark Snorkel Experience is an unforgettable opportunity for marine lovers, while promoting sustai...

Shark Excursions $ --> $150.00

Shark Dive (Snorkel with Sharks)

Oahu’s top luau with an award-winning production and show, unlike anything else!

Luaus $ --> $119.00

Ka Moana Luau Classic Seating

Raft tours may include viewing and entering sea caves as well as snorkeling; your tour captain will make the decision whether it is safe enough.

Dolphin Excursions $ --> $189.00

Na Pali Coast Raft Adventure

Garden Isle Diver’s Boat dives are the best way to see Kauai’s premier diving sites. Two tank boat diving remains the most popular ...

SCUBA Diving $ --> $185.00

Kohala Canopy Adventure offers an unforgettable treetop adventure in nature's paradise - book now to experience it for yourself.

Zip Line $ --> $225.00

Kohala Canopy Adventure

Tour the Na Pali coast, one of the Top 10 Wonders of the World in comfort and style with The Makana (The Gift).

Sightseeing Boat Tours $ --> $189.00

Na Pali Coast Tour on the Makana. Max 12 passenger

Avoid Crowds and Stay Close to Waikiki - Oahu's Premier Surf Lessons!

Surfing Lessons $ --> $139.00

Surf Ala Moana

Spend an inspiring and exhilarating day in North Kohala, a land of stunning beauty and profound cultural significance. Zipline high above ...

Zip Line $ --> $299.00

Kohala Zip & Dip

Popular information.

You can see a lot of the island from your car, and you'll find scenic landscapes in every direction. As you drive around the island, notice ...

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The rough waves smooth themselves out on the wide beach to make for a glowing reflection of the sun's tropical colors. You can watch as the ...

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Camping on Kauai? Well, you've picked the right island. Kauai is for the nature lover, the outdoor adventurer and for those who want to ...

Beach Camping on Kauai

Hawaii is one of the hottest destinations for vacations, honeymoons, and business trips, but what is there to do, once you get there?

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The Road to Hana is FILLED with one incredible distraction after another! Waterfalls and banyan trees, bamboo forests and black sand beaches.

Road to Hana

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The Perfect Oahu Itinerary | 3, 5, and 7 Days (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Wondering the best way to spend up to 1 week on Oahu? Our Oahu itinerary includes all the best attractions and sights around this stunning Hawaiian island!

The most visited of the Hawaiian Islands , Oahu, is referred to as the “Gathering Place” for obvious reasons. 

Home to world-famous beaches, like Waikiki Beach on the South Shore or the iconic surf beaches of the North Shore, Oahu is notorious for its towering waves that reach over 30 feet in the winter.

These waves, particularly those on the North Shore, lure in surfers worldwide to show off their skills and bravery to conquer these impressive waves.

And though the crystal clear blue waters and white-sand beaches of Oahu are famous, drawing in millions of visitors every year, there is more to the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands than its beaches. 

Oahu is full of history, culture, and traditions, which can be experienced in most of its top attractions.

Another impactful reason why Oahu attracts millions of visitors each year is that it was the place of the World War II Pearl Harbor attack, resulting in multiple memorials established on the still active military base on Ford Island. 

To experience the best attractions during your trip, use our crafted Oahu itinerary for three, five, and seven days on the island.

Our itinerary for Oahu covers the best things to do, and allows you the flexibility to spend anywhere from 3 days to one week in this tropical paradise!

Table of Contents

Day 1 Morning – Sunset Beach

Day 1 afternoon – turtle bay , day 1 evening – polynesian cultural center , day 2 morning – shark’s cove, day 2 afternoon – waimea valley, day 2 evening – waimea bay , day 3 morning – laniakea beach , day 3 afternoon – haleiwa surf town , day 3 evening – dole plantation , day 4 morning – pearl harbor national memorial , day 4 afternoon – ford island, day 4 evening – hilton hawaiian village waikiki beach resort, day 5 morning – waikiki beach , day 5 afternoon – hike diamond head state monument, day 5 evening – hanauma bay , day 6 morning – sea life park hawaii, day 6 afternoon – lanikai beach , day 6 evening – kailua beach , day 7 morning – kaneohe bay , day 7 afternoon – kualoa regional park , day 7 evening – kualoa ranch , when is the best time to visit oahu, hawaii, getting around oahu, hawaii, best hostel in oahu, best mid-range hotel in oahu, best luxury hotel in oahu, how to spend up to 7 days in oahu itinerary.

From catching waves on the North Shore or the South Shore to learning about Polynesian culture, there are plenty of popular things to do in Oahu.

Our itinerary for Oahu is designed to establish a core three-day itinerary that can be extended to five and seven days for a fulfilling and memorable experience on this breathtaking island! 

Check out our ultimate guide to the 25 best things to do in Hawaii for more ideas!

Core 3-Day Oahu Itinerary

This Oahu itinerary is the core of any trip to the tropical paradise of this Hawaiian Island. Three days is the minimum recommended time to be spent in Oahu, and we’ve curated this itinerary so you can make the most out of your trip during your three days on the island! 

Day 1 in Oahu

Start your first day in Oahu by hitting the refreshing clear blue waters of Sunset Beach on the North Shore for a swim.

Then, check out Turtle Bay for sightings of endangered species of green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals. Finally, end the day with an exceptional cultural experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center, voted the top attraction on Oahu! 

A two-mile stretch of sandy heaven on the North Shore of Oahu, Sunset Beach is a legendary surfing spot for its massive waves in the winter.

Big wave surfing is a hit here, so if you’re visiting during the winter, watching these courageous and experienced surfers hit these dangerously large waves can be worth the watch! 

During the summer, the waves at Sunset Beach are much flatter and safe for swimming and snorkeling in. And, if you time it right, you can bask in the most vibrant and colorful sunsets at Sunset Beach, hence the name. 

Read Next: Don’t plan your time in the Hawaiian Islands without or Hawaiian itinerary guide.

Named after the green sea turtles that once fed in the bay, Turtle Bay is on the north shore of Oahu, located between Kuilima Point and Protection Point. 

The picturesque scenery here is unforgettable, with its clear blue waters and white sands. Nearby is the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort , set on 850 acres with views of Kuilima Cove. At Turtle Bay Resort, guests can access snorkeling, swimming, cultural lessons, hiking trails, and more! 

While visiting Turtle Bay, there is a chance you may spot humpback whales, turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals while savoring the impeccable wild coastline views. 

Located on the north shore of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center has been consistently voted the island’s #1 attraction!

A living museum, the center’s six Polynesian villages, and performances bring the Polynesian spirit to life for visitors to experience the rich history and culture of the Pacific Islands.

Visitors to the Polynesian Cultural Center can wander the 42 acres of tropical land filled with interactive activities as natives demonstrate the beauty of tradition, arts, and crafts.

Then, end the day enjoying an authentic Polynesian lūʻau for an exceptionally memorable first day on the island!

• Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762
• Phone Number: (800) 367-7060
• Hours:   12:30 PM – 9 PM (Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday), Closed (Wednesday, Sunday)

Visiting another Hawaiian Island? Check out our list of the best things to do in Maui !

Day 2 in Oahu

Start day two of your itinerary for Oahu with snorkeling at one of the top diving destinations in the world: Shark’s Cove. Walk amongst history and encompassing natural beauty at the sacred Waimea Valley.

Go cliff diving in the summer at Waimea Bay between swimming in the water and lazing in the sun! 

Featured as one of the Top Twelve Shore Dives In The World by Scuba Diving Magazine, Shark’s Cove is a must-visit on the north shore of Oahu if you want an unrivaled snorkeling and diving experience!

Shark’s Cove is a small section of Pupukea Beach Park, the bottom of its blue waters creating small caves for marine habitats to prosper or hide.

The walls of the cliffs forming the cove are a calm pool for fish to swim in, away from the threat of the open water. This continues to the Pupukea tide pools on the south side of Sharks Cove, a popular spot for families to take their kids to explore the waters. 

Read Next: Read this post so that you don’t miss out on all of the best places to visit in Hawaii .

Waimea Valley is a vital part of Hawaiian history, representing Hawaii’s culture, tradition, and spirituality.

The mission of Hi’ipaka is to share and celebrate the living representation of the Hawaiian culture of Waimea Valley with the world. 

Acting as a botanical garden and sacred historical site, Waimea Valley is a unique experience you should not pass up. It features some of the best waterfalls in Hawaii, some of which are safe to swim at while savoring the lush nature of Oahu’s forests.

Waimea Falls is one of the most notorious hikes, easy for families to trek, and one of the spots to go swimming as the sound of the rushing waterfall fills the background. 

• Address: Haleiwa, HI 96712
• Phone Number: (808) 638-7766
• Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (Tuesday-Sunday), Closed (Monday)

On Oahu’s north shore, Waimea Bay is legendary for its 30-foot waves that attract surfers worldwide to surf during winter!

The most popular spot for watching these surfers hit the waves is at Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. However, in the summer at Waimea Bay, the waters are much more tranquil, perfect for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.

You’ll even notice daring cliff divers launch off the massive half-submerged rock on the shore into the water below! 

Read Next: Be sure to add these great things to do in Oahu while you’re there!

Day 3 in Oahu

Laze in the sun with massive sea turtles at Laniakea Beach while basking in the breathtaking coastal views. Grab a shaved ice and go shopping in a historic surf town.

Try the world-famous Dole soft serve and find your way out of the maze at Dole Plantation. Day 3 of your itinerary for Oahu is going to be action-packed!

Translating to the “wide sky,” Laniakea Beach’s breathtaking scenery is a wondrous sight, even with the turtles lazing about on its sands.

Laniakea Beach is most commonly called “Turtle Beach” because of all the turtles seen at this Oahu beach. 

Many people come to this glorious beach to observe the giant sea turtles as they cuddle in the sand and soak in the sun’s warming rays. It’s a highlight of any Hawaiian vacation!

Picnicking and setting up on the sand to relish the beautiful sights is common at Laniakea Beach. However, the water is known for being a bit rough, so proceeding with caution is important! 

A historical and cultural hub spot, Haleʻiwa is a charming surf town on Oahu’s North Shore.

Throughout Haleʻiwa are cute boutiques, quality restaurants, historic plantation buildings, unique surf shops, and defining art galleries. 

Numerous food trucks serve delicacies like fresh shrimp and shave ice for a refreshing snack before surfers hit the water and visitors take on the town for fun finds. Shave ice is a classic Hawaiian treat, so definitely try some while visiting Hawaii!

The town of Haleʻiwa is included in the Seven Mile Miracle of Hawaii, one of the most revered concentrated stretches of surf breaks known on the planet. 

A historic pineapple plantation, the Dole Plantation is one of the best attractions on the island of Oahu, drawing in over a million visitors every year!

Home to the world’s largest maze in 2008, the Pineapple Garden Maze at the Dole Plantation features almost three miles of winding paths across three acres of land. The maze is made up of 14,000 native Hawaiian plants.

The plantation started as a fruit stand in 1950 and has since solidified itself as one of the top Oahu attractions, serving up its world-famous Dole Soft Serve. 

• Address: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786
• Phone Number: (808) 621-8408
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In Kauai, Hawaii

5 Day Oahu Itinerary

Are you looking for a 5-day Oahu itinerary? If you decide to extend your Oahu vacation, simply add the five-day itinerary to the core three-day itinerary for a memorable and fulfilling trip!

Day 4 in Oahu

Today, head to the South Shore of the island to learn about the impactful history of Oahu and the United States at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Then, visit the active military base and home of history at Ford Island. Finally, check out the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, where non-guests can enjoy the saltwater lagoon and hit the beach for a day of family fun! 

The location of one of the most impactful moments in United States history, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, is where the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese Forces in World War II occurred.

The memorial preserves the USS Arizona Memorial, the ship that sank after being hit by a missile and then bombs. 

Visiting Pearl Harbor and its museums is free, though reservations are recommended as it can get crowded at these popular attractions.

This Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour guides you through downtown Honolulu while learning in-depth educational facts about the historical sites and memorials. 

• Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
• Phone Number: (808) 422-3399
• Hours : 7 AM – 5 PM (Daily)

An islet located in the center of Pearl Harbor, Ford Island , is used by the United States Navy for battle simulations and training. The native name of the island is Mokuʻumeʻume, though Ford Island has been called Little Goats Island, Rabbit Island, and Marin’s Island. 

Ford Island is an active military base and home to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial.

A visit here is full of history, having been named on the National Register of Historic Places and a National Historic Landmark. 

An upscale resort settled on 22 acres that stretches across Waikiki Beach, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort features a spa, five pools, a saltwater lagoon, an oceanfront steakhouse, and 20 restaurants. 

Whether you stay at this classy hotel or not is up to you, but guests and visitors alike can hit up the resort’s saltwater lagoon – Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. The five-acre lagoon is perfect for lazing in the water or on beach chairs and trying stand-up paddle yoga.

Outside the resort is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, where visitors can take surf lessons or savor the immaculate vibes of soaking up the sun while sipping on a refreshing pina colada! 

• Address: 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Phone Number: (808) 949-4321

Here is our full list of the best things to do in Honolulu if you find yourself with extra time!

Day 5 in Oahu

Learn how to surf at one of the world’s most famous beaches, and then try hiking Diamond Head State Monument for a fun day out in nature. Finally, snorkel your way through the magical waters of Hanauma Bay, stock full of vibrant colored marine life! 

Drawing millions of visitors every year, Waikiki Beach is by far one of the most famous beaches in the world!

Visitors to Waikiki Beach are welcomed by the iconic statue of surfing legend and father, Duke Kahanamoku.

This beach, in particular, is notorious for being an excellent location for learning how to surf and paddle on authentic Hawaiian canoes due to its lasting wave breaks. From Waikiki Beach are inspiring observational points of Diamond Head and the sea. 

Consider this Waikiki snorkel and sailing adventure to cruise on a catamaran, whale watch, go snorkeling, and sail the waters for a rejuvenating experience!  

Diamond Head is a volcanic cone on Oahu, and its ridgeline is likened to a tuna fish’s dorsal fin, hence its Hawaiian name Lēʻahi (brow of the tuna).

When British soldiers traveled to the surrounding location in the 19th century, they mistakenly believed the calcite crystals on one of the nearby beaches were diamonds, hence its name, Diamond Head. 

The Diamond Head State Monument is accessible by a hiking trail that traverses a scenic path up to the 300,000-year-old volcanic crater. From this spot, hikers can relish the breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the island of Oahu.

This Diamond Head Sunrise Hike takes you up to breathe in the panoramic views atop Diamond Head as the sun rises, then savor a refreshing acai bowl and sweet treat for a rewarding delight!

Home to a prosperous marine ecosystem, Hanauma Bay was formed within a volcanic cone. The marine embayment is part of a tuff ring, its waters thriving with tropical fish, playful dolphins, and gentle sea turtles. 

Snorkeling and swimming are popular activities within Hanauma Bay, thanks to the safe swimming waters and optimal marine life sightings.

There is a rental shop for renting out snorkel gear, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, locker rentals, a gift shop, and a food concession stand, making it easy to spend a whole day scouring the waters of Hanauma Bay!

7-Day Oahu Itinerary

Our 3-day itinerary is the core of any trip to Oahu for a fantastic start to your vacation on the island. However, if you plan on staying longer, our 7 day Oahu itinerary compiles even more top attractions.

With 7 days on Oahu, you’ll have more time to explore the rugged Windward Coast, which is often overlooked by the Oahu North Shore and South Shore. Get ready to have the trip of a lifetime with our 7-day Oahu itinerary!

Day 6 in Oahu

For day 6 in Oahu, you’ll head to the Windward Coast, a dramatic and beautiful corner of the East Coast of the island. Visit Sea Life Park and hit up the two top-ranked beaches, Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach, for a breathtaking experience in a tropical paradise!

Located on Oahu’s Windward Coast, Sea Life Park is an aquarium, bird sanctuary, and marine mammal park all in one.

Then, take your pick between two of the world’s most pristine beaches, Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach, nestled conveniently next door to one another, to savor the undeniable beauty of Oahu! 

At Sea Life Park, visitors can experience the magic of many beautiful marine creatures that focuses on conservation and education. This is a great activity for the whole family!

• Address: 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo Beach, HI 96795
• Phone Number: (808) 259-2500
• Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM (Daily)

You need to have at least a few relaxing beach days while visiting Oahu! Also known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach is nestled on the east shore of Oahu.

Representing Oahu as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Lanikai Beach is frequently ranked as one of the best beaches across the globe!

The cool blue waters are a sight for sore eyes, the sand soft to the touch. Experience a bit of heaven at Lanikai Beach while savoring the breathtaking ocean views! 

One of the other top-ranking beaches on Oahu, Kailua Beach, is an absolute stunner next to Lanikai Beach! The two beaches are within walking distance of one another, so you can get a taste of both worlds at these top-ranked beaches.

Kailua Beach hosts a longer stretch of sand than Lanikai Beach, perfect for settling down in the sand and basking in the awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters and mountain backdrops. 

Day 7 in Oahu

Picture the iconic sights of Kaneohe Bay before you as you explore the waters of this enriching location on Oahu.

Then, sink your toes into the sand and kayak to an island of legends at Kualoa Regional Park. Finally, to end this 7-day Oahu itinerary, visit the iconic filming locations of the famous Jurassic Park movies at Kualoa Ranch!

The largest sheltered body of water of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kaneohe Bay, is established by a reef. It homes a sandbar and five islands, including the well-loved Coconut Island. These qualities have made Kaneohe Bay a popular boating, fishing, and kayaking spot. 

The stunning blue waters of Kaneohe Bay make for an impactful picture. In fact, Kaneohe Bay has been the backdrop for quite a few famous movies, including Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates . Surrounding the bay is the Ko’olau Mountain range, establishing an iconic backdrop. 

Settled on Kāneʻohe Bay, Kualoa Regional Park sprawls across 153 acres, its beachfront area set within sight of the island of Mokoli’i.

This island is featured in ancient legends and is said to be the tail of the creature slain by the goddess Pele. As a result, many come to Koʻolau Range to kayak to the island from the beachy shore.

It has a long stretch of grassy space that separates it from the Kamehameha Highway, so visitors of the park can simmer in the crash of the waves at the beach. 

• Address: 49-479 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
• Phone Number: (808) 768-8974
• Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM (Daily)

Famous for being the filming location of the Jurassic Park series, the 4,000-acre Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve and working cattle ranch overflowing with thriving nature. 

On Kualoa Ranch’s Jurassic Adventure Tour, guests are taken on an adventure of the iconic film sites within the Hakipu’u, Kualoa, and Ka’a’awa Valleys.

The tour takes visitors to the authentic dinosaur cages used for the movies and sightings of the Indominus Rex paddock and its 60-foot walls! 

• Address: Kaneohe, HI 96744
• Phone Number: (808) 237-7321
• Hours : 7:30 AM – 6 PM (Daily)

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Waikiki, Hawaii

Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide

Now that you know all about the wonders of Oahu, you can plan some of the logistics! From getting a rental car, to planning the best time to visit, to booking a hotel or vacation rental, here are some travel tips for visiting Oahu!

The best time to visit Oahu is in the off-season when tourist crowds aren’t so large, and weather conditions are still ideal for adventuring the island’s great outdoors.

We recommend visiting in April, May, September, and October. These months are also the cheapest months to visit, so look out for some great deals during your stay! 

If you’re visiting the island for those iconic surf breaks, you’ll want to visit in winter. This is when the waves are at their biggest and best! But remember, these waves are for experienced surfers only. If you’re a beginner surfer, you can learn to surf on small waves at any time of year.

When traveling around Oahu, a rental car is the best way to get around. You have the freedom to go wherever, whenever.

But if you don’t want to rent a car, Oahu’s bus system is one of the best in the United States and is one of the cheapest transportation methods on the island (minus walking, but that can only get you so far!). 

There’s also this Honolulu Airport private transfer for when you fly in or out of Honolulu Airport. The transfer can fit up to 14 passengers in the private van, perfect for big groups or families visiting the island. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii

If you’re wondering where to stay in Oahu, there are great options for every budget! Waikiki is the most popular area to stay with the most options, and it’s near the airport. From here you can rent a car or book tours to the rest of the attractions on Oahu!

Offering a range of selections, The Beach Waikiki Hostel by ALOH has pickings for private bedrooms and dorm rooms during your stay in Oahu. Only two blocks from the famous Waikiki Beach, this hostel is a great stay featuring fun and welcoming vibes with a desirable location near Oahu’s best attractions.

Boasting a desirable location, Waikiki Central Hotel is within walking distance of top Oahu activities, such as the US Army Museum of Hawaii, Waikiki Beach, and Kuhio Beach. From the rooms, guests have balcony views of the city from above while savoring their relaxing stay on the island. 

Only three miles from Diamond Head, ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki is a luxurious and elegant hotel perfect for living the lavish life in paradise on Oahu. Guests can access desirable amenities and accommodations, including airport transfers, the hotel’s spa, the resort pool, and a Japanese-French restaurant. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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HONOLULU TRIP PLANNER

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: August 5, 2022

Heading to Hawaii? This Honolulu trip planner includes everything you need to know such as: where to stay, what to eat & things to do.

As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu is a popular place for US and international visitors. With spectacular beaches, delicious food, fantastic resorts, and many things to do in Oahu beyond Honolulu itself, you can see why so many people vacation here. That is why we are sharing this Honolulu trip planner; so that you can plan the perfect Hawaiian vacation.

Honolulu offers the perfect mixture of warm weather, wonderful beaches, local culture, and interesting attractions, to keep you busy for a week or more. If you are looking to save money on your trip to Hawaii, make sure to read our post on ways to save money whilst traveling the United States of America.

When to visit Honolulu

Although it is always warm in Honolulu, the best time to visit is between November and April, avoiding the rainy and hurricane season. 

The ideal months would be April, November, and December, as these are shoulder seasons; so you can expect fewer crowds and cheaper room rates but also still enjoy plenty of festivals. Winter weather is pleasant in Hawaii whilst June through to October has considerably higher temperatures.

Obviously, at the time of writing (2020), there are a few more things to know before you go to Hawaii as the world adapts. So expect fewer crowds over the next year or so as flights continue to get back to normal.

Typical costs in Honolulu

Accommodation

Budget:  Hostels are available for $35 for a dorm bed (even by the sea!), whilst budget rooms for two start at $70. You can also rent an Airbnb for around $100; perfect for groups of travelers. 

Midrange: Midrange hotels cost $150 – $250 a night, costing on the higher end the closer you are to the beach. 

Luxury: 5-star hotels on the beach will cost upwards of $340.

Transport: The best way together around Hawaii is by renting a car; these cost anywhere from $20 – $80 a day. Book in advance and compare prices to get the best deal. 

The average cost of food:

Hawaii has some amazing food and you can eat cheaply too. You can find $2 tacos from a food truck and there are plenty of grocery stores to stock up using. If eating out, expect to pay at least $6 for breakfast, $10 for lunch and $30 for dinner, and double that if you are eating in or around resorts. 

Save money in Honolulu

Honolulu is a fantastic place to explore but it can be expensive. However, there are many ways you can save money here too. 

• Avoid the beach – If you are traveling on a budget, avoid booking accommodation on the beach. This is always a lot more expensive than other destinations. 
• Fly via the West Coast – If you are flying from the US, Try to plan a trip via the West Coast. Flights can be found at decent prices in California but expect much higher prices from anywhere else. 
• Hotel deals – If you sign up for hotel emails and compare prices across multiple websites, you can save money, especially not the less expensive hotel chains like Aqua properties and the lower-end Outrigger properties.
• Limit your car rental – Renting a car is a popular choice for most that visit Hawaii but it can be expensive, as can parking. If you want to see the sights of Hawaii, rent a car for just a few days to see sights then use TheBus (a public bus in Oahu. You can get a 4-day bus pass from any ABC store, ideal if you plan on doing lots of travel. 
• Get a refrigerator – Aim to get a hotel room or rent a place with a refrigerator. This means you can stock up on basics from the ABC stores and avoid eating breakfast out each day. 
• Meal Deals – There are many restaurants in the heart of Waikiki that offer special deals throughout the day. Head to iHop and Cheeseburger in Paradise for breakfast specials or the Wolfgang Steakhouse for decent and affordable lunches. 
• Free activities – There are plenty of free activities to take advantage of, such as many of the beaches, the Friday Night Fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the free live entertainment and classes at The Royal Hawaiian Center and the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. 

Where to stay in Honolulu

There are many hotels in Honolulu that fit every budget and can be found in every neighborhood. If it is your first time in Honolulu, you will want to stay in the Downtown area to enjoy the lively and bustling neighborhood whilst visiting the major attractions. 

If you are on a budget, head to Waikiki, perfect for those looking for sandy beaches without luxury price tags. Waikiki is also the best place to stay if you are looking for vibrant nightlife options, with lots of bars and clubs around the neighborhood. 

Looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle? Head to Manoa for a quieter, relaxing experience. 

Recommended Honolulu hotels:

Downtown Honolulu: 

• Ala Moana Hotel – Next door to the world’s largest open-air shopping mall and is a short walk from the Hawaii Convention Center.
• Pagoda Hotel – Great for families with outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace and within a short walk from Ala Moana Beach Park. Plus there are many restaurants and shops in the area.

Waikiki beach:

• Lotus Honolulu Hotel – A luxurious hotel with amazing views of Diamond Head and a close walk to Queen Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.
• Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach – A 1-minute walk from the beach, this is an affordable option for those looking for studio style rooms, complete with kitchenette.

What to eat in Honolulu

Honolulu offers great food options, with an array of fantastic restaurants to choose from. Make sure you pick up a Poke bowl, try some of the Lomi- Lomi Salmon and enjoy the Kalua Pig.

Other must-tries include shaved ice, sashimi, Poi and Spam Musubi.

Coffee lovers must try the Hawaii-grown Kona beans in Kai Coffee or one of the other best Kona Coffee shops in the state.

Things to do in Honolulu

Besides sunbathing and surfing, make sure you spend some time visiting Diamond Head during your Oahu itinerary . This is a volcanic cone on the edge of the island and is one of the most scenic and popular places to visit in Oahu whilst there are some incredible hikes on Oahu too.

Enjoy the beauty of Hanauma Bay and learn at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Beach hop around the island, and take in the sun, sea and sand whilst you enjoy the full beauty Honolulu has to offer. 

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6 ROMANTIC HOLIDAYS FOR COUPLES SEEKING TROPICAL BLISS • Creative Travel Guide

Wednesday 17th of March 2021

[…] over to Oahu? Explore Honolulu and spend a night or two at the stunning Hilton Hawaiian Village for a romantic […]

Saturday 16th of May 2020

This makes me want to go back to Oahu. We visited in February last year and it was a great time to be in Honolulu. This trip planner is so helpful! I wish we'd had it before we visited Honolulu.

We've been to Maui but not to any of the other islands. The Big Island is high on my list of places to visit though, so maybe it's time to start planning!

What an amazing guide! I would love to visit Hawaii. I've never been but it looks lovely and the food recs look great.

What to Do in Honolulu for a Week: 7 Day Oahu Itinerary

If you’re looking to enjoy a Hawaiian getaway, you may be wondering where to go and how best to plan your time. Especially if you only have a week in Hawaii, you won’t want to waste a moment of your time in this tropical paradise.

Oahu is arguably the most popular Hawaiian island, and Honolulu is the most popular destination on Oahu. If you’re planning to visit, read on for the best Oahu tourist attractions and other fun things. We’ve created this 7 day Oahu itinerary as an easy guide to help you plan your trip.

Rather than create some random generic list of things to do in Honolulu, we’ve created a travel plan so you can see the entire island in a week. We’re sure you want to immerse yourself in this tropical island paradise! Are we right?

Thought so. The Oahu itinerary in this article includes a wide variety of attractions, from culture to nature to action. And we’ve included lots of public transportation and tour options so you can spend a week in Honolulu without a car if you want.

Getting to Honolulu

Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii, and home to Hawaii’s largest airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The airport code is HNL.

It’s possible to fly into Honolulu from many U.S. destinations, and in fact there are direct flights from cities all over the world, from London and Sydney to Canada and even Southeast Asia. You can check airfares here .

If you’re from Singapore and wondering, “ do Singaporeans need ESTA to USA .” you’ll be happy to know that you can now use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, known as ESTA, to enter the United States. This permit lets you enter the US for tourist, business, and medical purposes for up to 90 days, without the cost and hassle of applying for a visa.

Where to stay for one week in Hawaii

With its famous strip of beach, we recommend staying in Waikiki. It’s centrally located and a great spot for getting to different spots around the island.

As a tourist hub, you can find most hotel chains there, as well as hundreds of restaurants and dozens of attractions.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Waikiki, we recommend:

• High end: Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
• Mid-range: Ramada Plaza Waikiki
• Budget: T he Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel

ⓘ TIP: To save hassle getting to your hotel, book an airport shuttle ahead of time. Your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive. You’ll even get help with your bags! Find your ride here.

7 Days on Oahu: itinerary plan

So now we get to the best part: planning your 7 days on Oahu! We strongly suggest you don’t waste time changing hotels. It’s best to stay in Honolulu for a week, and travel around to see it all.

Our 7-day Oahu itinerary is designed to show you the best of the island without rushing around.

Day 1 – Discover Honolulu City

Honolulu is a spectacular place to spend the day. There are museums, parks, and plenty of inviting beaches to spend your time here.

Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, see a traditional Oahu luau, and catch the most incredible sunset from Magic Island. You’ll find opportunities for shopping, eating, and enjoying the beach and water.

Or head to ‘Iolani Palace to find Hawaii’s royal Polynesian heritage. Did you know that ‘Iolani Palace was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs and is the only royal palace in the United States? There are lots of interesting facts about Honolulu to discover!

Another quintessential Hawaiian experiences you should try while on Waikiki: Try out a surf lesson with an expert and take home a new skill!

ⓘ BUDGET TIP: You can use the Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass to save on admission to 45+ top Hawaiian sights including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor and more. Click here to see the included activities.

Day 2 – Climb Diamond Head

Start your second morning with a hike up Diamond Head. This volcanic crater rises over Waikiki and offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the ocean from the top.

The crater is a short drive from Honolulu city. The hike is easy enough to be done by the whole family but does have a lot of stairs, and the path gets tricky in places. It’s well worth the effort, though, and the ascent shouldn’t take you more than an hour.

We suggest that you plan your Diamond Head hike early in the morning. You’ll get better photos and views from Diamond Head Lookout if the sun isn’t directly overhead. Afterward, you can unwind at Diamond Head Beach Park.

Day 3 – Travel to Koko Head District Park

Head to the east of the island and spend some time in this lush district park. You’ll find hiking trails, lookout points, and large parks for picnics. If you continue down the coast, you can enjoy more scenic Hawaiian beaches and impressive views.

The park is a 20- to 25-minute drive from Honolulu. If you drive along the coast, down to the Sea Life Park, you’ll have a quick, 30-minute drive back to the city.

ⓘ SAFETY TIP: The hiking trails here are gorgeous but can be tricky to navigate. Inexperienced hikers, children, and seniors should be especially wary. Take a guide if possible.

Day 4 – Visit Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is a short 20-minute drive from Honolulu, and it’s a must-visit while you’re on Oahu. December 7, 1941, was a key date in U.S. history, and this will really help you understand America’s role in the battle for the Pacific.

Be sure to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (aka Pacific Aviation Museum), and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park.

ⓘ TIP: Many people reserve a full day for Pearl Harbor. For the most powerful experience, it’s worth booking a tour with a knowledgeable guide. This tour gets especially good reviews.

Day 5 – Visit Kualoa Ranch

Take a leisurely 40-minute drive to Kualoa Ranch for the day and experience more of Oahu’s stunning scenery. This working cattle ranch also serves as a nature retreat and film location (prepare to enter lifelike scenes from Jurassic Park).

There are so many activities on offer, you’ll be busy all day. From ziplining and ATV rides to tours of Hollywood filming locations, there’s something here for everyone.

Day 6 – Visit Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center is a theme park is about an hour’s drive out of Honolulu. It’s best to make this day trip. There are six authentic villages inside the center for you to visit, with guided tours happening between 12 pm and 6 pm daily.

Each island performs cultural presentations throughout the day, and you’ll have a chance to mingle with the natives while there. Spend the day soaking in the culture and end it with a luau dance at dinner.

ⓘ TIP: Book well ahead if you want to attend a luau while visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Day 7 – Head to North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is less than an hour’s drive from Honolulu and is full of even more fun island experiences. If you’re a surfer, this is where you’ll likely catch the best waves. For those who don’t surf, watching the pros on the water is quite a sight to behold.

There’s also snorkeling, skydiving, and hiking available in the area. And you’ll find some of the most delicious island food.

We suggest you make a stop at Turtle Beach before leaving the island, to view the Hawaiian green sea turtles lazing on the sand. Just be sure to respect the turtles, as they’re protected by law.

ⓘ TIP: If you’re feeling adventurous, end your 7-day Hawaii vacation with a spectacular shark dive off the North Shore .

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What to add to your Hawaii vacation itinerary

If you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time , go for 7 days in Honolulu and Oahu. You’re in for a week of tropical paradise beaches, hiking, and outdoor adventures around every corner.

A week vacation in Hawaii should be all about having a good time, so if one of our suggestions doesn’t float your boat, feel free to do something else. A good Oahu travel guide will have plenty of inspiration. For example:

• If you’re traveling with children, Wet’n Wild Hawaii is only 20 minutes from Pearl Harbor. This fun water theme park is fun whether you’re traveling with kids – or if you’re a big kid yourself.
• For some of the best snorkeling on Oahu, head to Hanauma Bay State Park, along the southeast coast of the island. Imagine being able to swim through a gorgeous reef filled with turtles, rays, fish, and more. You can rent snorkel gear there, but rentals are included with the Go Oahu Card.

Here are a few other ideas:

How to get around Oahu

When it comes to getting around Oahu, you basically have three main options: take public transportation, rent a car, or take a tour. This itinerary works with them all.

If you don’t plan to spend all 7 days in Honolulu by the pool, rent a car for at least part of your trip. Oahu is small and you can easily drive around the entire island in less than a day.

With a good car rental company ( we like this one ), it’s easy to quickly and efficiently arrange everything ahead of time. You can pick your preferred vehicle, compare prices, and secure your booking, all before you even leave your home.

Renting a car gives you independence and the freedom to go when and where you like. Plus, unlike public transportation, you can easily take along any gear you need, and you’ll always be protected from the elements.

Public transportation

Oahu’s public transportation system is called TheBus. It has a surprisingly good route system and stops at many of the best attractions on the island.

With a one-day pass costing only $5.50, this is the cheapest way to get around Oahu. It’s not the fastest way to get around, but it is a good option if you want to relax and avoid Honolulu’s horrible traffic.

Guided tours

If you want to get the most from your trip, book a tour. Tour guides can explain cultural traditions, introduce you to new foods, take you to off-the-beaten-path places, and answer your questions. Transportation is included, and they always speak the local language fluently.

We rely on Get Your Guide and Viator when we travel. So far, every experience has been outstanding.

FAQs for planning an Oahu itinerary

What is the best time to visit oahu.

Oahu has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s (°F) year-round. The dry season runs from May to October and has the best weather, as well as the most crowds. The best time to visit for fewer crowds is during the shoulder seasons, from mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December.

What are the must-visit attractions in Oahu?

Some popular attractions include Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Crater Railway Trailhead, Iolani Palace, and the North Shore’s Banzai Pipeline.

What are the best beaches to visit in Oahu?

Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach Park, and Sunset Beach are some of the famous and beautiful beaches on Oahu.

Is there a nightlife scene on Oahu?

Yes, Honolulu’s Waikiki area offers a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Are there family-friendly activities on Oahu?

Absolutely! You can visit the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Dole Plantation, Wet ‘n Wild Hawaii, and take a family-friendly luau at places like the Polynesian Cultural Center.

How many days do I need in Honolulu?

You can see the very best of Honolulu in just a couple of days, but you’ll need 3-4 days if you want time to unwind and spend more time at your favorite locations. To explore everything Oahu has to offer and yet have time for relaxation, 7 days in Honolulu is plenty.

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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The Perfect Oahu Itinerary: How to Make the Most of 5 Days in Oahu

last Updated: April 24, 2024 hawaii oahu

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed off to Hawaii and looking for the perfect Oahu itinerary? Keep reading for a fun-filled 5 days in Oahu, which will cover everything you need to know and then some! Soft sandy beaches, that cool island breeze, and of course a few mai tais await! Pack your bags, we’re off to Oahu!

Ohhh — Hawaii. A place we love and frequent quite often. I mean, how could we not living so close by in San Francisco (ok, so it is a 5 hour flight, but who’s counting).

Oahu is the most touristy island in Hawaii (and also the most visited!), but we still love it! It’s a complete island paradise full of over 125 beaches, famous world-class surf, the bustling city of Honolulu, and a unique Polynesian history. From the waterfalls, snorkeling, and waves to hip nightlife, trendy eats, and modern shopping, we just can’t get enough of the third largest island in Hawaii.

The island is home to the state’s capital and largest city, Honolulu. Because of this, Oahu is a blend of buzzy city life and beachy island oasis. Don’t miss the North Shore — we love it up there! There’s truly something for everyone — super soft sand, delicious malasadas, easy (and strenuous) hiking opportunities, and action-packed adventures for those thrill-seekers.

You’ll see after reading through this Oahu itinerary that it’s nearly impossible to get bored here. And if you’re a photographer or just love getting fun IG pics, don’t miss out on these Oahu photo spots ! The island is oh so colorful — I had such a hard time putting my camera away!

Yes, we love Maui the most , but Oahu will always be memorable to us (for a few reasons!). We spent my 30th birthday skydiving on the north shore (STILL cannot believe we did that), and my husband even ran his first-ever Hawaiian marathon on Oahu (he’s since ran marathons on Kauai and Maui )! Me? I don’t run, I just welcome him at the finish line with malasadas.

→ Read Next: The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List (with over 200 things to do on the islands!)

So what are you waiting for? Grab a mai tai and let’s dig in! I’ve got a full Oahu itinerary planned out, plus all the logistics you need to plan your trip.

Oahu Itinerary in a Nutshell

• Day 1 : Pearl Harbor + Honolulu 
• Day 2 : Diamond Head + Waikiki
• Day 3 : Hanauma Bay Snorkeling + Southeast Oahu 
• Day 4 : Pillbox Hike + Lanikai Beach + More
• Day 5 : North Shore + Dole Plantation

About this Oahu Itinerary: You can easily change around any of the days (for example, day 2 of this Oahu itinerary on your actual day 4, etc), as there’s not really a rhyme or reason why I chose this specific order. I did however (carefully) group each day’s activities, so you’ll wanna keep those together for less driving and maximum island time. 🙂

Island Hopping in Hawaii: Planning on doing some island hopping? Check out these additional resources:

• The Perfect 5 Day Maui Itinerary
• 3 Days in Kauai (well worth a few days!)
• 10 Days in Hawaii (ultimate island-hopping resource)
• The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List 
• 25+ Places to Eat in Oahu (foodies trip, anyone?!)

Where is Oahu?

Oahu is one of the main islands of Hawaii, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the second farthest from the mainland, between the islands of Kauai (the farthest) and Maui/Molokai.

Everyone always talks about Honolulu and Waikiki, and yup — those are both on the island of Oahu!

Logistics for your 5 Day Oahu Itinerary

How to get to oahu.

Oahu is in fact an island, so you’ll obviously need to fly there! When you fly into Oahu, you’ll be heading into Honolulu International Airport (code HNL) . Make sure to look out the window as you arrive — the turquoise waters will blow you away before you even touch land!

Thankfully, there’s tons of nonstop flights from the mainland headed to Honolulu International, Hawaii’s largest airport. And because of this, you may be able to find slightly cheaper tickets than to the neighboring islands of Maui and Kauai.

Flight Time: No matter where you’re coming from, it’ll take a while to get to Hawaii (flying across the Pacific takes time!)

Flights from SFO (San Francisco) to Oahu are roughly 5 hours, 20 minutes, with the flight from LAX (Los Angeles) being slightly longer at 5 hours, 40 minutes. 

Obviously, if you’re coming from elsewhere on the mainland, flight times will vary!

Psst → the flight home will always be at least an hour shorter due to wind patterns.

Flight Prices: I normally find flights from the West Coast to Hawaii for approximately $450, although I’ve seen them offered as low as in the $300’s roundtrip. 

And now with nonstops from Southwest in the picture, I can sometimes find flights from SFO to Honolulu for as low as $200 round trip. If you ever see one of those babies, snag them right up (they don’t stay around for long).

Should you stop on the West Coast of the mainland first? Well, that’s entirely up to you, but I’d highly recommend it! Not only will you possibly save a few pennies on the flights, but you can spend a few days in California (while adjusting to the West Coast time zone, ultimately helping with jet lag in Hawaii) and get two trips outta one!

How to Get Around Oahu

If you’re just planning on staying within the city (Honolulu), you can easily get by with walking and taking the trolley. 

BUT — don’t spend all your time in Honolulu! Promise me you’ll venture out to other parts of the island! Doing so means you’ll need to get around some other way. 

If you plan to explore the North Shore (a must), relax at Lanikai Beach, and/or watch the sunset at the Tantalus Lookout (our favorite) with ease, public transport just won’t cut it. Planning on following this Oahu itinerary? You’ll undoubtedly need to rent a car.

Renting a Car:

Most people who come to Oahu rent a car. The island is pretty spread out (besides the bustling city of Honolulu), so you’ll want an easy way to get around. Driving in Oahu is easy, although you will experience some traffic in the busier tourist seasons and during morning and evening rush hour. Remember – people live here, meaning people go to work each and every day! 

There’s tons of rental car agencies with pickups directly at the airport. Do note that parking can be somewhat of an issue in Honolulu, so you’ll wanna make sure your hotel has a spot/lot for you.

→ I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. Feeling a bit extra? Splurge on a convertible or an open-air jeep – this is Hawaii afterall! Treat yo-self! 

Public Transportation on Oahu:

The Bus: Thankfully, Oahu has an excellent bus system, aptly named “ The Bus ”! Couldn’t be easier than that, right? Although it mostly services Honolulu (so yes, Waikiki’s included), the bus system has lines extending out to almost every major town on the island. HOWEVER, it’ll take ridiculously longer to get from place to place using The Bus vs. your own rental car. 

And just to note, some bus stops only see buses once an hour on Sundays, holidays, and in less traveled areas. With that being said, if you don’t wanna rely on the bus (and possibly wait around for an hour), just rent a car.

• One way fares are $2.75, while a 1-day pass will put you back $5.50. 

Waikiki Trolley: Hands up if you like an easy hop-on, hop-off bus! If you’re looking for a super easy way to see oh so much of the city, the Waikiki Trolley might just be perfect for you. The Trolley can also take you to other spots like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Ala Moana. Some bus lines can get crowded though, so you may have to wait for the next bus (wasting precious vacation time).

Ride Shares on Oahu: Yes, Uber and Lyft have made their way to Honolulu! If you’re not renting a car, I recommend using Uber or Lyft to get you from the airport to your hotel. In addition, do note that Uber/Lyfts are typically not available in every part of the island, only the more touristy areas. Plan to use it for short trips around Honolulu, but don’t rely on it for longer rides.

When to Visit Oahu: Crowds and Weather

It’s honestly never a bad time to plan an Oahu itinerary — the island has a year-round tropical climate afterall! Meaning, the weather’s pretty much almost perfect all the time. Temps range from 80°F during the coldest months, while the warmest months don’t go past ~88°F or so. See, I told you — pretty darn perfect!

Expect temps to be a tad chillier at night once the sun goes down. Nothing a light jacket can’t fix!

But with all this being said, Oahu does have two distinct seasons: rainy season (winter) and dry season (summer). Don’t worry — both are warm and tropical, but if you HATE the rain (like me), stay away from the rainy season. It can rain any time of year, but it’s way more wet and windy in the winter. But it doesn’t rain every day (or all day, either), so you’ll still get lots of sunny, dry days in winter.

Surprisingly, despite the rain, the highest tourist season is during the winter! Must be because everyone’s looking for a little respite from their actual freezing/snowy winter on the mainland. 

If I had to pick when to visit Oahu, I’d choose the shoulder seasons of mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December. You’ll likely be able to find some deals on airfare and hotel rates, it’ll be way less crowded (although, when is Hawaii not crowded?), and there’s lots of fun local festivals going on! 

A little more in-depth here:

Winter: Rainy Season (November to March) — While winter is considered the rainy season, it thankfully doesn’t rain every single day. Sometimes there’s short spurts of rain (and then sunshine and rainbows), while other days it might rain heavily for an extended amount of time. 

If you don’t want rain, stay away from December through February, as it’s the rainiest time (although the rain typically falls overnight). Mid January through mid-April has the coldest ocean temps, so just be aware if you plan to do some snorkeling.

Summer: Dry Season (April to October) — Summer is dry season, with June through August being the driest (no rain over here!). You’ll find the warmest ocean temps in August through early November, so forget about that wetsuit!

Microclimates: Regardless of the season, you won’t find rain on the entire island. Like San Francisco, Oahu has microclimates, meaning different areas of the island experience different rain patterns and weather. If it’s raining where you’re at, it might make sense to head to the other coast to escape the rain! In general, it’s typically drier on the Leeward Coast (west) and wetter and greener on the Windward Coast (east). 

Where to Stay in Oahu

Oahu is divided into a few main regions, being Honolulu/Waikiki, the North Shore, Leeward Coast, Central Oahu, and Windward Coast. Visitors primarily stay in Waikiki, the Leeward Coast, or the North Shore.

Most of the island’s hotel rooms are found in Waikiki (Honolulu), so naturally, that’s where most visitors book when planning their Oahu itinerary! However, like any big tourist city, there’s both pros and cons of staying here:

Pros of staying in Waikiki:

• There’s lots to do here! Beaches, museums, historic and cultural sites, animal attractions, etc. Lots of shopping and tons of restaurants, too!
• You don’t need a car to explore Waikiki and most of the city is pretty walkable! There’s even shuttles from the airport right to Waikiki.
• Hotel prices are competitive and you may be able to snag a cheap hotel room. Since this is a city with tons of hotels, there’s more to choose from.
• Getting around is easy with the trolley and TheBus.

Cons of staying in Waikiki:

• It’s super crowded, especially on the beach. And yes, this also means there’s lots of traffic while driving in the area as well.
• Parking fees at the resorts in Waikiki are astronomical — some even charge as much as $45 per day to park overnight.
• You might end up staying in the city your whole 5 days in Oahu, instead of feeling like you had a truly relaxing beach vacation.
• Most of the beach resorts in Waikiki charge a daily resort fee, adding to the overall nightly expense. Be sure to look out for these before booking! The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is actually one of the only beach resorts that doesn’t charge this pesky fee.

Recommended Hotels in Waikiki

• The Royal Hawaiian : Have you ever seen photos of an iconic pink hotel right on the water in Oahu? That’s this one! It’s even been nicknamed the Pink Palace of the Pacific — and it’s easy to see why! Although we’ve never stayed, we’ve wandered the grounds, snuck a peek at the (gorgeous) pool area, had a few mai tais at the bar, and even indulged in pineapple scones for breakfast one morning. To say we’re dying to stay here is a massive understatement! It’s a little pricey so would make for a perfect birthday or anniversary trip!
• The Laylow, Autograph Collection :   What’s better than a chic hotel with a mid-century vintage Hawaiian vibe?! Spoiler alert — not much. The place is super trendy and I’ve heard the on-site bar/restaurant, The Hideout, is amazing! I’ve been wanting to stay here as soon as it opened. Can you blame me?
• The Modern Honolulu : Another trendy hotel right on the waterfront with a cool retro and modern vibe at the same time. I wanna stay here to check out the sleek rooms!

• Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club : A mid priced island-chic designer boutique that’s actually one of Waikiki’s most popular places to stay. Surfjack really plays up the 1960’s Hawaiian beach culture. Plus, the pool is super fun and Olive & Oliver (located within the hotel) serves up great coffee and is 100% instagrammable!
• Sheraton Waikiki : Your standard chain hotel, taken up a few notches! The Sheraton’s located right on Waikiki Beach, has three restaurants, a spa, and a gorgeous infinity pool (plus another with a waterslide!!!). All in all, a great location and stay.
• Moana Surfrider : Being the oldest hotel in Waikiki (open since 1901!), Moana Surfrider definitely deserves a spot on this list. Perfect location and I’d definitely pay a bit more for an oceanview!

A Note on AirBnbs in Waikiki (and Oahu in General)

We used to LOVE staying in AirBnbs  — up until kinda recently honestly. For quite a few reasons, actually:

• The fees have become astronomical.  A cleaning fee. A host fee. A myriad of other fees. Once you add them all up, that inexpensive Airbnb stay isn’t so cheap anymore. I’ve seen stays double in price due to fees.
• Super confusing cancellation policies.  Just look at the policies — they’re all so wacky and extra confusing! In this day and age, we only book accommodation we can cancel super easily without penalties. I’ve even messaged Airbnb hosts to confirm cancellation polices (which seemed too good to be true) and they’ve said the ones on their page are not correct? Hmm… that sounds super tricky to me and not something I wanna deal with in case I do need to cancel.
• Managed by non-locals.  Most (not all) Oahu Airbnb properties are managed by people on the mainland — not Hawaii itself. This means you’re not supporting the Hawaiian economy, but those with additional properties who don’t even live in Hawaii.

With all this being said, I recommend staying in a hotel instead. This is what we’ve been doing for all our recent trips. By doing so, you’re actually supporting the local economy! Think of all the locals who work in hotels — from the management and front desk staff to the cleaning staff and kitchen staff. These people rely on jobs in Oahu itself.

If you do feel the need to book an AirBnb (I get it, sometimes it’s the better choice for you and your family), PLEASE find a property that is managed by a local on the island itself. Thank you. ?

Other Places to Stay in Oahu

West Side of Oahu (Leeward Coast) : Found on the western coast of Oahu, you’re going to find sunnier and drier weather than other parts of the island. If you’re looking to sunbathe and improve your tan, this is the place for you.

Recommended hotels: Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina (one of the best luxury resorts in all of Hawaii), Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club (poolside bar, anyone?!), and of course we can’t forget the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina (absolutely amazing for families with kids!). 

North Coast : Oahu’s chilled out surf town, with laid back vibes and pristine beaches. This scenic area is much quieter than bustling Waikiki, so consider a stay here if you’re looking to slow down a little. 

Recommended hotels: There’s not tons of options here, but the Turtle Bay Resort is great for couples looking for a truly relaxing getaway, and I’ve heard the Courtyard by Marriott North Shore is a great pick as well (come for the lagoon-style pool, stay for the modern amenities).

Oahu Packing List

When packing for your trip, you wanna make sure you’ve got all the right clothing and gear for everything you’ve planned for your Oahu itinerary. Think about the activities you’ll be doing, and prepare for those! 

Everyone will need their typical everyday clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, etc). A few pairs of shoes is a good idea — I recommend bringing a pair of flip flops, sandals, dressy shoes (for a nice dinner out), and sneakers/hiking boots if you’re planning on doing some hiking.

Women’s Packing List: You’ll obviously need all your favorite beach attire, including bathing suits (buy a few new ones!), beach cover-ups, loose cotton dresses, a cute sun hat, casual and dressy sandals, 

Psst: Women — If you’re planning on taking a surf lesson, be sure to pack a bathing suit that stays put and has good support. You don’t wanna fall out if you accidentally wipe out! :p

Men’s Packing List:  Be cool and casual during the day (my husband loves short sleeve button downs for a more polished look), but be sure to check the dress code for any restaurants you really wanna go to. Men might need pants and dress shoes to enter.

Other Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Oahu

• Polarized sunglasses (better for blocking out the harsh UV rays)
• Beach bag and/or backpack : make sure it’s large enough to fit a beach towel or two!
• Hat/s : The sun is strong here! I love taking a wide-brimmed sun hat for the beach and a fun trucker hat when hiking.
• If your Oahu itinerary includes a bunch of snorkeling around the island, you’ll probably save some cash by bringing your own mask and snorkel .
• A waterproof kindle or other e-reader for reading at the beach (I’d be worried a physical book may accidentally get wet!)
• Your hotel may give you towels, but we love traveling with a sand-free beach mat
• Reusable water bottle : better for the environment and a must for hiking!
• Reef Safe sunscreen (always use when in the water, as other sunscreen is harmful to marine life): We love ThinkSport (make sure the bottles are less than 3.4 ounces if you’re bringing them in your carryon)! Don’t forget about SLP lip balm as well!
• Aloe Vera Gel : always have some handy in case you get a sunburn; aloe will give the burn some much-needed relief
• Dramamine : This will help with motion sickness if you’re planning to do a snorkeling or boat tour (the waves can get rough!).
• Underwater camera : All my underwater photography tips and gear here . I’d check out an underwater phone case , too.
• Portable battery charger : Charge your phone on the go and never run out of a charge
• Noise-cancelling headphones : Great for both the plane and the beach! I’m obsessed with my AirPods and Noah loves his Bose Quiet Comforts .
• Tote bag : Plastic bags are banned in Oahu, so bring your own for shopping! I love this collapsible reusable tote bag (hardly takes up any room in your suitcase).

Other Important Things to Keep in Mind

• Never take shells or sand home: You may be surprised, but it’s actually against state law to take sand from any beach in Hawaii. Leave the sand at the beach for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t abide by the laws, you could see a hefty fine of upwards of $100,000. Yup — they’re serious over here. And while you’re at it, don’t bring home any shells or rocks either.
• Respect wildlife: Like in Maui, PLEASE keep wildlife WILD. NEVER attempt to chase/touch/pet/feed ANY wild animal. This can potentially do harm to these beloved creatures, and possibly cause unnecessary distress. And remember, always wear reef-safe sunscreen .

• Respect the local culture: It comes as no surprise that the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population lives on Oahu. The locals take great pride in their deep culture, values, and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. A real fusion of East and West cultures. Respect it. 
• Forgo the straw and plastic bag: Hawaii is leading the way in becoming more self-sustaining. Do your part and don’t make it any harder for them. This means use less throw-away plastics (better for sea life anyways), don’t waste water, and recycle the best you can. The islands will love you for it!

Oahu vs. Honolulu vs. Waikiki

Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, as mentioned before, Honolulu and Waikiki are located on Oahu. And Waikiki is actually part of Honolulu! To make things super simple (because I understand it can get confusing if you haven’t been to the island before):

• Honolulu is a city on Oahu
• Waikiki is a beachfront neighborhood within the city of Honolulu

Kinda like how San Francisco is a city in California and The Mission is a neighborhood in San Francisco! 🙂 Or for all you East Coasters out there, how like NYC is a city in New York and the Upper East Side is a neighborhood in NYC. 🙂

5 Day Oahu Itinerary

Day 1: pearl harbor and downtown honolulu.

Morning: Pay Your Respects at Pearl Harbor

You simply cannot visit Honolulu without paying your respects at Pearl Harbor. It’s easily Hawaii’s top tourist attraction, with millions of people visiting each year! Make sure to add Pearl Harbor to your Oahu itinerary — it’ll be somber yet beautiful for sure.

What’s the significance of Pearl Harbor you ask? I’m sure you heard of it, but don’t worry — we’re not all history majors (I probably should have paid better attention in US History class). 

Pearl Harbor was the scene of the devastating Japanese air attack on December 7, 1941, which catapulted the US into World War II. More than 2,400 Americans died on this day, while another 1,000 were wounded. I highly recommend you take the time to visit this historical Hawaiian naval base; granted, your visit will undoubtedly be a heavy one. Visit the landmarks and memorials, and be sure to soak in a bit of history.

Most people probably don’t realize this, but there’s actually four Historic Sites of Pearl Harbor open for visitors. It’s way more than just the memorial above the sunken ship of the USS Arizona.

• USS Arizona Memorial
• USS Bowfin submarine
• Battleship Missouri Memorial
• USS Oklahoma Memorial and Pacific Aviation Museum

However, if you don’t have 6 hours or so, you’ll wanna prioritize the USS Arizona Memorial (the most popular memorial at Pearl Harbor).

Look below the water’s surface and you’ll be able to see the rusty USS Arizona — yes, the actual ship from the 40s is still at the bottom of the harbor. You may even see droplets of oil leaking out of the ship — we saw swirls of oil and honestly couldn’t believe it. There’s also a room in the back dedicated to those who lost their lives on the USS Arizona, with names engraved.

Wanna make sure you don’t miss out on any important history? Sign up for a narrated audio tour of Pearl Harbor here ! Or, if you want to combine Pearl Harbor with a tour around the island, this Oahu and Pearl Harbor Sightseeing Tour may be just perfect for you.

A few important tips:

• Go early. The earlier the better. Pearl Harbor gets especially crowded on weekends and during prime tourist season. 
• Dress with respect. Remember, this is in fact a memorial. Leave the skimpy skirts and tops at home. Don’t even think about wearing a bikini here. You don’t have to dress formal per say, just be tasteful. You’re not going to the beach.
• Leave your things in the car/hotel. When visiting Pearl Harbor, you’ll need to go through security, and you cannot bring any bags with you.

Afternoon: Downtown Honolulu

Next up, spend some time in and around downtown Honolulu! This is where you’ll find all those skyscrapers and the lavish Iolani Palace. Downtown Honolulu is Oahu’s bustling political and business hub, but don’t fret → there’s actually lots to see! My top recommendations (all easily walkable):

• Arvo Cafe for Brunch/Lunch : Ohhh, we love this cute little plant-filled coffee shop! Don’t miss the loaded avocado toast, halloumi burger, a lavender latte, and some fresh squeezed OJ! Make sure to go here first thing after Pearl Harbor since they close at 2pm. 
• Walk Around Kakaako and Look for Street Art : There’s a whole bunch of murals in this hip little area, with many claiming Kakaako to be Honolulu’s trendiest district. The murals get refreshed during the Pow Wow Street Art Festival every February, so you never know what you’ll find! We loved wandering around finding all the colors and taking fun photos!

• Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha Statue : Opulent, grand, and spectacularly unique. Iolani Palace is the former home of the 19th century monarch, with a museum and optional tours. Learn all about the life of the King and Hawaiian history in general. A must-do on this Oahu itinerary for history lovers! Don’t miss the King Kamehameha Statue (featured in Hawaii 5-0!) right across the street.
• Aloha Tower and Marketplace : Head up to the 10th floor observation deck (for free!) for perfect views of Honolulu Harbor and the Ko’olau Mountain Range. The building actually used to be a lighthouse . You can have your first acai or shave ice here at HItalian (highly recommended).
• Washington Place : More history here (built in 1847), and home to Hawaii’s rulers, past and present. Starting with Queen Lili’uokalani, and now the official residence of the state’s governor. Free tours are offered, but even just a look outside at the colonial mansion is worth a few minutes!
• Foster Botanical Garden : Who doesn’t love a botanical garden? It’s small, but a great respite from the busy city! Relax and enjoy the sounds of nature, and check out the Cannonball Tree and rainbow eucalyptus (a must if you’re not visiting the Road to Hana on Maui )!

Other things to do in Downtown Honolulu: 

• The Friends of Falls of Clyde (Maritime Museum)
• The Cathedral of St. Andrew (Episcopal Church with stained glass windows)
• Point Panic (great ocean views)
• Kuan Yin Temple (Buddhist temple with beautiful gardens)
• Eternal Flame Memorial (dedication to the people of Hawaii that have served in the US Armed Forces)

Night: Waikiki Sunset Cruise

It’s your first day of this Oahu itinerary — don’t miss your first Hawaiian sunset! Psst: they’re absolutely remarkable. And seeing the sunset from the water with the gentle rocking of the boat is oh so relaxing!

Unless you’ve got a friend with a boat (ha!), you’ll need to book yourself on a tour. I highly recommend this Sunset Cocktail Boat Cruise (who doesn’t like hanging out on a 53-foot catamaran?!).

Savor freshly prepared “pupus” (appetizers) like avocado poke and taro rolls with lilikoi butter (yummm) and sip on tropical Hawaiian cocktails, all while admiring Hawaii’s beautiful coastline. Book sunset cruise here .

Grab dinner afterwards in Waikiki. Some of our favorite spots:

• Marukame Udon (always a long line but well worth the wait for these Japanese noodles)
• Roy’s (for a bomb ass special occasion dinner – get the lilikoi cheesecake, always)
• Dukes Waikiki (come for the fish tacos, stay for the hula pie, and sit in the sand)
• Chef Chai (for some top-notch Asian Fusion)
• Yard House (a high-end sports bar with lots of beers on tap)
• Paia Fish Market Waikiki (the BEST fish tacos on the island)

Day 2: Diamond Head Hike and Waikiki Beach

Morning: Diamond Head Crater Hike

Does climbing up an extinct Hawaiian volcanic crater sound like your kinda morning? You’re in luck, because we’re headed off to Diamond Head, the world’s most famous crater. Honestly, even if you’re more of a “lay-on-the-beach-sip-mai-tai’s” kinda girl (or guy!), get your butt up and do it anyways. :p

You’ll thank me once you reach the summit — all your huffing and puffing will be rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views of Waikiki Beach and all of Honolulu. The views are downright STUNNING (think emerald green mountains against sparkling aquamarine water), making for the perfect early morning adventure before hitting the beach. 

Although the hike is only about 1.6 miles round trip, you’ll find lots of windy, rocky, uneven and narrow trails. Oh, and expect some steep stairs as well. Makes sense – you’re climbing up 500 feet to the top of a crater! 

If you’d feel more confident with a guide, don’t fret! You can easily join a Diamond Head Crater Morning Adventure Hike . You’ll even learn about Hawaiian history, volcanic formation, and bird and plant species from your guide. The tour is super highly rated and you’ll be done before lunch time! Read reviews and book guided hike here .

Plan for about 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you want at the top and how skilled of a hiker you are. Definitely start early — you’ll avoid the lines and crowds on the stairs (it gets busy and the stairs are narrow).

Make sure to take lots of water (and a hat and sunscreen)– the sun is strong here! While it’s a super popular hike and honestly not all that difficult (even with all the stairs), it can be taxing in the heat. I didn’t hydrate nearly enough and honestly almost passed out!

→ Note the entrance fee is $5 per car or $1 per individual walk-in — all paid in cash.

Afternoon: Beach and Explore Waikiki

After that early morning hike, fuel up with some acai at da Cove Health Bar and Cafe. If you need something with a bit more substance (or just wanna try all the things), head to Rainbow Drive-In for a Hawaiian plate lunch!

Finally — beach time! Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in all of Hawaii, and for good reason! 2 miles of soft, white sand, alongside the highrises and backed by palms, make up one of the busiest and most cosmopolitan areas on Oahu. There’s parasailing, boogie boarding, surfing, canoeing, and lots of people watching over here! Or find some sand and just relax with a good book.

Once you’ve had enough of the beach, go for some mai tais at The Royal Hawaiian (our favorite spot!), grab some banana ice cream in a papaya boat at Banan , get a shave ice or two at Waiola Shave Ice , and pose for a pic with the Duke Kahanamoku statue (he’s only “the father of modern surfing”, so, no big deal). :p

But whatever you do, don’t miss indulging in a few malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery . From passionfruit to custard, I always suggest you order a plain glazed, the macadamia nut (my personal fave), a chocolate filled, and one flavor of the day. We’ve been to Oahu more times than I can count, and still dream about the Portuguese donuts once we’re back home in San Francisco . We’ve even toyed with the idea of shipping a box to our house!

Night: Tantalus Lookout for Sunset 

Head up to Tantalus Lookout at Puu Ualakaa State Park for sunset! It’s quite the panoramic show and only about 15 minutes from Waikiki. You can even see striking views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline. Come a bit early (the parking lot isn’t huge), set up a blanket on the grassy lawn, and watch the sky change colors. 

Note that you’ll need to drive up a windy mountain road to get here, so be especially careful on your way back down in the dark. Take it slow!

Day 3: Hanauma Bay Snorkeling + East Oahu

Morning: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Snorkeling

First up on day 3 of this Oahu itinerary – snorkeling in the clear, cool waters of Hanauma Bay! Throw on your plastic fins and snorkel, and get ready to see the underwater world teeming with sea life!

Imagine snorkeling in an aquarium – that’s what it feels like over at Hanauma Bay! This pristine and protected marine ecosystem (former volcanic crater) is full of beautiful coral reefs, loads of tropical fish (like the ridiculously colorful parrotfish!), and other sea life. You may even spot a harmless reef shark and/or a green sea turtle if you’re lucky! And it’s great for both beginning and avid snorkelers. 

Before snorkeling in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, you’ll need to watch a short video in the marine education system. You’ll learn about the marine life, preservation of the park, and rules and safety while snorkeling.

Just remember — you are NOT allowed to touch or walk on any coral (it’s actually a law here in Hawaii!) and NEVER mistreat the marine animals (no chasing/petting/feeding/etc). Also – be sure to have reef safe sunscreen , as other sunscreens are not allowed in the bay.

Some logistics to help plan your visit:

• Hanauma Bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday to help repair the ecosystem and conserve the reef. This is great because it means the fish and bay have 2 days of undisturbed rest!
• Open 8am to 4pm, with no entry after 2pm (night snorkeling was discontinued years ago). Get here early to ensure a parking spot.
• No walk-ins allowed; you must arrive by vehicle
• Entrance fee is $12 per person (with locals and kids free), plus a $3 parking fee
• There is NO rental equipment at the bay, so be sure to bring your own snorkel gear. We like renting from Snorkel Bob’s in Honolulu.

Afternoon: East Oahu

You’ve got quite a few options after snorkeling, all on the east side of Oahu within easy driving distance of Hanauma Bay.

A few ideas:

• If you’re feeling famished and need a quick pick-me-up, head on over to Teddy’s Bigger Burgers (a colorful spot for some creative burgers), Fatboy’s Hawaii Kai (for some poke bowls and plate lunches) and/or Island Brew Coffeehouse (for some high quality Hawaiian coffee and light bites with a view)!
• China Walls and Spitting Cave : Such beautiful views of the Pacific here, with lots of ledges and cliffs making for interesting photography. You may even catch some cliff-jumpers here! Be extra careful during high tide. Worth a quick stop. A great spot for sunset if you’re not interested in a luau.
• Lanai Lookout : Another popular lookout point with panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs, and even neighboring islands! A great place to sit and just watch the waves. Add this to your Oahu itinerary for great views with little effort (my kinda experience :p).

• Koko Crater Railway Trailhead: Put on your hiking boots, it’s hiking time! This steep hike is actually an abandoned railroad track on Koko Crater, with over 1,000 uneven steps (straight up the hill — a great leg workout). There’s little shade, so make sure you slather on the sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring plenty of water. Although I’ve never done this hike myself, I’ve heard that the views from the top are more than worth it! Plan 2-3 hours or so for the hike up and back down.
• Halona Blowhole Lookout and Beach Cove : Wanna watch water shoot 30 feet into the air from a lava tube? Head over to the Halona Blowhole Lookout. It’s absolutely insane. And once you’re done at the blowhole, walk down a short trail to Halona Beach Cove. Don’t miss the secret cave, swimming in the scenic cove, and watching the little crabs on the rocks. 

• Makapu’u Beach and Makapu’u Tide Pools: Another long stretch of white sand, perfect for surfers in the winter (with a strong rip curl) and calm waters for wading around in the summer. Head north a bit to check out the tide pools formed from black lava at the Makapu’u Tide Pools.
• Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Lookout: A pretty easy trail to the historic red-roofed lighthouse (built in 1909), being only 2 miles roundtrip. On a clear day, you may even see Moloka’i and Lana’i! And if you’re visiting in winter (November – April), be on the lookout for migrating humpback whales from the trail!

Night: Luau and Dinner

You can’t come all the way to Hawaii and not include a luau on your Oahu itinerary! Luau’s are grand celebrations of food, music, and culture, so what better way to end the night. There’s a whole slew of options to choose from, but no matter which you pick, you’ll be dining on a kalua pig cooked in an imu (oven in the earth), haupia (coconut pudding), and poi (Hawaiian taro). And of course throwing back a few too many cocktails. 😉

Some luaus to choose from: 

• Paradise Cove Luau
• Ka Moana Luau (only luau on the East Side of Oahu)
• Germaine’s Luau
• Diamond Head Luau (farm to table!)
• Polynesian Cultural Center (a favorite of many!)

Day 4: Pillbox Hike and Lanikai Beach

Morning: Pillbox Hike and Lanikai Beach

Pillbox Hike: Wake up early again, we’re going hiking! While not one of the longest trails, the Pillbox hike may be one of the prettiest and historic on this Oahu itinerary. During your trek you’ll stumble upon two colorful and graffiti-covered military bunkers, and witness a stunning panoramic view of Lanikai Beach. And when I say stunning, I mean stunning .

We honestly couldn’t believe just how spectacular the views were — tons of swaying palm trees, crystal clear turquoise water, of course the two mokes (those pointed rocks you see in the photos) jutting out of the water. Once you reach the pillbox, you’ll be rewarded with 360° degree views of all of Lanikai Beach and West Oahu.

Be prepared for some climbing, and I hope your sense of direction is good – we attempted this hike and for some reason couldn’t even figure out which trail we should be on! Although it apparently only takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the first pillbox, prepare for a steep and slippery incline. There’s even ropes at various spots to help with the climbing.

Lanikai Beach: Once you’re done with your sweaty morning hike, off to the beach it is! If you looked up the definition of a white-sand beach, the first thing that would pop up is a photo of Lanikai! Bleached sand, translucent waters, picturesque palm trees – it’s one of those places perfectly crafted for postcards. And you get to visit!

Change into your swimsuit and spend the afternoon dozing on the coast, or taming your adventurous side with kayaking and scuba diving. Just remember there’s very little shade, so don’t forget your sunscreen!

Late Afternoon:  Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden and Byodo-In Temple

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden: How does 400 acres of tropical plants sound? Honestly – it’s one of the best places in Oahu to see tons of flora and fauna. It’s huge, gorgeous, and not too crowded! And it’s FREE! Don’t miss the lake, the lush lookout points, and unique plant species everywhere (there’s even guava and cacao)! You may even feel like you’re on the Na Pali coastline in Kauai for a hot second! Kinda makes you feel like you’re walking through Jurassic Park.

The Byodo-In Temple: Missing Japan ? Head to this replica of an elaborate and historic Japanese Buddhist temple. There’s manicured gardens, tranquil meditation sites, and even a lovely koi pond. Look out for the black swans and peacocks! And it’s only $5 per person for entry.

Night: Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens for Dinner

You gotta include at least one special dinner on your Oahu itinerary. And not only does the restaurant overlook the beautiful Haiku Gardens and pond, but the food is phenomenal, too!

My recommendation: Go on the earlier side, put your name down, and walk around the gardens while you wait for your table. You’ll feel like you’re eating dinner in Jurassic Park!

Definitely get the prime rib if it isn’t sold out (it’s popular for a reason!).

Psst — there’s actually another location of Haleiwa Joe’s in the actual town of Haleiwa, but I recommend the Kaneohe location at Haiku Gardens instead (the scenery is much more lush and memorable).

Day 5: North Shore + Dole Plantation

We’re getting out of Honolulu again — plan to spend the entire day on the North Shore ! There’s honestly so much to do! Do note the North Shore is about 45 minutes from Honolulu, so you’ll wanna get an early start if you wanna see and do lots on this list!

The things to do/see/eat on the North Shore are kinda broken up into two main areas: Haleiwa and the Pupukea area. They’re only about 15 minutes apart, so don’t feel bad if you’re zigzagging a bit.

Read Next: All My Favorites on Oahu’s North Shore (plus everything you need to know)

Here’s my top recommendations:

Dole Plantation Extra Add-On : On your way to Haleiwa from Honolulu, you’ll pass by the Dole Plantation. Make a short stop here to look around the gardens, walk through the maze, and of course have an early-morning pineapple dole whip — beware, it’s pretty sweet! There’s also tons of pineapple treats for purchase (for now or to save for later!). Plan to get here when they open (10am, closed on Wednesdays) so you have the rest of the day to explore the North Shore.

Breakfast : If you’re skipping the Dole Plantation, have some breakfast at either Kono’s Northshore Haleiwa or The Sunrise Shack. Both great options! Make a quick stop at the North Shore Marketplace if you wanna do a bit of shopping!

Relax at Laniakea Beach: Beach time! And get ready — because we’re off to see the sea turtles! If snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can thankfully still see some of these gentle giants on shore just basking in the sun here at Laniakea Beach on Oahu’s North Shore. 

The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have been frequenting these sands for decades, so do your part and respect them and their land. It’s illegal to chase, injure, hunt, touch, hold, or harass them in any way. Admire them from afar (use your zoom lens to take photos).

Back to Haleiwa for lunch and a snack : Honestly, even if you’re not terribly hungry, you gotta check out at least 1-2 of these spots. One of my favorite things on the north shore is all the amazing food options, so make some room and indulge a bit!

• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: I betcha know what you’re coming here for, haha. This parking lot establishment is known to be crazy, chaotic, and downright busy, and this seems to deter a few people. BUT the lines will still be long and some even wait for up to an hour and a half. And yes — the shrimp is that good, although we’ve heard it’s not as good as it used to be back in the day.
• Haleiwa Beach House : Another casual seafood restaurant, but expect some more elevated dishes like surf ‘n’ turf, pupu platters, and colorful cocktails! And plus, it’s located right on the waterfront, making for great lunch views.

• Matsumoto Shave Ice : This place is kinda an institution around here on the North Shore. Yes, it’s a very popular spot and may in fact be wildly crowded, but the shave ice is worth it. I promise x 1000. Always get some ice cream and a snow cap (my favorite).
• Haleiwa Bowls : Grab an acai bowl from this little thatched kiosk. There’s juices, smoothies, and even cold-brew coffee if you need a little kick of caffeine.

Tidepooling and snorkeling at Shark’s Cove: This rocky coastal area is great for exploring, whether you’re tidepooling and/or snorkeling. I recommend bringing some water shoes as the rocks getting in and out of the water can be quite slippery and sharp!

Watch the sunset at Sunset Beach: It’s one of the best beaches on the island for sunset! It’s popular but there’s lots of space for everyone. And if you really wanna take your sunset to the next level, grab some pie at Ted’s Bakery (we love the chocolate haupia pie the most!).

Psst: If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you may wanna consider going skydiving at the Pacific Skydiving Center (we did this for my 30th birthday!) or even shark cage diving (which we did on my 34th birthday!) today. Both start early near Oahu’s North Shore, so you’ll still have some time for other nearby activities.

I hope this helped you plan out your 5 day Oahu itinerary! Get ready to sip some mai tais and sit in the sun! Bring me back a malasada — pretty please! 🙂

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How to Plan a Trip to Honolulu Hawaii Guide (2024)

By: Author Betsy Wuebker

Plan a Hawaiian Vacation That Is Unforgettable

Aloha! Planning a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii is an exciting endeavor that promises unforgettable experiences and memories.

This blog post provides expert advice and comprehensive information to help you plan a trip to Honolulu Hawaii that is unforgettable, whether you’re planning your first trip or traveling to Hawaii as a returning visitor!

Hawaii Vacation Planning Considerations:  From understanding the best time to visit, which island to visit and island hopping options in the state of Hawaii, booking early for a smooth experience, choosing accommodation wisely, packing essentials, travel insurance considerations, budget-friendly tips and sustainable tourism practices in Hawaii – we have got you covered.

Top Tips for Planning a Hawaii Trip

To provide you with the necessary information and advice for a successful Hawaiian vacation, this blog post has all the tips and tricks that will ensure an effortless trip to Hawaii , complete with insider tips and recommendations tailored for various interests and budgets. Whether you’re traveling solo, as part of a couple or group, or planning a family trip to Hawaii – rest assured your dream vacation awaits! Read on to plan a trip to Honolulu Hawaii!

Table of Contents

This article contains affiliate links and/or references to our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on or make a purchase using these links.

Trip Planner: Best Time to Visit Honolulu, Hawaii

The first step in planning a trip to Hawaii is deciding when you will visit. While there is never a bad time to visit, in my opinion, it’s still a good idea to plan your stay in Hawaii to take advantage of as many positive factors as you can.

If you’re heading to Hawaii and need help planning, consult a travel professional to put together a Honolulu package that incorporates your wants and needs.

The best time to visit Hawaii is from mid-April to early June and from September to mid-December when the tourism crowds are thin and the weather is perfect – sunny and warm without being too hot. For a more economical experience and fewer crowds, plan a trip to Hawaii between April-September when the off-season is in effect.

High Season vs. Low Season Travel Considerations

High season in Oahu runs from mid-December through March or April, while low season falls between late spring through early fall.

• High Season:  Expect higher prices and more crowds during winter vacations and humpback whale watching opportunities.
• Low Season:  Enjoy discounted rates at hotels or vacation rentals and less foot traffic on the beaches.

Plan a Hawaii Vacation Around Weather Patterns Throughout the Year

• Rainy Season:  November through March experiences more rainfall, but showers tend to be brief.
• Dry Season:  April through October brings drier conditions, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
• Hurricane Season:  Although rare, hurricane season officially runs from June until November, with September being the peak month for tropical cyclones.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts during hurricane season and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations due to natural disasters.

“Plan your dream trip to Honolulu, Hawaii. Save money and avoid crowds by traveling during the off-season. Don’t forget to check weather forecasts and consider travel insurance for hurricane season. #Honolulu #Hawaii #TravelTips” Click to Tweet

Choose Your Hawaiian Island Itinerary from Island Hopping Options Out of Honolulu

The second consideration you’ll want to make as you plan your vacation is which places to visit. Honolulu serves as a gateway to the rest of Hawaii’s islands, offering plenty of opportunities to island-hop with direct flights from Honolulu International Airport, so maybe one island just won’t be enough. The most popular Hawaii vacation destinations from here include Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. 

If it’s your first trip, give yourself at least three nights per island as each offers unique experiences worth exploring. Whether you’re planning a trip to one or all, you’ll want to make reservations and vacation plans far in advance to coordinate with your stay in Honolulu.

Oahu’s Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors

Oahu , also known as “The Gathering Place,” is home to the bustling city of Honolulu, where you’ll find iconic attractions such as  Pearl Harbor  and the world-famous Waikiki Beach. It is the most frequently visited of all the islands in Hawaii.

Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful North Shore Oahu, which features legendary surf breaks, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes.

Be sure to take a day trip around the island to explore hidden gems like  Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve  or Lanikai Beach.

The island of Oahu is recommended for snorkeling enthusiasts with popular spots like Waikiki Beach.

A vacation on Oahu often starts with a Honolulu vacation package, particularly if it’s your first trip to Hawaii.

Exploring Maui’s Natural Beauty

The second-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands,  Maui , is often referred to as “The Valley Isle.”

This tropical paradise offers a getaway with an abundance of natural beauty, from lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls in East Maui along the famous Road to Hana ( Hana Highway) .

Maui boasts pristine beaches and whale watching opportunities. Whale watching tours are available during humpback whales’ migration season (December-April), making it one of Hawaii’s most popular activities.

Don’t forget about visiting  Haleakala National Park  – home to the world’s largest dormant volcano and stunning sunrise views.

Check out our comprehensive trip guide to Maui.

Discovering Kauai’s Picturesque Landscapes

Kauai , known as “The Garden Isle,” is our favorite island to visit in Hawaii. Kauai is perfect for nature lovers seeking a more laid-back Hawaiian experience. Kauai offers stunning vistas and a more rural atmosphere befitting its laid-back vibe.

Explore the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” or hike along one of its many scenic trails, such as those found in Koke’e State Park.

Don’t miss out on experiencing Kauai’s majestic Na Pali Coast by boat, helicopter, or hiking – it truly is a sight you won’t want to miss. 

Check out our comprehensive trip guide to Kauai .

Key Takeaway: 

When you plan a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, it’s important to choose the right island itinerary. Oahu is great for snorkeling and has popular spots like Waikiki Beach, Maui offers whale watching opportunities and stunning beaches while Kauai is perfect for nature lovers with its laid-back vibe and picturesque landscapes such as the breathtaking Waimea Canyon. Don’t miss out on exploring hidden gems around each island or experiencing activities unique to each location.

Tips for Planning a Trip by Booking Your Hawaiian Vacation Early

Booking your Hawaiian vacation in advance can save you money and ensure availability at hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and activities. Book your flights, accommodation, and activities early to avoid last-minute stress. By planning ahead, you can also take advantage of early bird discounts and mitigate higher costs.

Benefits of early booking

• Better deals:  Plan ahead to take advantage of discounts on accommodations and activities.
• Avoid disappointment:  Popular attractions like Pearl Harbor or whale watching tours sell out quickly, so reserve tickets early.
• Favorable flight times:  Book flights with Hawaiian Airlines months before departure for more flexibility in choosing convenient schedules and better seat selections.

Strategies for finding discounts

• Hunt for promo codes:  Find promotional codes on various websites or hotel chains’ official sites to save on accommodation costs.
• Rental car savings:  Use services like Discount Hawaii Car Rental for competitive prices without hidden fees, and book well in advance since vehicles sell out fast during peak seasons. Discount Hawaii Car Rental
• Sign up for newsletters:  Subscribe to travel websites and airlines’ mailing lists to receive notifications about exclusive deals, discounts, and sales.

Planning ahead for your  Hawaii trip  will ensure a smoother experience with more opportunities to enjoy the beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cultural experiences that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. Don’t wait until the last minute to visit Hawaii.

Use our interactive map to find and book Honolulu vacation deals:

“Maximize your Hawaiian adventure by booking early. Save money, secure availability and enjoy the best deals on accommodations, activities & more. #HawaiiVacationTips #TravelSmart” Click to Tweet

Renting a Car in Hawaii

Explore Hawaii’s beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and attractions at your own pace by renting a car the best way to see Hawaii, in our opinion. Understand that recently car rentals in Hawaii have become very expensive, but this need not affect your travel plans. Check out Craigslist for opportunities to rent from locals.

• Flexibility:  Create your own itinerary and adjust it as needed.
• Ease of Access:  Private vehicles are the best way to access popular attractions like the North Shore Oahu’s famous surf spots or Maui’s scenic Hana Highway.
• Affordability:  A Hawaii rental car can be more cost-effective than booking guided tours for every activity on your Hawaiian vacation. Check out  Craigslist for affordable options.

Insurance Considerations

Save money by checking if your credit card offers primary Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage when used to pay for the rental.

Before declining any offered insurance at the counter, verify with your credit card company that you have the necessary coverage.

Book a vacation car rental early, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and potentially better rates.

Consider booking an inter-island flight ahead of your arrival for seamless island hopping experiences.

“Explore Honolulu, Hawaii at your own pace with a rented car. Enjoy flexibility, ease of access and affordability while discovering the island’s beauty. #Honolulu #Hawaii #TravelTips ?” Click to Tweet

Trip Planning: Choose Your Accommodations Wisely

When planning your Hawaiian vacation, pick accommodations that fit your budget and preferences on type and location. Honolulu offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to budget hostels. 

Types of Accommodations Available

Hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs are all great options depending on your needs.

• Hotels:  Ideal for convenience and onsite amenities.
• Vacation Rentals:  Perfect for families or groups seeking more space and privacy.
• B&Bs:  A great option for personalized service and unique charm.

Benefits of Staying in Local Neighborhoods

Staying in local neighborhoods provides a more authentic Hawaiian experience while supporting small businesses.

• Interact with locals who can share their favorite spots.
• Enjoy authentic cuisine made by native Hawaiians.
• Save money compared to staying in popular tourist areas.

Consider all accommodation options and prioritize staying in local neighborhoods for a truly authentic experience.

Plan your dream trip to Honolulu, Hawaii wisely by choosing accommodations that fit your budget and preferences. Stay in local neighborhoods for an authentic experience. #TravelTips #Honolulu #Hawaii Click to Tweet

What to Pack for Hawaii: Essentials for Your Hawaiian Trip

Don’t forget to pack these must-have items for your visit to Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaii is a tropical destination, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. Consider also bringing a swimsuit, a light jacket (especially for evening strolls), and other personal items like medications and electronic devices.

See great details in our comprehensive post on  Packing for Hawaii Travel Tips.

Comfortable Footwear

Bring sturdy sandals or flip-flops for beach days and casual outings, and supportive sneakers or hiking boots for exploring the beautiful Hawaiian islands.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect Hawaii’s marine life by using biodegradable sunscreens labeled “reef safe” when swimming in its waters.

Check out this  guide  for selecting the right sunscreen for your trip.

Other Essentials

• A lightweight summer wardrobe, including swimwear.
• A nice dress or outfit for special occasions.
• An umbrella or rain jacket for occasional showers.
• A travel adapter suitable for US outlets to charge your devices.

International visitors should double-check their device compatibility before departure.

By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything Honolulu has to offer, from hiking trails to beautiful beaches, while also contributing positively towards preserving its natural beauty and marine life. Happy travels.

“Get ready to explore Honolulu, Hawaii with these must-have packing essentials. From comfortable footwear to reef-safe sunscreen, we’ve got you covered. ?? #travel #Hawaii #Honolulu” Click to Tweet

Travel Insurance: Your Safety Net for a Worry-Free Hawaiian Vacation

It’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance when planning a trip to Honolulu. Don’t let unexpected events ruin your Hawaiian vacation – get travel insurance to protect yourself from financial burdens caused by illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. It can provide financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, baggage loss, medical emergencies, or natural disasters.

Key Coverage Options to Consider

• Medical Coverage:  Covers medical expenses due to accidents or illnesses during your trip.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption:  Reimburses non-refundable prepaid expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to covered reasons.
• Baggage Loss/Delay:  Provides compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items, as well as additional expenses due to delayed baggage arrival.
• Rental Car Protection:  Offers coverage for damage caused by collision or theft when renting a vehicle in Hawaii.

Tips for Choosing the Right Policy

• Evaluate Existing Coverages: Check existing policies and credit card benefits to avoid overlapping coverages.
• Compare Multiple Providers: Shop around and compare policies from different insurance companies to find the best rates and coverage options.
• Read Policy Details Carefully: Understand what is covered, any exclusions, limitations, and deductibles before purchasing a plan.

Before you visit Hawaii, visit  Travel Insurance Master to find the best travel insurance plan for your needs. With the right coverage, you can enjoy your Hawaiian vacation with peace of mind and worry-free adventures.

“Protect your Hawaiian adventure with travel insurance. Choose the right coverage options and enjoy a worry-free vacation in Honolulu. #TravelTips #HawaiiVacation ??” Click to Tweet

Budget-Friendly Tips for Your Hawaiian Vacation

To save money on your Honolulu vacation, consider traveling during the shoulder or off-season months, eating at local food trucks, shopping at farmers’ markets, and booking activities like hiking and snorkeling tours, which offer better value than other touristy activities.

Off-Season Advantages

Visit Hawaii from April to June or September to November to save on airfare, accommodations, and activities.

Splitting Stays Between Different Locations

Consider splitting your stay between multiple accommodations, too.

• Main Hawaiian Islands:  Visit multiple islands like Oahu for the North Shore beaches or Maui for humpback whale sightings.
• Vacation Rentals:  Save money by staying at affordable vacation rentals with kitchens instead of expensive hotels.
• Local Neighborhoods:  Stay in quieter local areas for a more authentic experience and to save on lodging costs.

“Maximize your Hawaiian adventure while saving money with these budget-friendly tips. Travel off-season, split stays, and visit other islands. ?? #HawaiiVacation #BudgetTravelTips” Click to Tweet

Sustainable Tourism Practices in Honolulu

Honolulu has several sustainable tourism practices in place, including reducing plastic waste, promoting local conservation efforts, and encouraging eco-tourism activities like hiking, snorkeling, and visiting wildlife sanctuaries. As a responsible traveler, you can also reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation or renting a bike instead of renting a car.

FAQs in Relation to Plan a Trip to Honolulu Hawaii

I’m traveling to honolulu; what do i need to know in a nutshell.

Plan your trip to Honolulu by considering the best time to visit, booking accommodations and transportation early, packing essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, and familiarizing yourself with local customs. Explore nearby attractions on Oahu island and practice sustainable tourism.

How Do I Plan My Trip If It’s My First Time in Hawaii? 

Research Hawaiian islands’ unique offerings, decide on an itinerary based on interests and budget constraints, book flights and accommodations well in advance, reserve rental cars or tours if needed, learn about local culture, pack appropriately, and obtain travel insurance.

What Are the Steps I Take to Arrange My Honolulu Trip?

Choose which islands you’d like to visit, determine flight options that suit your schedule, secure lodging reservations (consider self-catering), pre-book any necessary transportation or activities such as guided tours or excursions.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Honolulu?

A minimum of three days is recommended for exploring Honolulu’s highlights including Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor Memorial sites, and Diamond Head Crater hike. However, spending 5-7 days allows more leisurely exploration of other attractions around Oahu Island. Check out more things to do on Oahu Island.

Are 2 days enough for Honolulu?

You’ll likely have to prioritize your plans. Which attractions are most important to you?

Could you eliminate directly visiting Diamond Head, for example, and just enjoy the view from Waikiki Beach? Or perhaps you’d prefer not to visit Pearl Harbor this trip. Only you can decide what is most important.

Can I save money on my Honolulu car rental if I combine it with hotels and flights?

Yes! It’s entirely possible to find and book vacation packages that include flight, hotel and car rental. This is a preferred way to book a vacation to Honolulu and the other islands for many visitors.

Is it worth going to Hawaii for 3 days?

Travel time should be a factor to consider if you have limited vacation time available. Generally speaking, you’ll burn through an entire day getting to Hawaii from the mainland United States. We’ve taken red-eye flights back to the mainland, but you’ll be pretty tired when you arrive back home!

How long should your trip to Hawaii be?

We suggest at least one week. If you plan your departure and arrival times to coincide with extra weekend days, you can stay one full week, which is often the amount of time resorts will require at booking. If you’re planning on visiting additional islands with short stays, plan for at least 3 days in each new location.

How much is food in Hawaii for a week?

This is one of those questions that is hard to answer, because it depends upon your individual preferences. Some people prefer fine dining, others are content with food trucks and casual diners. What you will definitely notice is that food prices are higher in restaurants and stores than on the mainland, as everything has to be brought in.

Looking for more Hawaii trip planning tips?

Ready to plan your trip to Honolulu, Hawaii? Consider the best time to visit, explore other islands beyond Oahu, book early for a smooth vacation experience, choose your accommodation wisely, pack essentials for your Hawaiian adventure, evaluate travel insurance options, incorporate budget-friendly tips and sustainable tourism practices into your itinerary – and make the most of your time in paradise.

Boomers and other age groups with time and money to travel can all enjoy Hawaii’s natural beauty,  traditions, and nightlife – there’s something for everyone on these tropical shores!

Plan a trip to Honolulu Hawaii for sun-soaked beaches, dramatic landscapes, fascinating cultural attractions, delicious cuisine, and ample adventure activities. By planning your trip in advance, you can maximize your time, budget, and experiences, ensuring a vacation that is as unforgettable as it is effortless. 

Check out the following resources we’ve compiled from our years living in and traveling to Hawaii:

Maui First Timers Guide to Hawaii’s Valley Isle

Where to Stay in Maui: Best Areas, Hotels and Places 2023

Discover the Maui Whale Watching Season: Tours & Tips

Kauai Hawaii: Best Things to Do (Kauai Guide 2023)

Things About Kauai the Guidebooks Won’t Tell You

Hawaii Packing List: Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation Like a Pro

Can You Afford to Live in Hawaii?

Moving to Hawaii: Things to Know Before You Move

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10 Days of Unforgettable Fun: Your Ultimate Itinerary for Oahu

Aloha, travel newbies and seasoned globe-trotters alike! There’s a world of difference between exploring aimlessly and adventuring with a well-mapped plan. Especially when you’re setting your footprints on Oahu’s golden sands for the very first time, a meticulously planned itinerary can transform your trip from a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey to an epic treasure hunt! This article will roll out a comprehensive 10-day itinerary, each day brimming with the island’s finest experiences. We’ve got your back, right from the moment you step off the plane until when you’re waving goodbye with a lei around your neck and a suitcase full of memories. So, buckle up, for Oahu is ready to sweep you off your feet!

Day 1: Arrival and Waikiki Beach

Arriving in Oahu and getting settled

Upon your arrival in Oahu, the tropical air will greet you like an old friend and you’ll instantly be engulfed in the island’s warm charm. After acclimating to your new surroundings, it’s time to shake off that jet lag and get settled into your amazing Oahu accommodation.

Exploring the iconic Waikiki Beach

Once you’re nestled in, don your sunnies and your sunscreen, because we’re hitting the famous Waikiki Beach ! Dive into the crystal-clear waters or just lounge on the sun-kissed sand, all while taking in the majestic views of Diamond Head Crater in the backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, catch a wave on a surfboard, or paddle out on a canoe – Waikiki Beach is the perfect playground for both!

Dining options and relaxation on Day 1

As the day winds down, it’s time to tantalize your tastebuds with Hawaii’s culinary delights. Treat yourself to sumptuous local specialties at Duke’s Waikiki or indulge in fine dining with an ocean view at the House Without a Key . Round off Day 1 with a tranquil stroll along the beach, soaking in the dreamy sunset hues painting the sky. Welcome to paradise, indeed!

Day 2: Pearl Harbor and History

Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center

Start your day by paying your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial , a poignant tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during the tragic events of December 7, 1941. Feel the weight of history around you as you traverse the serene waters of Pearl Harbor to the sunken remains of the USS Arizona. Back on land, take time to explore the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center , where artifacts, personal accounts, and multimedia exhibits paint a vivid picture of the infamous attack that changed the course of World War II.

Exploring the Pacific Aviation Museum

Next, head to Ford Island and the Pacific Aviation Museum . Step inside authentic World War II-era hangars and marvel at the impressive collection of vintage aircraft. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and personal stories of heroes in the skies will have you soaring on the wings of adventure.

Learning about Oahu's History

Before calling it a day, immerse yourself in Oahu’s rich history. Visit Iolani Palace , the only royal palace on US soil, or stroll down Museum Walk in Honolulu’s historic district. Meet Hawaii’s monarchs, explore ancient Hawaiian artifacts, and learn about the island’s transformation from a Polynesian kingdom to a modern state. As the sun sets, you’ll return to your hotel room with a deeper understanding of this fascinating island.

Day 3: North Shore Adventure

Scenic Drive to the North Shore

Get ready to catch the wave of adventure on the North Shore . Taste the salty sea breeze on your lips as we cruise along the stunning coastline, making our way to the surfer’s paradise. Kickstart your day with an enchanting drive, where emerald hills kiss azure skies and the ocean’s majesty sprawls before your eyes. It’s a panorama that will have you pinching yourself!

Stops at Haleiwa, Waimea Bay, and Banzai Pipeline

First stop, Haleiwa ! This surfer’s haven will capture your heart with its laid-back vibe, historic buildings, and killer waves. Then, we’ll hit Waimea Bay , renowned for its epic winter swells and summer calm perfect for snorkeling. Don’t forget the Banzai Pipeline , where the world’s bravest surfers ride liquid mountains.

See More: North Shore Sights & Tours

Enjoying Fresh Shrimp at Famous Food Trucks

Finally, round off your day at one of the famous food trucks, sinking your teeth into mouthwateringly fresh shrimp, marinated to perfection, and grilled just so. If you ever find yourself on the sun-kissed shores of Oahu, do yourself a favor and try out either the Big Wave Shrimp Truck or Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck . Each offers a mouthwatering experience that will tantalize your taste buds with the essence of the sea. At Big Wave, the garlic shrimp is all the rave, and over at Giovanni’s, their Scampi is simply legendary. So, why not take a mouthwatering adventure and try them out? It’s an island-style feast you won’t forget!

Day 4: Hiking and Nature

 Hike to Diamond Head Crater

Today is all about immersing yourself in the island’s jaw-dropping landscapes, working up a sweat, and getting up close and personal with Oahu’s vibrant ecosystem. Start your day with a sunrise hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater , one of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks. As you ascend the trail, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Honolulu and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. And, when you reach the summit, you’ll feel on top of the world!

Explore the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

After your morning hike, it’s time to discover the underwater wonders of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve . Grab your snorkeling gear and dive into a world of colorful coral, playful fish, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two. Remember, Hanauma Bay is a marine life conservation area, so please respect all wildlife and leave no trace.

Relax at Your Hotel

After an exhilarating day of hiking at water sports, unwind at your Oahu hotel, basking in the satisfaction of the day’s achievements and the island’s tropical climate. Don your most comfortable attire, sip a refreshing Hawaiian cocktail poolside, and let the island’s aloha spirit soothe any remaining fatigue. But don’t get too comfortable! The next adventure awaits the following day!

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

Visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center

Welcome to Day 5, a day all about diving headfirst into the rich tapestry of Polynesian cultures! Begin your day at the Polynesian Cultural Center , a living museum where the traditions of Polynesia come alive. Here, you’ll travel through time and across the Pacific, visiting re-created traditional villages from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and more. Each village offers a unique glimpse into the lives and traditions of its people, brought to life by the center’s passionate and knowledgeable guides.

Participating in traditional activities and shows

Immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of hula dancing, fire knife dancing, and ancient storytelling. Participate in age-old arts and crafts, try your hand at traditional cooking methods, and don’t forget to attend the mesmerizing evening show, ‘Ha: Breath of Life.’ It’s a heart-beating, drum-beating spectacle that you wouldn’t want to miss!

 Learning about the diverse Polynesian cultures

As you journey through the Cultural Center, embrace the opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures of Polynesia. From the intricate tattoos of the Maori to the navigational prowess of the Polynesian voyagers, there’s a story waiting around every corner. Don’t just see the cultures; understand them, appreciate them, and take home a piece of Polynesia in your heart. Talk about a day well spent!

Day 6: Island Exploration

Take a Scenic Drive to the Windward Coast

Today, we’re going off the beaten path! Start your day with a scenic drive to Oahu’s enchanting Windward Coast. This side of the island is a world away from the bustling city, where nature rules and time seems to slow down. Expect to be greeted by shimmering beaches, turquoise waters, and towering, velvety green cliffs. Keep an eye out for hidden waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides!

Stop at the Byodo-In Temple

Next, make a stop at the stunning Byodo-In Temple , a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Nestled at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains, the temple is a picture of tranquility with its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and the hypnotic sounds of a 3-ton peace bell.

Explore the Lush Landscapes of the Ko'olau Mountains

Finally, take a swing by the heart of the majestic Ko’olau Mountains for a pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming moment. Just standing there, soaking in the majestic scenery is a thrill in itself. Remember to pack your camera, as the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular!

Day 7: Adventure and Water Activities

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Get ready to make a splash on day seven as we dive into some exciting water-based activities! Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Hanauma Bay, a marine life conservation area brimming with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Don your snorkeling gear and glide through the warm, crystal-clear waters as you marvel at the underwater spectacle below.

Water sports like surfing or paddleboarding

It’s time to ride the waves! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a paddleboarding newbie, there’s an ocean adventure waiting for you. Take a surfing class , paddle along the coastline , or simply enjoy the thrill of the waves – remember, life is better when you’re boarding!

Sunset cruise for a memorable evening

As the day winds down, hop aboard a sunset cruise for an unforgettable evening. Sail along the Oahu coastline, cocktail in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It’s the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and aquatic fun.

Day 8: Outdoor Adventures

Explore Oahu's hiking trails and waterfalls

Unleash your inner adventurer as we dive into day eight of our itinerary! Oahu is not just about the beaches, it’s also a hiker’s paradise with trails that will lead you to mesmerizing waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views. Don your sturdy shoes, pack some snacks, and let’s embark on a journey that will take us through dense rainforests and across rugged terrains. Prepare to be amazed at the sight of cascading waterfalls, where the tropical rainwater dances down the cliffs into clear, emerald pools.

Choose from options like Manoa Falls or the Lanikai Pillboxes Hike

For adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike, topping the must-do list are enchanting hikes like the Manoa Falls and the Lanikai Pillboxes . Slip into your comfiest kicks and prepare to be blown away, folks! The Manoa Falls trail, a well-trodden path amidst a lush tropical rainforest, will lead you to a majestic 150-foot waterfall. And the Lanikai Pillboxes? Oh, it’s a spectacle in its own right! A relatively easy climb peppered with relics of history, and offering – wait for it – a panoramic view of the sparkling turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach.

While we’re out there, losing ourselves in the awe-inspiring gifts of Mother Nature, it’s crucial to remember our role as responsible travelers. Oahu’s natural beauty is a treasure to cherish, and we owe it to future generations to leave it unimpaired. That means sticking to the trails, leaving no trace behind, and showing our respect for the wildlife. Preserving nature is not just about protecting the environment, it’s about ensuring that future travelers can say ‘aloha’ to an Oahu just as beautiful as the one we’re lucky to experience today.

Day 9: Food and Local Flavors

Explore Oahu's diverse culinary scene

From bustling food trucks serving fresh shrimp scampi to fine dining establishments where you can indulge in sophisticated fusion cuisine, Oahu is a food lover’s playground. Take a stroll in the KCC Farmer’s Market for a farm-to-table experience, or head over to Chinatown for some mouth-watering dim sum.

Recommendations for trying local dishes

When in Oahu, don’t miss out on trying the island’s iconic dishes. Start with a classic plate lunch – a hearty serving of two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and your choice of meat. For a taste of the sea, try poke – a traditional dish of raw, marinated fish. And of course, your Hawaiian gastronomic journey won’t be complete without tasting a malasada – a Portuguese doughnut without a hole, dusted with sugar.

A food tour for an authentic experience

For a comprehensive introduction to Oahu’s food culture, consider joining a food tour . This is a wonderful opportunity to try a variety of local specialties, learn about the history and culture of Hawaiian cuisine, and discover hidden foodie gems that only locals know about. So, let’s say ‘aloha’ to Oahu’s culinary delights!

Day 10: Beach Relaxation and Souvenirs

Spend the morning at a less crowded beach

After nine days of action, it’s time to relax and soak up the Hawaiian sun on a peaceful, less crowded stretch of sandy bliss. Whether it’s the hidden gem of Lanikai Beach or the serene Waimanalo Beach , find your sweet spot, lay down your towel, and let the gentle sound of waves lull you into a state of pure tranquility.

Shopping for souvenirs and local crafts

Once you’re all sun-kissed and sandy, it’s time for a treasure hunt! Oahu is a paradise of local crafts and unique souvenirs. From handmade jewelry to traditional Hawaiian shirts, find that perfect memento to carry back home, capturing the spirit of Oahu within.

Wrapping up the trip with a memorable sunset

As the sun begins to flirt with the horizon, find a cozy spot on the beach. Watch as the sky paints a breathtaking canvas of colors, marking the end of your Oahu adventure. The sunset is not a goodbye, but a promise of your return to the enchanting island. As the locals say, “a hui hou” (until we meet again).

Discover the Joy in Unexpected Corners of Oahu!

Well, there you have it, fellow globetrotters! A sun-soaked, wave-kissed, taste-bud-tantalizing 10-day jaunt through the vibrant, verdant island of Oahu. We’ve traipsed through history, plunged into crystal-clear waters, savored every mouthful of the island’s culinary spectrum, and ended our journey basking under a sunset that paints the sky with myriad hues of magic.

If you’re a first-time traveler to Oahu, don’t let the breadth and depth of experiences intimidate you. Oahu is a welcoming island, ready to embrace you with a warm aloha and guide you gently into its heart. So go ahead, pack your bags, board that plane, and prepare to carve out unforgettable moments in the island paradise that is Oahu. Until then, a hui hou (until we meet again)!

A writer whose words flow where the mountains meet the sea.

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Hawaii Itineraries

Itineries for the hawaiian islands - single & multi-day itineraries.

Itineraries for Single & Multi-Day Trips to the Hawaiian Islands

Incredible beaches, verdant mountain scenes, countless waterfalls, an abundance of tours and activities, and the aloha spirit are just a few of the reasons Hawaii remains one of the most desired travel destinations in the world. With several unique islands to choose from, countless accommodations options, and various activities to partake in, and sights to see, it can be a bit overwhelming to get started planning.

That's where our Hawaii Itineraries come in handy. We've curated several Hawaiian Island itineraries based on varying lengths of stay and/or interests (themes) to help you plan the ideal Hawaiian vacation no matter which island(s) you ultimately decide to visit. For Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, we offer one-day , 2-day , 3-day , 4-day , 5-day , 6-day , 7-day , and we additionally provide a 10-day itinerary for the Big Island, all designed to help you get started planning your perfect trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Whether you're visiting to celebrate your honeymoon, to experience an action-packed adventure, or relax on a family vacation, below are each Hawaii Islands Itineraries to help you get started.

• Why use our itineraries to plan your trip?
• How to use our itineraries on your Hawaii trip...

— article continued below —

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Itineraries by Hawaii Island

Hawaii's top rated gps tours, sponsored by: shakaguide, why use our hawaii itineraries to plan, travel guide's to help you plan for a visit to each hawaii island.

At some point in planning your vacation to Hawaii, it’s probably going to hit you, “Wow, this is a lot harder than I thought it’d be... there’s so much to do.”  Welcome to the state where the possibilities for activities and adventures are limitless, to where you’ll likely never find yourself bored unless you simply refuse to leave your hotel room. This portion of our website is here to help you find some focus in planning your trip and should allow you to organize what you want to do into simple itineraries.  Planning your vacation doesn’t have to be a chore, and hopefully, our recommendations will be of assistance in your own preparation.

For nearly 20 years now we’ve been visiting Hawaii and making detailed notes about what each island’s highlights are and what visitors like yourself simply must-see based on the limited time you’ve allocated for each Hawaiian Island. It is difficult and can even be overwhelming to start planning a trip to Hawaii. One quick look on this website and you’ll soon discover there are hundreds of possibilities per island ; a variety of sights to see, a plethora of beautiful beaches to choose from, and a diverse set of incredible trails that criss-cross each of the unique Hawaiian islands. Honestly, you could spend months in Hawaii and not see and do it all. Having a reliable guide, that’s key.

Most visitors come to the islands for about a week and a half , but if you’re like the typical traveler to the Aloha state, you may want to split your trip up between islands. Each island has its own unique “personality” and unique feel, no two are exactly the same. We recommend most travelers visit at least two islands if you’ve got enough time to do so. Pre-pandemic, in 2019, the average visit in Hawaii between all islands was roughly 10 days (9.3 to be exact). As we mentioned, most visitors visited two or more islands during their visit, splitting their time according to their interests.

Average rounded length of stay per island:

• Maui : 8 days
• Kauai : 7 days
• Big Island : 7 days
• Oahu : 6-7 days

How many days should I spend on each island...

How to use our hawaii itineraries for your trip, hawaii 'pack-and-go' wayfinder guides for daily excursions.

Ultimately, we’ve designed our itineraries around a set number of on-island days: offering one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and in some cases, ten days for exploring the island, soaking in the best sights, and ensuring your precious time (and potentially money) on each island are well spent. We’ve tried to balance our itineraries between those who seek adventure and those who are looking to find a good beach and relax. Overall, we want your experience to be exactly what you’ve dreamed of when planning your Hawaii trip!

For each island, we’ve attempted to split up the itinerary days by sorting attractions according to their geographic proximity; i.e; on West Maui day, you’d explore the best of West Maui’s attractions, beaches, and activities.

Our itineraries are not meant to necessarily be followed consecutively, which would probably be exhausting, but instead as a grab-and-go resource for ‘mapping’ your trip - think of us as a Wayfinder’s guide to each Hawaiian Island . We always like to travel by making day-by-day plans, putting the most important attractions and activities (the must-see and do) upfront, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate one of those days we just switch that day with another. That way we always get to the important stuff first, and if we have to skip anything, it’s ideally the minor attractions only.

We’ve provided directions via Google Maps when possible, as Google Maps works on all platforms and across all devices. You should be able to pop the directions into your phone or tablet and go. To help you visualize each day’s itinerary, we’ve also provided overview maps that'll help you get your bearings.

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Hawaii Trip Planner: Your Dream Hawaiian Vacation Guide

Home » Blog » U.S.A. » Hawaii » Hawaii Trip Planner: Your Dream Hawaiian Vacation Guide

Planning a trip to Hawaii tops many travelers’ bucket lists. But with several islands and SO much to do and see, where do you start? In this comprehensive Hawaii trip planner, we cover pros and cons of each island, the best time to visit, travel tips, and much more!

Hawaii is arguably the best beach vacation destination that doesn’t require a passport for US citizens.

With lush rainforests, remote hiking trails, world class scuba diving, charming villages, and otherworldly lava fields, there is a lot more to do in Hawaii than just sitting on the beach .

Whether you’re interested in having a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, indulging in all the best foods, learning about the complex history of this island state, immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, or completing a bucket list hike, this chain of volcanic islands is sure to wow just about every type of traveler.

But where do you even start when planning a trip to Hawaii? 

Which island(s) should you visit? 

How many days do you need?

I get how overwhelming it can be. So we created this Hawaii travel planner to help you make some big decisions about your trip.

After reading this article, you should have a really good start to planning the Hawaiian vacation of your dreams!

Hawaii Trip Planner

• Which Hawaiian island should you visit

Hawaii bucket list experiences

Hawaii travel tips.

• Hawaii packing list

FAQs about planning a trip to Hawaii

Hawaiian words to know.

• Fun Facts about Hawaii

Hawaiian foods to try

• Transportation in Hawaii
• Finding accommodation in Hawaii
• Hawaii travel budget

Our experience in Hawaii

I went to Hawaii once as a kid, again as a teenager (and also as a baby, but does that even count?), and it holds a very special place in my heart. Each year, my grandparents spent 6 months on the island of Oahu, and loved everything about Hawaii, passing the love affair onto just about everyone in my extended family. 

Ben has always wanted to go to Hawaii, and being that it has been a (very!) long time since my last visit, we decided to plan our dream trip. 

During the planning process, I quickly became overwhelmed with just how much there is to do and how unique each island is. I thought I knew a lot about Hawaii, but wow – it can be surprisingly complex to plan if you want to do more than relax at a resort (nothing wrong with that, by the way).

So after hours upon hours behind my laptop screen researching, emailing friends who’ve lived in Hawaii, texting with my aunt who has visited Hawaii many times over the years, and getting recommendations from our audience, I finally felt like I was starting to feel comfortable. 

In the attempt to help anyone else out there who is feeling a bit overwhelmed (I feel ya!), we created this resource to truly help you plan the Hawaiian vacation of your dreams.

Which Hawaiian Island should I visit?

This is certainly the first thing you’ll need to decide as you’re planning your trip to Hawaii. 

If you already know which islands you’re visiting, skip this section and continue reading below.

But for those of you who are hemming and hawing about which islands to add to your itinerary, this section will help you narrow it down.

And remember, you can’t see it all on your first trip (unless you’ve got unlimited time and money, in which case, yay for you!).

How many Hawaiian Islands are there?

There are 8 major islands in Hawaii. The entire archipelago consists of 137 islands, but only 7 islands are inhabited.

Of the 8 major islands, there are 6 that tourists can visit:

Most popular Hawaiian Islands

Less visited hawaiian islands.

Major Hawaiian Islands that cannot be visited:

• Ni’ihau: known as Hawaii’s “forbidden island”, Ni’ihau is privately owned and tourists can not visit it unless invited by one of the island’s 170 residents.
• Kaho’olawe: this island is currently uninhabited and access is only granted for specific purposes

Map of the Hawaiian Islands

Home to the state capital of Honolulu, world-famous Waikiki Beach, and significant historical sites including Pearl Harbor, Oahu has something for everyone . Add in epic hiking and surfing, and even a Disney resort, it’s easy to see that this island has it all!

Unsurprisingly, Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island — fitting, since it’s called “the gathering place.” While it can be difficult to find much tranquility, many people appreciate the big city amenities…and the abundance of options and lower prices that come along with them.

For travelers who want an introduction to Hawaii or who are on a budget , Oahu is a great place to start. 

Oahu Highlights:

• Natural beauty. Let’s be honest, all the islands are gorgeous, but many people consider Oahu the most beautiful.
• World-class surfing. Oahu’s North Shore is home to several of the best surf spots in the world, including the Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Diamond Head. 
• Fantastic hiking. Not only does Oahu have more trails than any other island, but it also has a vast variety. Ocean views, heart-pounding cliffs and ridges, jungles, waterfalls…gang’s all here!
• Affordability. Flights from the mainland are often cheaper to Honolulu than anywhere else in Hawaii, and there’s a much larger selection of accommodations at all price points.
• Excellent nightlife. Since Oahu is truly a big city, it has the best nightlife scene of all the islands. 
• Pearl Harbor. Even non-history buffs include this in their Hawaii trip planner, as it was the site of one of the most significant attacks of WWII. 
• Fireworks over the beach. A uniquely Oahu experience, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort hosts an elaborate fireworks display over the beach every Friday night. 

Oahu Lowlights:

• It’s difficult to get away from the crowds. As the most-visited island, solitude isn’t really a thing on Oahu. Expect lines at attractions, traffic, and long waits at restaurants.
• Finding authentic Hawaiian experiences can be tricky . Because so much of the island caters to tourism, attractions and restaurants often focus on pleasing the masses rather than tradition or authenticity. 
• Downtown Waikiki. Many first-time visitors are surprised by the high-rise buildings that define the Honolulu skyline and dot Waikiki Beach — it’s not exactly the quintessential vision of a lush Hawaiian island. 
• Accommodation is somewhat limited. While you’ll find a wide variety of lodging types and pricing, nearly every option is in Honolulu. 

The biggest island by far and with no shortage of things to do, Hawaii — AKA Big Island — is an excellent choice for first-time visitors . 

Hawaii Island is bigger than all the other islands combined , accounting for over 60% of the state’s land mass! It’s home to active volcanoes , the world’s tallest mountains , spectacular beaches, and crystal-clear swaths of ocean, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Big Island has two main hubs : Kailua-Kona on the west coast, and Hilo on the east. Hilo is significantly smaller and less developed , mostly a basecamp for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Kailua-Kona coast is one of the driest, warmest places in Hawaii , and the majority of Big Island visitors base themselves here. Hilo is the polar opposite , experiencing a substantial amount of rainfall that creates the region’s lush rainforests.

If the Big Island is on your itinerary, be sure to check out these resources to help you plan your trip:

• Exciting Things to do in Kona
• Seriously Fun Things to Do in Hilo
• How to get from Kona to Hilo

Big Island Highlights:

We have a giant list of truly epic things to do on Big Island Hawaii , but here are some of the highlights…

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Big Island is one of the planet’s most volcanically active places, home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. One thing to be aware of, though, is that the volcanoes aren’t constantly erupting. 
• The tallest mountain on Earth. Mauna Kea’s base extends nearly 20,000 feet below sea level, so it technically stands over 4,000 feet taller than Mount Everest! From base to summit, it’s over 33,000 feet tall, whereas Everest sits at an elevation of 29,029 feet.  
• Snorkel with manta rays. Unique nighttime tours take you out to snorkel among these “gentle giants” off the Kona coast year-round. You can only experience this in a handful of places on Earth!
• It’s home to a rare green sand beach . There are just FOUR green sand beaches on Earth, and Big Island has one of them: Papakolea.
• 300+ miles of hiking trails. Many believe Big Island has Hawaii’s best hiking, because of the abundance of trails and their diversity. The island has eight distinct microclimates, so you’ll find everything from desert to rainforest to snowy summits!
• Lots of room to spread out. Although Big Island is so massive, it’s home to just 13% of Hawaii residents. Even in the cities and at popular beaches, it rarely feels crowded!
• Excellent weather. The lusher Hilo side of the island gets some rain, but the Kohala Coast on Big Island’s northwest side is one of the driest, sunniest places in Hawaii. 

Big Island Lowlights:

• Exploring means lots of windshield time. Big Island is so massive that driving from one place to another is usually not a quick trip.
• Harder-to-reach beaches. Piggybacking on the point above, the best beaches on Big Island almost always require a lengthy drive. It’s uncommon for hotels to be right at the beach, unlike other islands. 
• Somewhat limited accommodation. For such a large island, hotel options are surprisingly lacking. Some resorts are clustered on the Kona side, but the east side (Hilo) is limited to short-term rentals and smaller hotels.

For outdoorsy people and those seeking a laid-back, less-touristy experience , it’s hard to top Kauai. This nature lovers’ paradise has lush, dramatic scenery : vast canyons, narrow ridgelines, jungles, sea cliffs, and beaches in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Kauai has three main resort areas where hotels and activities are concentrated: Poipu on the South Shore, Princeville/Hanalei on the North Shore, and the east coast, AKA the Coconut Coast. 

All three areas have very different vibes, but they all share that coveted small-town charm and noticeable lack of skyscrapers. There are no big cities here, but Kauai still has some big-city conveniences , including big-box stores and excellent restaurants. 

Travelers who appreciate wild, rugged beauty and prefer a more easy-going atmosphere should focus their Hawaii trip planner around Kauai.

Kauai Highlights:

• Small-town, authentic Hawaii feel. There is no hustle and bustle on Kauai, and you’ll encounter a lot of full-time residents. “Island time” is also real here, so visitors can explore at a slower pace and enjoy several non-touristy experiences.
• Napali Coast. One of the most pristine, beautiful destinations on the planet, with zero development. Access is extremely limited (but well worth the effort!), so you’ll have to take a boat or helicopter, or hike the epic Kalalau Trail.
• Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Kauai’s west coast is home to yet another spectacular natural attraction, 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon. Take the scenic drive, tackle a hike or two, and don’t miss nearby Koke’e State Park. 
• The most secluded beaches. Although it’s nowhere near the largest island (it’s the smallest of the “big four,” in fact), Kauai has more beaches than all of its siblings. With so many choices and several being somewhat remote, overcrowding is rarely an issue!
• Backpack the Kalalau Trail. If you’re an experienced backpacker, this should be at the top of your bucket list! The 11-mile one-way trail is incredibly challenging and consistently named one of the world’s most dangerous hikes, but it is spectacular .
• The Wailua River. With all the water throughout Hawaii, amazingly, this is the state’s only navigable river! Paddle it for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Psst! Check out our bucket list of things to do in Kauai before you leave!

Kauai Lowlights:

• A lot of driving. Things are pretty spread out on Kauai, with sections of the island inaccessible by car. If you aren’t familiar with the layout while planning your trip to Hawaii, you may end up spending far too much time just getting around. 
• It’s the rainiest island. Kauai is actually one of the rainiest places on Earth! (this shouldn’t come as a surprise, looking at how lush and green it is!). The island gets about three times as much rain as the others, mostly during the winter.
• Many of the most beautiful areas are difficult to access. Some of Kauai’s most awe-inducing landscapes are off-limits to vehicles. To see them, you’ll have to go on a serious hike or book a pricey boat or helicopter tour. 
• Lack of nightlife. “Nightlife” on Kauai is going out for dinner, and visitors will find that almost everything closes fairly early — 8-9:00 pm. Although there are a handful of excellent restaurants, options are extremely limited. 

Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is the second most visited Hawaiian island , behind Oahu.

It’s easy to see why — in addition to urban conveniences, Maui has fantastic beaches, calm waters, and one-of-a-kind natural attractions . The waterfalls are spectacular, thousands of humpback whales winter here, and it has one of the most unique national parks, Haleakala.

On the other hand, tourism is BIG business on Maui, and the island has more developed coastline and swimmable beaches than any others. Visitors are spoiled for choice with a wide range of oceanfront accommodation, a bustling dining scene , and every tour type imaginable. 

Maui may be the right island for you if beaches are a priority, you’re looking for varied experiences, and you enjoy sprawling, upscale resorts . Honeymooning couples and travelers with larger budgets will also appreciate Maui’s abundance of luxury hotels .

Maui Highlights:

• Mount Haleakala. Making up an astounding 75% of Maui, this 10,023-foot dormant shield volcano is the world’s largest. The landscape is Mars-like, not at all what you’d expect on a tropical island! Sunrise here is a must, but you need a permit .
• The Road to Hana. The famous narrow, winding road topping many a Hawaii trip planner has 500 turns, 50 one-lane bridges, red, black, and white sand beaches, waterfalls galore, epic hikes, and exotic fruit to sample from roadside vendors.
• Whale-watching. You can technically see whales anywhere in Hawaii, but your best odds are in Maui. Migrating humpback whales are drawn to its warm, shallow waters, particularly for calving season in the winter. 
• An abundance of top-tier beaches. Maui has more swimmable beaches than any other island, and lots of development along the coast. That equals many of Hawaii’s best beaches, with options ranging from family-friendly to romantic.
• Excellent winter weather. Where most Hawaiian islands experience rainy winters, much of Maui is generally sunny and dry. The east side is an exception, where Hana and many of the waterfalls are. 
• Calm waters. Because of its unique geography with the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe just off its west coast, Maui’s waters are calm, shallow, and warm. This is why the whales come here, and it also makes for fantastic snorkeling.
• It’s one of the most accessible islands. Geographically, Maui is one of the easiest islands to navigate. The airport is centrally-located and it doesn’t take long to drive from place to place (with the major exception being the Road to Hana). 

Maui Lowlights:

• Extremely touristy feel. There aren’t many true locals on Maui, and two of the island’s major hubs, Kaanapali and Wailea, are sprawling resort areas specifically built for tourists. You’ll be surrounded primarily by other visitors, so there’s a lack of authenticity. 
• It’s expensive. Because Maui caters to tourists, it’s the most expensive island. Expect to spend more on everything, from rental cars and hotels to tours and even restaurants.
• Parking is difficult and pricey. Parking at Maui beaches and in small towns is notoriously challenging, and at some of the nicest resorts, the only option is valet. 
• There are no proper cities. Depending on your viewpoint, this could actually be a plus, but Maui is made up of several small towns without any major downtown. This means some things are surprisingly lacking on Maui, like nightlife.  

Although it gets a fraction of the visitors that the four main islands do , Lanai has plenty to offer — especially for couples and luxury travelers. 

It’s Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island, yet Lanai is home to several of the state’s most luxurious resorts and three championship golf courses . The island is 98% privately owned, so there’s very little other development. 

If you’re looking for a secluded getaway or you’re the type who enjoys kicking back and enjoying everything your resort has to offer, you’ll love Lanai. 

The great thing about Lanai’s central location is that it’s relatively easy to get there from Maui or Oahu , so you can add a couple of days to your Hawaii itinerary. Flights are under an hour and the trip is stunningly beautiful, almost like you booked a fly-over tour!

Lanai Highlights:

• Hulopoʻe Bay. The renowned Dr. Beach once named this beach the best in America! It’s excellent for swimming and snorkeling, and there are also tide pools in volcanic rock. This is also where you’ll find the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi. 
• Accessibility. Daily flights from Oahu and Maui, plus ferry service from Maui make it easy to visit Lanai, even on a day trip. If you’re prone to getting seasick, avoid the ferry, as the passage is often choppy.
• Surprisingly varied terrain. This small island has it all: the tropical paradise of Hulopoʻe Bay, rolling farmland (Lanai was once the world’s largest pineapple plantation!), martian-like red rocks at Garden of the Gods, and even pine trees. 
• Fine dining options. Thanks to the presence of Four Seasons on the island, foodies with sophisticated palates will be in heaven. There’s an upscale steakhouse, ONE FORTY, plus posh Malibu Farm and even the famed Nobu.

Lanai Lowlights:

• There’s not much to do. If you enjoy active getaways, you honestly may get a bit bored on Lanai…unless you like to play golf, that is. Four Seasons guests have access to a variety of planned activities, but outside of that, options are few and far between.
• Extremely limited hotel options. Lanai has just three hotels, and two are Four Seasons properties. If you’re a budget traveler, focus your Hawaii trip planner elsewhere.

For an authentic “old Hawaii” experience completely devoid of anything remotely touristy, look no further than Molokai. Just north of Lanai, it’s the least developed island (literally — it doesn’t have a single stoplight!). 

Instead, Molokai has a rich culture steeped in tradition and an abundance of wild, untamed nature . The world’s tallest sea cliffs soar to nearly 4,000 feet and cascading waterfalls , including some of the tallest on Earth , dot the island. 

While its unspoiled beauty is a major draw, Molokai isn’t for everyone . Tourism is highly controversial here, and locals have gone to great lengths to ensure it remains limited. There are no chain hotels or restaurants , and “no cruise ship” signs decorate windows. 

Of course, some travelers seek exactly this type of place, which is becoming rarer and rarer. But if you’re expecting the Hawaii you’ve seen on social media, you probably won’t be a huge fan of Molokai .

Molokai Highlights:

• Chase waterfalls. You’ll have to work for the views, but Molokai’s waterfalls will leave you speechless. 2,165-foot-tall Kahiwa Falls tumbles right into the ocean, while Olo’upena Falls and Pu’uka’oku Falls are among the world’s tallest at nearly 3,000 feet. 
• Halawa Valley. The site of the earliest settlements in Hawaii, you can go on a guided hike to a waterfall here, explore the natural beauty, and see ruins up-close.
• Surprising variety of accommodation . Molokai has about a dozen hotels and a smattering of privately-owned cottages, running the gamut from budget to luxury.
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Molokai has a fascinating and tragic history: it was the site of a leper colony in the late 1800s. Visiting this national park gives you an overview, but it’s not easy — you must go with a guide AND get a separate permit.
• Pala’au State Park. Take a short hike to Kalaupapa Lookout, a gorgeous viewpoint over the settlement. Don’t miss the Phallic Rock, an… unusually shaped rock said to bring fertility. 
• Kanemitsu Bakery. Tucked in a literal dark alley, this bakery has been churning out Molokai Hot Bread using the same recipe since 1935. 

Molokai Lowlights:

• Few beaches and opportunities to get in the water. Molokai’s coastline is predominantly rocky, so there aren’t many places to lounge on the beach or snorkel. It does have one phenomenal beach, Papohaku, nearly three miles long.
• Essentials are limited…and expensive. Groceries and other necessities come to Molokai on a barge from Oahu, so store and restaurant prices are extremely high. 
• There’s a lot of gatekeeping. In their attempt to keep tourism to a minimum and attract a different type of tourist, locals aren’t quite as forthcoming as they are on other islands. You’ll have to get involved in the community to find the island’s best spots. 
• The lack of development means there’s zero nightlife. In fairness, this could be viewed as a highlight. For people who aren’t outdoorsy, though, there isn’t much to do.

Top recommendations

Best islands for… 

• Families: Oahu, Big Island
• Hiking: Kauai, Oahu 
• Relaxing: Maui, Kauai, Lanai
• Whale watching: Maui
• Foodies: Oahu, Maui, Big Island
• National Park enthusiasts: Big Island, Maui
• Snorkeling and diving: Maui, Big Island
• Getting off the beaten path: Molokai, Big Island
• Nightlife: Oahu

Our personal Hawaii itinerary

We wanted to visit two islands that felt very different from each other and offered different types of experiences. We also wanted to avoid crowds as much as possible (especially since we were traveling at a popular time of year).

Because of the crowds, we decided to skip Oahu , (plus, it’s the island I’ve spent the most time on so I wanted to see something else). 

We also opted against Maui for this trip because we recently read that it is listed as a place that is in danger of overtourism. Fodor’s even included Maui on its 2023 No Visit List .

For our 2-week trip, we chose to spend half the time on Kauai, which is the island I’ve most wanted to visit. Hiking the Kalalau Trail has been on my bucket list for years, so this was one of the main draws. We paired it with time on the Big Island because there are so many things to do and it felt like a good contrast to smaller and rainier Kauai.

2-week Hawaii Itinerary

• Kauai: 1 week
• Big Island: 1 week

There are endless adventures to be had in Hawaii. Here are just a handful of the incredible bucket list experiences that you can have on just about any island:

• Go snorkeling 
• Take a scenic helicopter flight
• Shop local at a farmers market
• Learn about how cacao is turned into a chocolate bar on a farm tour
• Go on an epic hike (there are many hiking opportunities on the islands!)
• Have a mai tai
• Visit one of Hawaii’s National Parks (Big Island, Maui)
• Eat traditional Hawaiian food

Want more ideas? Check out our complete list of the best things to do in Hawaii !

Hawaii is such a special and unique place. 

These tips are specific to Hawaii and should be helpful as you start to plan your travels.

1. Book accommodations as early as possible

While there are some places around the world where you can make all your bookings a mere month before your trip, Hawaii is a destination that you don’t want to sleep on when it comes to planning. This is especially true if you’re visiting during a peak tourist season.

Psst! Read up on the best times to visit Hawaii !

Our personal experience :

We started making our Airbnb reservations in February for our April trip and we had very few options that were appealing. Even icky hotels were several hundred dollars per night.

Since we couldn’t find anything decent for the entirety of our stay, we ended up having to break up our stays in multiple places. 

It worked out great on the Big Island because we wanted to take a little road trip. But on Kauai, we wanted to base ourselves in one area, so we had the hassle of moving all our luggage and checking in/checking out one more time than would have been necessary. 

Learn from our mistakes and get on those bookings asap!

Jump down to read our tips for finding budget-friendly accommodation .

2. Read reviews of specific rental car companies

Long story short, before you reserve your rental car, pop over to Google Maps and read through reviews for the specific company location you are considering renting from . 

As you’re combing through reviews, notice if there are any common issues that come up over and over. That’s a red flag! If you find red flags, look into other companies nearby to see if there are any better options.

Our personal experience

Alright, get ready for a bit of a rant as well as a key lesson…

We booked a car rental through Discount Hawaii Car Rental * (an aggregate that displays all rental car options). The cheapest car that would work for us (SUV) was through Thrifty. We went ahead and booked without listening to our own advice and reading reviews…

The first problem arose when we landed in Kona, we got a shuttle to Thrifty, and had to wait in line (with a toddler!) for 2.5 hours to get our rental car.

Once we got on the road, we also discovered that there were cockroaches living in the car. When I politely informed the service rep on our return, she visibly rolled her eyes at me and brushed it off.

The thing is after reading reviews, I found that these are very common issues with this specific rental location . Nearly every other review mentions lines lasting more than an hour and cockroaches were a common complaint.

Had we followed our own advice and read reviews, we likely would have chosen a different rental company and avoided the long line, cockroaches, and poor customer service. 

After our trip, I realized almost all the other companies in Kona had way better reviews. I would have paid a bit more money not to have to deal with these red flags, and I bet you’d feel the same. Do yourself a favor and dig into your rental car company before handing over your credit card.

* Discount Hawaii Car Rental simply displays the options for all of the car rental companies. In our experience, they had cheaper prices overall than the other platforms we usually use ( Discover Cars and Booking.com ). We’d still recommend booking through them for the best deal, but avoiding Thrifty (at least on the Big Island).

3. Invest in a good reef safe sunscreen

No matter where you are in Hawaii, you should be wearing reef safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen is harmful to marine life and has actually been banned since 2018 (yes, even for tourists). 

Some mineral sunscreens leave a white layer, but this is the brand we personally use and love. We think it absorbs really well, just like regular sunscreen.

4. Pack your own snorkeling gear

If you plan on snorkeling a lot (3 times or more!), we’d recommend bringing your own gear. If you don’t want to pack it, see if your hotel or Airbnb has gear for you to borrow (some do!). 

You can certainly rent snorkel gear on the islands, but it’ll add up if you’re going frequently.

We used rental masks for many years of snorkeling and scuba diving but we recently bought our own gear and have such a huge appreciation for masks that fit well!

Insider tip: If you want to save room in your suitcase, we’d recommend packing only your masks and snorkels and leaving your fins at home. They take up a lot of space and while they’re nice to have, they aren’t totally necessary. We didn’t bring fins and were very happy with that decision.

5. Make dinner reservations

If there’s a restaurant you really want to go to during your time in Hawaii, do some digging to see if they take reservations.

There are lots of places where you’ll definitely need them. For some of the really popular places, you’ll need to secure your table months in advance.

Our personal experience: 

We mostly dined at restaurants that didn’t require reservations, but one that we’d highly recommend is Merriman’s Restaurant. They specialize in local, farm-to-table fare and have locations on the 4 main islands.

We dined with them on the Big Island at their flagship location (Waimea), and had such a wonderful experience. It was by far our favorite meal in Hawaii. Check their website for the menus and to make reservations.

6. Be prepared for rain

Hawaii is the wettest state in the US, so it should come as no surprise that you will likely experience rain of some sort during your visit. Yes, it can rain even if it’s not “rainy season”!

Just like many tropical places in the world, rain comes and goes quickly most of the time. So if you see rain on the forecast don’t get too disappointed. 

You may experience a light sprinkle while it’s still sunny (my grandma, who lived in Hawaii, called this “pineapple juice”). Or, you may encounter a straight up downpour where the skies show no mercy.

You might get both, like we did! After a rain, keep your eyes peeled for a rainbow – there’s nothing quite like seeing one in Hawaii. Trust me. 

If you experience no rain at all, consider yourself one of the lucky ones!

Insider Tip: We found this travel umbrella to be really handy in Hawaii. (We also used it on our trip to notoriously rainy Scotland !)

7. Have room in your luggage for souvenirs

There are so many opportunities to buy souvenirs in Hawaii, that you’ll definitely want to have room to bring some gems home.

Now, there are the typical cheesy souvenirs like you’d find anywhere (head to any ABC store for a good selection!), but there are also some really unique and beautiful things that will remind you of your time in Hawaii.

• Local artwork
• Koa wood bowls or utensils
• Macadamia nuts*
• Lilikoi (passionfruit) jam*
• Jewelry 
• Kona coffee
• Hawaiian sea salt*

I could go on and on… But trust me, and make some wiggle room in your luggage! 

*we personally bought these items to bring home!

8. Pack some reusables

We were surprised by just how many restaurants served food in takeaway containers and with plastic utensils. This even happened regularly at restaurants where we were dining in. Sure, some of the utensils are labeled as “compostable”, but they still take a long time to break down.

We packed our own bamboo utensils that we love but it took us a while to remember to specifically ask for no utensils (and to carry them on us!).

Bring some utensils, a reusable water bottle, a metal straw, and a reusable bag to do your part to reduce the amount of single-use plastic you consume. We find it especially important to try our best when we’re traveling on islands, as trash disposal systems have even more barriers than on larger bodies of land.

Hawaii Packing List

While this is not a comprehensive list, these are some of the items you definitely don’t want to forget for your trip to Hawaii!

• Reef safe sunscreen
• Rash guard (if you plan to do  lot of snorkeling, this will minimize sunburn on your back)
• Quick-drying towel
• Snorkel gear
• Travel umbrella
• Reusable utensils 
• Reusable water bottle
• Reusab l e bag
• Comfortable and lightweight clothing
• Good to know: If you plan to go to Mauna Kea (Big Island) or Haleakalā (Maui), you will definitely need some warmer layers as these volcanoes are at very high elevation and can get quite cold.
• National Park Pass (if you’re on Maui or Big Island)

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Hawaii !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Still have questions after reading through this Hawaii trip planner? We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. 

How many days do you need in Hawaii?

Is forever too many days?! 

Okay, but for real, we think 2 weeks is a perfect amount of time to be able to see 2 different islands really well. You could squeeze in a third island, but you’d have to skip some of the major sights. 

If you have more than 2 weeks, wonderful! Add more islands, get off the beaten path, or slow down a bit.

Personally, 5 days would be the minimum amount of time we’d spend on any of the islands. 

What is the best time to visit Hawaii

The best time to visit Hawaii is any time between late March and late October . These months bring the warmest weather, calmest water conditions, and lowest chances of rain. 

There is one notable exception: if you’re serious about surfing, you may actually want to visit Hawaii in the winter, when swells are generally much larger. 

However, the best month depends on which island(s) you plan to visit and how you want to spend your time. Conditions differ slightly from island to island, so activities vary accordingly – the best time to swim or snorkel isn’t necessarily the best time to go whale-watching. 

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Hawaii .

How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?

The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on your travel style and the time of year you go. But the truth is, Hawaii is an expensive destination overall.

Luckily, we do have a handful of money-saving tips to help keep your budget under control.

Is Hawaii kid friendly?

Absolutely! We traveled to Hawaii when our daughter was 16 months old. There are lots of family-friendly activities, accommodations and restaurants in Hawaii. 

However, one thing I will point out is that there are a lot of bucket list experiences in Hawaii that are not child friendly too. We have serious FOMO and this part was hard for us, as a lot of the things we wanted to do just didn’t allow young children.

Luckily, we were traveling to Kauai with my parents who were kind enough to watch our daughter when we did a handful of non-baby-friendly activities, like the Kalalau Trek (epic, but not great for little ones), Mountain Tubing and a helicopter flight.

We traveled alone on the Big Island and knew we wanted to snorkel with manta rays. Our Airbnb host has two daughters who babysit and we felt comfortable with them watching her for a few hours while she slept at night. Everyone’s comfort level is different, though.

Popular activities that young children are not allowed to join:

• Mauna Kea summit (we had to skip this)
• Night snorkeling with manta rays
• Helicopter flights
• Scuba diving

Some of these words are from the Hawaiian language while others are slang. 

We tried to narrow down this list to be the words you are most likely to hear on your trip to Hawaii so it’s not too overwhelming. 

• aloha = this greeting can mean both hello and goodbye; it’s also a feeling of kindness and love (the aloha spirit)
• mahalo = thank you (use this word often!)
• ohana =  family
• lanai = porch or patio 
• aina (aye-nah) = land
• mauna = mountain
• honu = turtle
• grindz = slang for food 
• ono = delicious
• Pupus (poo-poos ) = appetizers or finger food (My grandma who lived in Hawaii used this word all the time! When I was little, I thought that was just the English word for hors d’oeuvres)
• lilikoi = Hawaiian word for passion fruit
• haole ( HOW-lee ) = Caucasian or White person; it can be used as a descriptor, but can also be derogatory 
• shaka = this iconic Hawaiian hand gesture (with thumb and pinky sticking out) is used as a friendly gesture to signify something good (like a thumbs up or a friendly wave). Sometimes referred to as “hang loose” or “right on”.

Hawaii fun facts

1. Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that grows coffee beans .

2. Kauai’s Mount Waialeale is the wettest place on earth .

3. Contrary to popular belief, neither macadamia nuts nor pineapple are not native to Hawaii .

4. The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian, making it the only U.S. state to have two official languages.

5. Mount Haleakala (located on Maui) is the l argest dormant volcano in the world .

6. Gambling is illegal in Hawaii. The only other U.S. state to ban all forms of gambling is Utah. 

7. Surfing is thought to have been invented in Polynesia, but it became truly popular when it was brought to Hawaii .

8. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world if you measure it from its base on the seafloor (surpassing Mount Everest by more than 1,300 meters).

9. It can snow in Hawaii! The three highest mountains (Haleakala, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa)  get snow each winter and have pretty frigid temperatures year round.

10. Ni’ihau is known as Hawaii’s “forbidden island” . It is privately owned and tourists can not visit it unless invited by one of the island’s 170 residents. 

Hawaiian food draws influence from a variety of countries, reflecting settlement and immigration to the islands over centuries.

You’ll recognize parts of Japan, China, Korea, Portugal, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico shining among original Hawaiian ingredients to create a unique fusion food. 

What makes it truly extraordinary is that rather than all the ingredients blending together, each one retains its integrity and richness, telling the story of immigration, integration, and the invention of something entirely new.

Foods to try:

• Loco moco: white rice topped with a hamburger, a fried egg, and brown gravy
• Spam musubi: grilled Spam slice atop sushi rice, wrapped together with nori
• Poi: staple food in the traditional Polynesian diet, poi is a thick and starchy paste made from the taro root and is light purple in color
• Laulau: a Polynesian dish where taro leaves are wrapped around a filling, such as pork, fish, or coconut cream
• Saimin: egg noodles in hot dashi topped with green onions and kamaboko (fish cake)
• Poke: raw fish (typically ahi), diced and seasoned
• Huli huli chicken: chicken grilled and marinated in a sweet and savory sauce
• Kalua pig: often the star of the food at a luau, kalua pig is cooked for several hours underground in an imu , or earthen oven
• Malasadas: fried, flat pastries filled with custard, chocolate, haupia, and guava
• Shave ice: finely shaved ice decorated with fruit-based syrups and a wide variety of toppings
• Li hing mui: originating from China, li hing mui is salty dried plum, and is a popular flavor for snacks
• Haupia: this traditional Hawaiian dessert is made with coconut milk, and has a consistency between coconut jelly and pudding. It is often found at luaus.

Best way to get around Hawaii

Unless you’re on a tour group or just staying in Honolulu, you will definitely need a rental car.

This is a good news, bad news situation…

I’ll get the bad news out of the way: Renting a car in Hawaii is expensive. There’s no way around it. 

The good news is that I have a few tips for saving money:

Typically when we book rental cars around the world, we compare Discover Cars and Booking.com to make sure we’re getting the best deal.

Lately, we’ve been finding slightly better rates on Discover Cars, but it all depends on the location. 

But as we were researching our trip to Hawaii, we found a new site completely…

Discount Hawaii Car Rental

For an 8-day rental on the Big Island, we were quoted $904.35 on RentalCars.com (Discover Cars didn’t have a 4×4 option for the Big Island; that’s why it’s always a good idea to compare). 

But on Discount Hawaii Car Rental , our total for the SAME CAR came to $768.70.

That’s a savings of $135.65!

Think about how much poke I can eat with an extra $135!

Do yourself a favor and look into all your options, because you might also find a huge savings! 

Alternative: Turo

This is a car rental platform where individual people loan out their personal vehicles, kind of like Airbnb, but for cars.

The prices tend to be a bit lower than RentalCars.com, but in our experience were pretty on par with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Also, on some islands, there aren’t all that many cars available on Turo.

While this can be a great option depending on your needs, be sure you’ve read all the fine print and know exactly where you will be picking up and dropping off your car since it won’t be through one of the typical rental companies. 

Can you use Uber in Hawaii?

On the bigger islands, Uber is readily available , particularly in busy tourist areas. You’ll have no problem ordering a ride on Oahu, Big Island, or Maui, and in Kauai’s towns. There is no Uber on Lanai or Molokai .

The biggest thing to be mindful of is that finding an Uber back from a remote area may be difficult (or even impossible). You may not have cell service and even if you do, a ride could be hours away. Look into scheduling an Uber for your return trip, or arrange another ride to be safe.

Another thing to be aware of is that rideshares in Hawaii are expensive . It’s worth comparing prices against Lyft, as well as Holoholo , a local rideshare company operating on Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and even Lanai. 

Hotels vs. Airbnbs in Hawaii

While searching for accommodation in Hawaii, you might be wondering how to choose the best places to stay. 

Hotels, resorts and Airbnbs can all be good options, it just depends on your travel situation and what you are looking for.

Pros of Hotels and Resorts

• Bigger and nicer pools that what you’ll typically find at Airbnbs
• Onsite restaurants (sometimes)
• Staff to help 

Pros of Airbnbs

• More privacy
• Slightly less expensive overall (in our experience)
• There are some super unique Airbnbs in Hawaii
• The option to cook for yourself (if you choose one with a kitchen)

How to choose

• If you’re looking for a big pool, onsite restaurants, and staff to help, a hotel or resort will be a better choice. 
• If you’d like the option of booking for yourself and a more “homey” stay, an Airbnb will be a good pick. 

Insider Tip: If you’re visiting during a busy time of year, be sure to book your accommodation asap. We booked accommodation about 2.5 months in advance and we have very limited choices.

Our experience

In our experience, we were traveling on Kauai with my parents (5 people total), so an Airbnb was our best option . It also gave us the ability to cook some meals for ourselves.

On Big Island, we were traveling just the 3 of us (Ben, our daughter, Juniper, and myself), so Airbnbs also worked really well. 

We prefer Airbnbs a lot of the time when traveling with a baby because we can usually find properties that have separate sleeping spaces so we can hang out at night even after she goes to sleep.

Hawaii travel budget 

Being that it is an isolated network of islands, the cost of living in Hawaii is high. This means things like groceries, electricity, fuel, and accommodation are all more than you may be used to at home. These costs not only apply to locals, but tourists as well.

Your budget will vary based on your travel style and the time of year you visit Hawaii. Prices really fluctuate throughout the seasons reflecting peak and low tourist seasons.

We’ve rounded up some average prices for a midrange travel budget so you have an idea of what to expect.

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii?

We have lots of resources on travel in Hawaii and destinations around the islands. Check out our  Hawaii Homepage  for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Hawaii travel articles to help you plan your dream vacation to the Aloha State:

• Best Time to Visit Hawaii
• Exciting Things to Do in Kauai (+ insider tips!)
• Kalalau Trail: Ultimate Guide to Kauai’s Best Hike
• Best Things to Do in Hawaii: Ultimate Bucket List + Tips

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a trip to Hawaii and have more questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (2) on “ Hawaii Trip Planner: Your Dream Hawaiian Vacation Guide ”

This guide to planning a dream vacation to Hawaii provides detailed insights into each island, must-visit attractions, travel tips, and fun facts. I love how it covers everything from choosing the right island for your interests to practical advice on accommodations, transportation, and experiences unique to Hawaii.

A “handyman” is often sought after for tasks that don’t require the expertise of a licensed specialist, but still demand a certain level of skill and knowledge. This can include things like fixing minor plumbing issues, repairing electrical outlets, installing fixtures, painting, and general household repairs.

Hiring a handyman can be a convenient and cost-effective way to take care of various small or medium-sized jobs around the house. They’re typically knowledgeable about a wide range of tasks, making them a versatile resource for homeowners or businesses. It’s important, however, to ensure that the handyman you hire is reputable, skilled, and, if necessary, properly licensed or certified for the work they’re performing.

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Planning a Trip to Hawaii in 2024: 15 essential details

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If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in 2024, you’re in for a treat. With sparkling waters, stunning sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more, Hawaii is an amazing vacation destination. After living in Hawaii for five years (and now making multiple trips back per year), we learned a thing or two about planning the perfect vacation.

Here are the best tips that you need to know to help you have an amazing trip, whether it’s your first time or your 50th:

Jump to some of our most helpful resources: – We’ll help you pick which island is right for you – Learn about the best time to visit Hawaii – Head over to our Where to Stay directory to find the perfect resort or vacation rental – Get all the details on the cost of a Hawaii Vacation for a family and the cost for two

Planning a Trip to Hawaii: What to know before your trip

1. can you visit maui in 2024.

The short answer is: Yes, you can visit Maui in 2024 and the island is welcoming visitors.

After the devastating Lahaina fire in August of 2023, many people cancelled their trips. Travel to the area was discouraged as the community, government, and nonprofits worked to stabilize the area.

While Lahaina is a culturally significant area and was a vibrant community, travel to the town is closed for the foreseeable future as it’s being rebuilt. However, the remainder of Maui is open and welcoming visitors. The other areas of the island were not damaged by the fire in Lahaina.

You can read more on our Maui Fire Update page .

2. What island should you visit?

The first and most important step in planning a trip to Hawaii is to pick the island or islands you want to visit. While the islands do share similarities, there are enough differences that it’s important to spend time deciding which island is right for you.

This video we made will help you pick the perfect island for your trip. But if you’re short on time, and can’t watch it just yet we have  a quick quiz to help you narrow down your options .

Head to Oahu if : you enjoy the nightlife, great food, and a cosmopolitan vacation. It’s also the  best island in Hawaii for hiking .

Fly to Maui if : beaches, snorkeling , and great resorts are your thing.  It’s also the best Hawaiian island for snorkeling .

Pack your bags for the Big Island if : volcanoes, adventure, and swimming with manta rays is on your bucket list.

Kick your feet up in Kauai if : you love jagged cliffs, lush landscapes, food trucks , and a quieter, slower pace.

If multiple islands are calling your name, our island hopping guide will help you plan. You may also want to consider opting for a cruise, we have you covered there, too!

3. What’s the best time of year to visit Hawaii?

There is truly no bad time to visit Hawaii, but there are some factors that make certain times of the year more optimal than others. When we think of the best time to visit Hawaii (or the worst ) we like to break down when to visit based on the best weather, the best cost, and the fewest crowds.

In general, we think that the best time to visit any Hawaiian island is during the shoulder season: September/October and April/May. 

Here’s how we came to that decision:

Hawaii is located in the tropics, which means that you will have warm weather year-round. But there are definitely months of higher rainfall. And if you want to have the best chance of avoiding rain on your trip, you shouldn’t visit during those months.

The chart below breaks down the average rainfall by month for each island. Note, rain varies on different sides of each island — we are showing average rainfall for one popular visitor destination on each island.

A trip to Hawaii is expensive. And coming during a peak time, like between Christmas and New Year, can make your trip even more expensive. If you want your travel dollars to go further and get better deals on accommodations and flights, the best time to visit is during May, September, October, and November. During these months you’ll find better deals on hotel rooms and vacation rental stays. Our full cost breakdown for a family of four to Oahu helps explain the costs.

If you want to know how we budget, book, and reduce the cost of our travel, check out our article on booking a trip to Hawaii .

Avoiding the crowds can mean the difference between getting on the boat tour that you’re excited about or staying on shore. Or finding parking at the beach that you want to visit.

Just like most vacation destinations, Hawaii has very clear busy periods and slower periods. The  Hawaii Tourism Authority does a great job of tracking visitor  arrivals to Hawaii and it’s clear that if you want to avoid crowds, February, April, May, September, and October are the months to visit.

That said, if you’re coming to Hawaii for something very specific, like whale watching, you’re going to be a little less flexible with your timing. Whale season runs from mid-December through mid-April, so showing up outside of those months would be a disappointment.

Related read:  This is the worst time to visit Hawaii   (we really try to avoid this period if possible!)

4. How long should your trip to Hawaii be?

Getting away for a vacation can be difficult, but you want to stay long enough to make it worth your while. Hawaii is not a quick trip, even from the west coast. Plan on a 5-hour plane ride and a few hour time difference. So heading to Hawaii for just a few days will make your trip feel rushed and exhausting.

We think that the minimum amount of time you should plan for a trip to Hawaii is one week. During that week you’ll be able to stay on one island and explore a few different areas. You can make the most of your time by using one of our step-by-step itineraries.

If you can, stay longer and see more. And if you plan to island hop , your trip needs to be much longer than one week.

If you know what island you’re planning to head to, you can dive into more of our advice with these articles:

• How many days do you need on Oahu?
• How many days do you need on Maui?
• How many days do you need on Kauai?
• How many days do you need on the Big Island?

5. Where should you stay? Hotel or vacation rental?

Once you know what island you’re visiting, it’s time to book your accommodations. The first big decision comes down to booking a hotel or a vacation rental.

Stay in a hotel if you’re looking for a resort experience: big pools, great service, and daily housekeeping. Book a vacation rental if you are traveling with a group, want more space, and would prefer to have a kitchen instead of eating out every meal.

Still on the fence? You can  read our full breakdown of whether you should choose a hotel or vacation rental for your Hawaii vacation .

If you know what island you’re visiting, we have specific advice on where to stay on each island — locations, hotels, and vacation rentals. Check out our island-specific travel guides:

Oahu Travel Guide Maui Travel Guide Big Island Travel Guide Kauai Travel Guide

Plus! We have a full Where to Stay directory to share our favorite picks for hotels and vacation rentals on each island.

6. Do you need a rental car?

To fully enjoy your vacation, you probably need to rent a car. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to rent it for the entire duration of your stay, especially if you’re staying in Waikiki.

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu and you’re staying in Waikiki, there may be days where your rental car is never used. There’s a lot to do within that 2-mile strip! You can save on expensive hotel parking fees by just renting a car on days that you want to explore the rest of the island. Rental car companies have offices in Waikiki which makes it convenient to pick up a car and take it out for the day.

There is also a car share company, Drive Hui, that is available in Waikiki.

On the other islands, it’s a bit trickier to go without a car. To see and explore, you’ll probably want to book one. We love using  Discount Hawaii Car Rental  to help us get the best price for a rental car on each island.

Set on not getting a car for your entire trip? Here are some  creative ways to visit Maui without a rental car and here is an itinerary for Oahu without a rental car .

7. How much does a trip to Hawaii cost?

Let’s be blunt: a trip to Hawaii is never cheap. There are definitely ways to save money, but it’s still an expensive destination to visit.

To help you get an idea of how much you should plan on spending (or how much you’ll need to save up), we calculated the cost for a family of 4. We estimate that an average trip cost for a family of four for 10 days is approximately $13,000. You can  read all about how we got that Hawaii trip cost estimate here . But remember this is an initial estimate. Your trip cost will vary based on when you go, what island you visit, and how you want to spend or save your money.

How does an (almost) free trip to Hawaii sound? With all our Hawaii travel, we’ve nailed down using points to book luxury vacations practically free. We started our sister site Booked With Points to show you how to use points and miles in Hawaii too!

Related reads:   What is the cheapest (and most expensive) island to visit? How Much Does a Trip to Hawaii Cost for Two People?

8. How far in advance should you book your trip to Hawaii?

The travel tip we give over and over is: for the best vacation experience, book early. Don’t get disappointed with the lack of availability of rental cars, completely sold-out tours and luaus, and no restaurant reservation availability.

To avoid disappointment, book these things early:

Rental Cars

We recommend booking a rental car when you book a flight. That way you know you have something reserved for you and you won’t be stuck with a 2 door coupe for $500/day for your family of five.

Because it’s important to book your rental car early, we always use and recommend  Discount Hawaii Car Rental . They almost always have the best prices (seriously we’ve saved thousands with them), they book with national carriers, and you don’t have to pre-pay your reservation. So you’re welcome to check prices as often as possible and if you find that prices have dropped, you can cancel your reservation and just make a new one.

Right now we’re seeing some seriously low plane fares from the mainland to Hawaii so people are snatching up seats before looking at the rest of their trip. While plane tickets are cheap lodging is absolutely not. You may be able to find some deals here and there, but we recommend looking at (or even better, booking!) lodging when you book that flight.

Tours and activities

If there is a specific tour or activity that you know you want to do, consider booking it a few months in advance. Luaus and popular tours book up very early, especially during the busier months.

We’ve put together  a list of our favorite tours on each island , to help you get started planning. It took us 18 months and a lot of testing out tours, but we have a list of tours for each island that we’re excited to share.

We have discounts with many of our favorite tour companies, find all our Hawaii Vacation Guide Coupon Codes here .

Entry tickets

There are a number of natural landmarks in Hawaii that require a ticketed entry. The state is trying to protect the natural resources and land by making sure that each spot doesn’t have too many visitors at one time. But with some advanced planning, you can secure your ticketed entry to some of these beautiful locations.

A few popular spots that require ticketed entry include:

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: tickets may be reserved two days in advance of your visit.  Book a Hanauma Bay reservation here .
• Haleakala Sunrise Entry: bookings can be made 60 days in advance (with additional tickets being released two days prior to the date you want to visit).  Book sunrise reservations here . Also consider,  should you go to Haleakala for sunrise or sunset ?
• Haena State Park: Plan your visit to this park on the north shore of Kauai and  book tickets 30 days in advance .

We lay out all the necessary reservation timelines in our island itineraries.  They make your planning so much easier .

“So excited. We have been  loving your itinerary !!! We would have paid triple the price for this. It’s so valuable!” – Sara C. 

Restaurants

If you are hoping to hit up the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, planning ahead is crucial. But how far in advance they accept reservations varies. For example, Mama’s Fish House on Maui accepts reservations 6 months in advance. But Merriman’s on Maui only accepts reservations 30 days in advance. Here are our favorite Wailea and Kihei restaurants , if you plan to go to Maui.

Don’t forget:  all of our island itineraries  have specific instructions on when and how to make reservations for restaurants, activities, and sights on your trip. 

Leaving Maui right now (literally about to board) and we LOVED your wayfinder itinerary. Always had great places to see and yummy food to eat wherever we went! Laura

Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary

Maui Wayfinder Itinerary

Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary

Cruising Hawaii Guide

9. how many islands should you visit on your trip to hawaii.

You’re making a big trip to Hawaii and you want to see as much as possible, but do you have enough time to visit more than one island?  We recommend that if you’re taking a one week trip, you stick to one island . There is a lot to see on each island and you could stay as busy as you’d like to for more than a week, easily. If your trip is 10+ days, you could add on a second island to visit, but know that you will be moving around a bit more and you probably won’t get to see everything on each island that you were hoping to see.

While the islands in Hawaii are close together and just a quick 30-45 minute flight, your island hopping travel day will still cut into your vacation. Between packing up, the airport process, and checking into accommodations on your new island, this can easily take up half a day of your vacation.

Of course, you can always ignore this sensible advice, like a few of our newsletter readers, and read up on visiting all 4 major Hawaiian islands in just 2 weeks .

Related read:  Get all the details you need to know about island hopping in Hawaii.  

While you’re in Hawaii:

Once you’ve landed in Hawaii, congratulations! Soak up that sunshine and start living that epic vacation life. Here are some important details to know now that you’re on island time.

10. Understand the geography  

Geography on the islands is important because it will affect the weather you experience and what you do while on vacation. One big thing to understand about geography is that each island has a windward and a leeward side.

The windward side of each island faces the tradewinds. Here you’ll get more rain and wind, but you’ll also get lush landscapes (thanks to all of that rain!). The leeward side of each island is more protected from the wind and rain and you will have drier, sunnier weather. Most of the famously beautiful beaches you plan on visiting are located on the leeward side of the island.

For example, on Maui, the leeward side of the island includes some great beaches, like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach. The windward side of the island is home to the Road to Hana and a lot of beautiful waterfalls.

When you understand the island’s geography, you can better prepare for what to expect. If you’re looking for a lush, jungle experience, with waterfalls and greenery head east to the windward side. If you’re looking to beat the rain and get some sun, the west or leeward side is your best bet.

11. Eat local

One of the treats about visiting a new place is the opportunity to try new, local foods that you might not eat back home. Eating local is one of nine ways to have an authentic Hawaiian experience .

There are a few things you should consider trying while you’re here:

• Fresh, locally caught fish:  If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss out on the fresh fish. You can enjoy it at either a restaurant or from a fish market. You’ll see options like Mahi Mahi, Ono, Opah, Ahi, and more.
• Locally grown produce:  Enjoy dragon fruit, coconut, lilikoi, pineapples, locally produced honey and more. We love doing farm tours, but if that’s not part of your vacation itinerary, try a farm-to-table restaurant. You’ll get to sample some island flavors while supporting the agriculture industry here.
• Traditional Hawaiian food:  You don’t need to go to a luau to sample some traditional Hawaiian dishes. Look for dishes like poi (taro that has been pounded into a paste), laulau (meat wrapped and cooked in taro leaves), kalua pig (slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven), and poke (diced, raw fish that is wonderfully flavored).
• Shave ice:  Not shaved ice. You may think that this is like a snowcone, but it couldn’t be further from it. Soft fluffy ice shavings that are flavored with different syrups and creative flavor combinations. You might also have the add-on of fruit and ice cream. It’s so, so good.  Don’t forget to check out our  five favorite shave ice spots on Kauai . 

Sample straight from the ground.  Check out our favorite farm tours on Maui.  

12. See the can’t-miss sights

The beaches in Hawaii are incredible. But there’s a lot more to explore on each of the islands. And, some of these can’t-miss activities can only be done in Hawaii .

Some things you might want to add to your list include:

• Night snorkeling or diving with Manta Rays on the Big Island
• Seeing the sunrise or sunset from Haleakala Crater on Maui
• Watching the big wave surfers on the north shore of Oahu
• Viewing the stunning cliffs of the NaPali coast on Kauai
• Hanging out with humpback whales during their annual migration to Hawaii

This was just a taste, but there is so much more. If you want to view the highlights of each island,  check out our cheat sheets .

Not only do these island cheat sheets highlight the top 4 can’t-miss sights and activities on each island, you’ll also get tips on where to stay, a map of the island with the main sights, towns, and airport locations, the top places for food on each island, and more.

They’re designed to make kicking off your trip planning even easier.  Grab them for free and start planning !

If you want a full bucket list of everything you can enjoy in Hawaii, check out our list of the best things to do in Hawaii , organized by island. There are definitely some unexpected ideas on this list!

13. Bring the right (reef-safe) sunscreen

Before you throw your favorite brand of sunscreen into your bag, stop. Hawaii has rules in place to help protect the reef and sea life that are so important. One of those rules is around the type of sunscreen you can use. Sunscreens containing chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate are no longer sold in Hawaii. These chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching.

You can check out a  full list of our favorite reef-safe sunscreens  and make sure you’re only using legal sunscreen in Hawaii.

14. Snorkel to see amazing sea-life

Living here, we love spending our days in the ocean. There is nothing like diving into the warm, tropical waters and being greeted by colorful fish, turtles, octopi, and more. But if it’s your first time snorkeling in Hawaii, there are some essential details you should know.

Understand safety risks

Snorkeling may look easy, but water conditions, physical conditions, and more come into play. It’s not always as safe as it looks —  drowning is the number one cause of visitor death in Hawaii . Before you go out,  review the safety tips  to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep yourself safe.

Use good gear

Hear me out on this one. You’ll find a number of blogs telling you to pick up a cheap set of fins and a mask from an ABC store or Target once you arrive. There are a few reasons we don’t suggest that.

First, safety. Well fitting gear (fins that stay on and a mask that doesn’t leak) is important to keep you safe.

Second, it’s a significantly more enjoyable experience to snorkel in gear that fits well and is easy to use. This was apparent when we were trying to teach our preschooler to snorkel. The cheap gear didn’t cut it but once we got him in a good mask, he was off!

Third, buying cheap gear just adds to the already full landfill here.

That’s not to say you need to shell out and buy expensive gear. If you plan to snorkel many times, even after this trip to Hawaii, it’s worth it to buy good snorkeling gear. We have  sets listed on our recommendations page .

Otherwise, renting snorkeling gear is a great option. The shop staff can help you find gear that is the right fit for you. And if you find that it doesn’t work right, pop in and switch it out for a different rental set.

Go to the best places

All snorkeling spots are not created equal. Some spots on the island naturally have a more vibrant reef and are home to more fish and sea life. Other spots may be more affected by ocean swells at various times of the year.

On our guide pages we list out the best snorkeling spots on each island. You’ll want to check these pages out before hopping in the water:

And if you’re looking for the  best snorkeling spots in Hawaii by month , we have you covered.

Take a snorkeling tour

While we love snorkeling from the beach and we do it often, going on a snorkeling tour is a really special experience. On a good snorkeling tour, you’ll learn about the ocean, the sea life, and be taken to some cool spots that aren’t easily accessible from the beach. Plus, you’ll be able to see the islands from the water, giving you a different perspective and appreciation for their beauty.

We have a  full list of our favorite activity providers and tours on each island,  but here are a few that are incredibly special:

• Molokini Sunrise Snorkel with Kai Kanani : beat the crowds to Molokini with this special sunrise snorkeling tour leaving directly from the beach in Makena/Wailea.
• Beach loading snorkeling trip from Ka’anapali : if you’re staying in Ka’anapali, you can’t get more convenient than this tour!
• Na Pali Coast Snorkeling with Holo Holo Charters : Cruise up the coast of Kaua’i and off the island of Niihau for a full day of snorkeling.
• Power Raft snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with Captain Zodiac : Head to Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook monument for the best snorkeling on the island.

Understand the rules protecting sea life

When you’re snorkeling and enjoying the crystal clear water, it’s important to keep in mind that you want to make as little impact on the sea life as possible. Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles while snorkeling. You’re required to stay at least 50 feet away from Monk Seals. And if you see spinner dolphins, you’ll need to give them 50 yards of space.

15. Learn about the culture of the islands

Hawaii is a unique US state for many reasons but one thing that is important to understand is that Hawaii had a long and rich history before becoming part of the US. Learning a little about the culture and the history will enhance your stay and give you a new appreciation for these amazing islands.

There are plenty of ways to learn more about Hawai’i while you’re here. Consider visiting museums. On Oahu, we love visiting the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace.

You can also visit heritage sites like Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island. You can  find a list of heritage sites to visit on the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

You can also learn about the local culture, land, sea, and wildlife by volunteering. See if one of these 12 Hawaii Volunteer Programs has volunteer days during your stay. We also cover how to have an authentic Hawaii vacation in this article .

Make your trip planning so much easier

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, we’ve got you covered. Our island itineraries help you navigate the planning process and make your trip smooth once you’re on-island. Thousands of customers have loved them, whether they were planning for a trip that was a year away or a trip that was a day away.

“This is not a question but simply a “thank you”.  Our original European vacation plans fell through last minute.  So we had 2 weeks to plan something else…your Vacation Guide was a LIFE SAVER.  We had no idea how to begin planning, which island, where to stay, what to do.  Your honest reviews of the islands led us to Maui for 8 days….Mahalo!!.  You guys are awesome!!” – Eva M.

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I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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How to Plan a Trip to Hawaii | Ultimate Vacation Guide

Wondering how to plan a trip to Hawaii? This comprehensive guide covers everything you’ll need to know to have a memorable time in this archipelago in the middle of the Pacific ocean. 

With its magnificent volcanic landscapes, black and red sand beaches, verdant hills, and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder why Hawaii is such a popular tourist destination. This archipelago is especially popular among holidaymakers from Asia, Australia, and the United States. 

Wherever you’re traveling from, your trip will require a lot of Hawaii vacation planning. Not only because the vacation can be expensive but also because each Hawaiian island has something different to offer. 

You’ll have plenty of choices to consider while planning your trip. Whether you’re traveling for the 10th or first time to Hawaii, this guide is sure to provide tips and practical information that’ll make your vacation much smoother. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.    

How to Plan Hawaii Trips 

If you’re looking for the perfect 5-day Maui itinerary or still deciding on which island to visit, this guide has you covered with all the essential details. Here’s how to plan a Hawaii trip. 

Identify the Best Time to Visit Hawaii

As Hawaii is situated in the tropics, the temperatures tend to be moderate and sunny year-round. This means that there’s no “bad” time to visit Hawaii.

There are, however, times that are more ideal for specific weather, tourist crowd volumes, sights, and costs. 

Weather 

There are certain months of the year when the Hawaiian islands get more rain than average. Hawaii experiences the highest rainfall between October and January. The eastern parts of the islands experience more rain than the western parts. So you can opt to stay in the west end if you’d like to avoid the majority of the rain. 

Tourist Crowd Volumes

Hawaii’s peak season runs from late November to April — with crowds peaking around holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. During the high season, it is much harder to find accommodation and secure your place on special tours. 

So, if you’d like to avoid the tourist crowds, consider traveling to Hawaii during the shoulder months. These months include April, May, September, and October. 

During the peak tourist season, accommodation, rental car, and flight prices can be much higher due to increased demand. Hawaii is quite expensive to visit as is, so if you’d like to avoid inflated costs, visit during the shoulder or off-peak season. 

Hawaii Activities

Certain attractions are best experienced at certain times of the year. If you’d like to see the migrating humpback whales, plan your visit between January and March. 

In contrast, if you’re set on doing a lot of hikes or exploration, you may want to visit during the drier months to avoid slippery trails and flash floods.

Choose Which Hawaii Islands to Visit 

Once you’ve decided on the best time to visit Hawaii to suit your needs and budget, it’s time to decide which Hawaiian island(s) you’d like to see. 

While the various islands share similar characteristics, there are a few notable differences that may impact your choice. 

Below is a breakdown of the top features of the four main islands: Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai.

Oahu is the most developed and most visited of the Hawaiian islands and is home to the city of Honolulu and Waikiki beach. It is also host to the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). 

Oahu offers a cosmopolitan feel and is ideal if you’re looking for accessible dining, shopping, and nightlife opportunities. 

This island also has the best public transport and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. A possible downside of Oahu is that it’s the busiest, so you’ll encounter more tourist crowds here. 

Related Posts

• Best Hikes in Oahu | 10 Exhilarating Hiking Trails in Hawaii
• Where to Stay in Oahu | 10 Best Hotels & Lodgings
• 15 Best Things to Do in Oahu | Top Tours, Attractions + Tips

This second most frequented island in the archipelago is the perfect place to go whale watching, hiking, or seeing the most incredible sunset or sunrise of your life. Maui has the most swimmable beaches in Hawaii and has plenty of resorts and restaurants.

This island is home to the Haleakalā Crater, which towers 10,023 feet above the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the best sunrise or sunset views. You’ll also come across various hiking trails and the famous Road to Hana . 

• The Perfect 5 Day Maui Itinerary
• The 19 Best Road To Hana Stops For The Perfect Road To Hana Itinerary

As the name mildly suggests, Big Island is the largest of all the islands and has two active volcanoes; Kilauea and Mauna Loa. This island features contrasting landscapes of lush forests, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. 

This Hawaiian island is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming with Manta Rays. 

Known as The Garden Isle, Kauai is a lush island brimming with verdant and jagged cliffs, waterfalls, spectacular canyons, and hiking trails. This island is less developed than Oahu or Maui, which is evident in the seemingly slower pace of life. Yet, it’s still a famous Hawaii island that’ll be well worth the visit. 

5–7 Day Kauai Itinerary | Spending a Week in the Garden Isle

• 15 Best Things to Do in Kauai | Top Tours & Activities + Tips 

Smaller Islands

It may be harder to find accommodation or activities on these less frequented and smaller islands, but they’re worth knowing about and possibly visiting. 

The Hawaiian island of Lanai can be reached on a one-hour ferry from Maui, making it ideal for a scenic day trip. Lanai island was once a pineapple plantation. Today there are a few hotels and little else. The biggest perk of basing here is the seclusion from large crowds and a more unique Hawaiian experience. 

Visit Molokai if you’d like a more authentic look into daily Hawaiian life, as this island is mainly occupied by native Hawaiians. This Hawaiian island is also home to the leper colony of Kalaupapa .

Decide How Many Days to Spend in Hawaii

Once you know which Hawaiian islands you’d like to visit, you’ll need to decide how many days to spend in the archipelago. It is possible to spend a mere 4-5 days in Hawaii. But the flight to the islands is long, so you may as well stay a few more days. 

A minimum of seven days is recommended to enjoy the activities and natural beauty. 

Each of the main islands has plenty to do and can easily take up an entire week. Inter-island flights can take up half a day and be quite exhausting, so it’s not recommended that you visit more than one island in a week. 

If you plan on visiting multiple islands, you’ll want to stay longer than seven days. 

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Decide Where to Stay in Hawaii

One thing to remember when considering where to stay in Hawaii is that each Hawaiian island has a rainier east (or windward) side and a drier west (leeward) side. 

The rainier east side usually has a more lush, green landscape of forests and waterfalls, while you’ll usually find some of the best beaches on the western side. So, the side you choose to stay on will depend on which type of activities you’d like to focus on. 

Your choice of where to stay will also depend on your budget. Accommodations closer to the coast and main attractions will usually cost much more than those further inland. The inland accommodations are generally much quieter, which is ideal if you’re seeking a tranquil getaway. 

There are different options for staying in Hawaii to accommodate every budget. 

Camping 

If you’d like to take the more adventurous route and save some money, camping in Hawaii is the best way to do so. Camping is an excellent option if you’re planning on being out and about all day exploring the landscape and sampling food from local vendors and restaurants.

There are multiple campsites based in State Parks across the archipelago. The average price for a campsite ranges between $18 to $30 a night. Campgrounds are quite safe but naturally don’t offer as many amenities as a hotel would. Have a look at this guide to the best camping cooking gear to consider purchasing for your trip to Hawaii.

Some state parks worth considering for camping in Hawaii are:

• Oahu: Sand Island State Recreation Area and Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park
• Big Island: Kiholo State Park Reserve
• Maui: Waiʻānapanapa State Park
• Kauai: Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Keep in mind that you’ll have to book a camping permit online well ahead of time. You’ll also want to ensure that you bring a waterproof tent in case of any downpours. 

Perhaps the most significant thing of all to consider is that campgrounds are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. So you’ll either have to plan to arrive on a Friday or book a hotel for those two off days.

Tip: Have a look at this guide to camping for beginners if you’re new to the world of camping. 

Self-Catering Accommodation

Another more budget-friendly way to enjoy a holiday in Hawaii is to book self-catering accommodation. This way, you’ll be able to prepare your own meals instead of paying hefty restaurant prices. This is especially ideal if you’re traveling with family. 

You can opt for a hotel room with a kitchenette, such as Kuhio Banyan Hotel , or rent an apartment for larger groups.

Hotels & Resorts

The most popular option in Hawaii is to stay at a hotel or resort. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to bathe in the sun while sipping Mai Tais and enjoying the scenery. Hotels and resorts offer all the luxuries and amenities necessary to make your stay as carefree as possible. 

Below are a few top hotel options in the Hawaii archipelago: 

• Hilo Vacation Rental (Budget): If you’d like to stay a bit away from the bustle, Hilo Vacation Rental offers a clean, spacious room with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers and is close to attractions like Mauna Kea State Recreation Area and Rainbow Falls on Big Island. 
• Hilton Garden Inn (Mid Range): Situated a mere five minutes away from Oahu’s Waikiki beach, Hilton Garden Inn offers an on-site pool, gym, and work area. It’s also close to the International Market Place shopping center, where you’re sure to find some excellent souvenirs. 
• The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort (Luxury): Offering incredible seaside views and sitting steps away from Hapuna Beach, the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort provides a world-class experience. You’ll have access to a spa, gym, and activities like golf and snorkeling. 

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Plan activities ahead of time.

It’s best to plan your Hawaii activities ahead of time so that all you have to worry about is showing up. For the best experience, be sure to book your entry tickets, restaurant seatings, and tours in advance. This is especially important if you plan on visiting during the high season. 

The last thing you want is to show up to a restaurant or tour only to be told that it’s fully booked weeks in advance. So, decide which activities you’d be most interested in and consider booking at least a month ahead. 

Below are some of the top tours and activities to consider adding to your Hawaii trip planner: 

• Take a tour of Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu.
• See Oahu on a helicopter tour .
• Go on a Turtle Canyons snorkel excursion .
• Take a full-day Road to Hana tour . 
• Go ziplining through Maui .
• View the sunrise from the Haleakalā Crater .
• Go snorkeling with Manta Rays on Big Island.
• Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Luau .

Keep in mind that it’s best not to pack your days full of activities and tours. Try to leave some downtime in your day for exploration and relaxation.

What to Pack for Hawaii

With your itinerary and destination sorted, it’s time to get packing. Below are some of the essentials to pack for a comfortable Hawaii holiday. Don’t worry about packing anything fancy, as the dress code in Hawaii is quite casual. 

• Lightweight clothing like shorts, dresses, light cover-ups, and t-shirts
• At least two bathing suits, so you always have a clean one ready.
• A warmer set of clothes for exploring higher elevation areas and early morning sightseeing and adventures. 
• A fleece or down jacket if you plan to visit Hawaii in winter or view the sunrise at Haleakalā Crater. 
• Comfortable hiking sandals or hiking boots : paths to certain beaches can be pretty rough and uncomfortable to brave with regular sandals. 
• A sun hat 
• Comfortable flats for special occasions like dinners

Additional items: 

• Reef safe sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle 
• Reusable shopping bags
• A good daypack for hikes and adventures 
• Packing cubes to organize your suitcase 
• Quick dry beach towel 

Booking Your Flight to Hawaii

The main airport in Hawaii is Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu island. This airport services domestic and international flights. Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights between the US and the major Hawaiian islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii.

A round-trip ticket to Hawaii will cost you roughly $500 if departing from the west coast — with California offering the most competitive prices. Trips from the west coast last around 5-6 hours. This will significantly vary depending on the time of year you choose to visit and whether you’re flying from further inland. 

If you’re looking to save some money, it may be better to book your flight for the low or shoulder seasons. Try to book ahead and between Monday and Thursday when prices are lower. 

Getting Around Hawaii 

One of the best ways to get around Hawaii is by renting a car. This will allow you to explore at your own pace, reach off-the-beaten-track locations, and save money on extensive taxi fares for long distances. 

You’ll find many major car rental companies based on the main Hawaiian islands. These companies offer a rental car for less than $150 a day. If you’re traveling to Hawaii during peak season, consider reserving a car well ahead of time. This will allow you to get the vehicle of your choice at a more affordable price. 

There are ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft available on the major islands for shorter trips. These usually cost less than the local taxis. 

Despite the islands being reasonably close to each other, there are very few ferries running between islands. So, if you’d like to explore more than one island on your Hawaii vacation, you’ll have to book a flight to the neighboring island of your choice. 

There are frequent, affordable flights running between the islands that last around 30-45 minutes. These can cost as little as $40 for a direct flight. 

Tip: Only rent a car on days when you’re traveling further distances. If you’re spending the day around a specific area where the vehicle will just be standing, you’ll be racking up unnecessary parking fees.

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Hawaii Travel Rules

It is important to know the Hawaii travel rules before your visit so that you arrive prepared and avoid getting into any trouble. Below are some fundamental rules to keep in mind. 

• Hawaii no longer requests proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result from U.S. citizens. If you’re traveling to Hawaii from outside the U.S., you’ll still have to present a negative Covid test. 
• There are no longer any mask mandates as of March 2022, but some businesses may still request that you wear one. 
• In order to protect the coral reefs, Hawaii has banned the use and sale of sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals. These chemicals include oxybenzone and octinoxate. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen.  
• It is illegal to touch or get too close to Hawaii wildlife. You’re recommended to stay at least 10 feet from turtles and 50 feet from Monk Seals. You’ll also have to keep at least 50 yards between yourself and any spinner dolphins. 
• Hawaii has implemented a ban on plastic bags. Be sure to bring your own shopping bag when heading to the grocery store to help reduce plastic waste.
• Pay attention to road signs, and don’t park illegally for the sake of getting the perfect shot. This is especially a problem on the busy Road to Hana and can cause unnecessary traffic jams or worse. 
• Littering is a criminal offense and can result in a fine. Be sure to practice the principles of “leave no trace” to ensure you’re not committing any harm to the environment.

Helpful Hawaii Travel Tips 

This guide has covered quite a few Hawaii travel tips already, but here’s a summary of some of the top tips for the ultimate getaway. 

• As Hawaii is one of the top tourist destinations, a Hawaiian vacation will be expensive. Save up well ahead of time, so you have enough money to enjoy your stay fully. 
• Visit during the shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October to avoid large crowds and inflated prices.
• If you’re heading to popular areas like the Upcountry and Road to Hana in Maui,  you may want to book your accommodation well ahead of time. 
• If you’d like to save money while visiting Hawaii, rent a self-catering apartment instead of hotel rooms and prepare your own meals. 
• If you are cooking for yourself, consider buying fresh produce from farmers’ markets instead of supermarkets. The farmers’ markets are usually more affordable, and you’ll support local farmers directly. 
• Honolulu Airport (also known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport) is not the only airport in Hawaii. There are direct flights between the US and the main Hawaii islands. So you can save time and money by flying directly to your chosen island. 
• Restaurant prices can be quite hefty. Save some money by buying a few meals from the exciting food trucks found across the islands. Elena’s Lunchwagons and Giovanni’s Original White Shrimp Truck are two popular options on Oahu. 
• The ocean can be ultra unpredictable. Never turn your back on the water, and don’t risk swimming on beaches with warning signs. 

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Hawaii 2022

Now you know how to plan a trip to Hawaii; it’s time to get traveling. There is so much to do on the Hawaiian islands that you’ll be planning your next trip to Hawaii before you’ve even left the island. 

Whether you choose to rough it out in a tent or experience the ultimate luxury at one of the many resorts and hotels, you’re sure to have a memorable time. 

Hawaii is brimming with beauty, so be sure to bring along your best camera gear for hiking and exploring this idyllic vacation destination. 

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Planning a Trip to Hawaii: DOs and DON’Ts (2024)

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Planning a trip to Hawaii is something many people dream of. With its stunning beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and lush green hills, it’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited but also the most expensive.

While we do think the islands are worth the high price, to make the most of your stay, it’s essential to plan in advance.

In this post, we share our top Hawaii travel tips to show you how to plan a trip to Hawaii that’s perfect for you.

We’ll cover how many days you need in Hawaii, which island to visit, where to stay, the top activities, what you must book in advance, and everything else you need to know.

Video: Hawaii Travel Tips

How long to stay in hawaii, best island to visit in hawaii, best time to visit hawaii, planning a trip to hawaii: before you arrive, when you are in hawaii, what to pack for hawaii, is hawaii worth it, more hawaii posts, maui travel update 2024.

Since November 1, 2023, West Maui has been open for travel again (except most of Lahaina, which will remain closed indefinitely) after the devastating wildfire in Lahaina in August 2023.

Visitors to Maui are now encouraged, but please be mindful and respectful of the tragedy that everyone on the island has been impacted by.

Travel to other islands in Hawaii is unaffected.

If you’d like to donate money to support Maui’s recovery, consider the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund .

For more information about the ongoing situation, see the Hawaii Tourism Authority website .

Back to Contents

The average stay in Hawaii is about 7 days. I think this is a good minimum time for a trip, although 10-14 days is better if you want to visit multiple islands.

Some visitors do visit Hawaii for 4-5 days, but it’s a long way from the US mainland (or anywhere!) for a short trip, and you’ll spend the first few days adjusting to the time zone change. That said, if it’s all you can manage, it’s better than no time in Hawaii!

If you have a week for your Hawaii vacation, I recommend choosing just one island to visit. See below to find the best Hawaiian island for you.

If you have 10 days in Hawaii, I recommend starting with 3 days in Oahu and then visiting Maui or Kauai for a week.

Choosing the best island to visit is one of the most challenging parts of planning a trip to Hawaii. They are all diverse with lots to offer, so it just depends what you are looking for.

Most visitors to Hawaii visit one of these four islands:

Oahu is by far the most visited and developed Hawaiian island. It’s home to the large city of Honolulu, which includes the famous and very crowded Waikiki Beach (where most visitor accommodation is located).

Oahu offers the most choice of shopping, dining, and nightlife, so if you want to combine city and beach life, this is the best island for you.

It’s also by far the easiest place to manage without renting a car (although I still recommend it). If you stay in Waikiki, you can walk to the beach and many shops, restaurants, and activities.

You can also take tours, Ubers, or the Trolley Bus to nearby attractions including the Pearl Harbour memorial.

Oahu’s North Shore offers a much more relaxed vibe with beautiful beaches and huge waves for surfing in the winter.

Oahu is easy to fit into Hawaii vacations as Honolulu International Airport offers the most flights from the mainland US and international destinations.

Our favourite activities in Oahu are:

• Taking a helicopter ride around the island for stunning views. We recommend the one hour doors off tour with Rainbow Helicopters from Honolulu.
• Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay (be sure to book).
• Relaxing on the Windward Coast beaches especially Waimānalo and Kailua.

See our 7 Day Oahu itinerary for many more tips.

Where to stay in Oahu: Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore is our favourite place we’ve stayed in all of Hawaii! It is seriously dreamy with incredible ocean views, isolated beaches (with turtles!), stylish rooms, and plenty to do. It feels a world away from Waikiki.

Maui is the second most visited island and is a popular honeymoon destination.

It has gorgeous beaches, world-class whale watching, and the Road to Hana drive where you can see waterfalls, bamboo forest, and black sand beaches.

You can also watch the sun rise above a volcanic crater and visit wineries and lavender farms in Upcountry.

There’s a wide range of resorts, dining, shopping, and activities as well as natural attractions.

Our favourite activities in Maui are:

• Staying overnight in Hana (we love Hana Kai Condos ) to explore popular sights like Waianapanapa without the crowds.
• Whale watching from Lahaina. We saw an incredible amount of humpbacks on our small group boat trip with Makai Adventures (up and running in a new location).
• Relaxing on the beaches of West Maui (with turtle sightings!).

See our Maui itinerary for more tips.

Where to stay in Maui: Kahana Reef has affordable, oceanfront condos on the west coast. We saw whales, turtles, and incredible sunsets from our lanai.

The Big Island (officially called Hawaii) is the youngest Hawaiian island, so it’s not as green as the other islands and has more lava landscapes.

If you want to see an active volcano, this is the island to visit.

It’s the largest island with diverse landscapes from white sand beaches to snow-capped volcanoes.

Our favourite activities on the Big Island are:

• Night snorkel with manta rays. We got incredibly close to these magnificent and huge creatures on our manta trip with Sea Quest .
• Snorkelling at Kealakekua Bay and Two Step .
• Kilauea Iki Trail  – Hiking into a volcanic caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

See our guide to the best things to do on the Big Island for more tips.

Where to Stay on the Big Island: You’ll want to divide your time between the west and east on this large island. Our favourite area was Volcano, where we adored this peaceful cabin in the rainforest . It’s very different from the rest of Hawaii.

Known as The Garden Isle, Kauai is the most lush and green of the islands.

Kauai has become more popular, but it isn’t as developed as Maui or Oahu.

The jagged green cliffs of the stunning Napali Coast are the big draw, but there are also lovely beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and multi-coloured canyons.

Our favourite activities in Kauai are:

• Admiring Kauai from above – Our Kauai doors off helicopter ride was spectacular.
• Sailing the Napali Coast – The massive sea cliffs are stunning and we saw whales, dolphins and turtles on the way.
• Seeing turtles and seals on Poipu Beach .

See our post on the best things to do on Kauai for many more.

Where to stay in Kauai: We loved our condo at Kiahuna Plantation on a beautiful beach in Poipu.

Less Visited Hawaiian Islands

If you are looking to get off the beaten track, you could consider visiting one of these smaller, much less visited islands (we haven’t made it to either yet but hope to next time):

• Molokai – Known as The Friendly Isle, on Molokai you’ll find a slow pace of life and more native Hawaiians, but less choice of accommodation and activities. It’s also home to the leper colony of Kalaupapa, which I became fascinated with after reading a couple of these Hawaii books .
• Lana’i – For many years Lana’i was a pineapple plantation and it’s now home to a few luxury resorts like the stunning Four Seasons Lana’i . If you want to enjoy the secluded beaches without the high price tag, the ferry from Lahaina on Maui only takes an hour, so you could visit on a day trip.

Which Side of the Island?

The character of each island also depends on which part you visit.

All the islands have a rainy side where the scenery is lush and green and a dry side where you’ll usually get more sun.

They are both worth visiting, which is why we split our island stays between two or three locations.

Where We Visited in Hawaii

We had 3.5 weeks on our first Hawaiian vacation (in January/February) and divided our time between Kauai and Maui, with one night in Honolulu before our onward flight.

There’s so much to do on each island that we’re glad we didn’t try to add in an extra island.

On our second 3 week Hawaii trip (in October), we spent a week on Oahu (but could have stayed longer) and two weeks on the Big Island.

We love all four of the major Hawaii islands, but our personal favourite is Kauai for the rugged green mountains and more laidback vibe.

There’s no bad time to visit Hawaii as it’s warm year-round, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 75ºF (24ºC), even in winter. Each season has its pros and cons.

To See Humpback Whales—Visit in Winter

We were astounded by how many whales we saw in Maui in February. January to March are the best months for whale watching, but you might see a few from November to May.

Winter weather in Hawaii is cooler and rainier than the rest of the year, but we still had mostly sunny days. The ocean is warm enough to swim year-round.

Winter is also the best time for serious surfers, with huge swells on the north shores (especially Oahu).

Christmas and New Year are some of the busiest times on the islands, so avoid them if you are on a budget (and book well in advance).

To Save Money—Visit in the Off-Season

In the spring (April and May) and autumn (September to mid-November), the islands are less crowded (relatively), prices are lower, and the weather is generally good. It can be very rainy on Kauai in April, though. 

For Snorkelling—Visit in Summer

The summer, from June to September, is the best time for snorkelling in Hawaii. The ocean is clearer, calmer, and warmer.

The shoulder months can be good, too—we found snorkelling better in October than in February. This does vary by island.

• Save up – Hawaii is expensive and you’ll enjoy it more if you aren’t worrying about every penny. On our first trip, we spent $267 per person per day (travelling as a couple), including everything except flights from the mainland US. You could spend less by travelling in the off-season, choosing non-beachfront accommodation, and skipping pricey tours. You could also spend a lot more by staying in luxury resorts and eating out for every meal.

• Book your accommodation far in advance – Especially if you are travelling in the high season, want an ocean view, or are travelling to places like Hana or Upcountry on Maui where accommodation is limited. You can search for resorts and hotels on Booking and vacation rentals on Vrbo .
• Consider a condo rather than a resort – For families, stays of a week or more, and for those on a budget, renting a condo with a kitchen is a great way to save money. There are many to choose from and some have resort facilities like pools and beachfront locations. We mostly stay in condos and Kiahuna Plantation on Poipu Beach in Kauai is one of our favourites. Vrbo is a great way to find condos.
• Split your stay – If you want the classic Hawaiian resort experience but can’t afford it for your whole trip, divide your time between a condo and a resort. We did this in Oahu—staying in a condo in Waikiki for 4 nights while we explored the south, then relaxing at gorgeous Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore for the last 3 nights.

• Camp if you are on a tight budget – It’s not for everyone, but if you don’t mind roughing it, camping is the cheapest way to experience Hawaii. There are some beautiful campsites at beaches and state parks, although you usually need to get permits in advance. See this guide to camping in Hawaii for more tips.
• Search on Kiwi or Skyscanner for the best flight deals – You need to get on a plane to reach Hawaii. The cheapest rates will be from Los Angeles or other West Coast USA cities. Southwest now flies to Hawaii at low rates. You can also get affordable flights from Canada and Japan to Honolulu.
• Fly in and out of different islands – Maximise your time on the islands by flying into one island (such as Kauai) and out of another (such as Maui). I was surprised by how many affordable direct flights there are from the US mainland to places other than Honolulu.
• Rent a car – It’s the best way to see Hawaii and often there’s no other way to reach parts of the islands. At busy times rental cars can run out, so book far in advance. We use Booking.com Car Rentals to find the best deal and just book the cheapest economy car.
• Travel between islands by plane – There are no ferries between islands (except from Maui to Lana’i) so you’ll need to hop on an interisland flight. Most are operated by Hawaiian Airlines and are affordable and short (20 to 50 minutes).
• Consider splitting your time between two or three locations on each island – If you want to do a lot of exploring, this will help avoid long drives to attractions. We’ve done this on all four main islands and it worked out well.

• Book Haleakala sunrise in advance – If you want to see Maui’s most popular sunrise, you must book up to 60 days in advance . If you miss out, try again two days before when more tickets are released.
• Make reservations for some state parks – Non-Hawaii residents need to book in advance for certain parks and pay an entrance and parking fee. These include Haena State Park in Kauai, Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana in Maui, ‘Iao Valley in Maui, and Diamond Head in Oahu. Time slots are released 30 days in advance. Book as soon as possible as they do sell out.
• Pack a sweater – While most of the time you’ll only need summer clothes, it can get chilly on morning boat trips or if you go to higher elevations (like Upcountry in Maui or Waimea Canyon on Kauai) especially in the winter. Sunrise at Haleakala, Maui and sunset at Mauna Kea on the Big Island are freezing and you’ll appreciate as many layers as possible. See the end of this post for more tips on what to pack for Hawaii. 
• Learn a few Hawaiian words – Even if it’s just Aloha (hello and goodbye but also love and compassion) and Mahalo (thank you). I picked up vocabulary by reading the astounding novel Shark Dialogues by Kiana Davenport (which I highly recommend every visitor reads).
• Book restaurants in advance – Upscale restaurants do fill up, so make reservations for anywhere you definitely want to eat (including at resorts). A few weeks in advance should be fine but places like Duke’s on Waikiki Beach book up months ahead. People tend to eat early in Hawaii (around 6pm) so it’s easier to get later reservations.
• Bring cash for tipping – While you can add a tip to your credit card in restaurants, it’s important to have cash for tour guides, valets, and resort staff. If you’re not American, familiarise yourself with tipping etiquette. We tipped 20% in restaurants and sit down bars, $10-20 per person for tours (including for helicopter pilots), $5 for valet attendants (when the car was returned), and around $2-3 a day for hotel housekeeping.
• Plan to visit more than one island per week – You’ll spend too much of your precious Hawaii vacation time travelling and there’s so much to do on each island. While interisland flight times are short, airport security queues can be long (especially out of Honolulu) or flights delayed.
• Forget hidden fees – The listed price for hotels and resorts is rarely what you’ll actually pay. You’ll have to add tax and often a resort fee, cleaning fee (for condos), and parking charge. Check the final total price when comparing accommodation options.
• Visit during holidays – Try to avoid the busiest times of year, especially Christmas and New Year when crowds and prices soar. Thanksgiving week is another busy period. Avoid special events like Iron Man on the Big Island in October. If you must visit then, book far in advance.
• Stay on the beach (maybe) – If you are on a tight budget, you’ll save by staying a short walk or drive from the beach. That said, we often splurge on beachfront accommodation and love it.

• Read novels set in Hawaii – Learn more about Hawaii’s fascinating culture and turbulent history by reading one of these books about Hawaii while you relax on the beach.
• Schedule your most important activities early – Weather can change and cancel activities like boat trips and helicopter rides, so make sure you’ll have time to reschedule.
• Book Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu two days in advance – If you want to snorkel at this popular beach, you must make a reservation here at exactly 7am Hawaii Standard Time two days before your visit. Slots sell out in minutes. Tickets are $25. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreen that uses coral-harming chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate). You need a product that uses zinc oxide instead, like this Raw Elements sunscreen . Honestly, it’s a pain to apply, but it’s surprisingly water resistant, and it’s worth it to protect the reefs. Longs Drugs and ABC Stores are good places to pick up all your beach supplies on the islands.

• Wear a rashguard – Even better than sunscreen is to protect your skin by wearing a rashguard in the water, especially when snorkelling.

• Sign up to the Snorkel Report on Maui – You’ll get an email every morning with tips on the best beaches to visit that day. They also rent inexpensive snorkelling and beach gear.
• Check the Hawaii Beach Safety website – To find out which beaches are safe for swimming or best for surfing.
• Go whale watching – It was one of our favourite experiences in Hawaii. We chose a small boat trip with Makai Adventures from Lahaina in Maui and loved it so much we went twice. You can see whales on most of the islands— search for whale watching trips in Hawaii here .
• Hike – All the islands have beautiful trails from easy coastal walks to challenging multi-day treks. It’s a great free way to enjoy the beauty of the islands.

• Rent a Tommy Bahama beach chair and umbrella – Our condos came with these, but you can rent them on the islands inexpensively. They have backpack straps for easy carrying and make beach hopping much more comfortable.
• Bring or rent snorkel gear – If you have space in your luggage, bring your own snorkel and mask. If not, rent it for the length of your stay from a service like Snorkel Bob’s (as we did on the Big Island). I appreciated being able to take a look at the reef whenever we went to the beach.
• Visit a farmer’s market – The fresh produce is usually cheaper and better quality than the supermarkets and there are lots of tasty treats and foodie souvenirs to enjoy.
• Cool off with shave ice – This delicious icy treat is so much better than we expected. Add a scoop of macadamia ice cream on the bottom for maximum tastiness. Our favourites are Waikomo Shave Ice on Kauai and Original Big Island Shave Ice Co on the Big Island.

• Enjoy a Mai Tai on the beach – Touristy yes, but it’s a classic Hawaii experience and these tasty rum cocktails come in cool Tiki glasses.
• Try Li Hing Mui – This dried plum is sweet, salty, and sour. It’s very popular in Hawaii (originating from China), and you can find them whole for snacking (a bit much for me) or as a flavour for many treats. It’s my new favourite shave ice flavour (especially combined with lilikoi/passionfruit and pineapple).
• Drive the Road to Hana on Maui – Most people do this in one day, but we loved spending a few nights in Hana to explore without the crowds.

• Eat all the banana bread – Especially in the Hana area, homemade banana bread sold at farm stalls is so good.
• Indulge in chocolate-covered macadamia nuts – We were addicted to the ones by Moana Loa.
• Let local drivers pass you – They know the winding roads better than you and drive at a faster pace, so pull over and let them pass.
• See Kauai from above – Our doors-off helicopter trip on Kauai was mind-blowing and it’s the best island for a scenic flight. Our Oahu helicopter tour was also amazing. Search for scenic helicopter flights on other Hawaiian islands here .

• Eat in restaurants for every meal – Restaurants are expensive and by self-catering in our condo we saved a huge amount of money. Even if you don’t have a kitchen, you can pick up a pre-made picnic lunch from a supermarket and enjoy it on the beach. Some of our tastiest meals were from food trucks which are far cheaper than restaurants. Hana in Maui and Hanalei in Kauai had the best selection of trucks.
• Underestimate the ocean – Conditions can be dangerous and change quickly and drownings do happen. If you’re not sure it’s safe, don’t swim.
• Turn your back on the ocean – Huge waves can come out of nowhere when you are swimming or even walking along the shore.
• Fight a rip current –  If you get caught in a current, keep calm, float, and wave for help. Go with the current and conserve your energy.
• Touch sea turtles or monk seals – You are likely to come across wildlife on the beaches, but it’s illegal to get too close or touch them.
• Feed fish or other wild animals.

• Trespass – Please respect private property. While all beaches are open to the public, they don’t all have public access routes.
• Litter – Don’t leave anything behind on beaches or hiking trails.
• Park illegally – Respect “no parking” signs and don’t stop on the side of the road. This has become a real problem on the Road to Hana in Maui in particular.
• Steal any rocks or sand .
• Touch or step on coral – Be mindful of where your fins are when snorkelling.
• Leave valuables in your car – And keep any luggage hidden out of sight in the trunk. Rent a mid-size car rather than a compact one (we found these didn’t have an enclosed trunk).
• Laugh at the hula – It’s not just a dance for tourists, but a serious part of local culture.
• Refuse a lei (flower garland) – It’s a symbol of affection and Aloha so wear it with gratitude and don’t take it off in front of the person who gave it to you.
• Wear shoes into someone’s house .
• Rush – Don’t feel the pressure to do everything. Make sure you allow time just to relax by the pool or on the beach. Slow down and enjoy these beautiful islands.

The weather is warm year-round in Hawaii so pack lightweight summer clothes—shorts, t-shirts, dresses, a couple of bathing suits, and a beach cover-up. 

I’m a big fan of PrAna for summer dresses and swimwear. 

There’s no need to pack formal clothes as Hawaii is very casual. 

I do recommend packing one set of warmer clothes for visiting places at higher elevations or boat trips in winter. A pair of jeans or leggings plus a lightweight fleece or sweater should be fine. 

If you are planning on sunrise at Haleakala in Maui or stargazing at Mauna Kea on the Big Island, it can be freezing, so add more layers and perhaps a packable down jacket if you have one (I like the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody). 

We spend most of our time in Hawaii wearing hiking sandals—they are perfect for beaches and hikes. Many beaches have rough access trails so you’ll appreciate something more than flip-flops.

We both love Teva sandals which are very comfortable for hiking and most models are waterproof so are great for kayaking. Simon likes the Teva Fi Lite sandals and I have the Teva Verra sandals .

I also had a pair of ballet flats for a dressier option for the evenings. My current favourites are the super comfy Allbirds Tree Breezers —see my Allbirds flats review for details. 

For running, I wear the light, breathable Allbirds Tree Dashers .  

Other Useful Items

• Reef-safe sunscreen – Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate which have been banned in Hawaii. 
• Reusable shopping bags – Plastic bags are banned on the islands.
• Spices – If you are self-catering, you’ll save money by bringing a small amount of spices with you. We bought some at the bulk-buy section of a supermarket on the mainland.
• Water bottle – Avoid creating plastic waste by packing a reusable water bottle. We like the Vapur water bottle as it’s light and packs flat when empty. 
• Packable daypack – These backpacks fit in your luggage on the trip over and are useful for hikes and exploring. 
• Packing cubes – We swear by these as they keep your clothes organised and easy to find in your luggage. 
• Quick-dry beach towel – These lightweight towels dry faster than traditional towels and sand shakes off them more easily. 
• Compact binoculars – There’s so much wildlife to see in Hawaii including whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and birds. The tiny Olympus 8 x 21 RCII waterproof binoculars were ideal for getting a closer look.

Yes, I think Hawaii is well worth visiting! While it is expensive and can be crowded, there’s something about that stunning scenery and relaxing vibe that entices many of us to visit again and again.

I hope this blog post helps you with how to plan a trip to Hawaii. Let me know if you have any questions and share your Hawaii travel tips in the comments below.

We share more of our Hawaii tips in these posts:

• The Perfect 7 Day Oahu Itinerary
• A Doors Off Oahu Helicopter Tour: Everything You Need to Know
• 25 Best Things to Do in Maui
• The Ultimate Maui Itinerary: The Best of Maui in 7 to 14 Days
• 17 Stunning Road to Hana Stops & Why You Should Stay in Hana, Maui
• Where to Stay in Kauai: The Best Areas and Hotels
• 17 Unmissable Things to Do in Kauai
• A Doors Off Helicopter Tour on Kauai: Is It Worth it?
• 14 Best Beaches in Kauai
• 23 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island
• 9 Best Books About Hawaii to Read Before You Visit

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16 Comments

Your review made no mention of exploring the art museum & palace.

These 2 spots are essential visits in Oahu. Exploring how Hawaiian islands last provincial part of royal hawaiian culture just before annexation to the United States as a territory, and later a state is fascinating. The art museum and also Duke Mansion have extremely rare & valuable originals of some of the most revered artists in varying mediums. Picasso, Monet, Rembrant, Matisse, Van gough, O’keife. Really disappointing it is not even mentioned here. I have visited Hawaiian Island more than 10 + times. They are essential stops.

Reply ↓

Thanks for the suggestions, Susanne. Everyone has different priorities, and for us, with limited time in Honolulu, we preferred to focus on the amazing outdoor attractions.

I do think it’s important to learn about Hawaii’s history and culture so I’ve read a lot of books about it.

This is so helpful and thorough! I have been clicking back and forth to different articles. Thank you for putting your time in to such a great resource.

I’m glad you found it useful! Thanks Jennifer for the kind words!

Hi!! Do you have any recommendations on phone/data plans for internationals?💕

We’re currently in the US and are using T Mobile. Simon got an unlimited data plan for $50 a month and bought the SIM in advance from SIM Corner while we were in New Zealand (they ship from various countries).

That was useful as it meant we had the SIM as soon as we arrived (most airports don’t seem to have places to buy SIMs).

I just went into a T-Mobile shop to buy mine and got the cheapest plan of $15 for 2.5GB data valid for 30 days. Plus $10 for the SIM card. All plans have unlimited domestic talk and text.

If you look in the trucks at Farmers Markets….many of the boxes are from COSTCO. If you plan to self-cater, shop at COSTCO first and then Walmart if the island your visiting has one.

Do you know if the Covid restrictions would prevent people from renting a car and doing their own circle tour. These tours are outrageously expensive for only 15 mins at each location. I could easily just use our rental car and take our time seeing what we want to see. So my question is will the State of Hawaii only allow these pricey tours right now because of Covid? For example, I don’t want to drive to see the Halona Blowhole only to find out we can’t get near it because of certain restrictions.

You are allowed to rent a car (as long as you don’t have to quarantine which you shouldn’t if you get a test before arrival) so there’s no reason not to drive yourself. There is high demand for car rentals in Hawaii at the moment (many rental companies sold off cars last year) so book as far in advance as possible.

Hi! Thank you for this article it was very helpful. For the sunrise mountain in Maui, I saw the reservations is per car. Do you drive all the way up or hike? I will be traveling with some older people (70+), so trying to understand the feasibility? Thank you!

Yes, it is per car. You drive all the way up and don’t have to walk more than a few minutes from the carpark to the viewpoint. There are optional hiking trails around for post-sunrise, but it’s still stunning without any walking.

Thank you for the tips to “Bring reusable shopping bags” and “Schedule your most important activities early”. Very good points to keep in mind.

I love that Hawaii has so many places that offer to rent (folding) beach chairs! I find that option sorely missing from the islands in the Caribbean. In fact, I ended up buying an inexpensive beach chair from Wal-mart when we were in Puerto Rico this past winter.

What about tent camping, is that not a viable alternative to the high priced lodging?

Yes, that’s definitely the cheapest way to experience Hawaii. It’s not our thing, although we saw the campsite at Waianapanapa State Park on Maui and you can’t beat the location!

I’ve lived on Kauai for over 40 years. While I agree with nearly everything you say in this excellent article, there was one glaring error that any Kauai resident could confirm. Although visiting off season is, indeed, (somewhat) cheaper and certainly less crowded, the weather in April on Kauai (and generally March) is far from excellent. Many, many visitors to Kauai have had their vacations ruined by our relentless April rains (in fact, much of the north shore is still closed from catastrophic rains over a year ago, and a couple of years before that it rained for nearly 40 straight days (okay, maybe not, but any local will swear by it…). April is by far the worst possible month to visit Kauai and it does your readers a digs-service to urge them to do so.

Thanks for the information Bill. I will update the post.

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Best Beaches in Honolulu

Updated : May 02, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, WA

Table of contents, queen’s surf beach, kahanamoku beach, fort derussy beach, kuhio beach, kaimana (sans souci) beach, ala moana regional park, kuilei cliffs beach park/diamond head beach park, wai’alae beach park/kahala beach, plan your trip to honolulu with aaa..

Hawaii’s biggest city and capital, Honolulu ranks among the globe’s best-known getaways: a springboard for exploring the rest of Oahu and the other Hawaiian Islands, sure, but also very much its own attraction.

Honolulu offers abundant shopping, dining, and entertainment options, along with easily accessible hikes and scenic viewpoints in the nearby hinterland. However, the focal point of the Honolulu experience undoubtedly lies along its beachfront. The city is home to the world-renowned Waikiki Beach complex, stretching two miles and set against the iconic backdrop of Diamond Head , a volcanic tuff cone with a crater. This beach attracts over four million visitors annually, making it one of the most famous and photographed strands globally.

In this guide, we’ll run through the best beaches in Honolulu (including some of the constituent beaches of the Waikiki seashore): offering an ideal resource for planning your Oahu trip.

Note that we’re focusing pretty tightly on the city of Honolulu proper and its immediate surrounds, but there are some outstanding beaches within a half-hour drive as well, not least the epic surfing beach of Sandy Beach Park and the snorkeling hotspot of Hanauma Bay .

• Location: Waikiki Beach
• Details: Parking; restrooms; lifeguard; close to the Waikiki Aquarium and Kapi’olani Regional Park

Queen’s Surf Beach, named after Queen Liluokalani's beach house, the last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, offers a unique experience within the vibrant beachfront of Waikiki. It is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, thanks to the accessible reef in front of the Waikiki Aquarium. Additionally, Queen’s Surf Beach serves as the starting point for the popular bodyboarding break known as “Walls,” named after the Kapahulu Groin seawall.

Beyond its water activities, the beach offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy regular sunset movies shown on a beachfront big screen and admire the photo-worthy bronze sculpture titled Surfer on a Wave.

• Details: Public parking at the Ala Wai Harbor; restrooms; lifeguard; adjoining the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and the Atlantis Submarine Tours pier

The broadest and westernmost part of the Waikiki Beach complex, Kahanamoku Beach honors one of the true legends of Hawaii: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, not only the “Father of Modern Surfing” but also a multiple Olympic Games medalist in swimming. Duke partly learning his swimming chops at this beachfront, which now boasts a noble statue of this celebrated and influential waterman. (This shoreline also goes by the name “Duke’s Beach.”

This is one of the nicest beaches in Honolulu for swimming: You can take a dip not only in the seawall-protected Pacific waters but also in the artificial Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. Beachgoers here can also take surf lessons, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding while savoring some of Honolulu’s most scenic sunsets. Kahanamoku Beach also gives you front-row seats to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort fireworks show.

• Details: Public fee parking; restrooms; showers; access to the U.S. Army Museum

The 71-acre Fort DeRussy Beach Park, partly a historic federal military installation but almost entirely open to the public, constitutes the single largest section of Waikiki Beach. That said, its sands are among the least-crowded and most peaceful of the entire beachfront with the calm nearshore waters being ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or other watersports.

The beach itself at Fort DeRussy is only part of the attraction: There’s also an extensive, palm-studded lawn ideal for beachfront picnicking, plus volleyball, racquetball and pickleball courts.

• Details: Parking; restrooms; showers; lifeguard

Another prominent area of Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach is colloquially known as the “Kuhio Pools” due to its enclosed swimming areas that create a tranquil and family-friendly environment along the shoreline. This location also offers excellent bodyboarding opportunities and access to the renowned “Canoes” surf break. Relaxing on the beach while observing surfers in action is a highly recommended activity here.

• Details: Parking; showers; restrooms; lifeguard

Among Honolulu top beaches, Kaimana Beach (also known as Sans Souci Beach) at the southeastern end of the Waikiki Beach complex ranks high for snorkeling and family-friendly swimming. Its shallow, sandy-floored nearshore waters come sheltered by the seawalls of the War Memorial Natatorium.

And more ambitious paddlers and surfers can venture farther out from Kaimana Beach through the Kapua Channel, a gateway to the celebrated “Old Man’s” surf break.

• Location: Between Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu
• Details: Dedicated parking; restrooms; showers; lifeguard; access to Magic Island

Established back in the mid-1930s, this long-standing public park lies in the heart of the Oahu capital and includes an inviting crescent-shaped sandy beachfront more than a half-mile long. Additional sands and family-friendly swimming await on the artificial Magic Island peninsula, also a very fine place for a picnic.

• Location: Along Diamond Head Road at southern foot of Diamond Head
• Details: Free parking; no amenities; close to the Diamond Head Lighthouse, Diamond Head Lookout and Amelia Earhart memorial

Much quieter than nearby Waikiki, the cliff-edged strand constituting the contiguous Diamond Head and Kuilei Cliffs beach parks delivers stunning ocean views and a more secluded vibe.

Reached via steep walkways along the cliffy southern foot slope of the Diamond Head tuff cone, this narrow beachfront is a great place to sunbathe, watch the choppy waves and ogle world-class sunsets. It’s not ideal for swimming, given the rocky substrate and chop, but it's a magnet for surfers and sailboarders.

• Location: Right by the Kahala Hotel & Resort
• Details: Parking; restrooms; showers

A fine beachfront extending from the mouth of the Wai’alae Stream and adjoining grassy picnic areas make Wai’alae Beach Park and Kahala Beach a hidden-gem R&R zone on the outskirts of Honolulu. Views of Koko Head to the east only ramp up the appeal.

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I went to Hawaii for the first time. My trip would've been better if I'd known these 5 things before I left.

• I visited Hawaii for the first time, and there are things I wish I'd known before the trip. 
• Figuring out that there's more than one Leonard's Bakery on Oahu would've saved me some stress.
• I also wish I'd known how easy it would be to get around the island — I could've explored even more.

Well over 1 million people have already visited the Hawaiian Islands this year, and I was lucky enough to be one of them.

I went on a nine-day trip to Oahu that included a stay at Disney's Aulani Resort in Ko Olina.

Because this was my first time visiting Hawaii, I tried to do as much research as possible before my trip. But after arriving, I still wished I'd known a few things.

I thought it would be much harder to get around the island.

Before leaving for Oahu, I'd heard from friends and read on social-media groups that getting around could be difficult. My fears of sitting in traffic for the whole week set in before I even stepped foot off the plane.

In reality, my family and I never got stuck in gridlocked traffic over our six days on the island.

A hotel worker we met said no matter what part of the island you were on, the big secret was to head out after 9 a.m. and try to make your way back either before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

My family and I followed this rule every day of our trip and never had much traffic to deal with while we traveled from Ko Olina to Pearl Harbor and Ko Olina to the North Shore.

We also found the drivers to be much more courteous than we're used to back in Florida. No one weaved in and out of the cars around us.

The kind of sunscreen you pack matters.

My packing list for Hawaii was long, but one of the most important items was sunscreen. Hawaii is close to the equator, so the UV rays are even stronger on the islands.

But I wished I'd known more about the islands' rules around reef-safe sunscreen before I started packing.

Hawaii passed a law banning the sale of sunscreens with the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate that went into effect in 2021. And some counties allow only mineral-based sunscreens.

I ended up using Sun Bum sunscreen throughout my stay, and now that I know more, I'll continue to use it in Florida to help protect coral reefs.

I wish I'd known there's more than one Leonard’s Bakery on the island.

One of the most talked about spots on Oahu is Leonard's Bakery , known for its Portuguese-style doughnuts named malasadas.

The main store is near Honolulu, which was about a 40-minute drive from where we were staying. I'd pretty much accepted that we'd have to budget a few hours one day to try the sugary treats.

But once we landed on Oahu, we noticed a Leonard's Bakery food truck — lovingly named Malasadamobiles — about 10 minutes from the resort.

The truck dished out hot malasadas to order, but it didn't offer the main bakery's extended menu. That was the only real trade-off for us, but it was worth it to save on driving time.

The weather can change depending on what side of the island you’re on.

The weather can be drastically different around Oahu. For instance, when my family left Ko Olina on the western side of the island to drive to the North Shore, the sun was out, and it was very warm.

About an hour into our drive, we passed by Kualoa Ranch (a filming location for "Jurassic Park"), and it was suddenly cooler and cloudy.

Once we got to the North Shore, the sun was back out, and we were able to enjoy our day of beach hopping.

Learning a few key Hawaiian phrases goes a long way with locals.

Knowing some key sayings and phrases in a native language goes a long way with locals, no matter where you're traveling. I knew some basic Hawaiian words — such as "aloha" (hello) and "mahalo" (thank you) — but I wish I'd learned a few more.

While I was there, one new phrase I learned that came in handy was "a hui hou," which means "until we meet again."

We stayed in some spots for a few days, so it was nice to say that to the people we'd connected with on our way out.

• Main content

Gold standard: Hawaii residents have 1 year to secure a Real ID

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The City is reminding residents, especially those planning to travel, to get a Real ID.

Check out more news from around Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai and Maui

Real IDs are driver’s licenses marked with a star in a gold circle and will be required for those boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities.

“We are extremely encouraged that a significant number of O‘ahu residents have a driver’s license that complies with federal security standards, and will help our efforts to minimize any last-minute rush in 2025 as well as avoid a domestic air travel nightmare for our residents,” said Kim Hashiro, director of the city’s Department of Customer Services.

Originally slated for April 2021, the Real ID enforcement was delayed three times and extended to May 7, 2025. According to the City, the hold-up was partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get Hawaii’s latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

To get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license on Oahu, you can make an appointment on Honolulu’s online city services AlohaQ .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.