Aloha, fellow travelers! So you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and want to get the most out of your Oahu week, yeah? I just had a great week soaking up island life, and I created this great 7-day itinerary based on my experiences.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, learn some history, or if, like me, you’re a food lover (who isn’t?) then this itinerary combines the must-visit attractions with some local gems—and trust me, you’re going to want to remember this one!
Day 1: Aloha, Oahu – Stop by and relax
So, after the longest flight ever from the mainland, I arrived at Honolulu International Airport, completely jet-lagged but really excited. The first day is all about getting into the island mood.
Where to stay
I stayed at this beachfront Airbnb in Waikiki. If you’re looking for the true Hawaiian feel with incredible views, Waikiki’s the place for you. It’s a little touristy, I guess, but you can totally walk anywhere, and the restaurants and nightlife are great.
What to do
You’ve got to see Waikiki Beach, man! Walking down the beach with Diamond Head behind it is incredible.
Then you’ve got to go get a Mai Tai at Duke’s – I had one watching the sunset enjoying some live music. It’s a cliché for a reason, you know? In all seriousness, island time is just different somehow.
Pro tip
Hey, heads up: Go slow the first night. You’ll want to conserve some energy for what lies ahead.
Day 2: Diamond Head visit and East Coast fun!
I woke up really early due to the time difference, so I decided to hike Diamond Head Crater before it got too hot. It’s a 1.6-mile roundtrip, and the views of Honolulu at the top are simply stunning. I took far too many selfies, but honestly, I don’t even care.
Next: a road trip on the Windward Coast!
- Halona Blowhole and Eternity Beach were brief stops only, but the scenery was simply Instagram-worthy.
- Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail – A relaxed hike with some great views of the coastline.
- Lanikai Beach – Without a doubt, my favorite beach on the island. It has incredibly soft sand and the bluest water I’ve ever seen. I simply floated there for hours.
What about lunch? I stopped at Over Easy in Kailua—get the custard pancakes, thank me later.
Day 3: North Shore, bro!
If Oahu’s laid-back older cousin existed, the North Shore would be it for sure. You’re going to want to rent a car for this trip (I rented a Jeep because, island life).
Morning
Drove up the coast with plenty of scenic detours.
So, we started with Waimea Valley – the gardens were incredibly beautiful and relaxed, and swimming under the waterfall was great.
Afternoon
I visited some well-known surfing locations such as Pipeline and Sunset Beach. There were no huge waves at the time, but the atmosphere is always relaxed.
Don’t miss Shark’s Cove! Snorkeling there, I noticed some pretty cool brightly colored fish and sea urchins. Not as crowded as Hanauma Bay but still incredible.
Lunch
You’ve got to try a food truck! I stopped by Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, and man, the garlic shrimp plate was incredible—just finger-lickin’ amazing!
Evening
Hung out in Haleiwa Town, a laid-back surf town with boutiques, shave ice, and local art. I had dinner at Haleiwa Joe’s—the sunset over the marina was chef’s kiss.
Day 4: Immersion in Culture
I make it a point to explore the culture wherever I am, so today I was all about immersing myself in Hawaiian culture and history.
Morning
I spent a few hours at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Sure, it’s really touristy, but I actually learned a lot. Each village exhibits a different Polynesian island style, and the performances were just incredible.
Afternoon
I am going to the Byodo-In Temple out in the Valley of the Temples. It’s this relaxed temple at the bottom of the mountains, and ringing that huge bell was so spiritual.
Lunch
On returning to Honolulu, we stopped by Alicia’s Market to get some poke bowls. I swear, it was easily the best poke I’ve ever had.
Evening
Spending the evening out at Waikiki tonight. Went by Marukame Udon for a quick meal (warning: prepare to wait!) and strolled up and down Kalakaua Avenue.
Day 5: Visiting Pearl Harbor and Urban Exploring
Woke up early and visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It’s a heavy one, but worth it. The USS Arizona Memorial is incredibly intense, but well worth it. You should definitely get tickets ahead of time!
Afternoon
Explored Downtown Honolulu and the vintage-style Chinatown district. Then I stopped by Iolani Palace: the only royal palace here in the U.S.
I took some great artsy photos at Kaka’ako, this hip area filled with vibrant street art and hip coffee joints. I spent about an hour at Arvo Café, simply lounging there and people-watching over my flat white.
Dinner
If you’re a foodie, go to The Pig and the Lady in Chinatown. Their Vietnamese-fusion menu is really innovative and delicious.
Day 6: Kayaking + Chill Island Vibes
In all honesty, it was easily the trip’s best day for me.
Morning
I rented a kayak this morning in Kailua and kayaked out to the Mokulua Islands. It was a bit challenging, but absolutely worth it! Secret beaches, really clear waters, and the deserted island atmosphere were incredible. And I even saw a sea turtle on my way out there!
Afternoon
I stopped at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to grab a local-style plate lunch (teriyaki chicken, rice, mac salad). Later I moved to Nuuanu Pali Lookout for dramatic mountain views on the drive back. It’s windy up there—hold onto your hat!
Evening
Finished the day with a sunset picnic at Magic Island, directly across from Ala Moana Beach Park. It’s where locals and visitors alike chill out to watch the sky turn pink and gold. I stopped by for some poke and coconut water and simply relaxed there.
Day 7: Final Swim and Shopping for Souvenirs
During my final day at Oahu, I simply desired to relax and experience an amazing time.
Morning
I woke up early to catch some waves at Kaimana Beach; it’s much cooler than Waikiki but equally as beautiful.
Had a final iced coffee from Island Vintage Coffee—their acai bowls are absolutely a must as well.
Noon
Did some last-minute souvenir shopping. ABC Stores are everywhere, but for more unique finds, check out the Made in Hawaii shops or local artisan markets.
Passing by Fresh Catch on my way to the airport, I stopped by for a poke bowl to go. Tip: Pack a cooler if you plan on bringing some island treats home!
Quick Tips for Traveling Oahu (Don’t Skip These!)
1. Rent a car for full island freedom
Public transportation’s fine in Waikiki and Honolulu, but if you want to see the island, you absolutely need a car—particularly for the North Shore, the east side, or anything not on the main road. I rented a Jeep (come on, it makes you look pretty cool in photos), but any compact car will work. Just reserve in advance, particularly on holidays. And, oh, yeah, be prepared for some compact parking in Waikiki!
2. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (and actually use it!)
Hawaii has completely banned sunscreens with yucky chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the reefs, so look for one that’s reef-safe. I used a mineral one with zinc oxide, and it was amazing—no burn at all! You’re going to be out in the sun a lot more than you know (even on cloudy days), so load it on, particularly for hikes or for spending the day at the beach.
3. Learn about some Hawaiian culture and express some aloha for the ‘āina (land)
Locals here are really proud of their land and ocean, so it’s extremely important that visitors are respectful. Learn some Hawaiian phrases, such as mahalo for thank you or kuleana, responsibility. And really, stay on the trails, clean up after yourself, and for goodness’ sake, don’t bother the animals or historical areas. I assure you that being respectful will take you to some incredible places.
4. Book popular items well in advance
If you’re set on climbing Diamond Head, visiting Pearl Harbor, or paddling to the Mokes, you absolutely want to book ahead of time—sometimes it pays to do it weeks ahead of schedule. I learned the hard way through trying for a same-day ticket at Hanauma Bay only to find it was booked solid. Booking a few of these must-see activities well ahead of time can prevent a major FOMO.
5. Leave room in your schedule for spontaneity
It’s so tempting to schedule every moment while you’re in paradise, but trust me, some of my favorite moments were those spontaneous detours: like the secret beach I found while following a rainbow, the impromptu ukulele jam in Haleiwa, or that food truck I randomly stopped at that ended up being the best meal of the entire trip. Don’t schedule your days too full – just let the island guide you sometimes!
6. Support local whenever possible
You absolutely must experience the local atmosphere! Those locally made souvenir shops, roadside fruit stalls, and family-owned, super-adorable stores—by directing your money locally, everyone benefits. Give the large chain eateries a miss and eat at one of the small eateries or food trucks for a treat instead. I am still fantasizing about Giovanni’s garlic shrimp and the lilikoi butter I got from a farm stand!
Final thoughts: Would I return to Oahu?
In a heart beat, man. Oahu is this blend of city and nature, they’re totally maintaining the traditions, and every sunset is this incredible present. I only got a glimpse of it for a week, but I already know I barely scratched the surface.
So you’re considering traveling to Hawaii and wondering if Oahu is worth more than a brief layover: absolutely! Book a full week, rent a vehicle, eat some poke, visit the hikes, and simply relax—relax on a beach, under palm trees, soaking up all that aloha spirit.