Many tourists begin their visit to the islands with five days on Oahu. Here are our suggestions on how best to spend those five days.
Time Required: 5 Days
Here's How:
- Day 1: Drive around the island. Visit the North Shore beaches and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Return to Honolulu via Windward Oahu.
- Day 2: Visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Stop by Hilo Hattie on the Nimitz Highway was you return to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at the beach or pool.
- Day 3: Explore historic downtown Honolulu. Be sure to see the 'Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha Statue. Walk through Chinatown. Don't miss the Aloha Tower and the waterfront area.
- Day 4: Visit Sea Life Park, the Waikiki Aquarium or the Honolulu Zoo. Spend the afternoon at the beach or pool. Be sure to get some shopping done. The International Marketplace is fun after dark.
- Day 5: Hike to the summit of Diamond Head and then drive to Oahu's Southeast Shore and Windward Coast and spend some time at Hanauma Bay or Waimanalo Beach Park.
Tips:
- There is a lot to see and do on Oahu, so pace yourself. Don't tire yourself out the first day.
- You'll be doing a lot of walking in Hawaii, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Many of the less known beaches are much prettier, and less crowded, than the famous ones.
