Oahu, Hawaii Travel
My dream was to travel to Hawaii. My husband traveled there once and ever since he’s been saying he wanted to go back and share this experience with his family.
In January of 2021 we finally decided to book a trip to go. We have friends that grew up there and wanted to share this trip with them as well. We were worried about travel after the world shutting down but said lets stay positive and hope things smooth out before we go. Hawaii continued to have the most strict travel restrictions of any other US state, which makes sense. Now, in June of 2021, we are in Hawaii – and are extremely grateful our pre-travel requirements were accepted with no issues.
We are absolutely loving exploring the island, respecting the land, and learning all about the Hawaiian culture and people.
To say that we love Hawaii is an understatement. There was beauty everywhere we turned. We had an adventure every day and our phase was “a beach a day”. That’s what we tried to accomplish and we sure did. Not a day went by without having our toes in the sand.
There was also a variety of things to do here. You can have a trip full of adventure, full of sightseeing, full of relaxation, full of great eats, OR a healthy mix of all four. We definitely incorporated all four ☺️.
I put together this Oahu itinerary list with a lot of thought, and tried to incorporate a variety of activities to help us plan the most epic adventure to Oahu! I wanted to share it with you and hopefully, this will help you plan and help avoid being left out from fully booked activities.
☀️ Oahu Itinerary 🌴
Words to learn
I came up with a few but feel free to learn more ☺️.
Aloha- Hello
Mahalo- Thank you
The Hawaiian state fish= humuhumunukunukuapuaa
Ono – delicious
Ono grinds – Delicious food
Howzit? – How are you?
Honu – Green sea turtle
Pono- righteousness
Da line- “the kind”
Pupu-Appetizer
Kapu- Forbidden, sacred, no trespassing
Things to do
Wear a flower in your ear 🌺- When you wear a flower in your right ear, that means you’re single. But when you wear a flower in your left ear, that means you’re taken. Here’s an easy way to remember: your wedding ring goes on your left hand, so if you’re taken, the flower goes in your left ear.
SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS- Dolphin Excursions- +1 (808) 239-5579- sells out in advance check calendar for availability.
KUALOA RANCH- A beautiful ranch where famous movies were filmed. They book out 2 months in advance. (book in advance)
Watch dolphins on a boat tour- https://sailhawaii.com/
Swim with turtles-Laniakea Beach
SUP Yoga- yoga on paddleboards in the water
Duke Kahanamoku Statue- Hawaiian culture
Puu o Mahuka heiau- ancient Hawaiian grounds
Dole plantation
VISIT THE MERMAID CAVES- Awesome beach, lots of locals! Be careful, do NOT leave any valuable items in your car. Some areas are known for “parking lot rats”.
TRY SOME WOWWOW LEMONADE- North shore
SNORKEL AT SHARK COVE/SNORKEL AT HANAUMA BAY- get there early the parking lot gets full-Near diamond head.
WATCH SURFERS AT BANZAI PIPELINE- North shore
VISIT SUNSET BEACH- North shore
VISIT PEARL HARBOR
TAKE SURFING LESSONS AT WAIKIKI BEACH OR PIPELINE-NORTH SHORE
WATCH THE HILTON’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS 7:30 pm
CATCH A CATAMARAN CRUISE- Holokai catamaran/wikiki
VISIT MAUI BREWING COMPANY
HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDENS- it’s free and just beautiful- Eastside
Pupukea Heiau (ancient Hawaiian ceremonial site)
Waimea Bay- North shore
Snorkeling and more guided tours
Atlantis Submarine
Sandbar in Kaneohe Bay
KAYAKING- Hawaii beach time for rentals or https://www.kailuabeachadventures.com/
Lanikai beach to the mokes if the current/wind isn’t too strong. Or rent a boat or go on guided snorkeling.
Swapmeet- Aloha stadium. There you will find lots of gifts to bring home as well as supporting local vendors.
Find the giant swing in Oahu on the north shore- there isn’t an address for this. We did not find it but we found swings driving along the coast of the east shore.
Waterfalls
Depending on the rain if the waterfalls are flowing.
Check out the largest waterfall in Hawaii- It’s located east of the island, close to Hilo. The waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot and the entrance is $5 per car.
Lulumahu Falls is just off the Pali and a great half-day adventure. The 2-mile trail is relatively flat and only takes about 30 minutes before you reach the stunning, tiered waterfall.
Waimea Falls, also known as Waihi Falls is on the north shore of Oahu. It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls on Oahu and is found in Waimea Valley. Within the valley, you can explore the botanic gardens and historic sites. North shore
Moana falls- just beautiful nature surroundings about 1/12 miles.
Beaches
Don’t step on the coral, coral is in fact an animal.
LANIKAI BEACH- One of the best in the world. Clear water beautiful!
Kailua Beach Park- white sand, a calm blue bay, and the best swimming waters in Oahu.
Haleiwa is located on Oahu’s north shore and is famous for its big waves and great beaches.
This is where all the big surfing competitions take place so if you’re here at the right time, you might be able to watch the pros as they take on some of the biggest waves in the world!
Waimanalo beach
MAKUA BEACH Beautiful white sand that seems to go on forever, and interesting tide pools to explore during low tide. HIKE TO UPPER MAKUA CAVE-views are so beautiful! North East
SUNSET BEACH- North shore
Halona Beach Cove-beach cove and blowhole-they also have a fun cove to play in and a small hidden cave to walk in.
KE IKI BEACH The beaches are stunning! Absolutely beautiful soft white sand, clear, sparkling aqua waters. North shore
Kailhalulu beach-near turtle bay North shore.
KAIONA BEACH PARK – ONE OF THE HIDDEN GEMS OF OAHU, HAWAII
BONUS SECRET SPOT!!! You will find this circle at the far end of Ala Moana Beach Park in Waikiki!. It’s a rock circle that water flows in like a tub in the water… Cool!
Likeke Falls
Maunawili Falls
Makapu’u Tide Pools
Hiking
Diamond head walk
PINK PILLBOX HIKE/MAILI PILLBOX HIKE
Makapu’u lighthouse trail
Koko head- be sure to arrive early in the morning to beat the heat (and crowds).
Dining
HALEIWA JOE’S AT HAIKU GARDEN; Go early, put your name in (make sure you request a table on the edge so you have a clear view) then walk around the gardens below until your table is ready
WAIOLA SHAVE ICE- a little corner in a neighborhood. Good quick stop.
Matsumoto Shave Ice- well known family-owned but not my number 1.
My number 1 is… Island Snow Hawaii in- Kailua beach park. They have macadamia nut ice cream to go on the bottom 🤤. I recommend spending the day swimming, kayaking or snorkeling then catch a grilled burger at the Kailua market and cool down with shave ice 😋.
ONO SEAFOOD- best poke
EDGE OF WAIKIKI- Drinks outdoor bar at the Sheraton Waikiki with a view of Diamond Head, overlooking their infinity pool
DORAKU SUSHI- great sushi in Waikiki
PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE- It’s ocean-front, the food is good, Waikiki
HALEIWA BOWLS- delicious acai bowls. Very Instagrammable!
THE SUNRISE SHACK- great smoothie bowls
DUKE’S RESTAURANT- Make a reservation in advance. Very popular and busy area.
The Paradise Cove Luau is one of the most culturally exciting and fun-filled luaus in Oahu. Located on Waikiki Beach. Sells out make a reservation in advance.
Zippy’s
Crunchy Shrimp — Big Wave Shrimp Truck
Authentic Hawaiian Luau — Germaine’s Luau sells out in advance
SAMPLE HAWAIIAN CLASSICS AT HELENA’S- At Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Honolulu, you can get a crash course in some Hawaiian classics done right, including dishes like lau lau (pork steamed in taro leaves), kalbi ribs, kalua pork, mac salad, and poi.
PICK UP FRESH FRUIT AT THE FARMER’S MARKET- KCC farmer’s market
The Banana Coconut Donut From Mr. Donut
The Salted Caramel/White Chocolate Ice Cream From Nitrogen
Snow Ice From Frostcity
North Shore Garlic Shrimp From The Shrimp Shack
The Highway Inn’s Smokin’ Moco
Omekes- fresh poke
Waikane fruit stand- For fresh coconut
Try Leonard’s Famous Malasada’s-Leonard’s is a MUST VISIT place in Waikiki. This place always has a line, but stick it out! So worth it
Waiahole Poi Factory- Authentic traditional Hawaiian food
Shaka ice cream 🤙🏼
I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST… FOODLAND– If your looking to save money and enjoy fresh seafood/easts. This is a great bang for your buck. 👍🏼
Photography- Professional-Stunning Pictures, Lovely Family.
Abish dose some amazing work with her photography. She is also very helpful with familier shooting locations if your not from the area. I am keeping her on our list anytime we need a photographer in Hawaii. I highly recommend her for your next photo shoot. I linked her website below 👇🏼. Check it out!
Oahu is so special to us. We loved our time there and cannot wait for the day when we get to go back! We hope that you found this Cool Itinerary-list in Oahu helpful for your next trip!
Happy Travels!
🌺 Allee