A week in Oahu!

Oahu is a fantastic place to explore, with its mix of beautiful beaches, cultural sites and outdoor activities. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of a week on this magical island!

Arrival and Waikiki

We arrived in Honolulu late at night and checked into our hotel after the long flight. We stayed in Waikiki Beach at the Westin and had an amazing time there. This location was amazing and righ on the main strip! We ate poke bowls (my fav!), relaxed by the pool and took a 60 minute canoe ride right on Waikiki Beach. The canoe ride was a highlight of our day! We spent 3 nights here and every evening we found the Honolulu troll along Kalakaua Avenue, enjoyed the shops and restaurants and all Waikiki Beach has to offer!

Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu

The USS Arizona Memorial is perhaps the most well-known site in Pearl Harbor. It sits above the sunken USS Arizona, the site where many of the ship’s crew lost their lives during the attack. The memorial offers an educational experience, with a boat ride taking visitors over the remains of the ship. It is a bit somber to think about what happened here in 1941 but it is definitely worth a visit to pay respects and learn more about what happened.

The USS Missouri is known as “Mighty Mo” and is a battleship where the formal surrender of Japan was signed and thus ending World War II. The ship is now a museum that offers tours and a glimpse into naval history.

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a museum that focuses on the role of submarines during World War II and features the USS Bowfin, a submarine that saw action in the Pacific Theater. There is a Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum which is located on Ford Island and showcases the history of aviation during World War II. The Pacific Aviation Museum is another spot to check out and focuses on the history of aviation in the Pacific theater and features aircraft exhibits .

We enjoyed visiting Pearl Harbor and the kids also was able to understand a little about what happened here and the history behind it.

Beautiful Scenery in Oahu!

Kailua Beach Park is a stunning beach with white sugary sand. Take a trip to downtown Kailua to enjoy local cuisines, kite surfers and a kid-friendly atmostphere. Kailua Beach sits within walking distance of Lanikai Beach and a few shops, eateries. We suggest going on the Lanikai Pillbox Hike (short, steep hike that ends with scenic views).

If you are hungry for a bite to eat, check out Kalapawai Deli that right on the beach and has great sandwiches and Island Snow (one of the best spots for shave ice on the island). We ate there and the family loved it! Especially the kids and the shave ice, they could eat it every day if possible.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail resides in the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline by Makapu’u Beach Park. Between November and May, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail hikers may occasionally spot migrating humpback whales breaching in the Pacific Ocean. The hike is 2.5 miles.

Koko Crater Trail, known locally as Koko Head is an old railroad track trail consisting of 1,048 steps and a 1,200 foot elevation gain. Most people will reach the summit in 45 minutes. However, it’s important to pace yourself and go early before the sun is overhead.

One of Oahu’s top places to see is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve which is located about 10 miles east of Waikiki. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the best places to snorkel with exotic fish and marine life. It is also a state park and is situated within a volcanic cone, which naturally protects it from the elements, such as wind and waves. Check the days it is open here, I have heard it is closed 1-2 days a week.

If you have some extra time make sure to stop at the Halona Blowhole to see geysers of seawater shoot as high as 30 feet through this lava tube in a scenic cove. It is beautiful to see!

Visit the polynesian Cultural Center and dole pineapple plantation

The Polynesian Cultural Center in is a great place to immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Polynesia. It offers a variety of cultural experiences including traditional dances, crafts, and demonstrations from Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand.

The center features 6 themed villages, live performances and interactive activities. It’s a great spot for both educational, entertaining experiences and Polynesian traditions and enjoying a luau and it’s definitely worth a visit in my opinion. There are various packages you can purchase (starting at $100 and up) and we spent the whole day there and did the Gateway Buffet Package and the Ha’: Breath of Life show was spectacular! It’s a must see!

We also visited the Dole Plantation and it’s a popular tourist destination known for its pineapple themed attractions. It offers a range of activities and experiences including:

Pineapple Garden Maze is designed to resemble a pineapple and is a fun and challenging activity for all ages.

Pineapple Express train tour provides a guided ride around the plantation, offering the history of the plantation and more. There is a Garden Tour where you can explore various gardens showcasing different types of pineapple varieties, flowers and more. While you are here you must try a Dole Whip! If you haven’t tried this, it’s a pineapple soft served ice cream treat that is a must-have at the Dole Plantation (or at Disney World….they offer it there also). It’s delicious and refreshing!

Diamond Head State Park

Diamond Head State Park sits on a volcanic cone and the views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking. There are scenic hiking trails, historical displays and a must do hike! It takes 1.5 – 2 hours to complete but it’s totally worth it once you get to the top and see the views of Waikiki Beach. You must make reservations ahead on recreation.gov (download the app, it’s really easy to use). You must make them 30 days prior to your trip…..so set your calendar to make sure you get a reservation! You don’t want to miss this.

UTV Tour of Kualoa Ranch

The Kualoa Ranch UTV tour is a great way to explore the landscapes of Oahu, Hawaii. During this guided tour, you can drive your own UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) through lush valleys, mountains and scenic coastal views of the Manoa Valley.

A few notable things about the tour:

• Scenic Views: You’ll get to see iconic spots like the Ko’olau Mountains and the famous Manoa Valley. The scenery has opportunities to take photos at some stunning points and you will be able to get out of the car for pictures at certain stops.
• Movie Sites: Kualoa Ranch is known for being a filming location for movies and TV shows, including “Jurassic Park,” “Lost,” and “Hawaii Five-0.” The tour often includes stops at these filming locations to show you where the filming was.
• Guided Experience: A knowledgeable guide shares stories about the ranch’s history and the natural environment, enhancing your experience while on the tour.
• Wildlife and Nature: You may encounter various wildlife and learn about the native plants/ecosystems in the area so make sure you are keeping an eye out!
• Adventure: Driving a UTV through adds an exciting, hands-on element to your visit, making it a fun adventure for families and groups.
• What to bring: Bottled water, sunscreen, hats and backpack to make your ride enjoyable. If you have any health issues please check with the company before booking your tour.

Make sure to book in advance and check for any age or safety requirements for driving the UTVs. It’s a memorable way to experience the beauty of Oahu!

Our next stop was on the North Shore of the island in an area called Turtle Bay. This area is known for it’s natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere with access to miles of coastline, including scenic beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush greenery. There is a resort called Turtle Bay and we stayed at the Villas of Turtle Bay, just a short drive from the main hotel.

Here are some highlights of Turtle Bay and the surrounding area:

Beaches & Outdoor Activities:

Turtle Bay is located near several beautiful beaches, including Kuilima Cove and Sharks Cove, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for its legendary surf spots, especially during the winter months when massive waves are happening. The clear waters around Turtle Bay are perfect for snorkeling with marine life including sea turtles. I loved seeing the sea turtles and they are amazing creatures!!

Oahu’s north shore is knows as the “surfing capital of the world” and has famous surf spots like Bonzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay and the waves can get as high as 15-20 feet here. The waves come crashing down so loudly, one can rarely forget how it sounds. It is stunning! I suggest setting up a chair and just watching the waves crash.

One of the days we went on a horseback ride at the Turtle Bay stables. It was such a great excursion! The views were absolutely breathtaking and my kids enjoyed the horseback ride a lot, in fact, they still talk about it….especially my horse “Blue” who kept going veering off on her own path! She was so funny! The kids loved the whole experience.

There are areas around Turtle Bay that we hiked and explored. The Turtle Bay Trail is a scenic walking trail along the coastline offering views of the ocean and resort property. Overall the whole area was an experience in itself and we highly recommend checking it out and spending time up in the north shore!

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