Start your trip off by taking an early morning hike up Diamond Head. This hike offers breathtaking views of Honolulu and is a must-do for any nature lover.
Spend a day snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay. This is the perfect place to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Take a historical tour of Pearl Harbor and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of World War II. The site includes a museum, memorials, and a sunken battleship.
Spend the day relaxing on the world-famous Waikiki Beach. This lively beach offers plenty of activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Take a tour of the Iolani Palace and learn about Hawaiian monarchy history. Then, explore the bustling downtown area of Honolulu, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and museums.
Visit the Shangri La Museum, which is a beautiful estate filled with Islamic art and culture. The tour includes a look at the stunning architecture and gardens.
Spend some time at the picturesque Lanikai Beach, which is often considered Hawaii's best beach. This beach has soft, white sand and clear, warm water for swimming.
Take a scenic drive up to the Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout for panoramic views of Oahu. This lookout is located on a historic battleground site and is a popular hiking spot.
This state park offers some of the best coastal hikes on the island, and is also a great spot for bird watching. If you're lucky, you'll spot Hawaiian monk seals and spinner dolphins.
Visit Kualoa Ranch and take a movie tour to see some of the locations where popular movies and TV shows were filmed. You can also go horseback riding or take a ZipLine tour.
Spend the day at the stunning Waimanalo Beach, which has a two-mile stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water. This beach is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and paddleboarding.
Take a hike through the lush Manoa Falls Trail to see a beautiful 150-foot waterfall. You can also visit the nearby botanical gardens of the Lyon Arboretum, which has rare plants and tropical flowers.
End your trip with a visit to the local favorite Diamond Head Market and Grill, which has delicious Hawaiian fusion cuisine. After, go shopping at the Ala Moana Center, which is the largest outdoor shopping mall in the world.
To get around Oahu, the best transportation option is renting a car. This gives you flexibility and saves time. Public transportation is available, but it's slower and less convenient. The average rental cost for a car is $60 per day, and gas prices are around $3.50 per gallon. Expect to spend around $300 for transportation during your trip.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the North Shore, which has famous surfing beaches like Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and Waimea Bay. You can also take a hike at the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, which offers stunning views of the coastline. If you have less time, shorten the visits to some of the attractions or skip some of them altogether.
Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main airport in Hawaii, located in Honolulu. It's around 6 miles from Waikiki Beach and serves as the main gateway for tourists visiting Oahu. The airport code is HNL.