Funtastic Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary for Oahu

  1. Day 1: Waikiki Beach and Aquarium
    25 minutes (9.4 miles) from Honolulu Airport

    Catch some sun and waves at the world-renowned Waikiki Beach before heading to the Waikiki Aquarium to learn about local marine life, including endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

  2. Day 2: Pearl Harbor Historic Sites
    25 minutes (10.9 miles) from Waikiki

    A solemn and eye-opening experience at Pearl Harbor National Memorial commemorating the attack that propelled the US into World War II. Visitors can pay their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial and explore Pearl Harbor's museums and historic sites.

  3. Day 3: Dole Plantation and North Shore Beaches
    30 minutes (20.2 miles) from Pearl Harbor

    Take a scenic drive to the pineapple paradise of Dole Plantation to sweeten up your taste buds with some fresh pineapple ice cream and explore their pineapple maze. Drive up north to observe surfers tackle monstrous waves in the North Shore beaches, including Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline.

  4. Day 4: Honolulu Zoo and Bishop Museum
    20 minutes (4.5 miles) from Waikiki

    Spend a day with furry, feathered, and scaly creatures at the Honolulu Zoo, set in a verdant tropical garden. Then, explore the fascinating history and culture of Hawaii at the Bishop Museum.

  5. Day 5: Kualoa Ranch and Hanauma Bay
    40 minutes (22.8 miles) from Bishop Museum

    Get up close and personal with land and sea nature at Kualoa Ranch through a variety of outdoor activities such as horseback riding, zip-lining, and ATV tours. Afterward, snorkel with an array of colorful fish and coral at the Hawaiian nature reserve of Hanauma Bay.

  6. Day 6: Aiea Loop Trail and Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
    30 minutes (13.6 miles) from Kualoa Ranch

    Experience Hawaii's lush and mountainous terrain at Aiea Loop Trail, a moderate 5-mile hike featuring panoramic views of Oahu's central valley and beyond. Grab unique souvenirs and local crafts at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, the island's largest open-air market featuring over 400 vendors.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Waikiki Aquarium (approx. 2 hours, $12 adults, $5 children)
  • Pearl Harbor National Memorial (approx. 3 hours, free admission, $1 reservation fee for USS Arizona Memorial)
  • Dole Plantation (approx. 2 hours, free admission, $11.50 for Pineapple Maze, $3.50 and up for pineapple treats)
  • Honolulu Zoo (approx. 3 hours, $19.95 adults, $14.95 children)
  • Bishop Museum (approx. 3 hours, $24.95 adults, $14.95 children)
  • Kualoa Ranch (approx. 3 hours, $99 and up for tours and activities)
  • Hanauma Bay (approx. 2 hours, $7.50 per person, plus $25 and up for snorkel gear rental)
  • Aiea Loop Trail (approx. 3 hours, free admission)
  • Aloha Stadium Swap Meet (approx. 2 hours, free admission, plus cost of purchases)
  • Total Estimated Cost: $200 per person

Useful Tips

For those with more time, add a day trip to the charming and historic town of Haleiwa, where you can sample shave ice and browse through local shops and galleries. Alternatively, take a scenic coastal drive to the scenic Makapuu Point Lighthouse, or hike to the secluded Manoa Falls. Those with less time may consider skipping the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or the Dole Plantation.

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