Oahu Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Diamond Head State Monument
    30 minutes (12 miles) from Honolulu

    Start your adventure in Oahu with a scenic hike up to the top of Diamond Head, a volcanic crater known for its stunning views of the island. The hike is 0.8 miles long and takes approximately 1.5 hours round trip. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

  • Day 2: Kualoa Ranch
    40 minutes (23 miles) from Honolulu

    Kualoa Ranch is the perfect destination for adventure seekers, offering zip lining, ATV tours, horseback riding, and even a movie set tour for film buffs. Spend the day exploring the scenic beauty of this working cattle ranch turned tourist attraction.

  • Day 3: North Shore
    1 hour (43 miles) from Honolulu

    Head to the North Shore of Oahu for a day of adventure on the water. Take a surf lesson or go snorkeling at Waimea Bay, or try your hand at stand up paddleboarding at Haleiwa Beach. End the day with a stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice, a local favorite for a sweet treat.

  • Day 4: Manoa Falls Trail
    20 minutes (6 miles) from Honolulu

    End your adventure in Oahu with a hike through the lush jungle to Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall. This hike is approximately 1.5 miles long and takes about 2 hours round trip. Be sure to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and take a dip in the refreshing waterfall.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Diamond Head State Monument (1.5 hours, $5 per car)
  • Kualoa Ranch (6 hours, $149 per person for adventure package)
  • North Shore (6 hours, varies depending on activities)
  • Manoa Falls Trail (2 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $154 per person

Transportation

To get around Oahu, renting a car is recommended. Rental cars typically cost around $40 per day, and gas prices range from $3.50 to $4 per gallon. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Pearl Harbor or a day trip to the island of Maui. If you have less time, consider skipping the North Shore or combining Diamond Head and Manoa Falls into one day.

Airports

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main airport in Oahu, located approximately 10 miles from downtown Honolulu. The airport is served by major airlines and offers nonstop flights to major cities throughout the United States and Asia.

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