One Week Oahu Itinerary & Activities List

Since Jedd grew up in Honolulu and has a lot of family on the islands, we visit Oahu at least once a year. 11+ years ago, we planned a five day Oahu vacation for our best friends leading up to our wedding. And we have enjoyed sharing Honolulu travel tips and making recommendations for the perfect Oahu itinerary whenever someone we know plans a trip to Hawaii.

Oahu often gets overlooked for other islands. True, Honolulu is a big, busy city but the island of Oahu is equally as beautiful. It has mountains, beaches, and scenic views as well as access to city amenities like museums, special events, and a diversity of food you can’t find on other islands.

Oahu is one of those places where local knowledge can really enhance your experience. 

Updated: Nov 2024. Originally published: 2017.

The best Oahu itinerary for 7 days

In this post, we’ve put together Jedd’s local knowledge and our combined experience to create the ultimate 1 week Oahu itinerary for you.

From the famous beaches of Waikiki, to watching surfers on the North Shore, you’ll experience the best of Oahu – including important historical sites, delicious food, scenic hikes, and local culture.

If you don’t have time for one week on Oahu, we’ll provide you an Oahu itinerary for 3 days as well. If you’re staying on Oahu for four days or more, read on for recommended activities and places to stay. If you need an Oahu 5 day itinerary – or some other variation, you can just pick additional days from the activity list based on your interests. 

Oahu Itinerary Overview

Here is a quick example 7 day Oahu itinerary. You’ll be able to mix and match activities based on your interests.

Day 1 – Waikiki Beach
Day 2 – Hana’uma Bay
Day 3 – Diamond Head, Honolulu History
Day 4 – Kailua Town & Polynesian Cultural Center
Day 5 – North Shore
Day 6 – North Shore/Dole Plantation
Day 7 – Ko’olina or Au’Lani 

Read on for more detailed recommendations and itinerary variations.

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When to Visit Oahu

The best overall time to visit Oahu is during the shoulder seasons, which means late January until the end of February; May and June; October, November, and the beginning of December. These are the times when airline fares are at their lowest and the weather isn’t too hot or stormy.

Christmas and New Year’s in Hawaii is also a nice, special time to visit but be warned that flights get expensive during this time of the year. Generally, prices and crowds go up during school vacation times: Spring Break, Summer, and Christmas.

Getting around Oahu

Renting a car on Oahu

To fully enjoy our entire 7 day Oahu itinerary, we will make the assumption that you will have a car. Like the rest of America, Hawaii is built for cars, so a private vehicle is the most convenient way to get around.

Keep in mind that Honolulu is a big city, so rush hour traffic can seriously slow you down. Parking is also limited and parking spaces are usually very narrow. You may choose to avoid the stress of driving in Oahu. In that case, read below for other transportation options.

By the way, a lot of people wonder: How long does it take to drive around Oahu? Going around the East (windward) side of the island from Honolulu to the North Shore only takes 2 hours to drive. From there, you can’t really continue all the way around. Instead, you’d need to cut through the middle of the island to return to Honolulu or to visit the West side.

The important thing to know is that yes, you can definitely drive around Oahu in a day.

Options for Visiting Oahu Without a Rental Car

Is it possible to get around without a car on Oahu? Yes. You’ll have to be a little bit more flexible and also a little more organized with your trip planning, but it’s doable.

Airport Transfer Shuttle

You can always pre-book an airport transfer to your hotel or rental. A shared airport transfer shuttle has a flat per-person fee, which may be cheaper than a ride share or taxi. 

Check price and book a shared airport transfer here >

Uber on Oahu (and Lyft)

Using a ride share option on Oahu is a great idea, especially around the city. In the past, the airport didn’t allow pickup but they do now. And if you’re wondering, yes, local people use Uber and Lyft, too.

We personally love knowing when our ride will pick us up and what the price will most likely be before getting into a vehicle. It’s why we prefer Uber and Lyft to Taxis. Another bonus is that you pay per car so you can split the cost when you travel as a group. Just remember though that the cost of these rides can add up quickly.

TheBus on Oahu

Oahu’s public bus system, TheBus, goes all over the island. Rides are $3 (less for kids 17 and under). Don’t expect a super reliable, on-time schedule. This is mainly due to the unpredictability of traffic on the island.  

Waikiki Trolley 

As you’d expect, the hop-on hop-off trolley system might be a better option for visitors as it stops at tourist interest points. It can’t get you to as many places as the bus can, but it’s a great way to get around the south shore area (Diamond Head, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor).

The Waikiki Trolley operates on a day pass system. You can get passes for 1-day, 4-days, or 7-days.

Check price and book a Waikiki Trolley pass here >

Activity shuttles

Some Oahu tourism operators and resorts will offer their own transportation for guests. So, for example, if you’re staying in Waikiki without a car, you can pay a little extra for the Polynesian Cultural Center to come pick you up and drop you back off at your hotel.

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Oahu itinerary for 7 days: Mix and Match

Let’s dive into our suggested itinerary for one week in Oahu. After this, will provide a 3 day Oahu itinerary, plus a list of activities and tours that you can pick and choose from for any additional days.

Day 1 – Beach Day & Explore Waikiki

Your arrival to HNL (Honolulu International Airport) will likely be after a long flight. We recommend taking your first day nice and easy by enjoying Waikiki Beach.

If you’re up for some exercise, read about walks in Waikiki we recommend.

Enter your email below to access our Honolulu walking route maps for free:

In the evening, look for free Waikiki activities like the hula show and torch lightening ceremony on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays near the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. On Fridays at 7:45pm, there’s a weekly fireworks show above the Hilton.

Where to eat: Goofy’s (brunch) and Katsumidori (sushi, dinner)

Where to stay in Honolulu:

– Waikiki Central Hotel $$ – Great value, walk to Waikiki beach Check price & availability >
– Hawaiian Monarch Apt $$ -Condo for 2 within easy walking distance to Waikiki beach Check price & availability >
– Waikiki Vacation Rental $ – 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with ocean views in Waikiki, sleeps up to 6 people Check price & availability >
– Halekulani $$$$ – Ocean front hotel with spa and upscale restaurant Check price & availability >

See our detailed post about best areas to stay in Honolulu outside of Waikiki

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Access our free Hawaii packing checklist here

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Day 2 – Hana’uma Bay

This is a special bay and worth spending at least half a day. This is a protected area where fish and marine life are accustomed to visitors so the snorkeling is really fun and easy. It’s also a nice beach to just lay out and relax.

The most important suggestion here is to go early. There’s a parking lot that fills up quickly and once it does, the park staff turn away cars. For you late risers (or slow starters), consider taking a ride share to avoid the parking gamble.

Note that Hanauma Bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday, so you may need to swap day 2 and day 3 on the itinerary. Also, reservations are now required, and it does book up. Be sure to check if there are any jellyfish warnings, which take place a couple of days after each full moon. 

Depending on how you feel in the afternoon, you may want to fit in another one of Honolulu’s historic sites or museums from Day 3. Or stretch your legs some more with a scenic hike from Honolulu. Or maybe just return to the beach, or take a nap. You’re on vacation!

Where to eat: Moena Cafe (brunch), Island Brew Coffee House (our favorite coffee shop), Kona Brewing (beers and pub food), Roy’s Hawaii Kai (nice dinner)

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Day 3 – Diamond Head & Honolulu History

Hiking Diamond Head

Diamond Head is Honolulu’s most well known natural landmark, which can be seen from the beach of Waikiki. The trail (only partially paved) takes you to the edge of Diamond Head crater – a former military lookout – with some fantastic views.

Advanced reservations are now required (for non-residents) for entry and parking at Diamond Head. Entrance is $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. The hike itself is fine for beginners but gets steep, especially on the 99 stairs at the end.

The hike up Diamond Head is best done first thing in the morning. This helps avoid crowds as well as the mid-day heat. 

*Shuttle to Diamond Head and entry fee included in the Go Oahu card

Honolulu History & Museums

If you’ve managed to get an early start on Diamond Head, you’ll be able to fit in one or two of the following historic sites:

Pearl Harbor Visitors Center & USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin submarine, USS Missouri battleship and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The Visitors Center opens at 7am, other sites open at 7 or 8am.

*Pearl Harbor tours and museums are included in the Go Oahu card

Guided tours available at Pearl Harbor:

Bishop Museum This is Hawaii’s premium natural history and living culture museum, located in downtown Honolulu. You can explore galleries, fascinating exhibits, and watch a show in the Planetarium. Open daily 9am – 5pm.

Iolani Palace It’s America’s only royal palace! Used in the late 1800s, you can now take an audio-guided tour to learn about Hawaii’s royalty and the struggle between modernizing and maintaining autonomy. Open 9am – 4pm, closed Sundays.

*Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace are included in the Go Oahu pass

Where to eat: Haili’s (Hawaiian Food), Waiola (shave ice), MW Restaurant (nice dinner)

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Day 4 – Kailua Beach & Polynesian Cultural Center

On day 4 of our Oahu itinerary, we suggest heading to one of our favorite towns: Kailua.

When driving from Honolulu to Kailua, remember to try and avoid rush hour traffic. You can either follow the H1/72 East to skirt around the coast, passing Hana’uma Bay and Makapu’u Lighthouse. Or you can climb over the majestic Ko’olau Mountains on the Pali Highway, with a scenic stop at the Pali Lookout. Both are beautiful drives.

Kailua Town & Lanikai Beach

Kailua is a residential town of about 40,000 people on the East coast of Oahu. It has grocery stores and restaurants but no major hotels or resorts. 

It’s hard to beat the long, sandy stretches of beach here. Kailua Beach Park is a great option for lounging, swimming, beach volleyball, kayaking, and boogie boarding. Look for the competitive canoe racing club, which may be out racing traditional canoes in Kailua Bay. 

Another beautiful beach in Kailua is Lanikai Beach. Note that there is only one entrance in and out of the Lanikai neighborhood, so traffic can get severely backed up at peak times. 

If you venture to Lanikai, try the Pillbox Hike which takes you to old lookout bunkers from the war and overlooks the beach.

Enjoy a sailing and hiking adventure: Journey to a private wildlife sanctuary and offshore island with experienced watermen on a traditional sailing canoe. Includes equipment, guide, and drinks.

Check price & availability for the Hawaiian Sailing Adventure here >

Polynesian Cultural Center

Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center is about a 45 minute drive from Kailua. This interactive “park” takes you through six Polynesian villages, with daily performances and hands-on activities to better understand the history and culture of the islands. In the evening, the Center puts on a luau dinner and performance. 

You can visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in half a day, just doing the self-guided exhibits. If you have more time, consider an all-access package which includes:
– 3-day pass for the villages
– IMAX show
– Canoe ride
– Luau dinner and reserved show seating
– Tram tour of BYU-Hawaii campus and Laie Temple Visitors Center and Gardens
– Optional add on: hotel pick up

*Polynesian Cultural Center entrance is included in the Go Oahu card

P.S. If you’re not doing our full itinerary with your own car, note that the Polynesian Cultural Center does offer paid transportation from Honolulu.

Where to eat: The Food Company (lunch in Kailua), Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (lunch in Kahuku), Luau dinner at PCC

Where to stay in Kailua: 

You have the option to find a Kailua vacation rental for this night (ideas below). Alternatively, if you’re driving up to the Polynesian Cultural Center in the afternoon/evening, you might as well keep on going and settle in to your next stop: the North Shore. (See North Shore accommodations listed under Day 5.)

– Private Beachfront vacation rental $$$ – Private 1 bedroom cottage steps from beach, sleeps 2 Check price & availability >

– Holiday Palms guesthouse $$ – One bedroom guesthouse with pool, steps from the beach, sleeps 4 (30 night minimum stay) Check price & availability >

 

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Day 5 – North Shore Oahu Activities

If you’re already settled in to a place on the North Shore, you’ll have this whole day to explore. Here are some of the things you can do:

Watch surfers Bike or drive to Bonzai Pipeline (‘Ehukai Beach Park) or Sunset Beach to watch expert surfers navigate some of the world’s biggest waves. These waves can get extremely dangerous, so plan to spectate only, unless you’re a professional yourself.

Near town, you may also find surf competitions happening at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park.

Try these highly-rated private surf lessons on the North Shore >

See sea turtles Laniakea Beach is one of the best places to spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, either lounging on the sand or swimming in the shallow shore. It’s right along the Kamehameha Highway.

Please, please, please follow posted warning signs and stay a good distance away from the turtles. They are an endangered species. We can’t believe how invasive and close some tourists get just to take a picture!

Explore Hale’iwa Town This is the main town on the North Shore, though it’s quite small. You’ll find a number of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, grocery store, food carts, and the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice.

*North Shore fishing, rentals, and tours are included in the Go Oahu card

Where to eat: Matsumoto Shave Ice, Paalaa Kai Bakery (try the “puffies”), Uncle Bo’s (lunch and dinner)

Where to stay on the North Shore: 

– Sunset Beach studio $$$ – One bedroom equipped apartment near the beach, sleeps 4 (30 night minimum stay) Check price & availability >

– Turtle Bay Condo $$ – 2 bed, 2 bath, sleeps 6 near beach and golf course Check price & availability >

 

 

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Day 6 – North Shore / Ko’Olina

Enjoy another morning on the North Shore and then continue your Oahu road trip to Ko’Olina. If you’re not in the mood for resorts, you can just as easily head back to Honolulu for your final night.

Dole Plantation Although it’s very touristy, we always like to make a stop to get some delicious “Dole whip” when driving back from the North Shore. It’s almost like a soft serve sorbet with an intense, fresh pineapple flavor.

You can wander around the grounds of the historic pineapple plantation a bit, which is now home to a huge gift shop and family-friendly, paid attractions like the Pineapple Express train tour and a giant maze.

Ko’Olina Beach Ko’olina is a resort community with protected, sandy beaches around man-made lagoons. The southern-most lagoon, nearest the marina, is a public beach park. From there you can follow a nice walking trail connecting the other lagoons and beachfront resorts.

Aulani Even if you’re not staying at this Disney Resort, it can be fun to take a walk through the grounds. (Of course, you have to be staying there to access the pools and lazy tubing river.)

Where to eat: Sushi Bay (lunch or dinner), Plantation Tavern (local fare)

Check out this Ko Olina Resort Polynesian Star Voyage >

Where to stay:

– Marriott’s Ko’Olina Beach Club $$$/$$$$ – Suites and apartments, pools, fitness center, beach, spa, entertainment Check availability & rates here >
– Four Seasons Resort Ko’Olina $$$$ – Suites and apartments, pools, restaurants, beach, spa  Check availability & rates here >

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Day 7 – Heading Home

If you have some time before your flight, take a look at our list of Oahu tours and activities below to squeeze the last bit out of your Hawaii vacation. 

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Other Things to Do: Oahu Tours & Adventures

Active adventures:

– Best hikes on Oahu
– 3 walks in Waikiki
– Hawaiian Sailing Adventure here (mentioned in Day 4)
– Private surf lessons on the North Shore (mentioned in Day 5)
– Ko Olina Resort Polynesian Star Voyage (mentioned in Day 6)

History, culture, and art:

– Shangri La, actress Doris Duke’s mansion now a global culture and Islamic art museum (part of the Honolulu Museum of Art)
– HiSAM, the Hawaii State Art Museum
– Kaka’ako street art district
– Pearl Harbor, historic war museum and ship tours
– Bishop Museum (mentioned in Day 2)
– Iolani Palace (mentioned in Day 2)
– Historical walking tours in downtown Honolulu

Family activities:

– Dole Plantation, family-friendly pineapple estate
– SeaLife Park
– Polynesian Cultural Center and Luau (mentioned in Day 4)

*Many of these Oahu tours and activities are included in the Go Oahu card. See our full review of this all-inclusive pass here.

More Oahu Tours through Get Your Guide:

**Want to save money on these activities? See whether the Go Oahu card is the right choice for you.

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The essential Oahu itinerary: 3 days for first-time visitors

If you’re on a tight schedule, we recommend basing yourself in Honolulu for your Oahu vacation. A condensed itinerary might look something like this:

Day 1: Waikiki and 1 Honolulu Historic Site/Museum

Day 2: Diamond Head Hike and Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

Day 3: Day trip to Kailua or North Shore

Other Resources: Oahu Guidebooks

For further reading on our blog:
– Hawaiian language: What you should know before you go
– Where to Stay on Oahu (free download)
– Go Oahu Card review and best uses
– What to pack for a week in Hawaii: Packing Checklist