OAHU, HAWAII
My 6-day itinerary
Day 1 : Lanikai pillbox trail / Lanikai beach / Ho’omaluhia botanical garden / Waikiki
Day 2 : Koko crater hike / Hanauma bay / Sandy beach Park/ Viewpoint Waimanalo / Waimanalo Beach / Diamond head hike
Day 3 : Kualoa ranch / Ka’a’awa beach / Byodo-In temple
Day 4 : Pearl Harbor / ‘Iolani palace
Day 5 : North shore with Laniakea beach / Turtle Bay
Day 6 : Manoa falls trail / Kaneohe sandbar kayak
Lanikai Pillbox Trail & Beach
A short hike up to two WWII bunkers perched on a ridge with a panoramic view over the beach and the twin Mokulua Islands, then head straight down to the sand.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
A beautiful free botanical garden where you can drive through and stop at different spots to admire the famous Ko’olau Mountains backdrop.
Waikiki
Iconic and touristy, with fancy stores and restaurants, but a must-see at least once.
Koko Crater Hike
1,048 railway ties going straight up a volcanic crater, you will be sweating but the view is worth every step.
Hanauma Bay
Beautiful snorkeling spot inside a volcanic crater, entry fee required, book in advance as spots are limited.
Sandy Beach
Powerful shore break, not for swimming but stunning to watch.
Waimanalo Beach
Must-do beach, one of the longest on the island
Diamond Head Hike
The classic Oahu hike, you need to book in advance also.
Kualoa Ranch
The valley from Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, book in advance it’s often fully book.
Byodo-In Temple
Not essential but worth the stop, beautiful with the mountain backdrop.
Pearl Harbor Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial sits directly over the sunken battleship. You can also visit the USS Bowfin submarine. It is best to book in advance.
Laniakea Beach
The most reliable spot on Oahu to see Hawaiian green sea turtles resting on the sand, usually mid-morning to early afternoon.
Manoa Falls Trail
Beautiful rainforest hike
Kaneohe Sandbar by Kayak
A strip of sand appearing in the middle of Kaneohe Bay at low tide, only accessible by kayak and very fun.
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