Perfect 5 Day Oahu Itinerary for First Timers

Are You Planning a trip to Hawaii? Don’t miss visiting Oahu. Popularly known as “The Gathering Place”, an island of impressive contrasts. Read my Oahu Itinerary, with bustling Honolulu, north shore beaches, and swim in the turquoise water of Hawaii.

If you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time, Oahu is the best island to kick-start your island adventure. Home to Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, it offers the most diverse range of activities from natural beauty, to cultural activities, and the modern convenience of the city. There’s something for everyone on this incredible island. While Honolulu bustles with activity, its surrounding areas offers a more leisurely experience.

In this Oahu Itinerary, I’ll cover all the must-dos on the island of Oahu, from hiking Diamond Head Crater to surfing at Waikiki Beach to snorkeling at Hanumana Bay. Oahu is the most beautiful island in Hawaii. which I’ll also cover where to stay, how to get around, and more!

If you’ve never visited Oahu before, I recommend spending at least 5 days on the island to be able to see and do a majority of what it has to offer. Keep reading and follow this exact Oahu Itinerary we followed when we visited Hawaii.

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Oahu Itinerary

This Oahu itinerary covers major Parts of the island. But first, decide what kind of activities you’re looking for! Do you love beaches or surfing or just want to have leisure time here?

Are you traveling as a couple or with kids? Are you an adventure and outdoorsy person, who prefers to go for a few hikes? There is something for everyone here!

With 5 days in Oahu, I’d recommend splitting your time between North Shore and South Shore. We divided our time between the popular beach resort Waikiki in the capital Honolulu and the quieter North Shore.

How to Get Around Oahu: Renting a Car in Oahu

Oahu is a fairly small island compared to other islands(BIG ISLAND and Maui) but it’s spread out and not all sightseeing attractions are connected with Public transportation. So, if you’re wondering whether you need to rent a car in Oahu, the answer is YES.

Since you will spend only 5 days in Oahu, you will spend a good amount of time exploring outside Honolulu! This Oahu Itinerary includes places like North Shore and Kualoa Ranch, about 2-3 hours’ drive from the Popular Waikiki area.

I highly recommend using Discover Cars for your car rental. Check the Prices here. They allow you to compare prices across the major rental car companies. Plus, they have a great cancellation policy (typically free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance). They also do price match!

Make sure you budget for Parking fees as resorts charge $25-45 a day for parking. It’s very expensive!

Oahu Without a Car

If you plan on spending most of your time in Honolulu(Waikiki), you can enjoy Oahu without a car! I recommend its extensive Public transportation system to get around Oahu without a car. You can also use a combination of taxis, tours, and the Waikiki hop-on hop-off Trolley to visit most of the places in Oahu (It’s very cheap)!

But keep in mind, that rideshares and taxis are expensive in Hawaii!

Best Tours to Book in Oahu:

• Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia’s Forgotten History
• Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
• Ultimate Circle Island Tour with Waterfalls
• Moana’s Sunset Sailing Cruise

Where To Stay for Your Oahu Itinerary?

Oahu is a fairly small island. It’s only 44 miles long and 30 miles across, but it takes almost 6 hours to drive around! Also, you’ll see lots of traffic around tourist attractions, so expect to drive slower, especially in Honolulu.

It is possible to visit all the attractions on this Oahu Itinerary using the capital city Honolulu as a base. Still, you can split your time between Honolulu(Waikiki) and the North Shore. It’s worth considering time on the North Shore if you prefer quieter and less developed places to stay.

Where to Stay in Honolulu

Most People visiting Oahu for the First time prefer to stay in Waikiki, a lively beach resort area just 20-40 minutes from Honolulu Airport. There are plenty of hotels, and vacation rentals in all budgets.

• Luxury: Royal Hawaiian Resort
• Mid-range: Outrigger Beachcomber Waikiki
• Budget: Pagoda Hotel in Downtown

Where to Stay in the North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is much less developed than Honolulu, so accommodation options are limited. There are only two North Shore resorts: Turtle Bay Resort and Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore.

How Many Days Do You Need in Oahu?

Often, travelers just stop in OAHU for a day or two before heading to other islands in Hawaii. Sometimes, they just transit from Honolulu and spend half a day in the city! But three to five days is the perfect amount of time to check out the most popular sights in Oahu.

You can cover major highlights of the island in 5 days, from beaches, hikes, culture, and adventure activities. If you’re a relaxed traveler, 7 days in Oahu is perfect to explore all major attractions in Oahu.

That being said, there are so many things to do in Oahu to keep you busy! I visited Oahu for 5 days and it was perfect to cover all the highlights. This Oahu Itinerary is from my own experiences.

Best Time to Visit Oahu

There is no bad time to visit Oahu, and it brings in tourists throughout the year, but some months are especially busy. Also, there are some pros and cons of every season!

In general, the best months to visit Oahu are during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October. The temperatures will generally be pleasant, the skies will be clear, with fewer crowds, and potentially lower prices. These are the cheapest months to visit Oahu.

Alternatively, winter in Hawaii(November-February) still has pleasant temperatures. But expect quite a bit of rain during these months. It is the best time of the year to see humpbacks on a whale-watching tour. But the season is best for surfing with big waves. But avoid snorkeling and swimming at this time of the year.

During the summer months(June-August) and at Christmas time, Oahu gets pretty busy. At this time the prices of hotels and airfare get high. So, avoid this time of the year.

My 5-Day Oahu Itinerary at Glance

This Oahu Itinerary is created around based in Waikiki. You can split your stay as I mentioned earlier. Here’s exactly how you can spend your time exploring this tropical paradise, including some of the most jaw-dropping hikes, a beach that’s routinely been voted one of the best in the world, and lots of tasty food along the way.

You can always choose activities and areas of the island as per your interest, and accordingly mix and match your days in Oahu. You can skip a few activities if you wish! I will also include more activity details at the end of the post if you have more than 5 days in Oahu.

• Day 1: Visit Pearl Harbor and explore Honolulu
• Day 2: Diamond Head Hike and Hanauma Bay
• Day 3: Jurassic Park(Windward Coast) & Luau
• Day 4: South East Coast(Beaches & Hike)
• Day 5: Central & North Shore including Dole Plantation

The Ultimate 5-Day Oahu Itinerary for First-Timers

Day 0: Arriving in Oahu

This Itinerary assumes you are arriving in Oahu in the late afternoon or evening, so your complete Oahu Itinerary begins on Day 1!

To get to Oahu, you will fly into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu! The airport is located on the south side of the island, just 20 minutes from the famous Waikiki Beach and 30 minutes from North Shore.

After landing, pick up your rental car and head to your hotel! Grab a bite to eat, then head to Waikiki Beach for sunset. This is an amazing way to kick off your 5 days in Oahu!

If you arrive on a Friday, or have a Friday in Oahu, try finding a good spot to watch the fireworks that take place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

Day 1: Explore Honolulu & Its History

Start your day one of this perfect 5-day Oahu Itinerary by grabbing yourself a cup of good Kona coffee and a couple of pastries at Kona Coffee Purveyors. There will more than likely be a line so get there early on.

As you’ve just arrived the day before, you might be still dealing with jet lag! It is good to go slow and start with some activities in and around Waikiki. So, spend your day in Honolulu and learn about Hawaii’s history, while also exploring its food and shopping scene.

Morning: Pearl Harbor: Must visit in Oahu Itinerary

To begin the day, head to one of the famous attractions on the island of Oahu– Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Located about 20-30 minutes away from Waikiki (depending on traffic), the Memorial is a must-visit during your time on Oahu. It is the site of the 1941 attack that brought the United States into World War II!

It’s free to Visit! There’s no entry fee for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and no ticket is required to see the museums. But to see the USS Arizona Memorial (via a short boat ride), you can wait in the free standby line or secure a reservation for $1.

Or, if you don’t have a rental car, you can book this tour that includes hotel pick up and drop off! This is also a great option for those who want a guided tour to learn more!

Early Afternoon

After exploring Pearl Harbor, explore Honolulu’s Most historic site: Iolani Palace. Located in the middle of downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace was the official residence of one of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs, King Kalakaua, and his sister who succeeded him, Queen Liliuokalani.

I highly recommend that anyone coming to Oahu for the first time visit these historic landmarks of Hawaii, to gain a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s monarchy and history!

When you’re here, head over to Kakaao Street to see the beautiful street Art. It has over 50 colorful and ever-changing murals splashed across its buildings and a handful of awesome microbreweries. Take your time to walk around the area.

You can also sneak peek into Kaka’ako Farmers Market which is not far away. The stalls here sell fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, honey, nuts, smoothies, and an array of prepared food. Vegan options included Vietnamese, Mexican, falafel, and plant-based hot dogs. You can grab Lunch here or nearby Restaurants in the area.

Afternoon: Explore Waikiki Beach

When you’re finished, make your way back to Waikiki. Waikiki is famous for its long stretch of beach, generally calm water conditions, and postcard-worthy view of Diamond Head, the Oahu Itinerary can’t be completed without exploring Waikiki!

You could easily spend a full afternoon strolling down Kalakaua Avenue’s shops and restaurants, visiting the Royal Hawaiian Center, walk to the Moana Surfrider – Waikiki’s oldest hotel (built in 1901), or lounging around at the beach. 

Also, don’t miss seeing the famous Duke Kahanamoku Statue! When you’re tired from all the walk around, have Banana Ice Cream in the Papaya Boat at Banan Waikiki Beach Shack.

If you’re interested, take a surf lesson! There are tons of places in the area to choose from but Waikiki Beach is a great place for beginners to learn surfing.

Evening: Go on a Sunset Cruise

To end your first night in Oahu, spend the evening on a sunset cruise!! There’s something pretty magical about getting to see the sunset on Waikiki and Diamond Head while out at sea that makes you feel like you’ve truly arrived in Paradise. 

There are many options to choose from that offer a cruise with cocktails from around $100. But I highly recommend this Moana Sunset Cocktail Sail with so many reviews. This 2-hour tour includes a free cocktail and offers incredible views of Oahu!

Some people will tell you Waikiki is overrated and not a true representation of Hawaii. But, I do not agree and I highly recommend spending your first day getting to know the area around your hotel. It is a fun way to start your Oahu Itinerary. 

PRO TIP: If you happen to be in Waikiki Beachside on a Tuesday or Saturday, I’d suggest checking the Kuhio Beach Hula Show website to see if there are any shows available. It typically runs from 6:30-7:30 PM from April through October, near the Kalakaua Ave. The show opens with the traditional blowing of a conch shell and includes traditional Hawaiian music and, of course, lots of authentic hula. Best Part its completely FREE.

Dinner

If you’re vegetarian try the Onoya Ramen or Marugame Udon for dinner. Both places offer veggie options with menus inspired by Hawaiian and Japanese influences, including tasty homemade udon noodles and rice-based dishes. 

Day 2: Dimond Head Hike and Hanauma Bay

Morning: Hiking Diamond Head (oR Koko Crater)

The second day of the Oahu Itinerary starts with an early morning wake-up call! Today you’re going to hike the Diamond Head, the most popular hike in Oahu. But before that grab Coffee and Breakfast from Koko Head Cafe.

Known for its hiking trail, gorgeous coastal views, and military history, Diamond Head is a must-do while visiting Oahu.

Formed more than 300,000 years ago by a volcanic explosion, Diamond Head is believed to have once been a residence for the Hawaiian goddess of fire, Pele. Today, the perfectly shaped volcanic cone is a US National Natural Monument and one of the most popular hikes among all Hawaiian Islands.

Due to its popularity, you must make reservations in advance. We booked the 6 AM to 8 AM slot for cooler temperatures. The park is typically open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM(except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). It costs $5 per person to enter and $10 to park.

The hike to the summit is a 1.6-mile one-way that typically takes around an hour to complete. Along the hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Waikiki. Once you reach the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline and the sparkling Pacific Ocean below.

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, another great option nearby is the Koko Crater Railway Trail. The hike takes you up 1,048 steps along old railway ties to the top of Koko Head Crater.

After the hike, you might be craving something to eat. Make sure to stop by Monsaratt Shave Ice. This little stand serves an enormous bowl of fluffy shaved ice with organic fruits and syrups. You can head to Aloha Table Waikiki for lunch which serves Hawaiian comfort food.

Afternoon: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

After the morning hike, treat yourself to a relaxing beach swim in the turquoise waters of Hawaii! But you’ll be heading to one of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu – Hanauma Bay State Park and Nature Preserve!

Hanauma Bay is about 20 minutes away from Diamond Head and only 5 minutes away from Koko Crater!

Due to its incredibly calm turquoise water and colorful coral reef with 400 species of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life calling the bay home, Hanauma Bay is perfect for snorkeling.

It’s so incredibly popular, though, that the State of Hawaii is committed to preserving its natural environment, and it instituted a reservation system to make sure its reef isn’t damaged by overtourism.

Today, online reservations are required to get into the park, which limits the amount of daily visitors to 1400. Reservations open two days in advance starting at 7 AM HST. Hanauma Bay books up in minutes, so set your alarms for it while planning your Oahu Itinerary.

The park is only open Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry allowed from 6:45 AM to 1:30 PM, so plan your trip accordingly

Alternatively, for a hassle-free experience, consider this Hanauma Bay Snorkelling Tour, which includes hotel pickup.

It is just a 30-minute drive back along the coast to Waikiki. Make a stop at old-school Waiola Shave Ice on the way back. The shaved ice here is worth the hype!

Evening: Sunset Dinner

There are tons of great Sunset Dinner options in the Waikiki area. My favorite restaurants are Duke’s Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian Hotel for their incredible sunset Views and famous Mai Tais drink.

Day 3: Manoa Waterfall, Jurassic Park & Beaches

Morning: Explore Manoa Falls Trail

Your third day on Oahu will be action-packed, so make sure to rest up and start with a big breakfast! Then, it’s time to make your way from Waikiki to the Manoa Falls Trail, about 30 minutes away.

This trail is very popular, so it’s best to get an early start! The hike is moderately easy, about a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail that should take around an hour to complete. It’s a gorgeous walk through the lush rainforest where some scenes from the Jurassic Park movies were filmed.

Manoa Falls Trail is open year-round, but the waterfall will be most impressive during the rainy season!

As you are about to leave Manoa Road, take a turn towards Tantalus Lookout(Puu Ualakaa State Park). It took us 20 minutes to reach the lookout, one of the best viewpoints in Oahu. There is no parking fee but the road is steep! So, be careful when driving here. It’s worth stopping for the views.

Early Noon: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden & Byodo-In Temple

After visiting the Tantalus viewpoint, drive 30 minutes to Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. More than just pretty beaches, Oahu is also known for some insane flora and fauna, and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, is one of the greatest ways to experience Hawaii’s unique landscapes and plants up close.

The road leading to the Ho’omaluhia Garden entrance is one of the most beautiful roads in Oahu. You may have seen so many times on social media!

Next, make your way to Byodo-In Temple. This large red temple is a replica of the one in Uji, Japan, and was built in 1968 to commemorate 100 years since the first Japanese immigrants came to Hawaii, becoming a powerful symbol of peace and cultural understanding.

Take a stroll around the temple’s beautiful gardens with koi ponds with fish & turtles, with a stunning mountain backdrop. It also features a large bell and a giant Buddha Statue. You can even take part in the temple’s Buddhist meditation sessions.

Travel Tip: If you want to take a slight detour, make a stop at beautiful Kailua Beach. It is located in Kailua, a town on the east coast with a beautiful beach and plenty of cafes and boutiques. It has a much more relaxed vibe than busy Waikiki.

Lunch: Waiahole Poi Factory

I suggest stopping for the Lunch at Waiahole Poi Factory. They are known for their vegetarian and non-vegetarian Luau and Poi dishes. Sadly during our visit, they were out of the vegetarian version but we had an amazing coconut Ice cream(Haupia) here.

Noon: Kualoa Ranch– Must do activity in Oahu

No Oahu Itinerary is complete without mentioning Kualoa Ranch. You must see Oahu’s famous Ka’a’awa Valley, also known as Jurassic Valley, where Jurassic Park, Godzilla, and a ton of other shows and movies were filmed. But make sure to visit the most iconic spot in Oahu- Kualoa Ranch.

Spanning 4,000 acres, Kualoa Ranch is a stunning property surrounded by mountains, dense tropical rainforest, and picturesque ocean. In addition to being a famous movie set, the ranch is also a working cattle farm. The ranch offers tons of activities and tours, the most popular being the ATV Raptor Tour, Hollywood Movie Sites Tour, and Horseback Riding Tour.

They also have a small cafeteria and gift shop on site! You can grab your Late Lunch here if you haven’t yet.

Whichever tour you decide on at Kualoa Ranch, I highly recommend booking in advance, as they sell out in high season! Don’t miss this spot in your 5-day Oahu Itinerary, it’s worth visiting!

Afternoon: Kualoa Beach & Kaaawa Beach

Our next stop was Kualoa Regional Park, just a 5-minute drive from the Kualoa Ranch. This is a pleasant spot with picnic tables on a large lawn overlooking the narrow stretch of sand.

There’s a view of the mountains behind and offshore you can see the islet Mokoliʻi, also known as Chinaman’s Hat. The calm turquoise water looked very appealing, so this can make a good picnic and swim stop.

But drive further and make your way to Ka’a’awa Beach. I highly recommend including it in your Oahu itinerary for a quick stop here, which I think is one of the best beaches on Oahu.

While there are tons of stunning beaches on the island, Ka’a’awa offers the most stunning blue water with swaying palm trees and the most Jurassic Park mountains in the background, arguably one of my favorite beaches in Oahu!

Macadamia Nuts Farm

While driving around the Kamehameha Highway, we decided to stop at Tropical Farms– the “Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet. They started in 1987 as a small stand on the side of the road. Now, the operation has grown to feature more artists and goods, while allowing guests to have a farm experience.

You can try different flavored nuts and, Kona coffee inside the farm for free. Just behind the shop are tons of macadamia nuts for you to crack by stones! We had a ton of fun cracking the nuts and getting the snacks in the process. You can buy the nuts and other souvenirs from the shop here.

If you’re bored with all the beach hopping, this is your sign to have a different and fun experience in Oahu.

Evening: Luau and Dinner

If you’ve never visited Hawaii before, I highly recommend spending your one evening to experience Luau! The most authentic experience on the island will be at the Polynesian Cultural Center, where they offer several different options and packages. You’ll see so many Pacific Island cultural shows in one place!

Day 4: South East Oahu & Beaches

Kick off your 4th day in Oahu with breakfast and coffee at the Barefoot Beach Cafe on Queen’s Surf Beach. With a location right in the sand, you can enjoy your breakfast along with the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. They serve vegan versions of Hawaiian classics like loco moco too.

Morning to Noon: Drive the South Coast Oahu

After the sumptuous breakfast, start driving the scenic Kalaniana‘ole Highway along the southeast coast. Make your first stop at Halona Blowhole. This is one of the natural wonders on the southeast shore! On days with big waves, the blowhole will erupt out of the rocks into the air!

If you want to visit the secret beach here, just walk down the steep trail to Halona Beach Cove, a secluded beach with sparkling turquoise water surrounded by rugged cliffs. It’s stunning. The beach was made famous by the kissing scene in the 1953 movie From Here to Eternity.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

Head to the easternmost corner of the island, the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail.

This 2.5-mile out-and-back hike took us just about an hour. It’s a fairly easy paved trail, but it’s uphill without any shade. But the coastal views along the way are spectacular to keep you going!

At the top, you’ll have jaw-dropping views of Makapu’u Beach below (you’ll be heading there next!) and a historic lighthouse from 1909, complete with a little red roof. The sunset here looks stunning! If you want to do this hike in return, absolutely you can!

If you don’t want to hike, there’s a drive-up viewpoint, Makapuʻu Lookout, just past the entrance to the trail parking.

Makapu’u Beach

Next, make your way to Makapu’u Beach, tucked away in a cove and surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs, for some beach time. The water is so blue and the waves aren’t that strong!

Waimanalo Beach Park

Less than 10 minutes from Makapuʻu Beach, up the Windward Coast, is Waimanalo Beach Park. We arrived at noon and spent a couple of hours relaxing on the beach.

This is one of my favorite beaches on Oahu. It’s usually visited by locals and much quieter than Waikiki and other beaches in Oahu. The long beach features powdery gold sand, turquoise blue waters, whispery palm trees, and a stunning view of the mountains.

You can easily spend your afternoon here with beautiful views and lounging on the sand with the sun! You can grab your Lunch at Hawaiian Island Cafe in Waimanalo or from any food truck near the beach.

Afternoon: Lanikai Pillbox Hike

If you have only one must-do thing in your Oahu Itinerary, it should be a Lanikai Pillbox hike. It is a moderately challenging 1.7-mile trail where you’ll climb along the Ka’iwa Ridge.

At the top, you’ll find three bunkers or “Pillboxes” from World War II, with stunning views over Kailua and Lanikai Beaches and, to the west, the Koʻolau Mountains.

There are some steep and slippery sections of the trail and significant drop-offs along the way. So, wear good hiking shoes, and don’t do this with kids. Also, parking here can be tricky as the hiking trail starts from the residential area, or you can park at Lanikai Beach which may add a few minutes of walking. If it rains before or during the trail, it will be muddy and can be very dangerous, you can slip off from the trail.

Lanikai Beach

If the Lanikai Pillbox hike doesn’t interest you, feel free to skip it and head over to your next stop, Lanikai Beach. The water here is BRIGHT electric blue and you must add it to your 5-day Oahu Itinerary.

Between its turquoise water, soft white sand, and the two Mokulua islands off in the distance, it’s the most beautiful beach on Oahu island. It’s frequently been named one of the best beaches on the planet by the likes of CNN and the LA Times too.

Parking at Lanikai Beach can be difficult as the residential area is just a few minutes away. You can also park at Kailua Beach boat ramp, just a 10-minute walk to Lanikai Beach.

Evening: Shopping & Dinner

Drive back to Waikiki which may take 30 minutes depending on the traffic. If you’re early just check out the main shopping street Kalakaua Avenue, parallel to the beach.

Don’t miss International Market Place, a shopping mall focused around a huge banyan tree. We had fun exploring this Place at night!

We had a casual dinner at Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG), which is our favorite spot in Waikiki for a vegetarian meal. It’s a Chipotle-style Mexican where you choose your fillings for burritos, tacos, bowls, etc. The food was tasty and inexpensive compared to the Hawaiian standards.

Day 5: North Shore Adventures

This is the last day of your 5-day Oahu Itinerary and today you’ll be exploring the central and North Shore Oahu. This day will be relaxing and exploring a few interesting places in Oahu.

Morning: Leonard’s Bakery for Breakfast

Start your day with Coffee and famous malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery. The malasadas are crispy on the outside, and warm and fluffy inside, coated generously with sugar. They also have so many flavors. Being a popular spot in Oahu, come here early. Also, the Parking is very limited.

Dole Plantation

When you’re in Hawaii, you must stop at Pineapple Plantations. After all, it’s an icon of the islands and an integral part of its history. Surely, you may have eaten Hawaiian Pizza with Pineapple!

We stopped at Dole Plantation and walked around the grounds. This is a very kid-friendly place with a Pineapple train ride or a walking tour around the garden.

The Dole Plantation features the world’s largest maze covering over three acres with paths traversing nearly 2.5 miles, all in the shape of a pineapple. This is one of the most fun things to do in Oahu.

We enjoyed their classic dole whip ice cream and that itself was worth taking a detour. You can visit the ground for free, but other activities cost extra.

Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach

Keep driving along the North Coast, and stop at Laniakea Beach, which happens to be one of the best places in Oahu to see sea turtles.

These cold-blooded cuties crawl up on Laniakea’s shores almost every afternoon to bask in the warm sun before slipping back into the sea at night. But sadly during our visit, we didn’t see any!

The beach is busier, and closer to the road, so parking can be difficult. 

Waimea Beach State Park

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore with its wide bay of golden sand with turquoise blue water. It is also one of the best snorkeling spots in summer. And this is your last chance to swim in Hawaiian waters. So, make the most of your time here on the beach.

You can snorkel in summer and surf in winter. In September when we visited, it was calmer than most of the beaches on the island. The State Park offers a shower and other facilities on site. It also has enough parking space.

Sharks Cove is another popular snorkeling spot nearby if you want to check it out.

Waimea Waterfall

If swimming at the Beach doesn’t excite you, visit the Waimea Botanical Garden. It has a swimmable waterfall and is the most popular tourist attraction on the North Shore Oahu.

The easy walk through the lush valley to the falls is a 1.5-mile round trip and takes about 20 minutes each way. There are plenty of side trails too. The waterfall is beautiful but expect the pools to be busy during the day. This one is the most accessible waterfall to include in your 5-day Oahu Itinerary.

Haleiwa & Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice

Spend the afternoon exploring the adorable town of Haleiwa, which perfectly melds laid-back surfer vibes with its colorful muraled buildings. The town is home to shops, restaurants, and the iconic Matsumoto’s Shave Ice and Haleiwa Bowls. Haleiwa Bowls makes some of the most delicious (and the most Instagrammable) bowls on the island. Just walk around and pop into the stores that interest you.

Dinner

You can have dinner in Haleiwa or head back to Waikiki.

Other Things to Include in Your Oahu Itinerary

• Take a Helicopter Tour: One of the best perspectives of any Hawaiian island is from up high. Check out Oahu’s lush mountains and stunning waterfalls from above. While helicopter tours in Oahu are pretty pricey, they’re well worth the experience if you are ready to shell out the money. Book your Tour here.
• Snorkeling in Turtle Canyon: Book any of the awesome tours to Turtle Canyon, a popular snorkeling spot that’s located about a mile and a half off the shores of Waikiki.
• Swim With Sharks: The Hawaiian islands are home to over 40 species of sharks, with Blacktips, Whitetips, Hammerhead, and Sandbar sharks being some of the most common. Swim with them safely and support shark conservation by taking a tour with One Ocean Diving.

FAQs for Your 5-Day Oahu Itinerary

Is Oahu Worth Visiting?

Yes, Oahu is worth visiting because it offers a variety of experiences, including nature, culture, food, and nightlife. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii and offers so many experiences from snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a diamond head hike, and beautiful beaches to bustling city life in Waikiki, Honolulu.

How Can I Visit Oahu on a Budget?

It’s no secret that Hawaii is a pricey destination, but there are a few tips to cut back on expenses on Oahu. You can choose a hotel several blocks away from the beach, and take advantage of free activities like hiking and beaches. You can also use public transportation to cut the cost of car rental in Oahu.

Where are the Best Beaches on Oahu?

Every single coast of Oahu is blessed with gorgeous beaches. Waikiki is famous for its stunning sunsets, the North Shore for its crazy winter surf, the east side for its turquoise water beauty. I have fallen in love with the Kailua and Lanikai as well as Waimea Beaches.

Final Thoughts on 5 Day Oahu Itinerary

Five days may not seem like much time, but I was able to strike a balance between adventure and relaxation, making the most of my time on the island from lush green hikes, and breathtaking beaches to cultural experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning visitor, this Oahu Itinerary is a fantastic starting point for creating your unforgettable Hawaiian adventures.

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