Regardless of where you stay, Oahu is a relatively small island (1,545.3 km²). By car, it will take you barely an hour to get from the south end to the north end. That’s why 5 days is more than enough to tour the island and see everything there is to see on Oahu .
The itinerary that I will propose is designed to spend each day in a different part of the island. However, to make it easier for you, I recommend that, upon your arrival at Honolulu airport , you rent a car and let yourself be carried away by the unique
Heavenly beaches, incredible nature and a wonderful atmosphere – that’s what Honolulu is all about. The capital of Hawaii is not very big, but tourism is its main feature. People from all walks of life, surfers, luxury travelers and backpackers meet there.
Popular areas include the downtown shopping and entertainment district, while Chinatown’s arts district is the cultural district. Waikiki, which is also a district of Honolulu, will be left for the next day so as not to overload the first.
Discover the history of Pearl Harbor
Of all Honolulu’s attractions, Pearl Harbor is one of the most historically significant . The attack on the United States Navy by Japan on December 7, 1941 was a watershed event in World War II.
Hiring one of the tours that take you to Pearl Harbor is a great option.
They will take you to see the Visitor Center, Exhibits, Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, Kawaiahao Church, Mission House Museum, Punchbowl Cemetery, King Kamehameha Statue, Honolulu Hale, the public library, the Aloha tower, among others.
Book a Pearl Harbor Tour on Oahu
See Iolani Palace
Did you know that the only royal palace in the United States is in Honolulu?
The building, called Iolani Palace , dates from when Hawaii was a monarchy.
Located in the Capitol District, Iolani Palace is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Visit of the Ala Moana Center
A half-hour walk from the palace is the Ala Moana Center , the world’s largest open-air mall .
If you fancy shopping, this is the place for you. It also has a fantastic children’s playground that will delight the little ones.
How about a classic Hawaiian shirt? With over 350 stores and restaurants , the Ala Moana Center offers everything from Hawaiian clothing and accessories to the most popular brands.
In addition, throughout the year, many activities, shows, courses, cultural encounters and all kinds of other experiences are offered.
Dinner before retiring
After spending the morning in Pearl Harbor and a long walk around Honolulu, you will probably be tired
And since you have several days ahead of you, I recommend ending the day with dinner at the mall itself . Inside you will find many options, so you will have no trouble choosing what you like.
Despite the crowds, Waikiki is a must. You ca n’t say you’ve been to Hawaii without coming here. In Waikiki , you will find everything you need to feel good. This is Honolulu’s most famous neighborhood.
Ninety percent of Honolulu’s hotels are in Waikiki, so if you’re staying in the capital, chances are you’ll stay here.
Spend a few hours on Waikiki Beach
Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world and the perfect place to stop and adjust to jet lag. There aren’t many places where you can see surfers crowding into the ocean to catch the perfect wave.
However, if this white-sand beach is a surfer’s paradise and well worth the show, if you have children with you, or want a more leisurely swim, it’s best to head to the southern end of the beach , where the waves are tempered by the breaking waves.
Rent a surfboard
If you’ve never ridden a surfboard, you’re in a great position to start. You can rent one for just over $10 or book one of Oahu’s surf lessons .
For Hawaiians, surfing is almost a religion , dating back centuries and centuries, to who knows what era.
You cannot miss the opportunity to feel what these natives experienced while surfing the waves, and which James Cook spotted, for the first time for the West, when he landed on one of the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago (formerly known as the Sandwich Islands) in 1778.
Diamond Head Volcano Tour
Just steps from Waikiki Beach is one of Oahu’s best hiking trails : the one to Diamond Head.
You can see Diamond Head Volcano from anywhere in Waikiki, but seeing it is not the same as feeling it. A trip to Diamond Head Crater is a must for first-time visitors to Oahu .
The last part is an ascent on a trail that takes you through tunnels and old military remains and ends with a view of all of Honolulu that you can’t miss. It’s a 1-2 hour round trip.
From Waikiki, if you have a rental car, you will reach the end in just a few minutes. Otherwise, don’t worry, you can get there by bus .