Oahu Itinerary: The Top 10 Things To Do in Hawaii (UPDATED 2023)
Traveling to Oahu and looking for the perfect itinerary for Oahu? I have got you covered!
The list of things to do on Oahu is seemingly endless. There are countless beautiful beaches, jaw-droppingly gorgeous hikes, and tons of amazing restaurants making it hard for visitors to narrow down their itinerary for Oahu to the most important things.
As the daughter of someone born and raised in Hawaii, I am a self-proclaimed expert. I have visited over 50 times, most of my family still lives there today, and I even have the geo coordinates of Honolulu tattooed on my arm (the ultimate sign of love, no?).
Over the course of my life, while on my 50+ Oahu trips, I have done just about everything the island has to offer. As such, I have come up with a long list of do's and don'ts.
Below are my top 10 Oahu itineraries recommendations for those looking to have the trip of a lifetime!
Is it your first time visiting? Click here for facts about Hawaii to know before you visit!
A QUICK NOTE BEFORE WE START: below I have recommended many tours and activities via GetYourGuide. If you aren’t familiar, they are a trusted site with lots of unique things to do, along with all of the standard touristy activities. Booking everything individually can be a bit of nightmare to keep track of. With GetYourGuide you can create an account to book and manage all of your tickets in one central location. When I travel I personally book everything I do via GetYourGuide, which is why I am recommending it to you.
Most importantly, when you book through them you can cancel any booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. No additional fees, no questions asked. There’s no risk if you need to cancel, so I highly recommend booking everything now to be on the safe side. Especially because Oahu is a vacay hot spot so things will sell out!
Also when you book your transportation, accommodations, activities, and more through the links on my site, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is what helps keep the site running and allows me to take the time researching, visiting, and sharing my recommendations with you! I really appreciate you supporting me by booking and buying everything via my links.
Oahu Itinerary: Top 10 Things to do in Hawaii
What to do First
First things first, I recommend starting your Oahu itinerary with a tour. I do this almost every time I visit a new place before I do anything else.
Why? It helps you get your bearings, see the most important landmarks (generally), and get an overview of the area. You can make note of things you would like to return to to see in greater detail and things you do not. When I don’t do this I find that I miss out on seeing a lot of things.
On Oahu there’s two great options for this. The first and most popular one is this full day sightseeing tour.
The other is this multi-stop island highlights tour.
Explore WAIKIKI
Whenever my friends or people I know go to Oahu and stay in Waikiki the entire time they all end up hating it. Because of that, let me start out by saying do not spend all of your time in Waikiki. Waikiki is a great place to stay and explore a bit but if you do stay there make sure you rent a car so that you are able to get to items 1-9 below!
My local’s guide to the best places to eat on Oahu has a lot of Waikiki spots I recommend stopping by.
If you have free time at night, walk up and down Waikiki. There are street performers, parrots, and other fun things to check out!
I also recommend doing a sunset cruise. The views are absolutely stunning and it’s always lovely to be out on the water at sunset. Click here if you’re interested in booking one with a live dj or here for a more chill sunset cocktail cruise.
Keep in mind most of the tours I recommend are very popular and likely to sell out so you should reserve your spot as soon as possible. Your tickets are refundable up to 24 hours before so you can book them worry-free!
If you prefer a boat tour earlier in the day, click here for the one I recommend! It’s the most popular activity on GetYourGuide in Hawaii.
If you are new to surfing and want to give that a go, Waikiki is a fantastic place to do it! Unlike many other parts of the island, the waves there are (almost) never too crazy, nor are they non-existent. It’s the only spot we take people to surf when we have friends visiting with us. Click here to book your lesson.
Scuba diving is another great option, even if you’re a beginner! Click here to book your scuba diving adventure.
I’ve never been in a submarine before, but this undersea adventure submarine tour is very popular.
And of course snorkeling! My personal recommendation is to skip Hanauma Bay which has become an absolute tourist nightmare. Instead I’d do this turtle canyons snorkel excursion — the #1 activity in Hawaii on GetYourGuide! The 5 out of 5 rating speaks for itself, really. Click here for more info.
Visit Jurassic Park Hawaii (KUALOA RANCH)
If you want to spend the day (or two!) feeling like you're in the real life Jurassic Park or need a fun break between restless beach days, look no further. Kualoa Ranch is a beautiful ranch between Honolulu and the North Shore where many famous movies were filmed - Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Pearl Harbor to name a few. It is a must on your Oahu itinerary. It’s one of the best activities on Oahu Hawaii. Also one of the best activities in Oahu for families!
They offer countless different tours and adventures, everything from horseback rides to ATV tours to their new treetop canopy zipline tour! I have done most and would highly recommend them all. Click here to see all the different options.
PS. Secret island (#4 on this list) is also here!
For more detailed information, click here for our guide to visiting to Kualoa Ranch!
HIKING
One of the best things you can do while visiting Oahu is to take advantage of the beautiful hiking options. There are trails for hikers of all experience levels and the photo opps you'll get can only be captured on foot so get out there and explore! I would recommend making at least one of the below hikes part of your Hawaii itinerary.
For a quick and easy hike with a beautiful view check out Diamond Head. If you prefer to have a guide, this experience has unanimous 5 star reviews. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, take you to Diamond Head to hike to the top in time to watch the sunrise over Waikiki (absolutely unbelievable views), then take you for acai bowls and malasadas after. A 10/10 Oahu experience! Click here for more info and to reserve your spot.
Another good Diamond Head hiking option is this experience that includes a Diamond Head hike, followed by a day trip to the North Shore. Both are things I highly recommend doing at some point, so if this is a route that works out for you it’s a good option to book! Click here for more info and to reserve your spot.
Also with beautiful views and still fairly easy is Lanikai Pillboxes in Kailua above Lanikai Beach. Click here for a guide to the Lanikai Pillbox hike.
For a moderate jungle hike try Tantalus.
For my favorite jungle hike and probably the hike I recommend most overall, try Manoa Falls! It’s an incredible rainforest hike that’s beautiful the entire way, leading you to a breathtaking waterfall at the end. You can do it on your own or via guide.
If you prefer a guide, this is the one I recommend. It includes pick up in Waikiki (great because parking can be a pain there), a guided hike, and a healthy lunch! Click here for more info and to reserve your spot.
Want something quick with an amazing view? Try Crouching Lion (note: this hike is not legal). Click here for my guide to hiking Crouching Lion.
For Waimea Falls up on the North Shore, click here.
And, if you are in for something extra difficult, try Kokohead. Go before sunrise as there is no shade whatsoever and it gets HOT.
KAYAKING
Kayaking anywhere in Hawaii is gorgeous (of course) but my go-to is from Lanikai beach to the mokes. Click here for the tour I recommend.
NORTH SHORE
When visiting Oahu you can absolutely not miss a visit to the North Shore. The North Shore is the most remote and by far the most beautiful, in my humble opinion. Haleiwa should be your North Shore destination and I'd recommend making numerous stops on your way and while there.
Click here for a local’s guide to visiting Oahu’s North Shore.
A few highly recommended adventures to go on:
If you don’t want to explore on your own or you will not be renting a car, don’t worry! You can and should still visit the North Shore, and I have some great options for you to easily do so. Since they’re likely to sell out I’m including two choices: click here for the first and here for the second.
HALEIWA JOE'S AT HAIKU GARDEN
Haleiwa Joe's at Haiku Gardens is my favorite dinner spot in all of Hawai'i - and that's saying a lot coming from someone that has visited Hawai'i over 50 times! This is especially important if you are here because you’re looking for the perfect Hawaii honeymoon itinerary.
Dining here makes you feel like you are eating dinner in Jurassic Park and to make it even better, the food is also to die for. If you’re looking for an Oahu 3 day itinerary or even just have one day, this is a must.
Go early, put your name in (make sure you request a table on the edge so you have a clear view) then walk around the gardens below until your table is ready. It is a 15-30 min drive from Honolulu, depending on traffic.
Note: there's also a Haleiwa Joe's in Haleiwa, but I specifically recommend the Kaneohe location at Haiku Gardens.
SECRET ISLAND AT KUALOA RANCH
If you are looking for a beach that is more remote, Secret Island (part of Kualoa Ranch) is my go to. If you’re looking to fill an Oahu itinerary 7 days, I would add this to the list. If you have less time than that it might not be the best use of your time depending on how much beach time you want to spend.
Although not free, buying a ticket gets you access to the beach and unlimited activities such as standup paddle boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, etc. for 2.5 hours. I would consider doing this in the morning and then taking a tour of the ranch in the afternoon. It’s also a lovely spot to just lay in a hammock and relax without a million people around!
Click here to check availability and reserve your spot.
For more detailed information, click here for our guide to visiting to Kualoa Ranch.
LANIKAI BEACH
DO NOT MISS THIS! Lanikai Beach is my favorite beach of all time and is often listed as one of the best in the world!
Try to get there for sunrise or stay for sunset, not just for the views but also to avoid the crowds (it is quite popular these days). If you're looking for an activity, consider kayaking to the mokes. Click here to book kayaking or, if you prefer sailing, click here!
Alternatively you can hike to the nearby Lanikai Pillboxes when you are sick of the beach.
DOORS OFF HELICOPTER TOUR
A doors off helicopter tour is hands down THE most beautiful way to see the island. Going the doors off route makes for completely unobstructed views so if you are interested in the photo opps provided from a helicopter, there is no better option.
If you need a place to rent a good lens, Hawaii Camera Rental was very helpful. I used the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II for my trip.
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS IN THE WILD
Swimming with dolphins in the wild is a truly magical experience that should be made top priority while visiting Oahu. I love it so much that I've done it a handful of times already!
Dolphin Excursions is the company I recommend using. They will provide you with you roundtrip transportation from Waikiki or Ko Olina if needed.
Click here to see the latest prices and reserve your spot (they sell out so do this now).
For more detailed information, click here to read my full review of the Dolphin Excursions tour!
SOME OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
Want to attend a luau? Click here to book your luau.
For a Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona and Honolulu tour, click here.
If you are interested in capturing good photos, click below to see the latest prices for four popular photo tours:
Where to Stay
Also need help figuring out where to stay? Location-wise I recommend you stay in Honolulu (including Waikiki), Kailua (home of the world’s prettiest beach!), or the North Shore. Ko Olina is also a good option for some people.
Because I have such thorough information to recommend regarding where to stay on Oahu, I have two dedicated posts that cover this. If you prefer a hotel or resort, click here for my list of the best ones. Want a more local experience? Click here for the 11 best Airbnbs on Oahu.
What to Pack for Hawaii
Having the right travel gear is incredibly important for any trip. Save yourself time and money by getting all of the necessary items prior to arriving at your destination. Some of the items I consider non-negotiable for Hawaii:
APPLE AIRTAG — If you’re reading this in 2022 then you likely know that there are major issues right now with airlines losing luggage. My friend got back from holiday a few weeks ago and hasn’t seen her bag since. Worst of all, she has absolutely no idea where it is. Tens of thousands of dollars worth it items (plus some irreplaceable pieces passed down from generations of family members) simply gone — maybe forever.
While we can’t prevent airlines from misplacing our luggage, we can track it ourselves thanks to the fabulous people at Apple. Enter: Apple Airtag. With the Apple Airtag you can keep track of and find your luggage in the iPhone’s Find My app. All you do is set it up with your phone, drop it in your luggage, and viola! You can find your luggage anywhere in the world.
I just bought a few for my upcoming Europe trip and I will never, ever travel without them again. If you’re checking a bag, it’s absolutely essential. Click here to get yours.
BIKINIS/SWIMWEAR — The most essential packing list for Hawaii item. Bring as many as you have/can fit! I tend to bring one for each day depending on how long I am going for. My current favorites:
SUNDRESSES — When packing for Hawaii I recommend bringing at least 3-5 sundresses! I personally live in these while there because they are so easy to throw on and they don't take up much space while packing. If dresses aren't your thing, swap these out for shorts and tops. Click here for my favorite sundresses. I also shop for them here, here, and here.
For cheaper options, I like here, and here. The cheaper sites can take a little more digging to find the good quality stuff, but sometimes it's worth it!
My current favorites:
TOPS —
CASHMERE WRAP — Another top seller on ckanani.com every single month is this oversized cashmere wrap. It’s something I personally carry in my bag every single day, whether I’m on the road or back at home in San Francisco. If you haven’t already noticed, I love versatility. I’d rather pay a little more for something high quality that’ll last a little longer and also work in a few different ways. I bet you’re a bit like me, so this is a must. You can wear it as a scarf, as a wrap when you find yourself at a surprisingly cold restaurant or flight, as a blanket, and more. I can’t tell you how many times this thing has saved me. Click here to see the latest prices and availability.
PS. If you think this is a crazy recommendation for Hawaii, trust me, it’s not. Every indoor place in Hawaii is insanely air conditioned and you’ll often likely forget a jacket since it’ll be so hot out. Throwing this in your beach bag or whatever bag you’re carrying around will save your life!
COMFORTABLE WHITE LEATHER SNEAKERS — Comfortable but cute sneakers are always important. My very favorite are M. Gemi’s white leather sneakers. I never travel anywhere without them. They’re not the cheapest but they are literally handmade (handmade!!) so they are insanely comfortable and wil last forever. Click here to check availability.
More details: click here for why they're the most comfortable and stylish walking shoes for travel!
NO-SHOW SOCKS — To go with the above mentioned shoes! I have tried so many different ones and find that most fall down under your heel (ouch) but these do not. Click here for the ones I love.
LIGHT JACKET. Like I said above, every single place in Hawaii is air conditioned like crazy! Because of this I never leave the house without a jacket - ever. When thinking about what to wear in Hawaii, do not overlook this item. Click here for the jean jacket I love!
SUNGLASSES — Of course! I cannot believe I am about to say this but I’ve found a very cheap brand I recommend. Why is that shocking? Because I absolutely hate cheap sunglasses. I used to be a total sunglass snob and only buy $400 Saint Laurent, Dior, or Chanel sunglasses because the cheap ones feel horrible and don’t actually protect. Until now!! This brand I found on Amazon is under $15/pair and is shockingly impressive. I’ve bought four pairs so far. Click here for my favorite all black aviators, here for my rimless aviators, and here for my square ones.
EVERYWHERE BELT BAG — My new absolute obsession is this Lululemon belt bag. I have used it literally every single day of my life since buying it last year and absolutely cannot recommend it enough. You can wear it around your waist or crossbody, I personally love both. It’s especially great for travel because it stays so close to your body you never have to worry about someone sneaking in and grabbing something.
This one is also the perfect shape and size. Prior to buying this one I tried a handful of others and sent every one of them back. I was starting to think I just wasn’t a belt bag type of gal but then I had dozens of recommendations to try this one. And I LOVE IT. Truly the best $38 you will ever spend! Truly. Click here to get yours.
LUGGAGE — Beis is the way to go these days. Their suitcases have an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, expandable interior compartments, TSA approved zipper locks, and best of all a side carry handle with 50 lb weight limit indicator. You can literally weigh your bag without weighing your bag… Insane. They are minimalistic yet contain everything you could need, all at a reasonable price point. Click here to check out their suitcases.
MAKEUP — My current favorite picks:
SKINCARE — Do not neglect your skin while traveling! One of my favorite medical grade brands, Glowbiotics, has some great trial kits that are perfect for traveling. Click here to check them out and use code “CHRISTIE” for 20% off anything — sitewide!
If you want to learn more about Glowbiotics, including a full review and all of my favorite products, click here for my dedicated blogpost.
GOLD LAYERING JEWELRY — Layering jewelry from SHOP CKANANI specifically. It’s my own shop so I'm a bit biased, of course, but hear me out. I’ve always loved jewelry but was tired of spending $60 on a necklace that would tarnish after 2-3 wears so I started making my own. I hand make them in my San Francisco apartment of incredibly high quality, primarily gold filled materials.
Gold filled items are great because they contain 100+ times (!) more real gold than gold plated items. An item being gold filled means that there is an actual layer of gold pressure bonded to another metal, making it much more valuable, durable, and tarnish resistant. This means it’s also perfect for everyday wear and for travel! Because who wants to spend their trip taking their jewelry on and off constantly? Not me!
After sharing pictures of necklaces and bracelets on my Instagram story, I eventually gave in to the (very kind) requests asking me to start selling my creations. And that’s how SHOP CKANANI was born! I’d really love and appreciate your support, especially if you’ve found the info in this post helpful :) Click here to see current availability.
For Hawaii I especially recommend the Kahala necklace, the Global Citizen necklace (our best selling item), and the North Star necklace. Plus an arm full of various gold chain bracelets, of course! And as a special treat from me to you, use code “HAWAII10” for 10% off.
HATS — Another great way to spice up a look, plus it’s a fantastic photo prop and can cover up a bad hair day.
A FEW OF MY TOP AMAZON PICKS —
For a full list of Hawaii packing recommendations, click here for what to pack for Hawaii!
Other Hawaii Information
If you will be visiting Oahu, we have everything you need to plan your trip!
FOR WHERE TO EAT… click here for a local’s guide to the best places to eat.
FOR WHAT TO DO… click here for my top 10 recommendations. My number one recommendation is to swim with dolphins in the wild. Click here for a detailed post about how to do that!
FOR A GUIDE TO VISITING KUALOA RANCH (JURASSIC PARK HAWAII)… click here.
FOR A GUIDE TO THE FAMOUS NORTH SHORE… click here.
FOR WHERE TO HIKE… click here for Crouching Lion (my absolute favorite) and here for the Lanikai Pillboxes (my second favorite!).
FOR THE BEST PHOTO OPPS… click here!
Also, subscribe below to get our FREE downloadable guide and we’ll also send you some step-by-step help to plan the Hawaii trip of your dreams!
LIKE THIS POST? PLEASE SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!
