Wondering What To Do On A Hawaii Vacation - Part I Of IV: The Island Of Oahu
Wonder no more. Check out this See-All Activity Itinerary for the island of Oahu, in Hawaii. Designed for the budget, student, and adventure traveler, this is an aggressive itinerary for a first time visit to Oahu. The energetic and time-deprived traveler can do this in 3 days but it is highly recommended to add a day or three to each of the days mentioned here. Since this is designed for the budget and adventure-oriented traveler, activities that require money are noted with "$".
Oahu, Hawaii See-All Itinerary:
Day 1:
1. Start your visit heading up H1 west (fitting in a tour of Pearl Harbor $ if that floats your boat).
2. Enjoy the rural west coast as you drive from H1 west, to #93, to #930. Soak in the sun on many of the beautiful beaches including the local favorite Makaha and the vast, quiet Yokohama Beach.
3. Park at Yokohama and take in a short but beautiful and rewarding 2 hour hike (round trip) from Yokohama Beach to Kaena Point. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, albatross, mongoose, and blow holes are among a few of the sights on this trail to the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve. This hike is very easy but can be hot and sunny so make sure to bring plenty of drinking water.
4. Enjoy the sunset anywhere along the west coast on your drive to Waikiki.
Stay: Stay the night in a budget hotel or hostel in Waikiki. Enjoy Waikiki's restaurants and night life $ and save money by taking advantage of the many happy hours.
Day 2:
1. Head east to the Diamond Head crater, not far from the end of Waikiki. Hike this popular, but nice, trail for 1-2 hours ($ for parking).
2. Head down H1 East to Haunama Bay to take in one of the most popular snorkeling spots in all of Hawaii ($ for parking). Special tip: one night a week they have a night snorkel here where you can rent dive lights $ and see the underwater night life.
3. Continue driving east to check out Sandy Beach and the offshore islands.
4. End your day basking on or grilling dinner on beautiful Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach. The adventuous may want to try windsurfing or kayaking $ at these popular spots.
Stay: Vacation rental or B&B in Kaneohe or Kawela.
Day 3:
1. Enjoy driving up the windward coast Hwy #83 and taking in the waterfall-plenty Koolau Mountain Range on the left and the ocean-side Kamehameha Hwy.
2. For a spurge, stop at the one of the shrimp shacks along the highway for lunch $ (most are in Kahuku).
3. Take in Sunset Beach, home of the famous Pipeline surf break, and Shark's Cove (great for snorkeling and shore diving but ONLY in good conditions, mainly in summer).
4. Choose to spend your time on any of the North Shore's beautiful beaches or take a tourist tour of Waimea Valley Audubon Center $ (cliff diving and Hawaiian history).
5. Don't forget to save some time to enjoy the laid back surf town of Haleiwa. Here you can shop, find cheap eats, and of course enjoy some shave ice $.
Stay: Vacation rental or B&B in Kaneohe, Kawela, or Haleiwa.
Alternative: Fly out late tonight or stay in Honolulu or if you have an early morning flight.
The Hawaiian islands have vast opportunity for adventure and exploration. Make sure you get out and truly experience what these islands have to offer.
