The Perfect 7 Day Oahu Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

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The Perfect 7 Day Oahu Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip


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This 7 day Oahu itinerary is the precise one we adopted on our current journey to probably the most visited Hawaiian island.

It was the proper mixture of journey and rest. We divided our time between the favored seaside resort Waikiki within the capital Honolulu and the quieter North Shore.

During our one week on Oahu, we surfed and snorkelled, swam with sharks and turtles, hiked up Diamond Head and thru a rainforest, and admired the island from above on a doors-off helicopter journey.

And, after all, we spent loads of time on the attractive seashores.

Here I share concepts for what to do in Oahu for per week plus the most effective locations to remain, the way to get round, and different helpful suggestions. You’ll additionally discover a map of our Oahu street journey route.

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Where to Stay for this Oahu Itinerary

Oahu is a reasonably small island. It’s solely 44 miles lengthy and 30 miles throughout, however visitors signifies that driving is rather a lot slower than you’d count on.

A 100-mile loop to the primary sights takes no less than 3.5 hours (with out stops) however might be rather a lot longer if the roads are busy (which they usually are).

It is doable to go to all of the points of interest on this Oahu itinerary utilizing the capital metropolis Honolulu as a base, however we’re actually glad we break up our time between Honolulu and the North Shore.

It’s value contemplating time on the North Shore when you choose quieter, much less developed locations or need to do a shark swim from Haleiwa, which is greatest early within the morning.

Where to Stay in Honolulu

The overwhelming majority of tourists to Honolulu keep in Waikiki, a energetic seaside resort 20-40 minutes from Honolulu Airport (relying on visitors).

There are loads of inns—each price range and luxurious—in addition to trip leases. Importantly, it’s one of many few areas on Oahu the place trip leases are authorized.

We spent the primary 4 nights of this Oahu one week itinerary in Waikiki, which was the perfect base for exploring the southeast.

We stayed at this one-bedroom Airbnb condominium within the Aston Waikiki Sunset (which additionally operates as a resort with suites).

The constructing is dated, however our Airbnb was newly renovated, had improbable ocean and Diamond Head views, and included free parking. It was solely a five-minute stroll to the seaside.

Our Airbnb apartment at Aston Waikiki Sunset in Honolulu, Oahu
Our Airbnb condominium at Aston Waikiki Sunset

If you’d choose a resort room, the most effective luxurious resorts in Waikiki are proper on the seaside together with Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, and Sheraton Waikiki.

They are dear, so we determined to spend much less in Waikiki (the place we had been busy exploring) and splurge on a pleasant resort on the North Shore, the place you get extra on your cash.

Where to Stay on the North Shore

Oahu’s North Shore is way much less developed than Honolulu, so lodging choices are restricted, particularly for the reason that ban on trip leases exterior resort areas.

Turtle Bay Resort

Simon and Erin on the balcony of their Turtle Bay Resort hotel room in North Shore Oahu
On the balcony of our Turtle Bay Resort room

There are solely two North Shore resorts, and we spent three nights on the largest, Turtle Bay Resort. We completely cherished it and it’s our favorite place we’ve stayed in all of Hawaii.

All the fashionable rooms have ocean views and balconies, and it’s proper on an exquisite seaside. There are additionally mountain climbing trails to many quiet seashores.

It’s a big resort with lots to do—two swimming swimming pools, surf classes, horse using, {golfing}, and a spread of actions. You may simply spend days by no means leaving the resort, however it’s additionally an amazing location for exploring the North Shore.

Check costs for Turtle Bay right here.

Courtyard by Marriott

The different resort on the North Shore is Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore, subsequent to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

It’s extra inexpensive than Turtle Bay however not as luxurious and is farther from the most effective North Shore seashores. No alcohol is allowed because it’s in Laie, a Mormon city.

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How to Get Around Oahu

To observe this itinerary for Oahu, it’s greatest to hire a automotive at Honolulu Airport on arrival. We used comparability websites like Rental Cars and Skyscanner to search out the most effective deal.

We ended up renting the most affordable automotive with Hertz and had no wait to gather it.

Make certain you price range for parking charges as resorts cost $25-45 a day for parking.

Oahu Without a Car

If you actually don’t need to drive, you might base your self in Waikiki and use a mixture of taxis, excursions, and the Waikiki Trolley hop-on hop-off bus to go to many of those locations on Oahu.

Some excursions to contemplate embody:

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Our 7 Day Oahu Itinerary at a Glance

Waikiki

  • Day 1: Arrive in Waikiki at 3pm – beachfront dinner and purchasing.
  • Day 2: Manoa Falls hike, Pali Lookout, Kailua and Lanikai seashores.
  • Day 3: Diamond Head hike, KCC Farmer’s Market, Waikiki Beach and stand-up paddle surf lesson.
  • Day 4: Hanauma Bay snorkelling, Halona Blowhole, Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail, Waimānalo Beach, helicopter tour.

North Shore

  • Day 5: Move to Turtle Bay on North Shore through Windward Coast—Byodo-In Temple, Kualoa Regional Park Beach, Kahaku Farm.
  • Day 6: Shark swim, North Shore seashores, Waimea Valley waterfall swim.
  • Day 7: Turtle Bay resort day together with hikes, seashores, snorkelling, surf lesson, pool time.
  • Day 8: Departure.

Our itinerary was reasonably busy. We match rather a lot into our week however nonetheless had some downtime. If you’d choose extra seaside/rest time, simply skip among the actions.

You can simply transfer the times round to fit your schedule. I extremely suggest visiting Waikiki earlier than the North Shore in case you are doing a break up keep, although. It was good to finish with a extra relaxed expertise.

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Oahu Experiences to Book in Advance

It’s vital to plan upfront as many actions e book up quick. These are the issues we did that require advance reserving:

  • Diamond Head hike – Bookings open 30 days earlier than on the Go Hawaii State Parks web site.
  • Hanauma Bay snorkelling – You have to e book two days upfront at precisely 7am HST (spots promote out in minutes) on the Parks and Recreation web site. We booked on our first morning in Oahu. Note that the bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Cage-free shark swimming – Depending on the time of yr, you could possibly e book a couple of days upfront, however to ensure your chosen time (early morning is the calmest), e book no less than a month earlier than with One Ocean Diving.
  • Oahu helicopter tour – Availability is normally fairly good however e book a couple of weeks upfront with Rainbow Helicopters to make sure.
  • Private stand-up paddle surf lesson – A number of weeks upfront to get your perfect time.
  • Restaurants – If there’s an upmarket restaurant you need to go to, be certain that to e book. We solely booked Beach House at Turtle Bay (as quickly as I booked the resort) as we primarily ate in informal locations. Duke’s in Waikiki will get booked out months upfront.

Other actions that we didn’t try this require advance reserving are:

  • USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor – Available eight weeks upfront at 3pm HST on the NPS web site. You undoubtedly need to e book no less than a month forward. If not, extra tickets are launched 24 hours earlier than.
  • Lauas – A number of weeks upfront.
  • Kualoa Ranch excursions such because the Hollywood Movie Sites or UTV Raptor Tour.

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Oahu Road Trip Map

This map reveals in all places we visited throughout our one week in Oahu.

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Our Oahu Hawaii Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Waikiki (4 nights)

After selecting up our rental automotive at Honolulu Airport, it was a simple drive to Waikiki, the place we checked into our Airbnb at Aston Waikiki Sunset at 3pm.

We had been too drained to do a lot, however we had been solely a brief stroll from the enduring Waikiki Beach. This is the busiest seaside in all of Hawaii, however the white sand, light turquoise waves, and Diamond Head view are attractive.

Boat on Waikiki Beach, a must do destination on any Oahu itinerary
Busy Waikiki Beach

It’s a energetic scene with lots occurring and many purchasing close by. We headed to one of many ubiquitous ABC shops to fill up on insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen.

We wandered on the sand to The Beach Bar on the Moana Surfrider Hotel for a Mai Tai cocktail and dinner. Veggie choices are restricted (as we discovered in any respect Hawaii resorts), however the Beyond plant-based burger was good.

You can’t beat the situation subsequent to the seaside beneath an enormous banyan tree, and the dwell music added to the Hawaii vibes.

Back at our resort, Hawaii Beach Time dropped off the snorkel gear we’d rented (later than deliberate), and we bought an early night time prepared for an early begin on our first full day.

If you’re in Waikiki on a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, you might additionally see the free Hawaiian hula and music present at 6.30pm subsequent to the seaside.

Day 2: Manoa Falls and Kailua

Book Hanauma Bay

We needed to be up earlier than 7am to e book Hanauma Bay snorkelling—reservations have to be made 48 hours upfront.

Luckily, an early begin is simple coming from the US mainland—an excellent cause to schedule early morning actions on your first few days earlier than your physique adjusts to Hawaii time.

Hanauma Bay books up in minutes, so I made certain to have all the things prepared and refresh the web page at precisely 7am. We managed to get tickets for our perfect time of 7am two days later.

Manoa Falls

At 7.30am we left for Manoa Falls, a 20-minute drive inland from Waikiki. The earlier you begin this in style waterfall path, the higher.

It’s a beautiful stroll by means of lush rainforest the place some scenes from the Jurassic Park films had been filmed.

Rainforest on the Manoa Falls trail, the first stop on our 7 day Oahu itinerary
Impressive bushes on the Manoa Falls path

The two-mile out and again path took us about an hour and was pretty simple, though we did really feel the warmth and humidity in the direction of the tip of the ascent as much as the falls.

The waterfall itself was fairly however crowded. I undoubtedly suggest the path because it’s simply accessible from Waikiki however feels distant from the town.

Manoa Falls waterfall in Oahu, Hawaii

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

We left Manoa Falls at 9am and headed in the direction of the Windward Coast (Oahu’s east coast) on the gorgeous Pali Highway that cuts by means of the Ko’olau Range.

It took us 25 minutes to succeed in the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, top-of-the-line viewpoints in Oahu. The $7 parking charge could really feel a bit steep for a fast cease, however it’s value it.

At 1200 toes, it’s a lot colder and windier up right here, so take a sweater or jacket. It was additionally raining after we visited, regardless of being dry on the coast.

The view of the Windward Coast is gorgeous, even within the rain—whereas the mountains had been obscured by clouds we may nonetheless see the coast.

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout view in Oahu
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

Kailua

20 minutes additional on from the lookout is Kailua, a city on the Windward Coast with an exquisite seaside and loads of cafes and boutiques.

It has a way more relaxed vibe than Waikiki, and we thought of staying right here, however lodging is restricted.

We went for a stroll on the 3-mile lengthy white sand seaside, with its gorgeous backdrop of the Ko’olau Range, adopted by a tasty brunch at vegetarian cafe Beet Box Cafe.

Kailua Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
Kailua Beach

Lanikai Beach

By 11am we had been heading to Lanikai Beach, thought of some of the stunning seashores on Oahu.

And it’s stunning, however parking may be very troublesome on this residential space 5 minutes from Kailua.

After circling the streets a couple of instances with out getting a spot, we drove again to Kailua, parked on the Kailua Beach boat ramp, and walked 10 minutes to Lanikai Beach.

I extremely suggest biking or strolling from Kailua to keep away from inflicting issues for Lanikai residents.

There aren’t any services or shade on the seaside, only a attractive stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and a view of two small islands (in style kayaking locations). We noticed a sea turtle, so it’s value bringing your snorkelling gear.

Lanikai Beach on Oahu
Lanikai Beach

Honestly, we felt Kailua Beach Park was simply as stunning, slightly quieter, and far simpler to entry.

After a couple of hours of stress-free seaside time, we stopped in Kailua for shave ice at Island Snow (be certain that so as to add a scoop of ice cream) and to fill up on groceries at Whole Foods (there aren’t any actual grocery shops in Waikiki).

If you’ve the power, you might additionally go to close by Oeno Winery and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, however we headed again to our resort at 3pm.

Waikiki is a 40-minute drive from Kailua again over the Pali Highway.

If you’re very eager or have restricted time, you might drive the coast street again to Waikiki through among the stops we visited on Day 4.

Waikiki

Back in Waikiki, I rested whereas Simon did some purchasing. The essential purchasing road is Kalakaua Avenue, parallel to the seaside.

Don’t miss International Market Place, a shopping center centered round an enormous banyan tree.

We had an off-the-cuff dinner at Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG), which is our favorite spot in Waikiki for a fast meal.

It’s a Chipotle-style Mexican the place you select your fillings for burritos, tacos, bowls, and many others. The meals is fairly tasty and cheap, they’ve good frozen margaritas, and you may sit by an open window with views of the seaside and people-watch on the strip under.

I used to be additionally tempted to do that night time stand-up paddle yoga class, however sadly didn’t have the power.

Day 3: Diamond Head and Waikiki

Diamond Head Summit Hike

Diamond Head is the most well-liked hike in Oahu and you need to e book no less than a couple of weeks upfront. We booked the 6-8am slot for cooler temperatures, and left at 5.45am for the 15-minute drive from Waikiki.

The 1.6-mile return hike took us about an hour. It’s a reasonably steep climb to the summit, so it’ll get your coronary heart going, however it’s not too difficult.

Except for the crowds. This is the busiest hike we’ve ever carried out, and you may’t even go early to keep away from the crowds—even at 6am, we had been strolling in a line of individuals up the hill.

Even worse is the summit, the place everybody congregates, and the stroll down once you’ve bought individuals coming in each instructions, which is a bit disturbing on slender sections just like the steel stairs.

On the plus facet, the views are gorgeous. We may see the solar rising over the east coast on our method up and from the highest, Honolulu was lit in golden morning mild.

Honolulu view from Diamond Head summit
Honolulu view from Diamond Head summit

Most individuals love Diamond Head, but when a crowded hike will not be your factor, you would possibly need to skip it.

KCC Farmer’s Market

As we had been mountain climbing Diamond Head on a Saturday, we had been capable of go to the close by KCC Farmer’s Market afterwards, which opens at 7.30am. Going at opening was perfect because it will get busier later within the morning.

Stalls promote recent fruit and greens, flowers, honey, nuts, smoothies, and an array of ready meals. Vegan choices included Vietnamese, Mexican, falafel, and plant-based sizzling canine.

We had breakfast plans, so we simply snacked on a scrumptious strawberry-filled mochi.

Barefoot Beach Cafe

Barefoot Beach Cafe in Waikiki, Oahu
Order on the counter at Barefoot Beach Cafe

Back in Waikiki, on the quieter finish by Queens Beach, we had breakfast on the out of doors Barefoot Beach Cafe, which has tables beneath shady bushes overlooking the ocean.

Expect to queue to position your order on the counter, however it strikes pretty rapidly.

I really like that they’ve vegan variations of Hawaiian classics like loco moco, however sadly, about half the vegan dishes had been unavailable on our go to (and this appears to be widespread).

The meals was respectable if not excellent, however we cherished the pineapple smoothie in a complete pineapple, and the situation is improbable with a extra chilled and native vibe than the beachfront resorts.

Waikiki Beach and SUP Lesson

After spending the remainder of the morning resting at our resort, we walked all the way down to Waikiki Beach within the afternoon.

You will pay to hire umbrellas and solar beds on the seaside, however we introduced the chairs and umbrella our Airbnb offered.

The seaside was sizzling and crowded on a Saturday afternoon, so we didn’t get pleasure from it as a lot because the Windward Coast seashores.

But Waikiki Beach is the proper place to be taught to surf with light, beginner-friendly waves. Simon has rented a board right here earlier than, and I made a decision to offer stand-up paddle browsing a strive.

I booked a one-hour personal SUP lesson with Waikiki Beach Services on the Royal Hawaiian. It was enjoyable, exhausting, and difficult.

My instructor was pleasant, however not fairly as attentive as I’d have favored, and I ended up getting hit on the top by one other surfer. That was the tip of my browsing profession!

Don’t let my expertise put you off, although. It does get crowded on the Waikiki waves, so I like to recommend attempting browsing early within the morning, at quieter Queens Beach, or on the North Shore. Simon had a wonderful lesson at Turtle Bay Resort on an empty seaside.

On our method again to our resort, we stopped for much-needed refreshments at Island Vintage (the Marriott department on the primary drag). The shave ice was our favorite on Oahu.

Rainbow Island Vintage shave ice in Waikiki, Oahu
Rainbow shave ice at Island Vintage

If visiting Pearl Harbour is vital to you, you might add it to your Honolulu itinerary this afternoon as a substitute of the seaside.

Onoya Ramen Dinner

Most guests need to eat dinner on Waikiki Beach (attempt to get a desk at Duke’s), however as veggie choices had been restricted for us, we walked quarter-hour inland to Onoya Ramen.

At this easy native spot, we had our most cost-effective and tastiest meal in Waikiki. They have a number of vegan ramen choices—the Fire was spicy however so good.

Day 4: Hanauma Bay and Southeast Oahu

Lanai Lookout

Lanai Lookout sunrise
Lanai Lookout dawn

Yet one other early begin at this time as we left at 5.50am for the 25-minute drive to Hanauma Bay, the place we’d booked a 7am snorkelling spot.

We knew parking crammed up so we arrived early, however sadly, they don’t let vehicles in till 6.45am. Rather than ready within the queue of vehicles by the facet of the street, we drove previous to the Lanai Lookout.

The dawn was stunning as we seemed out on the rocky shoreline and Molokai Island throughout the water.

Hanauma Bay Snorkelling

Hanauma Bay is an essential stop on any Oahu itinerary
Hanauma Bay earlier than the crowds arrive

Once we had been allowed into Hanauma Bay, we watched the obligatory video about defending the reef (most significantly, don’t contact or stand on something) and walked 5 minutes down the hill to the seaside.

We had been glad we booked an early slot because it was a lot busier after we left at 9am.

Hanauma Bay is in style for a cause with a beautiful location inside a volcanic cone. It’s a protected marine reserve with loads of fish to see.

We noticed a 2-feet lengthy bullethead parrotfish, a faculty of convict tang, butterfly fish, reef triggerfish, and lots of extra. It was the most effective place we snorkelled in Oahu and price leaping by means of all of the hoops for.

There are good services right here together with showers so we may get modified for our subsequent actions. Although it might be tempting to spend the entire day on the seaside right here when you introduced an umbrella.

Halona Blowhole

Halona blowhole on Oahu in Hawaii
Halona blowhole

From Hanauma, we drove the scenic Kalaniana‘ole Highway alongside the southeast coast. Halona Blowhole is just a 7-minute drive away and is a simple and worthwhile cease.

You can watch the surf crash into the rocky shoreline and water spurt up by means of a lava tube fashioned by historical volcanic eruptions.

It’s enjoyable to look at, and the view in the direction of Sandy Beach is beautiful. In winter you could even see whales.

You may also scramble all the way down to fairly Halona Beach Cove, which was made well-known by the kissing scene in 1953 film From Here to Eternity. The surf is tough right here however some individuals swim—I’d advise warning (it’s calmer in summer season).

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail 

View of Oahu's Windward Coast from the end of the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail
The gorgeous view on the finish of the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

It was 9.30am by the point we reached Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail on the southeast tip of the island.

The car parking zone was already full however we managed to get an area when somebody left.

The 2.5-mile out and again hike took us slightly below an hour. It’s a reasonably simple paved path, however it’s uphill all the best way with none shade and it felt highly regarded.

Luckily, on the viewpoint you possibly can decide up the breezes from the Windward Coast to chill down a bit. The coastal views are spectacular.

If you don’t need to hike, there’s a drive-up viewpoint, Makapuʻu Lookout, simply previous the doorway to the path parking.

Waimānalo Beach Park

Waimānalo Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii
Get off the overwhelmed monitor at Waimānalo Beach

Less than 10 minutes from Makapuʻu up the Windward Coast is Waimānalo Beach Park. We arrived at 10.45am and spent a few hours stress-free on the seaside (we’d introduced a packed lunch).

This is certainly one of my favorite seashores on Oahu. It’s an area spot and far quieter (and simpler to park at) than Lanikai and Kailua additional up the coast. Even on a Sunday, it wasn’t too busy.

The lengthy seaside options powdery pale gold sand, turquoise ocean, whispery Ironwood bushes, and a shocking view of the Ko’olau mountains.

It was a 35-minute drive again alongside the coast to Waikiki. We made a cease at old-school Waiola Shave Ice on the best way again. The ice was the best we tried, however we didn’t love the flavours or ice cream.

Doors Off Helicopter Tour

View of Diamond Head and Honolulu from a helicopter tour of Oahu, Hawaii
Diamond Head and Honolulu from our helicopter

After a couple of hours resting on the resort, we drove to the airport for our one-hour helicopter island tour with Rainbow Helicopters. We needed to check-in at 4pm for our 5pm flight.

Despite being exhausted after an enormous day, we had been energised as quickly as our helicopter took flight. The views of Oahu from above are unbelievable.

It’s a complete new perspective on the island, and it was enjoyable to fly over locations like Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Makapuʻu Lighthouse, and Waimānalo Beach that we’d already visited.

We additionally bought up near the mountains, noticed a hidden waterfall, and bought our first glimpse of the North Shore seashores and their well-known waves.

It was our favorite exercise on our Oahu journey itinerary and nicely definitely worth the splurge.

Check availability for Rainbow Helicopters right here or learn our publish about our doorways off helicopter Oahu tour for extra particulars.

Waikiki Dinner

Now we actually had been drained, so we had a fast dinner at informal Surf n Turf Tacos. Honestly, we wished we’d gone to OMG as a substitute, the place the meals and think about are higher.

If you need a extra Hawaii trip vibe on your final night time in Waikiki, on one other journey we ate at Rumfire, the poolside bar on the Sheraton.

The meals was common, and it doesn’t really feel as a lot on the seaside because the Moana Surfrider bar, however it’s simpler to get a desk, the sundown and Diamond Head views are nice, and the tiki torches are enjoyable.

Day 5: Windward Coast to North Shore (3 nights)

Today we moved from Waikiki to the North Shore through the Windward Coast.

You may additionally go to these locations on a day journey from Waikiki (and add some actions from Day 6) when you select to not keep on the North Shore.

Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-in Temple on Oahu, Hawaii
Byodo-in Temple is a pleasing place for a stroll

Byodo-In Temple is 40 minutes from Waikiki over the scenic Likelike Highway.

This giant purple temple is a reproduction of the one in Uji, Japan and was in-built 1968 to commemorate 100 years for the reason that first Japanese immigrants got here to Hawaii.

It’s an exquisite spot with a shocking mountain backdrop, a koi pond dense with fish and turtles, and basic Buddhist temple options like the big bell and large Buddha statue.

Kualoa Regional Park Beach

Mokoliʻi or Chinaman's Hat at Kualoa Regional Park
Mokoliʻi island at Kualoa Regional Park

It’s a beautiful drive up the Windward Coast between the ocean and the mountains.

Our subsequent cease was Kualoa Regional Park, 20 minutes from the temple. Although the seaside right here is on the tour bus route, they don’t keep for lengthy and the sand was virtually empty.

It’s a pleasing spot with picnic tables on a big garden overlooking the slender stretch of sand. There’s a view of the mountains behind and offshore you possibly can see the islet Mokoliʻi, also referred to as Chinaman’s Hat.

The calm turquoise water seemed very interesting, so this is able to make an excellent picnic and swim cease.

Kahana Bay Beach Park

Kahana Bay Beach in Oahu on a rainy day
Kahana Bay within the rain

quarter-hour up the street (with visitors) is that this quiet, fairly bay. We didn’t keep lengthy because it was raining and supposedly it’s not the most effective spot for swimming, however it’s value a cease.

The portaloos listed below are a bit smelly, so go at Kualoa as a substitute.

Kahaku Farms

Kahaku in northeast Oahu is understood for its meals truck park (particularly the shrimp). We had been tempted by the veggie-friendly vehicles like Raised by the Waves however selected lunch at Kahaku Farms as a substitute, which is simply previous the vehicles.

They have out of doors tables in a stunning backyard and a menu that options produce from their farm. The veggie wrap and farm pizza (extra like a bruschetta) had been scrumptious.

We additionally adopted the brief path previous their fruit and spice bushes with indicators so you realize what you’re looking at.

Turtle Bay Resort

Ocean view room at Turtle Bay Resort Oahu
All the rooms at Turtle Bay have ocean views

At 2pm we checked into Turtle Bay Resort, which we rapidly fell in love with.

The location is unbelievable and it feels a world away from Waikiki. See the Where to Stay part above for extra particulars.

We spent the afternoon consuming cocktails by the pool, then had dinner at Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi.

The meals was scrumptious (the rum pineapple cake was the most effective), however it was dear and we had been seated on the again with out an ocean view. Bookings are important, and ensure to request a desk by the seaside.

Day 6: North Shore Activities

The North Shore feels very completely different from the south. It’s much less developed, extra relaxed, and it’s nonetheless potential to search out empty seashores.

It’s well-known for its winter browsing waves, so until you’re visiting in the summertime, swimming most likely gained’t be potential at many of the seashores.

Shark Swim

Swimming with sharks is a well-liked exercise in Haleiwa, the North Shore’s essential city.

Sharks had been initially interested in fishing boats when scraps had been chucked over the facet. Boats now not feed them, however the sharks are nonetheless drawn to the noise of the engine. It’s a singular alternative to see them up shut!

If this appears terrifying, you possibly can select this caged shark swim (the place you’re within the cage), however as soon as I discovered there was a cage-free possibility, I couldn’t resist.

We did our shark snorkel with One Ocean Diving, which focuses on conservation and was based by shark professional Ocean Ramsey. They are very security centered and have had zero incidents in over 20 years.

We booked the 7am swim because the ocean is calmer earlier within the morning and the circumstances had been excellent. We even noticed a pod of dolphins on the 10-minute boat journey to the shark website.

As quickly as we stopped the boat, we noticed some Galapagos and Sandbar sharks near the floor!

We then bought in with our snorkels and hung to the rope on the facet of the boat. We may see sharks far under us, however we took turns to free-dive down in the direction of them for a greater look.

Simon on a shark swim in Haleiwa North Shore Oahu
Simon free diving in the direction of the sharks

While we didn’t get as near the sharks as I’d have favored (each journey is completely different if you end up coping with wildlife), it was nonetheless a singular expertise that I like to recommend.

Book a shark swim with One Ocean Diving right here.

Farm to Barn Breakfast

By 9am we had been again on the town in time for Farm to Barn Cafe to open. They have tables in a backyard with mountain views and loads of veggie choices. The veggie burrito and juices had been scrumptious.

Haleiwa is a cute city with low-rise picket buildings and an off-the-cuff surfer vibe.

There wasn’t a lot open at the moment within the morning, so we headed again to Turtle Bay through some basic North Shore stops (all the things that follows is only some minutes aside).

Papa’iloa Beach

Papa’iloa Beach on Oahu North Shore in the rain
Papa’iloa Beach within the rain

Papa’iloa is a much less well-known seaside in a residential space. There is a small parking space on the finish of Papa’iloa Rd and also you attain the seaside down the alley throughout the street.

Despite visiting within the rain, I cherished this seaside. It feels secluded and peaceable and we even noticed a turtle swimming within the ocean. This can be a improbable place to calm down in summer season when the ocean is calmer.

Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach

We had been barely much less impressed by this in style turtle recognizing seaside. It’s busier, nearer to the street, parking could be troublesome (though we bought an area), and we didn’t see any turtles.

This is a well-liked snorkelling spot in summer season however the surfers had been out on our go to.

Waimea Valley and Waterfall Swim

Swimmers in Waimea Valley waterfall on Oahu North Shore
Waimea Valley has probably the most swimmable waterfall on Oahu

We didn’t linger on the seashores as a result of rain so reached Waimea Valley by 10am.

This botanical backyard has a swimmable waterfall and is the most well-liked vacationer attraction on the North Shore.

The simple stroll by means of the luxurious valley to the falls is 1.5 miles spherical journey and took us about 20 minutes every method. There are loads of facet trails you possibly can take too.

The waterfall is gorgeous however the swimming pools are very busy (a number of tour teams cease right here) and it’s important to put on a lifejacket (offered free).

It’s actually not a wilderness expertise, however if you wish to swim in a waterfall that is probably the most accessible one on Oahu.

Waimea Beach

We truly stopped right here on the best way to the airport after we had higher climate, however it is smart to mix with Waimea Valley subsequent door.

This is likely one of the most stunning seashores on the North Shore with its extensive bay of golden sand and an enormous rock individuals leap off.

You can snorkel in summer season and surf in winter. In October, it was calmer than many of the seashores on this space.

Sharks Cove is one other in style snorkelling spot close by and can be greatest in summer season.

Turtle Bay

We had been again at our resort in time for lunch by the pool and a soothing afternoon.

In the night we did a sundown stroll alongside the attractive shoreline, had an off-the-cuff dinner on the Off the Lip bar, adopted by a star-lit jacuzzi and swim within the grownup pool.

We had been very a lot having fun with resort life.

Day 7: North Shore Relaxation

Simon watching surfers at sunset at Turtle Bay Resort in North Shore Oahu
Simon watching surfers at Turtle Bay

For our closing full day on Oahu, we had a soothing resort day at Turtle Bay.

Even when you aren’t staying at Turtle Bay you possibly can entry the seashores, shoreline walks, and eating places. The essential seaside, Kulima Cove, is probably the most protected place for a swim when the surf is up elsewhere on the North Shore.

I began my day with a dawn run alongside the coast to Kawela Bay, a gem of a seaside that’s secluded and has a number of turtles.

I couldn’t resist leaping in for a swim however was certain to maintain my distance from these protected animals.

I cherished Kawela a lot that after a room service breakfast, Simon and I walked again right here for a snorkel. We solely noticed one turtle this time, however it’s a stunning spot to hang around regardless.

Back in the primary a part of the resort, we bought sunbeds on Kulima Cove (free for company) and I went for a snorkel.

Simon signed up for a two-hour group surf lesson, which ended up being again at Kawela Bay. He cherished the expertise.

In the night we watched the surfers at sundown then had dinner at Alaia.

Day 8: Departure

It was time to go away Oahu and it was a wrench to go away Turtle Bay—we may simply have spent a couple of extra days there.

We drove again to the airport through the center of the island previous the Dole Plantation (you possibly can go to however we skipped it).

There had been lengthy queues at airport safety (inter-island flights be part of the identical queue as longer flights), so we had been glad we had allowed loads of time. After a pizza lunch at Island Brews, we had been on our method to the Big Island.

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Is 7 Days in Oahu Enough?

7 days in Oahu is good for an introduction to the island. During our week we had been capable of see rather a lot and nonetheless have time for stress-free on seashores.

That mentioned, we simply may have spent longer on Oahu. We didn’t make it to the west coast, and there are extra hikes and seashores we’d have cherished to expertise. We know we’ll be again.

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More Hawaii Posts

We’ve visited the 4 essential islands of Hawaii and have a number of tricks to share in these posts.

General

Oahu

Maui

Kauai

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