Best Things To Do In Oahu In 6 Days

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is an American archipelago known worldwide for its surfing, beaches and culture. Although many do not know it, Oahu is its main and most populated island, where the capital, Honolulu, is located. If you are fortunate enough to be able to visit it, it is normal that you wonder what to see and do in Oahu during your vacation.

And it's not all about the beach: in Oahu there is a lot of history, mountains, hiking trails, all-night parties and also a lot of surfing. Do you dare to plan your itinerary? Here's a plan for you to spend six fantastic days on the island, touring it from end to end.

I realize that it may sound a little strange to arrive in Hawaii and get to know the city. But Honolulu, the state capital, has a lot of potential and it is worth touring its downtown.

This tour is the right one for the first day, because you will most likely arrive on a flight to Honolulu airport during the course of the day, so everything will be closer to you. This itinerary passes through historic centers, museums, monuments, gardens and parks of a beautiful city, nestled in the middle of the ocean.

My advice is that, during your stay on the island, you should rent a car to be able to get around it well. But if you are going to be in Honolulu on the first day, then there will be no problem to get to know it on foot or by bus.

From the airport to downtown

Good morning, Hawaii! If you are coming from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, from the port or if you arrived late the night before, my advice is to start your tour of Oahu by visiting downtown Honolulu, which is close by and very accessible.

Here you can start your tour, even at noon, in case your flight or boat arrives in the morning.

Once at the airport -or at the port too-, the best thing to do is to rent a car to accompany you for the rest of the week: believe me, you will need it to get to know the best of this island in the most comfortable way.

But if not, you can take from the airport a bus from TheBus, the public surface transport company, which will drop you off in the city center using line 20.

The trip will cost about 2.5 € and is worth it for its practicality. In case of the port, it will be even less the distance that will separate you from the center. Another great option is to book a private transfer from the airport to the city.

Stroll around the Capitol

Since the end of the 19th century, Hawaii has been part of the United States and that is seen in its institutions, since it is a state with a congress, a governor's office and many other public buildings. So, how about starting our tour of Honolulu by getting to know several of them?

Starting very early in the morning, you can approach the historic center and specifically, the Hawaii State Capitol, a magnificent building with a modern architecture untraditional for such an institution.

The building is open between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., but that is where the state's congressional chambers are located and unless you want to chat with your congressman, you can take a self-guided tour between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

If you get there around 9 a.m., you can see one of the jewels of modern Hawaiian architecture. Although this tour does not include entering the House of Representatives and Senate chambers, I guarantee it's worth it and it's completely free.

Advance to the 'Iolani Palace

Have you already toured the actual Hawaiian Congress? Well, just walk a few feet and, just behind the statue of Queen Lili'uokalani, you'll find the ancient Hawaiian government: the monarchy.

This is the ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace in the entire U.S. And why royal? Well, because Hawaii before it was an American kingdom and this was the place of office for the monarchs that later functioned as the capitol. Its Hawaiian Renaissance architecture is sure to fascinate you.

The history of this building is exciting because it had a monarchical past and a republican present. Its building is a sample of a classic Hawaiian architecture that took Western elements and adapted them to the Pacific.

To enter, you must comply with a basic dress code, where you must wear shoes and T-shirts, plus you must cover your shoes with a protector that you will be given upon entering.

Today, this palace does not function as a government institution, so you can enter with a guided tour that depending on its characteristics can vary between 10 and 70 €.

Once you pass your tour of this museum, you can stop for lunch nearby. Among your options, about 200 meters from the palace on Beretania St. is Bo's Kitchen, a fantastic Southeast Asian food place.

Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art

Have you already had Asian and Oceanic food for lunch? Well, you're obviously in Oceania, the world's most remote continent, so why not learn more about the culture of the Oceanic peoples at the Honolulu Museum of Art?

The collections are phenomenal and this museum is a reference in Oceanic art, but also works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Gauguin, a very prominent painter for his stay in Polynesia.

To get to this museum, you just have to walk a little further along Beretania St. When you come across Thomas Square on your right, you can also see the museum on your left which is a beautiful and exciting construction.

My advice is not to miss a visit to this place, of a very simple architecture, but with an unsurpassed artistic quality in the region. The entrance fee is about 20 € and it is open from 10 am.

Get to know all the insects at the Bishop Museum

Another fantastic museum that you should not miss is the Bishop Museum, officially called the Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which also maintains the fantastic architecture of the nineteenth century Hawaiian.

The building was the residence of the last descendant of the royal family and has a huge collection of insects.

Really, just to see this beautiful building is worth every second. To get here, you will have to travel a bit inside Honolulu. If you choose the bus, it is best to take line 2 which, in 28 minutes and for about 2.5 €, will leave you a few steps from the museum.

On the other hand, if you are driving you can be there in about ten minutes using the I-H-1 W.

Traveller Tip

If you plan to buy a lot of tickets for different sites, you might want to check out the Oahu Go card which offers discounts and easy access

Oahu is an island to be enjoyed to the fullest. If you've been wondering what to do on the north shore of Oahu, the best plan is to embark on an excursion to that part of the island.

If you have already toured Honolulu, the best thing to do is to rent a car (even though we are in the middle of the Pacific, this is still the United States), get up very early and drive up to the coast along an incredible road, a journey that will take about 40 minutes. There are also options to get there by bus, although more limited.

This is one of the most remote areas of Oahu and the focus here is the union between the beach and the mountains. In the summer, you can find somewhat calm waters, but if you go during the cold, be prepared to surf.

Surfing in comfort in Hale'iwa

Let's start the tour! My advice is to leave Honolulu early and go straight to the beach, to enjoy the best sun. But not only for swimming: the north shore is the ideal place to surf if you are a beginner and want to try.

Why? Its beaches tend to be less crowded than those of the southeast and in some of them as Hale'iwa you can take different surf lessons in which you will have all the time you want to devote to learn the basics of surfing.

It is best to focus your tour in Hale'iwa, which you can reach after driving about an hour. By bus, you can take a line as the 52 with a very low cost of about 2.5 €, but the frequencies are not the most convenient.

In all this area you have different beaches that, if you want, you can walk.

Beyond the Hale'iwa beach itself, which has a lot of infrastructure, there is the Haleʻiwa Aliʻi, quite more virgin and more relaxing. You could even walk to Puaʻena Point which is much more isolated, but in distance is tremendously close.

Around lunchtime, you have many food trucks at your disposal near the beach of Hale'iwa, so you can replenish your energy and enjoy the whole afternoon.

Discover all the marine wildlife at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Bored of the beach? In Hawaii there is plenty of wildlife to be protected and for that there is the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, also located on the north shore.

This area occupies a good part of the coast and is usually closed to the general public, with the intention of safeguarding the nesting of turtles and migratory birds. But not so soon, because you can still visit it and it is only a ten minute drive from Hale'iwa.

This wildlife refuge receives weekly guided tours that must be booked in advance. If you plan ahead, it is a unique opportunity to spend a few hours learning about all the species preservation efforts.

This place is fantastic for birdwatchers who gather in groups to organize tours on different afternoons and even on Saturdays. You can call the refuge to find out about tour availability in a timely manner.

Once your tour is over, it's time to head back and rest. On your way back to Honolulu, if you go along the west coast, you will be able to see a beautiful sunset.

The bus, on the other hand, returns along the east coast of the island and costs around 5 € on lines like the 60, although you have to take some transfers.

When your third day dawns, you can leisurely eat your breakfast and then head out to the west coast. If your hotel is in Honolulu, this is the closest coastline the city has and, therefore, the one you will be able to take the best advantage of. For many, it is the hidden paradise of all Oahu, because it has the best landscapes and is usually forgotten by tourists.

Geographically, the west coast is just a small coast surrounded by the Waianae Mountains, another of those that make up the entire volcanic system. For this reason, it looks like a truly unspoiled place and you should not miss it.

When you go on your tour, don't forget to bring everything you need for the beach, but also, some comfortable shoes and food.

To Yokohama Bay upon awakening

A bay named after a Japanese city in Hawaii... what could go wrong? Well, nothing, because it is a beautiful beach that you will enjoy from morning to night.

This piece of coastline also known as Keawaula Beach is at the western end, right where Farrington Road ends, so there is no road connection with the rest of the north. You won't need it, because this beach is a little slice of paradise.

My recommendation is that you get up very early, have breakfast in Honolulu and drive to this beach along I-H-1 W and HI-93 W roads. The drive won't take more than an hour.

If you do not go by car, the best thing to do is to take a cab or Uber, because there are no regular buses to this bay. The infrastructure in this area is scarce, so it is one of the most unspoiled regions you will get in all of Oahu.

If you are going to spend the day here, don't forget to bring food, because it is possible that your only companions will be the sun and the sea. This will be key for you to be able to solve lunch without going far away. Because of its romantic character, this beach has become popular for couples.

Climb the Waianae Mountains in the afternoon

How about doing some hiking? Oahu is an island full of the best trails and probably, the Waianae Mountains on the west coast are your best option, because they are not so steep and you can do hikes of a few hours.

Precisely from Yokohama Beach you can walk to Ka'ena Point State Park, which is the western end of the island.

After lunch and when the sun has lowered its intensity, it is best to leave the car parked and walk towards the north. There you will see marked trails leading to Ka'ena Point State Park, where you can spend the afternoon hiking in full contact with nature.

This is a very interesting hilly route where you can see all kinds of seabirds. This is the northernmost point of all the Waianae and if you stay until late afternoon, you will see the best: the sun setting in front of the sea.

This is also an option if you take one of the best sunset cruises that can travel the entire west coast. When you finish your hiking route and have seen the sunset, you can return the same way and retire to your hotel in Honolulu to rest.

What everyone is looking for on the island of Oahu is Kailua. If it weren't: once you get to know it, you'll understand the fascination with this area on Oahu's southeastern shore. Kailua is the area where all the resorts, many hotels and a large number of golf schools are located.

You don't have to worry about the distance, because you can be there in 20 minutes from Honolulu by bus or car, through the Pali Highway that goes through the mountains, or by the coastal road.

In Kailua there is no longer much tranquility, so in the urbanizations you will see a lot of commercial and hotel dynamics. But the beaches do retain their crystalline charm and also have a huge surfing focus.

This whole area, known in English as Windwardside is very different from the rest of the island, because it has a more tropical appearance due to its constant rains, so check the weather forecast before the tour begins.

Straight to Kailua Beach Park

When you see postcards of Hawaii, you're probably seeing images of Kailua Beach Park. This beach is among the best beaches on Oahu and really looks like a painting, as the sea is crystal clear and behind it, there is a lot of vegetation. The sand is very clear and the water temperature is warm all year round.

Of course: there is a lot of wind! That doesn't have to be a problem for you, but an advantage for windsurfing.

If you are staying in Honolulu and you are going to visit Kailua, my advice is to start with this beach-park. It is truly a beautiful and lively place that is only a 25 minute drive down the Pali Highway.

Also, if you have decided to move by bus, it is a super accessible place, which you can reach in 40 minutes using the line 67 for only 2.5 € approximately. The truth is, in this beach you can do whatever you want: kitesurfing, kayaking, swimming in open water and of course, some surfing.

If you like to take pictures, don't forget your equipment, because you will have a wonderful view of the Moku Nui, Flat and Moku Iki islands, which are three large rock formations located off the coast. You will have a great time and you can spend the whole morning here.

To eat the best

All of Kailua's developments and shopping areas are packed with residents, but also with great businesses, especially restaurants. Are you going to miss them when lunchtime approaches? This is your best chance to try authentic Hawaiian flavors at the best restaurants in Kailua.

Most of the restaurants, especially Hawaiian food like poke, are around Kuulei Street and its intersection with Kailua Street. To get there, you can walk up Kalaheo Avenue and then cross over. If you go up a bit, you will discover this whole gastronomic district.

If your budget allows it, you could eat Hawaiian in some high level restaurant, but if not, there are more international options perfect for your pocket.

If it is your desire to taste fresh and local vegetables and fruits, then the best thing is to go to the Kailua Farmers Market which is 100 meters from there. All kinds of food vendors gather there on Tuesdays, so you can have lunch tasting all the flavors of Oceania.

To the Nu'uanu Pali viewpoint

After lunch, head back to Honolulu, but there is one stop to make along the way. For this final part of the itinerary, it's best to take it easy and admire the mountain sc enery along the Pali Highway. Once you have driven a few minutes, you can stop at the Un'uanu Pali viewpoint.

From here, you can have views of all the hills of the southern part of Oahu as well as Windwardside and enjoy the strength of the winds. In addition, it is a beautiful place from a natural point of view, because you can appreciate the greenness of the area and the importance of it.

Historically it is also a highlight because it was part of battles in the monarchical period to maintain the unity of the island.

When you go, you will only have to pay about 6 € for the car, but there are no individual tickets. Buses can also drop you off here, but the frequency is quite low and the place is designed for cars.

My advice is to get to know this environment, from which there are several hiking tra ils and then watch the sunset to take that image of the Hawaiian sun.

Back to Honolulu! You've seen the museums and buildings, but now comes the good stuff: parties, surfing and good food. If you're staying in or near the Waikiki district, then you can certainly walk there. If not, the best thing to do is to take the bus, because finding a cheap parking place is complicated.

I recommend you to start by simply taking a walk along the wonderful Waikiki beach or sit for a while in front of the sea.

But Waikiki is much more than this, because here the day does not end when the sun goes down, but when people ask what to do in Oahu at night, the answer is always Waikiki because there you can attend the best parties.

In addition, between the big hotels and the beach just across the street, you can discover an area that never goes out and deserves all the attention.

Eight sections, eight worlds

Waikiki beaches are about 25 minutes by bus from the historic center of Honolulu, but by car the distance is less, although I do not recommend it if you can leave it parked at your hotel.

But what do you mean by beaches in plural? Waikiki is a beach known worldwide, but it is not properly a single beach, but a succession of at least eight beaches, each with its own particularities. These are, from west to east:

• Kahanamoku Beach
• Fort Derussy
• Gray Beach
• Royal Hawaiian Beach
• Kuhio Beach
• Queen Kapiʻolani Beach
• Sans Souci Beach
• Kaimana Beach

So, what to do? My recommendation is to start your tour at Kahanamoku Beach, in front of the Hilton Hotel, where you will see that there is a lagoon around a pier, which makes its waters very calm, perfect for learning to ride a board.

If you go as far as Fort Derussy, the beach is less developed and there are some bars, while Gray Beach is usually flooded. But the good stuff starts at the Royal Hawaiian, in front of the hotel of the same name, which is always busy, even with port activity.

Kuhio beach behaves pretty much the same and has calmer waters, so it is advisable for swimming. In contrast, Queen Kapiʻolani beach borders the park of the same name and there is hardly any infrastructure, something that, in turn, is still very different from Sans Souci, where you can do the best snorkeling.

At the eastern end is Diamond Head, a huge crater next to the coast that is the most urban mountain on Oahu.

The number of beaches in Waikiki allows you to choose the one you like the most. In truth, the best in my opinion are the Royal Hawaiian for its parties and Kuhio Beach for its calm waters.

My suggestion is to walk the beaches of Waikiki from end to end during the morning and, after noon, choose one of them so you can rest in the afternoon, lying on the sand.

And in the evenings?

No matter what beach you've been to during the day, nighttime in Waikiki changes everything. Waikiki is the center of Honolulu's nightlife, so it has something to offer. Many hotels have venues right on the beach that transform into nightclubs at night. All along the beaches of Waikiki, there are bars of all kinds where you can get up at dawn.

But where to start? When the sun sets, it's the beginning of the fun in the most famous places like Duke's, located in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, which, although it is a bar, lends itself to all kinds of beach parties where you can have a great time all night long.

The other great option I recommend is Rum Fire, at the Waikiki Sheraton where there are huge parties and crazy hours.

Whether it's those or any other, the concept of partying all night, weather permitting, in front of the ocean, will give you the ultimate fun. Most venues close around midnight, so if you don't have your car nearby, I strongly advise you to take a cab or Uber or, failing that, find out in advance about a night bus. Not up for a night of dancing in Waikiki?

What could be better than to visit the museums related to Pearl Harbor? If your flight leaves in the afternoon and you were partying all night in Waikiki, then this is your ideal plan for the last day, because it is close to Honolulu and no major physical activity is required.

Besides, these events marked the history of the world and in all the memorials you can choose among the best Pearl Harbor tours, so it is something you can't miss.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese military brought the Americans into World War II. It was not a minor issue. The memory and remembrance remains and not just at one site, but at several. Some can be visited by reservation, while others are more flexible.

From the visitor center to U.S.S. Arizona

Pearl Harbor is not one thing, but fortunately, all the monuments and institutions to see are fairly integrated. Generally, the trip starts at the visitor center that provides access to the memorials and museums. Getting there by bus is a bit of a hassle, but by car you can't miss it: via I-H-201 W you'll get there in about 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu.

If you go in the morning, you will be able to make the most of your time here, since it opens at 7 a.m. The visitor center will guide you to the possible tours you can take.

The first step to take is the U.S.S. Arizona tour which in addition to the memorial, includes two museums and is free. The only drawback is that it requires advance reservations, so it's something you need to plan for.

The guided tours are great, free and fast, so don't hesitate to book early. You'll be fascinated, as you'll ride on a small boat that will take you to the memorial that was made at the site of the sinking, on a platform over the sea.

This memorial honors the death of 1177 people after the U.S.S. Arizona was sunk and is one of the icons of Pearl Harbor. You can reserve your free admission as early as eight weeks in advance of the tour to avoid any last minute rush.

To the U.S.S. Oklahoma after lunch

Have you toured the U.S.S. Arizona memorial yet? Don't leave in such a hurry: you still have at least half a day left to revel in all the history of this place. Also free are visits to the Road to War Museum and the Attack Museum, which are very close to the U.S.S. Arizona memorial.

There you can learn more about the involvement in WWII and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. My advice is to try to visit all of these before noon, then proceed to the rest of the sites.

It would be best to bring a packed lunch and have a quick lunch to follow, but if you want to stop, you can walk ten minutes to find restaurants.

Once you get back on schedule, I recommend you start a walk to the U.S.S. Oklahoma memorial which is also free and where they have done some survey work on the remains. It is reached by a shuttle that goes to Ford Island.

This tour also includes museums such as the Pacific Aviation Museum, as well as the Battleship Missouri Memorial. In this tour you can spend all the rest of the afternoon because it is worth spending as much time as possible to learn the details of the wreck of this ship, as well as the U.S. participation through aviation in the war.

And if you have time to spare, you can visit the U.S.S. Missouri, although this is a paid visit, as well as the Bowfin submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. On the way back, you can take the same route to Honolulu. Remember to arrive in time to pack and drop off the rental car. Get everything ready for the departure flight that will most likely leave from Daniel Inouye Airport, who, by the way, was a Hawaiian veteran of World War II.

Think being in Hawaii saves you from the American custom of needing a car? Well... no; although there are several waysto get around Oahu.

The first thing you should know is that renting a car in Oahu is not as expensive as in many American cities and that is why it is the most recommended option, plus it allows you to move without major limitations throughout the island.

What is the most important limitation? Undoubtedly, parking, but especially in Waikiki hotels, as many do not include it in the cost of your stay.

On the other hand, if you decide to use buses, there are options of monthly bonod of around 40 €, or weekly of around 20 €, but the frequencies are not the best if you are going to leave Honolulu.

In addition, there are tourist buses in Oahu that can be useful to make extensive tours in a short time.

My advice is that, before traveling, make a budget and take a look at the prices of car rentals. This way you will be able to see if it is what you need, also depending on the visits you want to make and where you are going to stay. The freedom of being able to move around Oahu is something you should not miss.