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This 7 day Oahu itinerary is the precise one we adopted on our latest 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.
Throughout 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 experience.
And, in fact, we spent loads of time on the beautiful seashores.
Right here I share concepts for what to do in Oahu for per week plus one of the best locations to remain, the right way to get round, and different helpful suggestions. You’ll additionally discover a map of our Oahu street journey route.
Contents
The place to Keep for this Oahu Itinerary
Oahu is a reasonably small island. It’s solely 44 miles lengthy and 30 miles throughout, however site visitors implies that driving is so much slower than you’d count on.
A 100-mile loop to the principle sights takes at the least 3.5 hours (with out stops) however could possibly be so much longer if the roads are busy (which they typically are).
It’s 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 price contemplating time on the North Shore in the event you want quieter, much less developed locations or need to do a shark swim from Haleiwa, which is greatest early within the morning.
The place to Keep in Honolulu
The overwhelming majority of holiday makers to Honolulu keep in Waikiki, a full of life seaside resort 20-40 minutes from Honolulu Airport (relying on site visitors).
There are many lodges—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 rental within the Aston Waikiki Sundown (which additionally operates as a lodge with suites).
The constructing is dated, however our Airbnb was newly renovated, had incredible ocean and Diamond Head views, and included free parking. It was solely a five-minute stroll to the seaside.
In the event you’d want a lodge room, one of the best luxurious resorts in Waikiki are proper on the seaside together with Moana Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian, and Sheraton Waikiki.
They’re expensive, 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.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Oahu’s North Shore is far much less developed than Honolulu, so lodging choices are restricted, particularly for the reason that ban on trip leases outdoors resort areas.
Turtle Bay Resort
There are solely two North Shore resorts, and we spent three nights on the largest, Turtle Bay Resort. We completely liked it and it’s our favorite place we’ve stayed in all of Hawaii.
All the trendy 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 loads to do—two swimming swimming pools, surf classes, horse using, {golfing}, and a variety of actions. You might simply spend days by no means leaving the resort, however it’s additionally an awesome location for exploring the North Shore.
Examine costs for Turtle Bay right here.
Courtyard by Marriott
The opposite resort on the North Shore is Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore, subsequent to the Polynesian Cultural Middle.
It’s extra inexpensive than Turtle Bay however not as luxurious and is farther from one of the best North Shore seashores. No alcohol is allowed because it’s in Laie, a Mormon city.
The right way to Get Round Oahu
To comply with this itinerary for Oahu, it’s greatest to lease a automotive at Honolulu Airport on arrival. We used comparability websites like Rental Vehicles and Skyscanner to seek out one of the best deal.
We ended up renting the most affordable automotive with Hertz and had no wait to gather it.
Be sure you price range for parking charges as resorts cost $25-45 a day for parking.
Oahu With out a Automobile
In the event 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 think about embody:
Our 7 Day Oahu Itinerary at a Look
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 Seaside and stand-up paddle surf lesson.
- Day 4: Hanauma Bay snorkelling, Halona Blowhole, Makapuʻu Lighthouse Path, Waimānalo Seaside, helicopter tour.
North Shore
- Day 5: Transfer to Turtle Bay on North Shore by way of Windward Coast—Byodo-In Temple, Kualoa Regional Park Seaside, 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 so much into our week however nonetheless had some downtime. In the event you’d want extra seaside/rest time, simply skip a number of the actions.
You possibly can simply transfer the times round to fit your schedule. I extremely suggest visiting Waikiki earlier than the North Shore if you’re doing a break up keep, although. It was good to finish with a extra relaxed expertise.
Oahu Experiences to Guide in Advance
It’s essential 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 – That you must 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. Observe that the bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Cage-free shark swimming – Relying 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 at the least a month earlier than with One Ocean Diving.
- Oahu helicopter tour – Availability is often fairly good however e book a couple of weeks upfront with Rainbow Helicopters to make certain.
- Personal stand-up paddle surf lesson – A couple of weeks upfront to get your preferrred time.
- Eating places – If there’s an upmarket restaurant you need to go to, be certain that to e book. We solely booked Seaside Home at Turtle Bay (as quickly as I booked the lodge) as we primarily ate in informal locations. Duke’s in Waikiki will get booked out months upfront.
Different actions that we didn’t do this require advance reserving are:
- USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor – Out there eight weeks upfront at 3pm HST on the NPS web site. You positively need to e book at the least a month forward. If not, extra tickets are launched 24 hours earlier than.
- Lauas – A couple of weeks upfront.
- Kualoa Ranch excursions such because the Hollywood Film Websites or UTV Raptor Tour.
Oahu Highway Journey Map
This map exhibits all over the place we visited throughout our one week in Oahu.
Our Oahu Hawaii Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Waikiki (4 nights)
After choosing up our rental automotive at Honolulu Airport, it was a straightforward drive to Waikiki, the place we checked into our Airbnb at Aston Waikiki Sundown at 3pm.
We had been too drained to do a lot, however we had been solely a brief stroll from the long-lasting Waikiki Seaside. That is the busiest seaside in all of Hawaii, however the white sand, light turquoise waves, and Diamond Head view are beautiful.
It’s a full of life scene with loads occurring and plenty of purchasing close by. We headed to one of many ubiquitous ABC shops to refill on insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen.
We wandered on the sand to The Seaside Bar on the Moana Surfrider Resort for a Mai Tai cocktail and dinner. Veggie choices are restricted (as we discovered in any respect Hawaii resorts), however the Past plant-based burger was good.
You possibly can’t beat the placement subsequent to the seaside underneath an enormous banyan tree, and the reside music added to the Hawaii vibes.
Again at our lodge, Hawaii Seaside Time dropped off the snorkel gear we’d rented (later than deliberate), and we obtained an early night time prepared for an early begin on our first full day.
In case you are 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
Guide Hanauma Bay
We needed to be up earlier than 7am to e book Hanauma Bay snorkelling—reservations have to be made 48 hours upfront.
Fortunately, an early begin is straightforward coming from the US mainland—a superb 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 every little thing prepared and refresh the web page at precisely 7am. We managed to get tickets for our preferrred time of 7am two days later.
Manoa Falls
At 7.30am we left for Manoa Falls, a 20-minute drive inland from Waikiki. The sooner you begin this in style waterfall path, the higher.
It’s a stunning stroll by lush rainforest the place some scenes from the Jurassic Park films had been filmed.
The 2-mile out and again path took us about an hour and was pretty simple, though we did really feel the warmth and humidity in direction of the top of the ascent as much as the falls.
The waterfall itself was fairly however crowded. I positively suggest the path because it’s simply accessible from Waikiki however feels distant from the town.
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
We left Manoa Falls at 9am and headed in direction of the Windward Coast (Oahu’s east coast) on the gorgeous Pali Freeway that cuts by the Ko’olau Vary.
It took us 25 minutes to achieve the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, top-of-the-line viewpoints in Oahu. The $7 parking price might really feel a bit steep for a fast cease, however it’s price 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 beautiful, even within the rain—whereas the mountains had been obscured by clouds we may nonetheless see the coast.
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 beautiful backdrop of the Ko’olau Vary, adopted by a tasty brunch at vegetarian cafe Beet Field Cafe.
Lanikai Seaside
By 11am we had been heading to Lanikai Seaside, thought of probably the most stunning seashores on Oahu.
And it’s stunning, however parking could be very tough on this residential space 5 minutes from Kailua.
After circling the streets a couple of occasions with out getting a spot, we drove again to Kailua, parked on the Kailua Seaside boat ramp, and walked 10 minutes to Lanikai Seaside.
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 beautiful 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 price bringing your snorkelling gear.
Actually, we felt Kailua Seaside Park was simply as stunning, a little bit 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 refill on groceries at Entire Meals (there aren’t any actual grocery shops in Waikiki).
In case you have the vitality, you might additionally go to close by Oeno Vineyard and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Backyard, however we headed again to our lodge at 3pm.
Waikiki is a 40-minute drive from Kailua again over the Pali Freeway.
In case you are very eager or have restricted time, you might drive the coast street again to Waikiki by way of a number of the stops we visited on Day 4.
Waikiki
Again in Waikiki, I rested whereas Simon did some purchasing. The principle purchasing avenue is Kalakaua Avenue, parallel to the seaside.
Don’t miss Worldwide Market Place, a shopping center centered round an enormous banyan tree.
We had an informal 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 vitality.
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 at the least 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.
Apart from the crowds. That is the busiest hike we’ve ever performed, 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 if you’ve obtained folks coming in each instructions, which is a bit irritating on slender sections just like the steel stairs.
On the plus aspect, the views are beautiful. 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.
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 in a position to go to the close by KCC Farmer’s Market afterwards, which opens at 7.30am. Going at opening was preferrred because it will get busier later within the morning.
Stalls promote contemporary fruit and greens, flowers, honey, nuts, smoothies, and an array of ready meals. Vegan choices included Vietnamese, Mexican, falafel, and plant-based scorching canines.
We had breakfast plans, so we simply snacked on a scrumptious strawberry-filled mochi.
Barefoot Seaside Cafe
Again in Waikiki, on the quieter finish by Queens Seaside, we had breakfast on the outside Barefoot Seaside Cafe, which has tables underneath shady timber overlooking the ocean.
Anticipate to queue to position your order on the counter, however it strikes pretty rapidly.
I 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 frequent).
The meals was first rate if not excellent, however we liked the pineapple smoothie in a complete pineapple, and the placement is incredible with a extra chilled and native vibe than the beachfront resorts.
Waikiki Seaside and SUP Lesson
After spending the remainder of the morning resting at our lodge, we walked all the way down to Waikiki Seaside within the afternoon.
You possibly can pay to lease umbrellas and solar beds on the seaside, however we introduced the chairs and umbrella our Airbnb offered.
The seaside was scorching and crowded on a Saturday afternoon, so we didn’t take pleasure in it as a lot because the Windward Coast seashores.
However Waikiki Seaside 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 present stand-up paddle browsing a attempt.
I booked a one-hour non-public SUP lesson with Waikiki Seaside Companies on the Royal Hawaiian. It was enjoyable, exhausting, and difficult.
My trainer was pleasant, however not fairly as attentive as I’d have preferred, and I ended up getting hit on the top by one other surfer. That was the top 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 Seaside, or on the North Shore. Simon had a wonderful lesson at Turtle Bay Resort on an empty seaside.
On our method again to our lodge, we stopped for much-needed refreshments at Island Classic (the Marriott department on the principle drag). The shave ice was our favorite on Oahu.
If visiting Pearl Harbour is essential 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 Seaside (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 straightforward native spot, we had our least expensive and tastiest meal in Waikiki. They’ve a number of vegan ramen choices—the Fireplace was spicy however so good.
Day 4: Hanauma Bay and Southeast Oahu
Lanai Lookout
Yet one more early begin right this moment 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 automobiles in till 6.45am. Slightly than ready within the queue of automobiles by the aspect of the street, we drove previous to the Lanai Lookout.
The dawn was stunning as we appeared out on the rocky shoreline and Molokai Island throughout the water.
Hanauma Bay Snorkelling
As soon as 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 stunning 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 college of convict tang, butterfly fish, reef triggerfish, and plenty of extra. It was one of the best place we snorkelled in Oahu and value leaping by all of the hoops for.
There are good services right here together with showers so we may get modified for our subsequent actions. Though it might be tempting to spend the entire day on the seaside right here in the event you introduced an umbrella.
Halona Blowhole
From Hanauma, we drove the scenic Kalaniana‘ole Freeway alongside the southeast coast. Halona Blowhole is barely a 7-minute drive away and is a straightforward and worthwhile cease.
You possibly can watch the surf crash into the rocky shoreline and water spurt up by a lava tube shaped by historical volcanic eruptions.
It’s enjoyable to look at, and the view in direction of Sandy Seaside is gorgeous. In winter chances are you’ll even see whales.
You can too scramble all the way down to fairly Halona Seaside Cove, which was made well-known by the kissing scene in 1953 film From Right here to Eternity. The surf is tough right here however some folks swim—I might advise warning (it’s calmer in summer time).
Makapuʻu Lighthouse Path
It was 9.30am by the point we reached Makapuʻu Lighthouse Path 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 two.5-mile out and again hike took us just below an hour. It’s a reasonably simple paved path, however it’s uphill all the best way with none shade and it felt extremely popular.
Fortunately, on the viewpoint you may decide up the breezes from the Windward Coast to chill down a bit. The coastal views are spectacular.
In the event you don’t need to hike, there’s a drive-up viewpoint, Makapuʻu Lookout, simply previous the doorway to the path parking.
Waimānalo Seaside Park
Lower than 10 minutes from Makapuʻu up the Windward Coast is Waimānalo Seaside Park. We arrived at 10.45am and spent a few hours stress-free on the seaside (we’d introduced a packed lunch).
That is one in every of my favorite seashores on Oahu. It’s a neighborhood 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 timber, 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.
Doorways Off Helicopter Tour
After a couple of hours resting on the lodge, 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.
Regardless of 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 Seaside that we’d already visited.
We additionally obtained up near the mountains, noticed a hidden waterfall, and obtained 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 well worth the splurge.
Examine availability for Rainbow Helicopters right here or learn our submit 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. Actually, we wished we’d gone to OMG as a substitute, the place the meals and examine are higher.
If you would like 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)
At present we moved from Waikiki to the North Shore by way of the Windward Coast.
You might additionally go to these locations on a day journey from Waikiki (and add some actions from Day 6) in the event you select to not keep on the North Shore.
Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In Temple is 40 minutes from Waikiki over the scenic Likelike Freeway.
This massive purple temple is a duplicate 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 traditional Buddhist temple options like the big bell and big Buddha statue.
Kualoa Regional Park Seaside
It’s a stunning drive up the Windward Coast between the ocean and the mountains.
Our subsequent cease was Kualoa Regional Park, 20 minutes from the temple. Though 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 may see the islet Mokoliʻi, also referred to as Chinaman’s Hat.
The calm turquoise water appeared very interesting, so this might make a superb picnic and swim cease.
Kahana Bay Seaside Park
quarter-hour up the street (with site visitors) is that this quiet, fairly bay. We didn’t keep lengthy because it was raining and supposedly it’s not one of the best spot for swimming, however it’s price 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’ve outside tables in a beautiful 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 timber with indicators so you already know what you’re looking at.
Turtle Bay Resort
At 2pm we checked into Turtle Bay Resort, which we rapidly fell in love with.
The placement is unbelievable and it feels a world away from Waikiki. See the The place to Keep part above for extra particulars.
We spent the afternoon ingesting cocktails by the pool, then had dinner at Seaside Home by Roy Yamaguchi.
The meals was scrumptious (the rum pineapple cake was one of the best), however it was expensive 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 Actions
The North Shore feels very completely different from the south. It’s much less developed, extra relaxed, and it’s nonetheless attainable to seek out empty seashores.
It’s well-known for its winter browsing waves, so until you might be visiting in the summertime, swimming most likely received’t be attainable at many of the seashores.
Shark Swim
Swimming with sharks is a well-liked exercise in Haleiwa, the North Shore’s foremost city.
Sharks had been initially drawn to fishing boats when scraps had been chucked over the aspect. Boats now not feed them, however the sharks are nonetheless drawn to the noise of the engine. It’s a novel alternative to see them up shut!
If this appears terrifying, you may select this caged shark swim (the place you might be within the cage), however as soon as I discovered there was a cage-free choice, I couldn’t resist.
We did our shark snorkel with One Ocean Diving, which focuses on conservation and was based by shark knowledgeable Ocean Ramsey. They’re 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 situations had been excellent. We even noticed a pod of dolphins on the 10-minute boat experience to the shark web site.
As quickly as we stopped the boat, we noticed some Galapagos and Sandbar sharks near the floor!
We then obtained in with our snorkels and hung to the rope on the aspect of the boat. We may see sharks far under us, however we took turns to free-dive down in direction of them for a greater look.
Whereas we didn’t get as near the sharks as I might have preferred (each journey is completely different if you end up coping with wildlife), it was nonetheless a novel expertise that I like to recommend.
Guide 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’ve 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 wood buildings and an informal surfer vibe.
There wasn’t a lot open presently within the morning, so we headed again to Turtle Bay by way of some traditional North Shore stops (every little thing that follows is only some minutes aside).
Papa’iloa Seaside
Papa’iloa is a much less well-known seaside in a residential space. There’s a small parking space on the finish of Papa’iloa Rd and also you attain the seaside down the alley throughout the street.
Regardless of visiting within the rain, I liked this seaside. It feels secluded and peaceable and we even noticed a turtle swimming within the ocean. This might be a incredible place to chill out in summer time when the ocean is calmer.
Laniakea Seaside aka Turtle Seaside
We had been barely much less impressed by this in style turtle recognizing seaside. It’s busier, nearer to the street, parking will be tough (though we obtained an area), and we didn’t see any turtles.
This can be a in style snorkelling spot in summer time however the surfers had been out on our go to.
Waimea Valley and Waterfall Swim
We didn’t linger on the seashores because of the 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 the luxurious valley to the falls is 1.5 miles spherical journey and took us about 20 minutes every method. There are many aspect trails you may take too.
The waterfall is gorgeous however the swimming pools are very busy (a lot of tour teams cease right here) and you must put on a lifejacket (offered free).
It’s definitely not a wilderness expertise, however if you wish to swim in a waterfall that is probably the most accessible one on Oahu.
Waimea Seaside
We really 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 among the most stunning seashores on the North Shore with its huge bay of golden sand and an enormous rock folks soar off.
You possibly can snorkel in summer time 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 also be greatest in summer time.
Turtle Bay
We had been again at our resort in time for lunch by the pool and a calming afternoon.
Within the night we did a sundown stroll alongside the beautiful shoreline, had an informal 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 Rest
For our closing full day on Oahu, we had a calming resort day at Turtle Bay.
Even in the event you aren’t staying at Turtle Bay you may entry the seashores, shoreline walks, and eating places. The principle 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 lot of turtles.
I couldn’t resist leaping in for a swim however was certain to maintain my distance from these protected animals.
I liked 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 beautiful spot to hang around regardless.
Again in the principle a part of the resort, we obtained sunbeds on Kulima Cove (free for visitors) 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 liked the expertise.
Within the night we watched the surfers at sundown then had dinner at Alaia.
Day 8: Departure
It was time to depart Oahu and it was a wrench to depart Turtle Bay—we may simply have spent a couple of extra days there.
We drove again to the airport by way of the center of the island previous the Dole Plantation (you may go to however we skipped it).
There have been lengthy queues at airport safety (inter-island flights be a 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 technique to the Large Island.
Is 7 Days in Oahu Sufficient?
7 days in Oahu is right for an introduction to the island. Throughout our week we had been in a position to see so much and nonetheless have time for stress-free on seashores.
That stated, 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 liked to expertise. We all know we’ll be again.
Extra Hawaii Posts
We’ve visited the 4 foremost islands of Hawaii and have a lot of tricks to share in these posts.
Normal
Oahu
Maui
Kauai
