The Vacation Itinerary

Oahu 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Waikiki

Welcome to Oahu! Take the day to settle in and explore Waikiki.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastIsland Vintage Coffee
Enjoy Kona coffee and acai bowls in Waikiki.
ActivityWaikiki Beach Stroll
Relax on Waikiki Beach or try stand-up paddleboarding.
LunchDuke's Waikiki
Beachfront dining with fresh fish tacos and tropical drinks.
ActivityExplore Diamond Head
Hike Diamond Head State Monument for panoramic views of Honolulu.
DinnerHula Grill Waikiki
Tropical dishes with a stunning sunset view.
NightlifeMai Tai Bar
Sip cocktails while enjoying live music in Waikiki.

Day 2: North Shore

Escape to the laid-back vibes and legendary surf of Oahu's North Shore.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastHaleiwa Bowls
Refreshing acai bowls with local fruit toppings.
ActivityWaimea Bay and Falls
Waimea Bay Beach, then walk to Waimea Falls for a scenic waterfall swim.
LunchGiovanni's Shrimp Truck
Famous garlic shrimp plate lunch.
ActivityExplore Haleiwa Town
Wander the boutique shops, art galleries, and food spots in Haleiwa.
DinnerHaleiwa Joe's
Delicious seafood and tropical cocktails with a view.
NightlifeRelax and enjoy the stars on the North Shore.

Day 3: Pearl Harbor and Honolulu

Dive into Oahu's history and culture.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastThe Nook Neighborhood Bistro
Try their ube pancakes or loco moco.
ActivityPearl Harbor
Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and USS Arizona Memorial for a moving historical experience.
LunchNico's Pier 38
Fresh, locally sourced seafood with harbor views.
ActivityIolani Palace Tour
Explore Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S.
DinnerAlan Wong's
Award-winning Hawaiian fusion cuisine.
NightlifeSky Waikiki
Rooftop lounge with incredible views of Honolulu.

Day 4: East Coast and Kailua

Discover the beauty of Oahu's windward side.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastCinnamon's
Known for their guava chiffon pancakes.
ActivityLanikai Beach
Swim and relax at the picturesque Lanikai Beach.
LunchKalapawai Market
Casual deli with fresh sandwiches and salads.
ActivityPillbox Hike
Hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for amazing views of the coast.
DinnerBuzz's Original Steakhouse
Rustic charm and delicious grilled dishes near Kailua Beach.
NightlifeRelax in Kailua or head back to Waikiki for nightlife.

Day 5: Kualoa Ranch and Chinaman's Hat

Explore lush landscapes and iconic landmarks.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastMorning Glass Coffee
Excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches in Manoa.
ActivityKualoa Ranch Tour
Experience Kualoa Ranch, known for its scenic valleys and movie tours.
LunchKualoa Ranch Cafe
Farm-to-table fare at the ranch.
ActivityChinaman's Hat Kayaking
Rent a kayak and paddle out to Mokoli'i Island (Chinaman's Hat).
DinnerRoy's Ko Olina
Upscale Hawaiian fusion with ocean views.
NightlifeRelax at your resort or take in a luau show.

Day 6: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Spend a day exploring Oahu's underwater world.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastKoko Head Cafe
Inventive brunch dishes like their famous skillet pancakes.
ActivitySnorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Discover marine life at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
LunchOno Seafood
Incredible poke bowls with fresh, local fish.
ActivityMakapuu Lighthouse Trail
Hike the Makapuu Point Trail for breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Dinner3660 On the Rise
Fine dining with Asian and European influences.
NightlifeRelax after a day of adventure.

Day 7: Farewell Oahu

Enjoy your last day on the island.

CategoryDescription
BreakfastLeonard's Bakery
Treat yourself to fresh malasadas.
ActivityShopping in Waikiki
Pick up souvenirs and gifts in Waikiki's shopping district.
LunchMarukame Udon
Affordable and delicious Japanese udon noodles.
ActivityRelax at Ala Moana Beach Park
Spend your final hours at Ala Moana Beach, a serene spot with calm waters.
DinnerHouse Without a Key
End your trip with a classic Hawaiian sunset dinner.
NightlifeTake a moonlit walk on Waikiki Beach or relax at your hotel.

Hotels / Resorts Recommendations

CategoryDescription
CheapThe Polynesian Hostel Beach Club
Budget-friendly and steps from Waikiki Beach. Great for backpackers and solo travelers.
MediumHilton Hawaiian Village
A sprawling resort in Waikiki offering a mix of pools, direct beach access, and family-friendly amenities.
LuxuryThe Royal Hawaiian
Iconic luxury hotel known as "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," featuring stunning ocean views, private beach access, and fine dining.

About the Author

Abe's avatar

Abe Clark

Freelance travel guru

A seasoned traveler with a passion for authentic experiences and local culture. Travelled to over 20 countries and lived in Hawaii for over 6 years.

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