Perfect 4-day Itinerary for First Time Oahu Travel
First time visiting Oahu, but don’t have that many days to spare? Here’s a perfect 4-day itinerary that really get you a full scope of the island!
Aerial shot of Oahu by GoHawaii
Day 1: Museums and Shopping
Morning
Start your jetlagged body slowly by visiting either the Bishop Museum or the Iolani Palace. The Bishop Museum is about 5 miles away from Waikiki and is a great place to learn a little bit about Hawai’i’s natural and cultural history. The Iolani Palace was where the Kings and Queens of Hawai’i lived, and where Queen Lili’uokalani (lee-lee-woo-oh-ka-la-knee) was imprisoned.
Bishop Museum’s “Excellence in Hawaiian Artistry” exhibit
Inside of Iolani Palace, picture by Beat of Hawaii
Lunch
Take a stroll along SALT Kakaako (Kah-kah-ah-kow). The murals are along Cooke Street and Pohukaina Street, which is about a mile away from Iolani palace (or a 10-minute drive from Bishop Museum). There are murals, boutique shops, and restaurants. Then, take a nice walk along Kakaako waterfront park for some beautiful vacation photos.
SALT at Our Kakaako building
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park by outdoor project
Evening
Stroll along the iconic Waikiki streets, such as Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue. Do some shopping, do A LOT of eating, and do some bar hopping! If you are lucky, you may see some street performances, or even better, a street festival!
Grilled Mahimahi from Paia Fish Market
Watch the sunset and dine from Deck. Photo by @minwander and @deckwaikiki
Day 2: Hiking and Swimming
Morning
What’s the best way to beat jet lag you ask? Wake up and take a hike first thing in the morning! I recommend Diamond Head, as it is closest to Waikiki, family-friendly, and short (only about 1 hour for the entire hike). Did I mention it is THE most iconic hike of Oahu? As part of the conservation effort, hiking Diamond Head requires a reservation, so, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
View from top of Diamond head, by Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Lunch
If you happen to be hiking on a Saturday, there is the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Farmer’s Market right at the foot of the hike! If not, head to Monsarrat Ave for lots of small local restaurants, including acai bowls to recharge!
Garlic ahi steak from Pioneer Saloon
Afternoon
After spending some time recharging it’s time to hit the beach! In Hawai’i, sunsets are typically between 6pm to 7pm. Relax at the beach and catch some nice sunset pictures, maybe even see the green flash!
Waikiki sunset by Journey Era
Day 3: Circle Island Tour
It takes about four hours without traffic to go around the east side of the island and back down the middle. If you factor in all the stops you will make, it is anywhere from a 5-hour to a 10-hour day! You can choose to book a tour where a local tour guide can take you, but you can also get a rental car and take yourself around! Read more details here for your complete circle island guide.
Sample drive for a self guided tour
Byodo-in Temple, photo by David Croxford from Hawaii Magazine
Day 4: Ocean Activity and Luau
Morning
Okay, after driving a lot yesterday now you are ready to hit the waters again! Of course you can go back to swimming, but you might as well try something new today! Here’s a list of things you can consider:
Stand Up Paddling (SUP)
Surf lesson
Snorkeling (if you are snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, reservation is required)
Bodyboarding
Jetskiing
Kayaking
SUP by Kailua Beach Adventures.
Hanauma Bay snorkeling, image by Hawai’i Life
Lunch
Head to the Ala Moana Shopping Center for food and souvenir shopping! It is the biggest open-air mall in Hawaii. There are tons of local food and shops in the mall such as the Kahala for Hawaiian shirts, Honolulu Coffee for amazing Kona coffee, and Liliha Bakery for amazing food! There’s tons to eat and drink for everyone at the mall.
From Honolulu Coffee’s Instagram
A locomoco from Liliha Bakery
Dinner
End your Hawaiian adventure with a bang… or with fire! Check out some of the Luaus, a traditional Hawaiian buffet and show, to end the night. Be sure you wear your favorite Aloha Attire for this!
Germaine’s Luau food
Ha: Breath of Life at the Polynesian Cultural Center, image by Go Hawaii
