How to Spend the Perfect Few Days on Oahu
Day 1: Arrival, Waikiki Wandering & Foodie Finds
We arrived in Oahu in the afternoon and after picking up our rental car, we made our way straight to our Airbnb in Waikiki. Side note- I’d HIGHLY recommend renting a car in Hawaii- i feel like its the only way to actually explore all of the hidden gems. After a quick check-in and dropping off our bags, we decided to spend the rest of the day soaking up all that Waikiki has to offer. Waikiki has a vibrant, beachy charm that hits you the moment you step out—palm trees swaying, people walking with their surfboards, and golden light dancing across the buildings.
Our first stop was Aloha Sugarcane Juice, a small spot known for their insanely fresh sugarcane juice. I ordered the watermelon sugarcane juice and can honestly say—it was one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve had not just in Hawaii, but in general. If you're passing through Waikiki and looking for something fresh and fruity, don't skip it. It was light, naturally sweet, and the watermelon added the perfect touch of tropical flavor. Next, we tried Musubi Cafe. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the spam since I’m not a big pork person (maybe not the best trait for a Hawaiian vacation, I know), but I actually ended up liking the kimchi spam musubi even more than the spicy salmon one I got.
As we walked off our snacks, we wandered through the International Marketplace—an open-air shopping center that’s great for everything from picking up souvenirs to grabbing a bite. It’s a fun place to stroll around and looks pretty cool. We also made sure to walk along the beach, take pictures with the famous banyan tree, and of course, visit the statue of Duke Kahanamoku. Duke is known as the father of surfing and was a Hawaiian Olympic swimmer. His statue is an iconic Waikiki landmark, and youll usually catch him wearing flower leis as a sign of respect.
We wrapped up our first day by hopping between a few different food trucks for dinner (always a good idea in Hawaii, where even the most unassuming truck could serve some of the best food you’ll eat all trip). After all that, we turned in early, ready for a big day of exploring.
Day 2: East Coast Adventures & Lush Landscapes
Thanks to the time difference, we were up bright and early—like 6:30 AM early. But honestly that ended up being perfect. Oahu is best enjoyed when you start your day early, before the heat picks up and the crowds roll in. We grabbed breakfast and then made our way to Leonard’s Bakery for their famous malasadas. These Portuguese doughnuts are deep-fried, fluffy, and filled with a variety of flavors. We tried the custard, coconut, and guava—and loved all three. They were the perfect sweet start to the day.
Our first scenic stop was the Hawaii Kai Lookout. This underrated spot offers amazing views of Koko Head Crater and the surrounding ocean. It's a great way to set the tone for a day full of coastal beauty. From there, we continued up the southeastern coast to Lanai Lookout, the Halona Blowhole, and the nearby lava tube. The water here crashes dramatically against the rocks, and if you time it right, you’ll catch the blowhole spraying mist into the air. Just next to that is Halona Beach Cove, a gorgeous little pocket of sand where the waves meet volcanic rock. You can admire the cove from above or hike down and take a swim—either way, it’s breathtaking.
One of my the most beautiful views of the day came unexpectedly. While driving past Makapu’u Beach, we were so taken by the view that we had to pull over. The beach, framed by dramatic mountains and clear blue water, looked like something out of a dream. In the distance, you can even spot Mānana Island, also known as Rabbit Island, a small islet that’s a protected bird sanctuary. The stop wasn’t planned, but it ended up being a major highlight.
Next on the list was Hō'omaluhia Botanical Garden, one of the most Instagram-famous places on the island. Entry is completely free, and you can either drive through or get out and walk parts of it. The entire garden is surrounded by towering mountains that are so lush and green. While every corner of the park offers its own view, the mountains here are what truly steal the show in my opinion.
After soaking in the garden’s serenity, we drove to the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Entry was only $5, and it was well worth it. This Buddhist temple is a replica of a 950-year-old temple in Japan and is set against lush green mountains. There’s a peaceful koi pond, a large bell that visitors can ring, and beautiful grounds. We even spotted a peacock walking around! The temple gives such a peaceful feel and is a great place to spend some extra time.
Continuing up the east coast, we stopped at Kahuku Sugar Mill, home to a LOT of trucks. We went with Giovanni’s, a North Shore staple famous for their garlicky shrimp plates. It was delicious (but as i say about most places in Hawaii, I wish they gave more sauce), and there were plenty of other trucks serving everything from Thai cuisine to shaved ice.
We made a quick visit to Turtle Bay Resort, where we walked along the beach and were amazed by the crystal-clear water. It was blissfully uncrowded, and if you have more time, you can explore nearby beaches like Sunset Beach and Laniakea Beach—both known for sea turtle sightings, especially in the afternoons. (Fun fact: Laniakea Beach is nicknamed "Turtle Beach" because Hawaiian green sea turtles frequently bask on the sand there!) We didn’t see any while driving by, so we continued on.
From here, you can head to the Dole Plantation. We’d already been to the Dole Plantation before, but it’s worth checking out if you haven’t. They offer train rides through the pineapple fields, a massive garden maze, and, of course, the iconic Dole Whip soft serve.
We opted to continue down the center and up the west coast of the island. Note: the road doesn’t loop entirely around the island, so you’ll need to cut through the middle and drive back up. The west side is dramatically different—it’s far less touristy, with only a handful of small hotels, and it felt like we were discovering an untouched side of Oahu. Towering green cliffs and sparkling blue water surrounded us at every turn, and we barely saw any tourists along the way. It was peaceful and completely different from Waikiki.
We ended our day back in town with dinner at Marugame Udon, a casual noodle spot that absolutely blew us away. The udon is handmade fresh in front of you, and you can customize your toppings. It was so good, we ended up going back more than once during our stay.
Day 3: Cultural Sites, Lookouts & Island Views
Our last full day started off with something a little different—a visit to the island’s Hindu temple. It was such a calming, spiritual experience and a beautiful way to begin the day. If you're interested in exploring the diversity of cultures in Hawaii, this is a unique stop that most tourists overlook.
Another great way to start your morning (especially if you want a workout) is by hiking Diamond Head. The trail is short but steep and ends in panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific. We’d done this hike before, so we skipped it this time, but I’d still highly recommend it for first-timers.
After a quick breakfast, we drove up to the Punchbowl Crater Lookout, located in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The views here are stunning—you get an open vista of the entire city of Honolulu on one side and lush mountain landscapes on the other. It’s a sobering but beautiful place that offers perspective on Hawaii’s history and sacrifice.
Next, we made our way to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout, which gives a completely different perspective. Strong winds whip through the valley here, and you’ll feel the power of nature all around. The view stretches across the windward coast, framed by sheer cliffs and rolling greenery—it’s dramatic and cinematic.
Depending on your interests and how much time you have left, this is a great point to head to Pearl Harbor. While we had already visited before, we still walked around and paid our respects at the memorials. If it’s your first time, make time for the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Bowfin Submarine. Each tells a different story of World War II and Hawaii's role in it.
Bonus Recommendations: Other Amazing Things to Do in Oahu
Kualoa Ranch – Go horseback riding, take an ATV tour, or explore movie sets like Jurassic Park.
Lanikai Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches on the island with soft white sand and clear turquoise water.
Hanauma Bay – A protected marine sanctuary perfect for snorkeling (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
Manoa Falls – An easy rainforest hike that ends in a gorgeous waterfall.
Kaka'ako District – For trendy cafes, street art, and boutique shopping.
Oahu truly has something for everyone—adventure, relaxation, history, and culture. Whether you're sipping sugarcane juice under palm trees, swimming in hidden coves, or exploring sacred temples, there's no wrong way to experience this island. Let this itinerary be your guide, and don’t be afraid to veer off the path—you never know what kind of magic you’ll find on the road in Oahu.
