I didn’t know much about Oahu before I visited. Everyone told me it had been worthwhile for Pearl Harbor but to spend the remainder of my time elsewhere in Hawaii. Maui and Kauai were where the action was, they said.

But Oahu was home to Honolulu’s international airport from which i used to be catching an onward flight to Taiwan. Since I had limited time, getting to multiple islands wasn’t feasible.

Fortunately, after spending a full week on Oahu, I can say this: everyone was wrong.

Maybe they only let their preconceived notions get the higher of them.

Or maybe they only didn’t give the place an opportunity .

But, regardless of the reason, I’m here to inform you that Oahu has some magic thereto . Sure, it’s quite developed, has terrible traffic, and large crowds. And yeah, maybe it’s not as “raw” because the other islands (I assume that’s why people like them).

But there are many spots in Oahu where you'll live that Hawaiian dream

I spent every week round-tripping the island (which, given how small it's , clothed to be quite easy). My plan was simple: sit on a beach as long as I could, eat my weight in poke (diced raw fish, pronounced “po-keh”), and hike.

Along the way, I also binged on shrimp, drank the simplest mixed drink of my life, and took notes so you'll do even better once you visit!

Driving Oahu: A Road-Trip Itinerary



Driving on the highway in Oahu, Hawaii surrounded by forests and jungle

First, a tip: if you’re driving around Oahu, go counterclockwise from Honolulu, since most of the food trucks you’ll want to prevent at are on the ocean side of the highway as you go up the East Coast . So getting into that direction just makes it easier to tug off the road and check out all the food trucks that line the highway (and there are a lot). There’s also more to try to to on the side of Oahu, so it’s best to start out there.

That said, I actually don’t think a standard road trip is that the best idea. Oahu is smaller than you think that — you'll drive end to finish in under two hours — so everything listed below can really be done as each day trip from one base or another, which can prevent packing and unpacking, also moving from place to put too often (especially since the east and west coasts don’t have tons of affordable accommodations).

Base yourself on the North Shore for a few of days then in Honolulu (in the south) for a few of days (or vice versa).

Day 1: Honolulu to Kailua (28 miles)



The skyline of Honolulu, Hawaii surrounded by lush forests and jungles

Pick up your rental car, head out of Honolulu (you’ll be back later), and begin off at Hunauma Bay in southeast Oahu. you'll spend a couple of hours there snorkeling and relaxing on the beach before heading to the nearby Halona Blowhole Lookout for the view and Makapu‘u Point (Oahu’s easternmost point) for a brief hike. There also are many beaches, food trucks, short hikes, and viewpoints along the thanks to Kailua, where you’ll want to remain the night.

Where to Eat:

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers

Any of the food trucks on the way north

Buzz’s Steakhouse (for dinner)

Where to Stay:

Airbnb is that the best choice , since there aren’t many hotels or hostels in Kailua. Book early though, as there isn’t tons to settle on from.

Day 2: Kailua to Haleiwa (50 miles)



The beautiful coast of Kailua in Hawaii surrounded by water

Start your morning with the famous Lanikai Pillbox hike just south of Kailua, where you'll get sweeping views of the ocean and therefore the cities and beaches on this side of the island. The hike is brief (it only takes about 20-30 minutes) but steep, so wear appropriate shoes.

If you've got a while within the morning, Kailua and Lanikai beaches are both beautiful (they’re right next to every other and on the way from the pillbox hike). Not tons of individuals , white sand, blue water. They’re heaven.

As you allow this area to go north, visit the Ho‘oamaluhia arboretum (it’s free!), which is additionally home to a lake crammed with tropical plants.

Afterward, approach the East Coast toward the North Shore. Along the way, you'll stop at the Kualoa Ranch, where many movies are filmed. If you are doing a tour, I suggest the 90-minute Hollywood Movie Sites Tour (which includes scenes from Jurassic Park!), as you don’t need far more time than that to ascertain the ranch. (It’s expensive, though, so if you’re on a budget, I’d skip it.)

As you retain going north, you’ll find plenty of beaches and hikes (there are many signs for everything). i actually enjoyed the Hau’ula Loop Trail especially, which is about 10 miles north of Kualoa. It’s a very overgrown trail, so you’ll desire you’re considerably within the jungle (meaning you’ll also got to bring bug spray). And like most hikes here, there’s a scenic viewpoint!

Then drive round the northern tip of Oahu to Haleiwa, your base of operations while on the North Shore.

Where to Eat Along the Way:

Kalapawai Café and Deli

Fresh Catch Kaneohe

Shrimp Shack

Seven Brothers

Ken’s cannon fodder

Fumi’s Shrimp

Where to Stay:

Airbnb is again the simplest option, as there aren’t many hotels or hostels in Hal‘eiwa. Book early here too.

Days 3 & 4: North Shore (Base: Haleiwa)



A beautiful soft sunset on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii

This was my favorite a part of Oahu. it had been Hawaii the way you imagine it should be: tons quieter, less touristy, and fewer developed. And it had that whole “hippie vibe” going for it. Everyone over here was far more laid back than down south.

You can learn to surf here (two-hour lessons begin at just $80 USD) or hike the Ka‘ena Point Trail (west of Haleiwa) and/or the ’Ehukai Pillbox (east of Haleiwa). The latter is pretty muddy, so bring appropriate shoes.

Haleiwa itself may be a sleepy little tourist town with a bunch of restaurants, shops, and parks. There’s not much to try to to within the town itself than eat and go shopping .

If you are doing only one hike, though, I definitely recommend the Ka‘ena Point Trail, which was one among the simplest experiences I had. It’s a scenic two-hour coastal walk to the northwestern tip of Oahu, where you'll find a protected biological area with seals and native birds. At the tip, you'll see all the way down the side of the island — a magical view. Bring sunscreen and water, because the whole trail is exposed to the sun.

Where to Eat:

Ted’s Bakery

Sunrise Shack

Hale‘iwa Joe’s

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Ray’s Kiawe

Kono’s

Jenny’s Shrimp Truck

Giovanni’s Shrimp

Day 5: Dole Plantation, Oahu’s side , Honolulu (60 miles)



The rugged coast of Waianae on the West Coast of Oahu, Hawaii

Head south (inland) and stop at the Dole Plantation. While it's super cheesy and touristy (I mean, numerous useless souvenirs!), it does have a cool maze, and there’s a train ride through the farm that, while whitewashing tons of bad things, was a stimulating check out the importance of the pineapple to Oahu. For a general overview geared to your average tourist, it had been surprisingly informative.

Afterward, continue south toward Honolulu then head west on the H1 road to the West Coast for a few deserted local beaches, like Ma’ili, Ewa, Makua, or Yokohama. Stop at Countryside Café for a few incredible diner food. The portions are pretty large, so you'll share them.

Then head back to Honolulu, as there’s not tons of accommodation along the West Coast . If you are doing want to remain longer, you’ll find some listings on Airbnb and Booking.com if you book far beforehand . Otherwise, there are a couple of hotels in Kapolei if you don’t want to drive all the thanks to Honolulu.

Days 6 & 7: Honolulu



I actually liked Honolulu tons (the main beach area of Waikiki may be a tourist trap though.) While downtown may be a bit bland, other neighborhoods are crammed with awesome stores, breweries, bars, restaurants, and art galleries. make certain to see out the “hip” Kaka‘ako a part of town especially .

Consider happening a hike on Diamond Head, a volcanic cone on the side of town. It offers a fantastic view of the town , though it’s during a ll|one amongst|one in every of"> one among the more popular trails within the area so if you aren’t there early enough to beat the crowds you’ll basically be walking in a slow-moving line up the mountain. If you're short on time, skip it.

Other Things to Do:

A free walking tour with Hawaii Free Tours (call ahead, since they only run once they have bookings).

Pearl Harbor – this is often a requirement . It’s not even up for debate. you've got to travel .

Iolani Palace, the previous royal residence of Hawaii’s monarchs.

Soak within the sun on Waikiki Beach or other nearby beaches, like Ala Moana, which is fashionable locals.

There’s also an Islamic art museum, which is meant to be great, but I didn’t make it there.

Where to Eat:




The Pig and therefore the Lady

Mei Sum cuisine

Shirokiya Japan Village Walk

Rainbow Drive-In

Leonard’s Bakey

Ono Seafood

Hula Dog

Where to Stay:

The Beach – This hostel is true on the beach, includes free breakfast, and has many space to relax and meet other travelers.

Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki – The accommodation here is basic, but the staff are super friendly and helpful, and that they organize many events.

Additionally, head to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for the simplest mixed drink of your life. It’s not cheap ($15 USD a pop), but it's sooo good! all of my friends who didn’t order one got it as their second drink. (Fun fact: My grandfather was stationed in Oahu during WWII and went back to Oahu often. The Royal Hawaiian was his favorite hotel. It’s pretty cool that it’s still there!)

Average costs

How much do things cost on Oahu? Here are some typical prices (in USD):

Airbnb – $100+/night for a one-bedroom or studio

Hotel – $175–250/night for a mid-range boutique hotel

Hostel dorm – $27

Car rental – as low as $20/day, plus insurance

Gas – $3–3.50/gallon

Poke bowl – $12–15

Takeout meal – $10–14

Sit-down meal at a flowery restaurant (with drinks) – $50+

Local lunch – $15

McDonalds – $6 for a worth meal

Groceries – $75 for one person for every week

Beer (at a restaurant) – $8–10 ($2–3 at the japanese Walk!)

Piña colada – $10-15

Coffee – $5

Surfboard rental – $25/day

Snorkel gear rental – $15/day

Scuba dive prices – $125

Budget Tips

Oahu is pretty expensive. Most everything has got to be imported, so if it can’t be grown nearby or caught within the ocean, expect to pay tons . But it’s not impossible to save lots of money. Here are a couple of ways to chop your expenses:

Hike and luxuriate in the beaches. Nature is free!

Buy your own food from supermarkets so you'll cook your own meals or have picnics. Sure, there are many world-class restaurants here, but if you would like to stay your food costs down, you ought to cook some meals. The nudge supermarkets is delicious anyway!

If you are doing dine out , hit the food trucks. Most cost around $10 USD for a meal — less expensive than sit-down restaurants.