Oahu 7-day Itinerary: The Perfect One Week In Hawaii

Oahu, the destination that’s never going to get old. If you’re heading to the Hawaiian Islands and looking for an Oahu 7-day itinerary, this one allows you to explore the best places on the island.

Oahu is a pretty gorgeous place; its stunning waves of ultramarine and turquoise hues are quite the lookers, and the island boasts other bounties of nature too.

Now, a lot goes into an Oahu itinerary, but this one will satisfy thrill-seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and beach questers.

If you’re looking for an Oahu guide that stretches a week and covers all the touristy and ignored places, you’ve come to the right place.

You’ll reduce travel time and maximize your tropical adventure by dividing all the must-sees into regions.

Where To Stay In Oahu?

Stay and base yourself in Waikiki for most days, but you’re welcome to spend your nights in other areas too.

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Just from the sheer volume of hotels and resorts, Waikiki provides a great place to base yourself for island exploration. In Waikiki, there’s a hotel for every budget.

Some choose a high-end resort with beach views, while others want something clean and more reasonable.

If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly hotel in Waikiki, I recommend nothing but the White Sands Hotel. It’s pretty affordable, has recently renovated its rooms, and you’re within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shopping, and transit.

Alternatively, the Coconut Waikiki Hotel provides a quiet spot near the canal but is a very short walk from the action. Their suites are reasonable and come with a small kitchenette.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel

Alternatively, if you prefer a little luxury and want to be steps from the turquoise water, you can’t go wrong with the Moana Surfrider. Its colonial design, porch with rocking chairs, and superb customer service make it a premium hotel.

Day One: Honolulu & Waikiki

Obviously, you can’t have Oahu without Honolulu and Waikiki, so we’ll be heading there first.

Getting around Honolulu is a piece of cake because you have a reliable bus service. The bus goes around most Honolulu spots and costs less than USD 3 each way, or USD 5.50 for a day pass.

However, to cover more ground, take a road trip, and get to destinations quickly, a rental car is the way to go. Car rentals are plentiful at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and reasonably priced.

By having wheels, you can set your own schedule, do a scenic drive, and not be tied to a bus route and timetable. Booking online before your trip can save you more money than getting a car on arrival day.

Bear in mind hotels in Waikiki charge a parking and valet fee. So, shop around, and you could score a hotel with the perks of free parking.

Here’s what you’ll do on the first day:

Diamond Head Hike

To combat that jet lag, travel to Diamond Head State Monument, a popular volcanic crater overlooking Waikiki. The hike to Diamond Head can be a little tough and demands much more attention, so I only suggest it to daredevils and adventurists. 

Diamond Head Summit trail

To access Diamond Head, you’ll need a reservation through the government’s website. If you’re driving instead of taking transit, you need to reserve a spot in the parking lot also.

Allow 90 minutes to complete the roundtrip adventure, even with lots of stops for photos. The heat and humidity will give you the incentive to complete this hike in a timely manner.

You’ll want to forego the flip-flops on this hike for something sensible instead. The trail to the top has no shade, so wear a hat, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated. To combat the heat, I suggest an early start.

At the peak, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Waikiki, tour a bunker, and take a victory selfie.

If you’re not one to hike, you’re welcome to spend the day exploring the base of the volcanic cone; it’s pretty mesmerizing to spot tropical birds, flora, and fauna while you’re there.

Hanauma Bay

From Diamond Head, head east on Kalaniana’ole Hwy for a short drive to Hanauma Bay. Again, you will need a reservation to visit. 

Hanauma Bay is a sheltered cove created by a volcanic cone. In 1967, it was declared a protected conservation area, and marine life is carefully monitored. 

The sheltered bay is a must for snorkeling. You can bring your own snorkel gear, get rentals at the beach, or pick up the equipment at Snorkel Bobs, which offers the best prices.

Coral reefs at Hanauma Bay

You’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters to see numerous tropical species while snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. If you’re lucky, you may even see a turtle.

The nature preserve has lots of reefs close to the beach. So, those new to snorkeling can see schools of fish in a mere few feet of water. Bring a GoPro to capture the underwater world digitally.

Kahanamoku Beach

After your snorkeling adventure, move to Kahanamoku Beach, a calm, secluded, and cozy point. Kahanamoku overlooks a small lagoon with golden white sands and stark blue waves.

For any introvert, relaxing and swimming in the lagoon away from the tourist crowd is perfect.

Waikiki Beach

Orchids offer a romantic setting with waterfront views if you’re in the mood for seafood. Orchids have an a la carte menu or a buffet.

The buffet is pretty impressive, but the a la carte items are superb. The food is often adorned with fresh orchids and beautifully presented. While pricy, the meals are worth every penny.

Waikiki Beach

After dinner, you won’t be able to resist walking on Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is a trendy tourist point, but it buzzes with live music and activity during the evening.

There are lots of beachside patio restaurants that ooze with an electric atmosphere. Why not grab a Mai Tai while enjoying the electricity of Waikiki Beach? It’s a favorite place amongst first-timers.

Nearby, stores remain open until late. So, if you want to do some shopping or enjoy a stroll on the torch-lit street, it’s the ideal way to finish your day.

Day Two: North Shore

Oahu’s North shore is quite the match for a naturalist; this scenic shore expands a stunning distance and gives you amazing views of Mother Nature. If you’re hoping to have a calming and nature-connecting experience, the North Shore is your best bet.

Most come to the North Shore for the wave action. Depending on the season, experienced surfers can catch some big waves. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s a popular place to watch.

Tour companies offer shark cage snorkels for the daredevils if you’re game. If you like the serene vibe of the Northern area, the Turtle Bay Resort provides luxury rooms with stunning ocean views. It’s a great alternative to staying in Waikiki for your whole seven days.

There’s a lot to do on the North Shore, but let’s go over what you’ll love:

Haleiwa

Start your morning by exploring Haleiwa, a north shore town filled with charm and character. Here, you can browse the food trucks, enjoy shopping in eclectic boutiques and check out the surf shops.

Haleiwa is known for its food trucks. While Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck might be the most well-known, check out the other options.

If you want to try a classic Hawaiian item, you can’t go wrong with Mike’s Huli Chicken, Haleiwa Bowls, or Aloha Shrimp.

Laniakea Beach

Before arriving at Waimea valley, make a quick stop at Laniakea Beach. While parking is challenging, there’s a small dirt lot on the right. 

First-time visitors often want to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in their natural environment, so Laniakea Beach is a good option.

A turtle at Laniakea Beach

Many make the mistake of thinking Turtle Bay is the spot. While the name confuses visitors, Laniakea Beach is the best place to see turtles in Oahu.

Often volunteers will man the beach to keep tourists at a distance. They are a wealth of information on Hawaiian turtles and can answer all your questions, including the turtle’s name.

Botanical Garden In Waimea Valley

You’ll then visit Waimea Valley, a stunning scenic natural park that boasts high cliffs and even waterfalls. The Botanical Gardens trail is pretty popular, but a few lesser-known off-the-beaten-path routes follow it.

Over 5,000 plant species adorn the route, and it’s a horticultural paradise. The collection features tropical flowers, endangered species, and fruiting varieties.

Hike along this trail and make your way to a waterfall swimming hole.

Waimea Falls

Waimea Falls

There’s something quite alluring about a picnic at Waimea Falls, and that’s precisely what you’ll be doing. I suggest packing a lot of street food and spreading out a picnic blanket because it’s a great spot to do it.

The cool beads of water that sprinkle across your face are also quite the relief on a hot summer’s day! You can swim at the falls, dependent upon its daily flow.

Sharks Cove Snorkeling

Don’t worry; snorkeling at Shark’s Cove is quite safe. Shark’s Cove is a beautiful little point on Pupukea Beach on the North Shore.

It’s lesser known for its waves crashing on the sand and much more popular for the breathtaking marine life underwater.

Of course, it’s still a hot spot for tame reef sharks, so I suggest getting a good snorkeling guide with you.

Sharks Cove

When you’re done meeting the beautiful sea creatures, it will almost be evening, so you can head back to your hotel or grab dinner on the North Shore.

For a more casual meal, Mayas Tapas & Wine in Haleiwa provides tasty food that won’t break the bank. Its tapas items are perfect for sharing, and why not wash it down with its handmade coconut guava soda?

Day Three: Central Oahu

Central Oahu is relatively close to Honolulu but may only be on a few itineraries because it doesn’t hold the baby blue waves or the golden sand.

However, it’s worth a visit due to what it offers. Let’s take a look.

A Cultural Walk

The best Oahu itinerary includes some history and culture, and this one is no different. So, start your morning at one of Oahu’s historic sites.

Top picks are the Bishop Museum or Iolani Palace. The Bishop Museum digs deep into the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. By learning Hawaiian history, you’ll appreciate the Island of Oahu much more.

The Bishop Museum includes artifacts and information on volcanoes, plant life, and creatures native to the islands. Learning about the priceless items is part of the history lesson.

Iolani Palace

Alternatively, visiting Iolani Palace explains the end of the Hawaiian monarchy. The Palace is beautifully adorned with genuine items from the royal family, and the tour includes the throne room. 

The garments (some reproduced) are especially eye-catching. The dress with peacock feathers in the throne room is a masterpiece in design.

Peacock feather dress at Iolani Palace

Upstairs, you’ll see the imprisonment room where Queen Liliuokalani was held captive. Today, the small room displays a crazy quilt handmade by the queen during her imprisonment. 

Green World Coffee Farm

What’s better than a cup of coffee in the morning to wake you up? Coffee prepared fresh as soon as it is picked from the farm.

The Green World Coffee Farm is the perfect place to pick up a cup of coffee and excursion. The delicious tour lets you see the coffee beans turn into a delightful frothy beverage.

Afterward, you can buy their coffee at the gift shop because it makes the best Hawaiian gift item for family and friends.

Dole Pineapple Plantation

Another stunning farm that won’t ever get old is the Dole Plantation. This tourist attraction is a hit with visitors because of the environment; seeing rows of pineapples, getting a tour of the plantation farm, and having a Dole Whip!

If you’ve grown up with tinned fruit from Dole, seeing where it’s produced is captivating and one of the fun things to do on Oahu.

While the Dole Plantation focuses on pineapples, it has a lovely plantation garden where visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour. However, the Pineapple Express might be the highlight of a visit.

* This article was originally published here