The Ultimate Oahu 4-Day Itinerary For Budget Travelers

Personally, we’re obsessed with Oahu. No matter how many times we visit, we can never seem to get sick of it.

After an umpteenth number of visits over a few decades, we’ve finally decided to create an itinerary for our first-time-visitor friends/family to follow.

Settling on an itinerary for a 4-day trip to Oahu can be hard. There are SO many things to see and do on Oahu, from luaus, shopping, snorkeling, hiking, beaching, eating, and more. The list goes on and on!

This guide is specifically for travelers who want to make the most of their time on Oahu without spending a fortune.

We’re not here to recommend bougie hotels or upscale restaurants, but we also aren’t skimping on the fun. One way to save on activities is by using the Go City Oahu All-Inclusive Pass, which we’ve used ourselves and highly recommend.

This itinerary brings you to all parts of the island, so you can really experience Oahu’s majestic beauty and culture in full.

From sunbathing on a beach on the North Shore to struggling up the steps of Koko Head Crater, here are the best things to do in Oahu over 4 jam-packed days.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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Oahu Day 1 – Waikiki

1. Wake up to Kona coffee and pastries

Typically on our first day in Hawaii, we’re jetlagged. If you also happen to be jetlagged, then why not start your first morning off with a casual stroll and a walk to a coffee shop?

One of our new favorite coffee shops in the Waikiki area is Kona Coffee Purveyors. Aside from their high-quality coffee, there’s something else that draws us there each and every morning. The undeniable pastries by b. Patisserie (originally from San Francisco, CA)!

Do not miss the croissants and the kouign amanns, they are all baked to perfection.

I always get the black sesame kouign amann–in SF where we live, you can only get these twice a year on Chinese New Year and National Kouign Amann Day. In Hawaii, you can get these every single day!

2. Spend the morning hiking Koko Head

No matter how fit you are, a Koko Head hike will have you huffing and puffing, dripping with sweat.

First off, what is Koko Head? Basically, the Koko Crater Trail is a Stair Master workout all the way up the 1000+ stairs, with a rewarding panoramic view up top.

As challenging as it sounds, hiking the Koko Head trail is super fun as people passing each other are continuously motivating or complaining to each other. It’s pretty, entertaining, and a very popular hike on Oahu. Highly recommended if you’re going to be spending any amount of time in HI!

The views are absolutely amazing here on a clear day.

Pro Tip: If you can manage to wake up early, Koko Head makes for a great sunrise hike. I’ve done this hike during sunrise on other Oahu trips, and let me tell you, it’s one of the most epic times of day to see the island from that high up!

3. Get malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery

Leonard’s may be played out, but if you’re visiting Oahu for the first time, this is a must-try.

Not sure what to get? Malasadas stuffed with haupia. That’s all I need to say!

Whenever we’re in Hawaii, we always pick up a few flavors of the malasadas so that we can sample them all. Some of our favorites include the chocolate dobash, plain, and haupia. We also try and order a slice of the butter mochi (my personal favorite sweet treat)!

I’d highly recommend the butter mochi, the haupia malasada, and the plain malasada, which is what they’re known for.

Pro Tip: If the line at the original Leonard’s location is too long, you could visit their food truck location in East Honolulu. We also like the malasadas at Pipeline Bakeshop and Creamery too!

4. Get lunch at Kyung’s Seafood

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path restaurant to start your trip off, head to Kyung’s!

Let me tell you, the meat jun is not to be missed here. Our go-to dish is a combo plate of poke, meat jun, and rice. It always tastes so fresh and amazing.

On one of my last trips, I was gushing to the owner about how delicious our plate was, and she said their meat jun was the best on the island. Obviously, I have no idea if that’s true or not, but I certainly believed it by the taste of the food!

Next time, we want to go back and try their plate of sashimi. It is a seafood restaurant, after all. I 100% would recommend dining here.

5. Get an afternoon coffee and go shopping

At this point, being potentially jetlagged and all, you might be tired. A very casual activity is to walk around the Waikiki area, soak in the touristy vibes, grab some coffee, and hunt for gifts/local treasures.

Kai Coffee Hawaii is a great coffee stop. They have an extremely delightful and creamy macadamia nut latte.

On the shopping front, you could pop in and out of the shops on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, head to Ala Moana Shopping Center, or visit the Don Quijote superstore (a Japanese market, like a Walmart, but with tons of pre-made Japanese / Hawaiian / Korean food as well).

Pro Tip: I recommend checking out Don Quijote as an alternative to Foodland or the ABC Stores. To save some money, buy your souvenirs, coffee beans, and snacks to bring home here!

6. Cool yourself off at Waiola Shave Ice

While it’s no longer considered a hole-in-the-wall, Waiola still remains one of our favorite shave ice spots. They excel at their ooey-gooey mochi balls, which is why I love them! The passionfruit, guava, and lychee flavors are our go-to.

For some of the best li hing candies on the island, head inside the Waiola store. Their li hing mangos and sour belts are some of the most potent and delicious we’ve tasted!

7. Get an afternoon snack at Ono Seafood

Oahu is all about eating, so expect a lot of food stops on this itinerary!

Next up is another first-timer must: Ono Seafood. Ono Seafood has been killing it in the poke game since I first went to Hawaii years, years ago. Of all the flavors we’ve tried over the years, the shoyu and spicy mayo are the best ones.

Foodland’s shoyu poke is typically too salty for me, and Ono’s poke is always pure perfection. Despite the increase in prices over the years, I still find myself come back time and time again!

8. Visit Iolani Palace

For an immersive taste of Hawaiian history, head to Iolani Palace in the afternoon for an interactive self-guided audio tour. This attraction is not to be missed for history buffs!

Located in Honolulu’s capitol district, this regal structure and National Historic Landmark was home to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s two final monarchs, King Kalakaua, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.

Marvel at the ornate architecture, see the furnishings made for royalty, and learn all about the building and its former occupants.

The inside really is as picturesque as the outside of the building!

Note: This attraction is included with a Go City Oahu All-Inclusive Pass

9. Makani Catamaran Sunset Sail

There’s no better way to see your first day off than on a boat! Take a two-hour catamaran trip along the coast of Waikiki to see the city and Diamond Head from a very unique perspective.

From the deck of the boat, you’ll get sweeping coastal views of Oahu and see the amber glimmer of the sun as it sets over the city’s landmarks.

While you’re enjoying the views, you’ll get to enjoy a great selection of drinks to toast the perfect trip. The best part? The drinks are unlimited (even the alcoholic ones)!

Once you’re on the water, be sure to look out for Hawaii’s native ocean life. Turtles, dolphins, and even humpback whales are typically spotted. On our sunset sail, we saw dolphins!

Note: This attraction is included with a Go City Oahu All-Inclusive Pass! Because it is a Premium attraction, you’ll need to get an All-Inclusive Pass of 3+ days.

10. Get a casual dinner at Zippy’s

Zippy’s is a Hawaiian staple; you have to try it at least once while you’re on the island!

If you need some pointers, opt for the Zippy’s Zip Pac, Korean fried chicken plate, or the chili and fried chicken plate. I also personally love the chicken long rice.

For fast food, Zippy’s is pretty amazing. I mean, if we had a Zippy’s on the mainland, why would there be any use for McDonald’s or Burger King anymore?

Pro Tip: You need to try the chili, even if you’re not a fan of chili. I typically don’t like chili, but this… is something else. I’ve even gone so far as to try to recreate it for dinners! It’s so, so good.

Other things to do in Waikiki/Honolulu on Day 1:

• Hike Diamond Head – this is one of the best-known volcano craters in the world. The view from the summit of this 760-foot crater is well worth the climb! There is an admission and a parking fee, so if you can’t justify paying a fee to hike, skip this one. You’ll need to make reservations before your visit.
• Hike Manoa Falls – Falls are located just 0.8-miles from a trailhead that takes you through the lush rainforest. This is a quick and easy side trip that complements any day of exploration.
• Snorkel at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Oahu’s most popular snorkeling spot! While beautiful, there is a rather steep admission fee (and snorkel rentals are not included in that price).
• Snorkel for free at Kiona Beach Park – if you bring your own snorkel set, it’s completely free! Please note there are no snorkel rentals on site.
• Spend a day at the Honolulu Zoo – expect Asian elephants, hippos, lemurs, tortoises, Komodo dragons, and more.
• Walk Waikiki Beach – you’ll pass great beaching spots like Queen’s Beach, Kuhio Beach Park, and more.

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Oahu Day 2 – North Shore

1. Green World Coffee Farm

Start your morning with a quick visit to a local coffee farm on the North Shore. Your rst stop is Green World Coffee Farm, a small local coffee farm consisting of 7 acres of land with approximately 3,000 arabica coffee trees.

In addition to a large gift shop selling everything from coffee, tea, and other local merchandise, they also offer a full menu of drinks that can be purchased from the espresso bar.

At the gift shop, there are free coffee and tea tastings! Personally, the chocolate mint tea was unique and delicious! And because they roast their coffee daily, you know you’ll be tasting fresh beans whether you buy beans to take home or order a drink.

After you pick up your drinks and gifts, head out back to the little coffee farm area to enjoy a few moments outdoors before heading back in your car for your next stop.

2. Dole Plantation

The Dole Plantation, located just a few minutes from the previous stop on the North Shore of Oahu, is a fun stop for the entire family. Established by James Dole in 1899, the company now ships 170 different food products to over 90 countries.

If you’re traveling with children, you may want to consider doing the Pineapple Express Train Tour and the Pineapple Garden Maze. The Plantation Garden Tour provides visitors with a pleasant stroll through cute little pineapple plants on display.

While you’re strolling through the gardens, be sure to stop to read the informational displays and presentations, where you’ll learn all about the history of the pineapple.

After you’re done exploring the outdoor grounds, head into the plantation country store where you’ll find a huge (and I mean huge) variety of Dole Plantation gifts, local snacks, and gifts. Sure it’s touristy, but still a lot of fun to look through.

In the cafeteria area, you can find foods and refreshments to enjoy including their iconic Dole Whip. And if you’re looking to bring an actual pineapple home, they have those for sale too!

Pro Tip: Parking gets crazy here, so try to arrive around 9:30 am when they open. You’ll get the shortest lines at all the attractions–gift shop, train rides, maze, etc.

3. Haleiwa Town

Located about 15 minutes away from Dole Plantation is the cute and charming town of Haleiwa. Along with the North Shore of Oahu, this area is known as the surfing capital of the world!

Historically, Haleiwa is an old community dating back to the 1900’s contributing to the sugar plantation industry.

Once you pass Haleiwa’s iconic sign with the surfer, you’ll find a bunch of cool surf shops, boutiques, art galleries, and local food joints housed in plantation-era buildings.

Once you drive in, you will be able to tell that Haleiwa is the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. You’ll find lots of food trucks, shave ice joints, acai/smoothie shops, and lots of people sitting around enjoying them!

Take a stroll around the various plazas that make up Haleiwa for an hour or two, including the old Waialua Sugar Mill. The sugar mill features local crafts, products, and services in a unique, old-Hawaii setting.

Shops include the North Shore Soap Factory, Charley Walker’s All Surf Glassing, Haleiwa Surfboard Company, Old Sugar Mill Brand Coffee & Chocolate, the weekly Saturday morning Farmers’ Market, and more.

You may want to get Matsumoto’s Shave Ice now, but if you’d like to get some real food in your belly first, you can always come back later in the day for it!

4. Haleʻiwa Bowls

Acai bowls are such a refreshing treat after a beach day or during a hot and sunny day out on the North Shore.

Haleʻiwa Bowls serves up some of the most delicious and beautiful acai bowls and smoothies on the North Shore of Oahu. If you’ve been looking for an antioxidant fix in Hawaii, this is the place to get it!

We ordered a large Local Bowl to share and were pleasantly surprised to find poi in our bowl! With the almond butter we added, our acai bowl was extra nutrient-packed and filling.

What I love about Haleʻiwa Bowls is that they use real, straight-up acai (as opposed to an acai blended base with other fruits). It’s also the perfect amount of frozen, which is really important because Hawaii is so hot all the time!

Not feeling acai right now? No problem. A great alternative further down the road is Sunrise Shack, located about 7 miles east of Haleʻiwa Bowls. If you’re not feeling up for acai in the morning, you’ll have a second chance later!

5. Get lunch at Poke For The People

Time for lunch! While there are tons and tons of great options in the North Shore, I would highly recommend Poke For The People. While writing this now, I am drooling and dreaming about the freshness of the fish…

We ordered a 2-item bowl with the shoyu ahi and the daily special, creamy garlic marlin. The quality of the fish was perfection. The sides that came with our poke bowl also complimented the fish so well!

Personally speaking, Poke For The People has made it on our top 3 best poke spots we’ve had on the entire island! Don’t miss this one!

6. North Shore Macadamia Nut Company

Can you really go to Hawaii and not eat a whole bunch of macadamia nuts? The best place to get mac nuts to snack on (or to bring home as gifts) is straight from the source!

The North Shore Macadamia Nut Company has been a working macadamia nut farm in Waialua since 1972. I love stopping here for mac nuts gifts when I’m in the North Shore–this last time around, we left with 6 bags total to bring back to our family/friends back home.

You have to know that these aren’t just the regular boring macadamia nuts you find in your local Walmart or Target. We’re talking about all kinds of great flavors, including coffee-flavored, cinnamon-flavored, lilikoi-flavored, coconut-roasted, and more.

The best part? They have free samples so you’ll know exactly what kind of deliciousness you’re going to get before even buying.

7. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)

The next stop is Laniakea Beach, otherwise known as “Turtle Beach”. This is a great spot to warm your toes in the golden sands and–with a bit of luck–spot some green sea turtles basking in the sun!

If you haven’t been able to guess it, the beach is named for the large sea turtles that frequently sun themselves on the sand. For decades, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles have frequented Laniakea Beach more than any other spot on Oahu, which is why this beach has taken on the name “Turtle Beach”.

If you get lucky, you may even see a few for yourself. Also at the beach will be a group of volunteers that serve to provide information about the turtles and make sure tourists are viewing from a distance.

I cannot stress this enough, please respect the laws and the turtles and admire them from afar. It is prohibited by federal law to touch, provoke, or even get too close to the turtles.

Pro Tip: Parking can get really bad here, so be prepared to hunt for nearby parking along the main road and walk to the beach.

8. Waimea Valley

Waimea Valley is a hidden gem of an area that’s chock-full of authentic Hawaiian history, culture, nature, and tradition. The main highlight at the end of the road? A beautiful waterfall that you can actually swim in!

Because we didn’t do much research before deciding to visit, we didn’t know what to expect at Waimea Valley. We had never really done attractions on Oahu that had admission fees, but we were so pleasantly surprised by what Waimea Valley had in store for us!

On top of being a beautifully manicured botanical garden, there was so much education and history surrounding us. We learned about the significance of the valley and the gods that Hawaiians believed in, and the way that they lived.

If you’d like a more enriching experience, consider taking the guided botanical or cultural tour, beginning at 12:30 pm and 1 pm respectively.

Getting to the waterfall does take a bit of effort. The walk up the waterfall is a paved path through the botanical gardens and historical sites. The walk is 0.75-mile (1200 meters) one way or 1.5-mile (2400 meters) round trip. There’s a shuttle option as well.

If you’re up for a quick adventure, consider taking a dip in the waterfall! This was probably the most fun part of Waimea Valley because of how refreshing the water was!

While swimming at the waterfall is totally allowed, the status of swimming changes throughout the day depending on the weather. All guests who would like to experience a swim at the falls are required to wear a life vest, which is included in your admission fee.

Note: This attraction is included with a Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass.

9. Snorkel or beach at Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay Beach Park is one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore. It’s also a perfect place to visit with the whole family after your adventures in Waimea Valley.

In the summer, Waimea Beach offers visitors a beautiful white sand beach to lounge on and picturesque waters to swim in. During winter, it’s one of the world’s most historical surf breaks!

During the summer months, visitors can do all sorts of things, including snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, or even surfing.

Looking to snorkel during your beach time too? Waimea Bay is a wonderful place to do that. While the waters here are rough in winter, Waimea Bay can be as calm as a swimming pool on summer days, meaning lots of great snorkeling opportunities.

In fact, the bay is part of the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District, which means that the amount of fishing is limited, protecting the local aquatic life.

There are no snorkel rentals available at Waimea Bay, so if you want to snorkel, you must bring your own snorkeling set.

Alternative Beaches: Sunset Beach or Shark’s Cove

If you’re traveling in the wintertime, head to Sunset Beach to catch some of the best surfers carving some truly impressive waves.

Sunset Beach is one of the three surf breaks where the famed Triple Crown Surfing Contest is held over the course of the winter months. The other two surf spots where this contest takes place are Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach.

In the summertime, however, the surf really flattens out to almost nothing, making it a really family-friendly beach to swim and snorkel in.

If you want to get some more snorkeling in, head to the rocky areas on the outskirts of the beach area. Don’t go out too far because currents can be strong in some areas. In these areas, the visibility varies with how calm it is. The depths over the rock and coral are about 8-15 feet.

But above all, visit Sunset Beach for its namesake–offering some of the most breathtaking sunsets in all of Hawaii!

Another north shore beach is Shark’s Cove, part of Pupukea Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling spots on the North Shore. This area is so teeming with life that it’s even been rated by Scuba Diving Magazine as one of the “Top 12 Shore Dives in the World”.

Snorkelers will be able to see a large variety of marine life here, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, tang, eels, and even sea turtles!

On the south side of Shark’s Cove are the Pupukea tide pools, a great place to explore and take the little ones.

Other stops in the North Shore for Day 2:

• Go stand up paddleboarding on the North Shore
• Go cage diving with sharks
• Go skydiving (we went with Skydive Hawaii a few years back and it was great)
• Do the Ehukai Pillbox Hike
• Eat a bunch of garlic shrimp – Jenny’s Shrimp, Big Wave Shrimp, and Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp are all good!

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Oahu Day 3: The East Shore

1. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is a must if you love beautiful scenery, mountains and exotic plants.

Even before you enter the park, it’s jaw-dropping to see. You’ll be driving in through a grand, palm-lined entrance to Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens, a very grand welcome to this majestic park.

While you’re here, do not miss the picturesque lake and walking trails around the park. And being a botanical garden, you’ll see global collections from the Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical America, India & Sri Lanka, Melanesia, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Africa.

Best of all, admission is completely free! For your visit, I recommend 1 to 1.5 hours.

2. Got’z Grindz

Start your morning off right with musubi! For the best musubis with the best variation, head to Got’z Grindz located in Kaneohe. Not sure which flavors to get? Opt for one of their variety packs!

After discovering Got’z Grindz on our last trip, we have decided we’re going to pay them a visit each and every time we visit Oahu.

You can eat them all as soon as you get them or buy extra to snack on during your next few activities. Trust me, you’ll be craving these immediately after you’ve finished scarfing them all down.

3. Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple is a little hidden gem on the East side of Oahu. This is a very impressive replica of the original Byodo-In Temple in Japan.

Everything about this area is postcard-perfect! The lushly landscaped grounds here are filled with koi carp ponds, and colorful peacocks strut their stuff in the Japanese garden. Head inside to take a peek at the huge Lotus Buddha statue.

👉 Looking for a more guided experience? If you want to explore Byodo-In Temple and other landmark sites and hidden gems of Oahu, check out this Half-Day Private Sightseeing Tour. You will learn a lot about the island’s history, geology, and culture during this five-hour tour from your experienced guide.

4. Go on an adventure tour at Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is a true gem. Kualoa Ranch’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by preserving its sacred lands and celebrating its history.

Not only do they have a very honorable mission statement, but they also offer visitors a ton of fun stuff to do.

Kualoa Ranch offers a bunch of awesome tours, including the Jurassic Adventure Tour, UTV Raptor Tour, Jurassic Valley Ziplining Tour, Ocean Voyage Adventure, Hollywood Movie Sites & Ranch Tour, Jungle Expedition Tour, and a lot more.

Their two best-selling tours are the ones in the Jurassic series: the Jurassic Adventure and UTV Raptor Tour.

Because we wanted a more relaxed day, we skipped the adventure tours and took the 90-minute Kualoa Grown Ranch Tour. This tour was super informative and took us through the beautiful Kualoa Farm–all from the comfort of a trolley car!

We saw tropical fruit and flower gardens, got a glimpse of the old movie sets that were still standing, and learned all about Kualoa Farm as well as Hawaiian agriculture, native plants, and wildlife.

In addition to sampling some of the local foods (we tried poi and fish preserved the traditional way), this tour includes a visit to Moli’i, one of the most well-preserved ancient Hawaiian fishponds in all of Oahu.

Note: Some of Kualoa Ranch’s tours are included with a Go City Oahu All-Inclusive Pass, others are not. They do allow upgrades to a few other tours for a small fee.

Lunch Stop: Waiahole Poi Factory

Whenever we find ourselves on the east side of Oahu (i.e. whenever we’re headed to the fun-filled Polynesian Cultural Center), we always make an effort to get to Waiahole Poi Factory.

I love their plate lunches! The lau lau and chicken long rice combo plate is my go-to, with an additional side of squid luau.

Papu loves the Sweet Lady of Waiahole–haupia ice cream topped with sweet, warm kulolo (taro coconut pudding).

5. Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

If you’re looking to bring home some Hawaiian coffee and macadamia nuts, then you have to make a stop at Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts.

Located beneath aged banyan trees, this shop offers up macadamia nuts and delicious Kona coffee (free tastings!), along with natural bath products, chocolates, and other local Hawaiian treats.

This is a great stop either before or after your Kualoa Ranch adventures!

6. Polynesian Cultural Center

Next up is one of my favorite activities on Oahu–the Polynesian Cultural Center! This is your chance to immerse yourself in the culture of the 1,000+ islands that make up Polynesia.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 paid attraction and is considered a must-do for both travelers and Hawaii locals. I’ve been a whopping four times, and I still find myself learning so much about Polynesian culture each and every time.

PCC is essentially a cultural park that brings to life the spirit of Polynesia through its six Polynesian villages. You’ll be able to enjoy shows, demonstrations, and immersive activities, all while learning facts about the islands of Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Aotearoa, and Hawaii.

If you’d like to extend your stay at PCC, opt for the luau package!

For the same price as some other luau’s that only come with dinner, packages at the Polynesian Cultural Center include admission to the park with demonstrations and activities, a luau dinner, and a 1.5-hour cultural show at the end (with firing dancing and everything).

The night time show, Breath of Ha, is worth the price alone. Don’t miss it!

DEAL ALERT: You can save 10% on select experience packages when you book at least 10 days in advance!

Note: This attraction is included with a Go City Oahu All-Inclusive Pass. However, the luau is not included.

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Oahu Day 4: Southeast Shore / Waikiki

1. Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a must-do on your Oahu island itinerary, no matter if you’re a beginner or an avid snorkeler! This is one of the island’s premier snorkeling destinations because of how much marine life you’ll see once you get in the water.

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open to the public from Wednesdays through Sundays. Do note that it has a relatively steep admission fee, as well as a parking fee.

While that may be steep, if you’ve never been to Hanauma Bay before, I’d still highly recommend it!

To save on snorkel rental costs, you can either get snorkel gear rentals through your Go City Oahu pass or bring your own set.

Pro Tip: Don’t want to pay that steep admission fee? You can drive a bit further to get to Kaiona Beach Park, which is another good snorkeling spot that’s free to snorkel at.

We actually did this on our last trip–instead of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay again, we decided to rent snorkeling gear with our Go City Oahu passes and snorkeled at Kaiona Beach Park again.

We received a mask, snorkel, and fins with our pass to explore as much as we wanted, then dropped off the gear at the end of the day.

2. Halona Blowhole

After snorkeling, it’s time to do a little sightseeing! First stop: Halona Blowhole.

Halona Blowhole is a famous landmark made out of molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions. When the surf is just right, water pressure builds up within the lava tube and erupts through the narrow opening, creating a special Hawaiian geyser – all for your viewing pleasure!

3. Makapu’u Point Lookout

Just a 4-minute drive away is Makapu’u Point, featuring dramatic sea cliff views and epic ocean views.

This is the perfect spot to snap a few selfies or family photos before heading back to the Waikiki area.

From here, you’ll also be able to spot Manana Island, aka Rabbit Island (aptly named for its shape). There is also a lighthouse in the area, but the lighthouse isn’t visible from this viewpoint.

To get there, you’ll have to walk up the paved road that begins just below the entry to the lookout (on the Hawaii Kai side of the lookout). It’s a 1.75-mile trail to the lighthouse from there.

4. Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is easily one of the best beaches on Oahu without a doubt.

With its bright turquoise waters washing up on fine white sands, it’s easy to see why Lanikai is consistently voted Oahu’s “most beautiful” beach. In fact, it’s even been ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Because of how popular it’s gotten over the years, expect a lot of people. So many people that you might have trouble finding a parking space. If you aren’t able to find a spot in the main lot, do be extra mindful of where you park! Laws are strictly enforced here.

There are also no bathrooms, showers, or changing facilities, so come prepared with that knowledge.

5. Go shopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

Just 20 minutes away from Waikiki is the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Hawaii’s largest open-air market.

This is the ideal place to discover unique treasures (think Hawaiian candies, ukeleles, keychains, aloha shirts, and other affordable souvenirs), where even the locals shop for the best deals in town.

If you’re getting too warm from the walking, there are delicious and refreshing coconuts to keep you hydrated while you shop!

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is a small admission fee to enter. Check their website for the latest admission fees and business hours.

Be sure to bring cash so you can buy things!

6. Go museum hopping

Honolulu and the rest of Oahu are steeped in a ton of history. As part of the Go City Oahu Pass, you can (and should) take some time to visit some of the following museums:

• Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor
• USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Audio Tour
• Battleship Missouri Memorial Tour
• Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
• Honolulu Museum of Art
• Bishop Museum
• Queen Emma Summer Palace

7. Have dinner at Wagaya

Wagaya is one of my favorite ramen places in Oahu! This little ramen joint is a homey shop located in Honolulu that serves amazing bowls of noodle soup created from scratch.

We ordered the tsukemen, black garlic ramen, squid cartilage skewer, corn tempura, and vanilla ice cream with warabi mochi. Everything was absolutely delicious!

8. Get drinks at a tiki bar

There’s no better way to end a night in Oahu than with some deliciously handcrafted drinks! For extra creative concoctions, make it a goal to grab island-inspired tiki drinks.

Some great tiki bars in the Waikiki area include Ko Tiki Terrace and Cuckoo Coconuts. For something a little more divey, not quite tiki, but equally as fun, head to Suzie Wong’s Hideaway.

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What You’ll Need To Book Ahead Of Time

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Reservations

Hanauma Bay is a protected marine reserve with limited daily capacity. Reservations open two days in advance at 7:00 AM (HST) and sell out quickly.

Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC)

Book your PCC tickets early, especially if you plan to attend the evening luau and the Hā: Breath of Life show. Premium packages often sell out — the Ali’i Luau Package and the Super Ambassador Package are usually the first to go.

For the best chances of snagging tickets for the day you actually want, booking at least 2 weeks early is best.

Luau Tickets

Popular luaus like Paradise Cove can book out weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The luau at Aulani is even crazier–usually sold out months in advance.

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Free tickets are released daily, but the museum site is extremely popular. Making reservations for your visit in advance is recommended.

Diamond Head Summit Trail Parking & Entry

As Hawaii’s most iconic landmark, this historic hiking trail has become so popular that visitor numbers are now limited to help manage the heavy foot traffic.

Reservations are required for parking and walk-in entry at this hike. These can fill up days in advance during the peak season.

Heads up: Admission doesn’t come cheap! We recommend checking out other free hikes in Oahu instead.

Guided Tours for Kualoa Ranch

Tours of this famed ranch (like the Jurassic Adventure or UTV Raptor Tour) are extremely popular. Book your tickets well in advance to secure your preferred tour and time slot.

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Where To Stay In Oahu

Staying in Honolulu/Waikiki can be a good idea for first-timers, as it puts you close to plenty of introductory things to do, places to eat and shop, and tourist attractions.

While it is convenient and close to a lot of restaurants, bars, and shopping, there are some drawbacks.

First off, because of how compact and populated this area is, street parking is really hard to come by.

Secondly, a lot of the hotels and resorts in Waikiki charge both resort fees and parking fees. These fees range anywhere from $20-50 per night for parking and $15-35 per night for the resort fee.

So if you’ve found a hotel you like, be sure to check for these ‘hidden’ fees!

Budget-Friendly to Mid-Range Options

Here are a few hotels that I’ve found to be the most budget-friendly in the Waikiki area, even after accounting for all the added fees:

• The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – my favorite hotel to stay at in Waikiki; free parking, no resort fees!
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki – no resort fee!
• Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei – not directly in Waikiki, but has no resort fees, free parking, AND free breakfast!
• Aqua Oasis – affordable, even with both parking and resort fees factored in.
• Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach – affordable resort fee and parking fees.

More Luxurious Options

If you have more budget to play with, we especially like these hotels:

• Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani (mid-priced option)
• Halekulani (luxury option)

Vacation Rentals

Open to staying elsewhere on the island? We get it. Other parts of Oahu are way more scenic!

Back when vacation home rentals were plentiful, my favorite part of the island to stay was in Kailua, located on the East Shore. Lanikai Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is located near there so it was a lovely place to base ourselves.

These days, vacation home rentals are hard to come by in that area. With that said, you could still do a search on VRBO and see if you can find anything available. You might just get lucky!

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How To Get Around Oahu

If you plan on exploring outside of Waikiki (which you should 100% do to get a more authentic experience), you will need a car.

Of the 10+ times I’ve been to Oahu, I’ve rented a car every single time. Book early because rental cars in Hawaii go like hotcakes!

We recommend using the comparison tool on Rentalcars.com to find the best rental price.

While Ubers and Lyfts are available, rides will be super expensive for longer rides. Uber/Lyft really only makes sense for short distances (like getting around Waikiki).

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Local Events In Oahu

This is not an exhaustive list by any means! Just to give you an idea of all the fun things you could do in Oahu throughout the year, here’s some of the events you can expect:

KCC Farmers’ Market (Saturday mornings) – Located near Diamond Head, this is Oahu’s most popular farmers’ market. You’ll find fresh local produce, tropical flowers, artisan foods, and tasty eats like Hawaiian honey, acai bowls, and garlic shrimp.

Haleiwa Farmers’ Market (Thursdays) – Located in Waimea Valley, this market showcases fresh local produce, handmade goods, and ready-to-eat foods with a laid-back vibe. It’s a fun little North Shore stop!

Honolulu Festival (March) – A celebration of Pacific Rim cultures with parades, dance performances, and a fireworks display.

Waikiki SPAM Jam (April) – A quirky street festival celebrating Hawaii’s love for SPAM with creative dishes, live music, and local crafts.

Lei Day (May 1) – A uniquely Hawaiian tradition showcasing lei-making contests, hula performances, and cultural exhibits.

Duke’s OceanFest (August) – A 9-day water sports festival in Waikiki honoring Duke Kahanamoku, with events like surfing, paddleboarding, and outrigger canoe races.

North Shore Surf Competitions (November/December) – World-class surfing events like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing featuring pro surfers at iconic beaches like Banzai Pipeline.

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And that about wraps up our list of things to do on a 4-day trip to Oahu! Are there any must-do activities on Oahu that I left out? Let me know in the comments!

Looking for more Oahu travel tips? Read more:

• Polynesian Cultural Center Review: Is It Worth The Money? (+ Essential Tips)
• Is The Super Ambassador Luau At PCC Worth The Money?
• Oahu For First Timers: 30+ Things You Need To Know
• 10 Best Places To See The Sunset In Oahu
• 6 Best Hikes In Oahu For Every Type of Traveler
• Oahu’s North Shore: 12 Stops For A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary

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