A 10-day travel itinerary for Oʻahu, Hawaii, planned by [email protected].
Ten unhurried days on Oʻahu from a Waikiki beachfront base, balancing the island's headline sights with real downtime. You'll hike Diamond Head, pay respects at Pearl Harbor, spend a full day on the North Shore (Giovanni's shrimp, Waimea, the Pipeline), snorkel Hanauma Bay and drive the southeast coast, cross to the windward side for Lanikai and Kailua, and take in the Polynesian Cultural Center luau — with a deliberate rest-and-beach day at Ala Moana and a Manoa rainforest-and-sunset day woven in so the trip never feels rushed. Lunch and dinner are planned for every day, from plate-lunch institutions to Hawaii Regional Cuisine landmarks. (A rental car is assumed for the out-of-town days.)
Arrival & Waikiki
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Relaxed beachfront lodging with an outdoor pool, a spa & 2 restaurants, plus nightly Hawaiian music.
Marugame Udon Waikiki
Guests order at the counter at this casual Japanese restaurant specializing in noodle soup.
Waikiki Beach
Ease in — first swim and toes in the sand right outside the hotel.
Duke's Waikiki
Popular option known for its beachfront location, surf 'n' turf, tiki vibe & umbrella drinks.
Diamond Head & Kapahulu Eats
Diamond Head State Monument
A trail leads visitors to the summit of this volcanic tuff cone & former fort with panoramic views.
Leonard's Bakery
Local fixture since 1952 for malasadas (Portuguese donuts), breads, pastries & other sweets.
Rainbow Drive-In
Iconic counter-serve spot for Hawaiian plate lunches features BBQ, mahi mahi, chili dogs & more.
Waikiki Aquarium
Small aquarium featuring 3,000+ Hawaiian & tropical Pacific marine animals, plus multiple exhibits.
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Simple restaurant specializing in local classics such as kalua pork, lomi salmon, and ribs.
Pearl Harbor & Historic Honolulu
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Site commemorating the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, featuring USS Arizona Memorial, museum & galleries.
Highway Inn Kaka'ako
Upbeat, casual spot dishing up an all-day menu of traditional Hawaiian fare for eat-in or takeout.
Iolani Palace
Opulent 19th-century home of Hawaii’s last monarchs operating as a museum with tours & exhibits.
Chinatown Honolulu
Vibrant area with Chinese eateries & Asian markets, plus art galleries & the Hawaii Theatre Center.
Fete Hawaii
Cool, brick-walled hangout serving New American cuisine for lunch & dinner, plus cocktails & beer.
North Shore Day
Haleiwa Town
North Shore day. Surf-town boutiques and galleries; grab a coffee to start.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Established, graffiti-decorated pit stop for a variety of shrimp plates & a garlic hot dog option.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Popular park to spot dolphins & turtles, along with big waves in winter & calm surf in summer.
Banzai Pipeline
Watch world-class surfers at Ehukai Beach (winter swells can be huge).
Sunset Beach
Stay for the namesake sunset before driving back.
Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill
Casual, island-inspired eatery dishing up tropical offerings such as seafood & mai tais.
Hanauma Bay & Southeast Coast
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Known for it’s snorkeling, this beachfront protected park offers a coral reef & diverse marine life.
Halona Blowhole Lookout
From this lookout, visitors can see ocean water shoot 30 feet into the air from a lava tube.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Natural hiking area with paved trail & overlook, ocean views, lighthouse & whale-watching potential.
Kona Brewing Co. Hawaii Kai
Chill spot for burgers, pizza & more features beer brewed in-house & a lanai with tiki torches.
Tonkatsu Tamafuji
Lively 2nd-floor eatery drawing crowds for house-special breaded pork entrees & other Japanese grub.
Rest, Beach & Ala Moana
Ala Moana Center
Upscale, four-level shopping mall with department stores, boutiques, a food court & restaurants.
Mariposa Neiman Marcus
Elegant Neiman Marcus bistro featuring New American fare, plus lanai seating with ocean views.
Ala Moana Regional Park
This 100-acre park with a man-made beach offers usually calm surf, plus tennis courts & a pavilion.
MW Restaurant
Stylish venture serving creative Hawaiian fare & cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients.
Kailua & Lanikai (Windward)
Lanikai Beach
Windward side. Powder sand and turquoise water with the Mokulua islets offshore. Go early, limited parking.
Kailua Beach Park
Clear water, fine sand & accessible facilities make this a popular spot for aquatic activities.
Kalapawai Cafe
Eatery offering sandwiches & salads before 5PM & contemporary dinners with table service at night.
Buzz's Original Steakhouse Kailua
Laid-back steakhouse presents a surf 'n' turf menu & drinks in a tiki hut-style space.
Polynesian Cultural Center & Luau
Manoa Valley & Tantalus Sunset
Last Morning & Departure
Waikiki Beach
Last morning swim or a beginner surf lesson off Kuhio Beach.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Relaxed beachfront lodging with an outdoor pool, a spa & 2 restaurants, plus nightly Hawaiian music.
Things to do in Oʻahu, Hawaii
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
- Marugame Udon Waikiki
- Waikiki Beach
- Duke's Waikiki
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Leonard's Bakery
- Rainbow Drive-In
- Waikiki Aquarium
- Helena's Hawaiian Food
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Highway Inn Kaka'ako
- Iolani Palace
- Chinatown Honolulu
- Fete Hawaii
- Haleiwa Town
- Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
- Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Banzai Pipeline
- Sunset Beach
- Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Halona Blowhole Lookout
- Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
- Kona Brewing Co. Hawaii Kai
- Tonkatsu Tamafuji
- Ala Moana Center
- Mariposa Neiman Marcus
- Ala Moana Regional Park
- MW Restaurant
- Lanikai Beach
- Kailua Beach Park
- Kalapawai Cafe
- Buzz's Original Steakhouse Kailua