5 Day Oahu Itinerary: What to Do on the Most Popular Hawaiian Island

Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island, receiving almost half of all visitors to Hawaii, and probably what you think of when you think Hawaii. With a 5 day Oahu itinerary, you can see a lot, such as the famous Waikiki Beach and Kualoa Ranch (where Jurassic Park was filmed).

It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do in this bustling island. But Oahu is perfect for you if you like city nightlife, don’t mind a lot of crowds, and want to shop till you drop in Hawaii.

However, if you’re like me and don’t really like crowded places, I know some hidden gems that will make your 5 day Oahu itinerary more tolerable.

Why Visit Oahu?

You like city vibes. Because of zoning laws, most hotels are in Honolulu near Waikiki Beach, so there’s a high chance you will be staying in the city. It’s a similar vibe to Las Vegas’ strip, not very relaxing, but potentially a lot of fun if you’re interested in shopping and city life.

You don’t mind crowds. There are a LOT of people in Oahu, visitors and residents alike; and you’ll also find some of the biggest attractions here — like Kualoa Ranch, Disney’s Aulani Resort, Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. However, away from Honolulu, there are hidden gems in Oahu that are much less crowded.

Interesting Facts About Oahu

• Oahu is the third largest island of Hawaii but the most populated and most visited by far. Oahu is nicknamed the “gathering place” and rightly so.
• Oahu contains the capital city of Hawaii, which is the city of Honolulu. Here, you’ll find the main state government buildings and even a historical royal palace.
• Hawaii is home to the only royal palace in the United States. Its last reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani, had her reign cut short in 1893 due to a coup.
• Oahu has two extinct volcanoes that last erupted millions of years ago.

Day 1: Arrival, Honolulu, and Southeastern Oahu

Walk around Waikiki Beach

On day 1 of this 5 day Oahu itinerary, start by heading out to explore a bit of the famous Waikiki Beach. Walk down Kalakaua Avenue and check out the shops and restaurants. There’s a lot going on in this area, a lot of people, a lot of buzz. It’s a fun and lively scene.

If you have time, be sure to check out the following places:

• OMG (Oahu Mexican Grill) for create-your-own burritos and second-level views of the beach.
• Honolulu Cookie Company for a package of their iconic shortbread cookies.
• Royal Hawaiian Center for free hula performances and other cultural events.
• ABC Stores for convenience-store foods and affordable souvenirs.
• Cafe Glace and Island Vintage for shaved ice, ice cream, and acai bowls.
• Moku Hawaii or Beach Candy for SUP and surfboard rentals.

If you come to Waikiki Beach later on, for dinner, afterward you can sit on the sand for a while as the sun sets. You’re in Hawaii, so make a point of seeing every sunset while you’re here, they’re incredible. I hope you paid for a nice view from your hotel room, it’s worth it!

Eat Malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery

Malasadas for breakfast? Yes, please! Head over to Leonard’s Bakery for some delicious malasadas.

What are malasadas? They’re a Portuguese deep-fried, sugar-coated doughnut, made with various fillings, such as chocolate, custard, coconut, macadamia nut, and guava.

Leonard Rego opened Leonard’s Bakery on Oahu in 1953, and they’ve been popular in Hawaii ever since. Leonard’s is an icon in Oahu. If you pass by their brick-and-mortar locations, you’ll see a line out the door and around the corner.

A tip to save time: Go to one of Leonard’s mobile locations! They have several food trucks around Oahu and their lines aren’t usually as long. There is one conveniently located on the way to Hanauma Bay, in the Koko Marina Shopping Center.

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Drive Along the Coast and Stop at Viewpoints

Driving is a fairly low-energy task for your first day in Oahu, so why not drive along the coast for some great lookouts? Head to Lanai Lookout and Makapu’u Lookout. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see beautiful cliffs and the gorgeous blue ocean.

These lookouts have small parking lots, but you probably won’t have to wait long for a space as cars are constantly coming and going. Parking is free, as well.

Other Things to Do in Southeastern Oahu

Beach hopping in Oahu is always a good idea. There are so many incredible beaches, I definitely recommend branching out of Waikiki Beach to see others. In the southeastern Oahu area, you can try Lanikai Beach or Waimanalo Beach.

If you’re interested in hiking, and it’s not too late in the day, there’s Lanikai Pillbox Trail, a quick 1-mile trail, nearby.

In the spring and summer months, sunflower fields are abloom at Waimanalo Country Farms, a great photo spot, and something the Blackpink K-pop group members visited during their time on Oahu.

Let’s not waste a single moment of our time on Oahu.

Day 2: Honolulu and Western Oahu

On day 2 of this 5 day Oahu itinerary, you’re going to explore more of Honolulu and the western part of Oahu. Below are some ideas of what you can do.

Hike to Manoa Falls

If you have jet lag like I did and are waking up too early, try hiking!

If there’s one hike you simply must do, it’s the hike to Manoa Falls.

The Manoa Falls trail is an easy 1.4 miles and you’ll be immersed in a beautiful, thick, serene rainforest. It’s GORGEOUS and so hard to believe that it’s only a 20-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki!

The waterfall was just a little trickle when we visited in March, but the entire hike is enjoyable, walking amid all the green tropical plants.

The parking lot opens at sunrise, and it costs $7 to park. Get there early as spots fill up fast. And be sure to wear hiking shoes as some of the trail is rocky and muddy.

Hike length: 1.4 miles
Cost: $7 to park

Tour Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is the only royal residence in the United States; and it was the last palace of the Hawaiian kingdom. You’re allowed to tour Iolani Palace, seeing this historic site for yourself.

From 1795 to 1893 the Hawaiian islands united to form a kingdom, and Iolani Palace was built as a beacon of hope, completed in 1882.

On the tour, you’ll learn the fascinating history about the Hawaiian royals who lived and ruled here and also about the coup that occurred that eventually ended the Hawaiian kingdom (and led to Hawaii becoming a U.S. state).

You’ll stand in the very room that Queen Liliuokalani was imprisoned and see the dining room that entertained foreign dignitaries. The palace has been restored to its original condition and a quest to recover original furnishings continues (a few have been found around the world at antique shops).

I can’t stress enough how amazing this tour is! I highly, highly recommend it.

Tickets start at $27 and are sold online (walk-ins available but limited). Dress respectively as this is considered sacred ground.

Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday; Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Roam the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is a huge swap meet circling the Aloha Stadium. With over 400 vendors, selling everything from food to T-shirts, you’re sure to find something you like. Stock up on souvenirs for your family and purchase a coconut to drink while you walk around.

Parking and general admission is only $2.

When you plan to visit this swap meet, be sure it’s a weekend or Wednesday as these are the only days they’re open. If you time it right, though, you’ll get to shop all the amazing deals at this flea market!

Hours: Open Saturday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An idea for breakfast? If you’re heading out from Honolulu, stop for breakfast at Egghead Cafe, which is on the way. They have an awesome feature wall that is fun to take photos against as you wait for your order.

Visit Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor really needs no introduction. The memorial site is right across the street from the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, and it’s free to enter. Though, parking is now $7 per day, which you can pay at the kiosks.

You will need tickets to board the boat to the memorial, however, but these cost only $1 per person. You must reserve these $1 tickets in advance on Recreation.gov.

We didn’t have tickets to board the boat to the memorial, but we still were able to walk around the visitor center and remembrance circle. It’s worth a visit to Pearl Harbor either way.

It can be as long of a visit as you’d like.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay has been named the best snorkeling beach in Oahu. It’s a beautiful beach with reefs and tropical fish.

It’s gotten so popular that the state limits access to the beach to 1,400 people per day, and it’s closed entirely on Mondays and Tuesdays. You’ll need tickets to be one of those 1,400 lucky people who get to visit this beach.

How To Get Tickets: Tickets are sold two days in advance and sell out in minutes. You must pre-pay for your tickets. It currently costs $25/person plus $3/parking, but this is subject to change at any time. Snorkel sets are available to rent on site.

We were fortunate enough to secure tickets to snorkel at Hanauma Bay, but unfortunately, on the day of our reservation, the beach was swarmed by box jellyfish and so it had to be entirely shut down for safety reasons. Everyone was given a refund, but we weren’t able to come back another day, unfortunately.

How often are jellyfish spotted at Hanauma Bay? Well, pretty much every month, usually a few days after a full moon when high tide recedes and they get trapped. It’s something to be aware of.

I hope you’re luckier than us and are able to snag tickets on a jellyfish-free day.

Be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen and leave no trace when you visit.

Don’t forget to pack these snorkeling essentials:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snorkel set
• Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater)

Snorkel in the Ko Olina Lagoons

Hanauma Bay may not work out for you, and that’s okay! It’s not the only place in Oahu to snorkel. There’s Turtle Canyon and Kaimana Beach — and the four Ko Olina Lagoons.

Disney’s Aulani Resort is situated near one of the four lagoons on this part of Oahu. The lagoons are free to the public. Actually, did you know that all Hawaii beaches are for public use? There are no private beaches in Hawaii, even if they’re in front of a popular hotel. So if you couldn’t afford to stay in Disney’s Aulani Resort, you can still check out the nearby beaches.

The four lagoons are an easy walking distance from each other. The sand is soft, and the waters are calm. Perfect conditions for snorkeling.

There’s 3-hour, paid parking near the fourth lagoon, which is also near the Ko Olina Beach Park.

Address: 92-100 Waipahe Pl, Kapolei, HI 96707

Don’t forget to pack these snorkeling essentials:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snorkel set
• Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater)

Day 3: Eastern Oahu

On day 3 of this 5 day Oahu itinerary, you’ll head out on a little road trip to the eastern part of Oahu with the final destination being Kualoa Ranch. You’ll make a few stops on the way, the first being Byodo-In Temple. I recommend including all the stops, but feel free to pick and choose the ones that are most interesting to you.

Visit Byodo-In Temple 

The Byodo-In Temple is a smaller-scale replica of the one in Japan of the same name, built in 1968 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Japanese immigration to the island. It’s a non-practicing temple where visitors can come to tour it. There’s a large koi fish pond and stunning gardens. It’s a great stop, and admission is only $5.

Don’t worry when your GPS has you turning into a memorial, you’re going the right way! Byodo-In Temple is tucked behind this memorial, and there’s a legitimate visitor parking lot and ticket booth back there so don’t be alarmed. Visitors are allowed!

Cost: $5 per adult, card only payments

Stop at a Macadamia Nut Farm

The next stop is Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm, which is a cute store with a variety of snacks and other items inside for purchase. In the back, there are places to sit and watch the roosters run around. Drinking coconuts were for sale here as well, so it is a great place to refresh.

Take a Jeep or ATV Tour at Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch was hands down my FAVORITE activity in Oahu — do NOT miss this! It’s well worth the drive to the north shore and the cost.

Kualoa Ranch is known as the place where Jurassic Park, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and other movies were made. It’s basically a working Hollywood film site.

There are a lot of different tours and packages to choose from at Kualoa Ranch — from jeep to ATV tours and more.

I would honestly not mind spending a few days trying out all of them (I really loved it that much). We opted for the jungle expedition tour which is a group tour on a large jeep that held maybe 16 people.

Our tour guide took us around the property, showing us where movie scenes were filmed and about the history and botany of the island. It was so fascinating. We even stopped to do a short hike.

There is a restaurant in the visitor center that makes delicious macaroni salad (fyi, you should get some). We had lunch here before our tour since we arrived an hour early.

Book your tour in advance as NO tickets were available the day of (all sold out!). I’d suggest booking a late afternoon slot since you’ll have so much to do beforehand.

Walk on the Beach near Chinaman’s Hat

As you’re leaving Kualoa Ranch, drive over to the beach across the street — Kualoa Regional Park Beach. It’s a free beach that looks out to Chinaman’s Hat island. We saw some people swimming over to this island, but be careful of the tide if you choose to do this. We enjoyed walking along the sand; it was so quiet here compared to Waikiki! It was a great end to a perfect day.

Day 4: North Shore

On day 4 of this 5 day Oahu itinerary, you’ll be heading to the famous North Shore.

Snorkel in the North Shore

The North Shore is full of snorkeling spots, but it’s best to snorkel in the summer when the waves are not so high. We visited in March, so we weren’t able to snorkel in the North Shore. But if you’ll be in the North Shore in the summer, then definitely check out a few of these snorkel spots.

• Kuilima Cove at the Turtle Bay Resort (North Shore)
• Waimea Bay Beach (North Shore)
• Shark’s Cove (North Shore)
• Three Tables (North Shore)
• Ehukai Beach (North Shore)

Visit Waimea Valley and Hike to Waimea Falls

Waimea Valley is a beautiful, lush area of the North Shore that is of historical importance to Native Hawaiians. To visit, you will need to pay $25 per adult (see all ticket types and prices). Your admission fee includes the hike to Waimea Falls.

The hike to Waimea Falls is 3/4 of a mile on an easy, paved path. There is also a shuttle bus that can take you to the falls. It’s free for the mobility-challenged or $10 for others.

A lifeguard is on duty at the falls as swimming is sometimes permitted.

They’re open every day except Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Have Lunch in Haleiwa

Haleiwa is a cute historic town in the North Shore with colorful plantation shops and several restaurants. This is a perfect spot to have lunch and maybe some shaved ice for dessert.

We chose The Beet Box Cafe for lunch, a vegetarian restaurant with sandwiches, salads, acai bowls, and more. I had the “3 little birds” sandwich and loved it.

There are so many other choices, though, so consider also dining at one of the following:

• Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican or Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant for Mexican food.
• Haleiwa Bowls for acai bowls.
• Matsumoto Shave Ice for, well, shaved ice.
• Nalu Health Bar and Cafe for salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
• Poke for the People for poke bowls.

When you’re done eating, why not walk to the nearby Kamehameha Highway Bridge?

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center was voted Oahu’s top attraction. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has even been known to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center from time to time.

It’s a large park with island villages, activities, performances, and a luau.

It’s a bit expensive, starting at $90 per person or more if you add on the luau, but it seems worth it. A great way to end your day in Oahu’s North Shore.

Day 5: Departure

I hope you enjoyed your five days in Oahu and that you have safe travels on your way home. I felt that five days was enough for me on this island, so hopefully you feel just as satisfied. Aloha for now!

Logistics: Where to Stay and How to Get Around Oahu

What Airport to Fly Into

You’ll be flying into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), which is the largest international airport in Hawaii. A variety of airlines service this airport.

Which airline should you use?

If you’re flying from the mainland U.S., check Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

I often find great deals flying into Hawaii from California on these airlines. My best deal has been less than $200 round trip, but the $300s-$400s range is a good average from the western U.S. states.

Do You Need a Rental Car?

A car is definitely needed for this itinerary, and if you plan to explore outside Waikiki Beach, which I definitely recommend doing so.

There is public transportation on the island, but my research showed using the bus would take up a lot of extra time getting from place to place, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to fit in as much as you can in five days.

A rental car is the best choice if you have only 5 days in Oahu.

There are 10 rental car companies at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, and Sixt.

I usually go with Enterprise because I get an employee discount through my work, but definitely shop around to find the best price. Whichever company you go with, book early to secure your car ahead of time. Cars are limited on the island and tend to book up early.

Where to Stay in Honolulu

Oahu is one of the smallest islands and is suffering from overcrowding and overtourism, probably more than any other Hawaiian island. That being said, zoning laws are a lot stricter here. Most hotels are restricted to Honolulu with very few elsewhere on the island.

I’d suggest making Honolulu your home base to explore the island.

Be mindful of hotel fees. You can’t really get away from the parking and resort fees at almost any hotel in Honolulu. You just have to suck it up and pay it.

Budget Hotels in Oahu:

• Holiday Surf Hotel
• Vive Hotel Waikiki
• The Beach Waikiki Hostel

Mid-range Hotels in Oahu:

• Queen Kapiolani Hotel
• Outrigger Waikiki Hotel
• Moana Surfrider
• Park Shore Waikiki (where we stayed)

Luxury Hotels in Oahu:

• Disney’s Aulani Resort
• The Kahala Hotel and Resort
• Turtle Bay Resort (North Shore)
• The Royal Hawaiian

What to Know Before Traveling to Oahu

There are four main islands where people live and visit in Hawaii — the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I’ve heard the wonders of Hawaii all my life but never understood it until I visited for myself.

Every island is unique and beautiful in its own right. No matter which one you visit, you will leave inspired and in awe. Here are some things to know before you go in order to be a respectful traveler.

Is Hawaii Suffering from Overtourism?

Yes, quite simply. There’s been numerous articles recently about how Hawaii is suffering from overtourism due to a post-pandemic travel boom, affecting its residents.

Some ways to help are to postpone your travel plans to Hawaii, visit one of the less-visited islands (such as the Big Island or Kauai), and/or visit during the low season (avoiding the summer and any school breaks).

You can also help by supporting local Hawaiian businesses (not corporations) and taking part in cultural classes or activities while in Hawaii.

How Do I Respect Hawaii as a Visitor?

Hawaii is a beautiful place — and the Hawaiian government and citizens do an amazing job at preserving the beauty. Did you know billboards are banned in the state of Hawaii in order to maintain natural beauty? As a visitor, please help contribute to these preservation efforts.

• Before traveling to any Hawaiian island, become familiar with how to be a respectful and responsible traveler to the islands and pledge to travel pono.
• Learn about the Hawaiian history and culture.
• Protect the oceans by not littering, reducing plastic use, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii is the first U.S. state to ban coral-harming chemicals in sunscreen).
• If hiking, don’t go off the trail and follow all signs and rules in place.
• And most importantly, be kind! Have your best attitude when interacting with other people on the island, both locals and travelers alike. It’s actually a law in Hawaii — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.

What’s the Weather Like in Hawaii?

Pack your summer clothes as Hawaii’s temperatures are around 80 degrees year-round. The only exceptions are in the higher elevation areas of Volcano, HI on the Big Island and Haleakala in Maui where it does get chilly. Otherwise, there isn’t a need for a jacket. Rain comes in and out but usually doesn’t last long. Still, try to check your weather app before arrival for more specific information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Oahu

What is the best time of year to go to Oahu?

If you’re looking for less crowds, the least visited months are September-October and late January-February.

If you’re looking for the calmest waves for snorkeling, you should visit in the summer.

If you’re looking for the best weather, well, Hawaii is warm and beautiful year round, so you really can’t go wrong.

How many days do I need on Oahu?

You need at least three days on Oahu, not including travel days. You can do a lot in that time as the island is not that big.

Where is the prettiest part of Oahu?

I’d say the east side and north shore are the prettiest parts of Oahu. They’re more natural and undeveloped.

What is the most visited place in Oahu?

The most visited tourist attraction in Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. Strangely, it is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

How to visit Oahu on a budget?

If you’re on a budget, stick to the free and cheap attractions in Oahu. Try:

• Walking on the beach, like Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, Waimanalo Beach, or Kualoa Regional Park Beach (free)
• Stopping at viewpoints, like Lanai Lookout and Makapu’u Lookout (free)
• Hiking to Manoa Falls ($7 parking)
• Roaming the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet ($2 parking)
• Visiting Pearl Harbor ($7 parking)
• Visiting Byodo-In Temple ($5)

How many tourists visit Oahu each year?

Oahu receives about half a million visitors every month, so roughly 6 million visitors each year.

Is Oahu safe for tourists?

Honolulu, Oahu is a large city, so you do need to be more aware and alert while visiting. But overall, Oahu is safe for tourists. Honolulu has a lower than average violent crime rate of 272 incidents per 100,000 people, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Is Oahu worth visiting?

Personally, I am glad I visited but I wouldn’t return to Oahu. It’s overall too crowded. I have visited four Hawaiian islands and liked the other Hawaiian islands a lot better.

I am also glad that I ventured out of Honolulu because there are so many hidden gems around the island of Oahu. So if you do visit Oahu, definitely get out of the city and into the nature.

What to pack for Hawaii?

Here are some of my favorite things I brought with me to Hawaii:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Snorkel set
• Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater)
• EPA-registered insect repellent. There are mosquitoes in Hawaii, and while it’s rare for one of them to be carrying a virus, it’s best to spray yourself with insect repellent regularly to prevent those pesky bites. Be sure to use an EPA-registered insect repellent that has one of 5 active ingredients recommended by the CDC. The EPA has a search tool to help you locate a registered, effective insect repellent. My recommendation for a natural option is to use the EPA-registered Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray, which uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as its active ingredient.

Favorite travel essentials

• I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
• I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
• I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
• I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
• For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!

Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Hawaii

How to Follow the Blackpink Hawaii Summer Diary Itinerary

Ultimate 2 Weeks in Hawaii Itinerary: Visit Multiple Islands

18 Best Things to Do on Big Island of Hawaii

7-Day Big Island Itinerary: How to Spend a Week on the Big Island of Hawaii

Best Stops on Maui’s Road to Hana (with Map)

Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary

12 Things to Do in Haleakalā National Park

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii

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