Tour Oahu in 4 Days
If you only have a few days to spend in Oahu, you can explore the coastlines, learn about Hawaiian culture, and see native marine life. Plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Here’s how to tour Oahu in four days.
Day 1: The North Shore
Image via Flickr by jdnx
Start your Oahu tour on the North Shore. Hop on the Pineapple Express train for a trip around the Dole Plantation. You’ll travel through acres of beautiful north country scenery while you learn about the history of the pineapple in Hawaii. Continue your tour with a walk through the Plantation Garden, which is full of native Hawaiian plants and flowers. Go farther back in time at the Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site. The heiau is Oahu’s oldest ancient temple. Enjoy an easy hike up the mountain to see views of Waimea Bay below.
Head back down to Waimea Bay Park for some relaxing beach time. During the summer, the bay is a fun spot for swimming. When winter arrives, so do the surfers looking to catch the ultimate wave. End your day at Waimea Valley, a cultural preserve filled with sacred sites, botanical gardens, and waterfalls.
Day 2: Pearl Harbor and Downtown Honolulu
As Oahu’s largest city, Honolulu has a lot to do and see. It’s a good idea to take two days to explore all the sites. If you only have one day, though, check out this guide to spending an unforgettable day in Hawaii.
Start with a visit to the Pearl Harbor visitor center before you take the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial site. Move on to Iolani Palace, and walk the halls and grounds of the only royal residence in the United States. Built in 1882, the palace was home to Hawaii’s last king and queen until 1893.
Day 3: Waikiki and Diamond Head
Image via Flickr by jdnx
Southern Honolulu is home to the famous Waikiki Beach. Spend time swimming and working on your suntan. Board an Atlantis Adventure Submarine for an underwater sightseeing trip featuring shipwrecks, marine life, and pyramids. Reserve part of your day to visit the Diamond Head State Monument. Hike the trail to the edge of the volcanic crater to experience gorgeous views of the ocean and the city below. Be prepared for steep steps, and bring plenty of water.
Day 4: Waimanalo
Image Via Flickr by Eric Tessmer, Honolulu Hawaii
Explore the southeast coast along the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail. While you can’t visit the lighthouse itself, you can’t miss its red roof set against the bright blue ocean backdrop. Enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline, and spy native marine life. From November to May, you may see migrating humpback whales. Learn more about native creatures at Sea Life Park, just a short drive away. End your tour of Oahu with a night of camping on the sand at Bellows Field Beach Park.
Make your short tour of Oahu fulfilling and fun. Follow this itinerary to see the best attractions on Ohau in four days.
