A Week in Oahu – A 7 Day Oahu Itinerary

 Hawaii..  The very name conjures a plethora of fantasies.  And it is no wonder, as the islands of Hawaii truly are a tropical paradise.   Some people spend a lifetime dreaming of a week in Oahu, and honestly, 7 days in Oahu can be the perfect vacation. We have put together what I believe is the perfect Oahu 7 day itinerary to help you make that happen. And, it is always the perfect time to go to Hawaii!

Why Oahu?  Well, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head, the stunning scenery of Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum PI.. almost all of the iconic Hawaiian sites are on Oahu.  And, it is also the most accessible of the islands, with the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport right outside of Honolulu. This is the island we all know the most about, and where the majority of first time visitors choose to go.   

The sad fact is that when some people finally make that fantasy trip to Oahu, they leave somewhat DISAPPOINTED!  How can that be in such an amazing place?  Well, like any high tourism area, the Waikiki has adapted to the constant tourist flow. There is dense traffic, heavy commercialization, and high prices. (BUT, you can skip those prices with our Oahu Budget Guide, filled with loads of tips for getting the best prices, and a plethora of free things to do!!)

My initial feeling as I walked through Waikiki was that it was like being in a large university campustown on the back to school weekend! It certainly was not the vision of Hawaii I had always had! (That is why many more experienced Hawaiian visitors prefer to spend their time in Oahu on the North Shore.)  But, we got past that and got out of the crowds and found lots of ways to experience the splendor of the island, and truly made a magical 7 days in Oahu!

We want your trip to Hawaii to be as amazing as you have always imagined it would be, whichever island you choose.  If you choose Oahu to experience all of the world-renowned landmarks, it is entirely possible to get beyond the tourist trap aspects, and have a dream come true trip.  Our 7 day Oahu itinerary takes you to what we believe are the best locations and experiences on the island!

I won’t even pretend like a week is the ideal amount of time to spend in Hawaii.  Even though the islands are small, including Oahu, it would take much longer to experience all they have to offer.  However, some of us have limited vacation time, and vacation funds. We can’t let those obstacles interfere with our dream vacations!  With a few money saving tips and a plan, a week in Oahu is doable! It will be enough time to see some of that splendor, soak in some of that sunshine, and experience some of that amazing Hawaiian vibe.  It will be a trip you talk about for the rest of your life!

BUT, if you have more time, and more money, the 7 day Oahu itinerary might just be a starting point!  You might want to spend a couple of days up on the North Shore, or you might want to venture out to another island.  (By the way, we loved Kauai, with the amazing Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon, and the Gorgeous Na Pali Coast.  We also love the Road to Hana and Haleakela, which can be experienced on a Maui itinerary! And, you just can’t go wrong with a vacation on the Big Island, or even a weekend on the Big Island. We can even help you keep your budget on the Big Island!)

So, I am really excited to share the fabulous things to do in Oahu, and hopefully inspire you to start setting some dates.  But, if you know me, you know I have to give you a bit of history first. I can’t help myself!

You can start browsing for your Oahu hotel now..

Brief Hawaiian History

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the most isolated inhabited locations in the world, sitting out there in the middle of the Pacific.  This may be part of their appeal. There are a lot of gorgeous tropical islands around the world, but Hawaii is so far away, so alone, and has such a unique culture.  This makes it all the more special!

The original settlers on the islands were Polynesians, who arrived by boat.  It is hard to grasp in modern times, when we are so dependent upon our technology for navigation!  Although the lush flora on the islands seems native, they are not. The landscape was much sparser before the arrival of the Polynesians, who transported seeds and developed cultivation methods.

At one point all of the Hawaiian islands were independent kingdoms, and there was not always a peaceful co-existence. It was King Kamehameha who united the islands into a single kingdom.  Not all of the factions came together willingly, and one of the most epic battles of this conquest is commemorated at the Pali Lookout, which we discuss later.

The city of Lahaina, on the island of Maui, was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820 to 1845, then it was moved to Honolulu.  The islands remained united as the Kingdom of Hawaii until 1894, when the Queen was forced to abdicate by a coup of plantation owners and other political strategists.  Honolulu was retained as the capital under the provisional government, and the eventual annexation by the US. The rest of the story, is more widely known.

About the Hawaiian Language

As a US state, the official language of the islands is English, and islanders speak without accent.  However, many Hawaiians also maintain their native language as well. In the Hawaiian language, every vowel has a singular sound, and is enunciated.  

The sounds are a=ah, e=ay, i=ee, o=oh, u=oo.

That is how many words have strings of vowels, which seem incomprehensible to those who speak only English.  It takes a bit of concentration in the beginning, but after a day or two, it becomes easier to pronounce the numerous Hawaiian location names you will come across.  

Getting around for 7 days in Oahu

If that is not in your budget, the most economical way is the use the City and County of Honolulu public transit, referred to as TheBus.  A 1 day pass for 27 hours of unlimited use is $5.50.  Full maps are available on the website, and in many cases below, we will tell you which bus to use.  

A third option is the Waikiki Trolley, which essentially operates as a hop on hop off service.  There are 6 different lines, each with a different focus. All stop at certain Waikiki hotels for pickups.  A 7 day pass is $75, perfect for your 7 day Oahu itinerary.

So now that we have the history and logistics under our belt, let’s talk about what to do during your week in Oahu, to make it into your dream Hawaiian vacation!

7 Day Oahu Itinerary

Day 1- Relaxing on the Beach.

No matter where you are traveling from, getting to Honolulu took a bit of travel time, perhaps a long bit.  Upon arrival, the first thing you may want to do is stretch out and get a bit of rest. You can do that, but get that rest out on the beach.  After all, that is one of the main reasons for coming to Hawaii, and a 7 day Oahu itinerary must include 1 day on the beach! So throw your bags in your room, slip into a swimsuit, slather on some sunscreen, and head out to the sand.  

Depending on where you are staying in Honolulu, you can probably walk to Waikiki Beach.  In the central areas, you will pass through a lot of shopping sites and tourists to get there.  It may seem a bit overwhelming. Just walk on through. If you are interested in these things, there will be plenty of time later.  

Once past all of that, it is easy to see why Waikiki Beach is famous all around the world.  It really is a gorgeous strip of beach, and it is hard to believe that is primarily man-made.  There are beautiful palm laden beaches around the world, but Waikiki has areas of deep shade as a backdrop, when a break from the sun is needed.  This was something I particularly loved.

There are actually 7 sections of what is commonly referred to as Waikiki Beach, with the 2 central, Waikiki and Kuhio Beaches, being the most crowded.  If you want to get away from the crowds, turn in either direction. Away from Diamond Head, or to the right, when you come to what appears to be the end of the beach, take the Sheraton Boardwalk.  After a walk, this will lead to the Fort DeRussy Beach Park. This is a much quieter area of the beach, which also has grassy areas, and a US Army Museum, if you need an air conditioning break.

Towards Diamond Head, after Kuhio Beach is Waikiki Wall.  The wall is often used like a pier to get a good view from further out, but no jumping off is allowed.  Just past it is Queen’s Beach, a much quieter section, which is popular with body boarders when the surf is right.  The San Souci State Recreational Park is immediately behind Queen’s Beach, with shaded grassy areas, and the Barefoot Cafe, which offers lunch fare at a good price.  

Personally I really liked the area where Waikiki and Kuhio Beaches intersected.  The spot is recognizable by the Duke Paoa Kahanamaku statue, the backdrop of Banyan trees, and the elevated grassy area.  The ledge provided a nice shady spot to relax and people watch for a while. But, if you don’t stop here during the day, remember this location!  

Pro Tip:  There are free torch lighting ceremonies and hula performances near the Duke statue at 6:30, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Pro Tip:  Wherever you find a strip of sand that suits your taste, make yourself comfortable, even if it looks private.  All beaches in Hawaii are public.

Pro Tip:  If you have small children, the Kahanamoku Lagoon, past Fort DeRussey Beach, near the Hilton, is a sandy wading area, kind of like a kiddie beach.

Day 2 – Absorb some of the stunning Oahu scenery.  

There is nothing else like the Hawaiian landscape anywhere in the US, and even worldwide, there are few places that compare.  The combination of ancient volcanoes and volcanic soil, small mountains, tropical rainforest, and the surrounding Pacific, is often jaw drop gorgeous. To experience it, you have to get beyond the beach, and explore.

If you are an outdoorsy type, start your morning off with some of the unique hiking options on the island.   If you want to stay close to Honolulu, or you are using public transportation, two of the more popular hikes for visitors are Diamond Head and Manoa Falls. There are a lot of other hiking choices available on Oahu, but whichever you choose, make sure to wear good walking shoes, wear sunscreen and ideally a hat, and take plenty of water along.

The extinct volcano of Diamond Head has become one of Oahu’s most famous scenic landmarks, and is even used directionally by islanders.  The crater was once heavily used by military forces during WWII, so much of the hike includes the abandoned military stairways through the side of the crater.  The hike is 1.6 miles, and listed as moderate, but there are over 325 stairs to climb. An audio guide and map describing the biological, cultural and military sites is available for a small charge.  If you make it to the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a fabulous view over Honolulu and the coast.

Pro Tips: Diamond Head Historical Park entrance fee is $10 for vehicle, or $5 for walk ins from public transportation.  Beginning in May 2022, all out of state visitors must have an advance reservation, which can be made up to 14 days in advance at the website linked above.

The park is open from 06:00 to 6:00, with the last entrance to the trail at 4:00.

If using TheBus, use line 2 or 3.   Waikiki Trolley Green Line.

Manoa Falls is Oahu’s highest waterfall, located just 20 minutes from the center of Honolulu.  You can start at the trailhead, by parking at Paradise Park, but we recommend starting at the Lyon Arboretum.  The Arboretum offers a stunning educational garden featuring groves of the various tree types that grow on Oahu.  From there, move on to the Manoa Falls trail. The trail is .8 miles each way through lush rainforest, alongside a creek.  Portions are gravel covered, but areas can be muddy. The latter portion of the trail is more difficult with a steeper incline.  Do not make this hike on rainy days, as landslides are possible.

Pro Tips:  Manoa Falls parking at Lyon Arboretum is free, as is entrance, although there is a $5 suggested donation.  The Arboretum is open from 08:00 to 04:00 Monday to Friday, with reduced Saturday hours. It is closed Sundays and holidays.  

Additional Parking is available a bit further down the road next to the Honolulu Pineapple Company.

If using TheBus, use line #5 into the Manoa Valley, and get off at the last stop.  

Get cleaned up after lunch, and head out for a scenic drive around the island.  We enjoyed the drive along the windward coast, which skirts Diamondhead, and Hanauma Bay, and runs along the eastern side of the island.  There are a number of lookout stops along the way, and the rugged coastal landscape is quite beautiful. Although you can continue on into North Shore, we turned onto the Pali Highway.  It is steep and winding, actually a bit treacherous for its heavy traffic, but it leads to one of Oahu’s most historic and famous lookout points, the Pali Lookout.

If you would rather have a tour guide take you around the island and show you the can’t miss sites, this Circle Oahu Tour is ideal.

If you don’t have a car, another option to see the Oahu scenery is to visit one of the tourist attractions at the Dole Plantation, or the Kualoa Ranch, through a group tour.  Despite the fact that they are designed for tourists, both represent distinct aspects of island history, and offer touring options that showcase the beautiful Oahu scenery.  For many people, these places are a highlight of their 7 day Oahu itinerary, and you will likely find both worthwhile!

At Dole, you can take a train ride through the rich volcanic farmlands where tropical fruits are grown, and at Kualoa you can try an ATV tour through filming sites of such blockbusters as Jurassic Park.  Both options can be arranged with pick up in Waikiki, and take about half a day. And, Uber will take you to either of these locations, and the cost almost equals out.

Day 3 – Get to know the unique history of the Hawaiian Islands.

It may seem a sacrilege to suggest spending 1 of your 7 days in Oahu indoors, but understanding the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and the culture that has become iconic over the decades since it fell, is an integral part of any trip to Hawaii.  As the former capital of the Kingdom, there are more options to acquire an in-depth understanding on Oahu than on the other Hawaiian Islands.

Start the day out at the Bishop Museum.  Admittedly, I am a museum lover, but Bishop Museum, designated as the Museum of Polynesian culture and Natural History, was fascinating.  I learned so much about the islands, and the unique Hawaiian culture. Truth is, I didn’t even know Hawaii had once been a kingdom before visiting Bishop, and I had no idea how it became a part of the United States.  The museum is filled with actual artifacts and personal items in the Ethnology department, but there are several other areas to explore, depending on your interests.

The Bishop Museum is open from 09:00 to 5:00 daily.  

Admission is $24.95 for adults and $16.95 for children over 4.  

It is located at 1525 Bernice Street.  

TheBus, line 2.  Waikiki Trolley Purple Line.

Next, move on to Iolani Palace.  Built in 1884, Iolani Palace was once home to the Hawaiian Monarchy.  It is the only true royal palace standing on what is now American soil, and definitely deserves a spot in any 7 day Oahu itinerary.

It is now recognized as a National Landmark, and the only royal palace standing on what is now American soil.  This is where the King and Queen managed national affairs, hosted private and public functions, and entertained foreign dignitaries.  It was also here that Queen Kapiolani was overthrown, and imprisoned in her own home, while a provisional government was set up. It is a story of power and political intrigue.  

The palace later served as the Hawaiian capitol building, but has now been refurbished to its former grandeur.  Guided and audio tours to the palace and grounds are available Monday through Saturday, and include the Grand Hall, the throne room, the king’s office, and both the king and queen’s bed chambers, among others.  

Iolani Palace is open from 9:00 to 4:00, Monday through Saturday.  

Guided tours are currently $30, while audio tours are $25.  

TheBus, line 2.  Waikiki Trolley Red Line.

Once done at the palace, step across King street to get a glimpse of the statue of King Kamehameha, the first king of the united Hawaiian islands.  Then walk a block windward to the Hawaiian Mission Houses.  These homes were once occupied by the first Christian missionaries on the island, and played a critical role in the development of Hawaiian relations with countries around the world, which included aiding in the development of a written language, leading to Hawaii being one of the most literate countries in the world at that time.  

The houses are located at 553 King Street.  

They are open from 10:00 to 4:00 Tuesday through Saturday.  

Guided tours are available for $12, on the hour starting at 11:00.  Reservations are suggested.

After all of this, if you still have some time left in the day, and still want more, you can head to Queen Emma’s Summer Palace.  Wife of King Kamehameha IV, Emma inherited the home, which the royal family used to escape Honolulu’s oppressive heat.  

The Palace is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00, with reduced hours on Sunday.  

Admission is $14, and includes a guided tour.

TheBus, line 55 or 57.  

Tip:  If you are hungry after leaving Queen Emma’s, stop on the way back to town at Govinda’s  Vegetarian Buffet, at 51 Coelho Way, for one of the best priced meals you can find on Oahu.

Pro Tip:  If these historic sites exceed your budget, there are Hawaiian heritage sites that are entirely free, as well as some free museums right in Waikiki, such as the Army Museum, at Fort DeRussy Beach Park.  

Day 4 – Immerse yourself in Pacific cultures at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

If you are on a budget, and planning only one splurge, this is the one that I recommend on an Oahu 7 day itinerary.  The Polynesian Cultural Center is probably my favorite destination on all of Oahu. In some ways, it is the epitome of the Hawaii that we have always imagined, what we fancied our week in Oahu would all be like.  

The Polynesian Cultural Center is designed to educated visitors about the unique histories and cultures of all the islands that have a Polynesian heritage.  While we already explained that it was Polynesian explorers who first inhabited Hawaii, we did not go into the fact that the Polynesian culture spread across the western Pacific, and also included the island countries of Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, and Aotearoa (the north island of New Zealand.)  The center highlights each of these, as well as the host country Hawaii.

Some describe the Polynesian Cultural Center as a theme park, and while that sounds disenchanting, in some ways it is true.  It is set up as a series of villages along a central river, with each village designed in the cultural style of the islands represented.  Within each village visitors have a number of opportunities to see and learn traditional arts, crafts and skills, as well as watch performances.  

Those who truly enjoy Hawaiian and other Polynesian dances (hula dances) will not want to miss the daily canoe pageant, at 2:30.  Representatives of each island culture don their festive attire, ride decorated platform canoes along the central river of the park.  They also perform traditional dances along the route.

We recommend staying at the Polynesian Cultural Center all day, and including the Luau, one of the top 5 Luaus on the island, and wrapping the evening up with the live performance, Ha, the Breath of Life.  The Luau includes an expansive buffet of Hawaiian foods, including tropical fruits, roasted pig, poi (yes, I tried it, and no, I did not like it,) and poke (marinated raw tuna, which by the way, I loved.)  The evening performance Ha, is a musical dance performance that tells that Hawaiian story of life.  It is dramatic, impressive, and moving.  It was truly the highlight of our 7 day Oahu itinerary, and my son still talks about it.  

We brought our tickets for the center directly, and drove ourselves out to Laie, where the center is located.  You can also opt to add transportation to your ticket purchase, and the center will arrange pick-up. If tickets are purchased through a tour agency, such as Expedia, they generally include pick up at your Waikiki hotel, and evening return.

Pro Tip:  There is enough to do at the Center to make it a full day event. You will get a better deal buying a combination ticket which includes the park grounds, the canoe parade, the luau buffet, and the evening performance.

You can arrange the Polynesian Cultural Center full experience with pick up at your hotel in Honolulu right now.

Day 5 – Experience retail therapy, Hawaiian style.

If you are one of the many travelers who feel that shopping is an important part of any destination, Oahu offers both conventional and unique options.  Personally, I am not a shopper at all, so under normal circumstances, I find it somewhat of a chore. But even I found some fun shopping, at least for 1 of my 7 days in Oahu.   

We already pointed out that much of Waikiki is completely commercialized now.  There is shopping literally everywhere. If you like that sort of thing, you will be in heaven. But because of the vast numbers of tourists, the prices are high.  We walked right past most of these venues. Even so, we have to point out a couple of conventional places.

We did not visit the Ali Moana Mall, but it is said to be one of the best malls in the US, and the largest open air mall in the world.  We also have to mention the International Marketplace. It was once a very unique shopping experience we like, but it has since been updated into another open air mall, with Saks 5th Avenue as the flagship store.  It does have a very inviting atmosphere, built around a giant banyan tree, and there are some a few unique shops and attractions.

The shopping that we enjoyed began at Duke’s Marketplace.  We had never heard of it, but it happened to be next to our hotel.  Duke Boulevard was more of an alley at that time, running between Kuhio and Kalakaua Avenues, next to the Hyatt Centric. Some of my companions managed to squeeze in a stop by Dukes every day of our Oahu 7 day itinerary. It has since been moved to an indoor venue in the same location.

The Marketplace is a string of stalls set up by small vendors. Every conceivable Hawaiian craft and souvenir can be found in the marketplace, and it is a place for bartering and negotiation. This can be a bit awkward for first timers! Be aware that some vendors can come at potential buyers hard, with their “special deals just for you.”  

Pro Tip:  Take a walk through before making purchases, as some items will be available in several locations.  You can get a better idea of the expected prices. Be prepared to haggle and get a deal, but don’t undercut too much.  (It is how they make their living.)

We also enjoyed the shopping in Chinatown.  Chinatown is among the oldest sections of the city, and on the surface, it appears rundown, perhaps a bit seedy.  While seediness is a distinct part of the Chinatown history, today it is an attraction in its own right. A variety of crafts can be found, and it is the best place in the city to get fresh flowers and hand-made leis. You know you want a photo wearing a lei!   

Pro Tip:  There are dozens of Asian restaurants in Chinatown, featuring every ethnicity possible.  Most are very reasonably priced, but ask to see a menu before being seated, if in doubt.

Honolulu is also known for a number of flea markets, farmer’s markets and swap meets, which are embraced as a way of life by locals.  Markets offer visitors a glimpse into the real Hawaiian lifestyle.  You can find fresh produce and local wares which make great souvenirs at these open air markets, and some offer prepared foods so you can grab a bargain lunch or dinner too.  Some even have live entertainment.

Day 6 – Pay your respects at Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor is an essential stop on a 7 day Oahu itinerary, or any Oahu itinerary, and if all of the sites are included, it can actually fill most of a day.  If you are spending a week in Oahu the idea of a second full day being spent in a single location may be off putting, but the sites and memorials of Pearl Harbor are well worth the time.  Every aspect of the complex is interesting and educational, and several are quite moving.

Quite often people automatically think of the Arizona Memorial when they think of Pearl Harbor, and do not realize all that there is to experience.  The Arizona Memorial is definitely  the centerpiece. It is gripping and emotional, standing immediately above the sunken ship, clearly seen in the water below.  Witnessing the memorial makes the trip to Pearl Harbor worthwhile, and for some people, it is the only site on the base that they visit.

Along with the USS Arizona Valor in the Pacific Memorial and display, there are also memorials to the USS Oklahoma and the USS Utah, and the Waterfront Memorial, which are free of charge.  The Oklahoma and Utah are located on Ford Island which does require the purchase of a shuttle ticket to get back and forth from the island.

Also located at Pearl Harbor are the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, the USS Missouri Battleship, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.  All of these are fascinating and educational.  Anyone with an interest in military, seafaring, or aircraft will enjoy all of them.  That is how a visit to Pearl Harbor can occupy a full day. 

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park which includes tours inside the WWII submarine, is located on the main island.  Tours of the museum and the submarine are $15 for adults and $7 for children, although children under 4 are not admitted into the submarine for safety reasons.  The USS Missouri Battleship, a full size battleship, is located on Ford Island.  While seeing it from the outside is free, ship tours are available at 2 different levels.  The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is also located on Ford Island.  It features 2 hangars of fighter jet displays and other interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator.  Combination tickets which include all 3 of these remarkable sites are available for a single price.

Pro Tip:  It is not necessary to purchase a group tour to visit any of the sites at Pearl Harbor.  You can get all of the individual tickets yourself, including those that are free.

Pro Tip:  Tickets to the Arizona Memorial are free, although there are a limited number of entries each day, and each hour.  Arriving at the park without tickets will result in a very long wait.  Reserve in advance at Recreation.gov.

Day 7 – Become better acquainted with the Pacific.

You 7 days in Oahu cannot come to an end without spending a bit of time embracing the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and after a day of memorials, it will be just the thing to perk up your spirits!    For most of us, being along the ocean is an occasional thing. There are a lot of ways to do experience the sea, whether they be over the water, under the water, on the water, or in the water.  There are many choices!

If you are an experienced scuba diver, there are options right outside the city, with guided excursions exploring the reefs.  There is amazing scuba diving in Hawaii, including Oahu, because the reefs around Hawaii have species that are not found anywhere else on the planet!   

On the other hand, if you fancy reeling in the big one, you can try a charter fishing experience though a number of different vendors.

One option we choose for going below the surface was taking an Atlantis Submarine cruise.  Although not for the claustrophobic, it is a cool and educational experience. The cruise goes into the Pacific near Waikiki, to explore 3 levels of man-made reefs that are part of an ecological redevelopment.  Although it does not result in the best photos, it affords some really close up views of marine life around the reefs.

You can arrange an Atlantis Submarine reef cruise right now.

We also took a Star Sunset Dinner Cruise, which took us out into Waikiki Bay for gorgeous views of Diamond Head, the coast, and the Honolulu skyline.  We were not blessed with a remarkable sunset that day, but we did see a small school of dolphins loping alongside the boat, and even a sea turtle.  The dinner cruise is definitely a splurge experience, but the 4 course dinner was good, and after the sunset there is an hour of live Hawaiian music and different versions of hula dancing.  

You can arrange a Star Sunset and Show Cruise with pickup right now.

One very popular choice which we were not able to do is snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.  The preserve is located about 10 miles east of Honolulu.  All first time visitors are shown an educational film about marine conservation before entering the bay.  Snorkeling gear is available for rent, and guides are available to help identify fish and other life. Over 40 species of fish are known to be seen by snorkelers, as well as squid, eels, octopus and sea turtles.  

Pro Tip:  The park is closed on Tuesdays, but opens at 6:00 every other day.

Pro Tip: Once the parking lot is full, no further access is allowed for the day, so arrive early.

If using public transportation, the preserve is on bus 22.

Of course, our adrenalin loving friends may prefer something that sets their heart to racing and gets their blood pumping.  Kite surfing, surf lessons and parasailing are available, and there is a jet ski course about 8 miles east of the city.

Eating during your week in Oahu

Like many other things, food can be QUITE expensive in Oahu.  Shoot, breakfast at McDonalds can run over $10 a person. Our 7 day Oahu itinerary could not be complete without a short list of places that we found where food was good, and you could generally have a good meal for less than $20 a person.  

Typical Hawaiian food of course includes fresh seafood.  Poke, which is fresh marinated tuna, is an island specialty. Beyond seafood, another island choice is Kalua pork, which is smoked pig, cooked in an earthen oven.

A very popular option that may initially seem very odd to visitors is the plate lunch.  Plate lunches stem from the plantation days, when many natives worked long hours on the farms.  Plate lunches became a staple, and never lost popularity. A typical plate lunch includes a scoop of white rice, with a topping of meat, and a side of macaroni salad.  Nowadays the meat choices have expanded to include anything imaginable.  Drive-ins and cafes are common places to get a delicious plate lunch for a good price. At least one plate lunch should be part of your Oahu 7 day itinerary, if you are really trying to get the vibe of the islands!

Asian food is also quite popular on the island, as Japanese tourists are nearly as populous as American tourists.  While Japanese restaurants are common, there are Chinese, Thai, Viet Namese, and Korean options, and even a few more exotic options.

Restaurants for a decent meal at a reasonable price:  

• Barefoot Cafe – Near the end of Queen’s Beach.
• Rainbow Cafe – President Obama’s boyhood favorite, on the return from Diamond Head.
• Frost City – for a unique twist on Shave Ice, on the return from Manoa Falls.
• Helena’s Hawaiian Food – near Bishop Museum.
• Cooke Street Diner – a short walk from Iolana Palace and the Mission Houses.
• **Govinda’s Vegetarian Buffet – near Queen Emma’s Summer Palace.
• Marukame Udon Waikiki –  across the street from Duke’s Marketplace.
• Restaurant 604 –  near the entrance at Pearl Harbor.
• Laniakea Cafe – at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
• Nico’s pier 38 – Near the piers at Honolulu Harbor.
• Uncle’s Fish Market and Grill – Also near the piers at Honolulu Harbor.
• US Coast Guard Club 14 – on Sand Island.
• La Mariana Sailing Club – a filming location of the original Hawaii 5-0, near the harbor.
• Leonards Bakery – for pastries and breakfast items, near the Ali Wai Golf Course.

If you decide to really splurge, and go all out for an amazing meal, we have 3 choices.  They are definitely big splurges, but they are all meals you will likely remember for the rest of your lives.  

• The Pig and the Lady – Vietnamese, voted Honolulu’s best this year, in Chinatown.
• Alan Wongs – uniquely prepared seafood and steaks.
• DK Steak House – dry aged steaks.  My personal favorite.

Where to stay in Oahu

There is definitely no shortage of rooms and lodgings in the Honolulu area, from basic motels to full service resorts, prices ranging from about $125 a night to $550 a night.  The hotel we stayed in was alright, but it sold to new owners shortly after our trip. So we cannot make a hotel recommendation.  

Read the Trip Advisor reviews or reserve a Waikiki hotel now!

However, we can tell you that there are a handful of well-reputed hostels in the Honolulu area.  A smattering of these are in the University of Hawaii at Manoa area, and another handful in close to Queen’s Beach.  Dorm rooms start at about $45 a person, and may be the cheapest lodging for your 7 days in Oahu.

Ready for a week in Oahu?

The Hawaiian islands are a destination that can entirely fulfill all of the expectations, and each island is amazing in its own way.  But if you want all of the iconic sites as a part of your trip, a week in Oahu is the way to go! If you have dreams of visiting Hawaii, don’t get caught in the “one of these days” loop!  Our 7 day Oahu itinerary was perfect for our trip, and we think you just might love it! I know it is a pretty busy itinerary, but if you end up with some free time, don’t be afraid to do something crazy, like drive around Waikiki in a Hello Kitty scooter. Yes, I did that, and it was a blast! Isn’t it time to start laying out a plan??

If you are, PIN this so your friends will know!

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