The Best 5 Day Oahu Itinerary for Your First Time on the Island
This 5 day Oahu itinerary packs in the best beaches, hikes and water sports, plus tips like where to stay and how to visit Oahu on a budget.
Golden beaches, stunning hikes, cultural and historic sites, delicious bites, and one-of-a-kind adventures, are all a part of this 5 days in Oahu itinerary.
Hawaii’s most popular island overflows with things to see and do, and we don’t want you to miss any of it! After a couple of bucket-list trips to Oahu, I’ve rounded up all of my favorite things to do and the best activities for first-timers in an action-packed 5 days on Oahu.
You’ll take road trips to retro villages, learn to hula Polynesian style, snorkel with rainbows of fish, and climb up hills for epic coastline lookouts. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of beach time penciled in, too.
I’ve organized this Oahu 5 day itinerary into zones of the island since I highly recommend venturing beyond Honolulu’s high-rises and buzzing beachfront. But, you can easily cross off what you’re just not that into to spend more time on your Oahu bucket list — whether that’s luxury shopping in Waikiki, kayaking to nearby mini islands, hiking every morning, eating all the shrimp tacos, or just testing out which beaches have the best napping sand (no judgment).
Scroll down to the bottom for Oahu travel tips, including the best places to stay, what to pack, and which coast has the best beaches.
If you only have a short time on the island, try this 3-day Oahu itinerary instead.
5 Day Oahu Itinerary
We’ve marked all the locations from this 5 day Oahu itinerary on the Google map below. You can open and save it to your own account to help with your planning.
Day 1 — Honolulu Sightseeing
Since most Hawaii travelers fly into the international airport in Honolulu, the island’s capital city is a great place to start your 5-day itinerary for Oahu. Honolulu and its popular Waikiki neighborhood brim with hotels, shopping, and entertainment, but beaches tend to be crowded, so make sure you get out and explore beyond the malls and luaus here. Below are some of the best hikes, museums, and other attractions in the Honolulu area.
Pearl Harbor
If it’s your first visit to Oahu, you don’t want to miss the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The historic site is home to the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Both have free admission, but the memorial requires a timed ticket which can be reserved online in advance for a small fee.
The USS Arizona program includes a video presentation about the Pearl Harbor attack and a boat ride to the monument, built over the sunken ship. Set aside at least a couple of hours for your visit, or longer if you want to add on the other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which include the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Park (admission is required for all three).
Diamond Head State Monument
One of the most popular hikes on Oahu, the Diamond Head Summit trail is a 1.6-mile path (round trip) on a volcanic crater to an old military lookout post. The walk includes an uphill climb and stairs, for an elevation gain of 560 feet. From the top, the Honolulu skyline and Waikiki Beach come into the frame on one side, and the picturesque shoreline with a lighthouse on the other. Diamond Head State Monument has picnic areas, restrooms, and concessions. A small entry fee (per car or person) and reservations are required for visitors from out of state.
Waikiki Beach
Hawaii’s famous Waikiki Beach graces many a postcard, thanks to its gently swaying palms, golden sand, and colorful sunsets. It’s also the most crowded, though, so stop by for the west-facing views at dusk, but plan to spend your relaxing beach days elsewhere on the island. If you enjoy a buzzing atmosphere, you’ll find everything from live music to volleyball matches to surf lessons along the sands here.
Ala Moana Center
Said to be the largest open-air mall in the world, the Ala Moana Center is the epicenter of Honolulu shopping. It’s just a short stroll from the sandy feet beaches, but the vibe is upscale, with high-end retailers and department stores mixing with your favorite apparel and specialty chains. Dozens of dining options are available along the four floors, too, including a massive food court of global cuisine and the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk with traditional dishes.
Other Honolulu Activities
If you have extra time, other popular things to do in Honolulu include the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater, Iolani Palace (a royal residence for the Kingdom of Hawaii), the Bishop Museum (for science and history), the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, an aquarium and zoo, and tons of golf courses.
Day 2 and 3 — Southeast End Hiking and Beach Hopping
The southeast side of Oahu is arguably one of the prettiest zones, full of coastal hikes and pristine beaches that are much less crowded than Waikiki. Towns around here are small and hotels limited, which helps it retain a more family-friendly, neighborhoody feel. We recommend devoting two days to the different beaches and trails along this coast, a few of which are listed below. It’s an easy and scenic drive from Honolulu to this side of the island — you can head toward Diamond Head and continue tracing the coastline east, or cut up the Pali Highway for mountain and forest scenery (or make a loop for a taste of everything).
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Vibrantly colored fish and coral fill the waters of Hanauma Bay on the east shore of Oahu, one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island. Housed in a volcanic crater, the lively ecosystem has been a protected conservation area for more than 50 years and closes Monday and Tuesday to allow the marine life a break from humans. Visitors are also required to watch an educational video before heading down to the beach.
A shuttle service from Waikiki is available, but if you prefer to drive here yourself, you’ll want to arrive super early to secure a parking spot. The preserve opens at 6:45 a.m. and there are fees for entrance, parking, lockers and snorkel gear (you can bring your own).
Koko Crater Trail
With more than 1,000 steps in less than a mile, the Koko Crater Trail is a thigh-burning climb up a ridge for vistas of the eastern end of Oahu. Once a railway used to transport supplies to crater-top bunkers in World War II, the wooden rungs now boost hikers up the steep pathway. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in multiple directions, including an aerial view of Hanauma Bay.
Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
Part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on the eastern tip of Oahu, Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail traces an old paved access road toward a beacon with a red roof. The 2-mile, roundtrip path climbs about 500-feet. Sweeping coastal views take in islets offshore and humpback whales when they migrate this way between November and May. The nearby Makapuu Lookout and Makapuu Beach take in the sights from this end of the island without the walk.
Lanikai Beach
Pristine and quiet Lanikai Beach features soft, pale sand and faces the Mokulua islands, a pair of islets just offshore that serves as a seabird sanctuary. The shoreline is tucked behind a neighborhood with access through narrow alleys, so it’s not as obvious as some spots. Still, with no designated lot, the streets fill with beachgoers’ cars and parking can be tricky. There’s also no amenities or restrooms here, so pack in and out anything you need for a beach day. Kayaks can be rented from vendors in Kailua town to paddle out to the islands.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Offering stunning views of Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua islands, this short, uphill climb leads to a pair of old military bunkers. It’s only a couple miles up and back, a fairly easy hike in dry conditions, though you’ll want to wear proper footwear on the dirt path. The entrance is somewhat buried in a neighborhood with limited parking, but the trail is pretty popular, so come early for less crowded conditions.
Kailua Beach
A long stretch of white sand along the Kailua Bay forms Kailua and Kalama beaches. Water sports are big in this Windward Coast area, including kite surfing and paddling excursions out to the Mokulua Islands and nearby Lanikai Beach. Paved parking and restroom and shower facilities here make this spot perfect for long beach days, and the town of Kailua nearby has restaurants and markets for picnic supplies.
Kaneohe Bay
The wide expanse of Kaneohe Bay packs in a couple of beach areas and tons of boating and water sports. Catamarans, kayaks and paddleboards float out to the huge Kaneohe sandbar and to Mokolii, a triangular islet resembling a straw hat. Snorkeling also is prime here, thanks to an abundance of coral produced in the barrier reef-protected bay. Kualoa Regional Park offers a sandy beach and quick access to Mokolii just offshore.
Day 4 — North Shore Road Trip
A breath of fresh air from bustling Honolulu, the North Shore offers up remote beaches, big waves and tiny towns with retro vibes. There are lots of places to stop here, and some stunning sightseeing of rolling farms and mountains on the way, so get an early start on a road trip to the North Shore. If you’re starting in Honolulu, we recommend cutting through the middle of the island on the H2 highway and making a big loop down the northern end of the Windward Coast, where you can end the day munching on shrimp from one of the many roadside eateries.
Dole Plantation
Since it’s on the way from Honolulu to the North Shore, the Dole Plantation makes a tasty pit stop. If you’re really into pineapple gimmicks, you can wander a garden maze and or ride a vintage-style train around the fields, but no one will judge you if you beeline straight inside for a Dole Whip at the cafe. It doesn’t open until mid-morning, though, so if you want to maximize your North Shore time, you might have to pass by and come back another day.
Kaena Point State Park
Head west when you hit the northern coast to start your adventure at the end of the highway at Kaena Point. The state park here is a bit rugged, with no facilities, but that means lots of empty beachfront and wide-open hiking paths. Kaena Point Trail runs 3.5 miles out-and-back to the remote western tip of Oahu, only accessible on foot.
Haleiwa Town
As you trace the coast east back toward the Kamehameha Highway, you’ll stumble upon the darling town of Haleiwa, perfect for a brunch or lunch stop. The historic village has a modern shopping and dining plaza, as well as tons of food trucks (give in to the taco cravings), surf shops, small art galleries and locally owned boutiques.
Waimea Valley
For a little break from the sand and sea, consider stopping by the botanical gardens of the Waimea Valley. There’s a fee to get in, but you can hike to and swim in a small waterfall here and admire Oahu’s native flora.
Waimea Bay
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the sea, Waimea Bay Beach Park is large and well maintained, with restrooms, lifeguards and a sizeable parking lot. Just keep in mind that ocean conditions vary widely from season to season, with giant waves on this coast in winter. Be mindful of signs and warnings, and don’t attempt to swim unless it’s safe (generally in summer). Check for more safe swimming tips here.
Sunset Beach
If your visit falls in late autumn or winter, you can catch some gnarly surfing on the famous Banzai Pipeline. North Shore beaches are well-known for their mega waves, and pro competitions are held here throughout the season.
Shrimp Trucks
After rounding the tip of the island to head down the Windward Coast in a loop back to Honolulu, you’ll start to spot a number of roadside food trucks dishing out plates of rice and prawns or shrimp in every variety — boiled, fried, spicy, garlicky. Look for them around the town of Kahuku. Most have picnic benches for alfresco dining, or you can pull over at one of the many nearby oceanfront parks for a beach picnic.
Day 5 — Windward Coast Culture and Adventure
Say a final aloha to Oahu with some epic island adventures at a huge nature retreat and a taste of Polynesian culture and food. This agenda is a bit more touristy than the previous few days, so if you aren’t into that, consider skipping these popular attractions in favor of one more hike, another day on the North Shore, some good ole beach time, or whatever else you haven’t had time for.
Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In is on the way to today’s activities, so if you’re self-driving, pop by to check out the serene grounds here. The temple was built as a replica of its Buddhist namesake in Uji, Japan, a nearby 1,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kualoa Ranch
Polynesian Cultural Center
Education and entertainment hold hands at the Polynesian Cultural Center, where six island nations are represented through song, dance, games and demonstrations at mini villages. You can learn skills like spear throwing and fishing, join hula lessons and taste local specialties in zones dedicated to Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, Aotearoa and Fiji. Luaus and an evening show top off the experience and combo tickets for admission, dinner and the performance are available (as is shuttle service from Waikiki).
Tips for Visiting Oahu
This guide to spending 5 days on Oahu includes tips for when to visit, where to stay, and what to pack for your trip. Please read over these responsible travel guidelines from the Hawaii Tourism Authority before visiting Oahu and remember to always respect the land, sea and culture of the islands.
When is the Best Time to Visit Oahu?
The most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu brings in tourists throughout the year, but some months are especially busy. Avoid summer, winter break and spring school holidays for fewer crowds. Fall in Oahu before the winter rainy season begins is a bit quieter, as are some weeks of spring (outside of spring break).
How Many Days Should I Spend on Oahu?
I recommend a minimum of three to four days on Oahu to check out the most popular sights and beaches. At least five days on Oahu is best if you want to spend some days at the beach, hike and explore different coasts of the island. With 7 days on Oahu, you can really slow down and explore a variety of activities around the island.
Visiting Maui, too? Use this 4 day Maui itinerary to plan.
Where to Stay on Oahu
What to Pack for Oahu
Use this free Hawaii packing checklist to plan what to bring to Oahu. A few of our must-have items are below!
Should I Rent a Car on Oahu?
Unless you plan on sticking to the beachfront near your hotel or resort, renting a car on Oahu makes it much easier to get around and explore the island. This itinerary, in particular, works best if you have a car for at least the middle three days. If you’re staying outside Honolulu, it’s almost essential to have a car for sightseeing and to get back and forth to the airport.
Keep in mind that many Oahu hotels, especially in Waikiki, charge a nightly parking fee, so renting a vehicle for just a few days of your stay will save you money. In Honolulu, you will have access to some bus routes, a few things to do will be in walking distance, and you can use taxi/rideshare services to fill the gaps.
How Many Days do You Need a Car on Oahu?
If you want to save some money, you can rent a car for just a couple of the days you visit Oahu. There are rental offices in downtown Honolulu and Waikiki that make it easy to do this for day trips.
To follow this exact 5 day Oahu itinerary, you would need to rent a car for at least two or three days, but you could use rideshare and buses and book tours for some of the activities.
How Can I Visit Oahu on a Budget?
It’s no secret that Hawaii is a pricey destination, but there are a few tips to cut back on expenses on Oahu. My top three — don’t eat out for every meal (hit up the grocery’s prepared food sections instead), choose a hotel several blocks from the oceanfront (you’ll spend all day outdoors anyway), and take advantage of all the free activities and nature (beaches, hikes, state parks).
Safety Tips for Oahu
It’s easy when you’re in a beautiful place to forget that nature can be wild and unpredictable. Stay safe on land and in the ocean by sticking to established hiking trails, only swimming at beaches with lifeguards, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin.
Where are the Best Beaches on Oahu?
Every single coast of Oahu is blessed with gorgeous beaches. Waikiki is famous for its buzzing atmosphere and stunning sunsets, the North Shore for its crazy winter surf, the West Side for it’s remote and rugged beauty. We’re partial to the Windward Coast and have fallen in love with the sandy spots on the southeast end around Kailua and Lanikai. But, everyone has their own tastes and opinions, and it’ll take years before we step foot on even half of the island’s incredible beaches!
