Oahu is the most-visited island in Hawaii. It’s also more developed and populated, which means it’s more “touristy” than other islands. But don’t let this deter you from visiting Oahu because this island is absolutely worth a trip, especially if you get off the beaten path. So here’s the ultimate Oahu travel blog post to plan an epic trip.

How To Plan a Multi-Island Hawaii Trip

This island is perfect for beach bums, surfers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. So whatever kind of adventure you want to have, this travel guide has everything you need to know.

Here’s the complete Oahu travel blog!

When To Go

Oahu has two peak travel seasons. Mid-June to August has the driest and warmest weather of the year, which means prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest everywhere on the island. So book your accommodation, rental cars, and tours in advance to save some money and ensure availability.

Mid-December – early April is a peak season for the North Shore because of the world-class swells and professional surfing events. If you want to save money and avoid some of the crowds, then you could stay in the Waikiki Beach area during these months and visit the North Shore as a day trip.

The year-round warm weather means Oahu doesn’t have an off-season. But mid-April to early June and September to mid-December are shoulder seasons when you can score some great (by Hawaii standards) accommodation and airfare deals. Rain is more common during these months, but these afternoon showers usually blow through quickly and rarely affect tours or activities.

Getting Around

A car is essential on Oahu. Many tour companies provide transportation to and from guided tours, and taxis and rideshares are common in Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. You can also hire drives. But these can be expensive.

So if you’re going to leave your hotel more than a couple of times (which I highly recommend!), then a rental car can save you money. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.

I spent five days on Oahu with a rental car, and I drove all over the island. But because the island is so small, I only had to fill up my tank once.

What To Do

Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail

Go outrigger canoe surfing

Tour the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and take the ferry to the USS Arizona Memorial

See a luau

Visit the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Enjoy the views at Pali Lookout 

Sail and snorkel along the coast

Spend some time at Waikiki Beach and Halona Beach Cove

Do at least two activities at Kualoa Ranch. I highly recommend the zip line and raptor tour. The raptor tour is with UTVs, so you’ll get VERY dirty. You should do the UTV as your last activity of the day and bring face wipes with you. The food isn’t great at Kualoa Ranch, but there are food trucks and local restaurants nearby. All tours start and end promptly from the same place, so you don’t need to schedule a lot of time between tours.

Go on a scenic drive along the North Shore that includes stops at Kahuku Point, Ehukai Beach (where the Banzai Pipeline is), Waimea Bay Beach Park, and Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.

Where To Stay

Most people who visit Oahu stay in either Waikiki Beach or the North Shore. Waikiki Beach is close to Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the airport, and nightlife. The North Shore has some of the best surfing in the world, and this area allows you to get off the beaten path.

Instead of choosing between these places, I suggest splitting your trip to spend a couple of nights in the North Shore and Waikiki Beach. This will allow you to experience all that the island has to offer.

So I’ve rounded up the best hotels on Oahu for every budget and preference, and the island also has some incredible vacation homes.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel, then do a sunset sail that includes snorkeling, drinks, and dinner.

Day 2: Hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail early in the morning. Next, drive along the coastal road to Halona Beach Cove and go to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. Then head back to Waikiki Beach on the Pali Highway so you can stop at the Pali Lookout. 

Day 3: Tour the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and take the ferry to and from the USS Arizona Memorial in the morning. Next, spend some time at Waikiki Beach in the afternoon (you can book outrigger canoe surfing here if you have time), then see a luau in the evening.

Day 4: Check out of your Waikiki Beach hotel and head to Kualoa Ranch for the morning and afternoon – I recommend doing at least two of their tours! Then check into your North Shore accommodation.

Day 5: Do a scenic drive along the North Shore that includes Kahuku Point, Ehukai Beach (where the Banzai Pipeline is), Waimea Bay Beach Park, and Matsumoto’s Shave Ice.

Day 6: Fly home or to another Hawaiian Island.

Where To Eat

Waikiki Beach and Honolulu

Maui Brewing (American, $$)

Roy’s Waikiki (Hawaiian, $$$)

Hula Grill (Hawaiian, $$$)

Buhu Cocina y Cantina (Mexican, $$)

Duke’s Waikiki (Seafood, $$)

The Hideout (trendy bar and lounge, $$)

La Mer (French, $$$$)

The North Shore

Haleiwa Beach House (Seafood, $$)

Matsumoto’s Shave Ice ($)

Banyan’s Island Grill (Seafood, $$)

Mayas Tapas & Wine (Mediterranean, $$$)

Pupukea Grill (street food, $$)

Poke for the People ($)

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This Oahu travel blog is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Oahu travel blog are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.