Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Oahu?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Oahu?
Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Oahu during their visit. The cosmopolitan island offers amazing highlights such as the beaches, the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Oahu is home to Hawaii's state capital, Honolulu. The island has a unique energy that is a mixing bowl of cultures and experiences. There are world class hikes, stunning beaches, as well as the moving site of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. The island is also where you'll find the Disney resort, Aulani and the world famous Waikiki Beach.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Oahu? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Oahu?
Oahu enjoys immense popularity among tourists because of its many sights and attractions. Given only three days, you will likely find yourself rushing through the island's activities such as the beaches, the hiking, and the gorgeous scenery. To really see what this island boasts, you'll more likely need at least 3 or as many as 7 days. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations for making the most of your visit, including Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.
How to spend 3 days in Oahu
When visiting Oahu, you absolutely can't miss Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Oahu is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island has striking beaches and stunning mountains, making it a beautiful Hawaiian Island.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel from Waikiki (Semi Private Boat Tour) ($99)
- Waikiki Sunset Cruise, Music, BYOB! ($80)
- OAHU CATAMARANS Sunset Tour on a 40 Foot Catamaran FOOD & BYOB!!! ($55)
The beautiful beaches await you in Oahu, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. From the energetic Waikiki Beach to the family-friendly Ko Olina, Oahu has some of the most famous beaches in the world. The beaches are lined with sand and some areas offer better swimming conditions than others. You'll also find beaches with snorkeling or sea turtles, and some with world class surfing waves.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel from Waikiki (Semi Private Boat Tour) ($99)
- Private Surfing Lessons in Waikiki ($80)
- Private Surfing Lessons on the North Shore of Oahu ($175)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Honolulu, and Oahu, have some of the best nightlife in the Hawaiian islands. There are tiki bars and posh nightclubs that keep buzzing late into the night. Head to Waikiki for some of the island's best nightlife. In Honolulu you'll find some local bars and clubs, but many resorts also offer a great nightlife scene and a fun atmosphere that caters specifically to tourists.
A few tour suggestions include:
- History Tour Pub Crawl in Waikiki ($45)
Known for it's hiking, Oahu sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. World famous hikes on the island include Diamond Head and Koko Crater Railroad Trailhead. There are hikes ranging from easy to challenging and views that will take your breath away.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch ($149)
- Diamond Head Hiking and Oahu Island Experience feat. North Shore ($125)
- Oahu Catamaran Cruise: Wildlife, Snorkeling and a Hawaiian Meal ($174)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Honolulu has a diversity of cuisines and a cosmopolitan vibe, giving it some of the best food in the Hawaiian Islands. The local restaurants are influenced by a number of countries and often incorporate Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese flavors. Dishes are often saucy, sweet, and starchy, but you'll also find fresh tropical fruits such as mango and coconut.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Ko Hana Rum Tour and Tasting ($25)
- Honolulu Food Tour & Beautiful Sights ($170)
- WINERY OENO Island Style Wine Tasting ($39)
Is 4 days enough time in Oahu?
With only four days, you'll probably feel rushed to explore the island. After all, Oahu holds a significant allure for tourists because of its many sights and attractions. To fully embrace Oahu, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to schedule about three to seven days to experience the beaches, the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and scuba diving and snorkeling. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.
Honolulu, Hawaii
How to spend 4 days in Oahu
Having 4 days in Oahu will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Oahu is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. Snorkeling and diving on the island is among the best in the world. There are 3 marine life conservation parks and miles of coastline to explore.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Beginner Scuba Experience with Free Video Package - Honolulu ($80)
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel from Waikiki (Semi Private Boat Tour) ($99)
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel Aventure Excursion in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii ($125)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Oahu?
Five days in Oahu is often considered ideal, as many tourists spend three to seven days here. This would usually give you enough time to swim at the beach, go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, and snorkel or scuba dive. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.
Oahu, Hawaii
How to spend 5 days in Oahu
With 5 days in Oahu, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the island has to offer.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Oahu, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The USS Arizona Memorial & Pearl Harbor is a moving and special place to visit, but tickets should be purchased in advance. Other landmarks around the island include the Tour Iolani Palace and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Adventure Tower Experience ($105)
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: Top of the Tower Tour ($35)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Oahu, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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