Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Oahu?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Oahu?
Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Oahu during their visit. The historic 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Oahu?
One week is more than enough time to see pretty much everything on Oahu. You can move at your own pace and take in the scenery and culture of the island. You could also use Oahu as a base for exploring the nearby destinations or get out on the water. You'll find some great day trips here for sure.
How to spend a week 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)
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.
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.
Shopping in Oahu is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are shopping centers and malls in Honolulu that have major department stores as well as island favorites. For a local experience head to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet or wander along the Waikiki Beach Walk with its many boutique shops. Also worth a visit is the Honolulu Chinatown market.
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.
Oahu is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. Honolulu is a large city, so you can enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe on Oahu.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel from Waikiki (Semi Private Boat Tour) ($99)
- Kahana Bay Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rental River to Ocean ($79)
- Waikiki Trolley Red Line Heroes & Legends Hop-on Hop-off Tour ($32)
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 2 weeks enough time in Oahu?
Two weeks provides more than enough time to explore the entirety of Oahu at your own pace to swim at the beach, go hiking, take in the beautiful scenery, and snorkel or scuba dive. Then, use your hotel as a base to take some day trips or get out on the water, as this island offers plenty of options
Honolulu, Hawaii
How to spend 2 weeks in Oahu
Having 2 weeks in Oahu will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.
After you've explored most of Oahu, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Oahu, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
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.
Oahu is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
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.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Oahu. Plenty of amazing options are available.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Oahu, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
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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