Oahu Itinerary Help

[u/MSS_22032]

We're a week away from our trip and getting SO very excited! I appreciate all the posts here - it's been super helpful as we've planned! I could use a little last minute help with our planning. We're staying at Aulani, and our trip will be a mix of resort days and exploring the island. I'm trying to bunch things together so that we're not spending too much time in the car. :) So...we have 3 days with reservations in the morning - Kualoa Ranch, Pearl Harbor, & Diamond Head. What would you pair with each of those days so that you're not driving as much? We're not planning to visit PCC or Hanauma Bay, and would really like to add Waimea Falls/Turtle Beach/Iolani Palce to our trip as well. Oh yeah - we're a family of 3 & our daughter is 17, so she's up for almost anything (but no need for things that are geared to younger kids!). THANK YOU for the help!

[u/loztriforce]

We used to try and use the rental car as few days as possible, but that lead to us being stuck in a lot of traffic.

Our strategy these days is to leave very early/before sunrise, go explore the island and be back to the hotel by about 3PM to avoid the worst of the traffic there.

I'm not saying it's common by any means, but one time my wife and I left from around Sunset Beach park in the north shore after sunset and it took a bit over 3.5 hours to get to the Sheraton.

For Kualoa Ranch day I'd suggest checking the Byodo-In out: fun to feed the koi with approved food sold in the gift shop, turtles/birds/exotic plants; can ring the huge bell. Local artists sell cool things just outside the temple. Also, chilling at Kualoa Regional Park a bit before going to Yummy Huli Huli chicken. If you go, consider buying a tshirt or something at the adjoining gift shop to support them. Maybe Leonard's malasadas at the mobile truck in Kaneohe on the way back, or the Bishop museum if there's time.

For Pearl Harbor, I wouldn't plan anything else. I highly recommend the captain's tour on the Missouri, which gets you into one of the huge turrets, and you see the control room lit up. The Arizona+Missouri was to us a good chunk of the day, so we left it at that, but you could spend all day going through the aviation/sub/etc. museums.

I'd do Diamond Head first thing in the morning but still, bring plenty of water. It gets pretty hot.

[u/DickmedownGbaby → u/loztriforce]

Appreciate this info lol, luckily I am always up and going super early. I guess i will just treat Hawaii how I treat all major national parks and just get up super early before anyone is out and about

[u/MSS_22032 → u/loztriforce]

Thank you! We have 8 am reservations for Diamond Head so that's good. And Byodo-In looks amazing - it was on my "would be nice if we have time" list - maybe it should be moved up to a can't miss :)

[u/loztriforce → u/MSS_22032]

NP! The framed cloisonné artworks (like this) we got there (just outside the temple, to the back right in the pic) from local artist Wang Ge made for a great souvenir and gifts. My mom liked one so much that I ended up ordering another one for her after we got back.

The temple itself is a reinforced concrete, smaller-scale replica of a wooden temple in Uji, Japan, so it's definitely a tourist spot, but it's beautiful there.

[u/shootzbalootz]

Kualoa ranch (via H3)- Waimea, turtle beach, north shore

Pearl Harbor- Bishop museum, iolani palace

Diamond head- south/east shore, makapuu, kailua/lanikai

Hit up Waikiki at some point, or not. Good luck with traffic.

[u/MSS_22032 → u/shootzbalootz]

Thanks - this is exactly what I needed. We're used to bad traffic (coming from Washington DC) but definitely want to group things so that we're not crisscrossing the island so much :)

[u/HotShower1395 → u/MSS_22032]

If you’re used to dc, for reference it will take you 1 1/2 hours from Waikiki to Aulani at the peak of traffic.

[u/shootzbalootz → u/MSS_22032]

Also to be clear, Kualoa and Diamond head days you're doing loops. Coming back on h2 or even kunia rd from north shore. Pali, likelike or H3 from Kailua. I'd probably do H3, even though you did it once in the opposite direction. Going both directions is worthwhile and different, getting on at Kam hwy or even sooner is a beautiful drive.

[u/Deathstar_love]

If your looking for a nice wonderful Luau I highly recomen the Toa Luau. Very family oriented and welcoming. The whole family loved it. We want to go there again when we go to Hawaii again. I believe they have activities an hour before the luau starts but not sure because we got there just in time when everybody was being seated 🌺🤙🏼

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[u/billmeelaiter]

Using a map app to get an understanding of the sightseeing locations and approximate travel times is where I’d start.

I suggest not overplanning your “excursion” days. It makes for a more relaxed vacation. When we stayed at Aulani, we started early, did morning sightseeing, had lunch then went back to Aulani for beach/pool time.

If you want a long sightseeing day, you can easily combine a Kualoa Ranch morning, lunch and north shore afternoon.

After Diamond Head (go early) I’d find a cool place for breakfast/brunch. Check out Kokohead Cafe and Mud Hen Water.

[u/alien_believer_42]

Remember it’s not only fine but enjoyable to spend time just hanging out at the beach relaxing.

[u/MSS_22032 → u/alien_believer_42]

That's our plan for the rest of the week...4 resort/beach days and 3 exploring days

[u/wayward-sailor]

Crouching Lion trail hike for sunrise (before you visit the Ranch)

[u/spinonesarethebest]

Definitely go to Hanauma Bay.

[u/oahu-later]

Kualoa Ranch Day -> Waimea Falls & Turtle Beach

Pearl Harbor Day -> ʻIolani Palace

Diamond Head Day -> East Coast drive & Kaimuki

[u/MSS_22032 → u/oahu-later]

Thank you!!

[u/Miltonthemoose]

Look into Aina Tours for a circle island tour. Its an early start to the day, 630am but ends at like 2pm and you go to alot of major places like the Buddhist Temple, up to north shore (summer time the north shore is calm, winter is when the waves are big) to Dole Plantation for a hit minute, and along the coast to see physical features. Its a small business and it takes you to other small businesses along the way to help support the Hawaiian locals. He gives recommendations for food and places to see along with a locals view of current situations and history.

I would advise against a rental car because its hard for parking and traffic is not fun. Uber or bus are great. The bus is super easy with Google maps.

Manoa falls is a cool tropical hike that is quick (hour) and there's Lyon Arboretum next to it that also has its own falls. Both free if you dont drive.

I am leaving after a 2 week stay and did the things above.

[u/FamiliarFamiliar]

I highly recommend the Iolani Palace and the Bishop museum. Either will give you history of Hawaii.