Perfect 7 days in Oahu itinerary: What to See and Do (2024)

This travel guide and 7 days in Oahu itinerary includes what to do each day, the best places to visit on the island, and other travel tips.

I’ve been to Hawaii more times that I can count, but always Maui. When my best friend offered for me to help her house sit in Oahu, I immediately said yes. I’ve always wanted to explore more of the Hawaiian islands.

Being able to travel to Oahu with a free accommodation and no PTO days was a no-brainer. Since I didn’t take time off, the trip was a workcation, where I worked early in the day then explored every afternoon.

My friend I traveled with had been to Oahu at least six times prior, so she was the perfect travel guide. Together, we crafted a packed one week itinerary that included all of the highlights of the island.

The trip was amazing with daily swims in the ocean, tons of great local food, a horseback riding tour, snorkeling, and much more. Below, I’ll describe day by day how to plan an Oahu 7 day itinerary and other travel tips for visiting the island.

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Summary of this 7 Day Oahu Itinerary

This Oahu itinerary will allow you to see all the major areas of the Island, such as Waikiki, the North Shore, and both coasts. It also fits in all the best things to do on the island such as hiking and snorkeling.

This itinerary involves staying in two different locations on the island. For the first three nights, I recommend staying on the north side of the island at Turtle Bay Resort.

For the last four nights, I recommend staying in Honolulu, the main city on the island and the capital of Hawaii. Here, you will be close to a lot of great restaurants, excursions, and a short drive from the eastern portion of the island.

The activities of this Oahu and Honolulu itinerary have a balance of relaxing, adventure, and foodie activities. This will ensure you have a balanced vacation where you hit the highlights and still go home rested.

How to Spend One Week on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu

Oahu Itinerary Day 1: Turtle Bay – Arrival and resort time

The first day of this 7 day itinerary is very simple. You will be arriving in Oahu after 6+ hours of flying and will be understandably tired.

Day one is all about checking in to your hotel and spending some time at the pool / beach. Turtle Bay Resort has great beach access and five outdoor pools. Enjoy this first day exploring the property and relaxing.

For dinner, either grab a bite from a restaurant on the property or venture into Haleiwa town. Some good dinner restaurants in Haleiwa are Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar or Stonefish grill.

2: North Shore – Acai bowls, Haleiwa town, and sunset views

Morning: Start your day by heading into Haleiwa, which is the main town in the North Shore. For breakfast, grab an Acai bowl from Haleiwa Bowls.

Acai bowls are a Hawaiian staple, made with an acai smoothie blend topped with granola, fruit, coconut, and honey. I tried way too many acai bowls on my trip to Oahu and the Haleiwa Bowls version were by far the best.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, drive around 30 minutes to the Dole plantation. The plantation offers a variety of activities for both adults and children that focuses on their history and culture.

Explore the historic Pineapple Express Train, take a tour of the plantation’s main garden, or experience a fun maze called the Pineapple Garden Maze. Be sure to get a famous pineapple dole whip too!

Evening: To round out a great day, head to Sunset beach around an hour before the scheduled sunset. This beach gets its name for the amazing sunset views.

You can bring a blanket or chairs with a snack to watch the sun go down. Alternatively, the water is super warm so you can swim as you watch the sun drop below the horizon.

3: North Shore – Horseback riding, famous shrimp, and the Polynesian Cultural Center

Morning: Start the day off with a horseback riding tour at the nearby Gunstock ranch. You will be paired with one of their super sweet horses based on size and riding experience.

After a quick instructional, you will set out on a 90 minute trail ride through the forest and up to an ocean lookout. The views from the top cannot be beat, and arriving on horseback makes it even better!

I grew up horseback riding with my own horse so I’m super critical of horseback riding tours, but this is a great one.

Afternoon: The Oahu North Shore is famous for food trucks. For lunch, try the most popular one, Giovannis. Giovanni’s garlic butter shrimp is world-famous and super tasty.

If you aren’t a seafood person, there are also trucks with burgers, Thai, and Hawaiian food.

Evening: One of the best things to do in Hawaii is visit a Luau. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration with a ton of local food, hula dancing, and other traditional dances.

The Toa Luau at Waimea Valley is a fun and unique luau experience in the North Shore. It starts with a visit and swim at the scenic Waimea falls. Afterward, attend the Luau for dinner, drinks, fire dancing, and a full performance.

4: Honolulu – Waikiki beach, shopping, and beachfront dining

Morning: Day four marks the transition from staying in the North Shore to staying in Honolulu. Start the day off with a short Oahu road trip across the island, which will take around an hour.

Afternoon: Once you check in to your Waikiki hotel, spend the day enjoying the beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent for around $20 per hour or $100 per day. If you are planning to lay out for the while, I highly recommend getting chairs and an umbrella for sun protection.

If you are in the mood for an activity, Waikiki is a great place to learn to surf. Take a small group surfing lesson to learn the basics and catch a couple waves.

Evening: For the first night in Honolulu, give yourself some time to shop. There are luxury stores, local boutiques, and great places to get souvenirs.

For dinner, visit a beachfront restaurant such as Dukes or Lulus. Dukes has my favorite Mai Tai in the world. Lulus has amazing water views from the outdoor deck. You cannot go wrong with either restaurant.

5: Honolulu – Diamond head crater and a sunset cruise

Morning: There are many great hikes in Honolulu, but the most popular is Diamond Head Crater. Start the Diamond Head hike at the visitor inside of the crater. Climb a bunch of stairs to Diamond head summit, where you will find panoramic views of Honolulu and the ocean.

Note, the hike requires a reservation that can be made up to 30 days in advance. The reservations do sell out.

Afternoon: After freshening up from the hike, head over to Pearl Harbor.

Start your visit at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about the events of the war and get a better understanding of the impact it has had on the United States. There are movies and exhibits to help portray the events.

Afterward, make your way to the USS Arizona Memorial, which floats over the sunken battleship from World War II. Other sites to see include the USS Missouri Battleship Memorial and the National Memorial Cemetery, both of which provide unique insight into what life was like for those serving in battle during WWII.

Evening: As a general rule, try to see as many sunsets as you can in Oahu. To finish day 4, take a sunset cruise for a different view of Diamond Head and to see the sunset from the water.

This catamaran tour was a definite highlight of my recent visit. It’s hard to beat a boat ride with cocktails and amazing views. The tour takes 1.5-2 hours in total.

6: Windward Coast – Movie set tour, jungle exploration, and macadamia nuts

Morning: Today, road trip to the East Coast for a tour of Kualoa ranch to see famous movie sets and learn about the natural Hawaiian flora and fauna. There are many different tours at Kualoa regional park, such as ATVs, horseback riding, and a movie set tour.

I prefer the jungle expedition tour in an open air truck. It balances learning about Hawaiian culture and nature with seeing the movie sets. I had low expectations of this tour and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Afternoon: On the way back to Honolulu, stop at the macadamia nut farm to sample the nut and learn about the growing process. Mac nuts are a staple Hawaiian food that are often eaten alone or used as a crust on fish or chicken.

Evening: Round out the day with another tasty dinner in Waikiki. A couple restaurant I recommend are Tommy Bahama or Merriman’s. Tommy Bahama is great for eating “pupu style” aka sharing a bunch of appetizers. Merriman’s has many great entrees such as steak or local fish.

7: Honolulu – Snorkeling and malasadas

Morning and Afternoon: Most of the final day of this itinerary will be spent snorkeling at the best spot in Oahu. The top place to snorkel near Honolulu is at Hanauma bay. There is a giant reef with a ton of fish and other sea life.

Reservations are required for Hanauma bay, and they go live at 7 am two days before your visit. The reservations are very competitive and sell out in minutes. I recommend booking an early arrival time so you have a full day at the beach.

You can bring your own snorkel gear or rent some at the bay. Rentals are around $25 for a mask and snorkel for the day.

Spend the day alternating between snorkeling, swiming, and relaxing on the white sandy beach.

Evening: On the way back to Honolulu, Grab Malasadas from the Leonards food truck. Leonards is super famou for Malasadas, warm Hawaiian doughnuts. The food truck is much less busy than the store front and just as tasty.

Once you return to your resort and freshen up, head out for your final dinner in Waikiki!

The Best Areas to Visit on Oahu

One of the biggest questions when planning an Oahu vacation is where to visit on the island. There are four main areas to see – the North Shore, Honolulu, Ko Olina, and the Windward coast.

Fortunately, the island is small enough that you can visit all these areas in a one week trip. Below are the unique reasons to visit each of these areas of Oahu.

North Shore – The North Shore is home to some of the best beaches and surfing in the world. This area is great for beach days, laid back shopping, and a more local experience. The North Shore is also home to the Waimea Valley, with the famous Waimea beach and Waimea falls hike.

Honolulu – Honolulu is a bustling city, filled with restaurants, art galleries, and lively nightlife. It’s also home to one of the most popular beaches on the island, Waikiki. Honolulu is where most tourists stay because there are the most hotel and resort options.

Ko Olina – Ko Olina is a luxurious resort area offering golf courses, spas, and posh resorts right on the beach. It is an ideal spot for those seeking luxury and relaxation – perfect for honeymooners or anyone looking for some serenity.

East Coast – The Windward coast of Oahu is often overlooked. However, it is home to a ton of natural beauty, great hikes, and the famous Kualoa ranch.

Where to Stay on Oahu

Hotels Near the North Shore Oahu

Turtle Bay Resort is the top and really only resort near the North Shore. Located only 15 minutes from Haleiwa, the main town in the north shore the resort is close to some of the best beaches and outdoor activities in Hawaii.

Whether you want to relax by one of the five outdoor pools or explore the nearby waterfalls and hiking trails, Turtle Bay has something for every traveler. Plus, with direct access to Kuilima Cove Beach and nearby restaurants, there’s no need for you to ever leave the resort during your vacation.

Vacation Rental: Newly Renovated Home with Gate to Ocean

Where to stay in Waikiki

The Moana Surfrider Resort is a luxurious yet calming oasis, right in the heart of Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach. Enjoy afternoon tea on the beach terrace, take advantage of their many restaurants and shops, or simply relax in the sand and soak up some sun.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or an exciting adventure, the Moana Surfrider has it all! I also love that this resort earns and can be redeemed with Marriott points.

Alternative Luxury Hotel: The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

Budget Conscious Hotel: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Vacation Rental: Deluxe 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with beautiful ocean views at the Waikiki Shore

Best Resort in Ko Olina

The Marriott Ko Olina is the best resort in the Ko Olina area. There are spacious rooms with kitchens, perfect for cooking in and relaxing after a full day of exploring the island.

With three pools, two lagoon beaches, and plenty of nearby golf courses, there are outdoor activities for all ages and interests.

Alternative Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Oahu

Vacation Rental: Large Luxury Oceanview Beach Villa

Getting to Oahu from the Mainland

Traveling to Oahu from the mainland United States is generally a straightforward process. The best way to get to Oahu is flying.

There are direct flights available, with several U.S. airlines offering regular service between various cities and Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Hawaiian airlines especially has plenty of routes from major US cities to Oahu. It’s also one of the only airlines offering lay-flat seats on their Hawaii routes.

It’s also possible to travel there via cruise line, which is often both more affordable and a longer journey than flying.

Getting Around Oahu

The best way to get around Oahu is with a rental car. This 1 week itinerary includes a mini Oahu road trip that takes you to each coast of the island.

The best way to follow this itinerary is by driving yourself in a car rental. To make it more fun, many people even get a fun rental such as a Jeep Wrangler or a convertible.

If you are against renting a car, you can instead adapt this itinerary to be 7 days in Honolulu. Instead of driving yourself around the island, there are plenty of island tours with transportation included.

The advantage to this is you don’t need to stress about driving or parking. The disadvantage is you will have less flexibility of where to stop and how long to stay places.

This is my favorite website to shop for the best rental car rates.

When to Visit Oahu

Oahu is a beautiful destination all year long, but the best time to visit really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The summer temperatures are in the high 80’s and the winter temperatures are in the high 70’s.

If you’re looking for warm weather and outdoor activities like surfing or hiking, then summertime is ideal. If you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere, then Oahu’s annual Waikiki Fest in July is definitely worth checking out.

While temperatures are still quite pleasant in winter months, they can drop significantly at night so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Overall, there is no bad time to visit Oahu. The temperature are pretty consistent year-round so I would plan your trip around your schedule versus the island’s weather.

Other Fun Things to Do on Oahu

It’s impossible to fit every activity into a one week itinerary for Oahu. There are so many great things to do on the island that you could spend a month there trying to hit it all.

The above itinerary includes on the top activities that I have personally experienced based on local’s recommendations. Below are some additional fun things to do if you are planning a longer trip or prefer some different activity options:

• Omaluhia Botanical Garden – Beautiful botanical garden showcasing amazing local plants and flowers
• Lanikai Pillbox Hike – 1.5 mile roundtrip hike to an ocean overlook
• Lanikai Beach – one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on Oahu
• Manoa falls hike – Easy hike through the jungle to a waterfall
• Uanu Pali Lookout – Scenic lookout that can be reached by car, 5 miles from Honolulu
• Ka’ena Point Trail – Moderate six miles roundtrip hike along the coast
• Kailua beach park – Another beautiful beach on the island, that is more tranquil than Waikiki beach

What to Wear in Oahu on Vacation

When planning what to wear on your trip, it’s important to consider both activities and the weather. During the day, it’s generally sunny and warm in Oahu; lightweight tanks tops, shorts, t-shirts and sandals make great clothing options.

For the pool and beach, be sure to bring a few swimsuits and 1-2 cover ups. For hiking and other outdoor adventures, be sure to pack athletic clothes and sneakers.

Finally, for dinner you cannot go wrong with a dress or romper. The North Shore is very casual so most outfits can go day to night. Honolulu is more high end, so I love a midi dress with cute sandals for the night time.

Shop these Oahu vacation outfit ideas

Oahu Packing List

In addition to the above outfit ideas, there are a few essentials you need to pack for your Oahu vacation.

Foldable beach bag – A good bag is a must for the pool or beach. Unfortunately beach bags can be super bulky. This one is compact to fit into your luggage, but still holds all of your beach essentials.

Reef safe sunscreen – Regular chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate which can harm coral reefs when washed off of your skin. Reef safe sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that is designed to protect you from the sun’s UV rays without putting coral and other marine life in danger. Typical ingredients used in reef safe sunscreens are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone.

Bug repellant – An insect repellant is a must for hiking and night time. I love these wipes because they travel super well and are easy to throw in your day bag.

Portable battery charger – I don’t travel without my portable charger. It’s important to keep your phone charged on long excursion days.

Collapsible water bottle – This bottle is great for travel because it gets small for easy packing. I recommend packing a water bottle to stay hydrated in the hot Hawaii sun, especially on hikes.

Map of this Oahu One Week Itinerary

I’m a super visual person so it’s helpful for me to see an itinerary mapped out. The above map shows all the restaurants, hotels, activities, and beaches mentioned on this list.

Use this map to visualize your plan for your week in Oahu. Alternatively, if you choose to plan your own itinerary, this map will be helpful to figure out what to do in Oahu for a week that is close by.

Final Thoughts: How to Plan an Oahu Itinerary for 7 Days on the Island

I am biased, but I truly believe this is the best Oahu itinerary. In fact, writing this post is making me highly consider planning this exact same itinerary for a visit next year.

The key to this balanced Oahu itinerary for 7 days is spending time in two areas of the island. By basing yourself in the North Shore for a few days, you will have easy access to the cute town and amazing beaches on this part of the island.

By moving south to Honolulu for the latter part of this itinerary, you will be in the middle of the action and closed to a ton of excursions and restaurants.

Another perk to this 7 days in Oahu itinerary is that it includes plenty of beach and resort time. It can be super tempting to pack your vacation with non-stop activities. However, Oahu is meant to be relaxing.

If you are planning a Hawaii vacation and are not decided on an island, read my guide to 7 days in Maui to decide which island is the best for you.

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• 13 Best Acai Bowls In Honolulu, Waikiki, And Haleiwa On Oahu
• 13 Best Beaches In Oahu Hawaii
• The 7 Best Beach Resorts in Oahu for Your Hawaii Vacation
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