Hawaii: Exploring Oahu in 3 days
Whether you’re making a trip specifically to explore the island state of Hawaii, or you’re stopping over on your way somewhere else, you’ll instantly fall in love with the charm of Oahu. While its not the largest of the Hawaiian islands, its the most well known and home to 85% of the state’s population. The city of Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is located on the south-east part of Oahu. Its also where you’ll fly into Hawaii internationally (or from the mainland USA). However most travellers tend to stay a little further east in Waikiki. For the purpose of this itinerary, its a great place to base yourself. So lets take a look at how to spend your time on this magical island, the centrepiece of Hawaii.
Day One: Waikiki
You’ll want to make an early start on your first day before the tropical heat kicks in. Grab breakfast then set out for a hike up to Diamond Head Crater. The trail does involve climbing a fair few stairs as you ascend 170 metres, but if you’re doing it early in the day it shouldn’t be too difficult. The hike takes around 45 minutes each way from the trail entrance and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most panoramic views over Honolulu, as well as the crater which occupies the centre of a dormant volcano.
When you get back from your hike, enjoy lunch and spend the rest of the day with a bit of relaxation along Waikiki Beach. There’s plenty to see and do here. Enjoy the warm Pacific ocean at the Kuhio Beach Park and take it easy along the beachfront. Just a few spots of interest nearby include the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for its unique pink Art-Deco design and the beautiful Kap’iolani Regional Park. Or if shopping is more your style, take a ride to Ala Moana Center, a four story mall with all your retail needs.
As the evening sets in, you’ll want to head back towards the beach and find the famous Duke Kahanamoku Statue. As the conch shell sounds around 6.00pm, you’ll be able to watch an authentic torch lighting and hula show to experience Hawaiian culture. Once the show is over, its time for a late dinner. You’ll find plenty of dining options in Waikiki, being the tourist hub that is is. If you’re after a big feed, the Cheesecake Factory is excellent. You’ve earned it after the day’s adventure.
Day Two: Pearl Harbor & Honolulu
Today you’ll be able to learn about the events that took place during World War II in Hawaii. The words Pearl Harbor have become synonymous with U.S history, and today you’ll be visiting the site of the Japanese attack that took place on December 7, 1941.
You can arrange your trip to Pearl Harbor through a tour company or independently. Either way, you’ll want to spend plenty of time here as there is a lot to see. Make sure you take the boat out to the USS Arizona Memorial. The Memorial floats above the remains of the battleship of the same name that was sunk in the Japanese attack, resulting in the loss of 1,178 lives. Heading out onto the memorial requires a timed ticket, so book this well in advance.
While you’re here, take a tour of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the refurbished battleship that saw action in three different conflicts. The Pacific Aviation Museum here is also a worthwhile experience if you have time. Here you’ll find numerous aircraft on display and see the very hangars that were bombed in the Pearl Harbor attacks. On your way back from Pearl Harbor, stop in at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (also known as Punchbowl). Pay your respects to the 53,000 veterans buried here that served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Head back to Waikiki via Honolulu. Don’t miss the Iolani Palace. This significant building originally served as the palace of the royal family of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Its the only royal residence in the United States. Out the front of the palace, you’ll find the King Kamehameha Statue, commemorating the ruler that united the Hawaiian islands into a single kingdom, ending years of conflict.
Day Three: Exploring the rest of Oahu
Today you’re going to venture further out and explore some of the other parts of Oahu. There’s a lot to see on the island, so today will be a busy one. Again, today’s tour can either be arranged as part of an organised trip, or you can rent a car and drive yourself.
After eating breakfast, set off for the touristy, but popular, Dole Plantation. You won’t find any pineapple fields here, but the famous destination is built on the site of an old plantation. Aim to get to the Plantation around 9.30am for opening so you’ll have enough time to spend here (it will take you around 40 minutes to get to the Plantation from Waikiki). Once you’ve arrived enjoy a ride on the Pineapple Express train and learn all about the significance of pineapples to Hawaiian culture. You’ll also want to explore (or get lost in) the world’s largest maze. If you’re a fellow Disney Parks enthusiast, you’ll also need to grab a Dole ice cream before leaving (Adventureland calls!).
Next up is a brief stop at Sunset Beach Park near the town of Haleiwa. Its about 25 minutes drive north from the Plantation. Its too early to catch a sunset, but its still a very pretty spot along the north western coastline of the island. Go for a quick stroll or take a dip in the crystal blue waters that define the Hawaiian islands.
Your next stop is another 20 minute drive as you traverse the northern shore of the island. Make your way to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie along the eastern coast. This excellent tourist hotspot provides an insight into Pacific island life and culture. You’ll be able to explore six different ‘villages’ representing life on varying islands across the Pacific. The Center opens at midday so you should aim to get here early afternoon. Make sure you take a canoe ride along the riverbed (admire the turtles!) and stop in for the Luau traditional feast. There’s so much to see and do here that it will easily take up your afternoon.
If you’ve got time on your way back to Waikiki, stop in at the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. The lookout is up in the mountains with view over Honolulu from below. The site also has an important place in history, as these very cliffes were the sight of a significant battlefield between island tribes in 1795. The bloody war ultimately resulted in King Kamehameha I (we saw his statue earlier!) rising up and in turn uniting the tribes of Oahu into one Kingdom. In addition to its historical significance, the lookout is also an amazing spot to take in the views before heading back to Waikiki for the evening to finish up your three days in Hawaii.
