Oahu in 4 Days: everything you need to know

If you're planning what to see and do on Oahu, here's a 4-day itinerary where you'll enjoy the main attractions the island has to offer, from the most paradisiacal beaches to the most breathtaking viewpoints. From north to south, the island of Oahu is a breathtaking destination.

On this first day you will see the western part of the island of Oahu. These three sites are only half an hour's drive from each other, so you have ample time to enjoy each of them and feel the Hawaiian energy that inhabits every part of Oahu.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

The first stop on this 4-day Oahu itinerary is the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, a natural area where you can get the best views from the lookout point inside the park: the Pali Lookout.

The Botanical Garden is only a 20-minute drive from Honolulu, but can also be easily reached by public transport from the city.

This site is very popular, as it is a panoramic viewpoint where you can appreciate the steep cliffs of Koolau and all of its lush coastline. I recommend a stroll past the park's large trees and dense forests to reach the lookout point.

• Opening hours: daily from 9am to 5pm.
• Price: free of charge

Byodo-In Temple

After marvelling at nature in the Botanical Garden, it is time to visit Byodo-In Temple, so you will have to drive about 12 minutes more. There is also a public transport service between these two points.

It was built to commemorate 100 years since the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii and you can discover:

• Beautiful bridges across the pond
• The sound of the huge sacred bell at the top of the temple. It is said that all visitors who ring it before entering the temple will obtain happiness and longevity.
• The 5-metre Buddha figure covered in gold.

This site is a scale replica of the Uji Temple in Japan and is located in the impressive Valley of the Temples.

• Opening hours: daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
• Price: from 6€.

Lanikai Beach

After visiting temples and mountains, it's finally time to relax by the sea. Just a 20 minute drive from Byodo-in Temple, Lanikai Beach is one of the best beaches on Oahu and a perfect place to spend the afternoon.

What makes this place unique on the island of Oahu, and in the world, is the endless miles of completely turquoise waters that surround the beach. You'll also find huge palm trees that will make you feel like you're on a real holiday, as you take in the scenery.

I recommend going early, especially on weekends, so you can get a good spot to enjoy this wonderful natural environment in peace and quiet. And if you're thinking of snorkelling in Oahu, its waters are home to many marine species, including huge turtles resting on the shore.

Day 2 of this Oahu itinerary is a day where you'll delve into some of Hawaii's most rugged history, but also enjoy the marine life and the beach.

Pearl Harbor

From Honolulu, it's only a 12-minute drive to Pearl Harbor, but you can also book a tour to visit Pearl Harbor

This is the historic site of the tragic attack by Japan in World War II. This naval harbour was hit by a bomb and its explosion caused a warship that was stranded there to catch fire. It took only 9 minutes for a huge explosion to take place, killing many people.

It is a very interesting and very complete visit for those who wish to know in detail this key event in the history of humanity, as you will see:

• The Visitor Centre
• A documentary video
• The commemorative plaques
• The USS Arizona Memorial
• The various exhibits
• One of the most famous submarines in the United States, as it was built to avenge the Japanese attack, but was never used.
• The Museum where different types of objects related to the war are exhibited, such as missiles and other vessels.

As you can see, this park offers many different activities, making it a good choice if you are visiting Oahu with children. Keep in mind that it is a very busy place, so I recommend booking in advance.

Hanauma Bay

From there it's a 25 minute drive to Hanauma Bay, and that's the end of the southern part of this wonderful island.

I recommend spending the afternoon snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of Hanauma Bay. This site is one of the most visited in all of Hawaii thanks to its wealth of marine fauna.

But what makes it so special is that this nature reserve is an extinct volcano that with the erosion of the sea has given way to the entrance of the sea. This has allowed the creation of a perfect ecosystem, which includes perfectly preserved coral formations and infinite species of fish and sea turtles.

• Opening hours: from 6am to 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Price of the activity: from 87€.

This third day will be devoted entirely to getting to know Oahu's North Shore, which contains some of the most treasured gems of a Hawaii holiday.

Waimea Valley

From Honolulu, it's about a 45-minute drive. If you don't have a car, you can also get there by public transport, but it will take about 2 hours.

Waimea Valley is a natural park located in an area of historical and cultural significance on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The park is the island's premier destination for those who love hiking and viewpoints with breathtaking views. You have **various options depending on the difficulty.

You can surely find some mountain goats and beautiful birds or wild Hawaiian chickens. Definitely a wild experience.

• Opening hours: from 9am to 5pm.
• Price: from 15€.

Haleiwa

After visiting this charming valley, it's time to visit the small town of Haleiwa, which is characterised by its bohemian spirit, artistic community and surf culture.

Many people who want to take surfing lessons or watch the international tournaments that take place here use this town as a base to get around the area.

It's a charming town that will allow you to relax and immerse yourself in the essence of Hawaii. You can also take some nice pictures of the colourful wooden houses.

Mokuleia Beach

Mokuleia Beach is the main beach on the North Shore of Oahu, and home to 80% of Hawaii's population. This tourist hotspot was even the set of major TV series and movies such as Lost and Jurassic Park.

This fine white sandy beach is the site of the island's best sunsets, making it the best plan to top off your third day on Oahu. In winter it has strong waves and even hosts international surfing competitions.

In summer, you can swim safely and watch the sky turn orange. It is also famous for the turtles that rest on the shore.

Finally, this fourth day offers us the chance to enjoy Hawaii's most famous urban beach, the most representative city and a viewpoint that will leave you speechless.

Diamond Head

A hike up to Diamond Head is a must on any visit to the island of Oahu and one of the favourite things to do in Honolulu for all travellers visiting the city.

Diamond Head is a 232-metre-high volcano, making it the perfect vantage point from which to view the entire city of Honolulu from above. It's so named because those who discovered the site found small crystals embedded in the rocks with diamonds.

The hike to the top is not at all difficult to accomplish, which attracts people of all ages and physical abilities to venture into the trees of Hawaii. It is recommended that you carry fluids for constant hydration as the weather is quite humid and hot, and wear light clothing and comfortable shoes.

• Hours: from 6am to 6pm.
• Price: from 5€.

Honolulu

Honolulu is Hawaii's largest city and its capital. It is located in the south of the island, surrounded by huge, beautiful beaches and cliffs in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

With so much scenery around the island, you probably won't want to stay in the city, but I recommend spending at least a few hours touring the historic buildings, shopping or playing outdoor sports. You can even take a sightseeing tram tour if you're too tired from all the jogging of the previous days.

I also recommend trying a Halo Halo, traditional Hawaiian ice cream, and a Kalua Pig, pork cooked in an oven on the floor.

Waikiki Beach

Finally, Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and the most popular tourist beach in Hawaii.

While it's not the most beautiful beach on the island, many tourists head there to enjoy the best Hawaiian shows on Oahu. If you want to end this trip with a typical and fun activity, don't hesitate to attend one of these music and dance numbers.