Q&A: Visiting Oahu. Where Should We Go?

Some good friends are visiting Hawaii and wanted ideas on where to go while on Oahu.  Before we could respond to their question, we asked a few of our own. Armed with the answers, we reflected on our previous trips to Hawaii and are recommending the following activities to our friends and other first time visitors to Oahu.

• Where on Oahu are you staying?
• How long will you be there?
• Will you have a rental car?
• How much free time will you have?
• Who’s going on the trip with you?
• Is this a business trip or pleasure trip?
• How much free time will you have?
• What kind of things do you like to do on vacation?

OUR MUST-DO LIST

Polynesian Cultural Center

I’m personally not one for theme parks, even on the mainland. But, PCC is worth the exception.  The entrance fees can be steep but with well designed villages, top-notch cultural performances, educational demonstrations, hands-on activities and IMAX shows, it’s the Disney of the Pacific islands.  I’ve been twice now and would consider returning, despite me aversion to crafted cultural experiences. Make sure you time your visit with the evening show. It’s definitely worth seeing.

Snorkeling At Hanauma Bay

We’re water fanatics so we may be a little biased on this one.  Even still, we think it should be high on your list.  This is a little sheltered bay cut into the east side of the island as a result of volcanic activity.  What we love about Hanauma Bay?  You don’t have to take a half-day cruise out to some spot in the middle of the ocean to go snorkeling. And, its quaint little beach and wonderful reef are brimming with life.  There’s a small parking fee, an entrance fee, and a fee for snorkeling gear, some of which is cash only, so come prepared.

Hiking Up Diamond Head

Diamond Head is the saucer-shaped crater that sits atop a long inactive volcano.  It is not the easiest hike in the world, especially the final stretch. However, it is worth every single huff & puff.  The views of Honolulu, Waikiki, the rolling hills and ocean waves are captivating.  If you don good walking shoes, grab a couple bottles of water and a few snacks, and take it slow, the hike is manageable.  Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the park and do NOT go without your camera.

Driving The Island

Our absolute FAVORITE thing to do on Oahu is hop in the rental car and drive around the island.  Our recommended route?

• From Honolulu, take highway H1 up t0 H3 or route 61 which cut across the island through the lush volcanic mountains to Kaneohe.
• From Kaneohe, pick up route 83 which hugs the perimeter and wraps around half the island.  As you drive north up the wayward side of the island, you’ll see changing landscape, inviting beaches, beautiful ocean blues, small offshore islands, family homes, surfer havens — real life outside the city center.
• After you reach Laie, you’ll pass the Polynesian Cultural Center, the local Brigham Young University campus and the Mormon church.
• If you continue on for another 20 minutes or so, you’ll reach the infamous North Shore beaches and the surfer-friendly town of Haleiwa.
• Despite what some maps imply, you cannot drive continuously all the way around the island. The coastal-hugging road from Haleiwa down the leeward side of the island does not connect all the way to Honolulu.  If you journey down that road, you’ll have to turn around and go back to Haleiwa to pick up the highway.  If you’ve got time and daylight to spare, a meandering journey is not bad.  But, if you’re ready to head back, pick up route 99 at Haleiwa, connect to H2 heading south and you’ll be back at Waikiki in about an hour.

We suggest that you get an early start, so that you have time to stop at different points along the journey.  Then, when you get to Laie, keep going past the Polynesian Cultural Center, visit North Shore, then stop in Haleiwa for lunch at Celestial Natural Foods.  It’s a small health food store and they used to have a vegetarian cafe in the back. (Yelp reviewers mentioned recently that it’s temporarily closed and will reopen soon as a new restaurant. So call first to be sure.).  After lunch, then head back to the Polynesian Cultural Center and spend the rest of the day enjoying the park and the evening taking in the show.  It calls for a long day and a small amount of backtracking, but it’s the best way to fit it all in when you’re on that side of the island.

Pearl Harbor

No trip to Oahu would be complete without a visit to the the USS Arizona Memorial.  It’s surreal to see the oil slicks still leaking from the ships below.  The tour is free and lasts about 75 minutes. It begins with a short film offering an overview of the incidents taking place on and around Dec 7, 1941. Then, you board a ferry which takes you out to the memorial site.  but if it’s a busy day, you may have to wait a bit before your boat  starts.  It’s a wonderful experience, even for those who don’t feel connected to the war stories from 2 generations ago.  And, if you’re a real history buff,  you can stay longer and tour the surrounding Pearl Harbor sites like the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Missouri. Here’s an article about the new Pearl Harbor museum which opened a few months ago.

Sunset Movie On The Beach

Not sure when the movies start up again but this is SUCH a fun night.  Imagine burrowing a nice comfie lounging space into the sand, laying down a towel and plopping down as you watch the sunset and listen to the lapping waves as the movie starts.  Who needs movies in the park or drive in theaters? Movies on the beach are the best.

Day Trip To A Nearby Island

If you have the time and money to spare, take a day trip to a neighboring island. The other islands each offer something different than Oahu and it is worth exploring.  I’d forgo a day of extra excursions on Oahu and hop a flight to Kauai or the big Island.  Hawaii is not the kind of place you get to visit often, so where money allows, we recommend that you squeeze as much as you can into this trip.

OUR NOT-SO-MUCH LIST

Luaus

The last time we were on Oahu, we went to the highest rated luau on the island.  (I won’t call them out.)  The scenic drive there was great. The ocean front property offered stunning sunset views. However, the food was horrible (especially for me as a vegetarian) and the evening show paled in comparison to the shows at PCC.  So, we have to admit, we regret having gone.