Aloha, my fellow travel junkies! Are you ready to escape to an island paradise filled with
sunshine, adventure, and the gorgeous views in every direction? If so, Oahu is calling your name, and I’ve got the ultimate 7 day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise. Spend one week exploring the unique side of Oahu.
From snorkeling with sea turtles to hiking to hidden waterfalls, I’ve got a little bit of everything.
You can grab a seat at one of the best rated luaus or you can spend the day lounging on the beach. There is a little something for everyone in this itinerary!
Accomodations
Do you have airline miles burning a hole in your pocket? Or have you always wanted to go to Hawaii and you didn’t know which island or where to go? Well, look no further than Ko’Olina Beach Villas for your home away from home. This luxurious beachfront resort is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the island.
But why choose Ko’Olina Beach Villas over other accommodations on the island? Let’s compare and contrast, shall we? First up, we have Aulani, a Disney resort that’s perfect for families with
young children. With character breakfasts, a lazy river, and a water park, Aulani is a kid’s dream
come true. I am also a Travel Agent with a specialization in Disney planning…and I would love to help you plan this trip. However, if you’re looking for an accommodation that is a little less “resorty” and a little less expensive, Ko’Olina is for you. The beach villas are actually at the neighboring lagoon to Alauni.
Now, let’s talk about why you don’t want to stay in Honolulu. Sure, it’s the biggest city on the
island and has a lot of great restaurants and nightlife, but it’s also crowded, noisy, and can be a
bit overwhelming. Plus, the traffic in Honolulu can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour.
That’s where Ko’Olina comes in. Located on the western side of the island, Ko’Olina is a
peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. With four lagoons to choose from,
you’ll have your pick of pristine beaches to lounge on. And when you’re ready for some
adventure, it’s just a short drive to some of the island’s most popular attractions, like Pearl
Harbor and the North Shore.
Day One – Private Guided Tour- Mahina Hawaii
Day One of our Oahu adventure was off to an incredible start thanks to Mahina Hawaii. This
private tour company is a family run business, owned by the Hailstones. Ryan is a born and raised local who knows the island like the back of his hand. From the moment we met him, we knew we were in good hands.
Our day started bright and early with a paddleboarding adventure to Chinaman’s Hat, a small
island off the coast of Oahu. Ryan picked us up from our resort, provided all the gear, and he gave us a quick lesson on how to paddle like a pro.
The views from the water were breathtaking, and Ryan took some great photos and video footage of us. All of the photos and videos were an included feature with our tour.
Next up was a hike along a gorgeous ridgeline. It was absolutely stunning. The hike provided panoramic views of the island, including the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific and the lush green mountains in the distance. It was a bit of a workout, but the views were more than worth it. You could tell that it was not a well-known location by tourists. We didn’t pass anyone else during this hike.
But the best was yet to come. Ryan took us to a couple of secret waterfalls that were simply
magical. We hiked through the jungle, crossing streams and navigating slippery rocks, until we
reached the falls.
To top it all off, we had the opportunity to try authentic local kalo, also known as taro, for lunch. It was delicious and something we never would have tried if not for Ryan and Mahina Tours.
All in all, our day with Mahina Tours was one we’ll never forget. Ryan was knowledgeable,
friendly, and truly passionate about showing us the best of Oahu. If you’re looking for a unique
and personalized tour experience, we highly recommend booking a tour with Mahina. You won’t
regret it. This is the link to the tour we booked. This is a link to the Mahina Hawaii blog! Check them out for all things Oahu. I will absolutely be booking a trip with Ryan when we take our 3 kids back!
Day Two – Snorkeling with Dolphins in the Wild, Unique Experience
Day Two of our Oahu adventure was all about getting up close and personal with the marine wildlife of the island’s west side, thanks to Wild Side Specialty Tours. If you’re looking for a thrilling and educational experience, then Wild Side is the way to go.
First off, let’s talk about their dolphin and sea turtle tours. These tours are a perfect way to get in the water and swim with some of the ocean’s most beloved creatures. During our tour, we were lucky enough to swim with a large pod of dolphins, and it was an experience we’ll never forget. Seeing these intelligent creatures up close was truly magical, and we were able to appreciate the importance of their conservation efforts. It was a huge pod of dolphins, that you could hear chirping beneath the water.
But the dolphins weren’t the only stars of the show. We also had the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. We were able to watch them glide effortlessly through the water and munch on seaweed, and it was a humbling experience to be in their presence.
And let’s not forget about the whales. Wild Side also offers whale watching tours during the winter months when humpback whales make their way to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and give birth. We didn’t get to see any whales during our tour, but we can only imagine how awe-inspiring it must be to witness these massive creatures in their natural habitat.
Overall, our day with Wild Side Specialty Tours was a perfect mix of adventure, education, and appreciation for the natural world. The team provided a delicious lunch and they are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about marine conservation. Their love for the ocean shines through in everything they do. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience on the west side of Oahu, we highly recommend booking a tour with Wild Side. They do tend to book up fast. Here are some links to other dolphin tours on the west side.
Day Three – Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, and Paradise Cove Luau
Day three of our Oahu adventure was all about history, culture, and some good old-fashioned island fun. We started off the day by visiting Pearl Harbor, one of the most iconic and sobering sites in all of Hawaii. It’s important to take a moment to reflect on the events that took place here and pay respect to those who lost their lives in the attack on December 7th, 1941. We toured the USS Arizona Memorial and were moved by the somber atmosphere and the sense of reverence that filled the air.
After our visit to Pearl Harbor, we decided against heading over to Diamond Head, a volcanic crater located on the east side of Waikiki. The hike to the summit is a bit challenging, but the panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean from the top are absolutely breathtaking. We decided to skip this tour because we had a doors-off helicopter tour planned over this area later in the week.
Now, it wouldn’t be a trip to Hawaii without a luau, and that’s exactly how we ended our night. We went to the Paradise Cove, which is just a short walk from the Ko’Olina accommodations we had. The food was delicious, and the entertainment was even better. We watched hula dancers, fire knife dancers, and listened to live music that took us on a journey through the history and culture of the Polynesian islands.
All in all, it was a perfect combination of history, culture, and fun.
Day Four – Relaxing
Day Four of our Oahu vacation was all about taking it easy and enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. We spent most of the day lounging at our beach resort in Ko’olina, soaking up the sun and listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It was the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after a few days of adventure.
To fuel up for our day of relaxation, we indulged in some delicious acai bowls for breakfast. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re in for a treat! Acai bowls are a Hawaiian specialty made with acai berries, granola, fresh fruit, and honey. They’re the perfect combination of healthy and delicious, and they give you the energy you need to take on the day. Funny story: Shane said “We should open a food truck to sell these things. They’re amazing.” Me: “No one back home has heard of these. They wouldn’t eat them.” Fast forward 4 years…now there are two DIFFERENT thriving acai bowl businesses here in our hometown.
After our breakfast, we grabbed our towels and headed down to the beach. We swam in the crystal-clear water, laid out on the sand, and even took a stroll along the shoreline exploring the other lagoons at the neighboring properties. It was pure bliss.
If you’re looking for a day to relax and recharge during your Oahu vacation, I highly recommend spending it in Ko’olina. It’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the island without the crowds. And don’t forget to start your day off right with a delicious acai bowl – trust us, it’ll become a staple of your Hawaiian breakfast routine in no time.
Day Five – Exploring the West Side by Car
Day 5 of our Oahu vacation was all about exploring the west side of the island by car. We started off with a visit to Electric Beach, a popular snorkeling spot known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life. Honestly, it was a little rough for me. I am NOT a strong swimmer and the current really scared me. I ended up getting out of the water pretty quickly.
After snorkeling, we set out to find the hidden Mermaid Cave, a secret spot that’s tucked away in a rocky cove. Ryan, from our private tour, told us about this gem! It was like something out of a fairy tale – we had to climb over rocks and scramble down a hole to reach it, but it was worth every bit of effort. Inside the cave, we found a stunning underwater oasis. If you plan to visit, make sure you go at low tide for your safety!
By the time we finished exploring the Mermaid Cave, we had worked up quite an appetite. Lucky for us, we stumbled upon Aloha Poke, a restaurant that specializes in Hawaiian-style poke bowls. The spicy tuna was my favorite. You won’t convince me that there is a better poke bowl to be found anywhere. It was the perfect lunch to refuel us for the rest of our adventure.
Exploring the west side of Oahu by car was one of our favorite days of the trip. From snorkeling in Electric Beach to discovering the hidden Mermaid Cave, we saw some of the island’s most beautiful natural wonders. And of course, we couldn’t forget about the delicious poke bowls at Aloha Poke – they were the perfect way to end our day of exploration.
Day Six – Dole Plantation, North Shore, Doors Off Helicopter Tour
Day 6 of our Oahu adventure was jam-packed with excitement. We started off by visiting the famous Dole Plantation, where we had our very first….you guess it! The infamous Dole Whip! It was a sweet start to our day! I have had many Dole Whips from Disney since, and nothing quite compares to the fresh ones at the plantation.
Next, we set out to explore the North Shore of Oahu, a rugged and picturesque region known for its big waves and laid-back surf culture. We stopped at several beaches along the way, including Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach.
After a morning of exploring the North Shore, we hopped on a doors-off helicopter for this circle tour of the island. It was an exhilarating experience – we flew over towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. We even landed on a lush mountaintop! I cannot recommend this tour enough! If the circle tour with landing is out of your budget, check out these other helicopter tours.
By the time we landed, we were hungry for some delicious local cuisine. Lucky for us, we found Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, a popular food truck that serves up some of the best shrimp dishes on the island. We tried the famous garlic shrimp and were blown away by the savory, buttery flavor.
Day 6 of our Oahu trip was truly one for the books. From learning about pineapple at the Dole Plantation to exploring the North Shore, to flying in a doors-off helicopter and indulging in some amazing shrimp dishes, we experienced some of the best that Oahu has to offer.
Optional Day Ideas
If you’re looking for an optional day itinerary in Oahu, I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of amazing experiences to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for snorkeling, adventure, or a day trip to another island.
One option is to visit Hanauma Bay State Park, one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. This crescent-shaped bay is home to a vibrant coral reef and a variety of colorful fish, making it the perfect spot for a day of underwater exploration. Just be sure to arrive early, as the park can get crowded later in the day.
Another option is to visit Kualoa Ranch, a 4000-acre nature reserve on the east side of Oahu. The ranch offers a variety of activities, from horseback riding and ATV tours to ziplining and movie site tours. You can even see some of the locations where popular movies like Jurassic Park and Kong: Skull Island were filmed. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature and experience some of the island’s unique history.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you might consider taking a day trip to one of the other Hawaiian islands. From Oahu, you can easily catch a flight to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island for a day of island hopping. Each island offers its own unique beauty and attractions, from the stunning Road to Hana on Maui to the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Whatever you choose to do, an optional day itinerary in Oahu is the perfect way to add some extra excitement and adventure to your trip.
Day Seven – Heading Home
Unfortunately, we had a mid-day flight on day 7. All good things must come to an end. We had so much fun in Oahu. I can’t wait to take my kids back to enjoy it with us. The 6-hour time change has me a little concerned, but hopefully in a year or two I will be brave enough to just load up the family and go! I hope this itinerary inspires you to get out and do some adventure traveling.
If you love beach destinations, check out my blog about Exuma! If you are more of an off-the-beaten-path outdoor, hiking enthusiast, check out my blogs on the Dolomites and Iceland! Safe travels!
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