The Best 4 Days in Oahu Itinerary for Your First Trip to Hawaii
This 4 days in Oahu itinerary packs in pristine beaches, waterfall hikes, Hawaiian culture, and so much more.
Visiting Oahu for the first time? Hawaii's “Gathering Place” island is jam-packed with fun activities and beautiful beaches, and I don't want you to miss out on any of them! So, I've compiled a list of my favorite things to see and do into an action-packed 4 day Oahu itinerary.
You'll go on road trips to surf towns, snorkel with schools of colorful fish, sightsee in the capital, learn to hula, and hike along the coast. There’s also plenty of time for beach-hopping, too.
This Oahu 4 day itinerary is divided into zones so that you can venture beyond popular Honolulu to explore every corner of the island. The daily agenda is slightly overfilled, so eliminate what you're not interested in to spend more time shopping, kayaking, surfing, hiking, napping on the sand, or whatever the island calls you to do.
Scroll to the end of the itinerary for a comprehensive Oahu travel guide. I’ve included my favorite places to stay, what to pack, how to get around, and helpful info about the weather. Have a wonderful time on Oahu!
4 Day Oahu Itinerary and Map
This 4 days in Oahu itinerary covers several parts of the island to maximize your sightseeing. You can click on this map to open and save a Google Map with color-coded, day-by-day activities. Use it to help plan your trip and keep scrolling for our recommended Oahu 4 day itinerary.
Day 1 — Sightsee in Honolulu and Waikiki Beach
Because most Hawaii visitors pass through Honolulu’s international airport, the island's capital city is an excellent place to begin your vacation. Honolulu and Waikiki are teeming with hotels, entertainment, and shopping, but the beaches are often crowded. The following are some of the best museums, hikes, parks, and other attractions in and around Honolulu. It would be hard to fit everything listed below into one day, so you’ll need to pick a few of your favorites. We definitely recommend visiting Pearl Harbor if it’s your first time on Oahu.
If you’re looking for extra things to add to a Honolulu itinerary, the city also has the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, the Punchbowl Crater, the Ala Moana Center, a zoo and aquarium, and lots of golf courses.
Aerial Tour
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Pearl Harbor National Memorial
If you're visiting Oahu for the first time, don't skip the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center are both located here. Entrance is free, but you’ll need a timed ticket for the USS Arizona, which can be reserved ahead online for a small fee. The USS Arizona tour includes a film about the Pearl Harbor attack as well as a boat ride to the monument over the sunken ship. Allow at least two hours for your visit.
For a larger admission fee, you can also see a few other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites nearby. The Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket includes the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.
Keep in mind that touring all of these sites could fill up most of the day and you may not have time for other activities in Honolulu.
Iolani Palace
Built in 1882, Iolani Palace served as a home to Hawaiian royals before the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. It is now a National Historic Landmark and the U.S.’s only official royal palace. The restored building in downtown Honolulu is an important cultural and historic landmark.
You can visit Iolani on self-guided audio tours or docent-led tours to see the regal furnishings, staterooms, and private chambers.
Diamond Head State Monument
The Diamond Head summit trail, one of Oahu's most popular hikes, is a 1.6-mile roundtrip path up a volcanic crater to a former military lookout bunker. Along the uphill climb, you’ll gain 560 feet in elevation. At the summit, a picturesque seashore with a lighthouse can be seen to one side, while Waikiki beach and the Honolulu skyline can be seen on the other. Picnic areas, refreshment stands, and restrooms are available at the park. There is a small entry fee (per vehicle or per person).
Waikiki Beach
Oahu’s postcard-worthy Waikiki Beach, with its golden sand and palm trees is the perfect sunset spot to end your first day on the island. It is one of the most crowded beaches, though, so I recommend spending the rest of your beach days in other areas of the island. If you like a lively vibe, there is music, volleyball, and surf lessons all along the beachfront in Waikiki.
Day 1 Itinerary
Morning: Pearl Harbor
Noon: Helicopter tour
Early afternoon: Iolani Palace
Late afternoon: Diamond Head hike
Sunset: Waikiki Beach
Day 2 — Visit Windward Oahu Attractions
There is so much to do along Oahu’s Windward Coast that I recommend spending the next couple of days in this region. While there are some big attractions here, the area is generally less crowded and touristy than Waikiki. On Day 2 of this 4 day Oahu itinerary, you can stop at a couple of beautiful outdoorsy destinations on the way to two of Oahu’s most popular paid attractions, Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
If you want to fit this all into a day, you’ll need to get an early start and pick a shorter tour at Kualoa Ranch to be able to have enough time at the cultural center.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, which means “a peaceful refuge,” features 400 acres of tropical plants from around the world. Located near Kaneohe on the Windward Coast, the lush grounds hold species from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, India, and more. The park is free to visit and also hosts events like meditation sessions, nature journaling, and weaving classes (some carry a fee).
Valley of the Temples
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on the Windward side of Oahu may seem like an odd choice for a tourist excursion, but it holds a beautiful temple in the shadows of the Ko’olau Mountains. If you’re driving yourself to the next activities (Kualoa Ranch and the Cultural Center), it’s en route and worth a stop to look around. Just be mindful to treat the grounds with reverence.
Byodo-In, the main temple, was modeled after a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan. The Japanese version with the same name is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kualoa Ranch
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Polynesian Cultural Center
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Day 2 Itinerary
Morning: Botanical Garden and Valley of the Temples
Early afternoon: Kualoa Ranch tour
Mid-afternoon to evening: Polynesian Cultural Center
Day 3 — Windward Coast Hikes and Beaches
With its coastal treks and abundance of unspoiled beaches that are much less crowded than Waikiki, Oahu's Windward side is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque areas. You could easily spend a few days on the various Windward Coast beaches and hiking paths, but with just 4 days in Oahu, you’ll have to pick from the options listed below. I’ve included a few different trails and beaches to choose from, so pick the ones that sound best to you to craft your own itinerary.
It's a simple and beautiful trip from Honolulu to this side of the island; take the Pali Highway for views of the mountains and forests or drive past Diamond Head to follow the coastline east. On a day trip from Honolulu, you can do both and make a loop.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
One of Oahu's most popular snorkeling locations is Hanauma Bay on the island's east side, which is home to a variety of colorful fish and coral housed in a volcanic crater. The bay has been a protected conservation area for more than 50 years. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so that marine life can have a break from people.
Reservations are required to enter the park, and before heading down to the beach, visitors must also watch an orientation video. There is a shuttle service from Waikiki and you should get here very early to find parking if you plan to drive. There are entrance, parking, locker, and snorkeling equipment rental costs. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear.
Manoa Falls
Manoa Falls is one of the best hikes on Oahu, leading to a 150-foot tall waterfall surrounded by lush forest. The walk to reach the base is about 1.6 miles roundtrip, so it doesn’t take very long and is rated easy to moderate.
Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
On Oahu's easternmost tip, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail follows an old access road to a light station with a red roof. This path is a part of the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. About 500 feet are gained throughout the mile-long ascent. Along the way, coastal views include offshore islets and migrating humpback whales (from November to May). The whole hike is 2 miles and rated moderately difficult.
Without having to walk, you can enjoy the views on this end of the island from the nearby Makapuu Beach and lookout.
Koko Crater Railway Hike
The Koko Crater Trail is an intense trek up a ridge for views of the eastern coast of Oahu, with over 1,000 steps in under a mile. The wooden rungs, which were once a railway used to carry supplies to bunkers during World War II, now help hikers climb the crater. You can see miles of shoreline in all directions from the top, as well as an overhead picture of Hanauma Bay.
The hike is about 1.6 miles round trip and is rated hard on AllTrails.
Kaiwa Ridge Trail
This short and steep uphill ascent on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail brings you to a pair of former military bunkers, which provide breathtaking views of the Mokulua islands and Lanikai Beach below. You might also see this hike called the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, named for the bunkers.
Even though the journey is only a couple of miles roundtrip, you should wear appropriate footwear on the dirt trail. The hike is quite popular, so arrive early for fewer crowds. The entry is slightly hidden in a neighborhood with restricted parking.
Kailua Bay Beaches
Kailua and Kalama beaches are formed by a long run of white sand along Kailua Bay. In this Windward Coast region, water activities like kitesurfing and kayaking trips to the nearby Lanikai Beach and Mokulua Islands are very popular. It’s also a favorite family beach for the calm water and amenities. Plentiful parking, restrooms, and showers make this location ideal for long beach days, and the nearby Kailua town has places to eat and grocery stores for picnic supplies.
Lanikai Beach
With soft and golden sand, Lanikai Beach is a pristine and peaceful spot on the Windward Coast. Just offshore, the Mokulua Islands serve as a seabird sanctuary. Kayaks for rent in Kailua can be used to get out to the islets.
The shoreline is public but hidden behind a neighborhood, so access is via narrow alleyways.
Because there is no designated parking area, the streets can become congested with beachgoers' vehicles, making parking difficult. There are no amenities or toilets here, so bring everything you need for a day at the beach.
Kaneohe Bay Beaches
There are several beaches and numerous chances for boating and water sports along the expansive Kaneohe Bay. The large Kaneohe sandbar and the triangular islet of Mokolii are both accessible by paddleboards, kayaks, and catamarans. Snorkeling is also popular due to the abundant coral in the reef-protected bay. Kualoa Regional Park on the bay has a sandy beach and easy access to Mokolii, which is just offshore.
Day 3 Itinerary
Morning: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Noon: Hiking
Afternoon to evening: Beach time
Day 4 — Road Trip to the North Shore
If you’re looking for somewhere to get away from the tourist crowds on a 4 day Oahu itinerary, the North Shore is the place to be. On this end of the island, big waves lash onto remote islands, and low-key small towns have taco trucks and locally owned businesses.
You can visit the North Shore during 4 days in Oahu on a road trip, driving up the middle of the island from Honolulu on the H2 and either coming back the same way or making a loop down the Windward Coast. The stops below are in a logical order for making a loop.
Dole Plantation
The Dole Plantation isn’t on the North Shore, but it’s on the way and you can’t miss it. You can either make a quick stop to grab a Dole Whip from the cafe or spend a couple of hours wandering the garden mazes and riding the old-timey train that tours the fields.
Haleiwa
Historic Haleiwa is the closest thing the North Shore has to a town. Just a few blocks from the ocean, the small village has a plaza with shops and eateries, plus a large assortment of food trucks dishing out burritos, seafood, and more. Make a quick stop at the Coffee Gallery for a mocha freeze before perusing some of the homegrown art galleries and boutiques.
Kaena Point
If you drive west from the North Shore, the road ends at Kaena Point, where the beaches are wild and rugged and a state park offers hiking paths out to the tip of the island. On the way, you can stop at a couple of filming sites for the TV show “Lost” — the Survivors beach and Others camp (YMCA Camp Erdman) are both on this side of the island.
At the end of the pavement, pull into Kaena Point State Park for the Kaena Point Trail, a 3.5-mile roundtrip hike to the western tip of Oahu, which can only be reached on foot.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
There are tons of beaches you can visit on the North Shore, but the park at Waimea Bay is a great option if you want to chill on the sand for a couple of hours. The site has plenty of parking, plus restrooms and lifeguards on duty. The North Shore is known for its giant winter waves, so be careful if you go in the ocean and pay attention to warning signs. This guide has more tips for ocean safety in Hawaii.
Waimea Valley
The botanical gardens at Waimea Valley make a nice break from the coast. The park is a sacred site for history and culture on Oahu and is full of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and a waterfall you can swim in. Weekly events here include a plant sale and farmers market.
There is an admission fee and you will need a couple of hours to visit, so you may want to skip it to see other things.
Sunset Beach
The North Shore’s Banzai Pipeline is a famous surfing destination, where pro competitions are held each year. I definitely do NOT recommend getting out in the water in this area, but it can be fun to watch some of the action from spots like Sunset Beach.
Shark Diving
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Dinner at a Shrimp Truck
After driving the North Shore, head northeast to loop around Kahuku Point and onto the Windward Coast. Lining the highway around the Kahuku community, several food trucks with open-air seating offer generous servings of prawns, shrimp, and rice. You can order the shellfish fried, boiled, and with a variety of seasonings.
Oahu Day 4 Itinerary
Morning: Dole Plantation and Kaena Point
Lunch: Haleiwa town
Early afternoon: Waimea Valley or beach time
Afternoon to evening: Sightseeing drive & beach hopping
4 Days on Oahu Travel Guide
Where to Stay on Oahu
My favorite place to stay on the island is Kailua on the Windward Coast, which has a residential feel. There aren’t any large hotels here, so you have to book a vacation rental. If you’re staying in Kailua, you will need to rent a car, but I recommend having a car for this 4 days Oahu itinerary anyways. The town and amenities may not be in walking distance from your rental and public transportation isn’t as widespread on this side of the island.
If you want to stay in a resort on Oahu for a romantic getaway or family-friendly vacation, the Leeward coast is your best bet. There are a few to pick from in Kapolei's Ko Olina, including the popular Disney Aulani, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, and the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. These resorts are ideal if you want to be steps away from the beach and have tons of amenities right on site.
The North Shore is best for getting away from the crowds, but you also won’t find as many accommodation options here. Your best bet for a hotel is Turtle Bay Resort on the northeastern tip of the island. The stunning property on the beach offers water sports, golf courses, restaurants, a spa, and more.
Packing for Oahu
You should have an idea of what activities you plan to do on your 4 days in Oahu before packing. This free packing list for Hawaii will help you get started.
You'll need beachwear, sightseeing outfits, and casual evening attire for dinner for the majority of your 4 days in Oahu itinerary. For hiking, you may also want to bring activewear and sneakers.
If you forget something, you can just pick it up in Honolulu, as there are plenty of stores. Your condo or hotel may also have items like snorkels, beach towels, and beach toys.
Traveling to Oahu
Numerous airlines, including the majority of the major U.S. carriers, provide flights into Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Even if you are flying onto another island, you will likely land here from the mainland to make a connection.
Getting Around Oahu
Depending on your plans, a 4 days in Oahu itinerary may or may not require a car. If you want to follow the daily guide above, you will need a car, but you can get by staying in Honolulu and booking tours to other parts of the island.
Without a rental car in Oahu, you can still see Honolulu attractions, go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, book a tour to the North Shore, and visit Kualoa Ranch and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Other activities like hikes and more remote beaches will be tricky without a car, as using the bus to get around the island will take up a lot of your short 4 day itinerary in Oahu. Traffic can be bad getting in and out of Honlulu, where most locals work, so try to avoid rush hour if possible.
Oahu in 4 days is a great family trip anytime of the year.
Is 4 Days in Oahu Enough Time
A 4 day Oahu itinerary is perfect for your first visit if you are also Hawaiian island hopping to Maui or Kauai. If you have enough time, 5 days on Oahu or even on a week on Oahu will give you more time to slow down for hiking or relaxing at the beach.
Visiting Maui, too? Here’s how to plan 4 days on Maui.
Best Time to Visit Oahu
The epitome of a year-round destination, Oahu offers temperate weather, warmth, and sunshine in every season. There are some differences from season to season you should be aware of, though.
Winter, roughly November through April, is the rainy season and also the busiest time on Oahu. Low temperatures are normally in the upper 60s, with average highs in the 70s. On the North Shore, there are large waves and powerful currents during this season. You’ll definitely want to avoid swimming at some beaches in winter.
With drier weather and calmer water, summer, which lasts from May through October, has lows in the 70s and highs in the 80s. The shoulder months around spring and fall can have better deals on hotels and fewer crowds. I’ve visited in November a couple of times and love it!
How Expensive is an Oahu Vacation
The amount you spend mostly depends on your travel style, just as at any destination. The range of lodging options includes $20 per night campgrounds to pricey beachfront resorts.
Be aware that the majority of accommodations in the Honolulu area charge "resort fees," which can be $25 or more per night. If you rent a car, parking may also be extra.
Limiting the number of times you dine out, utilizing food trucks, and purchasing picnic materials from the market can all help you save money on food. The island offers a lot of free activities as well, including free beach access, numerous parks, and hikes.
More Hawaii Travel Guides
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3 Day Oahu Itinerary
3 Day Kauai Itinerary
3 Day Maui Itinerary
7 Best Maui Adventures
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