Hawaii – Makai (ocean) to Mauka (mountain), as the locals say, is one of the most exotic and desired destinations in the world. Its beautiful beaches, tropical atmosphere, and feel make it even more attractive to travelers. As a child, I had always heard of or seen Hawaii on TV. We even used to joke about it—”You have to cross 7 seas to go to Honolulu.” I never thought I would ever visit it (though I secretly wished to go).
Looks like my secret wish was fulfilled. I feel so lucky and blessed to visit this beautiful state.
4 Islands of Hawai
There are 8 islands in Hawaii, 6 of which are habitats, and 4 are popular among tourists.
- Oahu: It is the most popular island among families with kids and is also one of the best for first-time visitors to Hawaii. The island is a mix of urban city life with beautiful beaches.
- Maui: This island is famous for its clear and beautiful beaches. It is best if you want to have a calm and serene beach vacation.
- Kauai: The beaches here are calm and quiet. This island is less crowded than others, making it perfect for spending some alone or me-time.
- Big Island: It is famous for its active volcano, so many families with kids or first-time visitors usually do not prefer to visit here.
Though it was my first time in Hawaii, I wanted to visit Maui and the Big Island. After much consideration, such as the number of days I would stay, places to see, etc., I finally decided to visit Maui.
But, as we say, “Picture abhi baki hai – the movie hasn’t finished yet.”
Yes, you guys guessed it right. At the time of booking my flights and hotel, I suddenly changed my plans to Oahu Island (Honolulu), which was not even on my list.
I was traveling alone with my kid, so the realization that a hyperactive kid was traveling with me to Hawaii made me change my mind. I wanted my days to be a mix of busy sightseeing places and relaxing beaches (where you just sit and do nothing). And it was the perfect decision I made. As mentioned above, the island is a good blend of urban city life, spectacular beaches, and beautiful marine life.
Oahu Island
Although I went for almost a week, effectively, it was 3.5 days on the island. It was a long air-travel/journey to Hawaii. It felt like I was traveling to another continent altogether.
Hawaii is very different from the rest of the US. The vibes are vibrant and tropical, and the clear and serene water gives a nice, calming feel.
Day 1: Waikiki Beach – Trolly Ride- Local Market
We started our first day with an amazing heavy breakfast. After that, we went straight to the Waikiki beach, exploring the streets in between. The beach was so clean and serene. We spent the whole morning lying on the beach. The feeling of just sitting on the beach and soaking up the environment was so good. It was such a relaxing start to our holidays.
Later in the afternoon, we explored downtown on the hop-on-hop-off trolley ride.
There are four types of trolley Rides: the Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line, and Pink Line. Each line has its designated track that covers the island. Trolley rides are an amazing way to explore the island.
I find the Pink line to be the best Hop-on-off-ride option. It covers all the spots on downtown. And a day pass for Pink Line is the cheapest and 100% value for money. You can get- off at any point, explore the area, spend as much time as you want, and then get on the trolly. The frequency of the Pink line is also every 15 minutes. And if you do not wish to get off the trolly, enjoy an hour trolly ride.
We further walked, explored the streets, and then went to the beach again to relax. The beach looked stunning in the evening.
Day 2: Circle Island Tour
This is one of the best tours that covers almost all the interesting sightseeing points. I booked this tour through Viator. The tour started early, and our pick-up from the hotel was at 7:20 a.m. We covered almost 150 miles and saw many places during the day.
The best part was that there were only 5 people on the big bus for our tour. It was like a private tour, so we could see and stop at all the places nicely without any rush.
1. Blow Horn at Halona Beach Cove (geyser)
This was our first stop, and we spent a good 30 minutes there watching the geyser. The waves were big, which made the geyser even more beautiful.
2. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
It was a beautiful site with amazing views of the valley and the Pacific Ocean.
3. Waimanalo
The next stop was a local retail experience. This is the best place to buy souvenirs as they are the cheapest. Try the juicy pineapple sample.
4. Kuala Regional Valley and Chinaman’s Hat
Now popularly known as Jurrasic Valley. All the Jurassic Park movies (parts I-III), King Kong, Skull Island, etc, were shot here. You can see many faces on the hill, like two people talking, a gorilla, etc.
Opposite the ranch valley is the chinamans hat/(Mokoli’i in Hawaii) viewpoint. It is a beautiful islet on Kaneohe Bay.
It was a beautiful view: a valley on one side, a bay on another, and the garden in the middle.
5. Kamehameha Highway
Our next stopover was a famous food truck for lunch. We pass by the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Lai Hawaii Temple, and Bringham Young University before reaching our lunch spot.
6. Kuilima Farm
Next, we stopped at Kuilima Farm for fresh fruits. Try the delicious fried banana.
7. Haleiwa Beach
Haleiwa Beach is on the Northshore. There are 4 famous surf beaches on the 7-mile-long coastline of Northshore – Sunset Beach, Sharkʻs Cove, Waimea Bay, and Haleiwa. The waves reach a height of almost 40 feet during winter. Surfers from all over the world come here during this time. It is a surfer’s paradise.
I booked the Pearl Harbour tour from Viator (though earlier, I had booked from Get Your Guide, but it got canceled). Never mind, I rebooked the tour through Viator. On the third day, we visited here. The group was small, so it was a better experience.
The Northshore coastline becomes a hot tourist spot, offering stunning scenic views, gigantic waves, and breathtaking beauty.
We saw many sea turtles here enjoying their swim.
8. Tropical Farms (The Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet)
The Macadamia nut farm is just across Haleiwa Beach. It offers various flavors of Macadamia nuts and free coffee.
9. Dole Plantation
Next, we went to Dole Plantation, an agricultural heritage site and pineapple plantation hub. Only Dole pineapples are legally allowed to be consumed outside of Hawaii; pineapple from any other place must be consumed in Hawaii. Enjoy the train ride, a walk in the flower garden, or explore the world’s biggest maze. You will need at least a couple of hours if you wish to do everything here.
Try the sweet and sour pineapple ice cream.
Day 3: Pearl Harbour Tour
1. US Battleship Missouri
Our first stop was the US battleship Missouri. We went on an actual ship used in World War 2, so it was pretty exciting to see that. The ship was slightly bigger than the Titanic. It will take approx a couple of hours if you see all the areas of the ship.
- A guided tour of 35 minutes is available at no extra cost.
- Do look at both upper and lower levels
2. Pearl Harbour
This was our next stop. There are many places to visit at Pearl Harbour.
- Museums: There are 2 museums that showcase war information.
- Theatre: It is a 20-minute movie that tells the whole story of the war between Japan and America. What happened? It is better to book the time slot in advance.
- Missile: Display of massive missile
- Bowfin Ship
- Ferry Ride: It’s a short ferry ride to Arizona Memorial. You will need to reserve an advance slot.
3. Arizona
This was our last stop. We took a ferry from Pearl Harbour. There is a big memorial wall that preserves the names of all the soldiers of World War 2.
- All three places are nearby.
- A shuttle bus is available between Battleship and Pearl Harbour.
- Only 100% transparent bags are allowed at these locations. No bags of any size are allowed inside.
- Photography on the bridge (from the battleship to Pearl Harbor) is strictly prohibited. A huge fine is imposed. They have cameras installed that can detect mobile cameras as well.
The day was interesting to learn about World War.
After dinner, we went to the beach again to see the fireworks and explore the nightlife.
Day 4: US Army Museum-Beach
We had almost half a day before our flight back home. After breakfast, we were relaxing in our room, but then I wanted to see Hawaii Street one more time, so we decided to visit the US Army Museum. I am glad that we decided to visit here. It was a beautiful museum with all the Missiles and Helicopters used in WW II. And the best part was that this was the only museum with no entry fee. It was free.
Finally, our Hawaiian journey came to an end with all the good memories, and we hope to revisit this place.
Places of Interest in Ohau Island, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach, Moana Centre Shopping Mall, Downtown Waikiki, Ranch, Jurrasic/Kualo Valley, Chinaman Hat Viewpoint, Halona Blowhole (geyser), Makapu’U Point (lookout), Pearl Harbour, Valley of Temple, Dole Plantation (Pineapple), Hanuman Bay (snorkeling), Sunset Beach (surfing), Diamond Hill (hiking), Polynesian Hawaii Culture Centre, Turtle and Whale Watching.
4-Day Itinerary for first-timers: Oahu Island, Hawaii
- Day 1: Pearl Harbour, USS Battleship, USS Arizona, Sunset at Beach
- Day 2: Circle Island Tour
- Day 3: Beach, Downtown Trolly Ride, Explore the Local Market
- Day 4: US Army Museum, Zoo, Beach
Aloha!
