Insider's Guide to Oahu - Highlights

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The Research Girl

Insider's Guide to Oahu - Full Itinerary 5 days

If you're looking for the perfect island getaway that offers a mix of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities, look no further than Oahu, Hawaii. This stunning island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Waikiki Beach and Lanikai Beach, where you can soak up the sun, surf, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. But Oahu is much more than just beaches; it's also home to iconic hikes whether you're a beginner or an expert. And with its vibrant nightlife, incredible food scene, and world-class shopping, Oahu has something for everyone. 👉 Save yourself hours of research and planning by choosing from my list of recommendations. Includes daily: - Breakfast - Activity - Lunch - Activity - Dinner - Activity ✨ This guide is perfect for families, small groups, and solo travelers. Highlights: ☕️ 2 cafes 🍳 3 breakfast 🐟 3 poke spots 🥘 9 lunches/dinners - that are not poke 🍨 7 shave ice & sweets 🏖️ 12 beaches to relax at 🤿 2 beaches for snorkeling 🏛️ 4 landmarks/sites 🛍️ 3 shopping 🌃 5 hotel recommendations - including every budget 🚊 Transportation tips 📍 5 Customizable Google Maps

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Itinerary

Cafes

Kona Coffee Purveyors | b patisserie

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Known for their high-quality Kona coffee and delicious pastries. Tip: The seasonal kouign amann is particularly tasty.

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Surfjack Shop

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Trendy boutique that also serves delicious coffee and light bites, making it a great spot for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely morning brunch. They have the cutest coffee cup designs!

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Breakfast

Island Vintage Coffee Waikiki

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Popular coffee shop that offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks made with locally sourced, 100% Kona coffee beans, as well as healthy breakfast and lunch options featuring fresh, local ingredients. Tip: They're known for their acai bowls, island inspired coffee flavors, and ube bagels.

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Leonard's Bakery

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Beloved and famous for its malasadas. The line does get VERY long and the parking lot only holds a few cars. Come early (6am is ideal) or be ready to get dropped off to wait in line. Tip: Guava is a personal fav! Open daily 5:30am to 7:00pm

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Rainbow Drive-In

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Popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering classic Hawaiian plate lunches such as the famous "mixed plate" with teriyaki beef, chicken, and mahi-mahi, as well as tasty burgers and fries.

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Poke

Ono Seafood

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Some of the best poke on the island, with fresh and high-quality ingredients, friendly service, and affordable prices. Tip: Every plate comes with a free drink!

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Alicia's Market

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Known for their mouth-watering Hawaiian plate lunches, fresh poke, and an extensive selection of meats and seafood.

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Maguro Brothers Hawaii Waikiki

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Small seafood shop in Waikiki, is a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking the freshest sushi and sashimi made with locally sourced fish, including a wide selection of hard-to-find delicacies

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Lunch / Dinner - that's not poke

Marugame Udon

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Affordable handmade udon noodles and a variety of toppings that can be customized to create a personalized bowl of warm, comforting goodness. The line can get very long, but is relatively fast moving. Tip: The sweet potato tempura is divine.

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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

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Serving up some of the most authentic and flavorful ramen on the island, made with rich, savory broth, tender noodles, and a variety of toppings that make each bowl a satisfying and unforgettable experience.

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Aloha Shrimp

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Delicious garlic shrimp plates with generous portions of shrimp, rice, and salad, making it a must-visit destination for shrimp lovers visiting the North Shore. If you've looked up shrimp trucks, you've probably heard of Giovanni's. However, Aloha Shrimp is low-key a tastier option and experience.

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Foodland Farms Ala Moana

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This Foodland location is by far the biggest and newest looking one I've seen on the island. They have a vast variety of *hot* bentos, musubis, poke, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and snacks! Perfect for bringing to the beach or back to the hotel.

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Sweets

Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha

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Wide variety of flavors made with all-natural, locally sourced ingredients and a warm and friendly atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of aloha. Tip: Add mochi to your bowl!

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Matsumoto Shave Ice

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Historic shave ice shop in Haleiwa, is a must-visit destination, offering a wide range of colorful and flavorful shave ice combinations with a unique Japanese twist, such as azuki beans and mochi balls.

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The Sunrise Shack - Sunset

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Created by pro surfers-- Sunrise Shack is a popular spot to grab a delicious acai bowl and watch the sunrise over the beautiful Hawaiian landscape.

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Ted's Bakery

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Famous chocolate haupia pie and a variety of other baked goods that are perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying meal.

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Banan Waikiki Beach Shack

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Delicious plant-based swirls made with locally sourced ingredients and topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and granola.

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Leonard's Bakery

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Beloved and famous for its malasadas. The line does get VERY long and the parking lot only holds a few cars. Come early (6am is ideal) or be ready to get dropped off to wait in line. Tip: Guava is a personal fav! Open daily 5:30am to 7:00pm

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MATCHA Stand MAIKO

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Must-visit spot for matcha lovers, offering a wide selection of traditional Japanese matcha drinks and desserts, including their famous matcha soft serve. Tip: My fav is the Matcha Latte Float

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Beaches to relax

Kailua Beach Park

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Stunningly beautiful and popular white sand beach located on the windward side of Oahu, known for its turquoise waters, soft sand, and picturesque views of the nearby Mokulua islands.

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Ala Moana Regional Park

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Local favorite beach located in Honolulu, known for its calm waters and expansive green spaces, perfect for picnics, jogging, swimming, and surfing.

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Kāhala Beach

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Secluded and pristine beach on the southeastern shore of Oahu, surrounded by luxury homes and resorts, and offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the nearby Diamond Head crater.

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Waimea Bay Beach

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Popular surfing destination, known for its towering waves that can reach up to 30 feet during the winter months, as well as the famous Waimea Bay cliff jump, which is a thrilling activity for adrenaline junkies looking to make a splash.

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Beaches to Snorkel

Hanauma Bay

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Beautiful snorkeling destination on the southeastern coast of Oahu, known for its vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.

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Sharks Cove

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World-renowned snorkeling and diving spot, offering crystal-clear waters, unique rock formations, and a variety of marine life, including octopuses, eels, and colorful reef fish.

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Places to See

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

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Tranquil and picturesque garden located in Kaneohe, Oahu, featuring over 400 acres of lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and a large man-made lake, making it a popular spot for picnics, birdwatching, and photography.

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Kualoa Ranch

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Located on the eastern coast of Oahu, featuring a variety of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, zip lining, and ATV tours, as well as guided movie site tours showcasing famous locations used in Hollywood films.

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Pearl Harbor National Memorial

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Visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers a moving experience that honors the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor and provides a deeper understanding of the events that shaped World War II.

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Places to stay

Turtle Bay Resort

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Luxurious and scenic resort that offers stunning ocean views, world-class golf courses, and a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, horseback riding, and hiking.

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Prince Waikiki - Honolulu Luxury Hotel

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Sophisticated and modern hotel located in the heart of Honolulu, offering breathtaking ocean views, elegant accommodations, and exceptional dining and entertainment options.

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Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

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A trendy boutique hotel that boasts an Instagram-worthy swimming pool, complete with colorful poolside cabanas, retro-inspired furnishings, and a pool bar, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing day in the sun.

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White Sands Hotel

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An affordable (especially with the Costco package) hotel, with colorful decor, cozy accommodations, and a convenient location just a short walk from the beach, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

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Aston at the Waikiki Banyan

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An affordable family-friendly condominium-style hotel in Waikiki that features spacious suites with kitchenettes, a large recreation deck with a heated pool, tennis and basketball courts, and a convenient location just a block away from the beach.

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Transportation

Oahu offers a variety of transportation options for visitors.

One of the most popular ways to explore the island is by renting a car, which provides the flexibility to visit different parts of the island at your own pace.

However, if you prefer not to drive, there are also public transportation options available, such as TheBus, which offers an affordable and reliable way to get around.

Another popular transportation option is to hire a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

If you're only planning on staying in Waikiki, most food options along Kuhio and Kalakaua, Waikiki Beach, and Kuhio Beach are all walkable and you won't need to rent a car.

However, the island's east side and north shore are worth the visit.  It's possible to rent a car for day trips to Kailua or Haleiwa, if you want to avoid paying the parking fees that come with most hotels.

Finally, for those looking for a more active way to explore the island, renting a bike or moped can be a fun and eco-friendly option.

👋 Happy Travels!