Hawaii is a true treasure. This gem of a state is like no other and offers 7 beautiful islands for your exploration. Oahu – the gathering place, is the most visited island in Hawaii and I was excited to be starting my adventure there. The lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and sunshine – you can just feel the aloha in the air!
A day in Oahu is certainly never enough! (not even a week here is enough!) but, you can surely pack in a lot in a full day whether you choose to rent a car (probably your best bet!) or choose to make new friends in a tour group. To capture some of the amazing gems and highlights of this great island, read on for how to begin your adventure!
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head
Starting off your adventure in the beautiful, turquoise waters of Waikiki beach in Honolulu (south-east of Oahu), begin heading east and wave aloha to the Diamond Head State Monument that overlooks the eastern part of the island. If you’re a hiker, this spot offers a great (yet kind of strenuous if you ask me!) hike to the top of the monument, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean! This is a crowded and tourist-heavy spot so, if you do plan to hike, best to arrive at the beginning of your day. There is also a $1 USD admission fee (if you walk-in) or $5 USD fee per vehicle. If you want to save some $ on the vehicle fee, park your car across the street from the park in one of the free lots and make a short walk to the entrance instead. Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most famous landmarks, and one visit of this 500,000 year old volcanic series and you’ll quickly understand why!
China Walls and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Continuing your journey eastwards, if you hiked Diamond Head, you’ll probably be in need of a quick dip in the beautiful Pacific! About 9 miles east, is a great spot for this – China Walls. It’s easy to forget you’re visiting a volcanic island when visiting other parts of Oahu but, China Walls makes it so apparent! The layers of historical lava flows create a beautiful backdrop for your next Boomerang. Notice the ‘greenish’ hue of the lava rock – a departure from your typical black lava rock. Looks just beautiful along the deep blue ocean! But enough lava talk. If you’re down for a quick swim here, brave the jump from the top of the rock or simply take the time to admire the huge crashing waves! They’re truly spectacular here.
A short distance east, you’ll find the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This spot is truly spectacular! At the look-out point here, you can admire the most stunning, turquoise water you’ve ever seen, take several Instagram worthy photos to make all your friends jelly, or take in a quick swim here as well! If you’re down for a snorkel, this bay is known for an abundance of sea life!
Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
Continuing your way along the east coast, your next stop will take you further inland (or northeast) along the Pali Highway to yet another gorgeous lookout point. Unlike the Hanauma Bay, the Nu’uanu Pali lookout offers lush green views of the northeast coast of Oahu. Just make sure you hang on to your skirts ladies – the trade winds here can be a little intense! The Nu’uanu Pali was considered to be (well, still is!) a vital passage way because of it’s low, traversable section of the Ko’olau mountain range that connects the leeward side of the mountains, Honolulu to the windward side, Kailua, and Kane’ohe. Not too far from here is the Kaniakapupu Ruins that I talk about here.
Byodo-In Temple
Now that you’ve indulged in some amazing scenic views, continue your way north towards the Ahuimanu region where, in about 9 miles or less, you’ll be entranced by the peaceful surroundings of the Byodo-In Temple. This is a non-denominational Buddhist temple that welcomes all visitors to worship, meditate, or simply take the time to admire the peaceful surroundings. There is a large Buddha statue located centrally within the temple should you choose to make an offering and a large chime that you can sound off just west of the temple (om!). If that’s not your thing, make some new friends with the beautiful ducks, frogs, and koi fish that surround this beautiful temple!
As you continue your journey, you may find some time for a quick pit stop to try some Kona coffee and Hawaiian macadamia nuts! Now I’m not a huge coffee drinker (queue the shocked faces!) but, of course, had to try some famous Kona coffee and it did not disappoint! It’s quite mild in flavor with a beautiful nutty finish. The macadamia nuts on the other hand, now I can munch on those all day! Most shops will have some samples available for you to try so don’t be shy! You may even be able to crack open your own. I neve realized how many flavors these nuts can come in! My favs by far are the maui onion and garlic and cinnamon glazed (yum!).
Kualoa Ranch
Make your way towards the east coast again, about 8 miles north of the Byodo-In Temple, and you’ll find yourself at Kualoa Ranch, a private nature reserve where some of your favorite movies like Jurassic Park were filmed (hello T-Rex!). Grab some lunch at their buffet or take a short tram ride throughout the property while you take in some Hawaiian history. There are also tons of other fun activities available at the ranch for the more adventurous travelers! From ATV tours, a 2.5 hour zipline tour, or a more mellow horseback riding session, there’s something for everyone.
North Shore
Keep on trekking north, and you’ll end up in North Shore, the north-facing coastal region of Oahu. This is a pretty popular area in Oahu, to say the least, as there’s so much to do in this area. Surfing, catamaran tours, movie site tours – the list goes on and on! Another must try however, is their shaved ice. Although you can get this pretty much anywhere in Oahu, people line up for the shaved ice at Matsumoto where they offer exotic flavors, even a scoop of ice cream to sweeten up this treat even more!
Dole Plantation
From north to south, we’re going to cut through the central part of the island to visit the famous Dole Plantation! Home of many pineapple species and, of course, the famous Dole Whip! If you’ve been to Disneyland before you probably know what this is but, this is a must try here! A yummy blend of fresh pineapple and ice topped with even more fresh pineapple (if you must) is so tasty and refreshing on a hot Hawaiian day. There are also an abundance of pineapple themed gifts and treats to bring home for your loved ones.
Continue south to head back to Waikiki to end your full-day, Oahu journey here. And what a journey it’s been! This is a lot to jam pack in one day but, take it as you choose! It’s your vacation after all. Aloha!
What is your favorite part of Oahu? Let me know in the comments section below!
