Let’s make the most of your 5 days in Oahu, Hawaii!
With only 5 days in Oahu Hawaii, planning smart is key. That’s why I’ve pulled together this step-by-step itinerary based on my background in event organizing—think of it as your own personal game plan. You’ll enjoy everything from jet skiing and parasailing to relaxing beach afternoons, exploring botanical gardens, snorkeling with turtles, and ending your nights with fire-lit luaus. I even recommend renting a car, since it’s the best way to get around the island at your own pace.
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Hawaii, chances are Oahu is at the top of your list—and for good reason! Oahu is where golden beaches meet vibrant city life, where breathtaking hikes open up to endless ocean views, and where Hawaiian culture thrives. Did you know that Waikiki welcomes over 5 million visitors every year? That means this island is built to help travelers like you soak up every drop of paradise.
Follow this guide and you won’t miss a beat!
What You’ll See in This 5-Day Oahu Itinerary
- Waikiki Beach & Fireworks Show
- Jet Skiing & Parasailing at Maunalua Bay
- Diamond Head State Monument Hike
- Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
- Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
- Lanikai Beach
- Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Adventure
- Authentic Hawaiian Luau (Mauka Warriors)
- Don Quijote Shopping & Souvenirs
- Duke’s Canoe Club Waikiki
Day 1: Welcome to Waikiki & Ocean Adventures
Overview: Spend your first day getting familiar with Honolulu, enjoying thrilling water sports, and relaxing on Oahu’s most famous beaches.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Pick-up Car Rental | Honolulu Airport or Waikiki Rental or Toro |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast & Kona Coffee | Try Island Vintage Coffee, Waikiki |
| 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Snack & Supply Run | Walmart Waikiki, 2215 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| 9:30 – 11:00 AM | Drive Through Waikiki | Familiarize yourself with the area |
| 11:30 – 1:30 PM | Jet Ski & Parasailing | Maunalua Bay, 377 Keahole St, Honolulu, HI 96825 |
| 2:00 – 2:30 PM | To-Go Lunch | Marina Area—fuel up for the beach |
| 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Beach Time | Waimānalo Beach, family-friendly and scenic |
| 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Return to Waikiki | Beat the traffic back into town |
| 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Dinner on Waikiki Beach | Stay for Friday night fireworks (7:45 PM) |
Day 2: Diamond Head & Exploring the East Coast of Oahu
Overview: Start your day with a sunrise hike, then head east to discover lush gardens, mountain lookouts, and one of the prettiest beaches in the world.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Drive to Diamond Head | Grab coffee/breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee |
| 8:00 – 10:00 AM | Diamond Head Hike | Reservation Required: Book Here |
| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout | $7 parking, windy but breathtaking views |
| 10:50 – 11:15 AM | Drive to Botanical Garden | |
| 11:30 – 1:00 PM | Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden | Scenic drive & photo ops |
| 1:00 – 1:30 PM | Drive to Kailua | |
| 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Lunch in Kailua | Kono’s Northshore Restaurant or takeout |
| 2:30 – 7:00 PM | Relax at Lanikai Beach | Parking is tricky — beach is up against a residential area |
| 7:00 – 10:00 PM | Dinner on Return | Stop in Kailua or back in Waikiki |
Day 3: Pearl Harbor Arizona Memorial & North Shore
Overview: Take break from the water on Day 3 and visit the historical WWII site and visit two Pearl Harbor Museums and the Pearl Harbor Visitor center, then do a road trip to the North Shore of Oahu Island.
| me | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 – 7:15 AM | Drive to Pearl Harbor | Arrive early; parking is free but limited |
| 7:30 – 11:30 AM | Pearl Harbor National Memorial & USS Arizona | Reservations recommended: Pearl Harbor Tours |
| 11:30 – 12:30 PM | Head for Lunch Stop | Scenic 1-hour drive |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch | Grab food on the road – Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck |
| 1:30 – 3:00 PM | Continue with road trip with stops at … | – Turtle Beach (Laniakea Beach) Famous for Hawaiian green sea turtles (“honu”) – Sunset Beach Park – Lāʻie Point State Wayside |
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Drive to Polynesian Cultural Center | Laie, HI |
| 3:30 – 9:00 PM | Polynesian Cultural Center | Cultural villages, dinner buffet, & evening “Hā: Breath of Life” show. Reservations Required |
| 9:00 – 10:00 PM | Drive Back to Waikiki | About 1-hour return drive |
Day 4: Snorkeling & Hawaiian Luau Night
Overview: A day that blends relaxation, adventure, and Hawaiian tradition—turtle snorkeling in the morning and a cultural luau at night.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Sleep In / Breakfast | Decide as a group, Uber Eats optional |
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Head to Boat Tour | |
| 9:30 – 11:30 AM | Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling | Reservation Required ($69/person) |
| 11:30 – 2:00 PM | Waikiki Beach & Lunch | Relax & enjoy beachside eats |
| 2:00 – 4:00 PM | Return & Dress for Luau | Get ready for evening festivities |
| 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Drive to Luau | Mauka Warriors Luau, Kapolei |
| 5:00 – 8:45 PM | Luau & Dinner Show | Book Here |
| 8:45 – 9:30 PM | Return Drive |
Day 5: Relax & Shop Before Departure
Overview: Take your last day slow with shopping, food, and a farewell dinner on the beach.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast | Local café or Waikiki spot |
| 9:30 – 11:30 AM | Leisure Shopping | Ala Moana Center or Waikiki shops |
| 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Lunch | Duke’s Canoe Club Waikiki (Reserve Ahead) |
| 2:00 – 5:00 PM | Final Souvenirs | Don Quijote Honolulu Store |
| 5:00 – 8:00 PM | Sunset Dinner | Final Waikiki meal with ocean views |
| 8:00 PM ~ | Departure | Airport or late-night stroll |
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to 5 days in Oahu Hawaii! This itinerary blends adventure, culture, and relaxation, giving you the perfect balance of what makes Oahu such a magical destination. From the thrill of jet skiing in Maunalua Bay to the calm of Lanikai Beach, from hiking Diamond Head to watching hula under the stars, you’ll experience the very best this island has to offer.
Oahu is one of the most family-friendly islands in Hawaii, and its beaches are ranked among the best in the world. With smart planning and a rental car, you’ll maximize your time and make memories that last a lifetime.
So, go ahead—bookmark this guide, book your tours in advance, and pack your bags. Paradise is calling, and Oahu is ready to welcome you!