3-Day Oahu Itinerary | The Best Things to Do on Oahu

When it comes to Hawaii, Oahu tends to be the island that people fly into from the Continental US, and then hop to other islands but there are so many great things to do on Oahu! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite things to do on Oahu in this not-to-be-missed 3-day Oahu itinerary. Let’s start with the basics!

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How to Get There: Hawaiian Airlines is the official carrier of Hawaii, but most major airlines (American, United, Delta, Southwest) offer flights from the West Coast, Texas, or Chicago.

Where to Stay: If you’re only going to be on Oahu for 3 days, I’d strongly suggest staying in the Waikiki area. If you’re staying longer, consider a split stay between the Waikiki area and the North Shore. For Waikiki, I’d suggest the Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach. It’s not beachfront, but it’s an easy five-ish minute walk and that’s what makes it more affordable than a lot of Waikiki Hotels. For the West side, I’m a Disney girl, so I’m going to say Aulani.

But if Disney isn’t your thing, I’d suggest the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. It’s a splurge for sure, but it’s a stunning property in a great location!

Do You Need a Car? I find it preferable to have a car on Oahu, but there is public transportation within Waikiki, Ubers are available, and some tours offer Waikiki pickup.

Day 1

Start your day early with fresh malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery or one of their mobile malasada trucks. These fluffy Portuguese donuts are the perfect snack before a short, but steep hike at Diamond Head. Getting malasadas from Leonard’s is one of my must-do things to do on Oahu every trip!

Be sure to make entry and parking reservations in advance for Diamond Head or you will be denied access. The breathtaking views from the summit are well worth the climb! If you’re looking for a tougher hike, try Koko Crater Trail!

Afterwards, refuel with breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things. Sign up for their online waitlist to get seated a little faster! And if you’ve never tried SPAM and eggs, now’s the time!

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When you’re ready for lunch, two of my favorites are Rainbow Drive-Inn for their Loco Moco Plate Lunches and Marugame Udon.

Spend the rest of the day on Waikiki Beach. If you’re a shade lover like me, umbrellas are available for rent (around $20 for 2 hours) and you can rent surfboards and boogie boards and even take surf lessons. While you’re there, stop by the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian who popularized the sport of surfing.

Day 2

Head to the North Shore today! Start off with the 2.5-hour Jurassic Adventure Tour at Kualoa Ranch. You’ll see iconic film sites made famous in the Jurassic Park movies as you tour the Hakipu’u and Ka’a’awa Valleys.

Dino-sightings complete, pay a visit to the Byodo-In Temple. The temple commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Hale’iwa for lunch. Parked along Kamehameha Highway are numerous shrimp trucks (Kahuku Shrimp and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck are two of the more notable ones). Stop at one (or many!) and sample from their shrimp plate lunches before heading to Matsumoto’s Shave Ice for, you guessed it, shave ice!

After lunch, head to Hale’iwa Beach Park where the calmer waters are perfect for swimming and beginning surfers, and enjoy a refreshing dip!

Continue along Kamehameha Highway and round out your day with a visit to the Dole Plantation. Wander the Pineapple Garden Maze and purchase fresh pineapple to take back to the Continental US with you.

Day 3

Get on the water! Start your day with Kaneohe Bay Sandbar. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, stand-up paddle, and kayak on this three-hour tour (and you’re guaranteed to not end up like Gilligan!)

After a shower and a bite to eat (try Rainbow Drive-Inn or Marugame Udon, wherever you didn’t eat on Day 1), head to the harbor. Pearl Harbor!

Wrap up your day with a sunset dinner cruise and enjoy dinner and cocktails as you cruise the Waikiki shoreline and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Once you get back to shore, swing by Island Vintage Shave Ice and cap off your evening with a Lilikoi Shave Ice!

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