5 Days in Oahu, United States: From Waikiki Beach to Blue Note Hawaii

Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, focusing on the USS Arizona Memorial program which includes a documentary and boat ride to the memorial structure. This profound site commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor and its historical significance.

"Was confused about check in line after pre purchasing tickets to see Arizona, but staff there helpful to confirm I was in right line. We couldn’t get on the memorial itself because of the 30mph wind but were able to go on boat and take photos plus have moment of silence. Staff said we could come back another better weather day and not have to pay again to get on memorial. I had other plans so couldn’t. I did enjoy the grounds and the guy speaking on boat was very knowledgeable about the history. Definitely book online ahead of time and you have to pay for parking. I got there around 1pm and found a good parking spot even though busy."— AdventureswithDaniMN

Spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach. Take a dip in the warm Pacific waters or simply enjoy a stroll along the shore, soaking in the iconic Hawaiian atmosphere.

"So much to see, good people watching! Folks dressed to the nines and others barefoot carrying a surfboard just coming off the water. So busy, busier than a NYC walkabout! Fun, lots of places to shop, eat, enjoy the sidewalk entertainers from break dancing to caricature painting on the spot. Sidewalks are nice and wide and everyone was pretty chill. Take your time and enjoy, especially at night."— Tammie Lewis

Treat yourself to freshly baked, sugar-coated malasadas, a Portuguese-style donut, at the legendary Leonard's Bakery. These warm, fluffy treats are a local favorite and a must-try Hawaiian dessert.

"This famous bakery serves the most delicious malasadas! This little spot has been around since 1952 and has never changed its method of making their incredible Portuguese style donuts. Even if the line seems long, it moves quickly and is worth trying if it’s you’re first time in Honolulu. We tried the custard, chocolate, coconut, and guava fillings. My favorites were the custard and guava, but all the donuts were fried to perfection and filled with creamy goodness. Definitely do not miss Leonard’s during your stay in Oahu!"— Jonathan Lee

Wind down your first day with live Hawaiian music and tropical cocktails at the open-air Mai Tai Bar. Enjoy the relaxed beachfront ambiance and soak in the island's evening entertainment.

"Went for the happy hour daily. 3-7. Live music, good service. 1/2 price for a good selection of food during this time. Got lucky and had the calamari freshly made one day and it was excellent. Because the food comes from outside the bar, it does get a bit cold when the weather is cool. The live music was very good. Enjoyed the visit."— Tropic Coast

Embark on a scenic hike to the summit of the iconic Diamond Head crater. The trail offers a rewarding challenge with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach, the Honolulu coastline, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

"Such a cool trail to go on! Beautiful scenery and some excellent places to take pictures from! It was misting here when we arrived so it was a little slippery. But there are handrails through most of the trail. Such beautiful views here@"— Katelyn Cheatwood

Immerse yourself in the rich natural and cultural history of Hawaii and the Pacific at the Bishop Museum. Explore extensive collections of Hawaiian artifacts, natural science exhibits, and interactive displays that tell the story of the islands.

"You need time with this museum. There’s a lot of interesting information about both Hawaiian and oceanic cultures. The displays about Hawaii are much better and more informative than those about Oceania. There are so many amazing artifacts it can be overwhelming. The cafe is good and is a nice break. The grounds are nice and with a breeze from the trade winds a nice place to sit and relax."— Lis Wal

Depart from Waikiki on a boat cruise to Turtle Canyon, a vibrant underwater world known for its resident Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Snorkel amidst colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. All necessary snorkeling gear will be provided.

"Best snorkeling experience ever! I really enjoyed it the crew was very helpful and friendly. I had such a great time!"— Annette Mejia

Cap off your day with live music and ocean views at RumFire in Waikiki. Enjoy the relaxed Hawaiian setting with an evening performance, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

"Came here for dinner overlooking the ocean with the fire pits and live music. 5 stars all around. The place is a such a vibe, it didn not require a reservation. The server was so kind to recommend new dishes for me to try and experience here only in Hawaii. I would go back often if I had the money and luxury to do so. The only thing to nation about this place is that it was difficult to find by walking because it’s inside the Sheraton hotel."— Savannah

Embark on a challenging hike up the old railway ties of Koko Head Crater for panoramic views of Oahu's southeastern coast and Koko Head Park. This strenuous climb offers a unique adventure and rewarding vistas.

"It's a giant staircase—not a hike; not a walk. Be prepared for the monotonous and strenuous climb. Once you get up there, beautiful views with the nice breeze from the Pacific, so come prepared to spend a bit of time and enjoy. Both the sunrise and sunset could be gorgeous, depending on the weather. The climb down was pretty fast."— Isuru Nanyakkara

Snorkel and swim in the protected waters of Hanauma Bay, a pristine marine life conservation area teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species. Reservations are often required.

"ABSOLUTELY DO THIS!!! If you are a tourist it will take a little planning in advance put it will be completely worth it. Planning: Booking through a tourist group is the best and stress free way to do it. They can book up to 60 days in advance so your spot is guaranteed. We booked about 3 weeks in advance. They are more expensive but it guarantees you spot. Otherwise passes are released 48 hours in advance every for each day and are gone in 5 minutes and/or the website completely freezes up. Not worth taking the chance in my opinion. Park is CLOSED every Monday & Tuesday. Cost: Tour groups will run between $50-70 per person. Regardless if you go with a tour group or on your own, it will cost $25 per person to enter which isn't included in any of the tour costs I could find. Entering: The beach is down in a protected cove type area. One can either walk up and down or they offer a shuttle that goes every 5-10 minutes. I recommend at least walking down if you're able as it gives you some great prospective of the area and great picture taking opportunities. Equipment: This was provided by the tour company but if you did it yourself they offer it there as well. I believe it was $15ish for a snorkel and mask. I don't remember the price of fins but I highly recommend you get them. Beach: Very nice and sandy with an easy gradual slope. People of any age and ability will be able to enter the water here. Snorkeling: We went in mid-February. This is what it's all about and it delivered and then some. Fish are abundant even in the super windy day we had. Water is not overly warm, about 78 deg or so. But it felt comfortable once you got it. Best places to snorkel are to the middle to the middle and left as you look out towards the ocean. I snorkeled up and down the entire beach for 5-6 hours and this was my experience. Deeper isn't better as it is shallow and the waves make it nearly impossible to see anything, plus getting slammed again the coral isn't much fun. Facilities: There are rest rooms, showers, and lockers down at the beach but no food. Food: This is food served up top that is pretty basic. It was our first food sticker shock in Hawaii with a meal for three kids cost $85. I thought it was nuts but was on par for food here on the island. Overall I could not recommend this experience enough. If you are here do it. You will have memories that will last a lifetime."— Matt Buchan

Explore the only official residence of royalty in the United States. Discover the opulent interiors and learn about the Hawaiian monarchy's rich history and eventual overthrow.

"If you want to understand Hawaiian history, this is a great place to visit. ʻIolani Palace tells the story of Hawaii’s last ruling monarch and the gradual westernization and overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The palace itself is relatively small, with only a few main halls, and it’s not overly grand or extravagant. You can comfortably finish the visit in about 1.5 hours, but it gives meaningful context about how native Hawaiian governance transitioned under Western influence. It’s a quiet but powerful stop, especially if you’re interested in the political and cultural history of Hawaii."— Yujia Z.

Hike through a lush rainforest to a stunning 150-foot waterfall. Experience the vibrant Hawaiian flora and a refreshing natural environment.

Explore a lush botanical garden, a sacred Hawaiian cultural site, and walk to the impressive Waimea Falls. Learn about native plants and traditional Hawaiian practices.

"Top of my bucket list visit while visiting HI, so beautiful and green. So much to see, very nice walk up to the falls. Young or old, paved pathways, or a shuttle for ADA. Would recommend water shoes when you get ready to get into the water. Life guards on duty but do require everyone to have life vest. Some large rocks to get past down into the water to swim, no railings to help so be very careful. Very friendly staff, nice snacks and food stops along the way. Film crews on site for next movie, parts of the walk up were closed off but still able to enjoy all the different flowers an views."— j c

Discover vibrant marine life and unique geological formations by exploring the tide pools and snorkeling at Shark's Cove. Ideal for families to explore safely.

"Definetly one of my favorite spots on the North Shore. Lots of fish and even saw a stingray and Honu. Be advised to stay in the lagoon if you are not a strong swimmer. Use Reef Safe sunscreen. Also please please do not stand on the coral."— Philip Holman

Witness the legendary Banzai Pipeline, famous for its massive waves. Even outside of surf season, the powerful ocean views are spectacular.

"Visiting the Banzai Pipeline on a soft, beautiful rainy day was something special. The conditions were perfect—about a 6-foot break today—making it an incredible spot to watch the waves roll in. The light rain added to the atmosphere rather than taking away from it, giving everything a calm, moody feel. Even without massive surf, the power and beauty of the Pipeline are unmistakable. A great day to take it all in, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate one of the most iconic surf spots in the world. Roxy D"— Honest Roxy

Visit one of Oahu's largest and most significant ancient Hawaiian temples, offering panoramic views of Waimea Bay and the North Shore coastline. This sacred site provides insight into Hawaiian history and culture, fulfilling the history interest.

"Very powerful spiritual site. Please be quiet and respectful. Nice hiking trail"— Gary Harper

Experience the calm waters of Haleiwa Harbor with a stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking session. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the North Shore from a unique perspective, a perfect blend of adventure and nature, fulfilling the adventure interest.

"This was my first time ever paddling, and this is the best spot to go to! I’m glad I made the right decision to come here. One worker, Elena, was very helpful, showing me and teaching me how to paddle. She was very supportive and patient. She has a positive attitude and a welcoming personality. 100% worth the adventure, but make sure to ask for Elena for the best experience!!!"— Margil Anthony Rosario

Indulge in a refreshing Matsumoto Shave Ice, a classic Hawaiian dessert, then explore the charming streets of Haleiwa. Discover local boutiques and art galleries featuring Hawaiian-inspired works, touching upon local culture.

"Delicious soft and creamy frozen treats. The place is really well organized despite the lines and the staff are happy and friendly. It was an awesome day on the North Shore. They have a gift shop too. I bought 2 tshirts. A must visit."— mike AP

Travel from the North Shore to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) for your flight home to New York, NY. Please allow ample time for transit, check-in, and security procedures for your 9:00 PM departure.

"Very nice, relaxing airport, staff is so friendly, from the airline check-in service to the TSA checkpoint. I think this is the first time in my life, flying in a US airport, that I didn't see grumpy TSA staff. I like the open concept airport. It is not fancy and looks dated, but it's kept and has its charm. We came here a little early to spend some time in the garden, have some snacks, and soak up the Hawaii weather one last time."— Dominic Pengjad