6 day Oahu Itinerary check (Christmas break)

Question

Hi,

We, a family of 4, adults in our 40s and 2 boys aged 14 and 11, are super excited about visiting the beautiful island of Oahu during the x-mas break, 6 full days. I have done some researching and come up with this itinerary. Could you guys please let me know if this looks good or can be improved? We want to have a mix of sightseeing and beach activities.

We booked last minute and didn't have much options to stay, so we booked Sweetwater Waikiki for our stay.

Tue 24th: Arriving at night.

Wed 25th: Explore Waikiki beaches, Iolani Palace

Thu 26th: Byodo In, PCC (12 to 9)

Fri 27th: North shore beaches: Waimea Bay, Turtle Beach, Haleʻiwa Beach Park, Sunset Beach Park)

Sat 28th: Kualoa Ranch (9:30 to 3), Manoa falls.

Sun 29th: Hanauma bay snorkelling, Beaches: Halona Blow Hole, Sandy beach, Waimanalo Beach, Bellows Field Beach Park, Lanikai Beach

Mon 30th: Pearl Harbour, Bishop museum, International marketplace, Late night flight back.

Things I am not able to fit in:

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Diamond Head hike

Anything else?

I am not able to decide on which beaches to pick for Friday and Sunday. Any help in this would be really appreciated.

Any restaurant/must visit eatery suggestions?

Thank you!

Answer

Your itinerary looks like a fantastic mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and beach time! Since you’re traveling with kids, it’s great that you’ve balanced active adventures with some downtime at beaches. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions that may help refine your trip even further:

Tuesday 24th (Arrival): Arriving at night is great. You’ll have time to rest and get ready for the days ahead. It’s always helpful to plan for a relaxed evening—perhaps grab a light meal or stroll around Waikiki if you're not too tired from traveling.

Wednesday 25th (Waikiki beaches, Iolani Palace): Waikiki beaches are great for an introduction to Oahu. You can spend some time relaxing and swimming. Iolani Palace is a beautiful historical site, so it’s a good choice for learning about Hawaiian history. Just be mindful of time so you're not rushing between activities. You might also want to add a stroll through Kapiolani Park after spending time on Waikiki Beach for a laid-back experience.

Thursday 26th (Byodo-In Temple, PCC): Visiting the Byodo-In Temple is a peaceful and scenic experience, and the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is one of the best ways to dive deep into Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture. You’ve allotted a good amount of time for the PCC, and it's an all-day experience, so this plan looks solid. Just make sure to check the opening hours and show schedules at the PCC to ensure you don’t miss the performances you want to see!

Friday 27th (North Shore beaches): The North Shore is a great area to explore, especially if you enjoy stunning beaches. Waimea Bay, Turtle Beach, Haleʻiwa Beach Park, and Sunset Beach are all must-sees. Since you're planning on spending the day there, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each spot. I’d recommend adding a stop at the famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Haleʻiwa for some local shrimp, if you're in the mood for a bite to eat while you're in the area!

Saturday 28th (Kualoa Ranch, Manoa Falls): Kualoa Ranch is fantastic and offers so many activities—whether you’re doing the ATV tour, horseback riding, or visiting the filming locations from Jurassic Park. Manoa Falls is a nice short hike afterward, but it can get muddy. If your kids enjoy hiking, it should be a fun and easy adventure to the waterfall. If you have extra time, you could also check out the nearby Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden on your way back to Waikiki.

Sunday 29th (Hanauma Bay, Beaches): Hanauma Bay is a fantastic spot for snorkeling. It’s one of the most famous snorkeling spots on the island, and you’ll likely see lots of colorful fish and sea turtles. If you're looking to pick beaches for the afternoon, Sandy Beach and Waimanalo Beach are both great choices. If you have time, Lanikai Beach offers crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Mokulua Islands, so I’d definitely recommend spending some time there.

Monday 30th (Pearl Harbor, Bishop Museum, International Marketplace): Pearl Harbor is a must-see historical site, and the Bishop Museum will help you learn more about Hawaiian culture and history. Since your flight is late, you can visit the International Marketplace to do some last-minute shopping or grab a bite. You could also consider stopping by the Royal Hawaiian Center for more shopping and cultural experiences if time permits.

Things you’re not able to fit in:

Diamond Head Hike: This is one of Oahu’s most iconic hikes. If you’re willing to adjust your schedule slightly, I recommend doing it in the morning before you head out to your other activities. You could potentially swap it with a lighter morning activity on Sunday (like less time at one of the beaches). The hike is about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden: If you’re not able to fit it into your itinerary on Saturday, consider visiting it on Sunday morning before Hanauma Bay. It's located on the windward side of the island, and it’s a beautiful, peaceful spot for a stroll and to enjoy nature. If you decide to add it, you might have to cut back a little on the time at other beaches.

Suggestions for Friday & Sunday Beaches:

Friday (North Shore): Your choices here are great. Waimea Bay is a must-see, and Turtle Beach has some great opportunities for spotting sea turtles! If you have extra time, consider checking out Ehukai Beach (famous for the Banzai Pipeline) or Sunset Beach for beautiful sunset views.
Sunday (Windward Side Beaches): Lanikai Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, so don’t miss it if you can fit it in. Waimanalo Beach is also stunning, and it's less crowded, offering a great spot for swimming and relaxation. Another good option is Kailua Beach, which is close to Waimanalo, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding if you're interested in water activities.

Must-Visit Eateries:

Leonard’s Bakery: Famous for its malasadas (Portuguese donuts), this is a must-try treat when you're in Oahu. It’s located in Honolulu, so you can stop by after exploring the beaches in Waikiki or before heading to the North Shore.
Marukame Udon: Located in Waikiki, this is a popular spot for delicious and affordable udon noodles. It’s a great place for a quick, filling meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: If you're near Haleʻiwa, Giovanni’s is a local favorite for garlic shrimp plates, a tasty treat for lunch or dinner after spending time at the North Shore beaches.
Side Street Inn: Known for its great local food and casual atmosphere, it’s perfect for a family dinner. The menu offers a variety of dishes, from seafood to steaks and local favorites.

Overall, your itinerary looks great! It's a well-balanced mix of activities and relaxation. I would just suggest tweaking a few details to optimize time spent traveling between spots. Enjoy your holiday in Oahu, and have a wonderful time with your family!

6 day Oahu Itinerary check (Christmas break)

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