Itinerary help

Question

Family of 4 (we are 50, two kids are 14, and 16) headed to Hawaii at the end of June/early July for two weeks split between Oahu and Maui. We are flying in on a Friday from NY, landing at 2p and staying in a condo in Waikiki with a rental car. We are an active family looking to explore the island and beaches and take advantage of the time change with early mornings. Just trying to figure out our day trips for now so that we can begin the booking process soon.

Day 1: Travel Day: land in HNL at 2p and check into Condo

Day 2: Waikiki: AM: Diamond Head hike, groceries

PM: Beach, Outrigger Canoe Ride

Day 3: East Shore: AM: Nu'uanau Pali Lookout, Lanikai Pill Box Hike, Lanikai or Kailua Beach

PM: Kualoa Ranch: 90 minute jungle tour

Day 4: West Shore: Ko Olina snorkeling tour followed by Ko Olina lagoons

Day 5: North Shore: Haleiwa Town, Sharks Cove or 3 Tables snorkeling, Waimea Falls, Toa Luau

Day 6: HNL: AM: Pearl Harbor, Aloha Stadium Swap, Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum

PM: Waikiki Catamaran sunset cruise

Day 7: South Shore: AM: KoKo Head hike, quick stops at Halona Blowhole/Cove, Sandy Beach,

Makapu'u Lighthouse and end up at Waimanalo Beach for the rest of the day

Day 8: Fly to Maui, 11a flight.

Not sure if I should skip the sights on Day 7 and head back up to the North shore to hit anything we missed. Any help is appreciated!

Answer

Your itinerary for your Hawaii trip looks fantastic! You've planned some great activities, and it's clear that you're looking to make the most of your time on both Oahu and Maui. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions to help you maximize your trip, particularly for Day 7 when you're considering either staying on the South Shore or heading back to the North Shore to catch up on missed sights.

Day 7 (South Shore vs. North Shore):

The South Shore is packed with beautiful spots, and your itinerary already has a great mix of scenic hikes and beach time, but if you feel like you may have missed something on the North Shore, here are some options to consider:

North Shore Sights: If you're specifically interested in heading back up to the North Shore, a few additional stops could include Waimea Bay (if you haven't done it already), a visit to the iconic Banzai Pipeline (great for photos), or taking a detour through the charming town of Haleiwa to enjoy a delicious meal and shop for souvenirs.
Waimea Valley (if missed): This is a great alternative if you're looking for something different on the North Shore. It’s home to a beautiful waterfall where you can take a swim, and the botanical garden is also a lovely spot to explore.
Food Stops: If you're a fan of local food, the North Shore is known for its shrimp trucks (Giovanni's, for example), which could be a fun lunch stop before heading back to Waikiki.

Considerations for Day 7:

Waimanalo Beach: This is a beautiful, more relaxed beach, perfect for some downtime with its white sand and turquoise water. It’s also a great spot to bring a picnic, especially after a day of hiking. If your family enjoys laid-back beach days, you can easily spend a few hours here.
KoKo Head Hike: The KoKo Head hike can be a bit strenuous due to the steep steps, so make sure everyone in the family is up for it. If you're all fit and eager, it’s a great way to start your day with stunning views of the South Shore, and then you can hit a few of the other scenic spots you’ve listed.

Adjustments to Day 7 Itinerary:

If you want to ensure you don't feel rushed and have a more relaxed day, you could consider the following options:

Split the day into a morning of hikes and a relaxing afternoon at one beach. For example, hike KoKo Head in the morning, then spend the afternoon at Waimanalo Beach for swimming and relaxing.
Alternatively, after your morning hikes, take a drive back up to the North Shore for some of the food and sightseeing that you may have missed earlier in the trip.

Suggestions for Other Days:

Since you’re staying in Waikiki, I also recommend making sure you have at least one day to just relax and explore Waikiki itself. There's a lot to see, and Waikiki Beach is an excellent spot for people-watching, paddleboarding, or just enjoying the ocean views without needing to rush to other locations.

Since you're planning an active vacation, your itinerary already balances hikes, beaches, cultural experiences (Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace), and plenty of time for water activities (snorkeling, canoe rides). If you're interested in some more family-friendly, adventurous options, you could consider adding a visit to the Dole Plantation (for a fun, interactive experience) or exploring the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium for a relaxed yet educational outing.

In summary:

On Day 7, you can either focus on the South Shore, enjoying the scenic spots, or venture back to the North Shore to cover anything you missed, such as Waimea Valley or a food truck stop.
For a more laid-back day, you could combine a hike with some relaxing beach time.
Don’t forget to carve out some time for exploring Waikiki itself!

Your two weeks in Hawaii will undoubtedly be amazing, and with your early mornings, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and make the most of everything this beautiful island has to offer!

Itinerary help

More Oahu Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions