Itineary Advice

Question

Hi,

Any advice on the following itinerary....family of 5 with 3 sons aged 13,16,17...visiting in April.

We are coming in from Australia and land in Oahu on Monday morning...guessing we will be a little jetlagged the first day or 2, so haven't made plans other than explore around Waikiki etc.

Mon-Tues - arrive explore Waikiki

Wed booked for Pearl Harbour and USS Arizona first up (bus/uber up)

Thurs pick up rental car - head to Kualoa Rach and do tour

Friday - still have rental car - head up to North Shore - explore around there

Saturday?

Sunday fly to Maui - stay in Maui till Thurs - fly back to Waikiki

Thurs - Fri - Sat - no plans yet....

Sun - fly home.

We are keen to do some hikes and walks etc. Any advice on itinerary so far....

Answer

Your itinerary looks well balanced for a mix of culture, history, nature, and some relaxation. Since you’re traveling with teenagers, it’s good to mix active adventures with lighter sightseeing. Here’s a detailed look at your plans and some suggestions.

Monday-Tuesday (Arrival / Waikiki)

Given jet lag, keeping it light is perfect. Explore the Waikiki area on foot, check out the beach, the shops, and local eateries. You can also take a short hike to:

Diamond Head Summit Trail – 1.5–2 hours round trip; great views of Honolulu and the coastline.
Fort DeRussy Beach Walk – easy walk along the beach, good for stretching legs after the flight.

Evening: consider a casual dinner at Duke’s Waikiki or Hula Grill, both with ocean views and family-friendly menus.

Wednesday (Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona)

You have this booked first thing, which is ideal. Allocate 3–4 hours for the site. Afterward:

Lunch nearby at Highway Inn or Liliha Bakery for a casual local experience.
Optional afternoon: stroll through the Honolulu Museum of Art if you want something cultural but low exertion, or relax back at Waikiki.

Thursday (Rental Car / Kualoa Ranch)

Heading to Kualoa Ranch is great for outdoor fun and your teens will enjoy the movie sites and activities. Some tips:

Book tours in advance (e.g., the Secret Island Adventure or ATV tour if everyone is up for it).
Plan a late lunch at Kualoa Ranch café or nearby Kaneohe options.
Consider stopping at Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach on your way back if time allows; these are beautiful beaches for a short swim or sunset walk.

Friday (North Shore)

North Shore is perfect for a car day. Suggested stops:

Waimea Bay – famous for big waves in winter, calmer in April, good for a swim.
Sunset Beach or Pipeline – short strolls and photo opportunities.
Haleiwa Town – casual lunch at a shrimp truck (Giovanni’s) or local café, ice cream at Matsumoto Shave Ice.
Optional: short hike at Ehukai Pillbox Trail (moderate, rewarding views).

Saturday (Open day)

Since this is still Oahu, consider:

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail – easy 2–3 km round trip with panoramic ocean views.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay – note it’s closed Tuesdays; reserve online in advance.
Evening luau – for a Hawaiian cultural experience, perhaps Paradise Cove or Germaine’s.

Sunday – Thursday (Maui)

With Maui, a few suggestions for activities your teens might enjoy:

Road to Hana – full-day adventure; leave early, enjoy waterfalls, black sand beaches, short hikes.
Haleakalā Sunrise – requires reservation; a must-see experience.
Snorkeling – Molokini Crater or Turtle Town tours; kids will love it.
Kaanapali Beach – great for relaxed afternoon swimming and sunsets.

Thursday – Saturday (Back to Oahu)

If returning to Oahu, you can fill these days with lighter activities:

Manoa Falls or Manoa Valley hike – short rainforest walk, scenic.
Shopping / exploring Chinatown for food and culture, if interested in local markets.
Beach day at Ala Moana Beach Park – less crowded than Waikiki, good for a relaxing day.

Tips for Independence Day (4th of July)

Fireworks at Waikiki Beach are usually spectacular; consider reserving a waterfront restaurant for dinner.
Expect crowds, especially near the beach and Ala Moana Park; plan to arrive early if attending events.
Public transport and rideshare will be busy; give yourself extra time to get around.

General Advice

Start hikes early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
Keep water, snacks, and sunscreen handy, especially for your teens.
Book tours and activities online in advance where possible to secure spots.
Balance activity days with lighter days to recover from travel fatigue and jet lag.

Overall, your itinerary is well-paced with a mix of beach, hikes, culture, and driving adventures. Filling Saturday with a moderate hike or beach day will complement your plans and give the teens a bit of exploration before the Maui leg.

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