Help with a quick trip to Oahu

Question

My wife and I are planning a quick trip to Oahu around a work conference. We are arriving on Friday afternoon and have dinner reservations at 5pm. Friday will be spent getting acclimated to Waikiki.

Saturday is our only full day available for sightseeing (until 5PM Luau).

I would like to do the full island loop using the Guide Along App.

Is it advisable to do the Diamondhead hike at 6am and/or spend time at Hanauma Bay during this day? Would either of these activities be better suited to Sunday afternoon?

Sunday we are able to tour in the afternoon. We would like to hike to waterfalls. It looks like Manoa Falls is a good choice, is there another waterfall hike that we should complete?

Is Hanauma Bay worth visiting on a Sunday afternoon?

Monday is Pearl Harbor (Work Conference Day)

Tuesday morning departure.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Answer

Aloha! For a quick trip to Oahu with only one full sightseeing day, planning carefully will help you maximize your experience while keeping it enjoyable.

For Saturday, since you want to do the full island loop with the Guide Along App, here’s a suggested approach:

Start early with the Diamond Head hike around 6am. This is ideal to avoid crowds and the midday heat. The hike is relatively short (about 1.5–2 hours round trip), so it won’t take too much time from your day loop.
Hanauma Bay is best in the morning for snorkeling and clear water, but if you start your day at Diamond Head, you may have limited time to enjoy it fully. It could be worth saving Hanauma Bay for Sunday afternoon if you prefer a more relaxed pace, as Sunday mornings might be less crowded.
Use the rest of Saturday to complete your scenic drive around the island, stopping at lookout points, beaches, and small towns along the way. Make sure to leave time to return to Waikiki by 5pm for your Luau.

For Sunday afternoon sightseeing:

Hanauma Bay can be a good option if you didn’t go Saturday morning. Note that it may be more crowded in the afternoon, and the marine life visibility can be slightly lower.
Manoa Falls is a great waterfall hike that is easy to moderate and very lush. If you want another waterfall option, consider the Likeke Falls or Maunawili Falls Trail for a slightly longer and more adventurous hike.
These hikes are suitable for a Sunday afternoon, giving you a half-day activity that is not too strenuous before your evening or dinner plans.

Additional tips:

Arrive at Hanauma Bay early if you decide to go Saturday to secure parking, as it can fill up quickly.
Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks to keep energy levels up during your island loop.
Traffic can be unpredictable, especially on the east side of the island and around Honolulu, so leave some buffer time between activities.

Monday is set for Pearl Harbor with your conference, and Tuesday is a morning departure, so keeping Saturday and Sunday well-balanced with early starts and strategic stops will help you see the highlights without feeling rushed.