5 nights in Oahu, or somewhere else?

Question

Hello! I will be travelling with kids and senior parents in August. We will only have 5 nights to visit Hawaii and we are thinking of visiting Aulani Resort and Pearl Harbor in Oahu. I have heard mixed opinions on spending all our time in Oahu, but 5 nights is obviously very short. Would you change plans to spend all 5 nights in Oahu? Do a different Island entirely? Island hop? Or is there any type of tour or something were we can just spend a day at another Island, etc?

Thanks!

Answer

With only 5 nights in Hawaii, focusing on one island—especially Oahu—can be the most relaxing and practical option, particularly when traveling with kids and senior parents. Trying to island hop in such a short timeframe often adds stress due to flights, transfers, and packing/unpacking. Oahu provides a good mix of cultural, historical, and family-friendly activities, making it suitable for your group.

Here’s how you might structure your 5 nights in Oahu:

Stay at Aulani Resort for 3 nights. It offers kid-friendly pools, beaches, and resort activities, while also being comfortable for seniors with plenty of amenities and easy access around the property.
Spend 1-2 nights in Waikiki or near Pearl Harbor for sightseeing. This allows you to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, and enjoy some shopping, dining, or short walks along Waikiki Beach.
Plan one or two day trips: consider a scenic drive along the Windward Coast, the Polynesian Cultural Center, or a gentle hike like Manoa Falls if the group is up for it.

If you are set on visiting another island, there are short inter-island flight options, but with your group, a full day trip may be tight. For example:

Day trips to nearby islands like Maui or the Big Island are possible with early flights, but you’d only get a brief glimpse rather than a relaxed experience.
Helicopter tours or air tours can give a “taste” of another island without the hassle of a full day trip. Some companies offer half-day aerial tours over Kauai, Maui, or the Big Island from Oahu.

Overall, spending all 5 nights on Oahu allows for a comfortable pace, minimal travel stress, and time to enjoy both Aulani Resort amenities and cultural/historical highlights like Pearl Harbor. For families with mixed ages, this approach balances sightseeing and relaxation effectively.