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Day trip

I’ve been to Oahu a few times for weekend trips but the kids were small and don’t remember. We always spend our summers on Kauai . I’m thinking about buying an early morning flight like 6am from Lihue and flying back around 8:30 pm . My thoughts are Pearl Harbor ( never been ) , Waikiki beach for an outrigger ride ( my son loved this when he was small ) and maybe a diamond head hike .

Having a nice lunch and early dinner on island as well . Thoughts ?

A day trip from Kauai to Oahu can be ambitious, but it’s definitely doable if you plan carefully. With an early 6am flight from Lihue and a late evening return around 8:30pm, you’ll have roughly 12 hours on Oahu, factoring in airport time and transportation. Here’s a detailed suggestion for making the most of your day:

Morning:

  • Arrive at Honolulu early and head straight to Pearl Harbor. Consider booking tickets in advance for the USS Arizona Memorial to save time and guarantee entry.
  • Allow 2–3 hours for Pearl Harbor, including the museum and memorial. Early arrival helps avoid crowds.

Midday:

  • Drive or take a ride-share to Waikiki. Depending on traffic, it can take 30–45 minutes from Pearl Harbor.
  • Enjoy an outrigger canoe ride
  • Grab lunch in Waikiki. Options near the beach include casual Hawaiian-style plate lunches, seafood restaurants, or beachfront cafes.

Afternoon:

  • If your family is up for it, do the Diamond Head hike. This is a moderate 1–1.5 hour round trip hike with fantastic panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
  • Alternatively, you can spend extra time relaxing on Waikiki Beach, swimming, or snorkeling, which might be easier if the kids are tired from the morning activities.

Late afternoon / Early evening:

  • Consider an early dinner near Waikiki before heading back to the airport. You can choose from Hawaiian cuisine, fresh seafood, or casual family-friendly spots.
  • Plan to leave Waikiki by around 6–6:30pm to account for traffic and return flight check-in.

Tips for a smooth day trip:

  • Book tickets and tours ahead of time whenever possible (Pearl Harbor, outrigger ride).
  • Use a rental car or rideshare for flexibility and speed; traffic can be heavy, especially around Waikiki.
  • Pack light, bring sunscreen, hats, and water, since you’ll be moving around a lot.
  • Keep activities realistic; it’s a long day, so prioritize the must-see items like Pearl Harbor and either Diamond Head or beach time.

This itinerary gives you a balanced mix of history, beach fun, and light hiking, and is achievable with an early start and careful planning.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Waikiki Beach
Honolulu
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Honolulu
Hawaii
Kauai
Oahu

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