Oahu Two weeks ideas

Question

Hello Friends,

As always, when I am traveling I am looking for some advice from real people and hope this time someone will help me, as well...

We, family of 4, with kids 16 & 13 yo, will be in Oahu for two weeks. We'll be staying in Ewa Beach area.

Any suggestions what to do? what to see?

We definitely want to see as much nature as possible (we are OK to hike 5-7 miles), want to do snorkeling and regular swim in the ocean...

Never tried surfing and not sure it's a good idea (even we are pretty sporty).

I am not a huge fans of museums, but since we'll be there already probably visit Pearl Harbor Museum as well.

Any recommendations about parks, hikes, snorkeling areas, good (not over expensive tourists traps) tours, good local food and etc, would be really appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Oahu is a fantastic island for a two-week family trip, especially if you want to combine beaches, nature, and outdoor activities. Since you’ll be based in Ewa Beach, you have a good central location to explore both the windward (east) and leeward (west) sides of the island.

For nature and hiking:

Diamond Head State Monument – an iconic 1.5–2 hour hike with panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki.
Mākua and Ka‘ena Point Trails – more remote areas with beautiful coastal hikes; great for seeing seabirds and tide pools.
Manoa Falls Trail – a short rainforest hike ending at a waterfall; very family-friendly.
Koko Crater Railway Trail – steep but rewarding, for a challenging hike with incredible views.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Trail) – moderate hike with breathtaking views of Lanikai Beach.

For snorkeling and swimming:

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – world-famous snorkeling with tropical fish; go early to avoid crowds.
Shark’s Cove (North Shore) – calm in summer, excellent for snorkeling.
Kualoa Regional Park – sheltered beach area good for swimming and snorkeling.
Waimea Bay – in summer, calm enough for swimming; winter has big waves, mainly for surfers.

Other activities and sightseeing:

Pearl Harbor – USS Arizona Memorial and visitor center; arrive early or reserve tickets in advance.
North Shore – see famous surf beaches (Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach) and shrimp trucks for local eats.
Kailua and Lanikai Beaches – beautiful soft sand for swimming and kayaking.
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail – relatively easy hike with dramatic ocean views; often whales visible in winter.
Kualoa Ranch – consider a guided tour (ATV, horseback, or movie set tour) if interested.

Local food options:

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (North Shore) – classic garlic shrimp plates.
Leonard’s Bakery – famous malasadas (Portuguese donuts).
Marukame Udon – fresh udon noodles at reasonable prices.
Local poke shops – try places like Maguro Brothers or Tamura’s.
Farmers markets – Kapahulu, Kailua, and Chinatown markets for fresh fruit and local snacks.

Surfing: If you want to try surfing, consider taking a short lesson at Waikiki Beach. It’s beginner-friendly and safe for active families.

Tips:

Rent a car; it’s essential to explore the island beyond Ewa Beach.
Start early for popular hikes and beaches to avoid crowds and heat.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and plenty of water for hikes.
Mix sightseeing with downtime on less crowded beaches to keep the kids engaged.

With two weeks, you can comfortably explore both the scenic windward coast, North Shore, and southern beaches while enjoying hikes, snorkeling, and local food without rushing.

Oahu Two weeks ideas

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