Where to stay in Hawaii for 5 days post cruise

Question

Hello, my wife and I both 65 yrs young will be leaving from Vancouver in September on a cruise. Our cruise has a number of sea days followed by 3 destinations in Hawaii, first being HILO, HAWAII this is an overnight stay, then were onto KAILUA KONA for a single day. We wrap up the cruise with an overnight stay in HONOLULU, OAHU. After the cruise we are thinking of staying in Hawaii for 4-5 days before flying home, our flight is booked to depart from the Honolulu airport. Our question is where to stay, do we stay in OAHU or do we go to another island? We are not excited about travelling to another island as we only have 5 days. We have stayed in Waikiki before. We stayed there about 5 yrs ago and we were minutes from the Honolulu zoo. We did a number of day trips, we visited Pearl Harbour, visited Diamond Head, did a couple other tours of the island, visited places like the Dole Plantation, Kiwi farm etc. Hoping you can provide some suggestions/guidance. Thank you Brian Hamilton

Answer

Since you’ll have 4–5 days post-cruise and your departure is from Honolulu, staying on Oahu is likely the most convenient and relaxing option, especially given that you’ve already explored Waikiki and many classic attractions on previous visits. This allows you to avoid inter-island flights, unpack only once, and enjoy a slower pace without travel logistics.

Given your past experience in Waikiki, you might consider staying in a different area of Oahu to experience a new perspective of the island. Here are some suggestions for areas to stay and activities to explore:

Ko Olina / Kapolei: Located on the west coast, this area is quieter than Waikiki and has several beautiful lagoons and resort-style condos. You can enjoy calm beaches, easy snorkeling, and resort amenities without the hustle of downtown Honolulu.
North Shore: Famous for surf beaches, scenic coastline, and small-town charm. Consider staying near Haleiwa for local eateries, art galleries, and easy access to beaches like Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay. It’s ideal if you enjoy more natural landscapes and a relaxed vibe.
East Oahu / Kailua or Lanikai: These towns offer some of Oahu’s most beautiful beaches with turquoise water and soft sand. Kailua has charming shops and eateries, while Lanikai is perfect for early morning beach walks or kayaking. It’s peaceful and ideal for a slower-paced stay.

For activities during your 4–5 days, you can focus on experiences you may have missed previously, mixing sightseeing, light hiking, and relaxation:

Hiking in less-visited areas such as the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, Ka’ena Point, or the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for panoramic views.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (arrive early) or exploring quieter spots like Shark’s Cove on the North Shore.
Exploring local towns, farmers markets, and art galleries in Kailua, Haleiwa, or along the Windward Coast.
Day trips to Pearl Harbor or Iolani Palace if you’d like to revisit or catch details you may have missed before.
Enjoying the beaches, pools, and casual dining options in your chosen area, with plenty of time for relaxation after your cruise.

In summary, staying on Oahu simplifies logistics and allows you to explore new parts of the island, from quiet lagoons and North Shore beaches to scenic hikes and charming towns, while keeping your departure from Honolulu easy. Since you’ve already done much of Waikiki and central Oahu, focusing on the west, north, or windward sides provides a refreshing change of pace.

Where to stay in Hawaii for 5 days post cruise

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