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Hello, we are a family of 4 kids aged 12 and 15 and are planning to visit late march early April. We have a total of ten days. How does this look? Am I missing anything? I am missing a luau? Should we attend one hear or in Maui?

Day 1 get there by 3pm

Check in – chill – check out waikiki beach

Day 2

diamond head crater trail - make reservations

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – make reservations

Makapuʻu Lookout (optional)

Day 3

Mānoa Falls Trail

Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout - hike to the lighthouse if time

Kailua – explore – lunch

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Chill on Lanikai beach

Dinner

Day 4

Kualoa Ranch BOOK TOUR

Laniakea Beach – see sea turtles

Haleiwa town to explore

Back to waikiki

Day 5

Leave in am and go to maui reach before noon

Answer

Your itinerary for Oahu looks solid and well-paced for a family with kids aged 12 and 15, though there are a few adjustments and suggestions to make the trip smoother and ensure you hit some iconic experiences without feeling rushed. I’ve also addressed the luau question and offered tips for traveling to Maui afterward.

General Observations

Days 1–4 on Oahu are packed but manageable if you start early and are prepared for traffic. Make reservations for Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay in advance, as you noted, and plan accordingly for peak hours. The mix of hikes, beaches, and cultural/animal encounters (sea turtles) is great for keeping teenagers engaged.

Day-by-Day Notes & Adjustments

Day 1: Arrival by 3pm, check-in, Waikiki beach. Perfect as a relaxed first day. Consider grabbing dinner at a nearby casual spot to avoid feeling rushed.
Day 2: Diamond Head crater trail and Hanauma Bay are excellent choices. Makapuʻu Lookout is optional but doable if time allows. Be aware that traffic to Hanauma Bay can be heavy; try to get there right at opening to maximize time snorkeling and minimize crowds. Bring sun protection and water for both hikes.
Day 3: Mānoa Falls Trail is short and family-friendly. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is quick; the optional lighthouse hike is doable but could be skipped if time is tight. Kailua town and Lanikai Pillbox Trail are great afternoon options. Ending with Lanikai Beach is perfect. Consider leaving earlier to avoid late afternoon heat on the Pillbox hike.
Day 4: Kualoa Ranch tours are a must-book; pick one of the family-friendly options like the Movie Sites or Jungle Expedition. Laniakea Beach and Haleiwa exploration are ideal afterward. You might want to stagger timing to avoid traffic when returning to Waikiki.
Day 5: Depart for Maui. Morning flight or ferry (most likely flight from Oahu to Kahului Airport) works best to maximize your afternoon on Maui. Factor in luggage, car rental pickup, and check-in at your Maui accommodation.

Luau Recommendations

Yes, including a luau is highly recommended — it’s a cultural highlight and fun for the whole family. Since you’re on Oahu for four nights, it’s easiest to attend a luau there rather than waiting until Maui, as Maui luaus will require additional travel and scheduling. Some good Oahu options near Waikiki include:

Paradise Cove Luau – family-friendly, oceanfront, with traditional Hawaiian entertainment.
Germaine’s Luau – casual, beachside, with interactive experiences.
Royal Hawaiian Luau – a slightly more upscale experience located in Waikiki, convenient if staying in that area.

Additional Tips

Traffic: Oahu traffic can be heavy, especially around Honolulu and North Shore. Start mornings early to maximize sightseeing.
Parking: Make sure your car rental has GPS and check parking at popular trailheads (Diamond Head, Lanikai Pillbox, Hanauma Bay).
Pack snacks and water: Especially on hikes or drives to North Shore.
Optional add-ons: If you have extra energy, consider a short catamaran or glass-bottom boat ride off Waikiki for the kids, or a quick visit to the Bishop Museum for Hawaiian history and culture.

Summary

Your itinerary works well for a first Oahu visit, balances hikes, beach time, and local culture, and is realistic with kids in your age range. Add a luau on Day 2 or 3 to capture the cultural experience. Make sure to plan early starts to beat traffic and maximize your time at popular sites. Overall, it’s a strong plan, and transitioning to Maui after four nights gives you plenty of time to enjoy the next island without feeling rushed.

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