What to Do In Oahu for Your 7-Day Getaway

With colder weather just around the bend, it might be time to plan a family vacation to the beautiful island of Oahu which is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and gorgeous scenery. There is so much to do on the island, but with a 7-day trip, we’re confident you can cover a lot of ground and partake in several incredible activities.

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Day 1: Arrive in Honolulu

Flying into Oahu, you’ll likely arrive through the Honolulu International Airport. This gives you a great excuse to spend some time exploring Honolulu and all that it has to offer. The area is best known for its authentic Hawaiian luaus, and you don’t want to leave the island without enjoying that unique experience.

A Hawaiian luau is a great kick-off to your Oahu vacation. Enjoy tropical mai tais, live entertainment, hula dancers, fire shows, and an impressive buffet of island favorites. Some of the most popular places in Honolulu for a luau are Chief’s Luau, Paradise Cove Luau, and Toa Luau.

Day 2: Spend a Day on Waikiki Beach

Wake up bright and early on your first official day of vacation. Take in a breathtaking Hawaiian sunrise and pack your bags for a day at the beach. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island and is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day with the family.

Waikiki Beach is located on the south shore of Honolulu and offers two beautiful miles of white sand and crystal blue waters. Spend the day sunbathing, building sandcastles, and searching for seashells. And of course, Waikiki Beach is also great for a variety of watersports including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.

And if you need to break away from the beach, Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium are just nearby and are perfect for a fun outing that the whole family will love.

Day 3: Go Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay

If you didn’t get your fill of snorkeling at Waikiki Beach, head to Hanauma Bay on day three of your Oahu vacation to enjoy a snorkeling venture beyond your wildest dreams.

Hanauma Bay was formed within a volcano cone and is home to more than 300 species of fish and marine life. There are only 3000 visitors allowed each day to ensure the reef and all the fish that live there stay safe and protected. Reservations are required to visit so make sure to plan and ensure you experience this must-see Oahu attraction.

Day 4: Hike Up Waimea Falls

Keep your vacation going with an active day out hiking with plenty of beautiful surrounding sights. As part of your Oahu 7-day itinerary, be sure to plan a trip to hike up to Waimea Falls.

Located in Waimea Valley, this hike is easy and accessible for families to complete. The entire hike will take under an hour and you will get to enjoy beautiful botanical gardens and the 30-foot waterfall at the end of the trail. Once you arrive, you can plunge into the waters for safe swimming with lifeguards on duty.

Day 5: Take in the Scenery of Kailua

When you need a break from all the activity, take a low-key drive and take in all the stunning scenery of Kailua. This relaxed beach town is home to white sand beaches, picturesque mountain backdrops, and clear blue waters.

Experience all the scenery by driving along the coastal route to arrive at the lovely coastal town of Windwardside. Go right past Koko Head and through Hawaii Kai, then turn onto the southeast corner. Along the road, you’ll want to visit several scenic stops including Sandy’s Beach, Halona Blowhole, and Makapu’u Lighthouse. Upon arriving in Windwarside, enjoy tacos and fresh-caught seafood at Chez Bubba Bistro.

Day 6: Climb Diamond Head

You can’t have an Oahu vacation without visiting the iconic Diamond Head. Located on the eastern side of Waikiki’s coastline, this stunning landmark offers scenic hiking trails, coastal views, and rich history.

Diamond Head covers over 475 acres, with plenty of areas to explore. You and your family can easily access the summit after a 0.8-mile climb. The trailhead is steep, but the incredible views are beyond worth it. If you travel up this trail during the winter, you may be able to witness humpback whales swimming by.

Day 7: Experience the Local History

For your last day on your Oahu 7-day itinerary, we recommend spending the day exploring the island’s rich history. There are numerous historical stops to peak the interests of both kids and adults so you can all learn something during your trip.

Start with the Dove Pineapple Plantation to sample pineapple, take a garden tour, and experience the garden maze. The Pacific Aviation Museum to see these impressive planes up close or even sit in a 360-degree flight simulator. There is also the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where you can learn about the attack and the start of the war.