Exploring Oahu For The First Time

The Center of the Kingdom

Oahu is the busiest of all the major islands. You will feel like you are in a major mainland city while in Honolulu but drive away from the city and you will remember you are actually in Hawai’i. Oahu is a great island to start or end your trip with since the airport here is the biggest one in the state.

We have saved you the time and hassle of research and planning by organizing the best tours of Oahu at the best prices. We have built great relationships with the best tour providers on the island and can help you with any logistics or issues that may come up as well.

Below you will find the best of LAND, AIR, WATER, and CULTURE Oahu has to offer with a little background info and a few options to consider. We have organized everything into a day-by-day itinerary for you based on years of experience of building dream vacations.

ARRIVAL
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DEPARTURE

ARRIVAL

The Gathering Isle, Oahu, is home to some of the Hawaiian Islands’ most famous & popular attractions.

The All Inclusive Oahu Vacation Package is our most popular package and includes at least 4 nights accommodation on world-famous Waikiki Beach at the beautiful oceanside resort. We’ve crafted an itinerary of entertaining activities including a deluxe Pearl Harbor tour to visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Battleship, the sunset Paradise Cove Hawaiian luau, and plenty of free time to explore Waikiki and the beautiful island of O’ahu. Leave the organization to us, as this package includes your transportation to/from the airport, beachfront accommodation, concierge service, and fun activities to do during your stay on O’ahu!

DAY 1: Take in the Beaches, See a Lu’au at Night

Most people wake up early in their first few days in Hawai’i because of the time difference, others just came from another island. Either scenario, it would probably be nice to just take in where you are staying first and get acclimated to the different feeling Oahu offers from the other islands, other places in the world.

Nothing says Hawaiian vacation like a luau. This celebration of Polynesian culture is known throughout the world as a fun, entertaining, and delicious way to learn about the people who migrated to Hawaii nearly 1,000 years ago. Picture yourself at a beautiful beachfront location while you sip a Mai Tai, sink your teeth into a lavish Hawaiian feast, and enjoy a thrilling Polynesian show. Take an evening to relax and enjoy a genuinely Hawaiian celebration. Multiple choices and locations guarantee you can find the perfect luau for your family and friends – your ohana.

fun and relaxing waikiki flow go yoga

Paradise Cove Luau Fire Knife Performer Oahu

DAY 2: See Oahu from the Air

There is nothing more thrilling than seeing iconic Hawaiian landmarks from the air. Whether you choose a private tour or a pro photography flight, you will feel like Magnum P.I. as you take in the scenery below. Several options for length of tour and destination will allow you to choose what will best fit your group.

From 30-minute, partial island tours or deluxe 60-minute flights that circle the entire island, you have safe, informative, and fun helicopter touring options that will highlight your Hawaii vacation!

hanauma bay one of the most popular tourist destinations in oahu hawaii rainbow helicopters

view historic sights of oahu hawaii rainbow helicopters

DAY 3: Pearl Harbor

Nearly 2 million visitors per year come to the site of the World War II attacks President Roosevelt referred to as “…a date which will live in infamy.” Film footage and photographs capture the tragedy and devastating losses of December 7, 1941. One option for visitors is a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. The bravery of the sailors will stand resolute at these solemn places on this most popular tour. Aboard the USS Missouri, you can stand upon the deck where World War II ended as the Instruments of Surrender documents were signed on September 2, 1945 within Tokyo Bay, Japan.

The USS Bowfin submarine and floating museum is another WWII veteran dubbed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” Located within walking distance of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, you can board and tour the submarine. Don’t forget the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum at this stop. You can even add these choices to a circle island tour or a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Don’t forget the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum at this stop.

USS Missouri Deck Bow Guns and Shell Pearl Harbor Oahu

USS Missouri Visitor and Gangway Entrance Pearl Harbor Oahu

DAY 4: Polynesian Cultural Center

Right up at the top of iconic Hawaii activities, the Polynesian Cultural Center has been entertaining and educating visitors since 1962. Most packages include food and a hula show to immerse you in the culture of the seven Pacific Islands nations.

Within the grounds of the Polynesian Cultural Center are six traditional Pacific Island villages staffed by Polynesians from the 6 island nations represented. Each village has demonstrations and activities that are particular to its location. Play traditional ancient games, throw a spear, hop on a canoe ride, or capture demonstrations of these island cultures’ ancient skills, dance, and chants.

There are also choices that combine a visit to the historic Pearl Harbor Memorial and the Cultural Center for a full day of ancient and recent Hawaii history.

polynesian dance polynesia cultural center

Polynesian Cultural Center Hukilau Marketplace Pounders Oahu

DAY 5: Kualoa Ranch

Ziplining, Hiking, Horseback Riding, ATV adventures, movie tours, and more! You can drive yourself or choose a Waikiki pickup to this 4,000-acre private nature preserve and working cattle ranch. There are handicapped-accessible vehicle tours and mountain bike and horseback riding options, so you are bound to find the right trip for your group.

Located on the eastern side of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch is the site of many large movie productions like Jumanji and Mighty Joe Young. As one of the blockbuster movie’s production sites, Kualoa Ranch is called “Jurassic Valley” for a good reason! Fans of Lost and Hawaii Five-O will also recognize the landscape from these popular TV shows.

oahu east shoreline near koalua ranch oahu hawaii

kualoa jurassic adventure tour ford trucks

DAY 6: Circle Island Tour

Starting in the morning at Waikiki, this all-day, 120-mile all-day tour takes you to some of Oahu’s most famous natural vistas, beaches, and waterfalls. You will have a chance to sample the wares at nut and pineapple farms and admire the craftsmanship of the spectacular Byodo-In Buddhist temple. Your expert guide will provide fascinating narratives and “talk story” about the natural wonders, plants, and animals and the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. You will visit the famous Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, where King Kamehameha I and his troops famously battled the king of Oahu to unite the islands in 1795.

A favorite stop is the beautiful Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens and waterfall. Breathe in the fragrant air in this tranquil setting and let your shoulders relax. And no visit to Hawaii would be complete without stopping to taste freshly picked pineapple. It is an entirely different taste than canned fruit and will leave you wanting more!

chinaman s hat island oahu

Nuuanu Pali Lookouthike Nuuanu Pali lookout Oahu Pali Highway Popular tour

DAY 7: Explore the Ocean

Ocean activities are plentiful! Options range from ocean tours on a sailing catamaran to flyboard riding. A tour of Kaneohe Bay will get you up close with local honu (sea turtles), or choose to kayak around the Bay to see unique fish and colorful reefs. If you have a need for speed, check out a jet ski, or harness the power of the wind while parasailing. For watching the spectacular Hawaiian sunset, nothing beats a romantic dinner cruise on a luxury vessel.

If you are in Hawaii from December-April, you can see humpback whales in the wild as they migrate to their northern feeding grounds. These magnificent creatures will show off for you – breaching, tail slapping, and generally frolicking while you watch from your comfortable spot on a professionally-captained tour boat.

We recommend that you try at least two or three ways to get wet, and you’ll learn why the culture of Hawaii is truly built around the ocean.

Tiger Sharks Underwater Ocean shutterstock

watching the beautiful dolphins mana cruises oahu snorkel tour

DEPARTURE

The best airport for the best prices in all of Hawai’i is Honolulu. It’s a short hop over to any of the other islands and it’s possible to get a direct flight back to most major cities or one with only 1-stop. There is food at the airport but with all the food good on Oahu, it is advised you try one last good meal before your flight.

sunset at waikiki beach oahu island hawaii

koolina sunset dinner and snorkel cruise ocean joy cruises oahu hawaii

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