Hey Moms! For those of you who have been to Oahu...If you had only one day to spend there, what sites/activities would be at the top of your to-do list? I know for sure that we will be visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, but I don't know how much time that will take. Is there something else that you would highly recommend? We can't really stray too far from the airport, so we probably have to stay along the western coast of the island. What about Diamond Head? Is that worth it?
Thanks for your advice!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the great responses. Just to clarify, we are actually headed to Mauii in April, but we will have one full day to spend in Oahu. I want to spend that day wisely. We are going with my parents, and they have always wanted to visit Pearl Harbor.
For touristy stuff a Luau is always great. But they're at night. Don't know if you have time for that.
My favorite part of Oahu was far from the "touristy" stuff. We rented a convertible and drove the parameter of the island, making several stops on the way to site-see and take pictures. It is the most beautiful drive you'll ever experience. We even drove through a school zone. The kiddos were getting out of school when we drove through and it was so cool to see several of them carrying their surf boards out of the school! We went to the North Shore and watched the surfers on 12-20 foot waves. It was AWESOME! And the island is so small that it only took us about 1/2 a day.
We also did some shopping and lying on the beach in Waikiki, but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much.
I highly recommend the drive around the island.
you didn't mention when you will be there. If you are going during a high tourist time which is the week of christmas and New years, the lines for pearl harbor stuff will probably be long. If you are going during a slower time of the year there shouldn't be a long line. WE have gone in september before and had no wait really. It is worth seeing and can take a while if you see it all. Oahu is a busy island an Waikiki is off part of the busy area. If you want to see beautiful parts of the island then head up to the North Shore area, it is about a 30 minute drive, but gets you out of the touristy crowded areas and into a much nicer area. There is also the Polynesian Village up there that is great and has a mini luau during the day. I wasn't impressed with Diamond head, guess because I have been to Haleakela on Maui. Either way it is hard to beat any Hawaiian island so i am sure you will enjoy it!
when you see the uss arizona-- get there EARLY the lines get really really long!
Hi S.,
My husband and I went to Oahu 5 years ago on our honeymoon. I'm not sure what time of year you are going, but it is VERY touristy, very crowded during certain times of the year. If you are planning on going to Pearl Harbor, get there when it opens if possible. The lines get long and that will take a good part of your day if it is crowded. Diamond Head is gorgeous, as are the beaches and coastline. We went hiking one day in an area where whales can be seen. We went in March, so not sure if it will be "whale season" when you go. It was so fun and very beautiful. You may want to check on that. As far as beaches, shopping, etc., they are nice but again, if we were not on the beach by 10:30 am, it was packed. We went to one luau. It was a little pricey and probably would have been better off just going to a nice dinner. Have a great time and let me know if you need any further info!
J.
It sounds like you might not have time for this, but my favorite day in Oahu was the day we took an island tour. I know that is so touristy, but we were able to see a little of everything. We saw a variety of landscapes (my favorite were the lush, green less populated areas) and got a little inside information about housing costs and traffic. We made several stops including the pineapple plantation, Diamond Head, etc. For us, it gave us a little perspective and we rented a car and revisited a few locations on another day. Our daughter was almost 3 and behaved really well (many of our fellow travelers complimented her- relieved, I am sure.)
Otherwise, it might be nice to take a long walk on the beach and have a nice lunch. Have fun.
Try and lengthen your stay!!! We go every year and can't fit everything in ever. My aunt's house is on the North Shore where they have the biggest waves and surfing. In January-March you have whale watching, So a drive on the coast is fun. I swear because I drive by the dole plantation to get to the North Shore I get pine apple ice cream every day! They also have the best shaved ice with ice cream. Personally, every time I take my hubby I have never taken him to Pearl Harbor. The line is to long and it is almost too turisty, if that is even a word? I love snorkling! I saw huge turtles right next to her house just by the beach, so we don't pay all that money for those tours out to the islands where you can snorkle. Anyway, point is Their is alot to do and I can't pick my favorite as I do the same things every time we go back. I did try surfing last time I was there. You have FUN!!!
L.
Good Morning,
I visited Honolulu when I was 7 months pregnant. Here's what I think; go to the USS Arizona first thing. Depending on how many people are already there when you arrive will depend on how long you have to wait (I guess it usually works that way right?). We got there at 7 am and the wait was about 45 minutes, but the wait was worth it. Diamond Head is kind of far in my opinion. We drove up there and then turned around and left, we apparently went to the hiking drop off, and I was NOT about to hike with my big ol' belly. You could try and go by Hunama Bay (-1 sp). I think it's been closed for snorkeling since we left, but it is really beautiful to look out over. I know that Waikiki Beach isn't to far from the airport/naval base so maybe that would be doable. BUT, if you have the time, you should go to the Dole Plantation. If not to go through the Huge Maze, they have the BEST Pineapple Ice-cream EVER!! I still crave that stuff. Have fun and be safe.
