Oahu is a great starter island for first-time visitors to Hawai`i. The capital of the state sits proudly on the southeast corner of the island, and you can get to the opposite point and back by car in under 90 minutes – while taking in some amazing scenery.

We rented a muscle car on Turo for a single day to go to the north shore and back down. Due to Oahu’s serious traffic issues, I wouldn’t recommend driving any more than that if you can help it. It’s stunning any time of year, but fall is a particularly low-key time to go.

Day 1 in Oahu: Explore Hawai’i

Breakfast: Indulge in a Fresh Fruit Bowl

Papaya, bananas, pineapple, coconuts – lots of amazing tropical fruits are grown and harvested all year long in Hawai’i. From your hotel breakfast to the 7-11 down the street, amazing fruit can be found all over the island.

Morning: Lay on the Beach

Let’s get real: this is the reason you travel to Hawai’i. Oahu is covered in beaches – after all, it is an island. Any beach within 5 minutes of where you’re staying will do. If the beaches close to Honolulu are a little too crowded for you, simply head north on the Kamehameha highway and find one of the many parks with small, quiet beaches to enjoy.

Lunch: Scarf Down Fresh Poke from Foodland

If you’re a mainlander, your idea of poke is probably some fish, tofu, or tempeh artfully arranged over a bowl of rice and veggies. But thanks to the abundance of fresh seafood around Hawai`i, poke is serious business. Gird your loins for well over a hundred types of fish, mussels, clams, shellfish, and more at the poke counter at the local grocery chain, Foodland – all of it fresh and incredible.

Afternoon: Learn about Hawaiian History and Biology at the Bishop Museum

More than just a classic tourist destination, Hawai’i has a rich and fascinating past – with a dark side, too. If you’re going to Oahu, take the time to learn about the ahupua’a system, the effects of colonialism and climate change on the island, and the ways many dedicated Hawaiians are fighting to preserve their island and culture.

Dinner/Night: Attend a Traditional Luau at Nutridge Estate

This Luau is one of the more expensive – but it’s one of the most intimate and authentic. It’s not in Honolulu like many other luaus, but they provide transportation from Waikiki to the estate and back. It’s a full four-hour experience including food, and it’s highly interactive without the polished sheen of other luau experiences. Still, it’s hugely fun.

Day 2 in Oahu: Have Fun

Breakfast: Pick up some malasadas from Leonard’s

Portuguese bakery Leonard’s has been a staple of Oahu since the 1950s, and while they can whip up some serious pastries, cakes, and pao doce, they’re best known for light, custard-filled fried dough balls called malasadas. There’s usually a long line of locals, but don’t worry, it moves fast.

Morning: Zip Lining at CLIMB Works Keana Farms

There’s nothing quite like zipping above the treetops with the ocean in the distance, and CLIMB works is the best company on the island. Situated on a working farm, the staff is amazing, the views are jaw-dropping, and the length of the experience is more than worth the cost.

Lunch: Sink your teeth into a corn dog at The Corn Dog Company of Hawai`i

After ziplining, you’ll work up quite the appetite. This delicious food truck sits less than a mile from the farm entrance and is some of the cheaper food you’ll find on the island. If you’re not in the mood for more fried food simply drive another few miles northwest on the Kamehameha highway. Tons of spots for shaved ice, coconut shrimp, and more are perched right along the road.

Afternoon: Play in the Surf at Waimea Bay Beach

On the opposite side of the island of Waikiki, Waimea Bay Beach is one of the most famous in the world. But not for Elvis and towering hotels – for surfing. This beautiful cove has some of the largest waves in the world. Not a surfer? Fear not! It’s still a fun place to boogie board, play in the waves, or take a nap. If you go in the fall/winter, you might be lucky enough to catch a surf competition.

Dinner: Grab Some Loco Moco at Goofy Café

Comprised of 2 beef patties on a bed of rice swimming in gravy and topped with 2 eggs sunny side up, loco moco is comfort food at its finest. Goofy Café is one of the finest places in Oahu to find it. Tucked above some surf shops, this cafe is small and cozy. Make a reservation – it’s very popular with locals and fills up quick.

Night: Hang Out at a Hawaiian Dive (8 Fat Fat 8)

Side Street Chinese restaurant meets surf shack in this uniquely Hawaiian bar. Perfectly emblematic of the chill dives locals love, it’s a community institution and simply a great hang. With $4 drink specials, darts, pool, and karaoke, what more could you want?!

Day 3 in Oahu: Get Fancy

Breakfast: Have Japanese-Inspired Brunch at Nami Kaze

Hawai’i has a huge Japanese influence – about 15% of people speak Japanese fluently, and there are lots of Japanese tourists. Hawaiian food even has Japanese influences, and the brunch at Nami Kaze is perfectly indicative of that. With dishes like the Mentaiko omelet and taro toast eggs Benedict with soy chili gel, it’s as delicious and unique as you’d expect.

Morning: Book a Private Helicopter Tour with Mauna Loa

Hawai’i is spectacular from every single angle – including the air. In a helicopter tour, you’ll get a grand bird’s eye view of deep blue ocean and mist-ringed peaks. Bring your camera for incredible photos, or your honey for a date you’ll never forget. Mauna Loa tours is the most popular on the islands – for good reason.

Lunch: Eat Outdoors at Fête

Brand new James Beard award winner Fête deserves a place on the list for an upscale lunch. Despite its French name, Fête is a Portuguese-inspired restaurant. The patio is small, but make sure to elbow your way out there. What’s the point of going to Oahu if you don’t spend every possible second outside?

Afternoon: Treat Yourself to a Spa Day at the Naupaka Spa

Nestled inside the Four Seasons Oahu, Naupaka Spa is one of the most luxurious experiences on the island. Treat yourself to a Himalayan salt scrub with a full-body massage, a Hulali healing facial, or a Naupaka flower manicure and pedicure for your sand-worn feet.

Dinner: Have a Luxurious Meal at Senia

With a dark moody atmosphere and exquisitely crafted dishes, Senia is one of the most sumptuous experiences on Oahu. Make sure to book the tasting menu – this exclusive 8 seat chef’s table experience will bring you right up to the action.

Night: Take a Moonlit Stroll Along Waikiki Beach

Thanks to its proximity to the equator, Honolulu’s sun sets fairly consistently around 7 p.m. Oahu has beautiful sunsets every night, but the beach stays alive after sundown. Walk closer to the ocean to be away from the crowds and enjoy an intimate stroll with someone you love (that includes yourself!).

---

More Oahu Recommendations

Restaurants in Oahu

• Pizza Mamo ($) – Detroit Style Pizza
• Waiahole Poi Factory ($$) – Hawaiian
• Helena’s Hawaiian Food ($$) – Hawaiian
• Roy’s Waikiki ($$$) – Hawaiian/Japanese Fusion
• The Pig and the Lady ($$$) – Vietnamese Fusion

Places to Stay in Oahu

• Wayfinder Waikiki (3-Star Hotel)
• Halekulani Hotel (5-Star Hotel)
• North Shore Stay (Tiny Home)
• Beach Views Waikiki (High Rise Condo