Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

How to Plan a Trip to Oahu

• Marcie Cheung • Episode 41

Share episode

Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide: From Planning to Hidden Gems

In this episode of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, host Marcie shares invaluable insights and tips for planning an unforgettable trip to Oahu. With over 25 years of experience traveling to the island, she provides detailed recommendations on where to stay, must-see attractions, and essential travel logistics like rental cars and booking reservations. Whether you're staying in Waikiki, exploring the North Shore, or visiting Pearl Harbor, Marcie covers everything from dining options to family-friendly activities. Additionally, she offers practical advice on budgeting, avoiding common travel mistakes, and making the most of your Hawaiian adventure. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to ensuring your Oahu trip is both stress-free and memorable.

00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy
01:08 Personalized Travel Consultations
01:40 Planning Your Oahu Trip
02:11 How Many Days to Spend in Oahu
03:31 Where to Stay in Oahu
05:23 Must-See Attractions in Oahu
05:48 Pearl Harbor Tips and Tricks
07:37 Exploring Diamond Head
09:25 Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
11:04 Cultural Experiences and Luau
15:37 Day Trips and Adventures
17:18 Oahu's Food Scene
20:33 Budgeting for Your Trip
24:37 Common Mistakes to Avoid
28:51 Final Tips and Recap


Buy my Hawaii guides on my blog or Amazon

Book a Hawaii Travel Consultation

Discount Hawaii Car Rentals--This is where I book ALL my car rentals

Blog posts related to this podcast

Follow me on Instagram @hawaiitravelwithkids

Join our Patreon Community

 Aloha and welcome to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. I'm Marcie and I'm here to help you plan the most awesome Hawaii vacation ever. If you're new here, I've been traveling to Hawaii for more than 25 years. My first trip to Oahu was when I was just 14. And let me tell you, stepping onto Waikiki Beach for the first time was like stepping into a postcard.

I didn't even care that there were tourists everywhere. I was just mesmerized by this place. I'd only seen in movies and TV shows. And yes, I definitely spotted a Japanese tourist walking across the sand in high heels, which honestly just added to the whole surreal experience. Since then, I've been back to Oahu more times than I can count, and I've dragged my two kids there since they were babies.

They're now eight and 11, and they're basically little Hawaii experts at this point. So maybe you're pretty sure you wanna visit Oahu, but you're staring at your computer screen thinking, okay, where do I even start? Where should I stay? How long should I go?

What should I actually do there? Trust me. I get it. There's a lot to figure out and it can feel overwhelming. 

Planning your Oahu trip can feel overwhelming with so many beaches, neighborhoods, and activities to choose from. That's exactly why I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations. In a one hour session for $149, I'll help you create a custom Oahu itinerary based on your family's interests and travel style.

And because you're working with me, my travel agent partner waives her planning fee for your trip. So Kim at Stuffed Suitcase will handle all your bookings. Or grab a quick 30 minute consultation for $69. If you just need specific questions answered, head to Hawaii Travel with kids.com to book your consultation and take the stress out of planning.

I.

Well, today I'm walking you through everything you need to know to plan an amazing Oahu trip. We're talking about the best places to stay, mussy attractions, whether or not you actually need a rental car.

Awesome day trips. And of course, because this is Hawaii, where to eat. By the end of this episode, you're gonna have a clear game plan so you can book your trip with confidence and start getting excited about your Hawaiian adventure.  📍 Let's dive in.

All right, first things first. How many days do you actually need an Oahu? This is probably one of the most common questions I get, and here's the thing, it really depends on what kind of vacation you want. My sweet spot recommendation is seven to 10 days. If you wanna see the highlights without feeling like you're constantly rushing around.

This gives you time to explore different parts of the island, have some beach days, and actually relax, which is kind of the point, right? Now, if you only have four to five days, don't worry. You still have an awesome trip. Just focus on Waikiki Pearl Harbor and maybe one or two day trips you'll get a taste of the island.

And honestly, it might just convince you to come back for longer next time. And if you're lucky enough to have two weeks, well you're living the dream. You can explore at a much more relaxed pace and maybe even hop over to a second island. Here's something I learned the hard way with my kids. If you're traveling with little ones, plan for a mix of sightseeing and pure beach time.

I used to be that parent who tried to cram everything in, and let me tell you, cranky kids in paradise are still cranky kids. Now I make sure to schedule only one or two activities per day and leave lots of time to see where the day takes us. Some of our best memories have come from those unplanned moments, like when my youngest discovered he could spend an entire afternoon building elaborate sandcastles while I finally finished a book.

Okay, let's talk about where to lay your head at night, because this decision is going to shape your entire trip. Oahu has several distinct areas, and honestly, they each have a completely different vibe. If this is your first time to Oahu, I'm going to strongly recommend Waikiki. I know, I know.

It's touristy, it's busy, and you might be thinking you want something more authentic. But here's the thing. Waikiki is tourist friendly for a reason. It has tons of hotels, amazing restaurants within walking distance, great shopping, and obviously easy beach access. Plus, it's incredibly stroller friendly if you're traveling with little ones.

I used to take my kids out for walks during their nap time, and they'd sleep in the stroller while I'd sneak off to grab an ice latte, or let's be honest, get some shave ice that I didn't have to share. Those little moments of freedom are priceless when you're traveling with kids.



If you're more of a laid back surfer vibe kind of person, the North Shore is absolutely amazing. The beaches are gorgeous, the pace is slower, and you'll feel like you're in a completely different world. Just keep in mind that you'll be pretty far away from most of the attractions, so you'll definitely need a rental car.

Colina is perfect. If you're looking for that luxury resort experience. It has these beautiful manmade lagoons that are perfect for families because the water is calm and protected. It's definitely less crowded than Waikiki, but again, you'll want a car to get around. And then there's Kailua, which is awesome if you're thinking about renting a vacation home.

You'll be close to Lon Kai Beach, which is honestly one of the most stunning beaches I've ever seen. The sand is so white and fine, and the water is this incredible turquoise color that almost doesn't look real. Here's a pro tip. Waikiki is super walkable. You can easily get to restaurants, shops, and the beach without a car, but if you stay in Colina or North Shore, you're definitely going to need wheels.

All right, let's talk about the fun stuff. What you're actually gonna do once you're there. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone who just wants to relax on the beach, Oahu is something for everyone. Pearl Harbor is an absolute must visit, especially if you're into history. I took my youngest there a couple of years ago and he was completely fascinated.

He actually became the first kid to climb up the Ford Island Control Tower and even made it in the newspaper. Now here's the deal with Pearl Harbor in 2025. You need to book your tickets well in advance. I mean, like as soon as you know you're going to Oahu, the USS Arizona Memorial is free to visit through the National Park Service, but you pay $1 service charge when you reserve your tickets through recreation.gov.

Here's what's really important to know. They're currently doing preservation work on the USS Arizona, so they've temporarily suspended the 50 day advance reservations. Instead, tickets are being released on a shorter timeframe, so you'll need to check their website regularly. But here's the thing. Pearl Harbor is so much more than the USS Arizona Memorial.

One of our favorite things to do is just touring the USS Battleship Missouri kids will be awed by the gigantic guns and just being on a massive ship that was a big part of World War ii. There's also the Fin Submarine, which is kind of a cool experience, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which honestly blew my husband and me away.

I highly recommend joining a docent LED tour so you can hear all the interesting facts about Hawaii's involvement in World War ii. Plus, they'll point out the bullet holes in the windows that are from World War ii. If you want to visit all the Pearl Harbor sites, you can get the passport to Pearl Harbor, which gives you access to multiple attractions over two consecutive days.

It's about $24 for adults and includes the Battleship Missouri Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Just remember this doesn't include your USS Arizona Memorial Reservation, which you still need to book separately. Okay. One more important tip. Begs are completely prohibited at Pearl Harbor,

like you can't bring anything except clear water bottles and your phone. There are beg storage facilities nearby, but they charge about $7 per bagg. Plan accordingly. I actually have an entire episode dedicated to Pearl Harbor that you should listen to. Okay. Diamond Head is another classic that you really shouldn't miss.

It's a moderate hike with absolutely breathtaking views of Waikiki. Once you reach the top. But you need to have a reservation, and they're pretty strict about it. As of 2025, all non-resident visitors must reserve their diamond head visit up to 30 days in advance. Entry fees are $5 per person and parking is $10 per vehicle, which you can only pay by credit card.

Hawaii residents with valid id, don't need reservations and can enter for free. But if you're visiting with a Hawaii resident, you still need to pay and get a reservation. The reservation system gives you a two hour time window and you need to arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reserve time. If you're late, they might deny you access.

The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily with the last entry at 4:30 PM I actually showed up 20 minutes before my start time on my last visit, and they let me in without an issue. The hike itself is about 0.8 miles from the trailhead to the summit gaining 560 feet in elevation. It starts on a paved concrete walkway, but shifts to a natural surface with lots of switchbacks.

You'll climb steep stairs and go through a 225 foot lighted tunnel to reach the fire control station that was built in 1911. At the summit, you'll see bunkers and huge navigational lighthouse from 1917. The postcard views of the shoreline from cocoa head to the YI mountains are absolutely stunning. And during winter, you might even spot humpback whales.

My pro tip. The weather at Diamond Head is almost always hot with Little Shade, so I recommend booking an early morning reservation to beat the heat. And honestly, if you're not up for dealing with the reservation hassle, there are tour companies that include Diamond Head in their packages and handle the reservation stuff for you.

Hama Bay is hands down, one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. The fish are incredible and the water is so clear you can see everything. But yes, you guessed it. You need a reservation for this too. Here's how Panama Bay works in 2025. It's open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:45 AM to 4:00 PM It's closed Mondays and Tuesdays to give the fish a break.

The entry fee is $25 per person, plus $3 to your parking if you drive yourself. Hawaii residents with valid ID and active military getting free and kids 12 and under are also free. The tricky part is getting reservations. They release tickets 48 hours in advance at 7:00 AM Hawaii time, and they sell out incredibly fast.

We're talking 10 to 20 minutes. Only 1400 people are allowed in per day to protect the marine ecosystem. If you can't get online reservations, they do offer a limited number of walk-in tickets, starting at 6:45 AM on a first come first serve basis. But you need to arrive super early and everyone in your group has to be present.

Once you're there, you'll watch a mandatory nine minute safety video about reef protection and proper snorkeling etiquette. Then you can either walk down the steep path to the beach about 10 minutes or take the free tram. The snorkeling is absolutely incredible. You'll see tropical fish like the humuhumunukunukuapua'a, the state fish, yellow tangs, parrot fish, butterfly fish, and even if you're really lucky, maybe some green sea turtles.

You can rent snorkel gear there for about $25, but honestly, it's pretty expensive and the lines can be long. I'd recommend bringing your own or renting from somewhere else beforehand. Now, if you're traveling with kids, the Polynesian Cultural Center might surprise you. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how my kids would react to it, but they absolutely loved it.

There are tons of hands-on activities and experiences for kids to learn about Hawaiian Tahitian, Maori Fiian, Samoan, and Tongan cultures. Plus there's a cool dance performance that takes place on boats going up and down a little stream that runs through the center. But my personal favorite cultural experience is actually to luau.

I brought my youngest there recently and he got to do all these amazing activities like peeling sweet potatoes, husking a coconut, and even scraping out the coconut meat. It was honestly the highlight of his entire trip. You absolutely cannot leave Oahu without visiting Lon Kai Beach and Kua Beach.

They're less crowded than Waikiki and just absolutely stunning. The sand is softer, the water is clearer, and you'll get some of those postcard perfect pictures. If you're into waterfalls, there are some beautiful ones near Waikiki that are easy to get to. Like Mana Falls, it's about 1.6 mile round trip hike through a lush rainforest that ends at a 150 foot waterfall.

The trail candy muddy, so wear appropriate shoes, but it's totally doable for most fitness levels. The Dole Plantation is a super fun kid-friendly attraction on the North Shore. You can explore a pineapple maze, ride the pineapple express train, and taste all kinds of pineapple items. Their dull whip is legendary.

It's like pineapple ice cream, and kids and adults can't get enough for something a bit more educational. Bishop Museum houses the largest collection of Hawaiian cultural artifacts. We're talking more than 24 million items. They have exhibits about archeology and zoology. Cultural tours, Hawaiian storytelling, and a planetarium

that's perfect for kids who are obsessed with the wayfinding theme of Disney's Moana. And here's something cool that not everyone knows about. The Waikiki Aquarium is the second oldest public aquarium in the United States. It's right in Waikiki, and it's super convenient, and you'll find Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral.

Plus, it's one of the cheaper things to do. Tickets for adults are only $12 kids. Four through 12 are $5 and kids three and younger are free.

If you're looking for more adventurous activities, Oahu has plenty to offer. Klo Ranch is where they film Jurassic Park, and you can take movie tours to see the actual filming locations. They also have UTV adventures, horseback riding, and supplying tours. It's pretty awesome to ride UTVs through the jungle where dinosaurs lived in the movies.

For water activities, you can try standup, paddle boarding, kayaking, or even taking surfing lessons at Waikiki Beach. The waves there are usually pretty gentle, making it perfect for beginners. If you wanna try something unique, there are submarine scooter rides where you can go underwater without getting wet.

Or you can take a real submarine tour with Atlantis submarines. And if you're feeling really adventurous, there are helicopter tourists that give you incredible aerial views of the island, including waterfalls and remote areas you can't reach by car. Okay, speaking of cars, this is probably the second most common question I get.

Do I need to rent a car on Oahu? And the answer is, it depends on what you wanna do. If you're staying in Waikiki and you're planning to stick pretty close to that area with just a couple of organized excursions, you honestly don't need a car. You can get around with taxis, Ubers the trolley system, and the bus, which is actually a pretty decent public transportation system.

I've done trips where we didn't run a car at all, and it was totally fine, but if you wanna explore the North Shore, check out Kualoa Ranch or spend time in Kailua, I definitely recommend renting a car for at least a few days. The freedom to explore on your own schedule is pretty awesome, and you'll be able to discover some hidden gems that you might miss.

Otherwise. Just a heads up though, parking in Waikiki can be expensive. Like really expensive. So if you're planning to rent a car, make sure to check if your hotel charges for parking. Some places charge 30 to $40 a day, which can really add up. You might wanna factor that into your accommodation decision.

Here's another option. This become really popular. Rent a car for just a day or two for specific excursions. Then rely on other transportation for the rest of the time. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Freedom when you want it, but you're not paying for parking every single day.

If you have some extra time and want to venture beyond your home base, there are some amazing day trips you can take. The North Shore is probably the most popular day trip and for good reason. You can watch the surfers at Pipeline and trust me, seeing those guys ride those massive waves is pretty incredible.

Especially during the winter surf season. You can visit the Dole Plantation, which is fun, especially if you have kids, and you absolutely must grab lunch at one of the famous shrimp trucks. Giovanni's is probably the most well known, but honestly, they're all pretty great. While you're up there, make sure to stop in Haleiwa Town.

It's this cute little surf town with local boutiques, art galleries, and some great coffee shops. And you can't leave without trying some shave Ices. At Matsu. Motos. It's been a North Shore institution forever. Kualoa Ranch is another awesome option, especially if you're into movies. They do these Jurassic Park movie tours where you can see actual filming locations from, not just Jurassic Park, but also lost Hawaii five oh and tons of other movies and TV shows.

They also have UTV adventures if you're feeling more adventurous. Horseback riding and Zipline tours. The ranch is also just absolutely beautiful. It's in this gorgeous valley with dramatic mountain backdrops, and you'll understand why so many filmmakers choose to shoot there.

And if you want something a little more peaceful, you could do an East side tour that includes places like Waimea Valley, which is this gorgeous botanical garden that leads to a waterfall where you can actually swim. The hike is beautiful and not too strenuous. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty at the waterfall, which is great if you're traveling with kids.

You could also hit up some of the beautiful beaches on the east side like Lanikai and Kailua, and maybe do kayaking.

Okay, let's talk about food because honestly, this might be my favorite part of any Hawaii trip. Okay. Oahu has this incredible food scene that ranges from hole in the wall, local favorites to fancy ocean front restaurants. For traditional Hawaiian food, you absolutely have to try Helena's Hawaiian food.

Their Kalua pork, laulau, and lomi salmon are legendary. It's not fancy, but it's authentic and delicious. This is where locals go, so you know it's the real deal. If you want an amazing breakfast, and who doesn't head to Cinnamon's in Kailua and get the guava chiffon pancakes. They're light, fluffy, and have this tropical twist is just perfect.

Their plate is huge and is easily shareable, so you can try a few different things for lunch, especially if you make it to the North Shore. Giovanni shrimp truck is a must. Their garlic shrimp is absolutely legendary. Fair warning, you're gonna smell like garlic for the rest of the day, but it's totally worth it.

There are actually several shrimp trucks along the North Shore, and each has their own style. So if you're a shrimp lover, you could just make it a little shrimp truck crawl, and we need to talk about shave ice because it's basically a requirement in Hawaii. My favorite spots are Island Vintage shave ice.

Waiola shave Ice. That's where President Obama goes when he's in town. Each one has its own special touch, and honestly, trying different shave ice places has become a bit of a family tradition for us. Island Vintage Shave Ice really sets itself apart because they use fresh fruit, and it's seriously gorgeous to look at.

N Yola has that local no frills vibe that feels really authentic. If you want to splurge on a special night out house without a key at the Halekulani Hotel. It's incredible. You get great oceanfront dining with live Hawaiian music, and the sunset views are absolutely spectacular. It's pricier than your average meal, but the experience is worth it.

Duke's Wiki Key is another great option that's a bit more family friendly. They have this amazing happy hour, a kids' menu with fun drinks like Sunrise, lemonade, mocktails, and they're famous for their hula pie, which is this massive ice cream cake that can easily feed your whole family. And here's something you absolutely cannot leave Hawaii without trying Malasadas from Leonard's Bakery.

They're these Portuguese style donuts that are basically little pillows of happiness my kids always insist on getting them on our last day, and honestly, it's become one of our favorite traditions. You also need to try a proper Hawaiian plate lunch head to Rainbow Drive-In, which has been a local institution since 1961.

You can get traditional Hawaiian food like Kalu Pork Loko, moko. Hawaiian barbecue, beef and mahi mahi. Each plate comes with rice and mac salad, and I suggest ordering a few different ones and eating family style so everyone can get a taste. Don't leave without trying spam Musubi either. I know it sounds weird if you're not from Hawaii, but it's basically Hawaiian style sushi made with grilled spam and it's surprisingly delicious.

You can find them at grocery stores, gas stations, and lots of restaurants, and if you're feeling adventurous, try some fresh poke it. Hawaiian PO is raw fish that's been marinated and mixed with garnishes. It can be served on rice for poke bowl, or eaten with chips. The fish is raw, so use your judgment if you think your kids are old enough to try it, but it's definitely something Hawaii is famous for.

Okay, let's get real about money for Hot Minute, because I know this is probably one of your biggest concerns. Hawaii can be expensive, but doesn't have to break the bank if you plan smart. Hotel prices in Waikiki can range from about $150 a night for a basic hotel room to $800 or more. For Ocean Front Luxury Resorts, my sweet Spot recommendation is usually around 250 to $350 per night for a decent hotel with good amenities and location.

If you're traveling with kids, look for places with kitchenettes so you can prepare some of your own meals. Vacation rentals in areas like Kailua can sometimes be more cost effective for families, especially if you're staying for a week or longer. You'll typically pay $200 to $500 per night, depending on size and location, but you get a full kitchen and often more space.

All right, let's talk about food. Here's where people either save money or blow their entire budget. You could easily spend $150 or more per day per person eating at resort restaurants, or you could keep it under $50 per person with some smart choices. Breakfast at local spots like Cinnamon's will run you about $15 to $25 per person.

A plate lunch from Rainbow Drive-in is around 12 to $15. Shrimp from the North Shore trucks is about 15 to $20 for generous plate and SHA ice is typically five to $8 If you wanna splurge on one nice dinner. Expect to pay 75 to $150 per person at a place like house without a key. But honestly, some of the best food experiences are the local spots that cost way less.

My strategy is to eat one fancy meal, do lunch at food trucks or local joints, and grab breakfast from a grocery store or local bakery. You'll save money and actually experience more authentic Hawaiian food. Okay, so let's break down what you're looking for in terms of activity costs for the major attractions.

Pearl Harbor is free for USS Arizona Memorial. There's a $1 reservation fee, but passport to Pearl Harbor with all the sites is around $90 per adult. Diamond head is about $5 per person, plus $10 per parking. Ha Bay is $25 per person, plus $3 parking snorkel. Gear rental is about 20 to $40 per day depending on where you rent.

Surfing lessons are $75 to $150 per person for group lessons and luaus are a hundred dollars to $200 per person, and kids are usually a discounted price. If you're looking to do multiple activities, look into the Go Oahu card, which can save you money on combinations of attractions if you want to do all of those attractions.

Okay, let's talk about transportation. For rental cars, you can expect $50 to $100 or more per day, depending on the season and type of car. Don't forget to add parking costs. If you're staying in Waikiki, they can easily add 30 to $40 per day. There's also Uber and Lyft.

A ride from Waikiki to the North Shore will cost about 80 to $100 each way from the airport to Waikiki is typically 35 to $50. There's also the bus. It's only $3 per ride or $70 for a monthly pass. And it's honestly one of the best deals in Hawaii if you aren't concerned about time. So here are some money saving tips that actually work. Buy groceries for breakfast and snacks. Even just doing breakfast yourself can save a hundred dollars or more per day for a family. Happy hours are your friend. Many restaurants have great deals from three to 6:00 PM Beach days are free.

Pack a lunch, bring your own snorkel gear, and you've got an amazing day. For the cost of food free activities like hiking, watching sunsets, and exploring Town can fill entire days without spending a dime. Let's talk about tipping. Tipping customs are same as on the mainland us 18 to $20 at restaurants, one to $2 per drink at bars, 15 to 20% for tour guides, and two to $5 per bag for hotel bellhops.

Some restaurants automatically add gratuity for larger groups, so check their. Okay friends, let me save you from some of the mistakes I've made over the years because trust me, I've made them all. Mistake number one is not booking reservations early enough. I cannot stress this enough. Diamond Head Hanauma Bay, and Pearl Harbor reservations are not a figure it out when we get their situation.

I've seen families standing outside Diamond Head at 6:00 AM thinking they could just walked in only to be turned away. Book these the moment you know your travel dates. Mistake number two, booking the wrong type of reservation for Diamond Head. If you're driving, you need both parking and entry reservations.

I've seen people book just entry and they have nowhere to park. Read the reservation details carefully. Mistake number three, not showing up on time. These reservations have specific time windows for a reason, showing up late to your diamond head slot and they won't let you in. Period. Okay. Mistake number four.

Underestimating traffic and distances that drive to the North Shore. It's not just 45 minutes during rush hour or on weekends. It can easily take 90 minutes or more, build in extra time for everything. Mistake number five, not researching parking ahead of time. Waikiki parking can cost more per day than some people's hotel rooms.

Check if your hotel charges for parking before you book that rental car. Mistake number six, renting a car for your entire stay when you don't need it. If you're planning to stay mostly in Waikiki, you're literally paying 30 to $40 per day in parking to have a car sit there, rent for specific days when you need it.

Mistake number seven, not bringing brief, safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen is actually banned in Hawaii because it damages coral reefs by reef safe sunscreen, or you'll be buying overpriced bottles at a b, C stores. Mistake number eight, ignoring ocean conditions and warnings. Those high surf warnings aren't suggestions.

I've seen too many people get tumbled by waves they weren't prepared for. When lifeguards say, stay out. Stay out. Mistake number nine, touching or standing on coral. This kills the coral and can seriously hurt you. It's also illegal and you can get fined. Mistake number 10, only eating at resort restaurants.

You're missing out on some of the best food Hawaii has to offer, and you're paying way too much. Some of the most amazing meals I've had were from food trucks or hole in the wall spots. Mistake number 11, not trying local foods because they sound weird. Spam musubi might sound gross, but it's actually delicious.

Keep an open mind. You're in Hawaii. Mistake number 12, over packing clothes and under packing beach gear. You'll basically live in swimwear and coverups. Bring multiple swimsuits, water, shoes, and a good beach bag. You don't need five pairs of pants. Mistake number 13 for getting a reusable water bottle.

Hawaii is hot and you'll be outside a lot, and buying water bottles constantly gets expensive and creates wastes. Mistake number 14, buying souvenirs at the airport or resort shops. Everything is marked up like crazy. Hit up an A, B, C store, target or Walmart for Hawaiian shirts and basic souvenirs at normal prices.

Mistake number 15, not researching tour companies. Some tour companies are amazing. Others are total ripoffs. Read reviews and book through reputable companies, not random guys on the beach. Mistake number 16. Not respecting sacred sites. Places like the Beto and Temple or Hawaiian hay out are sacred.

Dress appropriately, speak quietly and follow all posted rules. Mistake number 17, expecting everything to run on mainland time. Hawaii operates on island time, which means things move a little bit slower, embrace it instead of getting frustrated. Okay, and now for the biggest mistake of all trying to do everything.

This is the big one. Folks. I used to try to cram every single thing into our trips and we'd come home exhausted instead of relaxed. Pick your must dos, but leave time for spontaneity and just enjoying being in paradise. Remember, you're in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Sometimes the best moments happen when you're not rushing from one scheduled activity to the next. All right? That's everything you need to know to plan an awesome Oahu trip. Let me quickly recap the highlights. Plan for seven to 10 days if you can swing it. Waikiki is your best bet for first timers, but North Shore and Colina are great options.

If you want a more relaxed vibe, make sure to book your reservations early for Pearl Harbor, ha, bay, and Diamondhead. Seriously, don't put these off. These are the three attractions that absolutely require advanced planning. For Pearl Harbor, remember that the USS Arizona Memorial is free, but you pay $1 to reserve through recreation.gov and they temporarily change their reservation system due to preservation work.

For Diamond Head, it's $5 per person, plus $10 per parking, and you can book up to 30 days in advance. For Naama Bay, it's $25 per person, plus $3 for parking, but tickets are released just 48 hours in advance and they sell out super fast. Rent a car if you wanna explore beyond Waikiki, but know that parking can be expensive in the city, and definitely don't leave without trying shave ice, garlic, shrimp, and malasadas.

One last thing I want to mention is don't try to pack too much into one day. I know there's so much to see and do, but some of my best Oahu memories have come from those unexpected moments when we weren't rushing from one attraction to the next. Maybe it's watching an incredible sunset from Waikiki Beach or stumbling on a farmer's market.

Or just having an impromptu picnic on the beach. These moments of spontaneity are what make a trip truly special. I'd love to hear from you. What's the number one thing you're most excited about for your Oahu trip? You can send me a DM on Instagram at Hawaii, travel with kids, or visit my blog for even more detailed itineraries and tips.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a review. It really helps other travelers find this show. Mahalo for listening and I'll see  📍 you in the next episode. Aloha.