If your trip to Hawaii includes some island-hopping and you’ll only be on Oahu for a few days, be sure to add some of the best sites to your Oahu 3 day itinerary. With a combination of beach time and sightseeing, you can make the most of your time on the island by including these top Oahu sites.
The east coast beaches of Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach regularly rank at the top of the list for best Oahu beaches, one of the most popular things to do near Ko Olina. With water that is protected by an offshore reef, you’ll find crystal clear aqua waters along this shoreline. Soft white sand onshore and two picturesque offshore islands make this a postcard-perfect beach. Spend some time lounging on the beach soaking in the scenery or explore the water with a swim or snorkel. If you really want to spend more time exploring here, it’s also possible to kayak to the uninhabited islands, which are about a mile offshore.
If you’re a seafood lover, the local favorite poke is a must to try while on Oahu. Pick some up at Fresh Catch, which has three locations across the island. This raw, cubed tuna is garnished in a variety of ways, and Fresh Catch offers 20 creative options. Poke is best enjoyed along the beachfront with your toes in the sand and a cold drink in hand! For a casual dine-in experience, eat local at Helena’s Hawaiian Food. Helena’s offers traditional Hawaiian food such as kalua pork, lau lau (pork and salted butterfish wrapped in lu’au leaves and ti leaves), and lomi salmon. Top it all off with haupia for dessert! For seafood lovers, Mina’s Fish House, located on the beautiful grounds of Ko Olina, provides the ultimate experience in both cuisine and setting. Situated right along the oceanfront overlooking one of the calm Ko Olina lagoons, the views are unparalleled. The open-air dining experience is flawless, offering multiple levels of deck seating as well as a true beachfront experience where your toes never have to leave the sand. Shellfish can be ordered individually or for the table or start with something from the raw bar. The lobster and coconut bisque is a popular starter, followed by something from the land or the sea. With chefs that work closely with local fishermen to ensure the best fresh catches, you can’t go wrong with seafood from Mina’s Fish House.
Oahu is home to some interesting sites that can’t be found on other islands. The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites include the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and all provide a detailed look into important moments in our country’s history. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to spend your time exploring natural attractions outdoors, you may want to consider a hike up Diamond Head National Monument to enjoy stunning views over the city, or a hike to one of the island’s many waterfalls such as Manoa Falls.
With so much beauty to take in along Oahu’s shorelines and mountain ridgelines, it is easy to forget that there is so much more to be discovered beneath the surface of the sea. Oahu is home to exciting marine life, including tropical fish, honu (sea turtles), dolphins, and humpback whales (in season). Setting aside some time in the itinerary to experience the diversity of Oahu’s marine life is sure to be a memorable part of your vacation in Oahu! While there are certainly options for DIY excursions, with limited time it may be best to default to the pros, who know the area well and can get you in the best spots for wildlife viewing with no wasted time. Ko Olina Ocean Adventures offers an excellent Speedboat Dolphin Snorkel adventure that will take you right to the natural habitat of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Snorkel alongside these friendly creatures in the warm waters of the Pacific, capturing amazing photos! An additional snorkel stop along a vibrant reef allows snorkelers to encounter tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. From December through March, the Hawaiian waters become the migration destination for humpback whales escaping the cold waters of Alaska. If your visit coincides with whale watching season, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one along the way!
Enjoy exciting Oahu activities on your Oahu 3 day itinerary during your extended weekend on the island! Basing your stay in one of our Oahu vacation rentals will provide convenient access to all the best on the island. Our Oahu vacation rentals provide plenty of square footage to accommodate the family. Full kitchens with appliances and cookware on hand make it easy and convenient to grab a quick meal before your next Oahu adventure. Any downtime in the itinerary can be spent lounging alongside a sparkling swimming pool or enjoying the ocean view from your private lanai. Book your Oahu accommodations online or contact our team today!
