Three days in Oahu for first timers

Pearl Harbor is Oahu’s most-visited attraction, so we recommend visiting in the morning to dodge the worst of the midday crowds. You can really feel the weight of history here, where several distinct sites vie for your attention. We suggest that, rather than trying to cram in the whole lot, you pop by the (free) Visitor Center for a broad overview of the key role played by Hawaii in the Second World War, before picking one or two of the museums for a deeper dive. 

The USS Arizona Memorial tells real stories of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks in the survivors’ own words, creating a poignant and moving monument to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives that day. Aircraft enthusiasts will get a buzz out of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, while the Battleship Missouri Memorial lets you step aboard ‘Mighty Mo’, strolling the Surrender Deck and eyeballing the spot where a kamikaze pilot flew into this most storied of warships. Last but not least, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum provides as good a history of underwater warfare as you’ll find anywhere in the world.

This eyecatching American-Florentine confection was built for Kamehameha III in the mid-19th century and was home to the Hawaiian Kingdom's two final monarchs, King Kalakaua, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani. The palace is still, to this day, the only official royal state residence in the United States. Step inside to see how the other half lived – we’re talking the opulent Grand Hall with its sweeping koa wood staircase, stately State Dining Room, and all-important Throne Room, complete with portrait of Queen Victoria.

Once you’ve had an eyeful of those opulent interiors, head to the perfectly manicured palace grounds, where the regal Coronation Pavilion just begs for a selfie and you can pay your respects at the ornate royal tomb.

Pro-tip: As well as individual entry to Iolani Palace and the Pearl Harbor Historic sites, the Go City Oahu pass includes an immersive five-hour Honolulu tour that gives a broad overview of all of these and more.

Experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau is practically a rite of passage when visiting Oahu. Go City Oahu pass holders can choose from two of the island’s best: the Ka Moana spectacular at Aloha Tower, or Sea Life Park’s Aloha Kai luau.  Both give you the opportunity to try your hand at classic Hawaiian crafts – think lei-making and ukelele-playing – before a lavish Hawaiian banquet and eye-popping live performances that include fire-knife dancing, hula and more.

The North Shore has some of the best snorkeling action on Oahu (except in winter, when it’s strictly pro surfers only). From May to October, waters are generally calm, clear and safe. Take your pick from the self-explanatory Turtle Bay – a favorite with the native honu (green sea turtles) – or rockier Shark’s Cove where, conversely, you’re more likely to spot urchins, wrasses and yellow tang among the weird lava formations and tide pools. Snorkeling gear is available to rent at several beaches along the coast here.

Prefer a bit of beachfront culture? Swap your snorkel for a hula skirt (or loincloth) at Waiale'e Beach Park, between Sunset Beach and Turtle Bay, for a lesson in the traditional Hawaiian dance.

Make a quick pitstop for buttery garlic shrimp at the authentic roadside stands in Kahuku before heading onwards to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here, six distinct villages run the full gamut of Polynesian culture and tradition, from Tahitian coconut bread to Tongan shuffleboard via Maori hakas and Samoan fire-knife twirling. Don’t miss the frankly epic canoe pageant.

Cultural overload? Hit up Waimea Valley instead, for a relaxing wander through acres of jungle-shrouded botanic gardens and an inviting waterfall that promises cooling dips at the trail’s end.

Pro-tip: This day-long tour takes in many of the island’s best bits, including several North Shore highlights.

Suitably sun-kissed and so laid back you’re practically horizontal, wrap up the day’s activities in Haleiwa, a classic surf town where  sandy toes and beach hair are the norm. Pig out on kalua pork sandwiches at Kono’s, or try Haleiwa Joe’s poke and prime rib for a sit-down meal with a view. Save a little room for dessert because, dear reader, you simply can’t visit Haleiwa without sampling shave ice from Oahu stalwart Matsumoto’s – try the tropical triple-threat of mango, guava and lilikoi for the win.

Weather-wise, mornings are the best time to ascend to the summit of Diamond Head, with generally cooler temperatures, clearer skies and gentler breezes. It’s also a little less crowded at first light. This iconic volcanic tuff at the east end of Waikiki is relatively unchallenging – although the last staircases to the summit do require a little bit of a calf and glute workout. Your reward? Spectacular sunrise views on the ascent and far-reaching 360-degree panoramas of Waikiki and Honolulu from the forested summit, 760 above the Pacific. Fortify with a lazy brunch or malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery back in Waikiki afterwards – you’ve earned it.

Pro-tip: The Go City Oahu pass includes a round-trip shuttle to Diamond Head from multiple Honolulu and Waikiki locations.

After all that pre-lunch exertion, you’ll almost certainly be needing a rest. And where better to have one than on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach, where people-watching and slurping shave ice between siestas requires little to no effort at all. Of course, if you absolutely must get involved in another activity, there are stacks to choose from here: parasailing, jet-skiing, paddleboarding, surfing and snorkeling trips out to Turtle Canyon, to name just a few. Of course, you could also opt for the best of both worlds on a Makani Catamaran cruise – coastal sightseeing + horizontal relaxation = best afternoon pastime ever. Eyes peeled for dolphins, flying fish, sea turtles and, between November and April, humpback whales. 

If you’re already on Waikiki Beach, then sundowners at the iconic Duke’s are a no-brainer. Their Mai Tai – a zingy, zesty blend of lime, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup and rum – is an Oahu must-do. 

Alternatively, roll in to Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park for a sweet sunset moment, before sampling the neighborhood’s fine street art and arguably even finer craft ale selection. Taprooms here include Honolulu Beerworks, Hana Koa Brewing and the Aloha Beer Co.

Afterwards, Honolulu’s hottest nightspots hit the right spot. Sample the delights of Kaka’ako’s lively dive bars, sip posh cocktails at Halekulani Hotel, or dance yourself dizzy at Sky Waikiki atop the soaring Waikiki Business Plaza building.