Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Tori Pines
Only have a few days on Oahu? No problem! With a little planning and the right mix of adventure and relaxation, you can experience so much of what makes this island amazing in just 3 days on Oahu. From sunrise hikes and stunning beaches to snorkeling with sea turtles and watching the sunset with a mai tai in hand, this 3-day Oahu itinerary covers all the must-do moments.
This guide is based on my favorite experiences from multiple trips to Oahu, including everything from local eats and snorkeling spots to family-friendly hikes and cultural highlights. And of course, I’m adding in my best tips along the way to help you make the most of every moment!
3-Day Oahu Itinerary Map
3-Day Oahu Itinerary
Day 1: Waikiki + Diamond Head
Morning: Hike Diamond Head at Sunrise
Start your first day of 3 days on Oahu bright and early (you’ll be up early anyways, thanks, jet lag!) with one of the best sunrise hikes on Oahu, Diamond Head. The short 1.5-mile round trip hike offers sweeping views over Waikiki and the Pacific.
Reservations are required, so book in advance. Aim for the 6:00–7:00 AM time slot for golden hour magic.
There’s a lot of important information to know about hiking Diamond Head at Sunrise so read my full guide for all of my best tips.
Tori Tip: Depending on what time of the year you’ll be spending 3 days on Oahu, you may or may not be able to hike this for sunrise. The park doesn’t open until 6:00 a.m. and then you’ll need at least 30 minutes to get to the top. so from about April Through September Sunrise will be too early to make this happen. But during the winter months on Oahu, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Either way the views are gorgeous and worthy of your first stop on a 3-day Oahu itinerary.
Breakfast: Koko Head Cafe
Reward your hike with a big, delicious breakfast at Koko Head Cafe, a local favorite. This spot is owned by Top Chef competitor Lee Ann Wong. Everything about this place is amazing from the decor and ambience to the eclectic yet comfortable menu. Try the Cornflake French Toast or Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice, it’s our must-eat stop every trip!
Late Morning: Beach Time at Waikiki
Head back to your hotel to rinse off and hit the beach. Waikiki is touristy, yes, but it’s also beautiful, calm, and great for swimming or first-time snorkeling.
Bring a Teema Towel with you, it’s my favorite thing to pack for a trip to Hawaii. It’s great to use on the beach, as a picnic blanket, to keep warm on the plane and so much more!!
Optional upgrade: Rent a day pass for a luxury resort pool with ResortPass if your hotel pool isn’t cutting it. It’s a much cheaper way to spend the day at a fancy hotel pool!
Lunch: Marugame Udon
You’ll probably see the line before you see the sign. Marugame Udon is worth the wait, you get custom bowls of thick udon noodles and Japanese tempura for super cheap. Plus, it’s delicious and very authentic.
This is a great option for cheap things to do on Oahu, since the prices are super reasonable! It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a must try when on Oahu.
Afternoon: Explore Kalākaua Avenue
Walk the Waikiki strip, check out the Royal Hawaiian Center, pop into the International Market Place, and grab a cold treat. My favorite? Shave ice or fresh pineapple juice!
Evening: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Book a sunset sail with Mai Tai Catamaran. For 90 minutes, you’ll cruise along the coast with Diamond Head views, live music, and unlimited mai tais. It’s the most fun, relaxing and beautiful way to spend an evening on Oahu. The views are stunning and the sunset is jaw-dropping.
Tori Tip: Make this your “welcome to Hawaii” tradition like we do!
Dinner: Hula Grill Waikiki
End the day with dinner upstairs at Hula Grill. My favorite meal (possibly that I’ve ever had) is the Coconut Seafood Chowder. It’s full of seafood with a sweet and savory coconut broth served over rice. I actually lick the bowl. It’s so incredible. And definitely order the Hula Pie for dessert, it may or may not be the sole reason we keep returning to Hawaii.
Tori Tip: Their sister restaurant, Dukes, is located just downstairs from Hula Grill. They are almost identical with very similar menus. You can get a similar coconut seafood dish there, and they always have the Hula Pie too. If you can’t get a reservation at Hula Grill, come here instead!
Day 2: North Shore Adventure Day
Rent a car (if you haven’t already) and hit the road, it’s North Shore day! Visiting the North Shore is an absolute must during 3 days on Oahu.
Morning: Drive the Scenic East Coast
Leave early and take the scenic route up the windward side of the island. Stop at:
- Halona Blowhole Lookout
- Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail (optional short hike + whale watching in winter)
- Lanikai Beach (optional detour for clear blue waters)
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden – Swing by this peaceful 400-acre garden for a drive-through photo op and short walk. It’s free and gorgeous.
Tori Tip: Grab breakfast to-go from Island Vintage Coffee and Leonard’s Malasadas before hitting the road.
Breakfast: Acai Bowls on the Beach
Once you hit the North Shore, stop for acai bowls at The Sunrise Shack. Here you’ll find fresh smoothie bowls in the cutest bright yellow roadside shack. It’s a famous spot for a reason.
Tori Tip: Walk across the street and sit in the sand to enjoy your treat.
Mid-Day: Turtle Spotting
Visit Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) to (hopefully) spot sea turtles sunbathing. Plus it’s just a great spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Go for a swim if the conditions are safe.
Lunch: The Famous Shrimp Truck
The north shore is known for having incredible food trucks, with the most famous one being Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. Head here (and be prepared to spend $5 to park) and get a late lunch.
They are located in a little food truck park, so I recommend having each person in your group order from a different truck so you can try a variety of things. We actually liked the kalua pork from the truck next to Giovanni’s just as much!
Afternoon: Shopping
Walk off some of the delicious food you ate at the North Shore Marketplace. We come here every time we visit Oahu to look for treasures to bring home. We especially love the artwork that we have found at Waimea Blue Ocean Gallery!
Sunset: Pupukea or Banzai Pipeline
Find a beachside spot and watch the surfers ride giant waves (especially during winter!).
Dinner: Haleiwa Town
Head into Haleiwa for a casual dinner and shopping. Try:
- Haleiwa Joe’s (seafood with views)
- Kono’s (casual Hawaiian plates and breakfast all day)
Tori Tip: Grab shaved ice from Matsumoto’s after dinner, worth every sugary bite!
Day 3: Snorkeling + Culture + Relaxation
Morning: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or Electric Beach
You can’t visit Oahu without snorkeling. Choose your adventure:
- Hanauma Bay: Most famous, great for beginners, but requires reservations and a hefty fee.
- Electric Beach: Free, with abundant marine life—great for experienced snorkelers.
For more snorkeling options and information, read my guide on Snorkeling on Oahu!
Tori Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear to save on rentals. And only use reef-safe sunscreen!
Lunch: Poke
After your swim, stop at Foodland Grocery Store for the freshest poke on the island. It’s where the locals eat, and I promise, it’s the best on the island. It was some of the best food we had during our first 3 days on Oahu.
Midday: Visit Pearl Harbor
Spend your afternoon at Pearl Harbor, it’s free to visit and a deeply moving experience. Learn about the events of WWII and take the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
Tori Tip: Go early or reserve tickets in advance to avoid long waits. If you don’t have a car, just call an Uber or Lyft for the cheapest option. If you’d rather take a tour you can, but keep in mind entry here is free so you’re paying a lot just for the service.
Late Afternoon: Relax & Shop
Head back to Waikiki for some downtime. Float in the ocean, rest at the pool, or browse shops along Kalākaua Avenue. Don’t forget to grab any last souvenirs!
Dinner: Doraku Sushi
For your final night, grab a table at Doraku Sushi. This sushi spot is our absolute favorite in Waikiki. They’ve got a great variety of options on the menu, a nice but casual atmosphere and pretty reasonable prices for being right in Waikiki!
Tori Tip: If you get here early enough, they have a great happy hour menu with reduced pricing!
Evening: Fireworks Show (if it’s Friday!)
If your final night is a Friday, you’re in luck, watch the free fireworks show from Waikiki Beach, starting around 7:45 PM.
If it’s not Friday, don’t worry, there’s always so much to see in Waikiki. Catch a hula show here, right by the Duke statue. Or enjoy some of the many street performers along the sidewalks, some are outstanding!
Tips for Your 3 Days on Oahu
If it’s your first time heading to Oahu, get ready for paradise, but also plan smart! This island is one of the most popular in Hawaii for good reason: it’s packed with adventure, beaches, food, and culture. Here are my best tips to make your trip smooth and unforgettable.
1. Rent a car
Yes, there’s some traffic around Honolulu, but you’ll want the freedom to explore beyond Waikiki. The island’s best gems, like the North Shore, Lanikai Beach, and Kualoa Ranch, aren’t easy to reach by bus or Uber. You’ll thank yourself when you’re cruising the coast with the windows down.
2. Go early for everything
Oahu is busy year-round, especially for top spots like Hanauma Bay or Diamond Head. Beat the crowds (and the heat!) by going early in the morning. You’ll find parking, cooler temps, and way fewer people in your photos. And if you just keep your body accustomed to the time zone you came from, then this should be easy!
3. Pack for beach and adventure
Oahu isn’t just lounging on the sand. You’ll want hiking sandals for trails like Manoa Falls, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof phone case for those waterfall and snorkeling days.
4. Try local food, not just resort dining
Skip the chain restaurants and grab poke bowls from a local grocery store, shave ice on the North Shore, and malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery. Oahu’s food scene is a mix of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Filipino influences, so eat your way around the island!
5. Respect the island and its culture
Oahu’s natural beauty is sacred to locals, so always follow posted signs, stay on marked trails, and never touch sea turtles or monk seals. A little respect goes a long way here.
6. Book popular experiences early
Things like Pearl Harbor tours, luaus, and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay can sell out weeks ahead, so don’t wait until you arrive to book them.
7. Mix city vibes with island time
Spend a day exploring Waikiki or Honolulu’s food scene, then slow down and enjoy a beach day on the Windward Coast. Oahu is the perfect blend of both worlds, city energy and laid-back island charm.
Is 3 Days on Oahu enough?
Three days on Oahu is enough to experience the highlights, get a taste of the culture, and start planning your return. With this itinerary, you’ll hit iconic spots like Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the North Shore, while still having time to relax and soak in that aloha magic.
Three days on Oahu isn’t a lot, but it’s absolutely enough to fall in love with the island! You won’t see every single thing, Oahu has so much to do, but with a good plan, you can hit the highlights and still have time to relax on the beach.
If it’s your first trip to Hawaii, Oahu is actually one of the best islands for a short stay. Everything is pretty easy to get to, and you can experience a little bit of everything, history, adventure, beaches, and great food, all without spending hours in the car.
Just know that you’ll leave wanting more. Three days gives you a taste of Oahu, but you’ll definitely find yourself dreaming about coming back for a longer trip next time. If you can swing it, four or five days is ideal. But if all you’ve got is a long weekend, or you plan to hop to another island, like Maui, go for it! It’s totally worth it.
Looking for more Hawaii posts?
- 20 Best Things to do on Oahu, Hawaii in 2025
- Top 20 Free & Cheap Things to do on Oahu to Fill Your Itinerary
- 15 Free Things to Do in Waikiki, Hawaii: Budget-Friendly Fun
- 23 Fun Things to do in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii: Best Activities and Food!
- 6 Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes & Everything You Need to Know
- The 10 Best Places for Snorkeling on Oahu + Top Tips!
- Oahu in February: Things you can only do this month!
- 19 Active Things to do on Maui
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