HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT 72 HOURS IN OAHU, HAWAII
Oahu might be our favourite island in Hawaii. With swaying palm trees, sun-soaked beaches, and lush valleys, it's hard to find a tropical destination with this much beauty. While you could easily spend a whole week here, 72 hours is a reasonable amount of time to see Oahu's most loved attractions.
If you are busy planning a trip to the island make sure you watch our YouTube video below sharing with you everything we got up to during our 3 day stay in Oahu and keep on scrolling for more info.
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Where to Stay
There are two main places to stay on Oahu. Most first-time travellers choose to base themselves in Honolulu, a bustling city known for shopping, dining, and surfing. We stayed at The Modern Honolulu, which was just a stone's throw away from Waikiki Beach. In addition to the beach resorts, Honolulu also has plenty of apartments and Airbnb rentals closer to the city.
However, you can also escape the crowds and head to the North Shore if you want something quieter. There aren't as many hotels as Honolulu, although staying in an Airbnb or rental house will give you a taste of local life.
Things to Do
Visit the North Shore
If you're staying in Honolulu, then you'll want to take a day to visit the unspoiled coastline of the North. It's the perfect spot for surfing, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle. Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Haleiwa are a few spots you won't want to miss.
Eat a Dole Whip at a Pineapple Plantation
Creamy, citrusy, and perfect for a hot Hawaiian afternoon, Dole Whip soft serve is well worth the drive to the middle of Oahu. You can find this delectable treat at the Dole Plantation, a historic pineapple farm with gardens, a restaurant, and the world's largest outdoor maze.
Attend a Luau
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without visiting a luau. There are numerous ones around the island, although we can recommend Waikiki Starlight Luau at the Hilton. You'll be treated to live music and an unforgettable show while feasting on mouthwatering Polynesian cuisine.
Hike Diamond Head
Looming over Waikiki is Diamond Head, the symbol of Oahu. If you're feeling adventurous, you can trek to the summit of the crater to enjoy one of the best views of the island. Although it's less than a mile long, the trail is incredibly steep, although the effort will be worth it once you reach the lookout.
Enjoy an Acai bowl
Located on the side of the road in a quaint surf town you will find the Sunrise Shack serving up our favourite acai bowls on the island. Popular for both locals and tourists alike, this spit is a must-visit if heading to the North Shore.
Each bowl is served with fresh fruit, organic granola, fresh coconut flakes and we highly recommend adding the scoop of peanut butter. They also do delicious avocado toast too!
Visit a Botanical Garden
With over 400 acres of lush foliage and tropical flowers, the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens is a great place to enjoy the beauty of Oahu. You'll also find plants from all over the world, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Africa, and India. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sounds of birds while you have lunch in the middle of the peaceful gardens.
Go Swimming!
You can't visit Oahu without dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean. And with over 112 miles of coastline, the island is in no shortage of beautiful beaches. Waikiki Beach has fluffy white sand and calm waters, although it can be busy due to its central location. If you crave peace and quiet, we can also recommend Makua, Makapuu, or Waimanalo.
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