Oahu in 5 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Regardless of where you're staying, Oahu is a relatively small island (1,545.3 km²). By car it will take you barely 1 hour to get from the south end to the north end. That's why 5 days is more than enough time to get around and visit this paradise island of Hawaii in depth.

The itinerary that I am going to propose is designed to spend each day in a different part of the island. However, to make things easier, I recommend that as soon as you get from Honolulu airport to your accommodation you hire a car and let yourself be carried away by the unique charm of Oahu; one of the pearls of the Pacific.

Paradise beaches, incredible nature and a wonderful atmosphere, but that's not all there is to see on Oahu. If we focus on Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii is not too big, but tourism is its main feature. People from all walks of life gather here, surfers, luxury travellers and backpackers.

Popular neighbourhoods include the downtown shopping and entertainment district, while the arts district of Chinatown is the cultural quarter. Waikiki, which is also a district of Honolulu, will be left for the next day so as not to overload the first.

Learn about the history of Pearl Harbor

Of all the attractions in Honolulu, Pearl Harbor is one of the most historically significant. The attack on the US Navy by Japan on December 7, 1941 was a decisive event in World War II.

Hiring one of the tours that take you to Pearl Harbor is a super interesting option. They will take you to see the visitor centre, exhibits, the Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, the Kawaiahao Church, the Mission Houses Museum, the Punchbowl Cemetery, the statue of King Kamehameha, Honolulu Hale, the Public Library or the Aloha Tower, among other places.

See the Iolani Palace

Back in Honolulu, the tour continues with one of the most interesting buildings on the island. Did you know that the only royal palace in the United States is in Honolulu?

The building, called Iolani Palace, dates back to the time when Hawaii was a monarchy. Until 1893 the castle was a royal residence and since 1962 it has been a protected monument.

Located in the capitol district, Iolani Palace is on the US National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided tour and learn more about Hawaii's rich history.

Tour the Ala Moana Center

A half-hour walk from the palace is the Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping mall. If you're in the mood for shopping, this is the place to be and it has a fantastic children's play area that will delight the little ones.

How about a classic Hawaiian shirt? With over 350 shops and restaurants, Ala Moana Centre has everything from Hawaiian clothing and accessories to the most popular brands.

Plus, year-round activities abound, with shows, classes, cultural gatherings and all sorts of other experiences to attend.

Grab a bite to eat before retiring

After spending the morning at Pearl Harbor and a long walk around Honolulu, you're probably pretty tired.

And since you've got a lot of days ahead of you, I recommend that you end the day with dinner at the mall itself. Inside you'll find plenty of options, so you won't have any trouble choosing something you like.

Despite the crowds, Waikiki is a must-see. You can't say you've been to Hawaii without having been here as it's Honolulu's most famous district.

Ninety per cent of Honolulu's hotels are located in Waikiki, so if you're staying in the capital, there's a good chance you'll be staying here.

Spend a few hours on Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world and the ideal place to stop and adjust to the time difference. There aren't many other places where you can see surfers piling into the sea to catch the perfect wave.

However, while this white sandy beach is a surfer's paradise and well worth the spectacle, if you've got kids with you or fancy a quieter swim, it's best to head to the southern end of the beach, where the waves are tempered by the breakers.

Play sports in the sea

Surfing is almost a religion for the Hawaiians, the practice of surfing goes back centuries and centuries, so if you've never picked up a surfboard before, you're in the perfect place to start. You can rent one for just over $10 or book a surf lesson.

But if surfing isn't your thing, Waikiki has other interesting options such as parasailing, an adrenaline-filled activity where you can reach an altitude of up to 150 metres above the crystal-clear waters of the bay.

Visit Diamond Head Volcano

Just a short walk from Waikiki Beach is one of the best hiking trails on Oahu: the one that leads to Diamond Head.

Diamond Head volcano can be seen from anywhere in Waikiki, but seeing it is not the same as feeling it. Getting to the crater of Diamond Head is a must for first-time visitors to Oahu.

The final part is an ascent through a trail that takes you through tunnels and old military remains and ends with a view of all of Honolulu that is not to be missed. It's a 1-2 hour round trip.

From Waikiki, if you have a rental car, you'll reach the end in just a few minutes. If not, don't worry, you can get there by bus.

Back to Waikiki for dinner and a night out

When you get back to Waikiki it's time to find somewhere to have dinner. If you want to try something typical and reasonably priced, here are a few options:

• Teddy's Bigger Burgers: Huge burgers, with a reputation for being very juicy, are waiting for you at this place.
• Zippy's: the best thing about this place is the variety on offer, although the signature dish is the chili.
• Búho Cantina: if you are looking for a lively place, Buho Cantina usually has live musical performances almost every night.

Afterwards, if you have enough energy left, you can go to one of the pubs or bars that dot Waikiki Beach. This area has the best atmosphere on the island and is therefore one of the must-visit places for those looking for things to do in Oahu at night.

Oahu's east coast offers miles and miles of breathtaking cliffs, water-filled volcanic craters and almost deserted beach paradises. The stretch that runs along this part of the island is one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

On the East Coast of Oahu there are plenty of wide beaches that are much less visited than those of Waikiki. I'm going to give you an itinerary from Waikiki to the northeast end of the island so you won't miss any of them.

Makapu'u

If you leave Waikiki you must take Highway 72 to get to the first beach on this itinerary. If you've been to Honolulu's beaches before, Makapu'u will surprise you, as it's much less crowded than you're used to. But you'll also have to pay more attention to the waves and currents.

Most people who come here to visit the picturesque Makapuuy lighthouseare surprised to find this beautiful beach situated in a small bay with fine, soft sand cascading into the sea.

There are dark lava rocks around the beach, and the beautiful Makapuu Lighthouse stands like a beacon on top of the mountain.

Lanikai Beach and Koko Head

Heading north out of Makapuu on Highway 72, and along breathtaking cliffs and miles of magical deserted beaches, you finally reach the paradise-like Lanikai Beach, where both Barack Obama and Elvis Presley enjoyed their summer holidays. Don't miss the view from Koko Head Crater.

The hike to the top of this volcano is a great way to lose some of the calories you've accumulated so far from the delicious, but often copious, Hawaiian meals.

You'll walk over the now disused US Army railroad tracks, up a not inconsiderable 1048 steps.

Kualoa and Jurassic Park

A four-minute drive from Lanikai Beach is another exceptional beach. Kailua Beack Park has been declared one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Dust-white sand, crystal clear water and gentle, steady winds.

Leaving Kailua you will have to take Highway 630 to link up with Highway 83 which will take you further north to Kualoa. The amount of adventure activities available in Kualoa is truly impressive.

It is also a magical location where many Hollywood movies have been filmed. In fact, one of the most popular activities in the area (and the whole island) is related to one of the most famous movies filmed there: Jurassic Park.

Malaekahana

To finish the tour, you can finish off by heading up Highway 83 to the north end of the island where you'll find Malaekahana Beach.

At over a mile long, this beach is located in the bay from which it gets its name. It's perfect for long walks and sunbathing.

Wrap up a busy day with a dinner cruise

Despite the intense nature of the journey, the distances on the island are not very long. It's possible, therefore, that you could be back in Waikiki in time for a dinner cruise in the waters off Oahu.

Apart from the quality of the food, the best part of the cruise may come afterwards. To the rhythm of soft music you will be able to watch the sunset and Honolulu light up.

The west side of Oahu is much hotter and drier. It's the least touristy part of the island and is home to places you won't see in any guidebook. Between secluded coves and postcard-perfect scenery you can feel the real Oahu ruffle your feathers.

Here's a short itinerary that starts in Honolulu and heads west. This route includes a Hawaiian temple, a Luau show and a great beach.

Makaha Beach Park

The first stop on this fourth day's itinerary is a 50-minute drive from Honolulu. If you don't have a rental car you can also get from Honolulu to Makaha Beach by public transport. One option is to take the Makaha Country Express C line.

However, to continue the itinerary afterwards it is best to go by car, as some points are difficult to reach otherwise.

Makaha Beach Park is a fantastic beach for swimming, surfing and bodyboarding. The sea is calmer in summer. In winter, the strong swell and dangerous current make it suitable only for experienced surfers. There are lifeguards on the beach anyway, so if you are unsure, check with them.

Makaha Beach is rarely crowded, except on weekends when local families come for picnics. My advice is to do the same and spend the whole morning in the area.

For divers there is the well-known location of Makaha Caves which is 150 metres from the beach. You can get there by boat or by swimming, whichever you prefer!

Ku'ilioloa Heiau Temple

Heading south from the beach above, at one end of Pokai Beach Bay, you'll find Kane'ilio Point, a long peninsula where you can visit Ku'ilioloa Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple that won't leave you indifferent.

From here you'll have a wonderful view of the entire west coast. It is believed that this place was once a kind of school for everything related to fishing and sailing.

Once you've done your sightseeing, you can relax on the beach at Pokai Bay, which is calm and inviting thanks to its large breakwater. This wide beach is great for families with children.

Paradise Cove Luau

Leaving Pokai Beach on Highway 93 you will reach Kapolei, from here it's an easy drive to Paradise Cove Luau.

You can't leave Oahu without seeing a Luau. This traditional Hawaiian spectacle will leave you in awe. One of the best Luau shows on Oahu awaits you at Paradise Cove

Please note that the entire luau, including dinner, can last almost five hours. However, for a supplement you can hire a transfer back to your hotel.

In addition, at Paradise Cove you will also find Hawaiian music, typical island games, colourful ceremonies, fishing courses, flower showers, the best sunset, and the night, what a night.

There are truly countless things to see on Oahu's North Shore. For starters, you'll enjoy the extraordinary wildlife, walk through rainforests and experience unforgettable wilderness experiences.

Bay after bay, the north offers something new. There are coral reefs suitable for snorkelling and you won't even be hard pressed for the privilege of seeing the Hawaiian monk seal suddenly emerge from the water and lie on the beach.

Waimea Falls Park

Waimea Falls, located in the park of the same name, is a great place to start your first day's itinerary. From Honolulu, by car, it will only take you an hour to reach the starting point of the trails.

The area is a true surfing paradise, with rich wildlife and fantastic nature. If you tire of the sea, you can walk through the Botanical Gardens of Waimea Falls Park and swim under a waterfall.

Be careful not to pick any of the tempting pineapples from the many plantations you pass through - you could be fined!

Dive with sharks

On the North Shore itself, in Haleiwa, just 15 minutes from Waimea, you'll be able to live an absolutely unforgettable experience: a shark dive.

To do so, you'll have to board a cruise ship that will take you to the observation point. Once there, the most exciting and, I'm sure, complicated part remains: enter an underwater cage and dive to see these formidable animals swimming just a few metres away.

Eat ground shrimp on a food truck

Back on land, off Haleiwa and Kahuku on Oahu's North Shore, there are several shrimp farms and what better way to eat ground shrimp with garlic and pineapple than straight from a Food Truck?

If you haven't had the chance to try this typical Hawaiian dish, this is your chance. There's no better place for it than here. You can practically watch the shrimp come out of the sea and onto your plate.

Rock-A-Hula

To end the day, and the trip, there's nothing better than returning to Waikiki for a Hawaiian show with a difference. Rock-A-Hula mixes tributes to legendary singers like Elvis or Michael Jaxkson with more traditional performances like the fire knife dance.

Depending on what you're looking for, you can choose a normal ticket (only to the show) or one that includes dinner and original cocktails.