Holiday in Hawaii:
3 Days on Oahu
Get insider tips and advice for your family holiday in Hawaii. Here are some great ideas for what to do during a weekend in Honolulu or 3 days on Oahu.
What is the best way to holiday in Hawaii?
The simple answer is, it depends. Are you into shopping? Maybe more adventure? These islands are famous for breathtaking hikes and the best beaches in the world. Maybe youʻre more of a history buff? In that case, downtown Honolulu is perfect. Of course, you may be traveling with multiple generations and a variety of abilities. If you have done your research, you may have specific places you may want to visit. Any genuine recommendations would also depend on what time of year it is. Yes, we have seasons, and itʻs essential to keep them in mind during your holiday in Hawaii.
Maybe youʻre visiting for a long weekend in Honolulu. Lotʻs of people spend most of their time on the neighboring islands to relax, then come to Oahu for the action. This island has all the big city amenities, but you can also find the slow pace, country feel. Or maybe, itʻs the first time youʻve ever seen Hawaii. In that case, you may want to do as much as possible in 3 days on Oahu. Weʻve compiled a few things to keep in mind, fun recommendations and insider information for your family.
Is 3 days on Oahu enough time?
The honest answer is itʻs never enough, but take what you can get. Something is always better than nothing, especially when it comes to vacation. There have even been studies that say 3 day weekends are good for mental health. As if you needed another excuse.
While you will get various responses to that question, 3 days on Oahu is certainly enough for a taste. There are a variety of ways to experience the island. Not only that, but you can see all the top attractions on Oahu in that amount of time.
Spending a long weekend in Honolulu?
Whether traveling from the west coast or visiting us from a neighbor island, you will have fun in the city. There is always a parade or festival. not to mention the great restaurants and bars in Waikiki and the surrounding neighborhoods. If you are bored here, you are certainly doing something wrong. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or looking for a romantic getaway, Oahu is the spot. Thatʻs why they call it the Gathering Place.
Believe it or not, places like Pearl Harbor arenʻt typically busier on the weekends. Most popular tourists places do not experience any notable influx. We recommend avoiding the islands’ more popular beaches and spend your weekend in Honolulu. We donʻt even stop at any beach parks on Saturday or Sunday. So if you do have 3 days on Oahu or more, use the weekdays to explore the island. If you do, youʻll get better photoʻs anyway.
How do you arrange your island activities?
The answer to this is also, it depends. If you have specific things, you know you want to do that require reservations, book those first. Especially if it is a smaller operation or you are traveling during busier parts of the year.
The weather here is often localized and can move fast. Keep this in mind getting around. There are a wide variety of transportation options on Oahu. If you are staying in Waikiki, you can even mix and match how you get around. If you are not, the possibilities are more limited.
Do you need a rental car for 3 days on Oahu?
Need is a loaded word, especially when you are talking about a vacation. If you are staying in Waikiki for 5 days or less, thatʻs an easy no. Virtually every Resort has parking fees, and street parking isnʻt cheap. However, it is worth it to explore this wonderful place. So you may want one. If you rent a car, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. The first is that we drive very differently out here. Be friendly and pay attention. Weʻll probably let you right in, even if there is traffic. That is a perfect opportunity for you to try out a “shaka.”
Now, if you are staying up at Turtle Bay, thatʻs a different story. That rental car will be much more convenient for 3 days on Oahu and your holiday in Hawaii. You still may want to do a tour. Plenty of people do. They often use it to get to know the island and then explore on their own. You can use shuttles and public transportation staying out here. However, the trips can take much longer. All of this applies to Koolina Resort Complex as well, maybe more so. If you are lucky enough to stay in either area, a rental car or tour becomes much more of a necessity.
Are there tours from Koolina and Turtle Bay?
There certainly are. However, many of these offer an extra charge or limited days. These resorts often have a variety of activities on property or nearby. There are even surf lessons within a stone’s throw of the hotel.
We have to take a moment and say Gunstock Ranch is maybe one of the most incredible things out there. Within minutes of the Resort, you can ride horses or even plant a Milo tree. Which, of course, is our favorite activity to add to Your Community Service Tours.
Should we consider the weather for a holiday in Hawaii?
This falls under the definition of need to, for sure. We always recommend planning around the weather. If you do not prepare for the conditions on your holiday in Hawaii, you are likely to be surprised. Traditionally we have two seasons, wela and hooilo. Hoolio means ʻto germinate,ʻ or rainy season, and wela, well that means ʻhot. ʻ Again, our weather here is also very localized. In fact, there are thousands of names for wind and rain of different places. We donʻt paint this place green.
While we mostly get sun showers, the saying ʻwhen it rains, it pours,ʻ is often accurate. Hooilo, or wintertime, brings monster waves to the North Shore of Oahu. Which means snorkeling there is out. Actually, you shouldnʻt even put your big toe on the smooth sand or wet rocks during that time of year. Rain in the mountains often creates dangerous hiking conditions. On the other hand, Wela, or summer, brings perfectly flat conditions to the beaches on the North Shore. Of course, those conditions switch in opposite fashion with the seasons in the South Shore.
What to do on holiday in Hawaii?
These two paragraphs wonʻt be a one-stop-shop for that answer. But the best answer is, do what you want. But donʻt worry we can help you plan a fun Oahu itinerary. If you like to shop, do that. Want to kick back at the Resort? Perfect.
But if you want to explore, 3 days on Oahu will work for your holiday in Hawaii. Whether cruising the beaches on the weekdays or relaxing for a weekend in Honolulu, you are sure to have a blast.
What is the best 3 day itinerary for a weekend in Honolulu?
Once again this depends on your style. Typically we suggest doing Pearl Harbor and everything in town on one day. However, if you can, we recommend keeping the order flexible. That way, you can make adjustments based on the weather. The weekends are great because you can visit the Swap Meet across the street. Then you dedicate one day to the North Shore and one to the South. Try to plan the Memorial for the first part of your trip. That way, if anything happens with the tickets, you have another chance.
Many people will break it up as a beach day, hiking day, and one for a shopping or museum day. That is a great way to organize it as well. If you have many activities lined up, you may not want to do more than one a day. Of course, you may want to pack as much in as possible. If you have a long weekend in Honolulu, make sure to take the extra weekday to explore the beaches or trails. There is also a farmers market at Kapiolani Community College on Tuesdayʻs and Saturdays.
Should you take a Hawaii tour?
There are many different types of tours on Oahu and many various reasons to take them. Every island in the chain is different from the others, and every part is unique.
Pearl Harbor is probably the most popular tour for first-time visitors to the islands. Because of the central location, it is excellent for a weekend in Honolulu, 3 days on Oahu, or an extended holiday in Hawaii.
What are the best places to see on our Hawaii holiday?
You will quickly find out on your holiday in Hawaii that there is so much to do! There are four attractions at Pearl Harbor alone. This island has fantastic food, excellent museums, and fun nightlife. No matter what your flavor, you can find it on these islands. However, this place gets even better the more you learn about it. We highly recommend immersing yourself in the culture as much as appropriate. The Bishop Museum is a great place to start.
If you are into surfing, we recommend Sunset Beach during the winter but itʻs great for swimming in the summer. Also located on the North Shore is one of our favorite places. There is a botanical garden and even a waterfall to swim in. Along with the friendly staff, these make Waimea Valley a must-see for everyone. If you only have a weekend in Honolulu, donʻt forget to hike to the top of Diamond Head.
Whatʻs the best tour on the island of Oahu?
We might be a little biased, but itʻs Your Private Tours of Oahu, Hawaii. Why would you not want a 100% private and custom experience with Halia Tours and Transportation? Professional, reliable, fun, and reasonably priced. You canʻt go wrong. We are not the only ones who feel this way. With a five-star rating on all of the online sites, the word is spreading fast. We proudly offer discounts for guests who are willing to give back to the community during their experience and holiday in Hawaii.
Along with Your Community Service Tours, we offer any other popular route on the island. You can easily enjoy 3 days on Oahu without having to plan anything. You can also save money when you buy 2 get the 3rd half price with Your Multi Day Tours. Visit all the top attractions and some hidden gems along the way. Not only that but have an expert guide to make sure your day goes as smoothly as possible. Itʻs a no-brainer.
Related Tours:
Not sure which tour to take? Check out this fun personality quiz for help.
No matter how you decide to spend your 3 days on Oahu during your holiday in Hawaii, we certainly hope that you have fun. Not only that, but thank you for taking the time to read this post. Donʻt forget to subscribe below for more ideas for an unforgettable weekend in Honolulu. Mahalo hana hou and hope to see you soon on Your Private Tours of Oahu, Hawaii soon. Make sure to follow us on social media and keep in touch.
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