Itinerary - Are we missing anything?

Question

My husband and I (early 50s) and our two sons, ages 21 and 19 will be visiting Oahu over the Christmas holiday for the first time. We'd love some advice on our planned itinerary. We're looking for a mix of relaxed beach/pool time and also sightseeing/can't miss activities. We all enjoy water activities - snorkeling, swimming, boys love to surf, also enjoy light hiking, exploring, shopping and general sightseeing. Here's what we have planned. Please let me know your thoughts on the questions below and also if there's anything you'd recommend we add? Any restaurants we should try to get in that I haven't listed? Boys won't love a "shi shi foo foo" dinner, but we are all foodies and we especially love seafood and fish.

Question 1: Does anyone have experience with these tours? We're undecided which to do. Wild Side Specialty Tours Whale and Dolphin Adventure OR Oahu Whale Watching Excursion?

Question 2: Do you recommend Pearl Harbor 4-5 hour tour at 8:30 am or 10:30 am? Does it matter?

Question 3: Since we'll have a car for about 48 hours, is there anything you recommend doing that I haven't already listed?

Day 1 - afternoon arrival - dinner - House without a Key

Day 2 - Wild Side Specialty Tours Whale and Dolphin Adventure? OR

Day 3 - Oahu Whale Watching Excursion

Day 4 - Mauka Warriors luau

Day 5 - Pearl Harbor OR

Day 6 - Pearl Harbor; Pickup rental car; Dinner at La Mer

Day 7 - Oahu Shark Dive; Waimea Falls and drive around North Shore, see surfers, etc

Day 8 - drop off rental; check into hotel in Kapolei; Dinner at Mina's Fish House

Day 9 - relax; check out; fly home.:(

Thanks for any suggestions and input! (I've also posted this question in the Oahu forum, as I know our plans include more than just Honolulu. TIA!!!

Answer

Your itinerary for Oahu sounds fantastic, with a great mix of outdoor adventure, sightseeing, and downtime. Here are some thoughts and suggestions for your questions and overall plan:

Question 1: Whale Watching Tours Both the Wild Side Specialty Tours Whale and Dolphin Adventure and the Oahu Whale Watching Excursion are excellent options, but they cater to slightly different experiences. Here's a quick breakdown:

Wild Side Specialty Tours Whale and Dolphin Adventure: This is a smaller, more intimate tour, which is great for those who want a more personal and unique experience. They also focus on eco-friendly practices, and you’ll likely encounter not only whales but also dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. The boat is smaller, so it might feel more like a private tour.
Oahu Whale Watching Excursion: This tour is often larger, and while still great for whale watching, it may feel more like a typical tourist excursion. If you're okay with a larger group and a bit more structure, this could be a solid choice.

If you want a smaller group and a more personal experience, I’d recommend the Wild Side Specialty Tours. If you prefer a larger group with a more structured experience, the Oahu Whale Watching Excursion would be fine. Both tours are excellent for spotting whales, but the smaller, eco-friendly nature of Wild Side might be more appealing for a family like yours.

Question 2: Pearl Harbor Tour Timing For the Pearl Harbor tour, I would recommend the earlier 8:30 am tour. Here's why:

It’s typically less crowded, so you can experience the attractions with fewer people around.
The 8:30 am tour usually provides more time to fully experience Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial, the museums, and other areas of the site.
The 10:30 am tour can be busier, and you may feel a bit rushed by the time you get to the attractions.

The earlier tour gives you more breathing room and lets you start your day earlier, which is especially important if you want to fit in other activities later in the day.

Question 3: Additional Recommendations for the 48-Hour Car Rental With your rental car, you have a lot of flexibility, and there are a few things I’d suggest to round out your experience:

North Shore Exploration: I see you have Waimea Falls planned, but make sure to check out Sunset Beach and Pipeline for surfing, or stop at Haleiwa Town for local food and shopping.
Diamond Head Crater: If you haven’t hiked it already, Diamond Head offers great views of the island and Honolulu. It’s a relatively short hike but a must-do for first-timers.
Kailua Beach: This is one of Oahu’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for a relaxing swim or kayak. It’s less crowded than Waikiki and ideal for a low-key afternoon.

Since you have a car, driving around the island to explore its diverse landscapes can be a fun way to spend a few hours and see more of Oahu beyond Honolulu.

Day-by-Day Feedback and Suggestions:

Day 1: Dinner at House Without a Key sounds fantastic! Great spot for a relaxed, scenic meal to kick off your trip. Consider getting to the restaurant early to secure a good spot for sunset views.
Day 2: Whale watching is a great way to start your time on the water. If you’re into snorkeling, you could add a visit to Hanauma Bay or Shark’s Cove after your whale watching tour.
Day 4: The Mauka Warriors luau is a good choice for a family-friendly, authentic Hawaiian experience. It’s interactive and fun, but consider checking out other luau options like Paradise Cove or Polynesian Cultural Center if you want a different vibe.
Day 5: Pearl Harbor is a must-see! Make sure to allow extra time for the museum exhibits and the emotional USS Arizona Memorial. It’s a very moving experience.
Day 7: The Oahu Shark Dive is unique and exciting if you’re up for it! Waimea Falls is another great choice, but if you’re interested in a lighter hike, try Manoa Falls which is a bit easier and equally stunning.
Day 8: Mina’s Fish House is an excellent choice for a meal, but if you're looking for more casual seafood, check out Ono Seafood or The Crab Shack on the North Shore.
Day 9: Your last day is great for relaxation, but don’t forget to check out Ala Moana Center for some shopping or grab some last-minute souvenirs in Waikiki.

Final Tips: Since you’re planning a mix of water activities and sightseeing, be sure to bring waterproof bags for your phone and cameras, especially on the whale watching and shark dive excursions. Also, if your sons are into surfing, Waikiki Beach has great beginner waves, but for more advanced surfing, you might want to check out North Shore’s Pipeline or Sunset Beach. Overall, your itinerary looks well-balanced and fun, and there’s nothing major that stands out as missing! It’s a great combination of adventure, relaxation, and food. Enjoy your trip to Oahu!

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