Itinerary questions

Question

Hi all.

Planning to arrive this Saturday

to have full 6 days in Oahu;

this will be my first time in this island.

I like urban and nature exploration, history, photography, and local culture!

My first question is about Pearl Harbor : I already purchased the passport pass and on the waiting list for Arizona. In addition , would like to visit the Bowfin: is it realistic to cover all of them in one day? (Arizona, Missouri, bowfin, aviation museum, submarine museum, virtual experience? Would you recommend a guided tour to cover some (or all) of these locations?

I have in mind to do the following drives and I will appreciate your tips and advises which YOUR favorite stops /beaches/ parks/heanu/ etc AND your favorite places to EAT:)

(And uncomplicated hikes- I got my meniscus torn and want to take it easy for now )

1.Tantalus Round Top drive

2. Drive along the coast from Waikiki to lanikai/kailua and return via H-3 (I researched H-3 is the most scenic, yes?

3. Drive kualoa to Haleiwa

and then back to Waikiki

3a): is it realistic to cover Polynesian cultural center with this drive ?( In general , what is the minimum amount of time I would need to stay there ?

Best way to commute between Honolulu and Waikiki just to see sightseeing : I suspect the problem would be with both traffic and parking ? Should I get taxi/uber? Public transportation?

Which Attractions wound you strongly suggest given the limited time I have since I do want to relax on the beach too:

China town ?

Doris Duke’s Shangri La?

Punchbowl cemetery?

‘Iolani palace ?

Outside of Waikiki:

Your favorite beaches

Your favorite places to eat?:)

Thank you very much

Happy New Year!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip ahead in Oahu! I’m happy to help with your itinerary and offer tips based on your interests, especially since it’s your first time on the island. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your questions and recommendations for activities, drives, hikes, and dining options.

Pearl Harbor:

Visiting Pearl Harbor is a fantastic experience, and with the Passport Pass, you’ve got great access to multiple sites. To answer your question about visiting the Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin, Aviation Museum, and the Virtual Reality experience, it's definitely possible to cover all of them in one day, but it will require some planning. Here's an estimate for each attraction:

USS Arizona Memorial: The most popular attraction, so it's great that you’re already on the waiting list. Plan for at least 1.5–2 hours here, including the movie and boat ride.
USS Missouri (Mighty Mo): Plan for about 1–1.5 hours here. It’s a large battleship, and there’s a lot of history to explore.
USS Bowfin Submarine: Expect around 45 minutes to an hour for a tour of this submarine.
Aviation Museum & Submarine Museum: These can take another 1–1.5 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits.
Virtual Experience: The virtual reality experience should take around 30 minutes to 1 hour, but it’s an optional activity based on your interest.

Guided Tour Recommendation: A guided tour could be helpful if you want to make the most of your time and learn deeper insights into the history of each site. There are guided tours that cover the Arizona Memorial, Missouri, and Bowfin, but if you’re an independent traveler, it’s also possible to explore each at your own pace. If you’re pressed for time, you might consider taking a guided tour for the main attractions and self-exploring the museums.

Driving Itinerary Suggestions:

Now for your drives! Oahu offers some beautiful scenic routes, and here are my thoughts:

Tantalus Round Top Drive: A fantastic drive with beautiful views of Honolulu and Waikiki. It’s an easy drive up to the lookout, and you can get amazing views of the island. Since you mentioned you have a torn meniscus, this is a great option because there’s little to no walking required, and you can enjoy the view from your car.
Waikiki to Kailua via the Coast & H-3: Yes, H-3 is considered one of the most scenic highways in Oahu, winding through the mountains with great views of the island. Kailua and Lanikai beaches are perfect for relaxing, and the drive along the coast offers beautiful vistas. The beaches in Kailua are calmer, and it’s a great spot to spend some time with a relaxed vibe.
Kualoa to Haleiwa: This is one of the most scenic drives on Oahu, with stops at iconic spots like Kualoa Ranch (where Jurassic Park was filmed), beautiful beaches, and historic sites along the North Shore. It’s a beautiful route to explore, but depending on your pace, it might take most of the day. Consider stopping at the famous Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach on your way to Haleiwa.
Polynesian Cultural Center: Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center is a great cultural experience, but it’s a bit of a time commitment. It takes about 4-5 hours to explore the exhibits and attend the evening luau. You could make this a half-day trip along with your drive to Haleiwa, but be aware that if you want to see the entire center and attend the evening show, it could be a bit rushed.

Commuting Between Honolulu and Waikiki:

Traffic can definitely be an issue in Honolulu, especially around peak hours, and parking can be expensive or hard to find. Here are a few commuting options:

Taxi/Uber: These are convenient options, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of parking in Waikiki or Honolulu. It’s easy to get around, and you’ll have the flexibility to go directly to your destination. However, costs can add up over multiple trips.
Public Transportation: The Bus system in Honolulu is affordable and reliable, but it can be a bit slow, especially with traffic. If you want to keep it simple, you could use The Bus to get to popular spots like Ala Moana Center or Pearl Harbor. However, for sightseeing, Uber/taxi is generally faster.
Walking in Waikiki: Waikiki is a very walkable area, so if you’re just sightseeing in the area, walking is often the easiest and most enjoyable option.

Must-See Attractions (Given Limited Time):

Since you also want to relax at the beach and take it easy, I recommend a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some options:

Chinatown: A vibrant part of Honolulu with markets, galleries, and excellent food. It’s worth visiting if you want to see a more local side of Honolulu. You can explore the area, grab a bite, and check out some of the shops.
Doris Duke’s Shangri La: This is a beautiful, historic home that blends art and architecture. It’s not too far from Waikiki, and a tour of the property gives you insight into Honolulu’s history and culture. It’s a lovely spot if you're into art and history.
Punchbowl Cemetery: The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located in an extinct volcanic crater, is a significant historical site. It’s peaceful and offers a sobering reflection on history, and the views of Honolulu from the crater are fantastic.
Iolani Palace: This is a must-see historical site in Honolulu. It’s the only royal palace in the United States and offers an interesting glimpse into Hawaii’s monarchy and history. It’s centrally located and can be covered in a few hours.

Beaches (Outside Waikiki):

Lanikai Beach: This beach is often considered one of the best in Oahu, with calm turquoise waters and beautiful sand. It’s great for relaxing and taking in the views of the Mokulua Islands offshore.
Kailua Beach: Another beautiful beach in the Kailua area. It's a great place for swimming and has a laid-back, less crowded vibe compared to Waikiki.
Waimea Bay & Sunset Beach (North Shore): If you’re a fan of scenic beaches, these two are must-see spots, especially in the winter months when you can catch big waves. Even if you're not into surfing, the views are spectacular.

Favorite Places to Eat:

Helena’s Hawaiian Food: A local gem known for traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, poi, and laulau. It’s a must-try for a true taste of the islands.
The Pig and the Lady: A popular spot in Chinatown for modern takes on Vietnamese cuisine. Their pho and banh mi are excellent!
Side Street Inn: Famous for its local comfort food, like pork chops and fried rice. Great for a casual dinner after a busy day.
Leonard’s Bakery: Don’t miss the malasadas (Portuguese donuts)! It’s a Honolulu institution and perfect for a sweet treat.

Conclusion:

With six days in Oahu, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the best of both urban and nature experiences. Don’t forget to balance your sightseeing with some relaxation on the beautiful beaches. I hope this helps with your planning, and I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable trip!

Enjoy your time in Oahu, and Happy New Year!