Trip Advice

Question

We’re visiting Waikiki in June for 10 days and were thinking of renting a car for 3 days to do the following:

Day 1 - morning at Lanikai Beach, afternoon at Kailua Beach Park

Scenic stop at Nuuanui Pali Lookout

Day 2 - morning Waimea Bay, Sharks Cove, Sunset Beach

Afternoon - Haleiwa town

Day 3 - Dole plantation

Scenic drive via Waimanalo and Makapuiu Lookout

Does this make the best use of the rental car? Will parking be an issue?

Anything else that would be worthwhile. It will be my husband and myself and our 3 kids who are late teens early twenties.

Answer

Your 3-day rental plan is very well organized and makes excellent use of having a car on Oahu. Each day groups together areas that are close to one another, which minimizes driving time and maximizes beach and exploring time. This is especially helpful in June, when traffic can be heavier due to summer travel.

Below is a detailed breakdown of your itinerary, parking expectations, and optional add-ons that your teens and young adults may enjoy.

Day 1: Lanikai Beach → Kailua Beach Park → Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout

This is a perfect use of a rental car, since accessing Lanikai is much easier by car. Kailua Beach Park also has plenty of parking, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. The Pali Lookout is a scenic and fast stop on the way back toward Waikiki.

Lanikai Parking: Limited and residential. Follow all posted signs — tickets are common. Arrive before 9 AM for the easiest time.
Kailua Beach Park: Large lots with bathrooms. Much easier than Lanikai.
Pali Lookout: Paid parking but inexpensive. Usually plenty of spaces.

Day 2: Waimea Bay → Shark’s Cove → Sunset Beach → Haleiwa

This is the classic North Shore loop and exactly the type of day that justifies renting a car. Each spot is only a few minutes apart, and you’ll have freedom to stop wherever you like along the way. June generally means calmer conditions on the North Shore, especially in the mornings.

Waimea Bay Parking: Fills EARLY (often by 9 AM). Arrive early or be prepared to circle. There is some roadside parking but watch for “No Parking” signs.
Shark’s Cove Parking: Usually manageable, but the lot is small.
Sunset Beach: Plenty of roadside parking areas.
Haleiwa Town: Multiple lots, but can be busy midday. Turnover is good and spaces usually open quickly.

Day 3: Dole Plantation → Windward Coast → Waimānalo → Makapuʻu Lookout

This is also a great car day. Dole is much easier to reach by car than by tour or bus. The Windward Coast drive is gorgeous and offers many opportunities for scenic pull-offs, especially around Makapuʻu.

Dole Plantation: Large parking lot, no issues generally.
Waimānalo Beach: Parking usually easy at the beach park, but avoid leaving valuables in the car (break-ins can happen here more than other spots).
Makapuʻu Lookout: Plenty of parking for short scenic stops.

Overall Parking Assessment

Parking will not be a problem except for Waimea Bay and Lanikai. Those two spots simply require an early start or some patience. Everywhere else on your itinerary is generally manageable, especially in June.

Additional Worthwhile Stops/Ideas

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden: Near Kaneohe; free and beautiful for photos and a quick drive-through.
Byodo-In Temple: Peaceful cultural stop your kids may enjoy.
Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail: Paved, moderate hike with fantastic views; great addition to Day 3.
Haleiwa Ali‘i Beach Park: A good spot to potentially see turtles resting on shore.
Kualoa Regional Park: Nice stop for views of Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoli‘i).

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Leave Waikiki early on North Shore and Kailua/Lanikai days.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, lots of water, and beach gear.
Plan lunch stops — Kailua, Haleiwa, and Kahuku have excellent food trucks and local plate lunch options.
Avoid valuables in the car anywhere on the island.

Overall, your plan makes great use of a rental car. You’re hitting the most scenic beaches and drives that truly benefit from having your own vehicle. With teens and young adults, the freedom to stop, explore, and stay as long as you want will be a big plus.

It’s a well balanced 3-day plan — scenic, fun, manageable, and not overly rushed. Enjoy your family trip to Waikiki!