Planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering how to see the best of Oʻahu in one week? This detailed O’ahu Itinerary covers everything—from Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head to a full Circle Island tour, viral TikTok food spots, iconic hikes, and relaxing beach days.

We stayed in Honolulu near Waikiki Beach, rented a car, and explored the island at our own pace. If you’re looking for the perfect Hawaii travel guide, this blog breaks down exactly what we did—day by day.

✈️ Flights to Hawaii (Honolulu – HNL)

We flew into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), the main airport on Oʻahu and the easiest gateway to the island.

🏨 Best Area to Stay in Oʻahu: Waikiki Beach

We stayed near Waikiki Beach, one of the best areas to stay in Honolulu for first-time visitors.

Why stay in Waikiki?

• Walkable beaches
• Endless food options
• Central location for day trips
• Easy access to Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay

🚗 Car Rental in Oʻahu: Is It Worth It?

Yes—100% worth it. We rented our car with Alamo, and it made exploring Oʻahu incredibly easy. If you plan to visit the North Shore, do a Circle Island tour, or check out hidden beaches and scenic lookouts, having a rental car gives you total freedom and flexibility. Public transportation won’t get you to many of Oʻahu’s best spots.

👉 We picked up our Alamo rental directly from Honolulu Airport, which saved time and made our first day stress-free.

Search below to find a car rental in Oahu

📱 Staying Connected in Hawaii: Why We Used the Aralo eSIM

Having reliable mobile data in Hawaii made exploring Oʻahu incredibly easy. From navigating the North Shore to looking up food spots and hikes in real time, we relied on our phones constantly. Instead of paying high roaming fees or dealing with physical SIM cards, we used the Aralo eSIM—and it worked seamlessly throughout the trip.

We activated the Airalo eSIM before landing, and our data was live as soon as we arrived in Honolulu. Coverage was reliable across Waikiki, scenic lookouts, and even more remote areas during our Circle Island tour.

Get the Airalo eSim for Hawaii here

Why We Recommend the Airalo eSIM for Oʻahu

• $21 CAD for 5 days of unlimited data
• Instant activation (no SIM swapping)
• No physical SIM card required
• Reliable coverage across Oʻahu
• More affordable than international roaming
• Ideal for Google Maps, rideshare apps, and travel planning

For the price, it was one of the best-value travel essentials we used on this trip—and it completely removed the stress of staying connected.

💡 Tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before purchasing.

7-Day Oʻahu Itinerary (Day-by-Day)

🌴 Day 1: Waikiki, Diamond Head & East Coast Views

Breakfast: Liliha Bakery
Must-Do Activities:

• Diamond Head Hike
• Spitting Cave
• Lanai Lookout
• Halona Blowhole Lookout
• Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

We ended the day relaxing at Waikiki Beach, followed by Leonard’s Bakery for their famous malasadas—one of the most iconic Hawaii desserts.

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🌺 Day 2: Kualoa Ranch Adventure

After grabbing breakfast (Hawaii’s 7/11 is elite), we spent the day at Kualoa Ranch, one of the most popular attractions in Oʻahu.

👉 [Book Kualoa Ranch Tours with Aralo]
(Affiliate link – ATV, movie site, and jungle tours)

This area is known for:

• Jurassic Park filming locations
• Ocean-to-mountain views
• Guided adventure tours

📅 Your O’ahu Itinerary: A Perfect Week in Paradise

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🌊 Day 3: Circle Island Tour & North Shore Food Crawl

This was the ultimate Oʻahu Circle Island tour—perfect for first-timers.

Breakfast Stops:

• Sunrise Shack
• Tropical Tribe
• Moke’s Bread & Breakfast (Kaimukī)

Scenic Stops:

• Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
• Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens
• Byodo-In Temple

👉 [Oʻahu Circle Island Tours – Aralo]
(Affiliate link – guided & customizable tours)

North Shore Highlights:

• Wahiawā Pole Factory
• Tropical Farms
• Kahuku Sugar Mill
• Ry’s Poke Shack
• Matsumoto Shave Ice
• Big Wave Shrimp Truck

Nature Stops:

• Turtle Beach
• Shark’s Cove
• Ka‘a‘awa Beach
• Ka‘ena Point State Park

We wrapped up at Dole Plantation, one of the most visited attractions in Hawaii.

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🌿 Day 4: Waterfalls, Markets & Crater Hikes

Breakfast:

• Kono’s North Shore (Waikiki)
• Fancy Fresh Food Shop
• Musubi Cafe

Activities:

• Ala Moana Beach
• Manoa Falls Hike
• Mermaid’s Cave
• Koko Crater Hike
• Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail

Later, we visited:

• Honolulu Aquarium
• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
• Kaiona Beach
• Manoa Falls Hike

Please see below if you would like to book a tour in Oahu

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☀️ Day 5: Relaxing Beach Day in Hawaii

Our final full day was intentionally slow:

• Beach time
• Swimming
• Sunsets
• No schedule

Sometimes the best way to experience Hawaii is to simply relax.

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🌈 Final Thoughts: Is Oʻahu Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Oʻahu offers the best mix of adventure, food, culture, and relaxation in Hawaii. From volcanic hikes to beach days and world-famous food trucks, this island truly has it all.