5-Day Journey Through Oahu

After you arrive in Oahu and check in to one of the incredible hotels located in Waikiki, I'm sure you'll be hungry after the flight. It's time to try some incredible restaurants on the Island—a visit to Dukes, located in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, is a great start. Not only will you enjoy incredible food, but the view is also incredible. Afterward, you can take a walk on the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves or have a cocktail at one of the many beach-side bars.

Start your day on Waikiki Beach with a morning swim.

For lunch, take a trip to the famous Helena's Hawaiian Food restaurant, and you won't be disappointed. In 2000, Helena's received a James Beard award and no trip to Honolulu is complete without a visit. Make sure you go early since seating is limited and the restaurant is always busy.

Time to explore Waikiki! There are so many options of things to do! You can spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean or exploring the many shops on Kalakaua Avenue. If you want to shop, visit the Ala Moana Center or the Royal Hawaiian Center for luxury items.

No visit to Honolulu is complete without a visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. You can spend a whole day exploring and learning the history of what happened on that tragic day.

After your long day at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, enjoy a Mai Tai at the Mai Tai bar in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in the evening. This is where we stayed and the service and location are incredible. The pink hotel is an iconic landmark in Waikiki and even if you choose not to stay there, a visit to the Mai Tai bar will make an enjoyable evening as you sip a Mai Tai and listen to the waves.

After enjoying the view of Diamond Head while visiting Waikiki Beach, it is time to climb it. The hike up Diamond Head is about 1.6 miles, so make sure you are prepared and wear comfortable shoes.

If hiking isn't your thing, take a trip to the Aquarium or Zoo located in Honolulu. Multiple animals are not native to Hawaii and when it's discovered that someone illegally smuggled one in, it ends up at the Honolulu Zoo. In the evening, take a drive to the North Shore to stay overnight so you have a full day to enjoy it.

After a morning visit to the beach, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn the history of the Hawaiian people. You'll spend a day exploring the different cultures and then enjoy a traditional Luau. After the Luau, you'll enjoy a show that tells the story of the Hawaiian people. Make sure you make reservations before you leave for Hawaii, since tickets sell out quickly. A visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is an all-day event.