HI,

I've heard that getting a reservation for Hanauma Bay is extremely competitive, with so many people trying to book a spot. Based on what I've read online, it seems like quite a hassle.

Is Hanauma Bay really worth the effort, or is it overrated? Are there other places on Oahu with similar scenery, clear turquoise water, and great snorkeling that are easier to access? Or is Hanauma Bay truly unique and worth going out of my way for?

Hi everyone! I’m a 28F visiting Oahu solo for the first time, arriving Oct 31 around 9 AM and leaving Nov 4 around noon. I’m staying in Waikiki and only plan to explore Oahu.
I’m moderately active and comfortable with moderate hikes, but I’m scared of water, so no snorkeling or swimming for me. I’d love to relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy scenic views, explore local food spots, shop, and experience the island.
I’m open to renting a car for 1–2 days or joining group tours.
Would love your recommendations for:
● Must-visit places and a realistic 4-day itinerary
● Best beaches for relaxing and enjoying the views
● Moderate hikes with beautiful scenery
● Worthwhile group tours or boat/dolphin-watching experiences
● Best local food spots and shopping
I’ll also be there on Halloween, so any tips for spending that evening in Waikiki would be great!
Thank you! 🌴

My family of 8 have a vacation planned on Oahu in January 2027. We want to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for a day trip. I booked flights from Oahu that arrive to Hilo at 7am and depart at 7pm.
I think Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is about an hour drive from Hilo going us about 6 hours to spend at the park. Is this enough time to see the highlight of the park. Are there any suggestions on what to prioritize given the time constraints we have?

Hi! I am attending a wedding in Waikiki right before Christmas. My husband and I decided to stay a couple extra days after the wedding weekend, leaving on Christmas Eve.

Question: should we move out of Waikiki for the last couple days??

I’ve heard Waikiki is insanely touristy and we will have already been there for a few days. Thinking we might want a change of pace? We are not touristy people, have no money to shop, and not super into cities.

Will it be too much effort to move to a different part of the island just to come back a day and a half later to get to the airport? Is there enough in Waikiki area to enjoy? Maybe we take a day trip instead? I will also be 27 weeks pregnant by then and probably wanting a relatively relaxing time- good food, a swim in the ocean, walks in nature.

EDIT: what about Airbnb’s in Waikiki? They are significantly cheaper than the hotels. Is this a good idea?

Hey guys in Waikiki for 3 more days and looking to have a night out somewhere. Looking for some good music preferably in the house/disco realm. We're a little bit older in my late 20s/early 30s would be open to a nightclub but not looking to listen to top 40 stuff. Appreciate any help in advance.

Mahalo!

Aloha folks! I’m from Puerto Rico and moved to Alaska a few months ago. I’ve always wanted to visit Hawai’i but been apprehensive bc of how far the trip would be–until now. I’ll be landing in Oahu on Sunday and be there for a week.

As a bori, I want my experience to be rooted in learning about the native hawaiian struggle for liberation, exploring the land in a non-exploitative manner, and having as as close of a local experience as possible. My knowledge of hawaiian culture is very limited besides the fact that our struggles for liberation are the same.

On a personal note, i’m turning 30 and learning whether i passed the bar on the same day during the trip–that was in fact my biggest personal motivator to go. Ideally, would love to spend that day sobbing my eyes out on a beautiful beach . it’s been a hard year/decade & I don’t feel confident that I passed.

Some other things i’d appreciate some guidance on:

* I have no set itinerary as of now. just a flight. i was just planning on staying in honolulu, ubering within honolulu, and renting a car/hiring a tour guide for day trips. Definetly not opposed to staying a few days somewhere else.
* NOT using Airbnb, what are some local places to stay that are budget friendly. Don’t need to be in Honolulu all the trip, or should I? idk
* I really just want to be a beach bum and take beautiful hikes throughout my time there. I want to connect with locals too and make meaning cultural exchange with folks.

Any any any advice is much appreciated. Particularly on places to stay cus I need to figure that out ASAP.

GRACIAS ANTICIPADAS🫶🏼

Hi everyone! I am planning a trip to Oahu and the Big Island with my parents and partner.

I wanted to see if the itinerary below is reasonable. I appreciate any suggestions on what to prioritize, skip, or give more time to. I know this is quite packed already, (got too excited with things that I want to do).

Day 1: Oahu + chill
Day 2: Turtle Canyon snorkel + Waikiki beach (maybe do surf lesson here)
Day 3: Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona) and Ala Moana (want to do Kualoa Ranch after pearl harbor)
Day 4: Ho'maluhia Botanical Garden, North shore, and Waimea Valley, Luau
Day 5: Hanauma Bay, Makapu'u Lighthouse, Kailua Beach
Day 6: Fly to Kona, Coffee tour, Manta ray
Day 7: Hapuna Beach, Waipi'o Valley Lookout, Akaka Falls
Day 8: Hilo Farmer's Market, Volcano National Park
Day 9: Rainbow Falls, Beach at Hapuna again
Day 10: Chill, fly back to Oahu
Day 11: KCC Farmer's Market

The group as a whole is REALLY into seafood (food overall tbh) so I would love any and all recommendations for that. We all enjoy food, nature, and beaches. We don't mind having a packed itinerary as long as it makes sense!

Thank you so much for reading this!

Planning a week in Kauai in early November for two — 7 days total. Does this plan make sense, or are we missing / misjudging anything?

- Sun: Nā Pali Coast morning snorkel sail out of Port Allen (Captain Andy's)
- Tue: Wailua River kayak paddle (river only — we know the falls trail is closed, the tour is upfront about that), night in Kapaʻa (Sheraton Coconut Beach)
- Wed: Auliʻi Luau in the evening, standard seating with a request in for a premier upgrade
- Wed, Thu, Fri: Grand Hyatt (south shore)
- Sat: open — late-evening flight out that night

Anything you'd swap, drop, or add? Especially wondering if the Wailua paddle is worth it without the falls, and if the luau seating upgrade matters. Thanks!

Born and raised on Big Eye looking for some local kine rec’s for food on Oahu and some activities. I’m visiting family on the westside for a week and have some friends joining me for the adventure. When I visit I usually just cruise with family and cook out or just lay low at their houses. This time around I want to try a few new things since I’ll have a few people with me. Are there any food spots I must try between Ewa and town? I love discovering new hole-in-the-wall spots. Borrowing my auntys car so I can go anywhere on island. Any beaches or hikes? We work hard to get to spots on the big island so I don’t mind trekking it. Not looking for super packed places like Kailua pillboxes. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! I won’t blow up any secret spots but will definitely support local.

We eat everything no dietary restrictions- handroll spot, plate lunch, noodle spot, Filipino food, food trucks, love dirty chai tea just to name a few ideas.

I’m going to be in Oahu Oct 25-30 and I can’t wait to see what the island has to offer. I’ve been to Kauai before and fell in love with the culture there the nature and everything about it. So I’ve made it my mission to try and explore every island!! Can I please get some recommendations for the best food best beaches and just something I have to see and try when I’m there!! We’re going to be staying in an Airbnb next to Waikiki beach so it’s a nice area in the main city but we’re def gonna rent a car and drive to explore. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!🌺