Thursday, November 21st 2024

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2018
2
September
Any tips for first-time travelers to Oahu, Hawaii in November?

Question:

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Tami

My husband and I are travelling to Oahu, Hawaii for a week in November; this will be our first trip there. Other than the obvious things, ie. Pearl Harbor, luau etc., what are some must see sights and activities or tips for first-timers, we should be aware of? Any info is appreciated

Humans say...

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Art

Drive the north shore. Sea turtles food trucks etc

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Kirsty

Take a wander through Haleiwa.

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Jesse

Hawaii Kai's Boston Pizza

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Mike

I second this.
Highly recommended pizza.
Dare I say, best on Oahu.

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Jesse

Best in the pacific?

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Mike

Jesse hard to tell. But I bet it's up there

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Kristina

Kailua Beach

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Ashley

Kawela Bay

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Lavi

Hike up Diamond Dead, rent a car or take city bus around the island to Hanauma Bay for amazing snorkeling and also go to Lanikai Beach for one day, it is extremely beautiful and calm. You can also rent sea kayaks there and paddle over to the 2 islands at the horizon (if you’ve paddled before - not a beginners trip)

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Mindy

Hanauma Bay is amazing!! Best snorkelling of my life. Diamond Head hike (pack lots of water! They only have a fountain at the very bottom so bring more than one per person, you'll need it!) You can get a lot of places by taking the bus also. North beach

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Jennifer

Rock escarpment just past Hanauma Bay. Beautiful. Found it by accident

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Benjamin

Polynesian cultural centre is really cool! And the North Shore

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Lisa

Barbara Neistat

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Muna

following! we will be in Oahu Dec 8 - 19th

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Art

Do Pearl Harbor in the morning. If it gets too windy they stop the boats to the Arizona

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Shannon

Agreed, I went an hour before they open and stood in line (yes theres a line then),did not prebuy a ticket. Just go straight to the first come first serve desk on the left and they'll give you whatever the earliest ticket is that's available. I was on the very first boat...and happened to be the first person onto the memorial that day. It was something I'll never forget. The silence and feel of the memorial...the sun shining...

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Janna

Shirokiya Japan Village Walk in the Ala Moana Centre is amazing if you like authentic Japanese street food! We returned there a few times. ATV Tours in Kuoloa Ranch was a major highlight too.

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Selena

Teds bakery on the north shore, and the dole plantation for some dole whip!!

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Lisa

The Arizona memorial is closed until March I believe. You can still sail out but no getting off due to repairs.

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Tami

Point taken and very appreciated however, there will be no 'opportunities' as our home will be occupied the entire time and our neighbors are also aware as well. We also have two very large dogs that are very territorial

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Michelle

Tami I’d like to see the silly fool that tries to get into your house! Lol

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Christin

Following.

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Steph

If you're into hiking, definitely recommend the following:
Haiku Stairs (Stairway to heaven) - very intense, but absolutely stunning.
Pali Notches - when I went, I had
Twu Yong Tan as a guide, he takes awesome photos and does pickups and dropoffs!

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Marta

We rented a car for the whole time being . Drive around the island and explore as much as you can . We stay away from Honolulu as I found the beach overcrowded touristy and with the view of skyscrapers . In Honolulu Waikiki and diamond head . Maybe dole plantation if it’s on your way, Pali lookout . I personally loved the beach on very west end of the island . Few ppl big mountains and big waives .

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Marta

Also Oahu was the only island that our car was about to be robbed not one but twice . Both times on the parking lot at the lookout area where you just grab camera and leave everything in the car . Don’t leave purses wallets camera gear in the car

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Hellen

We've been to Oahu and loved it! We stayed in the heart of Waikiki, and although touristy, we enjoyed the convenience of being able to walk to many attractions and having amenities galore all around. Having a car in Waikiki can be a headache, so we rented only for a few days and planned our out-of-town day trips for those days, The island is small enough that you can go to the farthest point you want to visit and still come back to "base" on the same day. Here's our trip guide and itinerary www.vivahappy.com/Hawaii with a lot more info/details
VIVAHAPPY.COM
Hawaii – Oahu | Travel Guide, Tips and Itinerary

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Tami

Great blog, lots of good information

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Hellen

Tami, thanks! Feel free to msg me if you have any questions.

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Dan

Rent a car. Drive the entire island. Every corner is a new postcard. There is a ton of things to do for free and on the cheap, luau isn’t one of them. Be prepared to pay. You can drive from the tip of the North shore (make sure you check the waves at the banzai pipeline) to Honolulu in about an hour. Touring the island doesn’t take long at all. Royal Hawaiian pineapples are a meal in itself.

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Brenda

Following

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Debra

Limited rental cars....book ahead....also the price to park overnight cost more than the daily rental fee in some cases. We took the bus, handy and inexpensive and did day tours---circle Island tour and Pearl Harbour were two good ones. Our hotel was nicely located so we could walk to a lot of places for dinners and the beach....loved the busy beach, people watching and fun!!

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Fiona

I took a city bus to Pearl Harbour - the ticket (couple of $) was good for the return journey too (think the time limit was 4 hours). Make a reservation as soon as you arrive.

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Lyn

Kualoa Ranch!! Great day trip!! They do a wide variety of tours through their properties..

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Chris

The North shore is beautiful and well worth the visit

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Bonnie

Northern shore of the island is stunning. Stayed at a cottage right on the ocean.

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Alvin

If you are planning to check out Waikiki you may as well stop at Leonard's Bakery for their famous malasadas (Portuguese donuts). Lots of tourists taking selfies with their donuts.

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Tami

Thank you everyone for all the great suggestions! So much to see and so little time

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Michelle

North Shore for less crowded beaches and way cheaper to rent surfboards. Couple amazing food trucks on that side of the island (Giovanni’s). Much quieter and less tourists. Check out Chinamens Hat. You can walk across to the island when the tide is low. Check out Turtle Bay Resort.

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Marta

Also I suggest renting apartment vrbo or airbnb . Better prices $$$ , usually it is equipped with beach chairs, beach towels , coolers beach umbrellas etc . Spacious with kitchen and free parking

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Fiona

Walk up Diamond Head.

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Debra

World famous Hula Pie at Dukes!!

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Cynthia

As some have mentioned, parking can be very expensive so when we were there we rented a car from Turo for the day to go around the island and ended up paying like $6 cos it gave coupon for first time user. They deliver car to our hotel and pick it up from there as well. Very convenient!

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Rose

Dole Plantation, Pearl Harbor and Polynesian Cultural Centre


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Must-See Sights and Tips for First-Timers in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, the heart of Hawaii, is a paradise offering stunning beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. While the Pearl Harbor Memorial and attending a traditional luau are must-do activities, there are many other hidden gems and insider tips that will make your first trip to Oahu unforgettable.

Explore the North Shore

Renowned for its world-class surf spots, the North Shore is a quintessential Oahu experience. Head to Waimea Bay and watch daring surfers tackle massive waves during the winter months. Don't miss the iconic Banzai Pipeline, one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. Other highlights include the charming town of Haleiwa, where you can indulge in shave ice and browse local boutiques.

Hike to Breathtaking Vistas

Oahu boasts numerous hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the island's natural beauty. The Diamond Head Crater Trail is a popular option, leading you to the top of the iconic volcanic crater with stunning vistas of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. For a more challenging hike, venture to the Koko Head Crater Trail, a strenuous but rewarding trek up an ancient railway trail with sweeping ocean views.

Snorkel and Explore the Underwater World

  • Hanauma Bay: This protected marine reserve is a snorkeler's paradise, home to vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of tropical fish. Arrive early to secure a parking spot and attend the mandatory educational video before entering the bay.
  • Shark's Cove: Located on the North Shore, this unique snorkeling spot features a protected cove and a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.

Insider Tips for First-Timers

  • Get an early start to beat the crowds and traffic, especially when visiting popular attractions like Pearl Harbor or Diamond Head.
  • Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and discover off-the-beaten-path gems.
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen and respect the local environment by avoiding products containing harmful chemicals.
  • Embrace the laid-back "island time" mentality and remember to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Oahu.

With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse array of activities, Oahu promises an unforgettable vacation for first-time visitors. Embrace the island spirit, explore beyond the typical tourist spots, and create lasting memories in this Hawaiian paradise.









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