Is 4 days enough in Oahu? (2023)

How many days in Oahu is enough?

How Many Days Should I Spend on Oahu? I recommend a minimum of three days on Oahu to check out the most popular sights and beaches. At least five days on Oahu is best if you want to spend some days at the beach, hike and explore different coasts of the island.

A 3-day itinerary for Oahu is the minimum time I would recommend unless you are just transiting through here on your way to another island. You could just as easily fill a whole week on Oahu if you're interested in doing more hikes, beach days or spending extended time at cultural sites and museums.

The Oahu circle drive can take you 4-6 hours, but that depends on which route you take and if you don't stop much. From Waikiki, Honolulu to the North Shore and back, is a full day but not overwhelming, give yourself 8 hours.

However, 4 days is certainly enough to get the best out of a trip to Oahu. Limiting your time to 4 days in Oahu can give many travelers extra time to explore Maui and the gorgeous Haleakala National Park or the big island of Hawaii.

It might seem like a wild idea, but I think three days is enough time to explore anywhere – including the Big Island of Hawaii. Whether you're stringing together an island-hopping trip or extending from a Hawaiian cruise (like I did), spending three days on Hawaii's Big Island is very do-able – and adventurous!

If Oahu is the only Hawaiian island you'll be visiting, you'll want at least 7-10 days to explore the island. That will give you enough time to do a few day trips, take a few tours, check out the beaches, and have plenty of time to relax and unwind.

Due to the abundance of hotels, activities, tours, and attractions, Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. Between the competitive prices and myriad of things to do, those looking for a budget vacation to Hawaii will find that Oahu is exactly what they've been searching for.

July and August are the most expensive months for accommodation within Hawaii. The whole later half of the year with the exception of September is generally the most expensive time to stay, while you're more likely to find an accommodation deal from January through to May.

While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.

What is the prettiest island in Hawaii?

Kauai is the winner

In our opinion, Kauai takes the throne as the prettiest Hawaiian island. It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.

Maui vs Oahu: Oahu is right for you if you want more of a cosmopolitan vacation, enjoy the nightlife, are excited about historical and cultural activities, or want to travel on a budget. Maui is right for you if you're looking for a romantic island, great snorkeling, a relaxing vacation, or more outdoor activities.

Can you get around Oahu without a car? Yes, it's actually one of the best islands in Hawaii for people not wanting to rent a car. They have a great bus system (it's ranked one of the best in the United States) that will take you just about anywhere you want to go.

Using data from The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kayak.com, the cheapest island to visit is Oahu. Airfare, hotel, and rental car for two people for a week costs $2,625 on Oahu. The most expensive Hawaiian island to visit is Maui, where the same average costs for a week are $3,600.

In a study conducted in 2010, De Bloom found no notable difference in health and welfare — during or after vacation — in vacationers who went on holidays for four and a half days versus those who went for nine days. Further, there's been some secondary research that suggests three to six days is actually ideal.

January, February, September, and October have the fewest people on the Hawaiian Islands. To avoid the crowds, these months are the best time to visit Hawaii. September and October are the least crowded as visitor counts drop to the islands after Labor Day. 2019 monthly visitor data to Hawaii.

According to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, your vacations should be at least 8-14 days long, with the ideal length being eight days.

This 2 day Honolulu itinerary is going to blow by you but as you can see it gives visitors a great glimpse of some of the highlights the island has to offer. It certainly won't be enough to cover everything but hopefully all that means is that you'll start planning your next trip once you get home.

How much money will you need for your trip to Hawaii? You should plan to spend around $274 per day on your vacation in Hawaii, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $61 on meals for one day and $29 on local transportation.

If you wish to discover the island as a whole, we recommend that you stay at least 5 days so that you have time to enjoy its various attractions and go on a few hikes. If you prefer to make only a quick stop to get an idea of life in Honolulu and do only the essentials, 3 days may be enough.

How many days do you need North Shore Oahu?

You can easily spend two full days exploring the North shore but if you are short on time can take inspiration from our sample 1-day itinerary. Rise early and start the day with a bowl or smoothie from Haleiwa Bowls.

The best time to visit Oahu, taking into consideration the weather, demand for accommodations, and how crowded (or not) the island is - are the months of early April, May, September, and early October. Some call these Oahu's 'off-season periods' or the 'shoulder months.

How much money will you need for your trip to Oahu? You should plan to spend around $266 per day on your vacation in Oahu, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $42 on meals for one day and $17 on local transportation.

Oahu is the most popular island for first timers as it's home to famous sights like Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and Waikiki Beach. I'd recommend Maui equally, however, with its golden beaches and upscale resorts. Maui is probably what you're dreaming of when you think about Hawaii.

Oahu is far and wide

It's as true for Oahu as any island destination – it's a good idea to bring enough money in cash alongside your credit card during your Honolulu visit. Even after you land, you might easily spend petty cash on tipping and transportation, so the ATM stop at the airport is always a good idea.

Generally speaking, Oahu and Maui are usually the cheapest islands to fly to because they have so many more direct flights than Kauai and the Big Island. But depending on the type of accommodation options you're looking for, some islands may be better suited to it than others.

Tips for Those Coming to Hawai'i

Travelers from the U.S. do not need proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test before coming to Hawai'i.

Where should I go in Hawaii for the first time? Usually, I recommend that first timers start off with a trip to Oahu. It's the most popular Hawaiian island, as well as the cheapest. Plus there are tons of attractions, activities, great food, and shopping.

2: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Located in Oahu near Honolulu, it's one of the best Hawaiian destinations to enjoy swimming with some of the most colorful fishes, gorgeous coral reefs, and exotic marine life in the bay's pristine blue waters.

What is the least visited island in Hawaii?

LANAI ISLAND - THE PLACE TO RELAX Lanai entices the sophisticated traveller with a handful of exclusive luxury resorts and championship golf courses. It's the least visited Hawaiian Island, small in size and slow in pace those that travel to Lanai, by air or on the ferry from Maui, are forced to rest and relax.

Budget to spend around $725 for two for a week in Hawaii. This assumes you're cooking some of the time and drinking some alcohol. If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around $84 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink.

Nicknamed the “Gathering Place,” Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian Island. A perfect slice of paradise, it's best known for its state capital of Honolulu, historic Pearl Harbor, North Shore surfing mecca, and world-famous Waikiki Beach.

Kā'anapali Beach, Maui

Kā'anapali Beach on Maui's west side is the crème de la crème of beaches and this year it takes the top seat as the best beach in Hawaiʻi. Stretching three miles, the white sand and turquoise ocean make the shoreline postcard-perfect.

Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at nearly 4.7 million visitors annually. Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, as well as Pearl Harbor and the famous beach known as Waikiki.

For a classic Hawaiian vacation, the Big Island of Hawai'i is the perfect all-around choice. Visitors tend to overlook it in favor of Maui or Oahu, but it's an underrated island with a lot of variety. The Big Island is great for visitors looking for the beauty of Kauaii, the fun of Maui, and the adventures of Oahu.

#1 Rated Beach on Oahu

Lanikai Beach is covered with fine white sand. Most rank this beach as one of the best in the world. Start your morning with a peaceful swim or enviable views of two offshore islands, known locally as “the Mokes.”

Uber, Lyft and Holoholo are ride-sharing apps that enable you to hail on-demand private drivers. They're used prolifically in Hawaii's major towns, they tend to be cheaper than Taxis/Cabs and more convenient.

Oahu is much more developed than the other Hawaiian Islands and has the largest population, so Uber and Lyft are readily available from most areas. Uber and Lyft are both allowed into the airport pickup and dropoff areas, well.

Rent a car on Oahu by the hour or day with the Hui Car Share mobile app. Hui's cars, trucks and SUVs are available 24/7 at 70+ stations in neighborhoods like Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kakaako. With the app, your phone becomes the key to unlock/lock the vehicle. Unlimited mileage, no fee to sign up.

Is Oahu or Big Island better?

WINNER: If you're after traditional paradise beaches with golden sand and calm bays then Oahu is the one for you. But if you're less into sunbathing and more into unique ocean views then try The Big Island for something different.

We recommend Oahu if you desire a Hawaiian vacation that combines the amenities of a world-class city with the breathtaking beauty of nature. If you seek a peaceful time, we recommend Kauai because it offers a unique Pacific Paradise experience.

Waikiki is the hub of tourism in Hawaii and for good reason, it's easily one of the most recognizable, iconic, and beautiful beaches in the world. If this is your first visit to Hawaii, here's what you need to know: Waikiki is a tourist resort area/neighborhood in the city of Honolulu (the capital of Hawaii).

While you won't want to leave, 7 days in Oahu is a great amount of time to spend on the island. With a scenic road trip to each region every day—and ample time to explore—you'll leave having ticked all the boxes.

The best time to visit Oahu, taking into consideration the weather, demand for accommodations, and how crowded (or not) the island is - are the months of early April, May, September, and early October. Some call these Oahu's 'off-season periods' or the 'shoulder months. '

All of the islands have so much to offer, and it is important to make sure you have time to take full advantage of this paradise. While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation.

Peak Season on Oahu

The busy season for tourism usually peaks in the early summer months when there is less rain from June to August, and then again when the big waves pick up on the north shore of the island between December and April.

Oahu is usually the cheapest island to visit. Because it is a tourist place, you will find many places to stay, eat, and visit, so prices are lower than on other islands. There are also plenty of cheap and free things to do in Oahu as well.

Budget to spend around $725 for two for a week in Hawaii. This assumes you're cooking some of the time and drinking some alcohol. If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around $84 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink.

Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall.