If you’re looking for a destination that effortlessly integrates bustling city life with world class beaches and natural beauty, then Oahu is the island for you. Also known as “the Gathering Place”, it’s the most visited Hawaiian island. While you could easily spend a week or two exploring, 3 days is an adequate amount of time to see some of the best sights on this enchanting island.
For the ultimate Hawaiian getaway, combine this 3 Day Oahu Guide with my 4 Day Kauai Itinerary.
Keep reading below for the best things to do and see in 3 days on Oahu!
Where To Stay On Oahu
There are tons of accommodation options on Oahu and it can be overwhelming when it comes down to deciding where to stay. Because 3 days is a fairly short amount of time to visit, I’d recommend basing yourself in the lively Waikiki. Situated on Honolulu’s south shore, Waikiki is probably the most recognized part of Hawaii and a great place for a brief stay on the island.
Surfjack hotel and swim club
Featuring vintage inspired Hawaiian decor, the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club is an endearing, affordable boutique hotel in central Waikiki. Set back in a (slightly) quieter area of the city, it’s still located within walking distance to Waikiki beach, as well as ample shops and restaurants. Complimentary morning coffee, live music every night and an on-site bar and restaurant are just a few of the amenities guests can look forward to.
I had a great stay at the Surfjack and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking a cozy boutique hotel experience. Highlights of my stay include the hotel’s overall retro beach aesthetic, friendly staff, “Wish You Were Here” pool, free use of beach chairs for guests and high standards of cleanliness.
Tip: The Sufjack Hotel also includes free parking at a nearby location with your reservation. If you choose to rent a car, this is a great perk!
Getting Around Oahu
When staying in Waikiki, I wouldn’t advise renting a car for your entire visit. Generally, parking is expensive and hard to find. Traffic is also pretty bad, making it easier and quicker just to walk around this congested area.
Instead, take a shuttle, taxi or Uber to your hotel from the airport and rent a car for the day as you need it. I used First Rent-A-Car, located in the Waikiki Resort Hotel, for a day trip to the North Shore and had a great experience with them.
Note: First Rent-A-Car requires you to purchase insurance through them, even if you already have your own. I didn’t mind this, as the convenience of being able to pick up and return a rental right in Waikiki was worth the slight extra cost to me.
Best Things To Do On Oahu
There’s so much to do on Oahu that you couldn’t possibly cover everything in just a few days. However, a quick trip is enough time to see many of the island’s highlights and it gives you an excuse to come back again and explore more in the future!
Without further ado, here are the best things to do and see in 3 days on Oahu.
Kick-Start Your Morning At Island Gourmet Coffee
Located in Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery, Island Gourmet Coffee is small takeout coffee shop in Waikiki. Boasting a variety of coffee drinks and pastries, it’s a great place to grab coffee to go before hitting the beach. I also impulsively ordered a few of the macarons, which were so delicious!
Stop By The Famed Royal Hawaiian
Also referred to as the “Pink Palace”, the Royal Hawaiian is a gorgeous Waikiki landmark hotel that’s worth a look. If a stay at this luxury oceanfront resort is out of your price range, stop by the The Royal Hawaiian Bakery or Mai Tai Bar for a rosy photo op!
Soak Up the Sun On Waikiki Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki Beach is a must on any visit to Oahu. Soft sand, gorgeous blue water, and iconic views of Diamond Head Crater all contribute to it’s popularity. Moreover, it’s only a short walk from most hotels in the Waikiki area.
With that being said, it’s also VERY crowded! I arrived around 8:30am and was shocked at how busy it was that early in the morning. If you’re looking for a peaceful beach day, this is probably not the place to go. In my opinion, it’s still definitely worth seeing, but be prepared for a large crowd.
Wander Around Waikiki
Waikiki offers some of the best dining and shopping in all of Hawaii. From open-air malls to luxury clothing stores to small boutiques and art galleries, there’s truly something for everyone. Make sure to check out highlights such as International Market Place, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Luxury Row and Duke’s Marketplace.
Spend a few hours strolling from store to store, and then dine at one of Waikiki’s many restaurants!
Grab Lunch At Spitfire Rotisserie and Flatbread
Spitfire Rotisserie and Flatbread in Duke’s Lane Market is something of a Waikiki hidden gem in my opinion. I randomly stumbled upon this casual takeout eatery and it ended up being one of my favorite meals during my entire Hawaii trip! They offer a diverse menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, pizza, poke bowls and more. I ordered the Spitfire Chicken Sandwich and was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it!
Sip On A Mai Tai
You can’t leave Oahu without trying a Mai Tai. An island staple, this refreshing rum-based cocktail can be found at most bars and restaurants in Waikiki. Alcohol can get pretty pricy in this touristy area, so I’d recommend taking advantage of happy hour specials.
Some of the best happy hour deals I found were at Heavenly Island Lifestyle. Delicious cocktails, reasonable prices and a cozy outdoor seating area make it a nice place to relax in the afternoon or early evening.
Try The Coco Puffs At Liliha Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Liliha Bakery. This is the place to go to try the local favorite dessert in Honolulu, the Coco Puff. A small puff pastry filled with chocolate and finished off with a mouthwatering chantilly frosting, Coco Puffs are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Snorkel with sea turtles
Snorkeling with sea turtles was number one on my Oahu bucket list and my experience on Captain Bruce’s Kaneohe Bay Sandbar Tour didn’t disappoint!
A true off-the-beaten-path outing, this 3 hour snorkeling tour on the island’s eastern coast is a highlight of any Oahu itinerary. Stunning scenery (including views of Kualoa Ranch), calm water and the opportunity to see and swim with sea turtles and tropical fish all contribute to an incredible afternoon. Furthermore, the friendly staff make even first time snorkelers comfortable in the water.
Note: The company supplies snorkeling masks, life jackets, and a selection of water toys (paddle boards, floats, etc.) free of charge. In addition to the included shuttle service from Waikiki, snacks, coffee, soft drinks and water are also provided.
Although sea turtle sightings are never guaranteed, Captain Bruce’s tour gives you with the best chance of seeing them, as it takes you to a reef where they’re known to hang out. While I was snorkeling, I got incredibly lucky and had a turtle swim up so close to me I could’ve touched him (don’t worry, I didn’t)!
Drive To The North Shore
A day trip to Oahu’s North Shore is an excellent way to escape the bustle of Waikiki. My favorite area on the island, the North Shore is made up of mellow beach towns and idyllic beaches. It’s also famous for its world class surfing and huge waves in the winter.
From beaches to art galleries to food trucks, there’s more than enough to do on the North Shore to keep you busy for the day. The hard part will be deciding what not to do!
Sunbathe At Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea Bay is my favorite beach in Hawaii. The beach itself is huge, giving visitors plenty of room to spread out, and the pristine white sand is perfect for sunbathing.
I stopped by during the week and had half of the beach to myself for hours. Although swimming wasn’t allowed due to the rising swell, I enjoyed a leisurely morning lounging on the beach and watching the waves.
In the winter months the waves can be massive, making swimming conditions dangerous. Always pay attention to any updates on conditions from the lifeguards.
If you visit during the summer, the water will be much calmer and great for snorkeling and swimming.
Amenities at Waimea Bay Beach Park include a large parking lot, restrooms and a lifeguard tower.
Shop In Haleiwa Town
No trip to the North Shore is complete without a stop in Haleiwa Town. This laid-back beachside town features a great selection one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, and restaurants. First, cool off with any icy treat from Matsumoto Shave Ice. Then, indulge in some retail therapy in a few of the adorable local boutiques and galleries. Check out Polu Gallery for the perfect art print to bring back home!
Get Lunch From A Food Truck
Food trucks, which are wildly popular in Hawaii, are a great way to sample local cuisine at reasonable prices. Oahu’s North Shore has many great ones to choose from. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and North Shore Crepes Cafe are two that come highly recommend in the area.
Note: Some food trucks are cash only, so I’d advise stopping at an ATM before you plan to visit.
Sample Coffee At Green World Coffee Farm
Green World Coffee Farm is the perfect stop on the drive back from the North Shore. I just happened to notice it as I was about to drive past and I’m so glad I decided to stop! They offer daily free tours and coffee samples, as well as an espresso bar and small retail store. Grab a coffee for an extra energy boost and stroll the grounds before heading back to Waikiki.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my take on the best things to do in 3 days on Oahu. There’s no shortage of natural attractions and it’s a dream destination, no matter what you choose!
Have you been to Oahu? What are your favorite things to do on this iconic island? Comment below!
