Your stay on Oahu will start in the state capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, where you can relax for two nights, before hitting the road for four or five nights.
In my opinion, a road trip from the east coast to the north coast, returning through the center to Honolulu, is probably the best option for enjoying the island known as The Gathering Place, given its status as a political and economic center.
As the main point of entry to the Hawaiian archipelago, Honolulu is accessible from Canada via flights operated by Air Canada and WestJet.
Personally, I’ve always flown to Vancouver (YVR) from Montreal (YUL) on Air Canada. With my American Express®Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, I have access to the airport lounge and my baggage check-in is included. Thanks to my frequent flyer status, I can use my eUpgrade credits to travel in business class.
For several years now, I’ve held the American Express Platinum Card®, which gives me Gold status with Hertz, a 10-15% discount on the regular price and full insurance coverage. As a result, picking up your rented vehicle at the airport is a breeze, with no waiting! Honestly, I still enjoy my experience at Hertz.
I also tried renting a car with Turo, since the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card offered a $50 discount for a minimum reservation of $250. I also had a great experience: easy communication, quick pick-up and car in very good condition.
Deciding to spend two/three nights in Honolulu at the start of your trip is, in my opinion, an excellent idea, not only to get over jet lag, but to visit the capital of the Hawaiian state.
It offers an idyllic setting with crystal-clear beaches and the impressive Diamond Head as a backdrop. Whether it’s for a swim, shopping on Kalākaua Avenue, exploring the historic center on foot or strolling along Waikiki Bay with your feet in the water, there’s no reason to miss out on the atmosphere of Honolulu.
At dusk, be sure to grab a drink on the terrace of Quora, located in the prestigious Rizt Residences. Finally, enjoy a meal at Izakaya Pau Hana Base, a jewel in the crown of Japanese culture that has made its mark in Honolulu over the last few decades.
Before hitting the road to explore the island, a stay in Honolulu would be incomplete without a visit to Diamond Head, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The 3 km (round trip) hike to the top of this 300,000-year-old volcanic crater is definitely worth the effort required for the steeper sections!
For generations, Honolulu has been synonymous with Pearl Harbor. Just a stone’s throw from downtown, you can visit the infamous Pearl Harbor site: the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum are both open to the public, providing a better understanding of this key event of the Second World War.
Located on the east coast of Oahu, Lanikai Beach is a paradise destination ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This sandy beach stretches for over a kilometer and offers a view of the Mokulua islands, which seem to emerge from the turquoise waters like two small volcanoes.
Just 30 minutes from Honolulu, I recommend taking the Nuuanu Pali Dr, which literally takes you through a mountain range to get there, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Jurassic Park or King Kong movie!
One of Oahu’s major tourist attractions is undoubtedly Hanauma Bay. Everyone will tell you about it, and I had to include this natural beauty in this guide, since it’s true that the view of the green cliffs surrounding the coral story nestled in this bay is breathtaking!
My downside, however, is that the place has lost much, much of its charm. If you want to snorkel, with tropical fish and dozens of humans, go for it!
Otherwise, continue on your way and make a stop at the Lānaʻi Lookout as well as Makapu’u Point Lighthouse offering breathtaking panoramas! These spots are perfect for picnics and watching the huge waves crash against the rocks!
Probably my two favorite waterfalls on the island, and easily accessible via well-marked trails: Manoa Falls and Waimea Falls, two of Oahu’s must-sees!
The first involves a three-kilometre hike through a tropical forest of bamboo and gigantic trees to a natural pool below the 45-metre-high waterfall.
The second is located on the north coast of the island and is, in my Review, easier to access, as the trail is signposted and even punctuated with informative panels about the native plants that surround the hiker.
Strolling around the island of Oahu, you’ll already have the feeling of being in one of Hollywood’s most imposing productions, whether it’s Jurassic Park, King Kong or Lost, The Departed. Undoubtedly the filming location par excellence, Kualoa Ranch is nicknamed Jurassic Valley since it appeared in the first Jurassic Park films. It’s a real must-see, and a visit by Jeep is certainly the best way to discover the heavenly location that has also been used for productions such as Jumanji and King Kong.
If you’re a movie buff, you might even want to head north to visit the famous Mokule’ia Beach, home to the plane’s cabin and the famous survivors that millions of viewers have followed in Lost, The Departed.
Nestled at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains, Byodo-In Temple, surrounded by serene Japanese gardens, is a smaller-scale replica of the temple of the same name in Japan.
Built in 1968, it was intended to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of Japanese immigrants on Oahu. In my opinion, this tour is a real escape, out of the ordinary on a road trip. Finally, the nearby Valley of the Temples, dotted with gigantic palm trees, is also worth a short stroll!
Founded in 1950, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most famous attractions, and well worth a visit! If you’d like to learn more about pineapple cultivation and agriculture in general in the Hawaiian archipelago, you’re in for a treat aboard the Pineapple Express train! Of course, you’ll also have the chance to taste the unrivalled freshness of the pineapple!
Before leaving the region, if you wish to continue your agri-food peregrinations, make a stop at Green World Coffee Farm. Here you can sip excellent coffee and learn more about the cultivation of this “nectar of the gods”.
If you love the steep, green mountains typical of Hawaii, you’ll love the Hau’ula Loop trail located in the reserve of the same name.
The 4 km hike winds through the rainforest, offering magnificent views of the island’s north coast and coastline. At the end of the tour, you can relax and take a stroll along the wild beaches of Laie, or even head to Turtle Beach to watch the sunset while rubbing shoulders with sea turtles. Oh! And why not treat yourself to a delicious lunch at the restaurant Seven Brothers? The breaded shrimp with macadamia nuts are succulent!
Here are some other suggestions for activities:
As on the other islands of Hawaii, staying in hotel chains such as Marriott Bonvoy can quickly become very expensive. Luckily, there are reward points and free night certificates!
A judicious use of a free night certificate, obtained with my Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, was used to reserve a basic room with a king-size bed at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. Thanks to my Titanium status, I was able to get an excellent upgrade with a sea view!
On the cheaper side, there’s AirBnb. Thanks to credit card travel points, you can save a lot of money on your Airbnb apartment rentals.
As for me, I also fell in love with Malaekahana Beach Campground, near Laie, which offers an unparalleled wilderness setting in the north of the island.
A stay on Oahu transcends the Americanized image many people have of the island. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking scenery, pineapple fields and the unique atmosphere of its capital, Oahu is a must-see destination that deserves to be discovered when visiting the archipelago. Don’t hesitate to visit Kauai to complete your adventure.
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