u/LtFarns

Recently completed my first visit to Oʻahu and had an absolutely wonderful experience. I’d recommend nearly everything on my itinerary, though there are a few caveats worth mentioning for future visitors.

First, while many of the hikes were absolutely stunning and well worth it, hikes such as Koko Head and the pillbox trails do require a reasonable level of fitness and awareness. Lanikai Pillbox includes several steep sections with loose terrain, while Puʻu o Hulu felt significantly more remote and less traveled. Portions of Pu'u o Hulu run alongside fairly steep drop-offs, and the atmosphere there felt much more rugged and raw compared to some of the more tourist-oriented hikes on the island.

Second, I’ll mention that the Waikīkī Aquarium is very small. In my case, the stars aligned and I was able to attend during the 19th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo, which added a lot of extra activity and value to the experience. Under normal circumstances, however, I would probably consider it more of a 30–60 minute stop at most. If choosing between the aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo, I would personally say the zoo offers the richer overall experience for the price.

Time Slot	Activity
Thursday PM	Hotel Arrival / Check in
Thursday PM	Target Grocery Run
Thursday PM	Waikiki Beach Tour (Surfers Alley, Local Statues, Sunset)
Thursday PM	Waikiki Shopping Plaza
Thursday PM	Waikiki International Market Place
Friday AM	Lanikai Pill Box Hike
Friday AM	Lanikai Beach
Friday AM	Byodo In Temple
Friday AM	Punchbowl Crater
Friday PM	Koko Head Stairs
Friday PM	Art District (Kaka'ako) Graffiti Exploring
Saturday AM	Waikiki Aquarium
Saturday AM	Waikiki Zoo
Saturday PM	Waikiki Beach Spam Jam
Saturday PM	Anime Rave at The Republik - We touch Grass Event
Sunday  AM	Pu'u O Hulu
Sunday AM	Ko Olina Lagoon tour
Sunday AM	Food Break - island country market
Sunday PM	Wai Kai (Stationary Surf at Ewa Beach)
Sunday PM	Hawaiian Rail Societyy + Snack Break Tour, Finish early at Ko Olina Stop
Monday AM	Check out / Luggage Hold
Monday AM	Diamond Head State Monument
Monday AM	Manoa Falls
Monday PM	Final Waikiki Shop & Lunch Session
Monday PM	Airport Depart