4 Days In Honolulu & Oahu Itinerary
Day 4: Pali Coast & North Shore Road Trip
The final day of this Oahu itinerary is dedicated to exploring the island’s windward coast. This is Oahu’s “rural” region, where anti-real estate development signs of “keep the country, country” are common, where life is good, and where secluded beaches meet beautifully eroded emerald cliffs.
Interstate H3
Oahu is the only Hawaiian Island with official interstates, and the H3 is an engineering marvel you don’t want to miss. The largely elevated interstate cuts through the Koolau Range, snaking its way along a viaduct and through miles of tunnels. It was one of the most expensive interstate highways ever built, and its challenges were not only limited to engineering but also to environmental and land disputes. Use the H3 to reach our first stop quickly.
Yu can also take the Pali Highway from Honolulu (Highway 61) and stop at the Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside if you didn’t get the chance to yesterday.
Lanikai Beach
While most beachgoers head to the more “organized” Kailua Beach Park, its smaller sister, just 5 minutes to the south, is much prettier. Lanikai Beach was one of the prettiest beaches in Hawaii that I visited during four months in the archipelago. The colors of the water and sand, abundant palm trees, and small offshore islets teasing you to come over make this beach look like a South Pacific jewel!
Logistics: access to the beach is via narrow pathways between the rows of mansions (be on the lookout for exotic lizards). There is some shade, but not a whole lot. Swimming is safe if you don’t venture out too far and when the weather is calm. Both Kailua and Lanikai beaches are optimal for kayaking.
If you like to start your mornings with a hike, the Kaiwa Ridge Trail – better known as the Pillbox Hike – is for you. The short hike might be slightly challenging, but the views are rewarding with the morning sunshine.
Food & Drinks in Kailua
Kailua is the biggest town on Oahu’s windward side. I found it too busy for a seaside community, but on the plus side, there are many ways to quench your thirst and satisfy your craving. For coffee and awesome sandwiches to go, stop at Kalapawai Market. It’s been around since 1932, so there’s probably a good reason why. If fresh juice or a smoothie are what you’re in need of, Lanikai Juice is just up the road.
Pali Coast Scenic Drive
As you head north out of Kailua, the scenery and vibe start to change with every passing mile. This is as “country” as the windward coast gets, the kind of place you can see yourself retiring in. The beaches here are more “rugged” and emptier than their cousins down south, while on the other side of the “highway”, horses and cattle roam large plots that need no fencing. To cap off this magical landscape, the eroded emerald cliffs of the Pali Coast tower above. Sharp eyes might recognize the scenery over the next few miles from Jurassic Park!
If you haven’t had lunch yet, stop at the roadside Waiahole Poi Factory. This popular family-owned joint is famous for Hawaiian plate lunches and poi. A bit further up the road, Tropical Farms is another popular roadside stop. Starting out as a small seller of macadamia nuts, this place has ballooned into a large shop. There’s an endless selection of coffee (and a free tasting), nuts of all sorts, and souvenirs galore (plus clean toilets!).
Kualoa Regional Park
I stopped at Kualoa Regional Park for a quick look and absolutely fell in love. This might not be the prettiest beach on the island, but the coastal views are sensational, and you can finally step out of your car and admire the beautiful cliffs from here.
Laʻie Point State Wayside
Veer off the coastal road to this wild lookout point. From the tip of this narrow peninsula, catch a glimpse of a perfect sea arch and watch brave (or foolish) locals practice their cliff-jumping skills.
If you haven’t attended a luau, consider ending the road trip here and drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Unravel the mysteries of Polynesian markings, feel the rhythm of ancient chants, and navigate crystal-clear waters on a traditional canoe. Cap off your adventure with a starlit luau feast. Many of the PCC’s staff are BYU students from eight Pacific island nations.
Malaekahana State Recreation Area
Not a must, Malaekahana Beach is hardly ever crowded, and when conditions are right, you can technically walk across the lagoon to Goat Island – a small bird sanctuary.
Lunch in Kahuku
I hope you have some room left in your stomach because Kahuku is “shrimp country”. Thanks to nearby shrimp ponds, the supply is always fresh and plentiful. As you near the town, you’ll notice a large concentration of food trucks. This is where you want to stop. If shrimp ain’t your thing, you’ll find a few other good options, but if it’s shrimp you fancy – Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is your calling!
Oahu’s North Shore
By now, you’ve “rounded the corner” and starting to head south back to Honolulu via Oahu’s famous North Shore. This area is one of the best places in the world for surfing, with mammoth waves slamming into windswept beaches. Quite a few pretty beaches dot the north shore, and you can pretty much stop wherever you want.
Ehukai Beach Park
I spent a few hours at Ehukai Beach Park – where some of the world’s most perfect barrels break. Though surfing conditions were not optimal on this perfectly sunny day, the beach was magnificent, and even a few surfers were trying their luck.
Once a laid-back spot, the immense strip of soft sand is now backed by enormous mansions. Some are owned by ordinary wealthy folks who like to surf, some by surf-friendly celebs like Jack Johnson, and some are owned by top surf brands who use the mansions to pamper the pros who advertise them as well as loyal fans.
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is the north shore’s most popular beach, so finding a parking spot is quite challenging. When the weather is good, Waimea Bay is drop-dead gorgeous and definitely worth the wait for a parking spot to free up.
Shave Ice
To wrap up this road trip in Oahu with a sweet taste in your mouth, stop for some shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice on the way back to Honolulu. Choose from over 30 flavors that can be combined to create an infinite amount of new ones, and don’t forget to ask for some ice cream inside.
Alternatively, drive two minutes down the road and satisfy your sweet tooth at Kaimana Shave Ice. Brothers Max and Jake Nowicki started this popular business on the north shore of Oahu with the aim of serving a healthier, premium quality shave ice made from real fruit and all-natural ingredients alongside their homemade ice cream.
Get a 10% discount on your order at Kaimana Shave Ice by mentioning X DAYS IN Y!
What’s Next?
I hope you’ve found this Honolulu and Oahu itinerary useful for planning your adventure. Visiting other Hawaiian islands? Sample itineraries, guides to the best beaches and the must-see highlights are all waiting for you in the Hawaii Travel Guide collection. Aloha!
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