Oahu, Hawaii: A Budget Guide to Beaches, Hikes, and Local Eats!
If you’re looking for a three-day adventure in Oahu, Hawaii that combines breathtaking landscapes, incredible local food, and off-the-beaten-path activities, this guide is for you! With sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and delicious Hawaiian cuisine, Oahu offers a well-rounded travel experience. Here’s how we made the most of our time on the island, and what you can expect if you follow in our footsteps.
Day 1: Sunsets and Struggles in Waikiki
Stay: We landed in Honolulu and headed straight to Aston Waikiki Circle for our accommodation. While the hotel’s location on the iconic Waikiki Beach is convenient, I wouldn’t recommend this spot. The rooms are incredibly small and we found unexpected guests: bugs in the shower! And despite booking through Capital One Travel which advertised a gym, we discovered that no gym existed.
Evening: Gorgeous Sunset and Hawaiian Dinner
Although the hotel was a letdown, our evening on Waikiki Beach was magical. As the sun began to set, the sky transformed into a palette of violets and oranges, making for a picture-perfect moment. Waikiki’s sunsets are nothing short of iconic, and we soaked in the colors!
We had a fun dinner at Lulu’s Waikiki, where we tried a traditional Hawaiian meal called Loco Moco! This dish is similar to a deconstructed burger— white rice as a base, a juicy burger patty on top, a fried egg, and smothered in gravy! It was a really flavorful dish that combined local ingredients. It was a unique introduction to Hawaiian cuisine and a great way to cap off the first day.
Day 2: Exploring Oahu by Moped and Waterfalls
Morning: Fresh Acai Bowl To Start Our Adventure
We started the day bright and early with a delicious acai bowl that we picked up and enjoyed at Ala Moana Regional Park. The mix of fresh fruit and granola gave us the perfect energy boost for a full day of exploration. The park itself, with its expansive greenery and peaceful atmosphere, made for a wonderful breakfast setting.
Midday: Scenic Drives and Waterfalls
Next, we picked up a moped from Waikiki Mopeds, and I can’t recommend this enough. It’s an affordable and fun way to explore Oahu at your own pace. Waikiki can get quite touristy, so this is a great way to escape the crowds!
Our first destination was the Manoa Falls Trail, an easy-to-moderate hike that led us through a tropical rainforest to a stunning waterfall. The trail is rich with native Hawaiian plants, towering trees, and vibrant greenery, making the experience feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set.
For lunch, we stopped at Guava Smoked, known for its incredible smoked meats. The juicy chicken was a standout, smoky and tender, offering a taste of Hawaii’s unique take on barbecue.
Evening: Fun Night Out in Waikiki
We spent the afternoon cruising around the island on our moped, exploring the diverse landscapes of Oahu. The island is filled with lush valleys, jagged cliffs, and wide-open vistas that will take your breath away. Later in the evening, we headed back to Waikiki for a mouthwatering dinner at Herringbone. Fresh fish, crisp drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere made this an ideal spot for a relaxing evening.
Day 3: Beaches, Trails, and Local Treats
Morning: Traditional Breakfast and Beach Bliss
Day three kicked off with a traditional Hawaiian breakfast of eggs, rice, and Spam—a dish that’s surprisingly delicious and hearty. If you’re in Hawaii, trying Spam is a must, as it’s deeply ingrained in the island’s food culture.
Next, we drove out to Waimanalo Beach, easily the most beautiful beach we visited during our trip. The sand is soft, the water is crystal clear, and the crowds are minimal, making this beach feel like a hidden gem. One of the highlights was sipping fresh coconut water from coconuts cut open by local vendors—a refreshing treat under the hot Hawaiian sun.
Midday: Seafood Feast and a Scenic Hike
Lunch was a seafood feast at Kickn Cajun, where we indulged in some seriously flavorful, spice-filled seafood. The Cajun seasoning added a fun twist to the fresh local catches, and it was one of the best meals we had on the island.
Our afternoon was spent on another hike, this time on the Maunalaha Trail. Less touristy than Manoa Falls, this off-road trail took us deep into the forest, where the lush greenery and vibrant plant life were awe-inspiring. The trail offered a bit of a challenge, but the peaceful, untouched nature made it worth the effort.
Evening: Fresh Poke to End the Day
We wrapped up our Hawaiian adventure with a stop at Kbaybros Fish & Ice for fresh poke. The poke bowls were made with just-caught fish, bursting with flavor, and the perfect way to end our trip.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Oahu
While our stay at the Aston Waikiki Circle was not ideal, the incredible natural beauty and vibrant food scene made our time in Oahu amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed hiking to waterfalls, cruising around the island by moped, and lounging on pristine beaches. And for foodies, Oahu’s mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and fresh seafood will leave your taste buds more than satisfied.
Make sure to explore beyond the touristy areas—there’s a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered!
Tip: Explore other islands like Maui or Kauai, we’ve heard these islands offer even better natural wonder. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to hop to one of these islands on our trip but I’m sure it would be well worth it!
Where to Eat in Oahu: A Food Lover’s Guide
One of the most exciting parts of visiting Oahu is the diverse, flavorful food scene. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to fresh seafood, here are my top restaurant recommendations:
- Lulu’s Waikiki: Try the traditional Loco Moco. The fusion of local flavors, from pineapple to special sauces, makes it a unique dish.
- Guava Smoked: If you’re a fan of smoked meats, this is a must-visit. The pulled pork and smoked chicken are incredibly tender and full of rich, smoky flavor.
- Herringbone: For fresh seafood and a laid-back vibe, Herringbone offers a variety of fish dishes that are perfect after a day at the beach.
- Kickn Cajun: Seafood with a kick! Their Cajun-style seafood boils are bursting with flavor, offering a spicy and fun twist to classic Hawaiian seafood.
- Kbaybros Fish & Ice: The freshest poke bowls you’ll find on the island. The flavors are vibrant, and the fish is incredibly fresh—definitely a must for seafood lovers.
