Traveling with our three sons (9,9,10) to Hawaii. After a week on the Big Island, we will be spending the final 2.5 days on Oahu. Our goals are to see Pearl Harbor, snorkel Hanauma Bay and visit the North Shore. If there is time, it would be great to hike Diamond Head as well.
My current thoughts are to arrive early in the day (9am? 10am?) from the Big Island go directly to Pearl Harbor. Spend the rest of the day there. We can get tickets online so that takes the stress out of being first in line like we experienced last time we were there. Parking will still be a challenge, though. After Pearl Harbor check into the hotel and then go and find dinner in Chinatown.
The second day, get up early and snorkel Hanauma Bay. Grab lunch and then follow the boys interests. Either Waikiki for beach time or hike Diamond Head.
The final day we have a flight out at 9pm. So, I thought we could head to the North Shore and explore up there and visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. Grab an early dinner and then head back to the airport and our flight home.
Does this make sense? Am I missing something?
2.5 days on Oahu....does this itinerary make sense?
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Actually, that does sound "doable." Especially with energetic boys. I hope you can keep up with them.
Just beware of traffic coming back from the North Shore -- you don't want to miss your flight.
I'd swap it around to not be up on North Shore on the same day your flight out is booked. Even though later in the evening who knows what could happen. I suggest simply switch day 2 and 3 so you're already in Waikiki on the day of your departure flight.
On your snorkeling day (2) - why don't you just keep going around to Kailua and then up the East side to the PCC. Then, on your last day - you can do whatever - and be much closer to the airport.
remember that Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesday I believe and I agree that driving to North Shore on day of flight might be iffy. I would do the switch as indicated by suze and spend last day in Waikiki beach time. It can be a nightmare driving from North Shore sometimes if you are in a hurry and you will miss the beauty of it as well. You will enjoy the resting time on your flight home!