14 hour Layover Oahu, Suggestions with what to do with the time.
 

In April, on our way home, after spending a week on Kauai, we are going to have a layover on Oahu from about 10:30a.m - 11:00 p.m. (by choice) and would like suggestions of what to do during this time. I am planning on renting a car to get around. We haven't visited Oahu prior to this trip. Any and all help with this is greatly appreciated.

To me, the best parts of O'ahu are the beaches and beautiful scenery, and I love Waikiki in the evening. So, I would probably drive up to the North Shore to see Waimea, Sunset, other beautiful beaches. Then drive on around the island to see Makapu'u and Sandy beaches, stop at the parking lot for Hanauma to look down and see the bay. Finish up in Waikiki for drinks at sunset at the Banyan Court at the Moana hotel. Then dinner somewhere in Waikiki, such as Keo's for Thai or Lulu's for well-priced food with a view. For dinner you could also go to Duke's or the restaurant above it for a view (sorry can't remember the name now).

So, that is my suggestion, am sure other people will make other good suggestions.

The restaurant above Dukes is Hula Grill. If you go there, ask for a table "on the rail."

Just depends what you are interestedin seeing and doing. You could easily spend a beaeutiful day right in Honolulu with Chinatown, museums, Waikiki beach, Diamond Head, etc.

USS Arizona Memorial is a must.

After that you can take a driving tour of Honolulu. National Cemetery of the Pacific, Chinatown, Aloha Tower, Ala Moana Beach Park, Waikiki & lookouts on Diamond Head Road near the lighthouse. You can also drive into Diamond Head Crater.

After USS Arizona, instead of touring Honolulu, you could take one of the two driving tours on this thread. You won't have time to combine the two driving tours.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564

I'm not sure I would spend part of such a short day trying to get tickets to the USS Arizona. The day we went, tickets were gone before noon.

I love the Chinatown in Honolulu. Have lunch at Little Village, 1113 Smith Street.

if it’s on a weekend, hit the swapmeet for those pesky last minute souvenirs (half price compared to walmart and abc’s in kauai). buy yourself kapono beamer’s Honolulu City Lights and play it on repeat in your car, it’ll make you cry (or sick). then celebrate a great vacation at Top of the I restaurant. treat yourself to one of the best views compared to ala moana or top of waikiki – and not as fufu.

Thanks for all of the good ideas, haven't firmed up exactly what we are going to do yet, but you've all given me a good start at planning for the day. We want a leisurely day to wrap up our holiday before hitting the daily grind again back home.

I'm assuming that we will have to be back at the airport ready to check in 3 hours before our flight (international to Vancouver BC) or is that to much or to little time, our flight leaves at 11:00 pm on a Monday.

Darryll1: We had the same problem a few years ago. We killed the day by having lunch, then taking the last tour of the day at the Doris Duke mansion. Reservations have to be made in advance for the tours. The tour finished up about 4:00 PM. We then had dinner at La Mariana Sailing Club on Sand Island. By time we finished dinner, it was time to return the rental car and check in for the flight.

www.shangrilahawaii.org
is the website for the Doris Duke estate tour mentioned above. It's great but I'm not sure would be #1 on my list for a one day first trip to Oahu.

Me, in your shoes, and assuming you can get your luggage checked-thru... I would not rent a car but rather taxi into central Waikiki and spend the day there. At the beach, shopping, having a nice late lunch somewhere with a view.