A week in Ohau - what to do?
 

Hi does anyone know the most economical way to get from the airport to your hotel? Also we are going to be in Ohau for 7 nights and really don't know what the best things to do are, I really love snorkeling and hiking so I know I would like to walk to Diamond Head but apart from that I'm not sure any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It depends on where your hotel is located but if in the Waikiki area the most economical (but most time consuming) would be to take a bus. Other options are private car service (most expensive), taxi less costly but still expensive) or rental car (best option and most cost effective if you plan on exploring the island on your own during your stay)

If your hotel is located on the Western or Northern shores your only viable options are taxis, private car service or rental cars.

As for things to do/see there's a lot of options so what's best depends on your particular interests. A simple google search of "Things to do on Oahu" will bring up lots of links. Go here for starters:

https://www.journeyera.com/best-things-to-do-on-oahu/

Will you have a car during your trip? Although you can get around the island by "The Bus" (that's what it's called), a car simply makes life simpler, even if you just rent one for a day or two -- visit Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, the Pali Lookout, Kailua and Lanikai beaches, cut across the island on the H3 (spectacular roadway), head up to the north shore (Haleiwa, and the north shore beaches -- Sunset, Waimea).

Don't forget Pearl Harbor. I believe you can now reserve the trip out to the Arizona Memorial in advance, but there are other things to see there as well.

Luggage is not allowed on The Bus (so that won't work for most people).

Are you staying in Waikiki/Honolulu? Or somewhere else on Oahu?

Shuttles are available but are priced per person. There are flat rate taxis you can reserve in advance. I always just grab a taxi on the spot from the line up out front at the airport. It's about $40 into central Waikiki.

My favorite suggestions include:
Iolani Palace
Doris Duke Shangri La estate tour
Foster Botanical Gardens and the Kuan Yin temple there
Chinatown
Bishop Museum
Saturday morning farmers market at KCC

Check Into Roberts Hawaii
https://www.robertshawaii.com/airport-shuttle/oahu/

Posters above have all given great ideas so you may not need it but can you get a guide book to help you know what is available?

Public libraries often have travel sections with such books (sometimes they are dated, but the places are always there).

Or you could use this website for ideas ;-)

http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/hawaii

Thanks everyone you have given me heaps of ideas. Does anyone know of where to go for snorkeling that is if there is any good snorkeling on this island?

Is it cheapest to book your rental now or can we do it when we get to hotel? thanks K

http://hanaumabaysnorkel.com/

https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/

Hanauma Bay is one of the most beautiful snorkel places and beaches on the island. It is a preserve and you need to make a reservation through the state park system. It is a wonderful experience.

FYI in case you are interested you will see the humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish (that's a mouth full!) which is Hawaii's state fish!

Wow that is awesome looking forward to it. Thanks heaps\

Shark's Cove also has good snorkeling.

If you're in the Kaneohe area, look for the Huli Huli Chicken food truck. We stayed at the Paradise Bay Resort right around the corner and ate there multiple times. So good. You can't miss it from the road - you drive right past the trailer/grill set up. :) They've been on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives too.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/mikes-huli-chicken-kaneohe


We used our phone GPS a lot, and it was hilarious hearing the GPS lady trying to say Kamehameha Highway. :D

Hanauma Bay is a great suggestion for snorkeling. We have ridden the bus there and also driven there. Warning warning!! GO EARLY. The parking lot fills up and you may have to wait in line for someone to come out before you can go in as we did. No problem with the bus. In the past, there has been fish food available for purchase. Not much shade that I can remember. Stairs down to the beach which could be difficult for some people.

We also enjoyed snorkeling on the North Shore. Take Hwy 99 towards Haleiwa and continue along the shore. Parking is tight on the North Shore but we were able to park and swim with the turtles. What month are you going? I would not suggest the North Shore in the winter when the waves can be high. Check the ocean reports.

I found Diamond Head to be dry and hot. I did not care for it.

What are the ages of your party?

second the ideas from suze. I have taken Reliable shuttle to and from airport with goody success and it is about $40 round trip.

A great low key grilled dinner is the Barefoot Beach Cafe which silts right on the beach in Kapiolani Park. Friday nights they have a buffet with salads, veggies and fish, ribs,, chicken and live music for about $25.00. I go every time I am in Waikiki.

You asked earlier about hiking suggestions. A long time ago we drive to the Lyon Arboretum but due to rain, did not hike. Here is a link

https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum/visit/gardens/