Hi,

We will be renting a car for 1 day on Oahu. Where to drive that day? We have a full day with a flight out at 9:30 p.m.

A must do is snorkeling at Hanauma Bay in the morning. After that, we're thinking of driving up to the North Shore. Where to stop along the way? How is the Japanese temple? Worth a stop? Any nice beaches to snorkel or boogie board? Any good hikes? Please recommend a route too.

Thanks for your ideas.

Also, any particular areas in Hanauma Bay are extraordinary for snorkeling? Lots of sealife, including green turtles. We've snorkeled on all Hawaiian islands and have high expectations of Hanauma Bay.

Thanks

Tip #1:Get to Hanauma Bay early. Once the parking lot fills, you have to keep driving back & forth along the coastline till you get lucky as you pass the HB entrance. If you get there really early, before the ticket booths open, you don't have to stand in line to pay! The bay is closed on Tuesday.

Once done, you can head out past Sandy Beach, Makapu`u and then follow the road north along the coastline. Get snacks or lunch at Kalapawai Market (or Deli) in Kailua. I think the Byodo-in is very worth it. Stop whenever you feel the urge- there are of course the shrimp trucks along the north shore and in Haleiwa you might try Cholo's Mexican or the shave ice places as well.

For beaches, I recommend Sunset Beach, Laniakea beach (for the turtles) and Waimea Bay. Not sure when you'll be there. Ask a lifeguard before you head into the water. Winter surf can be more dangerous than you think.

Coming back into town, you might want to stop at Dole plantation. It is a total tourist trap, but the ice cream/freezes are good as are the pineapple gardens.

From Haleiwa to the airport can be anywhere from 40 minutes to 90 minutes if you hit rush hour.

Why not do Hanuama Bay on a different day? It's easy to get to without a car on The Bus or shuttle.

Snorkeling in the morning, with a circle tour of Oahu, and getting to the airport by 7:30 or so, seems like an awful lot squeezed in to your one last day.

Thanks, all, for your suggestions!

Is Turtle Beach the same as Laniakea Beach?

For the drive back from the north shore, is it good to drive thru the road in the middle of the island? Anything good to see there? Or if it gets dark, what is the best route to get back to Waikiki?

Thanks!

Are you only going to be on Oahu for one day?

Or on Oahu for more days & just renting a car for one day?

If you are going to be on Oahu for more than one day, take the bus to Hanauma Bay on a different day. That will free up many hours to tour the island on the day you rent a car.

Or do your snorkeling on a different island.

The bus will cost $2.50 each way.

You can combine Driving Tour #1 & #2 on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

Perhaps it's because I'm a scuba diver, but I was really disappointed with the snorkeling at Hanuama Bay. The coral is dead, the visibility is poor, and the sea life was minimal.

(My last visit was in the afternoon; I too suggest arriving early, before the lot is full, the water is stirred up and the fish/turtles are scared away by the masses.)

If you drive west towards the North Shore, consider a stop in Kailua. The beach is beautiful and it's a nice little town.

Enjoy!

For the drive back from the north shore, is it good to drive thru the road in the middle of the island? Anything good to see there? Or if it gets dark, what is the best route to get back to Waikiki?
Yes, it is a lot faster. You will have already seen the north & windward sides, so you probably won't want to go back the way you came. It is also much safer at night.

The Dole pineapple place is along that route.

If you have extra days, I'd do as Dusty suggestedand make Hanauma Bay a separate trip.