My boyfriend and I, both in our mid 20s, are visiting Oahu for the first time July 3-10 from the east coast. We will be spending the first three nights in the north shore and last four nights at the prince hotel in Honolulu. He will be working for two of those days at a tradeshow.

My question is how much do we have to plan ahead. In the north shore we want to be outdoors, ride bikes, snorkel, hike, etc but also relax. My mentality is to not plan or reserve anything specific and just see where the days take us but I want to make sure we're not shooting ourselves in the foot and get somewhere and not be able to do something because we didn't reserve in advance. This also goes for dinner reservations in both places. I'm from Boston where things are always crowded so want to make sure that aside from a major tour, which I don't think we're planning to anything, we can be more relaxed about specific plans.

Also any recommendations you have for things to do or restaurants in either place, please let us know! We have reserved our car and accommodations in advance.

Much appreciated!!

I've never planned anything in advance on Oahu more than my plane ticket to get there and a place to stay. I spend my time entirely in Waikiki/Honolulu area.

There are a few specific things you might want to reserve in advance like if you want to visit Pearl Harbor. Or the Doris Duke ShangriLa estate which has limited tours and times. A few like that, maybe.

Which Prince hotel??

Waikiki Prince Hotel, 2431 Prince Edwards St
OR
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, 100 Holomoana St

The only things we reserved ahead of time were Pearl Harbor tickets and a movie/TV sites tour at Kualoa Ranch, which was a lot of fun. http://www.kualoa.com/

Lee Ann

Waikiki Prince Hotel on 100 Holomoana St - is one better than the other?

Sorry, I mean Hawaii Prince Hotel Wakiki on Holomoana St. Confusing!

Yes, the one you are staying at is more upscale. The other (on Prince Edwards St) is a budget basic hotel.

Thanks Suze!

When you get to Honolulu/Waikiki pick up Oahu Gold and 101 Things To do. These are free brochures you'll see in hotel lobbies, restaurants, dispensers along the sidewalks. They are perfect for last minute planning... filled with great maps, coupons, descriptions of tourist sights and activities, etc.