How to plan a vacation to Oahu

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So you’re planning an Oahu vacation. As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I know that planning a Hawaii vacation can be overwhelming. If you need any help along the way and would rather have an expert plan your vacation, feel free to contact me. Otherwise, keep reading for the ultimate guide to planning an Oahu vacation.

How to plan a vacation to Oahu: When to go to Oahu

Is there a best time to visit the Oahu? I get this question a lot, so much that I wrote a post about the best time to visit Hawaii. The famous Waikiki and Ko Olina areas are dry and sunny almost all of the time, so the weather likely won’t be an issue. If you want to stay on the North Shore, be aware that the water can be quite rough in the winter. That’s what creates those famous North Shore waves!

Planning a vacation to Oahu: Where to stay on Oahu

When you think of planning a vacation to Oahu, you most likely think of staying in Waikiki or Honolulu. Staying in Waikiki is an excellent option as you’ll have easy access to most things. Just know that other parts of the island are also beautiful (and quieter!) If you do want to stay in Waikiki, check out the ten best places to stay in Waikiki.

5-star resorts on Oahu | The Kahala Hotel and Resort

The Kahala Hotel and Resort.

I have a blog post about the best 5-star resorts on Oahu if you’re looking for a luxury stay. Two of those resorts, the Four Seasons Ko Olina and Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa, are located just west of the Honolulu area on Ko Olina. If you’d like to visit Aulani, I’m not only a Hawaii Travel Agent but also a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. Being a College of Knowledge graduate means that I have even more insight into planning a Disney Aulani vacation, and I’d love to help plan yours. Contact me for more information.

If the North Shore is more your speed, I love the Turtle Bay Resort.

Flights and Rental Cars

For the most significant savings, I recommend booking your flights and car as part of a package. I’ll do that for you if you plan to work with a Travel Agent, or you can do it yourself through Expedia or Apple Vacations. Oahu is the one island where you don’t have to have a car, but I still recommend that you get one.

There are plenty of popular activities (The Dole Plantation or Polynesian Cultural Center) that are not in the Waikiki/Honolulu area.

How to plan an Oahu vacation | Things to do on Oahu

There are so many things to do on Oahu; you’ll never get bored! Check out ten things to do in Waikiki, or ten best things to do on Oahu to get started, My favorite parts of Oahu are all of the cultural and historical activities, many of which are free! Check out ten free things to do on Oahu here.

One thing that’s probably on your list of things to do on Oahu is to attend a luau. Check out my post on where to find the best luau in Hawaii for my top 3 recommendations for luaus on Oahu.

More things to do on Oahu

For even more Oahu activities, I recommend checking out Viator. Viator is the #1 company that I use for tours and excursions. They offer a best price guarantee, and almost all tours are fully refundable up until 24 hours in advance. That means you can reschedule or be refunded for any reason as long as you cancel in advance. I’ve had many clients take advantage of that refund or rescheduling policy. This isn’t an ad; I genuinely love using Viator for activities.

How to plan a vacation to Oahu

I hope that this guide to planning an Oahu vacation is helpful. If you have any questions or are feeling overwhelmed, you can always contact me.

how to plan a vacation to Oahu

Looking for more Oahu travel tips? Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of them!

More Hawaii vacation planning guides:

Book your Oahu vacation with a Hawaii Travel Specialist

If you’re looking for an Oahu honeymoon or vacation personalized just for you, give me a call! I specialize in working with clients to create the perfect vacation for you. That means no packages; everything is personalized. Make sure to contact me or go ahead and fill out a custom travel request, and I’ll get back to you to start planning ASAP!

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How to plan a vacation to Oahu

How to plan a vacation to Oahu

How to plan a vacation to Oahu: When to go to Oahu