67 Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks! {Family Fun}

Planning a trip to Oahu for a tropical Hawaiian vacation? Check out these top Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks!

Whether you’re dreaming of a walk down Waikiki Beach, catching a classic Hawaiian Luau, or searching for the best hidden gems on this gorgeous tropical island, you’ll love these top Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks!  Now I’ve been to Oahu several times, and it’s one of my favorite islands!  The city excitement paired with tropical paradise is always guaranteed fun!

Oahu truly has something for everyone, and is the perfect spot for your Honeymoon, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Trip with Friends, or next Family Vacation!

Here are some of my favorite things to see and do on Oahu that you won’t want to miss…

It’s time to start planning your dream Oahu vacation…

Related: How To Make Money On The Road While You Travel

Oahu Travel Tips

So you’re planning a trip to Oahu?  With the swaying palms, salty breezes, and buzz of activities, Oahu has always been one of my favorite islands!

To visit Oahu on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your  ‘Oahu Trip Fund’.  Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…

Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online

Wondering How to Get Cheap Flights To Oahu?  Load up now on free airline gift cards and use them to dramatically cut the cost of your airfare!  I’ve scored so many free flights this way!  Are you ready to start earning your free airline gift cards?  Here’s my favorite trick…

How to Get Free Travel Gift Cards for Cheap Flights to Oahu

Stock up on Food and Beach Supplies at Walmart.  Picking up a few of your essentials at Walmart will be is an easy way to save BIG on Oahu!  Grab some full-size sunscreen, food and snacks for your room, and any beach gear you need {like buckets and shovels for the kids, etc}.  If you’re staying at Waikiki Beach, there is a Walmart about 1 mile north, and your stop there will save you a bundle rather than picking up those items at the more ‘touristy’ stores.  Want to sweeten the deal even more?  Use your Free Walmart Gift Cards!  Check this out…

How to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards

Oahu Hidden Gems and Must-Do Activities:

Are you ready for my favorite Oahu things to do?  Read on for some fun things you won’t want to miss while you’re there…

Take an Outrigger Canoe Ride at Waikiki Beach.  You’ll go out into the ocean aways, and ride the waves back in.  It’s such a thrill, especially if you’re in the front!  Warning: you may get soaked… don’t ask me how I know. 😉

Take a tour of the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Wahiawa.  When I was there they had fun little samples, and even pineapple juice fountains!  Talk about delish!

Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu.

Take a Glass Bottom Boat excursion.  SO fun, and the fish are amazing!

Enjoy swimming in the ridiculously warm water at Waikiki Beach… it’s so inviting, and the hardest part is convincing yourself it’s time to get out!

Waikiki Beach

A BIG thanks to frugal friend Heather for sharing this Waikiki Beach photo!

Eat at Duke’s Waikiki for a special meal one day… and order Hula Pie for dessert.  The Macadamia Nut ice cream is crazy delicious!  Seriously… it’s a dessert I’m still dreaming about!

Take a Hike out to Diamond Head mountain near Waikiki.  You’ll want shoes though, as the old volcanic terrain can be a bit uneven.  It’s a short, but steep, hike… approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip.

Cara said: “I loved hiking Diamond Head and going to the Dole Plantation.  ABC stores are a must!”

Heather said: “Diamond Head only costs $1.00 to hike. The views are awesome!”  I love these photos of the views Heather shared…

Views From Diamond Head

Jenny said: “Vacation rentals by owner (vrbo.com) is a great way to save on hotels!  We stayed in a large, very nice studio apartment on Oahu, Hawaii for $100 per night in October during the off season.  Plus most rentals have full kitchens, so you can cook your own food.  Many have washers and dryers in the unit!  I’ll never stay in a hotel for vacation again!  The other thing we do is to try and travel in the off season and/or on off days to save money.”

Dawn said: “Go to Bellows Beach! I currently live on Oahu and we have a lot of hidden gems. Manoa Falls is a nice hike and you’ve got to see the Honu {Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle} at Turtle Beach. Cheap gifts can be purchased at the swap meet at Aloha Stadium. Koko Head is also a great and free hike.”

Heather said: “Snorkel at Hanauma Bay and Kailua beach! Gorgeous! Heaven!”  Just look at these fun photos Heather shared below…

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

Kailua Beach Snorkeling

Leslie said: “Rent a car and just get lost!  It’s the best way to view the island… and the North Shore.”

Score a Deal on your Oahu Car Rental!  There are so many beautiful spots to explore on Oahu.  If you’ll be heading out to the North Shore, you’ll definitely want that rental care.  There are a few easy Rental Car Hacks to slash your costs that you’ll want to put to use!  Here are my favorite tricks to save BIG on car rentals…

19 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

Casey said: “For those of us who like to save a few bucks when traveling there is the “Go Oahu” card. It’ll get you into the Polynesian Cultural Center twice, an island tour, snorkeling at one of the famous reefs, a day’s pass for the island trolly system, a day at a water park, hiking to Diamond Head, as well as a BIG coupon book. Definitely a must if it’s your first time to the island and you want to experience all you can. Also, I would suggest trying to find Matsumoto Shave Ice. The very first shaved ice was made there and I swear you have never tasted such a good snow cone in your life. Get there early though. Their line is usually about an hour long but the wait is definitely worth it.”

Belinda said: “Must do: stop at Costco & stock up on food & drinks. We stayed at a condo with a full kitchen. Eating out is expensive there. Especially if you’re taking kids. “

Heather said: “I lived there for four years on Schofield Baracks, and my faves are Bellows Beach, and shaved ice!

Robin said: “Eat shaved ice on the north shore, half the price of the ice in Waikiki.”

Jillian said: “Oh eat at Lulu’s on Waikiki. Ask to sit overlooking the street and you can watch them light the torches if you’re there at sunset… and order the Loco Moco!”

Connie said: “Oahu Travel Tips? Go in February when everything is in bloom. The flea market at the Aloha Bowl is the best for shopping. Roberts Tour Bus of the island is a must. Don’t forget to try the Loco Moco and Dole Fruit Whip.”

Jimmie said: “I lived on Oahu for a few years. I liked the botanical gardens, walking Waikiki beach peacefully at night (Waikiki beach is overcrowded during the day), seeing Pearl Harbor memorial, and Hickam Air Force Base. Shopping is expensive due to shipping. Unless you like rain for 3-4 months, don’t go there during winter months, and avoid Likelike highway during rush hour… it is bumper to bumper.”

Amanda said: “Look for deals at the Ilikai hotel/condos! The privately owned condos are on VRBO and the like. We stayed in a condo with a kitchen and it was about $125 a night, which was perfect with a small child. It is centrally located and you could catch the bus from there all over town. It is right beside the Hilton, which has a huge lagoon that we spent a lot of time at for free. There is a reef you can snorkel right off the beach there too, which was super cool!  One of our best vacations to date!”

Heather said: “Groupon has special deals for Catamaran rides!  They Play Hawaiian music, have beautiful views, great drinks, and are affordable!”  Here’s a fun photo Heather captured of the catamaran…

Oahu Catamaran Cruise

–> Check Oahu Groupon Deals Here <–

Teresa said: “Visit the Dole Plantation and Pearl Harbor, North Shore and Turtle Bay (make sure you hit the shrimp truck on the North Shore….Do a VRBO vs hotel you will save huge $$$$.. we rented a VRBO in the Ilikai hotel a year ago $99 a night with full kitchen, vs $400 a night in the hotel with no kitchen.”

Heather said: “Pearl Harbor is surreal!  Only $1.50. Get your tickets either 2 months in Advance or 24 hours in advance right at 7 am Hawaiian time!”  Here’s a great photo Heather took at the Pearl Harbor Memorial…

Hilary said: “Eat at Nico’s & get the Marlin Burger — best thing ever!!”

Debby said: “I took an all day bus tour around the entire island. We stopped and explored along the way. It was awesome! So much to see. Favorite place ever.”

Denise said: “Hike the Manoa Falls Trail. Beautiful.” {approx. 1.6 miles round trip}

Christina said: “Shrimp Shack – big yellow truck on the windward side of Oahu. Say hello to Irene!”

Candace said: “Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen in Kailua is famous for their macadamia nut pancake syrup. AMAZING!!  Also, try the garlic cheese balls at Da Big Kahuna in Waikiki. I’m surprised no one’s mentioned Leonard’s Malasadas!”

Annemarie said: “Go to the Polynesian Cultural Center — it was definitely the highlight for us on our honeymoon, we spent the entire day there, ending with watching a fabulous show.”

Enid said: “The Polynesian Cultural Center by far was my favorite experience. You’ll learn so much about all the culture that makes up the what we know as Hawaii.”

Angie said: “Eat at Duke’s… great food, drinks, and experience!”

Emily said: “I lived there for three years – it was amazing.    I recommend: Pali Lookout; driving all the way around the island; any and all of the shrimp trucks on the North Shore; Ko’Olina Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park (both are great for small children); Hilo Hattie; Wahoo’s Fish Tacos in Honolulu; and any of the Korean BBQ places (so good!). Honestly, if I get to go back, the whole trip will be centered around eating! Definitely hit up Haleiwa and Matsumodo’s Shave Ice.  It really is the best, especially w/ice cream in it.  For souvenir shopping, go to the flea market at the stadium or Walmart. Prices are much better there than in Waikiki/Honolulu.  Ala Moana Mall is pretty great, too!  I’ll stop now, I could go on all day.”

Shelly said: “Black Point… go swimming at the saltwater pool… but you have sneak around the gate…”

Heather said: “See Waimea Falls.”

Stacey said: “Hike out to Jackass Ginger Pool. Have a Puka Dog {Hawaiian Style Hot Dog} in Waikiki, and have an Açaí Bowl at Sunset Beach.”

Alana said: “Diamond Head, and go to The Dole Pineapple Farm.”

Beth said: “Oahu Things to Do?  The Dole Pineapple Plantation and Macadamia Factory. ALL the beaches and local restaurants are fabulous! The whole island is breathtaking!”

Becky said: “Eat at Rainbow Drive Inn, Side Street Inn and Leonards!!”

Bruno said: “Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach/shopping area, Diamond Head….it is a neat place.”

Brandy said: “Oahu Travel Tips?  Definitely Pearl Harbor!!  The island is beautiful!”

Teresa said: “A must do – helicopter ride to view the island, it is an unforgettable experience for sure. You can view waterfalls, craters, and the USS Arizona/Pear Harbor.”

Irma said: “The macadamia nut tree farm, Matsumoto’s shave ice, the Dole plantation, Giovanni’s shrimp truck, and get a massage while you’re in Oahu, just because it’s nice to treat yourself while you’re on vacation.  Oh yes, the couple we rented a VRBO from were lovely. I’d highly recommend renting a little bungalow near the shore. Nothing beats falling asleep to the sound of the ocean”

Carri said: “Turtle Bay was AMAZING!!!”

Nichole said: “We took a city tour and it was awesome cause it took in a lot of places you normally wouldn’t see.”

Claire said: “Go to the Punch Bowl.”

Marisa said: “Shop at the ABC Stores!!!”  {They really are such a fun spot to load up on inexpensive Hawaiian Souvenirs}

Rikkie said: “See Turtle Cove.”

A special thanks to frugal friend Clairess for sharing this sweet Sea Turtle photo!

Krista said: “Hanauma Bay snorkeling.”

Tee said: “Oahu Travel Tips?  Do the North Shore.”

Dawn said: “It’s beautiful, and I recommend everyone go!”

More Frugal Oahu Travel Tips:

Don’t forget to cash in your Swagbucks for Free Gas Cards, Free Hotels, and Free Airfare, too!

How to Travel for Free or Cheap {Budget Travel Hacks}

Melinda said: “Look for activities in the area that are free.”

Alicia said: “Find a condo that you can cook your own meals in, and then figure out what meals you want to eat out for.”

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!  With all the fresh air, sunshine, and play time… you just might be needing a caffeine fix!  There are lots of Starbucks locations on Oahu, so check this out…

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

What To Pack for Oahu:

Best Baby Travel Gear

Traveling with Baby?  Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials!  I’ve taken my babies on the long flights to Oahu, and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!

Suitcases

Now that you’ve read through all of these incredible Oahu Travel Tips… are you ready to get packing for Oahu?  Make sure you’ve got some good sturdy luggage with wheels to take along!  Fun and unique prints on luggage are always great, because it always seems like every suitcase at the airport or hotel is black, right?  Someone will be a lot less likely to walk off with your luggage when it’s got a unique color or print!

Large Travel Purse

Every great trip starts with a large purse, right?  I have one large purse I save just for trips, and it’s perfect for storing my Kindle, Maps, Snacks, and even my Camera!  I never leave on a trip without it, and am always grateful for that extra space!

Travel Pillow

Make sleeping on those long flights a whole lot easier when you pack a comfy travel pillow!

Don’t board your plane without these 11 Carry On Must Haves!  They’re a lifesaver on long flights!

Need some easy reading on the plane?  Take along Oahu Revealed for more fun tips, maps, and ideas!

Bring along an Underwater Camera to capture the incredible fish and sea turtles you’ll see when snorkeling!

Don’t be caught without these 12 Beach Bag Essentials

Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!  {The ABC stores are a fun spot to hit for budget-friendly souvenirs}

Planning on visiting more than one Hawaiian Island?  In addition to these top Oahu Travel Tips, check out more Frugal Travel Tips for some serious island hopping fun…

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Now that you’ve loaded up on fun Oahu Travel Tips, be sure not to miss out on anything else!  Check out all the latest Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes + More when you follow along here…

So… have YOU every been to Oahu before?

What are some of your favorite Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks?

Leave a comment & share!