The ultimate oahu travel guide
Everything We Loved, Ate & Would Do Again 🌺
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering which island to visit, let us make your decision a little easier: Oahu is one of our absolute favorites.
We’ve visited Oahu multiple times and somehow find new things to love every single trip. What makes Oahu so special is that you truly get the best of everything. You can spend your morning hiking through lush mountains, grab fresh poke for lunch, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and end your day with sunset views and a mai tai in Waikiki.
While many people think Oahu is just Waikiki, the island is so much more than that. From the laid-back beaches of the North Shore to the breathtaking views along the Windward Coast and the resort vibes of Ko’olina, every part of the island feels completely different.
This guide includes all of our favorite hotels, restaurants, hikes, coffee shops, beaches, photo spots, and hidden gems we’ve discovered over the years. Whether it’s your first trip to Hawaii or your fifth, these are the places we genuinely recommend to our friends and family.
Where to Stay in Oahu:
The Laylow Waikiki
If we had to choose our favorite hotel we’ve stayed at in Oahu, The Laylow would be at the top of the list. The entire hotel has a fun retro-Hawaiian vibe that feels unique compared to many of the larger resorts in Waikiki. The rooms are beautiful, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the location is hard to beat. You’re just a short walk from Waikiki Beach, countless restaurants, and some of the best shopping on the island.
One of our favorite things about staying here is that the hotel truly creates an experience. Between the daily activities, complimentary shave ice, heated pool, and beautiful tropical courtyard, it feels like you’re staying at a boutique resort while still being right in the middle of Waikiki.
We also can’t talk about The Laylow without mentioning Hideout, the hotel’s restaurant. The atmosphere is gorgeous, the food is delicious, and they make what might be our favorite mai tai on the island.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
If you’re looking for a resort experience, Hilton Hawaiian Village is a fantastic choice.
The property is massive and almost feels like its own little town with pools, restaurants, shops, beach access, and activities all within walking distance. It’s especially great for families or travelers who enjoy having everything in one place.
The beach here is beautiful, the rooms are spacious, and Friday night fireworks over the water are always a highlight.
Fun fact: scenes from Hawaii Five-0 were filmed here, and many celebrities have stayed at the property over the years.
Hotels on Our Oahu Bucket List:
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, two properties we would love to stay at are the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the iconic Moana Surfrider. Both sit directly on Waikiki Beach and offer some of the most beautiful oceanfront views on the island.
Things to Do in Waikiki
One of the reasons we love Waikiki is because you can easily spend several days here without running out of things to do!!
Learn to Surf
If there’s one thing you should try while visiting Hawaii, it’s surfing. Even if you’ve never touched a surfboard before, Waikiki is one of the best places to learn thanks to its gentle waves and sandy bottom. We recommend booking a lesson with Jamie O’Brien’s Surf School for an unforgettable experience.
Shop Around Waikiki
Some of our favorite places to shop include:
• Royal Hawaiian Center
• International Market Place
• Ala Moana Center
Ala Moana is especially worth visiting if you love shopping. It’s the largest open-air shopping center in the world and has everything from luxury brands to local favorites.
Carry On Twins Tip: Skip some of the tourist souvenir shops and pick up a Hawaii Brandy Melville shirt instead. We still wear ours all the time!! :)
Manoa Falls
This beautiful rainforest hike takes you through lush jungle scenery before ending at a waterfall. The entire trail feels like you’re walking through a movie set.
Koko Head Hike
One of the most challenging hikes on Oahu—but also one of the most rewarding. The views from the top are incredible and completely worth the climb.
Diamond head hike
A bit of an easier hike very close to Waikiki! The views are absolutely stunning at the top, getting a full view of Waikiki!
Our Favorite Coffee & Breakfast Spots
Island Vintage Coffee
If we could only recommend one breakfast spot in Oahu, it would be Island Vintage.
Their açaí bowls are easily our favorite on the island and something we look forward to every trip!!
Carry On Twins Tip: Order online and take your acai bowl and coffee to the beach
instead of finding a table!
Kona Coffee Purveyors
Amazing coffee straight from Kona. Incredible pastries. Staff is super friendly!! Be aware that the line for this coffee shop is always out the door, but it can move pretty quickly!
Dean & DeLuca
One of our favorite places to grab coffee and breakfast before a beach day. Plus, it’s adorable. Their canvas tote bags are so popular and so cute as a souvenir!
Lunch Spots We Never Skip
Paia Fish Market
This is one of those places that becomes part of the trip. The fish is always fresh, the portions are huge, and somehow it tastes just as good every single time. We’ve definitely eaten here more than once during the same vacation. And if you stay at The Laylow, it is directly next to the hotel!
Poke Fix Hawaii
The best poke we’ve ever had. If you’re a poke lover, this place belongs on your itinerary. It is always so fun to go to smaller places and support locals!!
The Perfect North Shore Day
If you only have one day to leave Waikiki and explore the island, make it a North Shore day.
Start your morning with a scenic drive up the coast before stopping at Shark’s Cove for snorkeling. The water is crystal clear, and the marine life is incredible.
Afterward, head into Haleiwa to shop local boutiques, grab poke from Poke for the People, and finish with shave ice from Matsumoto.
One of our favorite things about the North Shore is that it feels completely different from Waikiki. The pace is slower, the beaches are quieter, and every stop feels a little more local.
Carry On Twins Tip : Bring water shoes if you plan to snorkel at Shark’s Cove.
Windward Coast Favorites
The Windward Coast might be the most beautiful part of Oahu.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
This is one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever visited. Towering green mountains surround the gardens, and every direction looks like a postcard. If you’re renting a Jeep, driving through with the top off makes the experience even more magical!!
Lanikai Beach
The soft sand, turquoise water, and sunrise views make this one of the prettiest beaches in Hawaii.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Short, sweet, and packed with views. If you’re looking for a sunrise hike, this is one of the best on the island.
The Well Coffee
A cute coffee shop in Kailua that serves delicious drinks and has the best laid-back beach town atmosphere.
Crouching Lion Hike
One of Oahu’s hidden gems. This hike isn’t maintained and can be a little tricky to find, but the views are absolutely stunning. If you’re comfortable with a bit of adventure, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Fun Fact 🌺: The Crouching Lion gets its name because the ridgeline resembles a lion crouching over the coastline.
Ko’olina & Resort Day
Need a slower day during your trip? Head to Ko’olina.
The lagoons are beautiful, the beaches are calm, and the entire area feels much more relaxed than Waikiki. Don’t miss Aweoweo Beach Park and make time to visit Aulani. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s fun to explore the property, grab a meal, watch the sunset, and enjoy a little Disney magic.
Our Favorite Oahu Photo Spots
Lanikai Beach at sunrise
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Kaaawa Beach
The Laylow Hotel
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Turtle Bay Resort
Crouching Lion Hike
Royal Hawaiian Hotel beachfront
We actually did a sunrise photo session at Lanikai Beach with Hawaii Photographer Jo, and they’re still some of our favorite photos we’ve ever taken.
Our Perfect 3-Day Oahu Itinerary
Day 1: Waikiki
Island Vintage breakfast
Surf lesson
Beach day in Waikiki
Lunch at Paia Fish Market
Shopping at Royal Hawaiian Center and down Kalākaua Avenue
Dinner at Hideout
Drinks at Tommy Bahama
Day 2: North Shore
Breakfast at Farm to Barn Cafe or The Sunrise Shack
Haleiwa shopping
Beach time at Laniakea Beach and maybe spot some turtles!
Poke for the People for lunch
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Shark's Cove for Snorkeling
Watch the sunset at Turtle Bay Resort
Dinner at Sunset at Turtle Bay
Day 3: Windward Coast
Lanikai Sunrise
Pillbox Hike
The Well Coffee
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Kaaawa Beach
Crouching Lion Hike
What to Pack for Oahu
Reef-safe sunscreen
Water shoes for Shark’s Cove
Hiking shoes
Swimsuits
Cover-up
Portable phone charger
Reusable water bottle
Waterproof phone case
Light rain jacket
Sunglasses
Camera
Tripod
Oahu continues to be one of our favorite destinations because no two days ever look the same. Whether you’re surfing in Waikiki, exploring the North Shore, hiking through the mountains, or watching the sunset from Ko’olina, there’s something special around every corner.
We hope this guide helps you plan the most amazing trip to Oahu. And if you end up visiting any of our favorite spots, be sure to tag us—we’d love to see your adventures. 🌺 As always if you have any questions please email us at thecarryontwins@gmail.com
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