How long is the Oʻahu Circle Island Road Trip route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Honolulu (Waikiki) to Honolulu (Waikiki) in Oʻahu, Hawaii, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is Year-round; winter for big surf and whales.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Coastal, Beach, Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip.

Oʻahu Circle Island Road Trip

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The route · 6 stops

4 overnight bases · 2 stops on the way

Honolulu & Waikiki

2 nights

Base two nights where the loop begins and ends. Honolulu packs in Pearl Harbor's memorials, the short steep climb up Diamond Head for the classic crater-and-coast view, and Waikiki's gentle surf and dining. Tackle the historic sites and the hike early, before the heat and the crowds build.Base two nights where the loop begins and ends. Honolulu packs in Pearl Harbor's memorials, the short steep climb up Diamond Head for the classic crater-and-coast view, and Waikiki's gentle surf and dining. Tackle the historic sites and the hike early, before the heat and the crowds build.

Recommendations

On to Kailua & the Windward Coast

Kailua & the Windward Coast

1 night

Cross the Koʻolau range to the windward side and the best swimming beaches on the island. Lanikai and Kailua have soft sand and calm turquoise water, with the Mokulua islets offshore. Drive the southeast coast on the way in for Hanauma Bay snorkelling, the Halona Blowhole and the Makapuʻu lighthouse trail.Cross the Koʻolau range to the windward side and the best swimming beaches on the island. Lanikai and Kailua have soft sand and calm turquoise water, with the Mokulua islets offshore. Drive the southeast coast on the way in for Hanauma Bay snorkelling, the Halona Blowhole and the Makapuʻu lighthouse trail.

Recommendations

On to Kualoa & Lāʻie (Windward North)

Kualoa & Lāʻie (Windward North)

1 night

Follow the coast north past Kāneʻohe Bay and the serene Byodo-In Temple. Kualoa Ranch runs ATV, horseback and movie-location tours beneath dramatic green ridges that doubled for Jurassic Park. Spend the night near Lāʻie to catch the evening luau and island performances at the Polynesian Cultural Center.Follow the coast north past Kāneʻohe Bay and the serene Byodo-In Temple. Kualoa Ranch runs ATV, horseback and movie-location tours beneath dramatic green ridges that doubled for Jurassic Park. Spend the night near Lāʻie to catch the evening luau and island performances at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Recommendations

On to North Shore (Haleʻiwa & Turtle Bay)

North Shore (Haleʻiwa & Turtle Bay)

2 nights

The surf coast and the trip's second hub. In winter, watch big-wave sets at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline; in summer the same bays turn calm for snorkelling. Wander Haleʻiwa town, find the green turtles at Laniakea, and walk to the waterfall in Waimea Valley.The surf coast and the trip's second hub. In winter, watch big-wave sets at Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline; in summer the same bays turn calm for snorkelling. Wander Haleʻiwa town, find the green turtles at Laniakea, and walk to the waterfall in Waimea Valley.

Recommendations

On the way

Ko Olina & the Leeward Coast
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: Round the dry, sunny leeward side to wind down. Ko Olina's four sheltered lagoons are made for easy swimming and sunset, and the coast catches calm summer water. Keen walkers can hike out toward Kaʻena Point, the island's wild western tip, before the short drive back.Worth a stop on the drive: Round the dry, sunny leeward side to wind down. Ko Olina's four sheltered lagoons are made for easy swimming and sunset, and the coast catches calm summer water. Keen walkers can hike out toward Kaʻena Point, the island's wild western tip, before the short drive back.
Recommendations
Honolulu
Quick stop
Close the loop back in Honolulu via the central plains and the H-2. Use any spare time for whatever the first two days missed: the Bishop Museum, ʻIolani Palace, Chinatown, or a final Waikiki swim before flying home.Close the loop back in Honolulu via the central plains and the H-2. Use any spare time for whatever the first two days missed: the Bishop Museum, ʻIolani Palace, Chinatown, or a final Waikiki swim before flying home.

Oʻahu Circle Island Road Trip