Surf’s up, windows down. Set out from Prince Waikiki for a scenic drive around Oʻahu, where city views give way to volcanic ridgelines, windward beaches, North Shore surf towns, and quiet garden roads. These 20 must-see stops, listed in counterclockwise order, make for a memorable eight- to twelve-hour Oʻahu road trip with breaks in Waimānalo, Kailua, Pūpūkea, Kapolei, and Kakaʻako.
Prince Waikiki is the perfect starting point for this road trip. The hotel’s location near Ala Moana, Waikiki, and the marina places you close to Honolulu’s best-known sights while keeping the wider island within reach. Start early, take your time where it counts, and return to Prince Waikiki with a fuller sense of the island around you. Ready to hit the road?
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- A full-day scenic drive around Oʻahu starting and ending at Prince Waikiki
- 20 stops listed in counterclockwise order, from Ala Moana and Diamond Head to the Windward Coast, North Shore, West Oʻahu, and Honolulu to visit on an Oʻahu self-drive tour
- Practical planning notes for timing, reservations, routes, beach stops, hikes, and cultural sites
- A flexible one-day Oʻahu road trip itinerary you can follow in full or shorten based on your pace
- Prince Waikiki tips for starting the day, returning after the drive, and making the most of your stay
Before You Go: Planning Your Prince Waikiki Road Trip
Most travelers can see a large part of Oʻahu in one day, but a good road trip is less about checking off every mile and more about spending your time well. Without stops, the drive can take roughly four hours depending on traffic, route, and detours. With beaches, meals, hikes, and cultural sites, plan for eight to twelve hours.
For a balanced day, leave Prince Waikiki early and travel counterclockwise. Begin with Honolulu and the southeast coast, follow the windward side toward Kāneʻohe and Kualoa, continue to the North Shore, and return through Central or West Oʻahu. Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and footwear for sand, sidewalks, and short trails.
Prince tip: Confirm current hours before leaving, especially for stops like Diamond Head State Monument and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
The Best Scenic Drive: Oʻahu Stops from Prince Waikiki
1. Ala Moana Beach
Start close to the hotel at Ala Moana Beach Park, one of the best things to do near Prince Waikiki before a longer day on the road. Ala Moana Beach offers sun, sand, and surf, complete with tennis courts, walking paths, and concession stands — all with a stunning city skyline views and Diamond Head as its backdrop.
2. Mānoa Falls
Turn inland for Mānoa Falls, where Honolulu gives way to a green valley of palms, bamboo, and forest. Nestled in the lush Mānoa Valley, Mānoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall accessible by a well-maintained trail that winds through bamboo groves and towering trees. Along the way, you’ll see tropical plants, birds, insects, and stunning views of the valley and city below.
Prince tip: The trail can be muddy after rain, so wear shoes with grip and go early for a calmer start.
3. Diamond Head State Monument
Lēʻahi, better known as Diamond Head, is an essential early stop for views over Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific. The 0.8-mile hike to the summit is steep and challenging — featuring two sets of stairs and underground tunnels — but the workout is well worth the reward.
Prince tip: Non-resident visitors must book Diamond Head entry before arrival.
4. Hanauma Bay State Park
Hanauma Bay is known for snorkeling and is home to over 400 species of fish and other marine life. A visit here needs planning. Reservations are limited, and the preserve closes on certain days. If you don’t have a reservation, enjoy the overlook and continue along the coast.
5. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse
Makapuʻu Point brings you to Oʻahu’s dramatic southeastern edge. The paved trail leads to a lighthouse viewpoint with ocean, cliff, and offshore island views. The trek to the top is relatively easy, with paved paths and stairs, and takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way.
Prince tip: In winter, watch for humpback whales from the lookout.
6. Waimanalo Beach
Waimānalo Beach offers pale sand, ironwood shade, and Koʻolau Mountain views. It’s a quiet pause between active stops. Check ocean conditions, respect posted signs, and swim, surf, or sunbathe in a peaceful atmosphere.
7. Lanikai Pillbox
Hike up to the Lanikai Pillbox Trail for a picture-perfect view of the Mokulua Islands and the crystal-clear waters of Lanikai Beach. Short and steep, this hike takes about 20 to 30 minutes each way and guides hikers up to the WWII pillboxes that were once used for coastal defense.
8. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe covers 400 peaceful acres framed by the Koʻolau Mountains. This peaceful oasis is filled with tropical plants, trees, and flowers from around the world. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, go fishing in the lake, or relax and breathe in the fresh air.
9. Byodo-In Temple
Set within Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Byodo-In Temple is a stunning replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Explore the grounds, including a tranquil reflecting pond, gardens filled with wandering peacocks, and a traditional Japanese bell you can ring for good luck.
10. Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is one of the windward side’s most memorable landscapes, and the famous setting of Jurassic Park and many more Hollywood movies and shows. Explore over 4,000 acres of lush valley, towering cliffs, dense rainforest, and pristine beach through activities like horseback riding, jungle expeditions, or ATV tours.
11. Waimea Valley
As the road bends toward the North Shore, Waimea Valley offers botanical gardens, cultural sites, and a walk to Waimea Falls. Plan a little extra time here so you can see the main gardens, walk to the waterfall, and enjoy the valley without cutting the visit short.
12. Banzai Pipeline
At ʻEhukai Beach Park, Banzai Pipeline shows the North Shore at its most powerful. This is the ultimate surfer’s playground and one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. With massive swells and waves reaching up to 30 feet, it’s the perfect sandy spot to watch some of the world’s best surfing.
Prince tip: Waves can be large and dangerous here, especially in winter, so watch from shore and follow lifeguard guidance.
13. Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove at Pūpūkea Beach Park is one of the best stops North Shore Oʻahu travelers ask about. Visit for tide pools and snorkeling when conditions are calm, and swim among colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional reef shark.
14. Hale’iwa Town
Haleʻiwa gives your Oʻahu road trip itinerary a welcome town stop. Browse local shops, grab lunch, look for shave ice, and refuel before the drive inland.
15. Dole Plantation
Dole Plantation is a classic Central Oʻahu stop, home to acres of pineapple fields and plenty of pineapple-inspired experiences. Take a ride on the Pineapple Express train, sample fresh pineapple straight from the source, and make your way through the 2008 World’s Largest Maze, featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
16. Hawaii Prince Golf Club
Make time for Hawaii Prince Golf Club if golf is part of your Prince Waikiki activities wish list. Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the course features 27 holes arranged as three interchangeable nines, with views across the ʻEwa Plain toward the Waiʻanae Mountains.
17. Ko Olina Lagoons
Ko Olina’s four lagoons offer walking paths, ocean views, and a slower West Oʻahu pause. Public pedestrian access is permitted, and designated public parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
18. Pearl Harbour National Memorial
Pearl Harbor National Memorial adds historical depth to the return toward Honolulu. If you plan to visit the USS Arizona Memorial or several museums, consider saving this for a separate half day.
19. ‘Iolani Palace
Travel to Hawaii’s royal past at the ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil. Built in 1882, it’s a stunning example of Hawaiian architecture, carved with intricate Koa wood detailing. Take a guided tour of the palace to explore the throne room and see the royal family’s restored artifacts.
Prince tip: Guests of Prince Waikiki receive a complimentary audio tour for two at ʻIolani Palace, based on availability. Ask the concierge for details.
20. Kakaʻako Street Art and Waikiki Beach
End close to where you began. Kakaʻako brings murals, local dining, coffee shops, and boutiques into the final stretch. From there, return to Waikiki Beach for sunset or head back to Prince Waikiki for marina and ocean views.
How to Turn This Into a One-Day Oʻahu Road Trip
You don’t need to visit all 20 stops in one day. For a balanced one-day Oʻahu road trip, choose one hike, one reservation-based attraction, two or three beaches or viewpoints, one North Shore town stop, and one cultural or historic site.
A strong full-day route could begin with Diamond Head, continue to Makapuʻu and Waimānalo, pause at Byodo-In Temple or Kualoa Ranch, spend the afternoon between Waimea Valley, Banzai Pipeline, Shark’s Cove, and Haleʻiwa, then return through Central Oʻahu with a final stop at Kakaʻako or Waikiki.
Where Prince Waikiki Fits Into Your Oʻahu Plans
Prince Waikiki makes island exploring feel well within reach, but it also gives you plenty to come back to. Before your scenic drive around Oʻahu, start the day with breakfast at Honolulu Coffee Company, check in with the team for route tips and Prince Waikiki activities, then set out toward Diamond Head, the Windward Coast, and the North Shore.
After a full day on the road, return to the ocean views that make Prince Waikiki feel so connected to Honolulu. Book a treatment at Naio Bliss, spend time by the infinity pool, settle in for dinner at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, or grab a meal from Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo. Then, keep the evening relaxed with sunset views near the marina.
