Oahu’s overall aesthetic allure grows more and more enticing as the island approaches a potential reopening. The thought of a scenic, full-day drive around Oahu sounds paradisiacal for those who have been away from Prince Waikiki for way too long. Oahu spans approximately 600 square miles, which adds up to a four-hour road trip with a few brief stops, including shopping, sightseeing, dining, and refueling. However, a counterclockwise drive around Oahu—as far as Prince’s concierge team is concerned—should fill an entire morning and afternoon when mapped out properly. There’s just way too much beauty to encounter.

A Full-Day Drive around Oahu: Explore the Isle

An eight to 12-hour drive around Oahu can (and should) include ample beach relaxation, light hiking, historical and cultural “research,” a wee bit of adventure, and perhaps after-dark entertainment, such as a luau. Some travelers simply prefer to hop into a rental car and drive. Others select to make three or four semi-lengthy stops, whether that be at a head-turning beach, a popular summit trail, or an activity-based ranch. The 20 essential attractions listed below are in counterclockwise “chronological order,” with breaks in Waimānalo, Kailua, Pupukea, Kapolei, and Kakaʻako.

Please note: It will take multiple trips around the island to visit all of these attractions. Also, due to COVID-19, some locations may be temporarily closed. Thus, please check the updated hours prior to departure.

1. Ala Moana Beach
2. Manoa Falls
3. Diamond Head State Monument
4. Hanauma Bay State Park
5. Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
6. Waimanalo Beach (as pictured)
7. Lanikai Pillbox
8. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
9. Byodo-In Temple
10. Kualoa Ranch
11. Banzai Pipeline
12. Sharks Cove
13. Dole Plantation
14. Paradise Cove Luau
15. Coral Crater Adventure Park
16. Hawaii Prince Golf Club
17. Pearl Harbor
18. Iolani Palace
19. Kaka’ako street art murals
20. Waikiki Beach