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.
- Ala Moana Beach
- Manoa Falls
- Diamond Head State Monument
- Hanauma Bay State Park
- Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
- Waimanalo Beach (as pictured)
- Lanikai Pillbox
- Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
- Byodo-In Temple
- Kualoa Ranch
- Banzai Pipeline
- Sharks Cove
- Dole Plantation
- Paradise Cove Luau
- Coral Crater Adventure Park
- Hawaii Prince Golf Club
- Pearl Harbor
- Iolani Palace
- Kaka’ako street art murals
- Waikiki Beach
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