By Expedia Local Expert, on March 15, 2015

A tailored taste of Oahu

Aquatic adventure, historic sites, Hawaiian culture, amazing cuisine—there’s so much to see and do on Hawaii’s most populous island that it’s hard to know where to start. Expedia Local Expert’s concierge desks are run by locals who truly know the island like the back of their hand. Our friendly and knowledgeable concierges can help you craft the perfect itinerary, tailoring your activities to your interests, budget, and schedule to get the most out of your vacation.

Oahu’s relatively small size makes it easy to explore a whole range of tropical landscapes and attractions, from the bustle of Waikiki to the laidback beach towns of the North Shore. Concierge desks are conveniently located in major hotels, including the Hyatt Regency and the Marriot Resort & Spa, and throughout Waikiki. Whether you want to plan your days and book your tickets in advance, or you prefer to organize your trip on island time once you’re already on the ground, the input and advice of a dedicated concierge ensures that you pick the very best activities for your group, save money, and skip the hassle of trying to figure out logistics on your own.

Package multiple activities together to get both extra savings and the ultimate, all-around Oahu experience during your trip. Check out this sample itinerary, which was handcrafted by one of our Local Expert concierges to give the perfect “best-of” overview of Honolulu and beyond.

1. Grand Circle Island Tour: Circumnavigating the entire island gives you the lay of the land and a chance to see Oahu’s major sights and natural landmarks, from craggy Diamond Head crater to the spouting waves of the Halona Blow Hole. Take in the view over the windward side of the island from the Nuuanu Pali lookout, gaze over the turquoise waters and coral gardens of Hanauma Bay, and glimpse the serene Buddhist place of worship in the Valley of the Temples. Watch the world-famous surf crash at Waimea Bay on the North Shore, pass by sugarcane fields, and sample sweet and tangy tropical fruits at the Dole Pineapple Plantation.

2. World War II Stars & Stripes Tour: Delve into Oahu’s wartime past with a visit to Pearl Harbor, exploring the visitor center exhibits and paying your respects to the more than 1,700 sailors who were killed in the attack that ushered the United States into World War II. Ride a Navy boat out to the USS Arizona Memorial, which straddles the hull of the sunken battleship, and then tour the USS Missouri to stand on the deck where the Japanese signed the treaty that brought the war to its official close. Before heading back to your hotel, visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, whose beautiful grounds are nestled within an ancient crater.

 

3. Paradise

Viewfinder Tip:Book a combination package to save on the costs of individual tours and get a more well-rounded experience.

Cove Luau: A trip to the islands wouldn’t be complete without experiencing an authentic luau, and this one—located on the beach at a scenic cove—is the ideal way to soak up the heritage and history of Hawaii. Sip a Mai Tai as you watch elegant hula dancers and dramatic Samoan fire knife dancers, and try your hand at ancient crafts and games. A traditional feast rounds out the evening as you tuck into delectable fare like lomi lomi salmon, fresh fruits, and the showstopper, a savory kalua pig, slow-roasted in an underground imu oven.

A knowledgeable concierge can help craft your days and customize your activity selection to your interests, but if the above itinerary sounds like the perfect combination, you can save by booking all 3 activities together right now.

For more trip ideas and other things to do in Oahu, click here.