Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast—Hawaii travel tips, Things to do in Hawaii, Hawaii vacation planning

My Honest Oahu Trip Report: What's Worth It in 2026— Ep 90

• Marcie Cheung • Episode 90

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0:00 | 16:45

Oahu Trip Report (Feb): What Was Worth It, What I'd Skip, and a Rental Car Mistake

Marcie, a Hawaii destination expert, shares a February Oahu trip report with her 12-year-old, noting some experiences were hosted for honest coverage. They stayed five nights at Hyatt Regency Waikiki (great oceanfront room and smooth check-in; annoying tight, offsite parking and $65/night fee). She covers tips and takeaways from Hanauma Bay reservations and logistics, Kahuku Farms’ full tour and cafe, Cirque du Soleil Auana’s Hawaiian cultural integration, Wai Kai’s mixed results depending on what’s operating, and Kualoa Ranch ziplining’s scenic tandem format. She reviews Mauka Warriors Luau (strong show, okay food, far drive), Pearl Harbor highlights including the Aviation Museum and Missouri, and an intimate Na Lei Aloha dinner/show at the Hyatt. She also recounts unknowingly driving a Thrifty rental with expired tabs and lists planning lessons like booking USS Arizona tickets early and confirming reservations.

00:00 Big Oahu Trip Report
01:52 Hyatt Regency Waikiki
03:24 Hanauma Bay Tips
04:58 Kahuku Farms Tour
06:04 Cirque du Soleil Auana
07:07 Wai Kai Water Park
08:04 Kualoa Ranch Zipline
09:31 Mauka Warriors Luau
10:31 Pearl Harbor Updates
12:08 Na Lei Aloha Dinner
12:59 Thrifty Rental Car Fail
14:46 What I’d Do Differently
15:43 Planning Resources Wrap Up

Who this episode is for: Anyone planning an Oahu trip who wants an honest, recent (February) trip report covering specific hotels, activities, and a real rental car mistake to avoid.

What you'll learn: What was genuinely worth it and what Marcie would skip from a real February Oahu trip, including hotel review, Hanauma Bay logistics, several activity reviews, and a rental car cautionary tale.

Places discussed:

  • Waikiki
  • Hanauma Bay
  • Kahuku
  • Kualoa Ranch
  • Pearl Harbor

Activities discussed:

  • Hanauma Bay snorkeling (reservations and logistics)
  • Kahuku Farms full tour and cafe
  • Cirque du Soleil Auana
  • Wai Kai water park
  • Kualoa Ranch zipline (tandem format)
  • Mauka Warriors Luau
  • Pearl Harbor (Aviation Museum, USS Missouri)
  • Na Lei Aloha dinner/show

Hotels discussed:

  • Hyatt Regency Waikiki — 5-night stay; great oceanfront room and smooth check-in; downside: tight, offsite parking and a $65/night parking fee

Restaurants discussed:

  • Kahuku Farms cafe (part of the farm tour)
  • Mauka Warriors Luau — okay food, strong show
  • Na Lei Aloha — intimate dinner/show at the Hyatt

Marcie's recommendations:

  • Hyatt Regency Waikiki: great room and check-in, but budget for the $65/night parking fee and expect tight offsite parking
  • Book Hanauma Bay reservations early and confirm logistics before your visit
  • Kahuku Farms' full tour and cafe are worth the visit
  • Cirque du Soleil Auana stands out for its Hawaiian cultural integration
  • Wai Kai's experience varies depending on what's operating that day — check before committing
  • Kualoa Ranch's tandem zipline format offers a scenic, worthwhile experience
  • Mauka Warriors Luau has a strong show but okay food and a far drive — weigh that trade-off
  • Pearl Harbor: prioritize the Aviation Museum and USS Missouri, and book USS Arizona Memorial tickets early
  • Na Lei Aloha is a good intimate option if staying at the Hyatt
  • Double-check rental car details (tabs/registration) at pickup — don't assume the company handled it, based on an unknowingly expired-tabs Thrifty rental
  • Confirm all reservations ahead of time rather than assuming they're set

Related Hawaii Travel Made Easy episodes: 

Tours/activities to book:


About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation

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