Don’t Visit Oahu for the First Time Without Knowing This

⛰️ In this solo episode, Bryan Murphy dives into everything you need to know about visiting Oahu for the first time! In this episode, we explore the best tips for planning your trip, must-see spots like Waikiki Beach and the North Shore, and how to navigate the island like a pro. Along the way, Bryan shares insights on respecting Hawaiian culture, budgeting for your trip, and uncovering hidden gems that will make your first visit to Oahu unforgettable.

What we discuss in this episode:

• How to plan your trip to Oahu, including flight booking tips and the best times to visit
• Must-see spots like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the North Shore for first-time visitors
• Budget-friendly tips for dining, activities, and transportation around the island
• Hidden gems and local recommendations, like Waimanalo Beach and North Shore food trucks
• Cultural respect, local Hawaiian phrases, and safety tips to enhance your trip experience

👉 Full show notes and resources can be found here: hawaiisbesttravel.com/132

🤙Show Aloha

• Buy me a coffee

⎯

📲Connect

• Facebook Group
• Business Sponsor Inquiry (let's work together!)

⎯

This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

Chapters

• 1:46 Why Oahu is Perfect for First Timers
• 3:17 Planning Your Trip: Flights and Packing Tips
• 6:05 Respecting Local Culture and Getting Around
• 8:03 Must-See Spots on Oahu
• 10:47 Food Experiences and Evening Activities
• 12:05 Managing Costs and Weather Tips
• 14:09 Final Tips

Transcript

# 132_Visting Oahu for the First Time

**Bryan Murphy:** [00:00:00] Are you thinking of visiting Oahu for the very first time and you're not sure where to start? Well, in this episode, I'm sharing everything you need to know. Essential tips, hidden gems, and practical advice to make your Hawaii vacation stress free as possible and truly unforgettable. aloha. Welcome to Hawaii's Best.

Here you'll learn what to know before traveling as we discover Hawaiian culture, local businesses, and the experiences that make Hawaii one of the most incredible places in the world. And now your host, Brian Murphy. Aloha and welcome back to Hawaii's Best. Thank you so much for joining me today. And today we're talking all about visiting Oahu for your very first time.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed with all the choices, Information out there. I totally get it. Don't worry. You've landed on the right episode today We're going to turn what might seem like overwhelming trip with all the options and all the things to something that is [00:01:00] incredible and doable for your Visit to Oahu for the very first time or maybe you have visited Oahu before And you're looking for tips for your next trip or you're just dreaming of hawaii and want to hear more about The beautiful islands you've come to the right spot In today's episode, we're going to cover everything from where to stay, what to do, and how to experience Oahu like a respectful traveler rather than a typical tourist.

Make sure to head over to hawaiisbesttravel. com slash 132 for the full blog post of this episode that goes along with everything I'm talking and goes into even more in depth. And you'll find all the resources that I talked about in this episode at hawaiisbesttravel. com slash 132. Slash one thirty two.

All right now that we've covered a lot of the basics Let's talk about Oahu and what to expect Oahu is called the gathering place and it's for good reason It's where most visitors get their first taste of hawaii and it's where you'll find This [00:02:00] amazing mix of city life and island culture What makes Oahu perfect for first timers is how easy it is to experience both worlds.

One day you're shopping at high end stores in Honolulu, and the next you're watching sea turtles on a quiet beach. The island has the best infrastructure out of all the main islands in Hawaii. Decent roads, plenty of restaurants. And lots of accommodation options for any budget. But it's also important to know that Oahu isn't just about beautiful beaches and tourist spots.

This island holds deep cultural significance for Hawaiians. It's home to Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor, which both have changed the course of history, both American history and Hawaiian history as well. You'll find ancient temples called Heiau scattered across the island, telling stories of Hawaii's rich past.

The local culture on Oahu is really incredible. It's a blend of traditional Hawaiian values mixed with influences from all over the Pacific. You'll notice it in everything from the food [00:03:00] trucks serving plate lunches to small mom and pop shops. Got everything from high end restaurants to local spots where you can grab the best poke bowl you've ever had.

The food scene here really shows what he is all about. A mix of cultures coming together to create something beautiful, something unique. Now, before you arrive, you're probably thinking about planning. You've already booked maybe the flight, your hotel room, and you're starting to figure out what to do and what you should be preparing for.

First up flights, the best deals. If you've got the stomach for it, usually pop up about three to four months before your travel date. I know that can seem stressful. So if you want to book. More in advance than three to four months. I actually just booked flights that are three weeks out and I got a pretty good deal, but I wouldn't recommend that for your first time, three to four months is usually pretty good, especially if you're flying domestic, definitely would recommend booking three to four months out.

And if you're flying international, you want to go out a little further, probably six months, if you're flexible with your dates, you might score [00:04:00] better rates during shoulder season, which is April to May or September to November. So you want to sign up. For airline alerts, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, and other major carriers offer special rates throughout the year to the islands.

Now for packing, it's actually really simple. You'll need less than you think. If you're on Oahu, there are spots, Target or Costco. Buy local if you can but I know as you're traveling and maybe you forgot Something or you want to get some snacks or you're just trying to get to your hotel and you see a target That's totally doable.

So there are targets There are I think two to three costcos on oahu oahu is really Casual, like you want to pack your reef safe sunscreen or wait to buy sunscreen there because there are chemicals that are banned in Hawaii. So just be aware that might be best just to buy your sunscreen when you're there, you'll need a good hat and comfortable walking shoes.

You don't want to take brand new shoes [00:05:00] because the dirt in Hawaii can be red, especially if you're out on a hike. That volcanic soil pretty much stains everything. So just be aware of that. Don't forget your swimwear, but leave the formal wear at home, unless you're planning some fancy dinners. Most restaurants, even the nice ones are pretty laid back.

Before you land, take some time to learn some basic Hawaiian words. We've done a couple episodes on the podcast and have some blog posts that I'll link below with some amazing Hawaiians who taught some basic phrases to. learn before visiting. Simple phrases like aloha, which means hello, goodbye, mahalo, thank you, and pono, which means righteousness.

Go a long way. It shows respect for the local culture and just shows you have taken the effort to learn more about Hawaii. One of the things you'll notice probably going to the restroom is wahine, so that's women, and then kani, which is men, so just be aware of that. It's pretty obvious as [00:06:00] it's labeled, but, uh, just know that's pretty much all over the place on different restrooms.

Keep in mind that Oahu isn't just a vacation spot. It's home to many people and has deep cultural significance. Treat the land, ocean, people, wherever you go with care. Follow posted signs, stay on marked trails, and always ask permission before going to sacred sites. If you're going to visit a Heiau temple, make sure that it's open to the public and just be aware.

Getting around the island, you've definitely had some options. If you're staying in Waikiki, you might not need a car at all. The bus system is pretty great and there are plenty of tours that provide transportation to and from different trailheads and different luaus. But if you want to explore the North shore.

or windward side, running a car definitely makes sense. I would highly encourage looking into running a car, and that's something you want to book pretty far in advance. Money wise, it probably goes without saying, but Hawaii can be pretty pricey. There are ways to manage it, though. One thing is local markets [00:07:00] and plate lunches offer great food, pretty good portions at good prices, more so than a typical tourist restaurant or a chain restaurant.

Beaches are free, and some of the best hikes don't cost anything. Just make sure it's a legitimate hike with a legitimate trailhead on the map. Be aware there are some hikes out there that are illegal and are dangerous. Many people during the year, unfortunately, do have accidents, do die based on not heating warnings.

So be aware of that. It's nature. It's dangerous. It's beautiful, but it's also unpredictable. Also, snorkeling within 72 hours of a long flight may carry additional health risks. Do that at least three days after. I'm not a doctor. But this is something that is recommended on medical websites journals because long flights can affect your lungs And make it harder for your body to eliminate stationary gases.

Do not snorkel within [00:08:00] 72 hours of flying All right. So now let's talk about some of the must see spots on oahu. First up is waikiki beach Yes, it's touristy But there's a reason for its fame the beach is perfect for beginner surfers in the backdrop of diamond head You Leahi makes it iconic. It's that postcard image that so many people think about when they think about Hawaii.

The water is usually calm, and you can take surf lessons right there. The area around Waikiki has tons of shops, tons of restaurants within walking distance, making it convenient for Also, you want to consider visiting Diamond Head. This dormant volcanic crater is a must do hike. It's relatively short, about 1.

6 miles round trip, but you'll climb some stairs and some elevation changes. You'll go through a tunnel, but the view at the top is worth it. Every step my tip though is go early like really early the parking lot opens up around 6 a. m And that's the best time to beat both [00:09:00] crowds And the heat another spot is we've already talked about a little bit But the north shore is another area.

You can't miss holly eva town is the main spot up there. It's a cool surf town Good vibes good Great food. A lot of local shops and food trucks. During the winter, usually November through April, you'll see some massive waves and pro surfers at spots like Pipeline. And in the summer, these same beaches are usually calm enough for swimming, snorkeling, like at Shark's Cove.

There's no sharks at Shark's Cove. Don't worry about it. But During the summertime, it's a great spot for snorkeling. Another spot is Pearl Harbor. It's an essential stop for understanding American history. The USS Arizona Memorial is powerful. It's a place that really puts things into perspective. Book those tickets online.

Some other spots worth noting are Hanama Bay for snorkeling. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation. You want to make sure you get reservations for that. Uh, Kualoa Ranch where they film Jurassic Park and lots of other movies. [00:10:00] Lonekai beach for those postcard views. It's that beach with the two islets There is construction on the roads and people are asked not to go to Lonekai Another spot over there would be Wabanalo beach, which is a great spot plenty of parking And still got that incredible beach, but right now Lonekai Some road construction happening and we've been asked to make sure we communicate that Travelers stay out of that area if they are not residents.

Now all these spots are popular for a reason These are just recommendations that I found a lot of people have found are really cool But pick the ones that matter most to you and, and take your time with them. Sometimes the best moments happen between these big attractions, like finding a random beach or local spot along the road.

For some food experiences, you want to start a food truck crawl on the North Shore. They've got some great stuff up there. Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, maybe you've heard of that. It's pretty famous for garlic shrimp. There are other great options up there. Surf and Salsa [00:11:00] just had that recently. Some great spots up there on the North Shore.

Try spots like even Foodland, for example, has some of the best poke around and a good price there too. Farmer's markets are fantastic for local produce and prepared foods. My favorite is the Kapi'olani Community College Market. You'll find everything from fresh fruit to local coffee and honey. But yeah, there's farmer's markets across the island.

It's kind of got to do a search and you'll find some pretty much wherever you're staying. Evening activities are also special. The sunset sail off Waikiki gives you amazing views of Diamond Head and the coastline Honolulu City Lights. Just incredible. If you're interested in tending a luau, I would recommend Paradise Cove.

That's over on the west side, the leeward side and the Ko'olena Resort area. Toa Luau is on the north shore. And Waimea Valley and the Polynesian Culture Center is a great spot as well. All of these offer authentic experiences and teach you [00:12:00] about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. They don't just put on a show, but they also educate.

As I mentioned, Hawaii can be expensive, but there are some smart ways to manage cost. Oahu probably has the most cost effective options for being on a Some things to consider, no matter what island you're on, you want to grab breakfast supplies, you go to ABC store, local markets, you want to mix fancy restaurants with plate lunch or local spots and use happy hours to your advantage for the most part.

You're probably on a time difference and you're waking up early and dinner feels a little bit early. Take advantage of those earlier happy hours, especially in Waikiki and a rough daily cost breakdown. If you're looking for a more budget friendly experience, probably about 150 to 200 per day. Mid range would be about 250 to 350 per day.

And if you just want to go all out, you're looking about probably about 500 per day. These numbers include accommodation, food and basic activities. [00:13:00] Mileage may vary. Transcribed And where you're staying may vary, and the time of year may vary as well with those averages. The weather on Oahu is pretty consistent, but it can change quickly.

Morning activities usually have the best conditions. But always check weather reports for your specific area. It might be raining on the east side, but on the west side, it's not as bad. It's hot and sunny. Be aware, especially during the winter time, it's a little bit more wet. Even if you're looking at a week in advance and you're seeing it's all rain, it could be all rain or scattered showers.

Just be aware that you could get wet in Hawaii and that's part of it. If you're looking for no rain, book from late May through. September is probably a good bet to avoid most rain. But again, it can be quick For example, we were just on Oahu Um a few weeks ago and we got rained on [00:14:00] I don't know one and a half days And it was fine.

You kind of just do the things we went to the movies You kind of just do some of those things It's still incredible. You're still in Hawaii. A few final tips to make your trip great. Give yourself enough time, five days minimum, 10 days better, two weeks epic, mix planned activities with free time. Don't plan everything.

Don't have a. such a tight itinerary that you can't stop at that local spot you just passed by on the road. So have some free time for sure. Try local foods and support small businesses when can and learn some basic Hawaiian words and customs. Be respectful of the land, ocean, and people, and that'll go a long way in making the best of your very first time to Oahu.

If you found this episode helpful, please hit follow if you're listening on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. Your support really helps me and helps other people be able to find this podcast and this resource. If you've been listening for a [00:15:00] few episodes, I would highly encourage you to drop a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

That would be super helpful. Alright, you got questions, head over to hawaiisbesttravel. com slash 132 and drop me a message there. I love hearing from you. And helping you plan your perfect Hawaii vacation until next time my friend be well. Aloha Mahalo for listening to this episode of hawaii's best to stay up to date on future episodes Please subscribe and visit us at hawaii's best travel.

com