Hawaii Travel Podcast: Hawaii Travel Tips & Things to Do in Hawaii for Your Hawaii Vacation Planning | Hawaii’s Best Travel

The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Oahu Visitors Make (And How to Avoid Them)

• Bryan Murphy — Certified Hawaii Travel Expert & Owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel | Hawaii Travel Podcast • Episode 204

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Are you planning your first Oahu trip but worried you'll miss the best spots or waste time on tourist traps?

First-time visitors often feel overwhelmed by all the options, but with the right guidance, you can turn that stress into an unforgettable experience.

👉 Hit play now to get essential tips, hidden gems, and practical advice that'll help you avoid the biggest mistakes and experience Oahu like a respectful traveler, not a typical tourist.

In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we break down everything from booking flights and packing smart to exploring Diamond Head, the North Shore, and Pearl Harbor so you can make the most of your first visit.

👉 In this episode, you will:

  • Discover the best times to visit, where to stay, and how to get around without overspending
  • Learn which beaches, hikes, and cultural sites are worth your time and how to experience them respectfully
  • Get insider tips on local food spots, farmer's markets, and authentic luaus that go beyond the typical tourist experience

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to plan a stress-free, culturally respectful Oahu trip.

🤙Resources mentioned:

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💻Related blog posts:

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🤓Chapters:

  • 1:26 Why Oahu is Perfect for First-Time Visitors
  • 2:49 Planning Your Trip: Flights and Packing Tips
  • 5:12 Respecting Local Culture and Getting Around
  • 7:04 Must-See Spots and Activities
  • 9:23 Food and Evening Activities
  • 10:42 Budgeting and Weather Tips
  • 12:40 Final Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

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This Hawaii travel 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 Hawaii vacation to the 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)
Talk Story, Hawaiian Style Band (w/ permission)

Episode 204_The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Oahu Visitors Make (And How to Avoid Them)


[00:00:00] Bryan Murphy: 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 Hava East's.

[00:00:20] Bryan Murphy: Best here. You'll learn what to know before traveling as we discover Hawaiian culture, local businesses, and the experiences that make Havae 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.

[00:00:42] Bryan Murphy: 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 incredible and doable for your visit to Oahu for the very first time.

[00:01:04] Bryan Murphy: Or maybe you have visited Oahu before and you're looking for tips for your next trip, or you're just dreaming of Hawaii. Want to hear more about the beautiful islands? You've come to the right spot. In today's episode, we're gonna cover everything from where to stay, what to do, and how to experience Oahu like a respectful traveler rather than a typical tourist.

[00:01:26] Bryan Murphy: 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 amazing mix of city life and island vibes. 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.

[00:01:48] Bryan Murphy: 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 tour spots. This island holds deep cultural significance for Hawaiians.

[00:02:06] Bryan Murphy: It's home to Iani 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 Hey Al, scattered across the island. Telling stories of Hawaii's rich past the local culture on ahu is really incredible. It's a blend of traditional Hawaiian values mixed with influences from all over the Pacific.

[00:02:30] Bryan Murphy: You'll notice it in everything from the food 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 Hawaii is. All about a mix of cultures coming together to create something beautiful, something unique.

[00:02:49] Bryan Murphy: 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 summit for it, usually pop up about three to four months before your travel date.

[00:03:06] Bryan Murphy: And I know that can seem stressful, so if you wanna book. More in advance than three to four months. I actually just book 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.

[00:03:22] Bryan Murphy: 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 better rates during shoulder season, which is April to May, or September to November. So you wanna sign up.

[00:03:37] Bryan Murphy: For airline alerts, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest and other major carriers offer special rates throughout the year. 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.

[00:04:04] Bryan Murphy: So there are targets. There are, I think. Two to three Costcos on Oahu. Oahu is really casual, like you wanna pack your reef safe sunscreen or wait to buy sunscreen there because there are chemicals that are banned in Hawaii. So just be aware of that. Might be best just to buy your sunscreen when you're there.

[00:04:21] Bryan Murphy: You'll need a good hat and comfortable walking shoes. You don't wanna take brand new shoes 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. Leave the formal wear at home unless you're planning some fancy dinners.

[00:04:39] Bryan Murphy: 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.

[00:04:56] Bryan Murphy: Simple phrases like Aloha, which means, hello, goodbye, Mahalo. Thank you. 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.

[00:05:12] Bryan Murphy: Keep in mind that Oahu isn't just a vacation spot. It's home to many people and has deep cultural significance.

[00:05:17] Bryan Murphy: Treat the land ocean people wherever you go with care. Follow posted signs, stay on mark trails and always ask permission before going to sacred sites. If you're going to visit a hay temple, make sure that it's open to public and just be aware. Getting around the island, you've definitely had some options.

[00:05:34] Bryan Murphy: 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 luau. But if you want to explore the North Shore or Windward side, running a car definitely makes sense.

[00:05:51] Bryan Murphy: I would highly encourage looking into renting a car and that's something you wanna book pretty far in, 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 and plate lunches offer great food, pretty good portions at good prices, more so than a typical tourist restaurant or a chain restaurant.

[00:06:14] Bryan Murphy: 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 if 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.

[00:06:33] Bryan Murphy: So 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. 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 72 hours of flying.

[00:07:04] Bryan Murphy: Alright, 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. Lehi makes it iconic. It's that postcard image that so many people think about when they think about Hawaii.

[00:07:25] Bryan Murphy: 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 visitors. Also, you want 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 there's some elevation changes.

[00:07:48] Bryan Murphy: You'll go through a tunnel, but the view at the top is worth. Every step. My tip though, is go early, like really early. The parking lot opens up around 6:00 AM and that's the best time to beat both crowds and the heat. Another spot is, we've already talked about it a little bit, but the North Shore is another area you can't miss.

[00:08:06] Bryan Murphy: Hava Town is the main spot up there. It's a cool surf town. Good vibe. Great food, lot of local shops and food trucks. During the winter, usually November through April, you'll see some massive waves in pro surfers at spots like pipeline. And in the summer, these same beaches are usually calm enough for swimming snorkeling.

[00:08:26] Bryan Murphy: Like at Sharks Cove, there's no sharks at Sharks Cove. Don't worry about it. 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.

[00:08:45] Bryan Murphy: Book those tickets online. Some other spots worth noting are Han Bay for snorkeling. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation. You wanna make sure you get reservations for that. Uh, Koloa Ranch where they film Jurassic Park and lots of other movies. Lon Kai Beach. For those postcard views, it's that beach with the two islets.

[00:09:05] Bryan Murphy: Another spot over there would be WA Beach, which is a great spot. Plenty of parking. Still got that incredible beach. Now all these spots are popular for a reason. These are just recommendations, 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.

[00:09:23] Bryan Murphy: Like finding a random beach or local spot along the road for some food experiences. You wanna start a food truck crawl on the North Shore. It's got some great stuff up there. Giovanni Shrimp Truck, maybe you've heard of that. It's pretty famous for garlic, shrimp. There are other great options up there.

[00:09:37] Bryan Murphy: Surf and salsa. 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 Kapiolani Community College market.

[00:09:54] Bryan Murphy: You'll find everything from fresh fruit to local coffee and honey. But yeah, there's farmer's markets across the island. You just kind of gotta do a search and you'll find some. Pretty much wherever you're staying. Evening activities are also special to Sunset. Sail off Waikiki gives you amazing views of Diamond Head and the coastline.

[00:10:12] Bryan Murphy: Honolulu City Lights just incredible. If you're interested in attending a luau, I would recommend Paradise Cove. That's over on the west side, the Leeward side, and the Collina Resort area. TOA Luau is on the North Shore. And y MEA Valley and the Polynesian Culture Center is a great spot as well. All of these offer authentic experiences and teach you about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

[00:10:39] Bryan Murphy: They don't just put on a show, but they also educate.

[00:10:42] Bryan Murphy: 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. Tighter budget. Some things to consider no matter what island you're on, you wanna grab breakfast supplies, you go to a b, C store, local markets.

[00:10:59] Bryan Murphy: You wanna mix fancy restaurants with plate lunch or local spots. Use happy hours to your advantage. For the most part, your. 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 and a rough daily cost breakdown. If you're looking for a more budget friendly experience, probably about 150 to $200 per day.

[00:11:22] Bryan Murphy: Mid range would be about two 50 to three 50 per day. And if you just wanna go all out, you're looking at about probably about 500 per day. These numbers include accommodation, food, and basic activities. Mileage may vary and where you're staying may vary. And the time of year may vary as well with those averages.

[00:11:40] Bryan Murphy: The weather on ahu is pretty consistent, but it can change quickly. Morning activities usually have the best conditions, but always check weather reports for your Pacific area. It might be raining on the east side, but on the uh, west side, it's hot and sunny. Be aware, especially during the winter time, it's a little bit more wet.

[00:12:01] Bryan Murphy: Even if you're looking out 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.

[00:12:25] Bryan Murphy: For example, we were just on Oahu, um, a few weeks ago and we got written on, I dunno, one and a half days. It was fine. You kind of just do the things. We went to the movies. You kind of just do some of those things that you do indoors. It's still incredible. You're still in Hawaii.

[00:12:40] Bryan Murphy: A few final tips to make your trip great.

[00:12:42] Bryan Murphy: Give yourself enough time, five days minimum, 10 days better. Two weeks Epic mixed planned activities with free time. Don't plan everything. Don't have such a tight itinerary that you can't stop at that local spot you just pass 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.

[00:13:08] Bryan Murphy: Be respectful of the land, ocean in people, and that'll go a long way in making the best of your very first time to Oahu.

[00:13:16] Bryan Murphy: 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.

[00:13:28] Bryan Murphy: If you've been listening for a 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 Hawaii's best travel.com/ 1 3 2 and drop me a message there. I love hearing from you and helping you plan your perfect Hawaii vacation.

[00:13:48] Bryan Murphy: 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. Best travel.com.


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