How Long Does It Take To Drive All Around Oahu?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

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.

Is there a road that goes around Oahu?

The roads you want to continue around Oahu are

the Kahekili Highway or the Kamehameha Highway

. The latter follows the coastline, but first take the Kahekili Highway so you can pause at the tranquil and lush Valley of the Temples; there you'll find a charming Japanese Buddhist temple called Byodo-In.

Can you drive completely around Oahu?


You cannot drive around the entire island of Oahu

, but the drive around most of the island can be covered in a long day drive.

Is Oahu drivable?

The

island of Oahu is just the right size for taking a drive

. It's large enough that you will not run out of things to do and sights to see yet small enough that you can complete the drive in one day.

Is it hard to drive around Oahu?

As the third-largest island in the state, Oahu is just over 40 miles long.

It is impossible to drive completely around the entire island as the road stops at the westernmost tip at Kaena Point

.

How can I spend 7 days in Oahu?

  1. Day 1: Waikiki.
  2. Day 2: Honolulu and the South Shore.
  3. Day 3: The West Side.
  4. Day 4: Kailua.
  5. Day 5: Windwardside Road Trip to North Shore.
  6. Day 6: The North Shore.
  7. Day 7: North Shore/Central Oahu.

Is Oahu too touristy?


Oahu is super touristy

, but it's home. It's beautiful and the oceans are beautiful. Maui is nice and so is the Big Island. If you like space and a sense of isolation they're nice places to visit.

How long does it take to walk around Oahu?

Reading time: 10 minutes. There are many ways to see Oahu but the most uncomfortable is to walk around its entire coastline alone. I know. I did it three years ago — trudging day after day for

six days

to circle Oahu's 130-mile perimeter by myself.

How many days do you need in Oahu?


Five days

is how many days you need to visit Oahu. With a minimum of five days on Oahu, you will have time to visit the south and north shores, see the best , go to a luau, and do the worthwhile activities and sights around Oahu.

What is the best way to get around Oahu?

  1. Charley's Taxi.
  2. TheCAB.
  3. Uber.
  4. Lyft.

How can I avoid traffic in Oahu?


Avoid driving during peak hours

, or the morning and evening rush hours. On Oahu, it's best to avoid H-1 Freeway in both directions during the evening rush hour. It can be a parking lot on some days. Try to be where you want to be before or after rush hour, especially if you have reservations for a tour or for dining.

How long does it take to drive from Waikiki to North Shore?

It takes

about 45 minutes

to drive from Waikiki to the North Shore's famed surf town Haleiwa, more if you plan on stopping along the way.

How do you get around Oahu without a car?

  1. Morning snorkel sail along Waikiki Beach.
  2. Waikiki sunset cocktail cruise.
  3. Group surfing lesson along Waikiki Beach.

Is Maui better than Oahu?

Maui vs Oahu:

Oahu is right for you

if you want more of a cosmopolitan vacation, enjoy the nightlife, are excited about historical and cultural activities, or want to travel on a budget. Maui is right for you if you're looking for a romantic island, great snorkeling, a relaxing vacation, or more outdoor activities.

What is there to do in Oahu for 10 days?

  • Day 1-3 Relax, Beach, Spa's and Luau's.
  • Day 4 History, Pearl Harbor and museums.
  • Day 5 Adventure, Wet n Wild, Parasailing, SCUBA Diving or Sports Fishing.
  • Day 6 North Shore, Dole Plantation, Laniakea Beach, Sunset Beach or Waimea Falls Park.

What is there to do in Oahu for 2 weeks?

  • Day 2: Exploration & Pool Day. …
  • Day 4: Dole Plantation & Turtle Bay. …
  • Day 5: Polynesian Cultural Center. …
  • Day 6: Polynesian Cultural Center & Sunset Beach. …
  • Day 8: Makaha Beach Park & Waikiki. …
  • Day 9: Waikiki. …
  • Day 10: Pearl Harbor Tour. …
  • Day 11: Diamond Head Hike & Pool Day.
David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.