Hawaiian Escape: Oahu

Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly to Honolulu + Welcome Dinner

  Aloha! Welcome to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii and its largest city. Honolulu translates to “sheltered harbor” but don’t worry—this week you’ll be bopping all over the island of Oahu, from world-famous beaches to lush rainforests.

  Today's highlights:

  • Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
  • Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot.
• Day 2: Pearl Harbor visit + tour of Honolulu

  The Big Pineapple—aka Honolulu—is home to Pearl Harbor, site of the 1941 Japanese attack that launched the U.S into World War II. Absorb the past, view the memorials, and continue on a tour of the city’s historic sights.

  Today's highlights:

  • Learn about the surprise military strike that changed the course of history.
  • Board a Navy boat shuttle to Battleship Row to see the USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri memorials.
  • Walk through the National Memorial Cemetery in the unique Punchbowl Crater.
  • Stop at Honolulu must-sees like Iolani Palace, the statue of King Kamehameha, and the Hawaii State Capitol grounds.
• Day 3: Morning Diamond Head hike + free time

  Kick-start your morning with a fabulous hike full of fabulous views. Then, Ohahu is all yours. Grab a Spam musubi, hit the beach, and reeeelaaax.

  Today's highlights:

  • Hike iconic Diamon Head for killer views of the island’s southwest coastline.
  • Refuel with lunch on your own before a free afternoon.

  Free time suggestions

  Waikiki Beach: Chill on the white sand of this world-famous beach, known for surfing, crystal-clear water, and rich history as a haven for Hawaiian royalty.

  Foster Botanical Garden: Escape the Honolulu hustle and bustle at a 14-acre garden right in the middle of the city, home to over 4,000 species of tropical plants.

• Day 4: Turtle Canyons cruise and snorkel adventure

  If you didn’t snorkel while you were in Hawaii...did you even go? Have a Moana moment on a guided cruise along the coast before flippering through the bathtub-warm waters of one of Oahu's top snorkeling sites.

  Today's highlights:

  • Spot spinner dolphins, flying fish, and humpback whales on a coastal boat cruise.
  • Goggle (pun intended) at endangered green sea turtles and vibrant tropical fish as you snorkel through Turtle Canyons.
• Day 5: Free day or optional North Shore trip

  Aloha kakahiaka! Another wide-open day of tropical bliss. Holo holo around the island (what, you’ve never heard the Hawaiian phrase for “wander” before?) or spend the day checking out the North Shore’s artsy surf community.

  Free time suggestions

  Kailua Beach: This stretch of perfect sand on the east coast of Oahu is a beachgoer’s dream. Stop in downtown Kailua to pick up some lunch or snacks before a day on the sand.

  Tantalus Lookout: Get a few more steps in on an easy walk to the top of Mount Tantalus where the scenic point boasts sweeping views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.

  Explore the North Shore (extra cost)

  Escape to the charming surf town Hale’iwa to shop, peep some art, eat shaved ice, and hit the beach.

• Day 6: Morning waterfall hike

  Did you know Hawaii is the only U.S. state with tropical rainforests? This morning you’ll hike through the dense, lush foliage and end at a towering waterfall. Oh, and if you see any dinosaurs on the trail, tell ’em we’re big fans.

  Today's highlights:

  • Trade the blue sea for greenery on a hike through rainforest that made cameos in Jurassic Park and the TV show Lost.
  • Crane your neck to admire the kind of Hawaiian waterfall you’ve always imagined.
  • Stop to devour an included post-hike lunch with the group.

  Free time suggestions

  Bishop Museum: Immerse yourself in Hawaii’s rich heritage and history as you meander through the world’s biggest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts.

  Dole Pineapple Plantation: Hawaii and pineapples—a love story. Stroll the diverse gardens, take the Pineapple Express train tour, and try to get through the Pineapple Garden maze.

• Day 7: Free day + Farewell Dinner

  Your Oahu adventure is almost over—no judgment for sobbing into your açai bowl. Soak up your last day in paradise, then share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner with your group.

  Free time suggestions

  Byodo-In Temple: Located in Oahu’s lush Valley of the Temples, this beautiful structure was built without using a single nail and honors Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants.

  Ala Moana: Pop into the shops at Ala Moana Mall or relax at the beach park of the same name across the street, which happens to be one of the island’s best spots to watch the sun set.

• Day 8: Fly home

  Aloha kākou!
  Translation: Goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?