Oahu is a Central Pacific island in Hawaii. It is a top tourist destination with iconic beaches, historic areas, and excellent dining opportunities. Use this itinerary during two days in Oahu to ensure you get to this island’s best attractions.
An RV rental is a great way to spend quality time with your group while immersing yourself in Oahu’s natural beauty. During your stay, you’ll enjoy all of the comforts of home, with amenities like full-sized beds and a kitchen. Additionally, you can spend time bonding with friends or family around a fire at your campsite in the evenings rather than in a stuffy hotel room. It is also important in saving money on accommodations, and it frees you up to come and go as you please.
Search RV rentals in the Oahu area.
Preparing for Your Oahu RV Trip
The first thing you need to do is pick out the perfect RV . When you begin your search on RVshare, you’ll find several drivable options, such as Class A or C rigs. These motorhomes make the ideal home base while enjoying the area’s parks and historical sites. You’ll also find towable options such as a fifth wheel or a travel trailer, which allows you to have a separate vehicle for exploring Oahu.
If you are new to RV travel, you can use these helpful resources for your RV adventure.
• Renting an RV With RVshare
• RV Rental Delivery
• RV Parking Tips
After selecting and booking your RV rental, you need to choose a campground. Swanzy Beach Park is an excellent choice for a beautiful view of the sunrise from its pull-through sites. Consider Sand Island State Recreation Area for its walking trails and access to great surfing. Alternatively, you can find shaded spots with stunning ocean views at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Oahu.
Day 1: Discover Oahu’s Historical Side
Morning: Thoughtful Reflection
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is dedicated to the fallen servicemen of the December 7th attack in 1941. Your group can visit the USS Arizona Memorial, tour the Battleship Missouri, and explore the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Lunch: Try the Local Cuisine
The Forty Niner Restaurant is one of the oldest eateries on the island. Here, you can try local dishes like garlic chicken or relax in the outdoor seating area with a burger and fries.
Afternoon: Tour a Hawiaan Palace
The historic Iolani Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua. You can take a tour of the stunning interior of this restored palace, which is filled with royal artifacts from the Hawaiian monarchy’s legacy.
Setting Up Camp
After a day of touring, it’s time to head to your campground and set up your RV. The host will direct you to your campsite when you check-in. You’ll need to park, level your RV, and connect the hookups. If you want to simplify this process, select an RV with an option for delivery during the booking process.
Dinner: Dine Under the Stars
You can cook dinner in your RV or over a campfire and dine under the stars. Another great option is to try one of the area’s open-air restaurants. Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine serves a modern take on sushi. They use locally sourced ingredients, and you can enjoy your meal while sitting outdoors.
Day 2: Explore Nature
Morning: Fun in the Sun
Start your day at Waikiki Beach where you can surf, swim, or simply sunbathe. It’s known for being the birthplace of modern surfing culture. Boat tours are available, and the neighboring Kalakaua Avenue features shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Lunch: Sample Local Favorites
Enjoy fish tacos and tropical drinks at the beachside Hula Grill Waikiki. They serve only local line-caught fish, and Oahu-grown produce in their dishes.
Afternoon: Visit a Lush Rainforest
For some afternoon exercise, take a hike through a lush rainforest to the beautiful 150-foot-high Manoa Waterfall. You’ll see diverse plants and wildlife along your 1.6-mile round-trip journey.
Evening: Attend an Authentic Hawaiian Luau
Paradise Cove Luau is an authentic Hawaiian luau held along the oceanfront as the sun sets. The buffet dinner includes many traditional Hawaiian dishes. While enjoying your dinner, entertainers perform Polynesian songs and dances.
Day 3 and Beyond in Oahu
Have a few more days to spend in Oahu? Locals recommend the following attractions:
• Diamond Head State Monument provides visitors with a challenging hike through various terrains and up a unique spiral staircase. The reward for your effort is a stunning panoramic view at the trail’s end.
• Hanauma Bay State Park is a conservation area with beautiful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Snorkeling is a popular sport here.
• The clear, calm water at the family-friendly Kailua Beach Park is ideal for swimming and kayaking, with a long sandy beach and several shaded areas. It’s worth visiting just to see this location’s mountain views.
Seasonal Activities
The Pow! Wow! Hawaiian is a week-long festival in February. Over one hundred local and international artists come together to create artwork and murals. Alternatively, the Honolulu Festival each March combines Pacific, Asian, and Hawaiian cultures into a three-day celebration featuring music, dance, and art.
Indoor Activities
Oahu has many indoor activities to enjoy, such as the three buildings of the Bishop Museum, which feature interactive exhibits on Polynesian culture and history. There’s also the US Army Museum of Hawaii. This museum is located in a former army installation and showcases artifacts from various US Army conflicts up until the Vietnam War. On the other hand, the Honolulu Museum of Art features Hawaiian art and fashion, along with European paintings and modern pieces.
Whether you have just two days in Oahu or plan on extending your stay, there’s plenty to do and see. With so many restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options available, Oahu is an excellent RV rental destination.
