Photos by A Cruising Couple
Dreaming of a tropical getaway? Look no further than the idyllic island of Oahu, Hawaii. Rich in culture, adventure and, of course, beauty, it's the perfect place for a quick and relaxing getaway. If you're working on a tight timeframe, don't worry-48 hours will give you just enough time to get a good snapshot of the island (and have you planning your return trip before the end of it.)
If you're an active traveler with precious limited time in Oahu, here's how to start planning your getaway:
Day One
Forget about hitting snooze. You're on a time crunch, and one of the most gorgeous views of the island is waiting for you. Begin your morning with a hike to the stunning Kuliouou Ridge Trail. The intermediate four-mile out and back trail offers some of the best views of Oahu's valleys and coastline. Bring plenty of water; the hike takes about four hours in total, depending on how long you marvel at the magnificent views from above.
After a four-mile hike, you've certainly earned the right to be pampered. And there is absolutely no better place to do it than at SpaHalekulani. Located right on the beach of Waikiki, the spa at Halekulani is luxury at its finest, where every detail has been taken care of. From the traditional Hawaiian foot massages to the ultra-comfortable massage tables to the post-massage ice cream mochi, you'll be glad you splurged on this #Halekulanimoment. We opted for the Taurumi Tahitian Massage and our only regret was that we opted for 50 minutes instead of 80.
After your spa treatment, head out to Waikiki beach for your choice of adventure. If you're feeling sluggish after the spa, enjoy a few drinks at one of the beachside restaurants. If you've got some energy left in you, then don't miss the opportunity to rent a stand up paddle board and watch the sunset from the water. Most other people will have already gone in, so you'll have the water - and view - to yourself. Just be sure to head in before the sun sets too far, especially if you are not experienced with SUP in the ocean.
Nightlife in Waikiki is always a blast, but we suggest keeping it calm. Tomorrow is your last day in Oahu - and it's jam-packed with memorable adventures!
Day Two
Hop in your rental car (or hire a driver) because today is all about exploring the lesser-populated side of Oahu. It's a shame how many travelers never leave Waikiki; in our opinion, the North Shore and Windward Coast are some of the most gorgeous spots on Oahu!
Start the morning by driving up to North Shore. The surfer's mecca is a great place for experienced surfers to catch a wave. Alternatively, enjoy the beautiful beaches as you watch others hoping for the barrel of a lifetime. There are heaps of stunning beaches that dot the North Shore. We suggest beach-hopping until you've had all the sun, sand and sea you can handle.
When hunger strikes, it's time to hit up Oahu's famous food trucks. Whether it's world-famous shrimp, shaved ice or inexpensive Thai, Oahu's food trucks boast some of the best bites you'll find. Don't miss The Elephant Truck and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - two North Shore classics!
After you've refueled it's time to hit the road again. Make your way back to Honolulu via the East Shore, also know as the Windward Coast. This is the side of Oahu that's reminiscent of the Hawaii seen in "Lost," "Jurassic Park," and "Hawaii Five-O." Be sure to snorkel in Hanauma Bay Park, stop for a photo at Kailua Beach and shop for souvenirs (or embark on an outdoor adventure) at the generations-old Kualoa Ranch.
For your final night in Oahu, don't miss a luau at Paradise Cove Luau. Located at Ko'Olina beach, this luau is regularly considered to be one of the best in Hawaii, and a memorable way to enjoy the unique cultural traditions of the islands. Sip on a mai tai, enjoy the Hawaiian feast and savor your final moments in Oahu!
Have you been to Oahu? What would top your list if you only had 48 hours on the island?
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