I know it is funny to say "#1 Oahu, Hawaii Trip July 2024" since I live here, but this is a recommendation from an ex-Oahu tour guide and a photographer who lives in Hawaii. If I were to visit Oahu, Hawaii, this would be my schedule.
Day 1: I would definitely rent a car. The first day depends on when I arrive, but I would head to the East. This is what I call "Blue Hawaii." This is the most beautiful coastline you can drive in Oahu, as far as I am concerned. Please note you need to make it before 1 pm. If the sun starts going down, the reflection by the sun won’t make the ocean as blue as it is at noon.
These are the places I would stop for nature photography:
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Hanauma Bay: The best snorkeling place for beginners. You don’t have to go to the beach; just take a look at this bay from above (parking lot). It has beautiful water gradation you will see.
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Halona Blowhole Lookout: The Halona Blowhole was created thousands of years ago during Oahu's volcanic heyday when lava from Koko Crater flowed into the ocean. The lava tubes that extend into the ocean are narrow at the top. On windy days with high tide, the ocean breeze sends waves rolling onto the shore, causing the rock formation to shoot sea spray high into the air like a natural geyser. The blowhole is most lively during high tide and strong winds, sometimes shooting sea spray up to thirty feet into the air. I do not recommend going down. There have been a few accidents here. A guy got sucked into the blowhole, and of course, he died. Just don't be stupid.
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Sandy Beach: A very popular beach for bodyboarding. The waves are constantly pounding, and the sounds are pretty amazing. You will enjoy watching people riding these waves.
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Makapu'u Lighthouse and Pele's Chair: If you like to hike, why not go on the Makapu'u Lighthouse hike? It takes about an hour to get to the lighthouse, and there is a nice view from there, but there is no shade, so it is going to be hot. Prepare for it. There is also a huge rock called "Pele's Chair." When Pele (the volcano goddess) was making the Hawaiian Islands, she sat on that rock and rested before going to the next island.
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Makapu'u Lookout: THIS IS A MUST STOP. No need to hike or anything, but you will see my favorite "Picture of Blue Hawaii." This is where you must arrive before 1 pm.
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Makapu'u Beach: You will see Makapu'u Beach from the lookout. If you want to take a closer look, why not go to the beach too? On the right side of the cliff, you can still see the lighthouse. This is another popular beach for bodyboarding, but please remember Makapu'u and Sandy Beaches are NOT safe swimming beaches for tourists.
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Waimanalo Beach: A beautiful white sand beach you must stop at. There are a lot of homeless people around there, so don't be shocked. The water is usually calmer than at Makapu'u Beach. If you want to dip your feet in, this is the beach you can go to.
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Lanikai Beach: This beach has been voted one of the world's best beaches. It is beautiful with its "white powder sand," but it is the most annoying sand in Oahu for photography. Do not drop your camera at this beach. Parking is tricky, and people who claim to be "locals" around here are not nice. Seriously, just be careful—they are mean. I do not like driving in Kailua (the name of the town where Lanikai Beach is located) at all.
Safety Tips:
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Do not leave anything in your car. If you have to leave something, put it in the trunk or somewhere people cannot see from outside. Car theft is really bad here in Oahu. I will not leave my camera gear even if I park in front of 7-Eleven to get a drink for a minute.
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Beach/Ocean: When locals are enjoying big waves, that does not mean you can do the same. Big waves are no joke here. More than a few tourists die every year. Some of these deaths were totally avoidable—or, should I say, they died due to stupidity. Also, when you go snorkeling, do not go by yourself. You need to have a buddy, and you guys have to watch each other all the time. Trust me, I was a rescue diver, dive master, lifeguard on a boat, life-support aid instructor, and snorkeling guide. I don't want you to get into any trouble in the water. Please don't try to die on your vacation.
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