help ';perfect day'; intineraries

We will be in Oahu for about 7 days (really 5 w/out any travel). This is our first time (Maui twice but no where else in Hawaii) We%26#39;re staying in Waikiki and need some help figuring out what to do! I figure a couple days strolling around Waikiki area (any favorite eats, happy hours, stretches of the beach? totally new here). A day to drive up to the North Shore beaches. A day to drive to the other area beaches. Any favorites? Any favorite tours? Mediocre hikes? We%26#39;re pretty laid back, like to see some interesting things, maybe do some snorkeling, beach bumming, sunset happy hours. Any help with ways to spend the perfect day(s) would be very much appreciated!

help ';perfect day'; intineraries

this is what we like to do for the perfect day

Breakfast at Hula Grill followed by a walk down Kalakaua to look at the shops. We next grab the beach stuff and hang out for a couple hours. Next a burger and beers at Moana Beach Bar for a late lunch. 5:30 sunset sail, followed by a 7:30 Dukes reservation. We then cruise and might hit Senor Frogs, International Market Place or the Moana.

help ';perfect day'; intineraries

love it! thanks longboard!

Lots of info including a couple of driving tours:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29222-i37-k647862…

Must dos for first timers :

Hanauma Bay, best snorkling, go EARLY, this can be part of your daytrip around island. Plan early breakfast at Dukes( in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, not the Outrigger Reef )( I love their buffet and made to order omelettes, and the views from the tables, heaven)

North Shore beaches, stop at a couple, but don%26#39;t go in water unless safe to do so, rarely safe in winter months, there are usaully signs.

Pearl Harbour, this site is especially moving for Americans, but everyone should visit it.

In Waikiki, we love Dukes, it is a great place for lunch or dinner, or just go on lounge/bar side and have drinks and appys, , it is the funnest place.

Never underestimate the fun of lazing around on the beach ,, you came to Hawaii for the sand and sun right? Take good books.

For a short trip thats enough,, Hawaii( as you know) is all about just haning loose and relaxing, yes, its fun to check out all the ABC shops(why do we all do this, LOL) , and the scenery on the east and north sides of the islands is amazing, but, I do think we can all over do it sometimes.

Hang loose.

PS Forgot Polynesion Cultural Center, we loved this place, spent the day and got the crummy cheapest dinner package,, just to stay for the show, which we thought was amazing.

We loved talking to all the young people who work in this '; living museum'; park, they love sharing their culture with you and it shows.

You need a travel guide and a good map! Oahu Revealed is a good guide - or find another that actually focuses on the islands and not hotel/restaurant filler.

Arizona Memorial is a must. Also the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace. I love the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must - on the east side of the island. Drive over the Pali (there is a stop there) for a drop-dead amazing view.

Try a 1 1/2 hour trade wind sail on the Maitai Catamaran. It was so much fun we took it 3 rimes last week! It%26#39;s $23 for adults and $12 for children. It%26#39;s located on Waikiki Beach between the Sheraton and the Halekulani. It%26#39;s also the cheapest bar around...$2.00 for beer or wine.