Oahu: History, Waikīkī & the Pink Palace

After months of planning, our Hawaiian adventure finally began with a flight to Honolulu. Oahu served as the perfect introduction to the islands, combining the energy of Waikīkī with the history of Pearl Harbor and one of the most iconic hotels in all of Hawaii.

We only spent two nights on Oahu, but we packed a lot into those two days and wouldn't have changed our itinerary for this trip. That said, Oahu left us wanting more, and it's definitely an island we plan to spend more time exploring on a future visit.

Staying at the Royal Hawaiian

There was never much debate about where we wanted to stay on Oahu.

Scott had talked about staying at The Royal Hawaiian, better known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," for years. With such a rich history and an unbeatable location directly on Waikīkī Beach, it felt like the perfect way to begin our Hawaiian vacation.

From the moment we arrived, we understood why this hotel has earned such a legendary reputation.

The grounds were immaculate, the tropical landscaping was stunning, and every member of the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. Even simple interactions, such as passing housekeeping in the hallway or returning after dinner, were met with warm smiles and friendly conversations that felt authentic rather than rehearsed.

One of our favorite parts of each day was simply walking around the property. During the day, the lush gardens and historic architecture were beautiful, but at night the landscape lighting transformed the resort into something even more magical.

If you're looking for luxury with a sense of history, The Royal Hawaiian delivers.

👉 Read our complete Royal Hawaiian Hotel Review

Our First Afternoon in Hawaii

After checking into the hotel, we wasted no time embracing island life.

Lunch at the Mai Tai Bar, located right on the beach, was the perfect way to begin the vacation. Great food, tropical drinks, and the sound of the waves crashing just steps away were exactly what we'd imagined while planning the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was intentionally relaxed.

Instead of trying to squeeze in sightseeing after a long travel day, we spent time enjoying Waikīkī Beach and the hotel pool. Sometimes the best way to start a vacation is simply slowing down and appreciating where you've finally arrived.

That evening, we walked to Cheeseburger in Paradise for dinner. It was a casual, fun atmosphere with generous portions and beautiful ocean views. The walk there was part of the experience. Since the hotel is right in the heart of Waikīkī, we enjoyed strolling through the shopping district, people-watching, and window shopping along the way.

Windows of Travel Tip

Don't over-plan your arrival day.

Long flights, time zone changes, and travel delays can make the first day exhausting. Giving yourself time to relax lets you start your vacation feeling refreshed instead of rushed.

Day Two: Pearl Harbor

Our second day was dedicated to one of the places we had looked forward to experiencing together the most: Pearl Harbor.

Although we'd both learned about December 7, 1941, in school, standing where history unfolded is something entirely different.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was emotional, quiet, and incredibly moving. Seeing the memorial suspended above the remains of the battleship serves as a powerful reminder of the lives lost that day.

The USS Missouri offered an entirely different perspective. Walking the decks where World War II officially ended added another remarkable layer to the experience.

We chose a guided tour rather than exploring on our own, and it proved to be a great decision. Our guide handled all of the logistics, kept the group organized, and shared historical information throughout the day, making the visit much less stressful than navigating everything ourselves.

While we would have appreciated a little more quiet time during the bus rides, the overall experience was outstanding and remains one of the highlights of our entire Hawaii trip.

Dinner in Waikīkī

After returning from Pearl Harbor, we spent the evening exploring more of Waikīkī before dinner.

We chose Cuckoo Coconuts because we were looking for live music and a lively atmosphere. While the staff worked incredibly hard throughout the evening, the overall experience didn't quite meet our expectations.

The food was average, the music wasn't really our style, and the restaurant was so loud that holding a conversation became difficult.

Even so, every trip has experiences that are simply "good" rather than unforgettable, and that's part of honest travel.

👉 Read our complete Hawaii Restaurant Guide

Our Thoughts on Oahu

Even though we only spent two days on Oahu, it offered an incredible mix of history, relaxation, and classic Hawaiian scenery.

Waikīkī exceeded our expectations, not because it was quiet or secluded (because it isn't), but because of its energy. Watching surfers, strolling along Kalākaua Avenue, enjoying oceanfront dinners, and ending each evening back at the Royal Hawaiian created the perfect beginning to our trip.

Pearl Harbor, meanwhile, was one of the most meaningful experiences of our entire vacation. It's one thing to read about history; it's another to stand where it happened.

Could we have spent more time on Oahu? Absolutely. In fact, we already know we'll dedicate more time to the island on a future trip.

There were several places we didn't have time to visit, including Diamond Head, the North Shore, and Hanauma Bay. But knowing we were continuing on to Kauaʻi, we felt two days struck the right balance for this particular itinerary.

Our Oahu Favorites

🏨 Favorite Stay: The Royal Hawaiian

🍽️ Favorite Meal: Breakfast at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery

⭐ Most Memorable Experience: Pearl Harbor

🌴 Most Relaxing Moment: Watching the sunset from Waikīkī Beach after our first afternoon in Hawaii.

Windows of Travel Tips

Stay at least two nights, even if you're combining Oahu with other islands.
Spend your arrival day relaxing instead of sightseeing.
Book Pearl Harbor tickets or a guided tour well in advance; they do sell out.
Make time to simply enjoy Waikīkī; it's easy to get caught up checking attractions off a list.
If staying at The Royal Hawaiian (well worth the splurge), take time to explore the property both during the day and after sunset.